Panther Pulse

One of the best parts of my job is meeting families that are new to Fairbanks. When given the opportunity, I ask why they choose Fairbanks as the place to raise their children. Overwhelmingly, they say, "We have heard such great things about the people in Fairbanks." Last month, we asked our staff in a survey "Why do you stay in Fairbanks?" Again, it was the people that shined. Staff commented that "Fairbanks feels like family" and "I love the students, colleagues, and families that I get to work with." Annually, I meet with graduating seniors for exit interviews. When I ask what their favorite part of being a Panther is, they unequivocally say it is the relationships they form with each other, staff, and families.

If you have been in the Fairbanks community for any length of time, none of this comes as a surprise. In any school district, the people are the focus. In Fairbanks, we have exceptional people - students, staff, families, and community members. This shows itself in so many ways. Whether it is the performance inside the classroom or out, community service and partnerships, or supporting each other in a time of need, it is the people of Fairbanks that make the difference every time.

As we approach winter break and the halfway point of the 2024-2025 school year, I want to thank each of you for being an important part of the Fairbanks school community. You make our school district special. Have a great winter break and go Panthers!

For Fairbanks,

Adham Schirg

The Fairbanks Education Foundation (FEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aimed to enhance the educational experiences for Fairbanks students by funding innovative instructional opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-life applications, creating lasting impacts. For additional information, visit the FEF Website.

Mark your calendars for April 11, 2025 when FEF hosts its second annual "Panthers & Purses" designer purse bingo fundraiser.

After a lot of planning and seeing how greatly communication boards benefit her younger cousins, senior Kadence Kise was able to install a communication board on the FES playground. She completed this months-long process with the help of family, friends and troop members as part of her community service project for becoming an Eagle Scout.

If you’re unfamiliar, communication boards typically have pictures, words and letters. They are used for individuals that have a difficult time forming words and sentences. Kadence worked closely with our Speech-Language Pathologist, Alexis Phipps to determine what icons and type of board would be most beneficial for our students. With help from Special Ed Coordinator, Jenny Burton and FES Principal, Ashley Thompson to determine the best location, the board has found its permanent home. Now, elementary students of all abilities can easily communicate their basic wants and needs with other Fairbanks students and staff.

Second grade students worked tirelessly over the past month planning, building and decorating floats for the 3rd annual FES Thanksgiving Parade. These students and floats shined on their big day!

Each float design team provided information about the inspiration for their float, along with materials used and what their biggest challenges were. They really showed their Panther Mind, Heart and Muscle for this project and had a lot of fun along the way. Parents were invited in for a presentation about each float followed by the parade. Students and parents lined the FES halls and cheered as the parade went by, kicking off the holiday weekend which we were all very thankful for.

To kick off our Monuments & Memorials authentic learning project, the Fairbanks 8th Grade Class toured the Warren G. Harding Presidential Homesite, Museum, and Memorial in Marion, OH. Through this project, students will answer the questions: Why are monuments and memorials important? What is the difference between the two? What is the process for designing monuments and memorials? Students will select a person whom they feel is worthy of a monument or memorial. They will design and 3D print a monument or memorial to honor that person. We will display the student created monuments and memorials on a monument mall. In May, parents and local veterans will be invited to view the mall, and learn about the students' research and design process by clicking on QR codes that link to their written or oral presentations. The project will culminate in mid-May when the class will travel to Washington D.C. where they will visit many monuments and memorials in our nation's capital.

It was a packed house at the fall band concert. There were performances by The Color Guard, Marching Band, Middle School Band and High School Concert Band. Seniors were recognized and the drumline showcased their amazing talent with their performance.

Now, all of the bands are hard at work preparing for the Winter Concert on December 16 as well as getting the pep band up and running for the season. Pep band will help cheer the Panthers to victory by playing at select girls and boys basketball games throughout the season.

FHS is partnering with IMPACT60 to fight hunger in Union County. The goal is to provide 300 handmade/glazed bowls for the March 16th soup dinner that will raise funds to support IMPACT Station which serves Union County families in need.

Middle school / high school art teacher, Mrs. Noland is leading the effort by inviting students and staff to throw and or glaze bowls after school each week. With 212 volunteers from age 6 to 62, 250 bowls have already been completed. The top 5 producers are Colin Staats, Owen Woody, Riley Greene, Elli Shaffer and Jackson Hafner.

• Volleyball Conference Title and District Champion (OHC/District Player of the Year, Allie Boyd and District Coach of the Year, Allison Gorton)

• Cheerleading 11 UCA All-American Cheerleaders

• Boys Soccer Conference Title and District Runner-Up (OHC/District Player of the Year, Eli Feller)

• Girls Soccer District Runner-Up

• Boys Golf: Sectional Championship, Team District Qualifier, and an Individual State Qualifier, Cole Eger (OHC Player of the Year & 1st ever Fairbanks Boys Golfer to qualify for State Tournament - placed 8th overall in Division 3)

• Girls Cross Country District Champion, and Individual State Qualifier, Sadie Miller

• Football State Playoff Appearance (OHC Player of the Year, Ryker Green and District Coach of the Year, David Carroll)

You can see all of the athletics news on our website or by downloading the app.

Check out our Leave a Legacy Digital Touch Screen via this link.

The Master Facility Plan started in 2021 with a task force set out to develop a plan to address the 3C’s of Facilities: Capacity, Curriculum and Capital Improvements. This multi-phase plan has made tremendous strides to improve the 3C’s. Phase I was completed this summer with the Elementary School addition. Portions of Phase II are currently in progress. Below is a preview of work scheduled for 2025:

• High School HVAC Replacement - A more efficient and modern HVAC will replace the existing system creating a better learning environment for students.

• Windows, Electric, and General Conditions - All windows in the middle and high school will be replaced. Electric components and general condition improvements will be part of the two year renovation plan.

• Secure High School Entrance - Focusing on security, the high school entrance will be reconfigured to create a secure entrance similar to what we have at the elementary.

• Updated Restrooms - High school restrooms will be renovated adding capacity for daily use. Additionally, the high school staff lounge will be relocated and opened to create two single family restrooms addressing capacity needs for both students during the school day and families during after school events.

• Additional Renovations - Due to continued district growth, the district is looking at spaces where additional classroom space could be created. These plans will be shared as they are finalized over the next two months.

• Campus Access Road - Construction on a new access road is scheduled for early 2025. The access road will create a new traffic pattern addressing safety concerns by alleviating back ups on State Route 38.

Our district website, FairbanksPanthers.org is full of useful information. From school updates, facilities planning, parent resources for following student progress and adding money to lunch accounts to community flyers for local sports leagues and volunteer opportunities. Please see the links below for some of our most popular links:

• Community Connect - For information and dates of upcoming events like community coffee chats and facilities meetings.

• Community Flyers - Local information including mental health resources, free tutor opportunities, family fun events, and sports leagues.

• Who To Contact - If you’re not sure who to contact when an issue comes up, check here first. There is a list of common concerns and the best staff member to contact.

• For Fairbanks Blog - Messages from the Superintendent.

• Athletics - Purchase tickets and view sports schedules.