Fergus Falls ISD 544 School News • Volume 42 • Issue 1 • August 2025 • 218-998-0544 • www.fergusotters.org
What’s Inside: Note from Superintendent Drake..........1 Superintendent’s eNewsletter...............1 Contact Info / Phone Numbers.............2 Locations...............................................2 Fergus Falls School Board....................2 Student Handbook (link to)....................2 What School is My Child Attending?.....2 Kindergarten Orientation.......................2 Open Houses........................................2 Teacher Assignments...........................2 School Supplies Lists............................2 ParentVUE.............................................2 New Students........................................2 2025-2026 Calendar (and link to).........3 Chromebook Information......................3 Bus Information & Rules.......................3 Activities Information.............................4 Child Health Insurance..........................4 Curriculum Review Committee.............4 544 Education Foundation....................4 Otter Pride Night....................................4 Annual Parent Notice............................4 Notices...................................................5 Weather-Related Information................5 Meal Rates.............................................5 Suicide Prevention Information.............5 Peanut & Tree Nut Free Policy.............5 Fergus Falls Area Adult Education.......5 Special Education Services..................5 School Age Child Care..........................5 Payment Options...................................5 Community Education...........................6 Early Childhood Program/ECFE...........6 School Polices/Notifications............. 7-8 Educational Benefits/Application.... 9-10 Classroom Wish List & Form.........11-13
Fall 2025 School Begins: Kindergarten: Wednesday, September 3 Grades 1-12: Tuesday, September 2
2025-2026 School Times:
Lincoln.................... 8:25am – 3:07pm McKinley................ 8:25am – 3:07pm Adams.................... 8:25am – 3:07pm Cleveland............... 8:25am – 3:12pm Kennedy.................8:20am – 3:20pm ALC........................8:20am – 3:20pm
Welcome to the 2025-2026 School Year Dear Students and Families, On behalf of the entire Fergus Falls Public Schools team, it is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I welcome you to the 2025-2026 school year! The energy and anticipation that fill our hallways at this time of year are truly special and we cannot wait to channel that excitement into a year of learning, growth and discovery. We are incredibly proud of the outstanding educational experience we offer here in Fergus Falls. Our dedicated and talented staff is committed to providing a supportive and engaging environment where every child can experience success. Your involvement and collaboration are key components of our school community and we are eager to work alongside you.
Jeff Drake
Superintendent of Schools
As we embark on this new school year, we want to emphasize the critical importance of daily attendance. Being present at school every day is the first and most vital step in a student’s educational journey. Consistent attendance builds momentum, fosters strong classroom connections, and ensures that students have access to the full scope of learning opportunities our teachers have so thoughtfully prepared. It is impossible to replace
what is missed when a student is absent. Let’s work together to make every day count! We are looking forward to a productive and rewarding year as we support and challenge every student to reach their full potential. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Let’s get ready to empower our students to do just that. Welcome back, Otters! It’s going to be a fantastic year! Warm regards,
Jeff Drake, Superintendent Fergus Falls Public Schools
Subscribe to Superintendent Jeff Drake’s eNewsletter! Newsletters, columns and district information will be sent via e-mail to all subscribed members. To subscribe: 1. Send an e-mail to supt_news+subscribe@fergusotters.org (the subject and body of the message can be left blank). 2. Wait a few minutes and check your e-mail. You will receive a confirmation e-mail from our system.
3. Please REPLY to the message you receive from us, keeping the subject line (with confirmation number) intact. Again, the body of this message can be left blank. 4. When your request is completed, you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail. If you have any trouble, please e-mail tech@fergusotters. org
2025-2026 Classroom Wish List on pages 11-13 1