Packer Nation News

So much to celebrate in Packerland recently- state tournament appearances for wrestling and eSports, state championships for Brynlee Hartsoch in girls wrestling, the Packatahnas, the boys swim and dive team, and West Fargo United hockey, an EDC championship for boys basketball, and so much more! Congratulations to all our Packers and best of luck to the boys basketball team as they advance to state and our music students at EDC this week! Roll Pack.

A few notes for your radar:

• The last day of Quarter 3 is TOMORROW, Friday, March 13!
• State law (SB233) requires targeted education regarding human trafficking prevention. Students in grades 10 and grades 12 will complete this requirement on Wednesday, March 18 during WIN. Grade 10 will attend a brief presentation in the theatre and grade 12 will complete a module in their advisory classes.
• On Thursday, March 26, West Fargo High School will host Quarter 4 conferences. We encourage you to stop by between 5:00-7:30p to check-in with teachers and learn about your student's progress! 4:00-5:00p is by appointment only. We hope to see you there!
• Seniors who did not take the ASVAB assessment as sophomores OR who did not receiving a qualifying ASVAB score for Choice Readiness (31+), will take the test on Tuesday, March 31. More information will be sent to the families of these seniors!
• On Wednesday, April 15, WFHS will participate in a district reunification drill. All students will report to directly to advisory at 8:25a. More information is available in this letter! Additional communications will be sent out closer to the date.
• All sophomores will take the North Dakota Assessment this spring in math, reading, writing, and science. These tests help measure the success of our learners and account for 25% of our school's accountability score for the state. Reading and writing tests will occur in English classrooms between April 13 and 17. Math tests will occur in math classrooms between April 20 and 24 and science tests will occur in science classrooms between April 27 and May 1. Please contact WFHS if you have any questions!
• Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 2. Doors for families and students for Grand March open at 6:00p and close promptly at 7:00p. Out of respect for attendees and our Grand March participants, no admission will be allowed after 7:00p. Additional information about eligibility (not failing more than one class, no detention hours, no parking tickets) for prom is detailed later in this newsletter.
• Senior Day is Tuesday, May 12. This includes graduation walks at elementary schools in the morning, a cookout and field day at our football stadium (sponsored by Packer Backers!), a class photo, and the final school pep rally of the year. We are excited to celebrate our seniors!
• Regarding enrollment in virtual classes for credit recovery, any student enrolled in an online class has until May 15 to complete the credit. Upon completion, students should double-check their transcript to ensure the credit has been recorded correctly. Any requests after May 1 will be considered a summer school enrollment.
• Graduation for WFHS seniors has been finalized to take place at the Scheels Arena at 3:30p on Sunday, May 24. Students need to arrive by 2:30p (we recommend a family member or friend dropping them off to avoid parking issues). Mandatory graduation rehearsal will occur on Friday, May 22 at 2:00p. All graduating seniors who intend to participate in the commencement ceremony must attend! Be sure to read the "Know Before You Go" included later in this newsletter!

This newsletter contains important information about Exchange Club Students of the Month, upcoming events, spring testing, academic supports (new this semester- peer tutoring!), prom, and college/career opportunities! Contact information for administrators, counselors, and support staff, as well as repeat information and important links and dates are included toward the bottom. Additional information can be found on school and district webpages. You can also follow West Fargo High School on Facebook (@WFHighPackers) and Instagram (@wfhs.pack). After review, do not hesitate to contact the school with questions or concerns.

It's always a great day to be a Packer.

All my best,

Rachel Bachmeier

• Peer Tutoring: New this semester and available every block, these representatives from National Honor Society are here to help! As students who have recently taken many WFHS courses, they are uniquely situated to offer guidance to their peers.
• PowerSchool and Schoology Access: Help your learner with academic support by staying on top of their progress! Make sure you can access your learner's grades and attendance in PowerSchool and assignment and assessment information in Schoology! If a student has a grade in both Schoology and PowerSchool, please remember that PowerSchool is the OFFICIAL gradebook for learners. If you need help gaining access, please contact the WFHS Main Office!
• Homework Room: Every Tuesday and Thursday afterschool, learners are welcome to attend Homework Room in 108E from 3:40-4:30p. Due to staffing and space constraints, attendance is limited to the first 15 learners.
• WIN Sessions: WIN sessions are offered 4 days each week (typically Tuesday through Friday) to help support students’ academic, wellness, and Choice Ready skills. Families can help students select their sessions each week by using PowerSchool to view and register students for WIN session that best meet their individual needs. Learn how by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/WFHSWIN
• Study Tables: WFHS teachers offer a variety of study tables throughout the day. See below for more information!
• Ask! The best way to advocate for academic support is to reach out to the teacher with questions and concerns!

Important Information from the Counseling Office:

Welcome back to Dana Rosendahl after being out on maternity leave. Mrs. Rosendahl works with students in grades 10-12 with last names beginning F-Le. Mrs. Rosendahl also works collaboratively with Mr. Asprey (grades 10-12 with last names F-G) and Mrs. Metz (grades 10-12 with last names H-L), so please continue to communicate with them regarding any administrative support needed.

Important Dates:

MARCH

• 2-3: Mental Health Unit with EL Health Classes
• 9-13: 12th Grade Minute Meetings
• 17-18: MTSS Community Circles
• 23-27: 9th Grade Minute Meetings

The practice of community circles is a simple, structured process of communication that helps participants connect with themselves and their community. They are designed to create a safe space for all voices and to encourage participants to step in the direction of their best self. The practice of community circles is a strategy to build and maintain a healthy community in which all members feel connected and respected.

Family Resources:

Please encourage your learner to ask for what they need. Students commonly struggle in class, but do not talk with their teachers about those struggles. We know asking for help, especially the first time, can be hard. Practicing how to have those conversations with your learner can be helpful. While it may feel uncomfortable, hearing yourself say out loud how you would ask for help is a great way to feel more confident in those conversations. Encourage your learner to reach out to their teachers in ways that work for them, such as talking before or after class, sending them a message on Schoology, or attending WIN (What I Need) sessions.

Counseling Appointments:

Learners may make their own appointments to meet with their school counselor by going to the Counseling Office to identify a time that works with their schedule. This is the most efficient way to get learners on our calendars versus emailing. So, please encourage your learner to stop in and make an appointment!

If parents/guardians are concerned about their learner, they may reach out directly to their learner’s school counselor using the contact information below.

Did you know we have a full-scale pantry located at West Fargo High School? With over 40% of students from low-income families, we want to make sure we're providing as much as possible for everyone's basic needs. Stocked in the pantry are a variety of foods (including freezer foods), clothing, household products, and hygiene items. If you would like to place a request for a food box from our Packer Pantry, please complete this form! Other community food assistance information is below!

Click here (or view the photo below) to see West Fargo High School's inclement weather schedule. High school learners are expected to bring their device to school each day and home each evening in order to be prepared for an inclement weather day. Late start schedules are available here.

The first time school is cancelled due to inclement weather will be treated as a true snow day, with no expectations, virtual or otherwise, for learners. That day will be made up on April 6, 2026.

After the first inclement weather day, all future inclement weather days will be virtual learning. For this, all learners are required to log-in via Microsoft Teams at 10:00a to their advisory. During this time they will be able to check Schoology to identify expectations for each of their classes, including if their class is meeting synchronously (at the same time) in the morning. If their class is meeting synchronously, learners are expected to log-in for the class. All details about expectations will be posted in learner's individual Schoology courses!

A host learner may sponsor only one guest. The host learner is responsible for the proper behavior of his/her guest. The learner coming as the guest must complete a ‘Learner in Good Standing’ form and obtain their principal’s signature verifying their eligibility for prom. If a guest is a high school graduate, a background check will be completed by the West Fargo Police Department. If the guest has a criminal activity record, he or she will not be permitted to attend prom.

Prom will be from 7:00p to 12:00a. No learner will be admitted to Prom after 7:00p. Any learner who leaves prom early will not be permitted back on school grounds. All school rules will apply during prom.

West Fargo Public Schools prohibits sexually suggestive dancing which is defined as any overtly sexual or suggestive movements that mimic or emulate sexual acts or motions or otherwise dangerous dancing. Chaperones at the dance will determine what is appropriate.

Students who intend to participate in prom/dances must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Disciplinary eligibility: Disciplinary actions taken against a learner will keep that learner from attending a dance. A learner currently under suspension (either ‘in’ or ‘out’ of school) will not be allowed to attend the prom/dance.

4. All attendees will undergo alcohol screening upon entry to the dance/prom.

WFHS Career Center Resources:

For questions or interest in exploring your Career and College Readiness opportunities visit the Career Center webpages or book an appointment with Career Advisor, Allison Caldwell.

• WFHS Career Center: https://wfhs.web.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/programs/career-center
• Allison Caldwell: acaldwell@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

College Entrance Exam (ACT):

Some institutions and scholarship applications require an entrance exam for admission or consideration. There are two tests that will usually satisfy this requirement. Most four-year colleges in our area use the ACT but will accept the SAT as well. The ACT exam measures skills in English, mathematics, reading, and scientific reasoning. Please be sure to check admission policies for any schools a student might apply to.

West Fargo Public Schools is no longer requiring all juniors to take the ACT. Students wanting to take the ACT, must register to take the exam directly through ACT. To receive the results in time to meet application deadlines, we encourage seniors to take the test early in the school year. Seniors should test/re-test no later than February to have test scores available for consideration for most scholarships and some college applications. The registration fee is $68 or $93 with the Writing Test. Students with documented economic needs may be eligible for a fee waiver. Students can visit with their school counselor or career advisor for more information. CLICK HERE to register for the ACT and see upcoming test dates.

WorkKeys Test Days:

Learners interested in taking or needing to take the WorkKeys Test to work towards earning the ND Scholarship, please see below for some information about the test and upcoming test days.

The WorkKeys is part of the Workforce Ready portion of the ND Scholarship and is comprised of 3 subtests. The three subtests are: Graphic Literacy, Applied Math, and Workplace Documents. Students need to score at least a 5 on a scale of 3 - 7 on each to meet the requirements for the ND Scholarship. Each subtest costs $13.50. Students can take the subtests as many times as needed to earn that score, but each additional attempt costs $13.50 per subtest. If cost is a concern, please let us know. There will be several test days offered throughout the school year. The 3 subtests can either be taken all in one sitting or across several test days.

Test Days Schedule

Tuesday, March 3rd (B Day - Blocks 3 & 4)

Monday, March 30th (A Day - Blocks 3 & 4)

Friday, May 1st (A Day - Blocks 1 & 2)

Wednesday, May 6th (B Day - Blocks 3 & 4)

Monday, May 18th (B Day - Blocks 1 & 2)

Click on this link to view the test days and sign up.

More information about the tests and test prep information can be found at the links below:

Workplace Documents

Graphic Literacy

Applied Math

Test Preparation Resources

Questions about the WorkKeys may be directed to Courtney Quist and Megan Cowden.

Transcript Requests:

Current students can request their official transcript through their E-Transcript account. Instructions can be found here. Current students can also access and download an unofficial transcript using the above instructions. If a college/university is NOT listed in E-Transcript, please complete the form on our website.

Past graduates are able to request their transcript by accessing the school website.

*If you took a dual-credit course, you are required to send an official transcript directly from NDSCS to the college(s) to which you apply. To request transcripts from NDSCS go to: http://www.ndscs.edu/current-students/request-transcripts/.

NCAA Eligibility:

Does your learner have potential plans to play a sport at the collegiate level? If so, please encourage your learner to communicate with their school counselor, administrator, and the activities department to make sure they are academically eligible. More information can be found here: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/

Bank of North Dakota Dual Credit Assistance Program:

Bank of North Dakota covers the cost of up to two college courses per school year for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who participate in Free or Reduced Price Lunch. If students have questions about this support or their eligibility, they can meet with their school counselor. The deadline to submit applications is the last day of the semester in which they are taking the course.

North Dakota Scholarship:

Senior students graduating from a North Dakota high school may be eligible for one of three scholarships that can be used at a North Dakota college, university, or eligible training program. There are several requirements that must be met to be eligible for a scholarship worth up to $6,000. Information on the available scholarships can be found in the Counseling Office or online.

Packer Backers is West Fargo High School's booster program. All money raised is used to support our students, athletes, staff, and community. For example, Packer Backer donations have made senior class breakfasts, new scoreboards, and new scoring tables possible! They do not only support athletics; they have provided financial support for a variety of school programs including DECA, FCCLA, Post Prom/Post Grad, and Spanish Club to name a few!

For more information, reach out to wfpackerbackers@gmail.com!

• Quarter 4 Family Conferences: Thursday, March 26, 4-5p by appointment, 5-7:30p Open House
• Tuesday, March 31: ASVAB Testing for Selected Seniors
• District Reunification Drill: Wednesday, April 15 (adjusted daily schedule to come!)
• Senior Day: Tuesday, May 12
• Senior Capstone Presentations: Wednesday, April 29
• Prom: Saturday, May 2 (doors close at 7p for student entry and audience entry for Grand March)
• Graduation: Sunday, May 24 @ 3:30p (Scheels Arena)

West Fargo Administration is excited to support your learner this school year! Please reach out to your learner's administrator with any questions or concerns.

The contact information and counselor alphabet splits are below. Please contact your learner’s school counselor with any questions/concerns.

In addition to the administrator and counselor supporting your student, check out the services and resources below!

• WFHS Bell Schedules

• 2025-2026 District Calendar Link

• Information about Student Activities

• Application for Free Reduced Meals
• Parent Portal of PowerSchool for Parents/Guardians
• FAQ for Parent Portal
• Schoology for Parents/Guardians
• MySchoolBucks
• Graduation Requirements
• College Planning Checklists
• Financial Aid and Scholarship Information
• Transcript Requests

Follow us on Facebook (@WFHighPackers) and Instagram (@wfhs.pack). Support our student news channel by subscribing to Packer Television!

Email: wfhs@west-fargo.k12.nd.us
Website: https://wfhs.web.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/
Location: 801 9th Street East, West Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701-356-2050