The Packer Newsletter August 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2020-2021 school year! WFHS is

excited to welcome our freshmen and new students to our Packer

community.

This newsletter contains important information that will provide families

with everything they need to start the school year off right. Please review

the information and if there are questions or concerns, contact the school.

• Students will begin the year in the Cohort Hybrid model. Students

with last names L-Z begin onsite instruction on September 3rd. Students

with last names A-K will begin onsite instruction on September 8th. The

district calendar and the WFHS bell calendar are in this newsletter and can

be found on the district webpage.

• Students will be required to wear a mask while in the building. All

students, staff, and faculty will be asked to review the COVID symptoms

checklist prior to coming to school each day and if there are any

symptoms present, we ask that they remain home. Masks should be in

place prior to entering the building. Additional COVID information is

located on the webpage as well as in this newsletter.

• Students are encouraged to use a backpack for their school

supplies and materials. NO LOCKERS will be available to students at this

time. If you do not have a backpack, please contact the school as we have

several available.

• WFHS will have 2 first days of school for the 2020-2021 school

year. A schedule is included in this newsletter. ALL students will begin at

8:40 a.m. Doors to the building will not open until 8:10 a.m. on

September 3rd & 8th. Building hours are outlined in this newsletter.

More detailed information can be found throughout this newsletter and

on our district and school webpages. If you have questions or need

additional information, please contact the school at 701.356.2050. I look

forward to another great year filled with PACKER PRIDE!

Administration

Dr. Jennifer Fremstad, Principal

Ms. Rachel Bachmeier, Asst. Principal

Dr. Wayne Samson, Asst. Principal

Ms. Tera Sistad, Asst. Principal

Mr. Brandon Larson, Dean of Students

Mr. Jay DeCann, Activities Director

Counselors

Mr. Jamie Zuel: A-Dn

Mrs. Lorraine Albrecht: Do-H

Mrs. Dana Rosendahl: I-Mf

Dr. Chasity Odden Heide: Mg-R

Ms. Kelsey Fehl: S-Z

801 9th Street East

West Fargo, ND 58078

701.356.2050

www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us

First Day of School Plan 2019-2020 

  9th Grade Schedule Breakdown  

Time  Activity and Location 

8:40 – 8:55 Welcome – Packer Time Rooms

9:00 – 9:45 Freshmen Class Meeting - Gym

9:50 – 10:20  Return to Learn Sessions – Packer Time Rooms

10:25 – 10:55  Lunch 

11:00 – 12:40  Return to Learn Sessions – Packer Time Rooms

  10th Grade Schedule Breakdown

Time  Activity and Location 

8:40 – 8:55 Welcome – Packer Time Rooms

9:00 – 9:45 Return to Learn Sessions – Packer Time Rooms

9:50 – 10:35 Sophomore Class Meeting- Gym

10:40 – 12:05  Return to Learn Sessions – Packer Time Rooms

12:10 – 12:40  Lunch 

  11th Grade Schedule Breakdown  

Time  Activity and Location 

8:40 – 8:55 Welcome – Packer Time Rooms

9:00 – 10:40 Return to Learn Sessions – Packer Time Rooms

10:45 – 11:30  Junior Class Meeting- Gym

11:35 – 12:05 Lunch 

12:10 – 12:40  Return to Learn Sessions – Packer Time Rooms

  12th Grade Schedule Breakdown  

Time  Activity and Location 

8:40 – 8:55 Welcome – Packer Time Rooms

9:00 – 10:10  Return to Learn Sessions – Packer Time Rooms

10:15 – 10:55  Return to Learn Sessions – Packer Time Rooms

11:00 – 12:00  Lunch  (leave campus if possible)

12:00 – 12:40  Senior Class Meeting- Gym (extended for seniors)

* Return to Learn Sessions will include: iPad set up/updates, learning tools training, safety protocols, hybrid learning strategies, and Packer Time requirements.

Class Schedule for Afternoon

Period 2 12:45 – 1:05 

Period 3 1:10 – 1:30 

Period 4A/4B 1:35 – 1:55 

Period 5 2:00 – 2:20

Period 6 2:25 – 2:45

Period 7 2:50 -3:10

Period 1/8 3:15 – 3:35 

Counseling Center We look forward to welcoming students back to West Fargo High School! The WFHS Counseling Department continues

to support students in their transition back to school and recognizes students may be feeling both excited and nervous.

The counseling program is fully operational during the hybrid learning format. Students may make appointments to see

their school counselor during their in-person learning days or virtually on days when they are learning from home.

• In-person appointments may be made in the counseling office.

• If you would like to set up a virtual counseling appointment, please email your school counselor or send them

a message on Schoology. The school counselor will get back to you with available appointment times and

instructions on using Microsoft Teams.

Students and families are encouraged to check our website often for important information and updates:

https://www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/Page/1049

How is My Child Doing in School?

Counselors are often asked this question by parents. We would ask that you visit first and foremost with your child and

check the Parent Portal/PowerSchool on a regular basis. If you have a need to visit directly with a teacher, contact them

by email (addresses available on your Parent Portal) or direct call. You may call the school office to be transferred to

teacher voicemail during the school day.

Parent Portal

The Parent Portal is a tool designed to keep parents/guardians informed of their child(s’) progress. Through the portal,

parents may view their child(s’) PowerSchool account, including class assignments and grades, attendance, class

registration requests, teacher contact information, Schoology, and school announcements. All parents will need Parent

Portal access to complete registration for West Fargo Public Schools. Additional information can be found on our

website: www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/page/678

School Supplies: All students will be provided an iPad as a digital learning device. In addition to this tool, students are

encouraged to have the following items available at the start of the school year:

• Backpack: NO LOCKERS will be available for students. Students are encouraged to have a backpack to carry

supplies and materials they will need throughout the day.

• Notebook/Writing Utensils/Folders: basic supplies for each class may include notebooks, folders, pens, and

pencils. If there are additional supplies needed, teachers will share that information in their syllabus and

provide families time to get the supplies.

• Masks: Students will be required to wear a mask anytime they are in the building.

*If students do not have access to any school supplies/backpack/mask, please stop in the main office and an

administrator will assist in providing the needed supplies/backpack/mask to our students.

North Dakota Academic and CTE Scholarship

All seniors who graduate from a high school in North Dakota and receive a composite score of 24 or higher on the ACT or

a score of 5 on each of the three WorkKeys assessments and who meet a number of other requirements, may qualify for

up to a $6,000 scholarship to a North Dakota post-secondary institution offering at least a 2-year degree. This includes

ND state universities, ND private colleges, and ND two-year technical and community colleges. The amount of each

scholarship is $750 per semester or $1,500 for the academic year based on full-time enrollment. The scholarships are

renewable provided the student maintains a 2.75 grade point average while in college. Review other requirements in

the scholarship brochure. Brochures are available in the counseling office. Students or parents may contact the

counseling office with further questions.

Transcript Requests

Students and past graduates are able to request their transcript be sent to colleges and universities by accessing the

school website: http://www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/Page/1773. This link will direct you to Parchment where you

can request your transcript online and it will be sent to the school of your choice electronically. All WFHS transcripts are

sent via Parchment. First, you will need to sign up for a free account.

Here are some Parchment Tips:

• When creating your account, make sure to use a personal email address (NOT your school email address) and

double check that your first and last name in Parchment are spelled exactly as they appear in PowerSchool.

• If you already have a Parchment account, simply sign in and order your transcript using the email

and password you chose when you created your account.

• During the last step of ordering a transcript, there is a box that is already checked which authorizes Parchment

to store your transcript. Leave this box checked.

• Check that your transcript is accurate before placing an order.

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/.

PSAT 2020

High achieving sophomores and juniors are invited to consider taking the PSAT exam on Wednesday, October 14, 2020.

Please note: This testing date may change; if so, students will be notified. Those students best prepared for the PSAT

are taking the most challenging core curriculum coursework, planning to attend a 4-year college or university, and are

highly motivated to improve their academic skills.

While only junior-level students may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s scholarship competition,

sophomores and juniors alike may benefit from testing in the following ways:

- Results enable students to compare their skills with others planning to attend college.

- Personalized feedback and suggestions on how to improve identified academic areas on the score report.

- Practice for other standardized tests (SAT, ACT, etc.).

- Free access to MyRoad, an interactive website designed to help students explore majors, colleges, and careers.

In addition, sophomores will have an opportunity to obtain excellent practice and reliable results that will accurately

project student performances on the 2021 PSAT/NMSQT. Your child’s participation is voluntary and will not affect

his/her ability to participate in the 2021 PSAT.

Students may register online from August 29 – September 13. The cost of the test is $17.00. Beginning August 29,

students may register at https://www.totalregistration.net/PSAT/351845. When you register for the exam you will also

be required to sign up for a pre-administration session on October 6 (last names A-K) or October 8 (last names L-Z). You

only need to attend one pre-administration session.

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 can predict how well a student will do in college. The ACT exam measures skills in English,

mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. These areas are tested because they include the major areas of

instruction in most high schools and college programs.

To receive the results in time to meet application deadlines, we encourage seniors to retake the test early in the school

year. Seniors should test no later than February to have test scores available for consideration for most scholarships

and some applications. Listed below are the test dates and registration deadlines for the ACT. The registration fee is

$55 or $70 with the Writing Test. Go to www.act.org to register. Students with documented economic need may be

eligible for a fee waiver. Students can visit with their school counselor for more information.

2020-2021 ACT Test Dates

Test Date Registration Deadline ($35 Late Fee Required)

September 12, 2020

September 13, 2020 (Sunday)

September 19, 2020

August 31 No late fees

October 10, 2020

October 17, 2020

October 24, 2020

October 25, 2020 (Sunday)

September 17 September 18 - 25

December 12, 2020 November 6 November 7 - November 20

February 6, 2021 January 8 January 9 - January 15

April 17, 2021 March 12 March 13 - March 26

June 12, 2021 May 7 May 8 - May 21

July 17, 2021* June 18 June 19 - June 25

Hello Packers!

It is my pleasure to introduce myself as WFHS’s new Career Advisor. My name is Hannalee Shaw, and I am beyond

excited to help students as they navigate their way thought high school and into their next adventure, whatever that

may be.

This is my 4th year working in this field. Some of my favorite things about this job include helping students with mock

interviews, resume writing, scholarship applications, applying for financial aid, and just talking with students about their

career goals.

I know that this year is going to be an exciting opportunity for me to get creative in helping students, so while I don’t

know exactly what that looks like yet, I know it is going to be great. I have a lot of ideas that I can’t wait to share with

you all, so stay tuned.

My office is located in the main office, so please stop by, give me a call, or send an email if you have any questions.

701-499-1855

hshaw@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

New Teachers at West Fargo High School

Jacob Purrier: Social Studies Courtney Simanski: Special Education

Connor Jones: Mathematics Danielle Salmon: School Psychologist

Brooke Breckheimer: Physical Education Jacob Bosmoe: Visual Arts

Stephanie Alman: Physical Education Cindy Martin: Administrative Assistant

Zach Craig: Mathematics

Alexa Johnson: Mathematics

Jon Hedin: Science

Jamie Odum Thompson: Graphics/Photography/Yearbook

Melinda McCartney: Mathematics

Student Handbook

Each student receives an iPad for learning. On the desktop, the WFHS handbook is available. It can also be found on our website: www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/domain/2794

• School Calendar

• Graduation Information • School Policies

• Student Expectations

• Academic Integrity

Students should review the handbook as all the expectations and policies will be enforced. Students should

contact their administrator if there are questions.

Building Hours Students are asked to arrive to school as close to their start time as possible. This will help with social

distancing practices. Breakfast will be available beginning each day at 7:30 am in the commons.

The building will be open for Period 1 students beginning at 7:30 a.m. Students scheduled for Period 2 class,

can arrive no earlier than 8:00 a.m.

ALL students not involved in scheduled extra-curricular activities must leave the building by 4:00 p.m.

These hours allow for consistent application of the safety and health protocols and allows for daily cleaning to

be done effectively in our building.

School Attendance Classroom attendance is extremely important for academic success. West Fargo High School is committed to working with our families during this time to ensure health and safety of all students. We recognize that there may be times when students are exhibiting symptoms, under quarantine, or have a positive test. The district attendance policy will be adjusted for medical absences.

We encourage our families to plan out of town commitments or vacations during designated school breaks as

classroom time is more important than ever. Please review the WFPS Attendance Policy for more detailed

information. www.west-

fargo.k12.nd.us/cms/lib/ND02203445/Centricity/Domain/2758/HS%20Handbook%20Attendance.pdf

• Absences: If a student is absent, a parent/guardian must call the Attendance Line before 9:00 a.m. If we have not received a call by that time, an automated attendance message will be sent to parent/guardian’s phone and email.

• Appointments/Dismissals: If your child needs to leave during the school day for an appointment, please contact the Attendance Line and allow for adequate time for office personnel to complete the attendance process.

Attendance Line: 701.356.2050 Option #1 A-K Option #2 L-Z

West Fargo High School students attend school 5 days each week: 2 days are on-site, and 3

days are virtual. We encourage students to plan for learning each day and maintain that

schedule. This will make for smoother transitions from on-site learning to virtual learning

and help students remain successful in each model.

• A student’s daily schedule varies depending on class schedule (periods 1-7 or 2-8).

o Student Schedules may see changes made to them until the start of school. Students

should check their schedule in PowerSchool the night before their 1st day in the building.

o Students are asked to arrive as close to the start time as possible and leave the building

when they have completed their classes.

• In the HYBRID MODEL, students will be meeting on WEDNESDAY from 9:00-9:30 a.m. for

PackerTime.

o Packer Time is a credited course and attendance will be taken. Students will earn .25

credits toward graduation each year for a total of 1 elective credit when they graduate.

• Time on Wednesdays may be assigned by teachers for additional support and interventions.

o Teachers will designate 30 minutes of office hours on Wednesday for students to “drop-in”

if additional assistance is needed.

o Teachers can schedule synchronous learning time for students on Wednesdays and

students would be required to attend. When scheduled synchronous time occurs,

attendance will be taken.

Health and Safety Protocols

While WFPS is in the green phase, wearing a mask is a requirement to be onsite. There are many types of face coverings on the market, and it is not the intention of the district to dictate a specific version. The requirement that must be met is:

• The face covering must cover the nose and mouth.

• The face covering must be clean and well-kept.

• The face covering cannot have any tears or flaws.

• The district published a mask tutorial video for proper wear and care of masks.

Effective August 18, face coverings are included in the district’s Student Dress Code policy, so all unacceptable advertisements, symbols, words, slogans, patches, or pictures defined in that policy also apply to face coverings. Please see the MASKS category of the FAQ on our Return to Learn webpage for additional information on face coverings.

Daily Health Screener

School Nurse

Shawn Wing Schmidt, RN

email: SWING-SCHMIDT@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

Phone: 701.499.1811

Medication

If your child requires medication during the school day, please review the West Fargo Public Schools

Medication Policy and forms at: www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/domain/961

• A copy of the policy and forms are posted on the district homepage under the Families dropdown.

There is a link to Health Services that contains all information regarding medication at school.

FOOD SERVICES

Breakfast and Lunch are available to students on the in-person instruction days. Breakfast will be served as a convenient

grab-n-go meal in several locations. Lunch will be available in the cafeteria during student lunch hours. Food options will

be either pre-portioned, packaged, or served by staff. Menus are posted on the district website.

https://westfargo.nutrislice.com/

VIRTUAL PROGRAM STUDENTS

Students that are participating in the Virtual Program still have access to the district’s food service program. Parents can preorder a weekly meal box by completing an online form each Thursday by 5:00PM. The box will contain five breakfasts and five lunches; weekend backpack program bags will also be available for pickup at the same time as the meal box.

PRICING

Meals will be charged to the student’s lunch account at the rate determined by their eligibility status (full price,

reduced, or free). If payment is required, funds must be in the account for the order to be processed.

High School

o Free Status: $0 o Reduced status: $2.00 o Full Pay status: $21.25

DISTRIBUTION

Meal pickups will occur from 11:00AM – 12:00PM each Wednesday beginning September 9. Pickup sites are the

three middle schools: Cheney Middle School, Liberty Middle School, and Heritage Middle School.

HYBRID STUDENTS (DISTRICT PLAN)

Through completion of an online form, parents can preorder meals for the three days per week their student is online learning. These forms will be due each Wednesday by 5:00PM for the students in the Monday-Tuesday group and each Monday by 5:00PM for the students in the Thursday-Friday group. The box will contain three breakfasts and three lunches.

PRICING

Meals will be charged to the student’s lunch account at the rate determined by their eligibility status (full price,

reduced, or free). If payment is required, funds must be in the account for the order to be processed.

High School

o Free Status: $0 o Reduced status: $1.20 o Full Pay status: $12.75

DISTRIBUTION

The first distribution dates will be Wednesday, September 9 and Friday, September 11. Effective the week of

September 14, the meals will be sent home with students on the last day of their onsite learning for the week

(on Tuesdays for the Monday-Tuesday group and on Fridays for the Thursday-Friday group).

Activity Fees

ADMISSION TO HOME SPORTING EVENTS’ 2020-21 SEASON PASS FOR HOME EVENTS Adults - $6.00 Adults - $80.00 Students - $4.00 Students - $30.00 *NOT valid for tournaments* Senior Citizens – Free to those living in our district $30.00 to those living outside our district *If you would like more info on how to earn a free pass please contact Alissa Mears at amears@west-fargo.k12.ns.us or 701.499.1806*

Packer Live Stream

WFHS has teamed up with multiple sponsors to offer you LIVE access to HOME events from your TV, phone, computer and/or radio.

We hope this finds you well and helps with being able to support your Packers! Each sport will be a little different so please visit the

site listed below for further direction.

https://www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/Page/7654

Sports Physicals

NDHSAA requires all students to have a yearly physical. This year, due to COVID-19, there has been an exception.

Those who turned in a physical in the 2019-2020 school year, will be able to fill out a Form-B to be eligible to participate in sports.

The form is located on our website listed below and MUST be completed and handed in prior to the first day of practice.

https://www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/domain/879

Those who did NOT turn in a physical last year, MUST have an updated one completed dated after April 15, 2020 and turned in prior

to the first day of practice.

Prior to participating in any sport, all students 7-12 must also complete and hand in the Risk and Warning Form, dated after April 15,

2020. This will also be found at the link above.

All Sports Physicals, Form-B, and Risk & Warning forms can be brought into Alissa Mears in the Activities Office or can be scanned

and emailed to amears@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

Further questions can be directed to 701.499.1806

Covid-19 Guidelines @ WFHS Events

Admission to home events is limited in the 2020-2021 Seasons, as we follow ND Smart Restart protocol. We are asking ONLY

IMMEDIATE FAMILY (parents/guardians, siblings, and grandparents) as well as WFHS Student body and WFPS staff members and

board members to attend our home events. In leu of some events we may need to require vouchers or WFPS employee badge to

enter the facility. Face Masks will be REQUIRED during all indoor events & will be RECOMMENDED during all outdoor events.

It is EVERYONE’S personal responsibility to maintain 6ft Social Distancing during our events.

Areas with Yellow Caution Tape are NOT to be used.

Further questions can be directed to 701.499.1806

Contacts

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Jay DeCann – jdecann@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Alissa Mears – amears@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

ATHLETIC TRAINERS

Alexandra Gebeke – agebeke@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

Jesse Differding – jdifferding@west-fargo.k12.nd.us

What is Packer Backers?

The West Fargo Packer Backers were established in the early 1970’s. The purpose of Packer Backers is to support, encourage and assist athletic, speech, drama and other programs and events throughout West Fargo High school.

Packer Backers is a group of volunteers consisting of parents and community members who are dedicated to support events, athletic programs, the arts and West Fargo High School. Over the last 45 years, the Packer Backers have given back over $1M.

We appreciate the opportunity to assist groups in all areas of our school including athletics, speech, debate, drama, music, theater, technology, publications, science Olympiad, Close-up, Packer Pride awards, Jr. ROTC, student congress, and post-prom and post-graduation parties. We also use funds generated to help defray expenses students would incur and purchase equipment when there is insufficient funding available through the school.

Sign up for your membership today! We offer individual, family and staff memberships.

We also offer companies an opportunity to advertise and support the Packers at our great facilities!

www.wfpackerbackers.com

iPad Updates We are excited to welcome you back for the 2020-2021 school year! There are a few things to

do to make sure your first day back goes as smoothly as possible. Keep your device fully

charged, powered on, and connected to your home Wi-Fi network to make sure you are

getting all the needed updates, and everything is in working order.

1. Check the available disk space—Delete unused apps that may be stored on the device.

To complete this process, go to Settings→ General→ iPad Storage. Select the app to see

how much space it uses, and tap delete.

2. Free up Disk space—Delete old photos, videos, and files that may be stored on the

device. Save these materials to your OneDrive to ensure you have access in the future.

3. Update your iPad & Apps—Be sure to check for iOS updates and app updates to keep

your device running smoothly. iOS updates will show up in Settings. App updates can be

installed by clicking the individual apps in Mosyle Manager and clicking Update in

Mosyle.

4. Technical Support— PLEASE REPORT ANY LOST OR BROKEN DEVICES

IMMEDIATELY. Our team of technicians are available to support additional issues as

they arise. Reach out for support by logging into Schoology and messaging the Tech

Support Schoology account (WFHS Student Help Desk).

When instructed to return a device for repair, you will visit the WFHS Main Office. Once

there, complete the appropriate form, drop your device into the provided bag, and leave in

the box located in the Main Office.

Once again, make sure your device is fully charged and in working order for your first day of

classes. We cannot wait to see you!

9th grade Students & New to West Fargo High School Students

Thank you to those who attended the 9th grade/new student evening on August 25th. If you were unable to attend, iPads

can be picked up in the main office at West Fargo High School.

Office Hours: Monday -Friday

8:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.

*ALL Student passwords will be reset on September 2nd.