FMS SMORE PARENT NEWSLETTER

• FCS covid parameters change - the nurse is the final word on what to do if an FMS student or their family member tests positive for covid.
• If an FMS student tests positive or a family member living in the same household tests positive, please report it immediately to the school.
• We will send the information to the nurses.
• Someone will call you to let you know what your next steps are according to FCS parameters.
• Please remind your child to ALWAYS wear their mask correctly, covering their nose and mouth.
  
• Thank you for working with us to keep the school open and students learning!

• we are working hard to keep a patchwork of drivers covering what we need
• we will continue to keep you updated if there will be significant delays
• MORNING RUNS FOR #311 WILL CONTINUE TO RUN LATE FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE

Franklin County Schools has a mask policy in place. All players and spectators MUST have a mask on to enter the event, and wear that mask with fidelity throughout the event.

Let's keep it fun and safe! Wear that mask!

Ms. Gilbert’s Google Site: click here

Helpful Resources

NC211.org (or call 211)

Food Finder (FoodBank of Central NC)

Hope4NC (or call 1-855-587-3463)

TransitionsLifeCare.org (or call the Grief Line 919-719-7199)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (or call 800-799-7233)

SuicidePreventionLifeline.org (or call 800-273-8255)

National Alliance of Mental Illness/NC (or call 800-451-9682)

Vayahealth.com (for mental health needs) 1-800-849-6127

HumanTraffickingHotline.org (or call 888-373-7888)

How to Contact Ms. Gilbert:

Complete and submit this form: Counselor Request Form

Or send email to: marygilbert@fcschools.net

Or call FMS at 919-494-2971 ext. 298

Here is the link to apply for Early College High School. Click here to apply

There is a student application, a parent application and a student interview video to be done on Flipgrid. The rest of the application requirements on the checklist are completed by their ELA and Math teachers, and me, and I submit them to Early College. Please feel free to email me or call me with any questions about the application process. The deadline to apply is March 31st. Please do not wait until the last minute to apply!

Early College High School is a free opportunity to earn college prep and college credits in a small high school setting. It’s a five year commitment but students can graduate with a high school diploma AND a two-year Associate's degree (or at least several college credits) which they can then transfer to a four-year university. The program is free! The ideal candidate is a potential first generation college student (but not a requirement), not necessarily a straight A student, but a mature, motivated, hard working student who is open to honing their academic skills in a diverse community college environment. High school students who attend Early College may participate in sports, marching band, etc., at their base high school during the school year.

A lottery is held and about 50 students are selected for the 9th grade class. Students will be notified May 6th.

Mark your calendars: There will be a parent information night at Early College on the VGCC campus in Louisburg on March 24th at 6:00 pm. Parents and students can attend.

For more info about Franklin County Early College High School click here.

School districts and Charter Schools statewide are working with Sandy Hook Promise to offer training to school-level staff and students on the free online app where secure and anonymous safety concerns can be reported to help at-risk individuals before they hurt themselves or others. Statewide rollout of Say Something began in 2019 and districts and schools continue to adopt the system.

Students and staff at FMS should be receiving this video training about this new app next week.

When it comes to preventing and intervening in a crisis, early information is a crucial component. One of the best ways that school communities can ensure that information is given thoroughly, quickly, and effectively is to implement an anonymous reporting system and the supplemental training and practices that support full-scale use.

Experts agree that students usually know more about threats of violence from other students than adults do. The information that students have is crucial to a meaningful, timely response to a potential crisis. In order for them to share that information, though, they must have a trusted means to do so and the training to know when to use it.*

*Blad, E. (2019). More Schools Are Using Anonymous Tip Lines to Thwart Violence. Do TheyWork? Retrieved from https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2018/08/10/more-schools- are-using-anonymous-tip-lines.html

Random Acts of Kindness Week is Feb. 13th-19th and Random Acts of Kindness Day is Feb. 17th.

Check out the RAK website for information on their new coloring contest, and download their participant guide for activities you can do with your family to help spread kindness in your part of the world.

www.randomactsofkindness.org

How kindness improves your well-being: https://youtu.be/O9UByLyOjBM

Become a world changer - become a RAKtavist!

MS. HEAD - SCIENCE

We are reviewing some concepts from 7th grade in genetics and classification to help us in understanding our last unit. We will then be retaking the post test in Evolution. We have also started a new Social and Emotional Learning program called Second Step. We will be completing two lessons a week. The first unit will be in Science class, the next will be in ELA, and we will alternate until the end of the year.

MR. HURD - MATH

Test this week, we are finally ending the unit. After this week we will be done with slope, y-intercept, x-intercept and solutions. Remember to study, we have a pre-quiz that makes good practice. Also do not forget your iReady for the week, it's very important given the few assignments we have thus far.

MS. BAECHLE - ELA: MS. BAECHLE - ELA:

The next two weeks we continue to ¨deep dive¨ into ¨The Life and History of Frederick Douglass,¨ and the impact he had on the Abolition movement. There will be a strong focus on analyzing text (excerpts) with annotating (skittles color-coding method), and utilizing several different forms of graphic organizers, while making cross-curricular connections to Social Students and specific events in History. Towards the middle of the month we will be completing a mini-project representing ¨Black History Month.¨ The students will have an opportunity to select a famous African American: Abolitionist, Inventor, or Artist.

Please remind your students that completing I-Ready weekly for both ELA and Math for at least 45 minutes, and having one passing lesson is essential. In addition, make sure to check Powerschool on a regular basis throughout Q3 to ensure you are up to date with your work and pleased with your grade. We focus strongly in class on student accountability and responsibility.

We have begun working on their Q3 project this week which will include: utilizing their Social Issues topic from Q2 to write a research paper/Google slides presentation. We will be working on a different strategy and section of the paper each week for the next six-seven weeks before each student does a two-three minute presentation of their topic. Students will be following a checklist in order to ensure a weekly-timely completion. A project link for the rubric is attached:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KQ4IeawxQN6T0xYZ5kGePOdlwAdZKYIT9BNVMK4YwoY/edit?usp=sharing

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns at kimberlybaechle@fcschools.net

MS. NEUJAHR - SCIENCE

Students will continue to learn about all of the human body systems and how they function and work together to make an organism. They will work in small groups to compile a “human body systems” sketch book which details each system in the body and how it functions.

MS. JENKINS - MATH

Happy February! This month we will continue our Unit 3 study on Probability. Students are learning that the probability of a chance event is a number between 0 and 1 that expresses the likelihood of the event occurring. Please remember to continue your practice on I-Ready each week. I appreciate all of your hard work and support.

MR. LEMONS - SOCIAL STUDIES

Over the next couple weeks, we will be talking about WW1 and how it has impacted modern culture. We will be focusing on why the war was fought and how it ended. We will also be focusing on nationalism, militarism and modernity. Students will be turning in a page of their paper each Friday and I will be taking I-Ready as a grade this quarter.

MS. DOWNUM - SCIENCE

We started the Earth Systems and Processes unit. This is one of the favorite units as we learn about volcanoes and earthquakes. The tentative test date is March 1st. This is subject to change depending on how the students are doing with the topic. Students will be creating an earthquake building in this unit. Which is a fun activity I know they will look forward to.

I have updated all grades in PowerSchool, please have your student share their grades with you so we can all start the semester off good. I try to keep current with my grades so you can have the most accurate representation of grades. This is why I use placeholder 0’s so you don’t get a “false grade” waiting for missing work. Most of my 0’s can be made up and helps the students realize they may have forgotten to turn something in. Please encourage your child to check PowerSchool regularly on their own to keep their grades current.

MR. MITCHELL - MATH

The start of a new quarter and we are almost through our current unit which is covering decimal computations. Please know that grading will be shifting from a completion-based grading method toward an accuracy-based grading method. Students will begin to be graded more on their understanding rather than their participation. Please keep this in mind when viewing your student’s grades.

Resources to review material covered in class can all be found in the Google Classroom. Practice problems that go along with various standards can also be found there. Students are encouraged to spend time reviewing previously covered material outside of class if they find themselves struggling with a particular standard. As always, please feel free to reach out to brandonmitchell@fcschools.net with any questions and I will do my best to respond in a timely manner.

MS. BROOKS - SOCIAL STUDIES

In social studies, our next unit will be ancient Rome. Within the next two weeks, we will begin the unit by introducing essential vocabulary that we will use throughout the unit on ancient Rome. Next, we will discuss the economy and geography of ancient Rome. If you have any questions, please email me at jericabrooks@fcschools.net.

• We have started our novel “Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis

• The novel is available in SORA. ( on chromebook under bookmarks)

• Please continue to look on google classroom for your assignments for each chapter.

• New i-Ready for ELA: I-Ready is now a grade starting the week of February 7th. (This had to be pushed back because of students completion of the diagnostic)

Get at least 45 minutes and 70% passing rate in two reading lessons in order to get full credit.

• We will start small groups to help students feel comfortable asking questions and understanding ELA standards and “I can” statements.

NEED HELP? Please contact me at chasitymcintosh@fcschools.net if you have any questions

MS. TERRY - CTE ( jerriterry@fcschools.net )

February is CTE Month! FCS is working to promote CTE in each school by highlighting special activities and programs.

All CTE students have started the second semester with the task of setting three goals for themselves. Ask them to share their goals with you. Also, all CTE students will receive career development assistance through Xello, a college and career readiness software.

6th Grade-Keyboarding and Basic Word Processing: Students are being introduced to healthy keyboarding techniques which include proper posture and finger placement.

7th Grade-Computer Science Discoveries I and 8th Grade-Computer Science Discoveries II: Students are learning about the Problem Solving Process and Engineering Designs. This is the foundation of our class for this semester. Students have had the opportunity to problem solve and use creative thinking skills by successfully coding puzzles on Code.org.

***Students need headphones for class. Make sure they are able to be plugged in and not bluetooth because students will be using desktop computers in the classroom.

MR. SMITH - BAND/CHORUS

**If you have any questions, please contact me: jimmiesmith@fcschools.net. **

Band 6: Last week, we started working on what will be our spring concert opener entitled "The King's Crown". The students seem very excited about this piece and have really stepped up to the task of learning it. I have also added a Note Identification Challenge that the students will complete each week. This assignment is available in Google Classroom complete with step by step instructions on how it is to be set up and submitted. This week, I want us to build on all the great work we have been doing. We will continue our work on improving tone quality and being able to perform together as a full ensemble through our warm-up sequence.

Band 7: This week, we will continue to work through "Falcon Fanfare", section by section. This piece has already proven to be a bit of a challenge for some, but I truly believe we will have great success with it. We will also continue to work on improving our overall tone quality through our warm-up sequence. Last week, I introduced the Note Identification Challenge. This will be a weekly assignment posted in Google Classroom. The goal is to ensure all students are able to identify notes quickly and accurately so that reading music comes much easier. This will also help us progress through our concert music at a much faster pace.

Band 8: This week, we will continue to work through "Falcon Fanfare", section by section. This piece has already proven to be a bit of a challenge for some, but I truly believe we will have great success with it. We will also continue to work on improving our overall tone quality through our warm-up sequence. Last week, I introduced the Note Identification Challenge. This will be a weekly assignment posted in Google Classroom. The goal is to ensure all students are able to identify notes quickly and accurately so that reading music comes much easier. This will also help us progress through our concert music at a much faster pace.

Vocal Music 6-7: Last week, we reviewed our vocal warm up and talked a bit about the 2022 FCS All-County Chorus. I distributed folders containing the selections for the performance and we listened to recordings of each. Some of these selections will be a bit challenging. The students have discovered that at least two of them are in a different language. I am confident that every student will be able to rise to the challenge and be successful. Predominant part recordings for each song will be made available throughout the week as I get them. Also a formal letter with details about the All-County Chorus will be sent home along with a field trip permission form in the next week or so. As a heads up, the trip will take place on Wednesday March 23 during the school day at the Franklinton High School Auditorium and lunch will be provided.

Music Appreciation 8: Last week, we began studying the music and culture of Native America. The students took notes and completed an Edpuzzle assignment that provided more insight into the music and culture of Native Americans. Yesterday, students were assigned a project to study the music and culture of a specific tribe within a specific region of Native America. All of the information for completing the project is available in Google Classroom. I also distributed a paper copy and thoroughly explained the project before allowing them time in class to decide on a region and tribe. This project will be due next Tuesday February 8.

MS. CULVER/Brandenburg - ART

Hello parents and guardians,

I would like to reach out and say that I have enjoyed working with all of your students throughout this school year. I would also like to let each and everyone of you know that this Friday, Feb. 4th will be my last day teaching here at FMS. Your student will have a new art teacher beginning next week (Feb. 7th). I will definitely miss this school and everyone in it and hope the rest of the school year goes smoothly!!

If you have any questions for me, please feel free to reach out at rebeccabrandenburg@fcschools.net

Faulkners Bitmoji Classroom

Battle of the Book List

**We now have copies of all the titles.

Our team is busy reading books to be ready for the competition in March!!

Ask your student what book they’re reading!!

Did you know that….

Heart Disease is the #1 killer of women!!

On Friday, February 4th wear red to show your support and

GO RED FOR WOMEN!!

https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/

FMS is in desperate need of subs. Happily, the district has changed the job requirements for being a sub in Franklin County to allow more people to be eligible!

The new requirements:

• High School diploma or higher
• At least 21 years of age
• Complete an application on TeacherMatch (click here)
• FCS will need to complete a criminal background check
• Completion of the FCS effective substitute training (click here to do the training)

Once you are hired you will be able to work in any school in the district. We hope you choose FMS! Being a substitute teacher is not for the faint-hearted, but it's also not as scary as some people think it is. Call the district office for information on the pay rate.

• Meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 3:30-5:00pm

• Need at least one parent on the team - more than that are welcome!

• Works on implementing the school improvement plan

• Deals with big picture FMS initiatives and changes (years long)

Interested? Email heidiboardman@fcschools.net

DPI ELIGIBILITY (added so there is no confusion about eligibility vs FMS eligibility)

• Eligibility to become a member of an athletic team hinges on the DPI rules for eligibility.

• Regardless of the school organization pattern, a student who is promoted from the fifth grade to the sixth grade automatically meets the courses passed requirement for the first semester of the sixth grade.

• Regarding academics, DPI states “the student must pass at least one less course than the number of required core courses each semester and meet promotion standards.” This means passing 3 out of 4 core classes with at least a 60%.

• DPI also states, “if an athlete is academically eligible or academically ineligible at the beginning of any semester, that status is retained through the full semester.”

• That means that fall sports and winter sports eligibility is based on the second semester final grades from the previous year.

• That also means that when first semester report cards come out, athletes in winter sports can become ineligible to play during the season.

• Spring sports eligibility is based on the first semester final grades.

• Note from DPI: an athlete becomes eligible or ineligible on the first day of each new semester.

FMS ELIGIBILITY

• FMS strives to maintain high academic standards for athletes, paired with support for athletes to make sure that they are successful in both sports and academics.

• Grades will be pulled three weeks before the end of each quarter.

• When grades are pulled, if a student is not passing at least 3 out of 4 core classes and at least 1 out of 2 Elective classes, that student will be put on academic probation. *Exception: when first semester final grades are in, students will automatically become ineligible for the remainder of the year if they are not passing 3 out of 4 core classes and eligible if they are passing 3 out of 4 core classes.

• Any student on academic probation will have two weeks to get their grades to FMS eligibility standards. If they prove that their grades are going to meet standards for that quarter, they are fine until the next grade pull.

• Students are encouraged to ask their teachers to go to the Alternative Learning Center to get help from Ms. Perry to get caught up.

• At the end of two weeks, if a student on academic probation has not pulled up grades to meet the standards, the principal will recommend dismissal from the team unless there is a firm plan in place to address academic concerns.

• This ensures that our athletes are supported with the goal to be eligible year-round for any sports they are interested in.

ATTENDANCE & PAPERWORK EXPECTATIONS

• If the athlete is out of school for the full school day, they may not attend a practice or game scheduled for that day.

• Being in quarantine means the athlete can't engage with the team until the full quarantine is completed.

• Every athlete should have a physical exam on record clearing them to play.

• Every athlete should be up to date on immunizations.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

ISS or minor referral Alternative Learning Center (ALC) Time Out:

• 1st and 2nd referral resulting in serving at least one full day in ALC or ISS: no practice/game any day that the student is serving a full day.

• Third referral resulting in serving at least one full day in ALC or ISS: the principal will recommend dismissal from the team.

Major referral with Out of School Suspension (OSS):

• Immediate dismissal from the team.

GRADE PULL DATES FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR:

• December 10

• February 28

• May 9

• The May 9th grade pull will be a general pull to remind students interested in participating in athletics next year that they need to focus on finishing the year as eligible to participate in athletics in the fall and winter.

FMS VISION: WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF CHOICE!

R - Respectful

A - Accountable

M - Motivated

S - Safe

C - Character

H - Honor

O - Opportunity

I - Inclusivity

C - Compassion

E - Excellence

FMS MISSION:

FMS is a vibrant and caring school that empowers students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens who are college and career ready.

FMS VALUES:

• All children, regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic circumstances, or cognitive level, can grow and achieve.
• Strong collaborative teams with a shared vision can reduce achievement gaps and raise growth levels for all students.
• Forging strong relationships between the school, the parents, and the community is crucial in achieving a well-rounded education that addresses each student’s needs.
• A learning environment based on trust, integrity, and commitment is vital for student success.
• Discipline, safety, and accountability are important parts of a school culture that reflects intellectual, emotional, and social growth.