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- Written by: Jeff Drake
- Category: Districtwide News
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We started our school year off with a heavy rain that has quickly transitioned into beautiful sunshine! A warm welcome back to all of our students, families, and staff!Â
The air is filled with a unique energy this time of year, and I can say with certainty that the excitement for the new school year is palpable throughout our entire district. We had a wonderful response to our annual welcome back open house events at each of the buildings. Seeing our school buildings come alive with smiling faces, bustling hallways, and the renewed sense of purpose that a new year brings is always a great feeling.
As we kick off another year of learning, growth, and discovery, I want to take a moment to talk about a topic that is always at the forefront of our minds and that is school safety. Our commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for every student is unwavering. Our dedicated staff members are trained to handle a wide range of situations, and we continuously work to ensure that our school facilities and protocols are as secure as possible.
We modified our crisis response terminology over the summer. I will be sharing more information about the changes with our parents in the coming weeks. Through the generosity of the Fergus Falls Police Department, our staff has access to annual crisis response training. This training continues to be very helpful. Â
School safety is a community effort. As our students begin their daily routines, I would like to remind everyone in Fergus Falls to be extra vigilant on our streets. The return of school means a significant increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic, especially during morning and afternoon hours.
Please, be aware of our school buses. When their red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, it means children are getting on or off the bus. This is a critical moment when you must stop, no matter which direction you are traveling. It’s the law, and more importantly, it's what keeps our students safe.
I also ask that you keep an eye out for our students who are walking or riding their bikes to school. The simple act of slowing down, being mindful of crosswalks, and giving them the space they need on the sidewalk or street can make all the difference.
Together, we can ensure that every student's journey to and from school is a safe one. We have a fantastic year ahead of us, and I am confident that by working as a team—school, family, and community—we can make this the best school year yet for our Fergus Falls Otters.
Let's make it a great year!
Â
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- Written by: Missy Hermes
- Category: Districtwide News
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The regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 544 was held in the Otter Community Room at the Kennedy Secondary School. Chair, Melanie Cole, called the meeting to order at 7:15 am. The following members were present: Kirby Anderson, Jeney Christensen, Melanie Cole, Kelli Graff, Missy Hermes, and Stephen Vigesaa. Jeff Drake, Superintendent, was also present.Â
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.Â
Missy Hermes, clerk, established a quorum.Â
Stephen Vigesaa made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Jeney Christensen and carried unanimously.Â
Melanie Cole offered the resolution of acknowledgements for the following and moved for its adoption:
Thank you to: Otter Elementary PTO for their donation towards bussing costs for Otter Adventures at Fergus Falls Public Schools and to Lake Region Arts Council for awarding Fergus Falls Public Schools with the Spring Legacy Organization Grant to help fund the Lincoln Mural Project at Lincoln School.
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- Written by: Jeff Drake
- Category: Districtwide News
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Greetings!
On behalf of the Fergus Falls Public School District, I extend a warm welcome. We are honored that you have entrusted us with the care and education of your child.Â
The Fergus Falls Public School District is a special place. Our mission statement outlines our commitment to each and every child: “The mission of the Fergus Falls Public Schools is to prepare productive and engaged members of society by creating an environment where all students reach their full potential.”
What will your child’s experience be as a member of our school community? Children will be surrounded by adults who care about them. We will provide the necessary support to help ensure that each child is successful. Children will be challenged. That’s how new skills are developed and how learning, confidence and leadership is fostered.Â
In providing a robust 21st century learning environment - we emphasize the five “Cs” - Core Knowledge, Creative Problem Solving, Communication, Contributing Citizen and Character. These core competencies ensure that our students will be well-positioned for success wherever their dreams take them.
We pride ourselves on providing a rigorous academic curriculum with a diverse selection of electives. We support our students with a 1:1 technology initiative to augment instruction, we have strong vocational programs and excellent participation among our students in the arts. A large percentage of our students are involved in co-curricular activities and our programs are highly respected and competitive. In summary, we offer the family atmosphere of a small rural school combined with the opportunities typically only found in much larger districts.Â
Through the process of discovering and developing their talents, interests and skills, our students are going to make great memories, grow in confidence, become leaders in our school and community and form lifelong friendships. Once an Otter, always an Otter!
Warmest Regards,
Jeff Drake, Superintendent
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- Written by: Jesse Thorstad
- Category: Districtwide News
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Learn more about Fergus Falls Public Schools!
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- Written by: Jesse Thorstad
- Category: Districtwide News
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Subcategories
School Board
Minutes from the meeting of the Fergus Falls Public Schools School Board.
KSS News
News from Kennedy Secondary School, our grades 5-12 building.
ALC News
The Fergus Falls Area Learning Center is a choice alternative education program. “Our mission is to foster a caring and respectful environment with a focus on real world learning.”
The Area Learning Center of Fergus Falls has a long history of providing educational options, and has been in existence since 1982. Students and their parents have a variety of program options to choose from when enrolling at the Area Learning Center of Fergus Falls. These program options include: Middle School ALC; High School Day Program; Independent Study; Credit Recovery; and Credit Recovery Summer School. All students must meet state criteria for participation in an alternative school. Students are eligible to participate through age 21.
Relationships and challenging curriculum are a key components of the programs the Area Learning Center. The ALC is committed to establishing and maintaining relationships with students, parents, and community supports, along with working to meet individual student needs. The ALC applies a variety of techniques to support students in earning their high school diploma.
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Advisory: Students enrolled in the day program are a part of an advisory where students participate daily in discussion topics, team building/leadership activities, community building activities, and skill building activities.
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Restorative Justice Circles
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Structured day program with feedback to students on classroom behavior and credit earned toward graduation every class period of the school day.
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Credit Recovery built within the school day.
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Individualized curriculum pace.
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MAAP Stars participant for 10 years at the high school level.
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Community Service Projects: Toys for Tots; Pay it Forward
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Work Experience and On the Job Training
The REACH program is a school within a school model, alternative education program for middle school students. The program is located within the Kennedy Secondary School.
Academic skills are emphasized in conjunction with workplace and community living skills needed to be successful in the community. Learner performance is monitored and encouraged through daily and weekly monitoring of individual progress. Academic, social, and communication skills are evaluated daily.
The Day Program is designed to meet the needs of students not successful in the traditional high school setting ages 14 to 21. Students attend a traditional length school day that is a combined class schedule of structured classes and independent study classes. In a structured class, a student works in a small classroom setting to meet the course objectives to earn high school credit. In an independent study class, the student works individually on a course facilitated by a certified instructor at their own pace to complete a course. Student progress toward graduation in the areas of attendance, behavior, and course credit earned is evaluated with each class period. The Day Program operates on the school district calendar and is in session from 8:25 – 3:20 daily.
The Independent Study program is designed to meet the needs of students that are unable to attend a traditional school day program. Students choose this option when they are already attending an educational program full time and still need additional credit to graduate, have passed their graduation year and only need a small amount of credit to graduate, are working full time, parenting, or have any other obstacles preventing them from attending the traditional school day but aspire to achieve. Digital curriculum is used to meet the varied student academic needs. A certified teacher works with students to facilitate learning.
To be considered a full time student, a minimum of 20 units of work must be completed at a passing grade level each week. Independent Study students have the freedom to choose which classes, and how many classes they will work on each day. Some coursework can even be done from home. This flexibility can help cut out some of the stress of trying to juggle keeping up with school along with other obstacles that may be in place.
If you are interested in enrolling in an alternative program please contact your high school counselor.
For more information please email or contact the Area Learning Center at 218-998-0544, ext. 9230, or email the Area Learning Center at: