Kennedy Parent Newsletter

Have you ever planned a trip and didn't know where you were going? If you like adventure, maybe so, but if you want to get to a destination, you need a road map. This year, our teachers have been sharing the learning road map with you child(ren) by providing a learning target for each lesson, along with the ELOs (Essential Learning Outcomes-the progression of learning along with the end of the year expectation for their grade level). The learning target is the stops along the way toward your destination. The destination is the year end goal or Essential Learning Outcomes. There are multiple learning targets for each unit and there are multiple ELOs for each grade, but each of the ELOs include multiple learning targets. Students in grades 2 and up are also sharing their individual progress on the ELO by using Student-Friendly Scales which some of you may have observed at Parent-Teacher Conferences. The purpose of including students in their learning pathways is to have students take part in their learning journey and know their end of the year expectations so they can better understand the expectations and the path to get to the end of the year expectation. To help engage parents in their student's learning, here are some questions you can ask your students about their learning in school: What was the math/reading learning target today? How do you rate your performance on your student-friendly scale in your math ELO? (We are focusing on math this year as we will have a new reading curriculum [CKLA] beginning next school year. Grade 3 and half of Grade 5 (Ms. Bergin & Mrs. Severtson) are piloting CKLA this year.)

We would like to send a BIG thank you to the Kennedy PTA and to you for making the walk-a-thon and fall carnival a huge success!!

As we head into winter break, please be sure your child(ren)

• are given time to read and do some math.
• keep routines the same and to keep them informed about upcoming events and activities, so they have a chance to internalize.
• limit screen time and have them play outdoors.

Community members are invited to nominate deserving Fargo Public Schools employees for the Teacher, Administrator, and Support Staff of the Year Awards. The Staff Recognition Program honors FPS staff members who serve our students with excellence. Nominate online and learn more about the program at: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/StaffRecognitionProgram.

Fargo Public Schools deeply values the nearly 2,000 staff members who ensure our students receive a high-quality education in a safe learning environment. To honor our employees, the District annually awards the following:

• Teacher of the Year Award − awarded to a certified staff member
• Administrator of the Year Award − awarded to a principal, assistant principal, director, or coordinator
• Support Staff of the Year Award − awarded to an educational support staff member, custodial/maintenance department staff member, or nutrition services staff member

Nominations will be accepted online from 9 a.m. November 25 to 4 p.m. December 13.

Please pack a spare pair of pants and underwear in your child's back pack. If you have extra gently used pants and underwear that your would like to donate, please send them to school with your student or drop them off at the office. Thank you

Is your child arriving on time (doors open at 7:40)? Is your child regularly attending school? Students are able to learn when they are at school. Our Kennedy attendance rate is at 95.26%. When students miss 9 days of school, teachers will be contacting parents. After 13 days, Mrs. Bucholz, our counselor, will contact parents. After 18 days, Dr. Pederson will call and request a meeting to help problem solve the excessive absences. We understand that events happen (i.e., illness, funerals, hospitalizations, family activities) and notifying us helps us to support your child. If your child will be gone or is ill for an extended period of time, please reach out to Mrs. Bucholz (446-4268) or Dr. Pederson (446-4204).

December 20 - Early Out at 12:15

December 23-January 1 - No classes

January 2 - Classes Resume

School Start and End Times

School start time is 7:55 am and dismissal time is 2:17 pm. Doors will open at 7:40 am. Do not drop children off any earlier than 7:40 am to ensure that students are supervised. Parents are responsible for their children until 7:40.

DROP OFF PROCEDURES:
If you drop off your child or children at school, we ask that you be kind and patient to others in the drop off loop. If the loop gets congested, you can pull to the tennis court for extra parking and drop off space.

• Have your child ready to get out of the car once you are stopped. Have their backpack and device beside them, so they can exit the car as quickly as possible.
• All children being dropped off in the loop should get out on the passenger side door.
• Adults are to ALWAYS remain in the vehicle.
• If your child needs assistance and time to gather their belongings, please park in the parking lot to assist them. Fast drop offs keeps the drop off line flowing.
• The north loop is for buses and daycares ONLY, not for parent drop off or parent pick up.
• Parents picking up Kindergarten & 1st grade students, please park on the south side of 44th Ave ONLY for the safety of your children. We do not want them crossing the street.
• Pull up as far as you are able.
• Be courteous to staff and others while dropping off. School staff are there to assist with the safety of dropping off and picking up of of your child/ren. They are not there to manage adult behavior.

Grades K - 2 enter through Main Door (6); Grades 3 - 5 enter through Gym Doors (7)

All doors will be available to exit.

Outdoor recess playtime is normally canceled when the temperature and wind speed creates a temperature or wind chill factor of -10 degrees below zero. Parents are strongly encouraged to make sure their children have appropriate attire (all of these items: mittens, hats, boots, snow pants, and winter coats). Because physical activity is so important, all students will go outside unless they have a doctor’s note indicating they should stay indoors. Principals have the discretion to modify recess as needed. As long as their is snow on the ground, students who do not have the appropriate attire, will need to stand on the sidewalk so their pants, shoes, and socks don't get wet.

The Superintendent of Schools will make the decision as to whether school will be held or called off due to inclement weather. If school is called off, parents will be contacted via the automated phone, email and text system based on the contact information supplied to the school office (PowerSchool), all local radio and television stations will be notified, and information posted on the District social media channels. Parent should always use their own judgement as to whether or not the weather is suitable for their children to make the journey to school on any particular day. If school is in session and it is your judgement that your children should remain at home, that decision will be respected by the school and the absence excused. For more information regarding school closings due to weather, visit https://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/schoolcancellation.

Please pack a spare pair of pants and underwear in your child's back pack. If you have extra gently used pants and underwear that your would like to donate, please send them to school with your student or drop them off at the office. Thank you

The Lion's Club is always looking for used glasses. If you have glasses that you are no longer using, please bring them to the office and we will donate them to the Lion's Club.

Thank you

Opt-In to Receive Text Messages from Our School

Please opt-in to receive text messages from Fargo Public Schools. FPS has switched to a new mass communication system for the 2024-25 school year and you MUST opt-in to receive text messages from FPS. If you do not opt-in, you could miss important information from our school or the District. You can opt-in at any time by texting the word “YES” to 79041.

The Fargo Public Schools 2023-24 Annual Report is a summary of the District’s efforts to carry out its mission of “educating and empowering all students to succeed” during the 2023-24 school year. Read the report for an in-depth examination of the District’s students, staff, schools, departments, and programs and a celebration of their achievements. And view key statistics regarding staffing, budget, demographics, and assessment data. Thank you for supporting Fargo Public Schools and allowing the District to serve its students and families and provide an exceptional educational experience. Access the full document at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/AnnualReport

This form must be filled out and approved prior to your visit per FPS Policy.

December 17 - Choir / Orchestra Concert

December 20 - Early Out - 12:15

December 23 - January 1 - Winter Break - No School

January 2 - Classes resume

January 17 - No School - PD day

January 20 - No School - Holiday

February 14 - Early Out -12:15

February 17 - No School

February 27 & March 3 - Parent Teacher Conferences (a link will be sent closer to this date)

March 11 - K-5 Performances/ Concert

March 14 - Early Out - 12:15

March 17-21 - No Classes - Spring Break

April 17, 18 & 19 - No Classes (April 17 & 21 are storm make up days if needed)

May 26 - No Classes

June 5 - Last Day of School

COULD YOUR FAMILY BENEFIT FROM FOOD ASSISTANCE? We have a program that can help you! The Husky Hutch Food Pantry! We offer assistance at any time. Mission: The mission of the Husky Hutch Food Pantry is a free service to help alleviate child hunger through the provision of food to children and their families at school. The pantry is located on the grounds of Clara Barton Elementary School and is intended to provide a more readily accessible source of food assistance and clothing assistance to students and their families in need. It is open to all elementary school children in the Fargo Public Schools Network and is accessible through a Student Wellness Facilitator (SWFF), School Counselor, School Principal or by emailing us at huskyhutch@fargo.k12.nd.us . It could be a one time visit or more as needed and is totally confidential. What types of items will be available at the school pantry? Most of the items available are shelf-stable, nutritious, and easy to prepare so that the children are able to care for themselves as much as possible. Some staples that should be available: ● Crackers, cookies, fruit snacks, granola bars, fruit bars, chips, etc. ● Canned tuna or chicken ● Cereal ● Canned soups and pasta meals ● Applesauce, canned fruit, canned vegetables ● Beverages (water, juice, etc) ● Assortment of other food items ● Assortment of hygiene products Contact us at huskyhutch@fargo.k12.nd.us If you wish to make a donation to the Husky Hutch, below is a list of currently needed items. All donations can be dropped off at the Clara Barton Elementary Office, 1417 6th St S, Fargo 701-446-4400 Currently needed donations: body wash, shampoo/conditioner, full-size deodorant, toilet paper, dish soap, cereal, diapers (all sizes). laundry soap, dryer sheets. Ready made meals such as Easy Mac & Cheese, Ramen, Pop Tarts, breakfast bars, and syrup are also welcomed.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

North Dakota has launched a dashboard called “Insights,” designed to help communities across the state access important information about K-12 districts and schools. Insights features easy-to-read reports on multiple measures of school success, including:

· Student Achievement

· Choice Ready Results

· Performance Comparisons

· English Learner Progress

· Graduation Rates

· School and State Accountability Results

· School Improvement Information

· Post-Secondary Education

· School Environment

Transparency to the Public

North Dakota is committed to informing communities about how well our schools are doing. North Dakota’s future success depends on tapping into the potential of all students, so they graduate choice ready with the knowledge, skills, and disposition to be successful.

State education departments are required to annually create an accountability report for every public school in the state per the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The school accountability reports outline how schools perform on the accountability elements North Dakota selected within its ESSA plan.

How is our School Doing?

To find more information about our School Accountability Report, visit the dashboard at Insights.nd.gov, select “Explore Public K-12,” then select “Data for Specific District or School,” and either type the district or school in the search box or search alphabetically from the list provided. The school accountability report is posted under the Dashboard heading.

Please note that the data made available to the public masks or hides data for groups with ten or fewer students to protect confidential information about individual students. Therefore, if data is unavailable to less than ten students, it will say “no data available.”

Family Engagement

We have strong plans for working to improve the educational programs at our school. We want you and your child(ren) to continue actively participating in our educational system. Please help support our high expectations for student achievement by participating in the school educational initiatives, offering input and support in our endeavors to raise student achievement, or volunteering at the school. Meeting our school’s goals will take a united effort, and I look forward to working with our families to ensure success for each student.

Continuous Improvement

All schools engage in continuous improvement for general support; therefore, our school has completed a continuous improvement plan through Cognia.

As part of the overall school improvement plan, a strategy map is generated for each school. Our strategy map, outlining our key school improvement initiatives, is also available on Insights.

Kennedy Elementary is not a participating Title I school, with a student membership count of 469.

If you have any questions regarding the information in the memorandum, please contact Dr. Karrie Pederson, Building Principal, (701) 446-4200, pedersk@fargo.k12.nd.us

Sincerely,

Dr. Karrie Pederson

Building Principal

Email: pedersk@fargo.k12.nd.us
Website: https://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/kennedy
Location: 4401 42nd Street South, Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-446-4200