Dear FMS Families,
I am thrilled to report we had a wonderful first week of school last week! During the early weeks of school, we spend time setting expectations in all of our learning spaces, getting to know one another, and building our community. Your children are doing a great job!
Please read below for some important beginning of school reminders. I am excited to partner with you this year to ensure your child’s success.
Please reach out at any time with questions! Here’s to a great 24-25 school year.
Sincerely,
Sara Jablonski
FMS Principal
We know many students have their own smart devices: phones, watches, tablets, etc. We ask that these devices are not used at school. If teachers notice students with phones, smartwatches, etc. in the classroom, they will be asked to keep them, silenced or powered off, in their backpacks.
If families need to contact their children for any reason during the school day, that communication should go through the front office. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
Hello Founders Families,
We will be starting a two week biking unit in Physical Education class beginning on Monday, September 9th. Over the summer, we applied to receive a trailer full of bikes as part of the Kohl’s Kids Bike Smart program run by Local Motion. The secure trailer is filled with about 45 kid’s bikes and all of the needed equipment, including helmets. There are currently four trailers that service the entire state and we’re very fortunate that Founders Memorial School was one of the few schools selected.
Students are welcome to bring their own helmets and bikes to use. We will be able to store student’s helmets and bikes for the two weeks at school; however, all bikes and helmets that are brought in will need to be promptly picked up on or by Friday, September 20th. There are plenty of helmets with the trailer if students do not have one and it is required that they be worn. You may drop off your student's bike in the mornings and leave them behind the Bike Smart trailer which will be parked on the grass in front of the school between the side gym entrance and the cafeteria entrance. Bikes that are being picked up will be put here as well. Each afternoon, any bikes that are staying will be brought into the gym for the night. PLEASE clearly label any personal bikes or helmets. Also, we will NOT let any other students use your student’s equipment (bike or helmet).
We will be working on our biking skills and safety unit for the two weeks that the trailer is here at FMS. As a reminder, please make sure students come with appropriate footwear for riding in the form of sneakers or other closed-toe shoes. The fall weather in Vermont can be quite unpredictable and we will ride when it is wet/cold so students should come with clothing that is appropriate for the variable conditions. There are plenty of helmets with the trailer if students do not have one. It is required that helmets be worn and the ones provided will be sprayed/treated daily.
Please feel free to contact us at ebowker@ewsd.org or chall@ewsd.org with any questions or concerns. If your child is currently not able to ride a bicycle or is apprehensive and has concerns, please let us know and we can arrange for some additional support and accommodations to help ensure success.
We are excited to bring this opportunity back to Founders Memorial School!
Thank you very much,
Eric Bowker and Courtney Hall
The PTO Spirit Wear shop closes on Friday, September 6th.
My name is Karen Jeffrey and I am the math specialist/interventionist at FMS. I have moved into the position previously held by Tami Hugulet who retired last year. During the first few weeks of school I will complete math assessments with students. I have also invited classes to join me in my space to play math games. Throughout the year I will work with students during WIN Blocks. In addition, I will spend time in classrooms supporting students with their tier 1 learning. If your child is on an EST plan, they will begin working with me in the coming weeks. My email address is kjeffrey@ewsd.org.
Welcome back to school! My name is Karen Cole and I am the reading specialist/interventionist at FMS. At the start of the year, I am supporting assessments and learning about students as readers. Throughout the year, I will work with students as part of our WIN block. WIN is an acronym for What I Need. Support could look like pushing into the classroom or pulling out into small groups. Students on EST plans will have services starting soon. My email address is kcole@ewsd.org.
Welcome Back to the FMS Library!
We’re thrilled to see everyone, and the library is buzzing with excitement as students eagerly dive into new books for the school year!
At FMS, students can check the number of books that matches their grade level:
• 3rd Grade: 3 books
• 4th Grade: 4 books
• 5th Grade: 5 books
Last week, we checked out 810 books!
Reminder: We’re collecting summer check-outs! Your student can return FMS and EES library books to us, and we’ll ensure they get back to their respective libraries.
Happy Reading!
Mrs. Biggs & Mrs. Pike
Founders Memorial School
Email: sjablonski@ewsd.org
Website www.ewsd.org/fms
Location: 33 Founders Road, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: 802-879-6326
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Founders-Memorial-School-1509308329359547