French Middle School

October 1st-18th-- Red Wheel Fundraiser

October 9th-- Late work due

October 10th-- PTO Meeting @ 5:45

October 11th-- End of 1st Quarter

October 14th-- No School

October 15th-- No School

October 18th-- Picture Retakes

October 23rd-24th-- Parent Teacher Conferences

October 23rd-October 31st-- Red Ribbon Week

October 24th-25th-- No School

Happy Fall Falcons! The first quarter will come to an end on October 11th. Late work from the second half of the quarter is due October 9th. Report cards will be available for parents & students to view in Synergy October 18th. Advisor Base teachers are in the process of setting up parent teacher conferences appointments.

On September 27th we kicked off our annual PTO RedWheel Fundraiser. Students have their packets and can sell items until October 18th. Items sold need to be picked up on November 5th. We encourage all students to sell at least one item. PTO uses proceeds earned to pay for field trips, falcon buck store items, classroom needs, and other school improvement projects. We appreciate your family’s participation and support.

Please join our staff and students in celebrating our classified staff October 28th through November 1st. Each day we will highlight a different group of classified staff. Our team counts our them to support and assist with keeping our learning environment clean, safe, and productive. Classified staff include the following groups: Kitchen Staff, Paraprofessionals, Custodial Staff, & Office Staff. They truly are FRENCHTASTIC!

Our first quarter honor roll assemblies are just around the corner. Grades will be posted for parent/student view in synergy on October 18th. All honor roll assemblies will be held in our gym starting at 7:50 am. The dates for each assembly are listed below. Parents are welcome to attend.

6th grade--October 22nd

7th grade --October 23rd

8th grade--October 28th

• Students need a safe place at home to charge their chromebook each night. It is our expectation that students arrive everyday with a fully charged chromebook for class. Students are responsible for the care of their chromebook and any repair fees that might occur.
• All cell phones and personal electronic devices are to be stored in lockers during the school day. This is a new requirement in all TPS middle schools.
• Like last year, wireless headphones/air pods are not allowed at school. Personal headphones must physically plug into their chromebook. All classrooms have headphones students can borrow if necessary.

We appreciate your support in helping our Falcons have good digital citizenship.

Re-takes are scheduled for Friday, October 18. If your student did not get a photograph taken on Friday, August 16, they will be photographed for the yearbook. If you ordered a packet and are unhappy with your picture and would like a re-take, save your packet and bring it with you on October 18. You will turn in that complete packet and get a re-take and receive the exact same package. For more information about Strawbridge portraits and on-line ordering, please visit https://www.strawbridge.net/.

Wednesday evening, October 23 and all day Thursday, October 24 have been reserved for teachers to meet with students and parents to discuss progress and strategies for success. Look for communication coming home from your student’s AB teacher, to schedule your time or contact your child’s advisor if you need to reschedule.

We suggest you allow an hour for conferences in order to have the opportunity to visit with teachers other than your child’s advisor. Students are encouraged to attend conferences with their parent(s). We look forward to seeing all parents and students at conferences October 23 and 24.

There is no school for students on Thursday or Friday, October 24 and 25.

Thursday, October 10 at 5:45 in the commons is the next PTO meeting. Meetings are open to all parents, even if you just want to come listen and learn more about French.

Students must have badges to leave the classroom, check out library books, or attend extracurricular activities. It is $5 to replace a lost or missing badge, bring your money to the office to order a replacement.

Life is a Movie, Live Drug Free is the theme for this year’s Red Ribbon Week. Each year during the last week of October we participate in Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon week is a national drug prevention campaign. This year, we are fortunate to have a guest speaker from Prevention and Recovery Services teach lessons on the dangers and reasons not to use drugs and alcohol to all of our 6th, 7th and 8th graders during science classes. Our student council members will plan a fun spirit week and read daily announcements to offer reasons not to use drugs and alcohol. We hope that students will learn more about drug prevention and make good choices when it comes to drugs and alcohol.

Here Comes the Bus ®

Available to parents of (Topeka Public Schools) students

• View the real-time location of your child's bus
• Access the app from your smartphone, tablet or computer
• Receive push notifications or email alerts
• Send your child to the bus stop at just the right time, every time

How to get started:

1. Download the Here Comes the Bus app* or visit herecomesthebus.com

2. Sign Up by going to the Here Comes the Bus website.https://herecomesthebus.com/parents/get-started/

3. Enter school code 29036 and click "Next" followed by "Confirm"

4. Complete the "User Profile" box

5. Under "My Students," click "Add." Enter your child's last name and student ID number

6. Once you confirm your information, you're ready to begin using Here Comes the Bus!

*Available at the App Store and Google Play

Bus changes take up to 2 weeks to take effect.

We do not create routes at French, if you want a stop change, we can submit a request.

Students are expected to follow directions from the drivers, failure to do so could result in being removed from the bus.

As we dive into the school year, it’s crucial to understand why regular attendance matters. Consistent school attendance significantly impacts student success, both academically and socially.

Academic Success

Social Development

Life Skills

Community Engagement

In short, every school day counts! Absences still affect students' growth even if they are excused. The district recommends that students miss less than 10 days a year. Help us help your students succeed by having them at school every day.

On September 5th, 18 of our student council members attended a dynamic Leadership Workshop sponsored by DCCCA. This all-day event brought together student leaders from various schools, fostering collaboration and personal growth.

A key focus of the workshop was a comprehensive problem-solving model that includes Assessment, Capacity, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. Students evaluated the needs of French Middle School, assessed their resources, and developed actionable plans. They have now shared these ideas with the entire STUCO group and are in the process of determining which initiatives to prioritize for this school year.

Last year, the students that attended came back from the workshop and STUCO prioritized vaping as the issue they wanted to focus on. French now has vape detectors in our bathrooms. Way to go STUCO for leading the way.

The fall sports season is quickly coming to an end. The cross country team ended a productive season with many personal best times at the city XC meet. Congrats to all Falcon runners!

Congratulations to Lady Falcons for all of their smashing success at the girls city tennis meet at Kossover Tennis Center! This group understands, it’s not how you start but how you finish. All tennis players got better as the season progressed and enjoyed much success in the city tournament.

The Varsity Volleyball team is currently sitting in 2nd place in the city and looking to repeat in the City Championship game on Wednesday Oct. 9th at the city Volleyball tournament at Topeka West High School. All levels of girls volleyball found great success this season, with the JV taking 1st place in the city once again . Great Job ladies.

The football season is winding down and with the varsity currently sitting at 3rd place at the time. The final play night game is Wednesday Oct. 11th- time and opponent yet to be decided. While the season had some ups and downs, the team followed the French model of ”You're a better player today than you were yesterday”.

Girls Basketball starts Thursday October 17th at 3:00-5:00 until teams are chosen, then B team will practice mornings 6:30-7:30. Games are Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Nov. 4th . Coaches are Mr. Ramsdell (Varsity& JV), Ms. Matheny Lewis (B team). Remember, you can not play for an outside team once you start a French team. You can join French once your club team has finished their season.

The boys Soccer season will also be starting Thursday Oct. 17 and coached by Ms. Light, a former Baker University soccer star. At this time, there will only be a varsity team, with the remaining being an instructional team. This may change once we get final numbers from all middle schools. Remember, you can not play for an outside team once you start a French team. You can join French once your club team has finished their season.

Just a reminder that a district wide grade policy has been adopted at all Middle Schools. Any student with an F on their grade checks will be ineligible for the next game until the F is brought up. An F list will be created every Friday, with student athletes informed that day if they are on the report. It is then their responsibility to bring that grade up and communicate with the coach when that has happened with a note or email from the teacher.

We would like to remind spectators that French Middle School is a member school of the Kansas State High School Athletic Association (KSHSAA) and is governed by their rules. One of those rules which, we completely support is Rule 52 which states:

ALL ACTIONS are to be FOR, NOT AGAINST; POSITIVE, NOT NEGATIVE or DISRESPECTFUL

Section 1: General Regulations (apply to grades 7-12)

Art. 1: SPORTSMANSHIP is a general way of thinking and behaving. The following sportsmanship policy items are listed below for clarification:

a. Be courteous to all. (participants, coaches, officials, staff and fans)

b. Know the rules, abide by and respect the official’s decisions.

c. Win with character and lose with dignity.

d. Display appreciation for good performance regardless of the team.

e. Exercise self-control and reflect positively upon yourself, team and school.

f. Permit only positive sportsmanlike behavior to reflect on your school or its activities.

We hope that you can attend the games this year to cheer on the Falcons!

Rees Fruit Farm

Every weekend in October - Check Facebook page for updates

Pick-your-own pumpkin patch, hayrack rides through the orchard, face and pumpkin painting, and more!

Halloween Costume Collection & Giveaway Event with Child Mental Wellness Fair

October 12, 2024 9:00 - 11:00

Avondale East Care Center - 455 SE Golf Park Blvd, Topeka, KS 66605

SENT is hosting its Annual Halloween Costume Collection & Giveaway Event, with a unique addition this year—a Child Mental Wellness Fair!

Costume Collection & Giveaway: Our team is gathering new and gently used Halloween costumes to ensure every child in our community can experience the joy of dressing up. Costumes will be free and available for children of all ages, ensuring no one is left out of the festivities. First come, first serve.

Child Mental Wellness Fair: This year, we’re expanding our event to include a Child Mental Wellness Fair, offering resources, activities, and community support to nurture the mental and emotional well-being of children and their families.

Evergy Plaza - Movie Night

October 25, 2024

Vendors will be ready at 7:00

Movie begins at 8:00

Free and open to the public! They will be playing Scooby Doo!

Boo at the Zoo

October 19 & 26, 2024 9:00 - 3:00

Fun and safe Halloween trick-or-treating event for kids of all ages! Walk around the zoo in Halloween costumes and watch the animals get special treats too!

Trunk or Treat - Free

October 23, 2024 6:00 - 8:00

YMCA - 3635 SW Chelsea Dr.

Families can enjoy trick-or-treating from decorated car trunks, games, and festive activities. Don’t miss out on this safe and exciting community celebration!

October 25, 2024 6:00 - 8:00

Cafe Quetzal

This is one of our all-time favorite events for all ages. All are invited for a night of fun. We will have free food, candy, a haunted house, games, a scavenger hunt, friendship bracelet-making, music, and more!

October 26, 2024 3:00 - 5:00

NOTO Arts District

Once again the Arts District will be full of fun for all ages. Bring your best costumes and trunk or treat with the NOTO businesses and more!

October 27, 2024 4:00 - 6:00

Community Church Parking Lot

Decorated trunks, tons of candy, and fun for the whole family! Come dressed in your best costume and bring your friends—everyone is welcome!

We will have our next Late Night in the Nest, Halloween edition, on November 1st from 6:30-8:30 PM. All 7th and 8th graders are invited to this fun night that will be full of dancing, gym time, ping pong, table hockey, and computer games. Because it’s the night after Halloween everyone can wear their Halloween costumes. The cost is $3 or $2 if you have your badge or $1 if you have your badge and honors card. You must be passing all of your classes and you must have eligibility points too. Hope to see you there!

Hearing and vision screenings will be Friday Oct. 4th: Please make sure your student has their glasses with them on this day.

GraceMed will be at French Middle School, providing dental cleanings during the school day on Wednesday Nov. 20th, 2024. If you would like your student to be seen by a hygienist, please complete the following link. A representative from GraceMed will contact you directly with more information. https://gracemed.org/dental-consent

Students are not allowed to carry medications with them during the school day. All medication including prescription and over the counter medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen must have proper paperwork in place and all medications must be kept in the school nurse's office. (This includes cough drops.) Exceptions can be made for Inhalers and Epi-Pens, with an additional form. If you have questions please contact Nurse Besenyi for the appropriate forms. MEDICATION GUIDELINES

Request to Administer Medication This form is required for any/all medications prescribed by a physician or healthcare provider, including Inhalers, Epi-Pens, or for any medication taken on a daily basis. This form will require the prescribing physician’s signature and a parent or guardian’s signature before the medication can be administered.

Request to Take Medication This form is required for over the counter medication that a student may need to take on an as needed basis, such as Tylenol, ibuprofen, or cough drops. Students may only use over the counter medications per the directions on the label, including age and dosage. This form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian.

Permission To Carry Epi-Pen (Medication Release Form) If you wish your student to carry their Epi-Pen on them during the school day, this form must be completed by the Prescribing Physician, the Parent or Guardian, the School Principal and the School Nurse. This form is in addition to the Request to Administer Medication.

Permission to Carry Inhaler (Medication Release Form) If you wish your student to carry their inhaler on them during the school day, this form must be completed by the Prescribing Physician, the Parent or Guardian, the School Principal and the School Nurse. This form is in addition to the Request to Administer Medication.

BULLYING POLICY

French Middle School will not tolerate bullying of any kind. Bullying is defined as any ongoing verbal or physical mistreatment where there is an imbalance of power, and the target/victim is exposed repeatedly to negative actions by one or more students. Bullying can be direct (physical or verbal), or indirect (exclusion, cyber-bullying, emotional). In order for everyone to feel safe and secure at school, every Topeka Public School has adopted the following rules against bullying. “I will not bully others. I will try to help students who are bullied. I will do my best to include students who are easily left out. When I know somebody is being bullied, I will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.” Students, staff, and parents should report any bullying that they are aware of to administration through the on-line bully report link on the French website. Students who bully others will receive consequences. Our counselors will be visiting 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes in August and September to remind students what bullying is, what we can do to prevent bullying, and what students should do if they or someone else is being bullied.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Topeka Public Schools, Unified School District No. 501 is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity. No person shall, on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin or ancestry be denied lawful access to any appropriate educational service, program or activity provided by the school district. The Title VI and Title IX compliance coordinator is the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching/Learning/Administration. The Section 504/Title II compliance coordinator is the Coordinator of College and Career Ready Services. For employment, the EEO/AA officer is the General Director of Human Resources. All compliance coordinators may be contacted at 624 SW 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294, (785) 295-3000. The clerk of the Board of Education has been designated to receive and redirect or handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, regulations and procedures. The clerk may be contacted by calling (785) 295-3045 or by writing to 624 SW 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294.