August Newsletter
2026-2027 School Year
This summer, school districts across North Dakota began the statewide transition from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus, our new student information system. This is a significant change that will provide improved tools for managing student information and communicating with families. As we work through the implementation process, parent and guardian portal accounts are not yet available. We appreciate your patience as our staff completes the necessary setup and training to ensure a smooth experience for everyone. We will share additional information, including instructions for accessing the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, as soon as it becomes available. Thank you for your understanding and support during this exciting transition.
August 3rd: Fall Sports Begin
August 10th: Freshman Orientation 11:30am-5:30pm
August 17th: Schedule Pick-Up Day
August 26th: FIRST DAY for FRESHMAN
August 26th 4pm-6pm: Open House
August 27th: FIRST DAY for GRADES 10-12
September 7th: NO SCHOOL, Labor Day
September 16th: Early Release (Day ends at 1:00pm)
September 28th-October 3rd: Homecoming Week
September 30th: Early Release (Day ends at 1:00pm)
October 8th: Parent-Teacher Conferences (4pm-7pm)
October 13th: Parent-Teacher Conferences (4pm-7pm)
October 21st: Early Release (Day ends at 1:00pm)
October 22nd-23rd: NO SCHOOL (PD & Admin Convention day)
October 30th: End of Quarter 1
***See below for additional information***
As a reminder, 17th Ave. S. will be closed to through traffic from S. 20th St. to Highland Court. This closure also includes the bike path along 17th Ave. S. Detour signs are posted throughout the area. Phase 2 will begin Monday, August 3rd. The entire project is expected to be completed by mid-October, weather permitting.
Imortant Notes:
- Please make sure to allow extra time for travel when driving in this area. Tardiness due to the construction WILL NOT BE EXCUSED.
- Access to Red River High School and the surrounding athletic facilities will still be available from 20th Ave. S. during the reconstruction project.
- Access to student parking lots will be available by Rider Road to 25th St (by the softball fields).
- Students can still use Door 11 for drop off until 8:00am and Door 1 for entry at all times.
NEW Athletic Scheudling- Arbiter Sports
One app. Every game. Every team. Beginning with the 2026-2027 athletic season, Red River High School, along with schools throughout the EDC and State, will be using Arbiter Live as the official scheduling platform. Download the Arbiter Live app to access the most up-to-date game schedules, locations, directions, and any schedule changes throughout the year. Stay connected and never miss a moment of Roughrider athletics!
Arrival
- Door 1 (facing Cushman) opens at 7:30 am daily- for those students eating breakfast
- Door 11 (facing 17th Ave S) opens at 7:50 am daily and is clocked at 8:00am
- Students must stay in the Commons area until the 7:55am bell to go to class. There will be no congregating allowed in other areas of the building.
- After the tardy bell at 8:00 am, only Door 1 will be open for student entry.
Departure
- School day ends at 3:00pm. Students waiting for rides should be seated in the Commons Area until their rides arrive.
- We ask that all students are picked up by 4:00pm at the very latest.
- Students involved in after school activities should remain with those groups until the end of their meeting time and then be picked up within 15 minutes.
ATTENDANCE LINES
Last Names A-K: 701-746-2409
Last Names L-Z : 701-746-2410
When excusing your student:
1. Call the attendance line and leave a message.
2. Please note student name (first and last), reason for absence, and length of leave.
*All students, regardless of their age, must have a parental/guardian call to leave during the school day.
When excusing your student DURING a class period
1.Call the attendance line and leave a message.
2. Advise student of the time of the dismissal.
3. Have student inform teacher at the beginning of the class, what time they need to leave.
4. Have Student sign out in the office.
*Please note: We DO NOT call into the classrooms to remove the student unless an emergency situation arises. It is the students' responsibility to communicate with their classroom teachers. We are trying to limit the interruption of calls or notes into the classroom. We appreciate your cooperation.
When excusing your student for EXTENDED (3 plus days) time
1.Call the attendance line and leave a message.
2. Advise student to stop into the office prior to absence and pick up a "Pre-Arranged Absence" form.
3. Student will take their form to each teacher for approval.
4. Student will return completed form to the main office.
Infinite Campus Changes
Our new SIS will have the capability for parents to email attendance through the Parent Portal. More information on this to come!
*Please note that music lockers are offered during the first days of band/orchestra for student instruments.
*Math Classes-Additional Information
*PE Uniforms- PE grey t-shirts must be warn and purchased through Gerrell's or Scheels.
Interested in participating in this fall's comedy, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?
Come to an informational meeting on Monday, August 31 at 3:00 PM in the small theatre. We are looking for actors, tech crew, and stagehands—no experience necessary!
Auditions: Tuesday, September 1 at 3:45 PM
Questions? Contact Mr. McFarlane at rmcfarlane140@mygfschools.org
Students taking German this school year:
Are you interested in hosting a 10th-grade student from Germany in October 2026? The students from Germany will be in Grand Forks Friday, October 9 until Thursday, October 29. The GAPP profiles are currently in the German classrooms at Red River and Central. Information will be available during open house and there will be informational meetings held this fall to learn more about hosting and possible travel during Summer 2027. Students are able to host during any year of high school and are able to travel after their 10th, 11th, or 12th grade years. If you would like more information now, please visit grandforksgapp.org or email Frau Feole, efeole170@mygfschools.org.
Please note that the Administrators' Conference is on Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, and there is no school on those days.
GAPP (German American Partnership Program) with the Lise-Meitner-Gymnasium in Remseck am Neckar in Baden-Württemberg, was established in 1990 and has had yearly, reciprocal exchanges with the students from Germany visiting Red River and Grand Forks Central high schools in the fall and students from Grand Forks returning to their partners the following summer. Students stay with families and attend school for about three weeks in each community.
