FMS Parent Information SMORE

We are excited to announce our Spring Celebration at Franklinton Middle School on May 16th. We are asking parents to help us to feed our students that night before the show! Your donation will help so much! Click on the links to go to Sign Up Genius and decide what you would like to donate. You can have students bring money donations to the main office (cash only please!)

Refreshments (for all parents):

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848A8AA29A7FEC43-48971474-refreshments

Pizzas (for band parents):

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848A8AA29A7FEC43-48971371-sponsor

This year summer offerings for middle school students will be CTE related. That means that retention will NOT offer the option for attending and passing summer school for math and reading to advance to the next grade level.

Look at your child's F1 column in PowerSchool to see what their final grades look like right now and talk to them about where those grades need to be by the end of the year.

Let your child know that they need to show growth and/or proficiency on the EOG exams at the end of the year. Make sure they are ready to do their best!

MAY

5/13 - 5/17 MATH EOG REMEDIATION SCHEDULE MONDAY - FRIDAY

5/16 SPRING CELEBRATION BAND CONCERT AND ART SHOW

5/20 - 5/23 GRADE 8 SCIENCE REMEDIATION MONDAY - THURSDAY

5/24 SCIENCE EOG (8TH GRADE ONLY)

5/27 NO SCHOOL - get a good rest for the MATH AND ELA EOGs!

5/29 READING EOG EXAMS

5/31 MATH EOG EXAMS

JUNE

6/3 - 6/7 Remediation week for RETESTS - classes will do remediation for those students who were not proficient on the EOGs to get them ready for the second round of testing.

6/5 Athletic Awards Ceremony 2:15-3:15 pm in the auditorium. Refreshments following!

6/6 REPORT CARD PICK-UP 3:30 - 4:30 PM IN THE CAFETERIA (report cards not picked up by parents will be given to students to take home).

6/7 EARLY RELEASE - LAST DAY OF REGULAR SCHOOL - 8TH GRADE CELEBRATION 9AM

*8th grade students typically go home with their family after the celebration

6/10 EOG RETEST DAY - MATH

6/11 EOG RETEST DAY - ELA

6/12 EOG RETEST DAY - SCIENCE 8

1) Scan the QR Code and create your treering.com account to purchase our yearbook for $18.03.

2) You can also click this link to order: https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1016807203541237

3) If you buy a yearbook asap, it may get sent in the order to the school. If it's too late, they will send it to your house.

4) It's too late to give money to the office - you have to order online.

Bus transportation does not automatically happen when students transition from elementary school to middle school, and from middle school to high school. Sign your child up for transportation today!

Going into 6th grade
Going into 9th grade
Going to Early College High School ECHS

“Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration. Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, particularly lower depression and anxiety. Spending time in nature is good for us for lots of reasons. Fresh air and exercise have long been recommended as a way for many to feel better, physically and mentally.” ~The Mental Health Foundation

We are fortunate to have some beautiful parks with playgrounds, picnic areas, and nature trails in our area, in Franklin County and with short drives to Wake County. The parks are free and offer peaceful retreats from our stressful lives. Help your children unplug and experience what the world around them has to offer. Check out these area parks:

De Hart Botanical Gardens

Franklinton Park

Owens Recreational Park

Carroll Joyner Park

Durant Nature Preserve

Blue Jay Pointe

Forest Ridge Park

Need to stock up on Covid tests? We have free tests for anyone who needs them in the main office. Come in and stock up or tell your child to stop in and ask for up to three boxes. We have plenty to give away until they are gone :)

Franklin County Schools is offering Summer Career Camps in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Art for rising 6th - rising 8th grade Franklin County Schools students. These camps provide a hands-on introduction to skills used in CTE and Art careers. The CTE camps are supported by the FCS CTE department. The Art Camp is supported by the NC Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The camps are only available for Franklin County Schools students. CLICK HERE FOR CAMP DESCRIPTIONS: https://bit.ly/4dmc1cT . The camp opportunities are as follows:

Week one the camps will be held June 17 - June 20 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. daily.

Week two the camps will be held June 24 - June 27 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. daily.

• School lunch will be provided by the district everyday
• Transportation will be provided by parent/guardian
• Camps are Free

Sign-up now! https://bit.ly/CTE-Camp.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘆 24th

SCIENCE: MS. DOWNUM

In the remaining time we will be working on finishing up SEL (Social Emotional Learning), as well as extension activities. Such as our Mars activity last week. These next few weeks are very important as we help students prepare for the upcoming EOGs. Please make sure they come to school prepared and ready to learn.

SOCIAL STUDIES: MR. CALDERON

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We have one week of lessons here is Social Studies. This week we are focused on OCeania and the history of the island in the Pacific. They have learned about Maori customs and how they traveled from island to island. Next we will be Wrapping things up in the class and the students will do their final project/presentation. The students have to look at the rubric that is on Canvas to see the work they have to do for this Final Project. This project is worth two grades so it is imperative that the students give their full effort.

Just as a reminder the The North Carolina End-of-Grade (EOG) Tests are in the final week of May and the students need to have their chromebooks charged. Many students are missing their chargers. The cost of a new charger through the school is $25.00 but you can also buy them online in places like Amazon for $8.00 to $10.00. Please talk to your children to see if they have them at home.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at luiscalderon@fcschools.net

Very respectfully,

Mr. Calderón

MATH: MR. MITCHELL

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well. I am thrilled to share some wonderful updates from our dynamic 6th Grade class at Franklinton Middle School.

Utilizing Khan Academy for Skill Support:

In our ongoing efforts to support student learning, we're utilizing Khan Academy to provide additional assistance for students who may be struggling with specific skills. Khan Academy offers comprehensive resources and instructional videos that can help reinforce classroom learning and address individual needs. I encourage you to explore Khan Academy with your students and utilize its resources to strengthen their understanding and mastery of key concepts. The main concepts to review with your students are the following: Expressions and Equations, Ratios and Proportions, and the Negative Number System.

Preparation for EOGs and Unit 11 Test:

As part of our commitment to academic excellence, we're dedicated to weekly "From the Jump" assignments, where we dive into last year's EOG questions. I urge you to actively engage in discussions with your students about these assignments to deepen their understanding and prepare them for the upcoming EOGs. Mastery of these questions, along with focused preparation for the Unit 11 test on Statistics and Probability, will be key to their success.

From the Jump Quiz and Weekly Notes:

As part of our strategic assessment approach, students participate in a From the Jump Quiz every Friday. Using weekly notes on the From the Jump paper has proven to be a valuable tool for enhancing their understanding. Consistent practice at home through these quizzes will positively impact their readiness for assessments.

Grades and Classroom Readiness:

A friendly reminder for students to complete 60 minutes and pass 2 lessons in iReady each week, which not only contributes to their grades but also enriches their overall education. I'm pleased to report that student behavior remains excellent, and their consistent engagement in schoolwork is commendable.

General Preparedness:

To maintain a focused learning environment, it's essential for students to arrive with charged Chromebooks, notebooks, and writing utensils every day.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at brandonmitchell@fcschools.net. Your collaboration is deeply valued.

Thank you for your unwavering support.

Warm regards,

Mr. Brandon Mitchell

ELA: MS. CRUDUP

Dear Parents,

I hope this message finds you well. As we gear up for the end of the school year, I wanted to provide you with some important updates regarding upcoming events and our recent classroom achievements.

EOGs (End-of-Grade Assessments):

1. We are just weeks away from the EOGs, with the ELA EOG scheduled for May 29th. To ensure your student is well-prepared, please make sure they get a good night's sleep and start their day with a healthy breakfast. I am eagerly anticipating seeing their scores and celebrating their hard work.

I-Ready Diagnostic Growth:

1. I'm thrilled to share that our classes have shown remarkable growth on the recent I-Ready Diagnostic assessments. It's truly a testament to the dedication and effort of our students. As a token of recognition, the students were treated to Rice Krispies Treats last Friday. It's a small gesture, but I wanted to express how proud I am of their progress.

Field Trip to Franklinton High School:

1. Our 6th-grade students have an exciting opportunity coming up on Thursday, May 16th, as we'll be visiting Franklinton High School. Your student should have received a permission slip last week. If they haven't already, please ensure it's returned tomorrow to secure their spot for the trip to see Percy Jackson. If you have any questions or concerns about the field trip, please don't hesitate to reach out.

EOG Preparation:

1. Until the EOGs take place, I encourage you to support your student in their preparation efforts. Remind them to come to school with their Chromebooks fully charged and ready to engage. Your partnership in reinforcing the importance of these assessments is invaluable.

If you have any questions or need further clarification on any of the above points, please feel free to contact us. Your involvement and support are greatly appreciated as we navigate these final weeks of the school year together.

Thank you for your attention to these matters, and I look forward to continuing our journey of growth and achievement with your student.

Warm regards,

Ms.Crudup

Expectations:

Update: We have been working on improved behavior in ALL classes. Students are to come to class on time, prepared and ready to work. If they are not following the non-negotiables, they will receive a warning to correct their chosen behavior before they are sent to ALC with a write-up and a parent contact. I have seen improvement in behavior overall and expect that to continue with consistency and daily practice.

Remember that each quarter every student begins with a 100% in their classes. What they decide to do with their grades and achievements are up to them.

Curriculum: We recently completed our final novel of “A Long Walk to Water.” Students are focusing on: symbolism, character point of view, and analysis of textual quotes. This is done through utilizing classroom anchor charts, various graphic organizers and station work to enhance challenging standards including: language, reading for information (NF/Theme), and reading for Literature (F/central idea). We continue to utilize data from the third Check-in in order to close any gaps in comprehension and skill-sets prior to the EOGs including the categoires/standards of: language, reading for information, and reading for literature.

Last Week: We came to a close with “ALWTW” text and began watching our anchor film “The Good Lie,” while completing a compare and contrast graphic organizer. Students also began outlining their Compare and Contrast essay with a topic of choice which we have focused on throughout several novels this year.

Compare and Contrast Essay is due on Tuesday, 5/21**

This Week: We have come to a close with “ALWTW,” students continue to utilize a series of skills including: color-coded annotation, a strong focus on content vocabulary, a variety of written responses, utilizing a variety of graphic-organizers, anchor texts, etc as we review challenging standards and prepare for the ELA EOG on Wednesday, May 29th. Last week we had ELA remediation in the morning and this week is Math.

Q4 Project:

This is our final project of the year. Students will be provided a choice board and rubric with explicit directions. If they have a Google slides or a writing piece they select there are additional directions for what is to be completed. The hope is that they have fun, express their voices, and be creative for their final project!!

The entirety of the Q4 project is due on Friday, May 24th.

Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ru-JNz2Aw54ssHtik8LMkSJLKU7n9qlbNlrbm5dw2IQ/edit?usp=sharing

Homework: Students should expect homework two to three times weekly in order to continue to develop their skill-sets and to see growth. Please ask your child what work they have for homework, or have not completed on a regular basis to help keep them on track. Work is updated regularly for access on Canvas. Grades are also updated weekly and viewable on Powerschool. Students should expect classwork (homework if not completed) and study guides to maintain an understanding of reading both inside and outside of class on a weekly basis. The application process is so critical to close gaps in comprehension and to apply to later content**

Grades: Student grades are present (updated regularly) on Canvas, and are now viewable to students and guardians on Powerschool. Students are expected to check their grades on a regular basis and reach out to their teacher for make-up work, or additional time to complete an assignment if they have been absent. I allow a one week timeframe to make up work before an assignment becomes a zero.

I-Ready: Is a proven and resourceful data-driven program that allows teachers to see tri-annually where a student is at in their comprehension level by grade lexile. It also allows teachers to view the data and see where students have mastered a skill, and what areas need additional practice. A student's growth or lack thereof on their pathway is a factor in potential summer learning or even retention of their grade (NO ELA/MATH SUMMER LEARNING THIS YEAR), which is why it is so essential to their weekly learning and overall comprehension growth towards their growth and beyond.

Note: With that in mind, the majority of students showed stellar growth on their final I-Ready Diagnostic which shows not only individual growth, but that consistency is key! I am very proud of this accomplishment.

Students are expected to complete two passing lessons from their pathway each week. In addition, they will be assigned “teacher assigned lessons” at times to enhance what is being taught in class, which is to be completed by the end of the week for a grade. The teacher chosen assignment will focus on a skill-set currently being taught or reviewed in class in order to strengthen a specific skill.

We continue to utilize I-Ready incentives for every two passing lessons per ELA and Math each week. This incentive began right before the holiday break. Students have an opportunity to receive an incentive of their choice for their hard work. See the image below for more info…

Students have worked hard throughout the 2023/204 school year and their efforts and growth have shown! I am excited to see their overall growth on their upcoming ELA EOG! Keep up the good work :)

Thank you parents and guardians for another successful year full of growth and achievements. As we close out another academic year we not only finish strong, but look forward to more additional academic discovery and goals that are yet to come.

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

SCIENCE: MS. HEAD

We are almost to the end. I am very proud of the growth each student has shown this year in Science. We are now finished with all the basic units. We have started our end of year review. I am giving students an option of taking home all of their old little notebooks this year to review. There are three old notebooks that I will continue to take for a grade until May 23rd : “Matter”, “Biotechnology” and “Ecosystems”. I am excited for the students to show what they have learned when they take the Science EOG, Friday, May 24th. In the Second Step lessons, we are continuing to work on “Managing Relationships & Social Conflict”. Please encourage your student to review the content, vocabulary, and work on current missing work. Please let me know if any questions come up (my email: nadinehead@fcschools.net). Thank you!

ELA: MS. FROST

PEAR Assessment Warm-Ups are sample Reading EOG selections to prepare your child for the End of Grade Test for Reading (EOG). These assessments (grades) will be added to PowerSchool in preparation for the Reading EOG. Please encourage your child to email me the title of the assessment(s), and I will update grades in PowerSchool.

NOTE: (Please check PowerSchool prior to emailing me if the assessment is already graded and uploaded to PowerSchool)

I accept late completed assessments with no penalty (unless assessments are closed).

Again, please check PowerSchool to view if you have or have not completed the assessments listed below.

Quarter Four EOG PEAR Assessments Due Include:

• "How Smart are Animals"

• "Dish Night"

• "Deep Flight Adventures: Frequently Asked Questions"

• "Telling Stories in Clay"

• Check PEAR Assessments for overdue assignments

Teacher Assigned I-Ready Lessons are assigned based on NC Check-In Data. These assignments (grades) will be added to PowerSchool in preparation for the Reading EOG. Please email me when you have completed each lesson with the title of the lesson, and I will update grades in PowerSchool. (Please check PowerSchool prior to emailing me if the lesson is already graded and uploaded to PowerSchool) I accept late completed lessons with no penalty. Please check PowerSchool to view if you have or have not completed the assignments listed below.

Quarter Four I-Ready (Past Due) Teacher Assigned Lessons Include:

• Comparing and Contrasting Characters

• Determine Word Meanings Using Context Clues 4

• Analyzing Character Development

• Summarizing Informational Texts

• Determine Word Meaning Context Clues 5

• Evaluating Arguments

• IMPORTANT NOTE: To prepare for the Reading EOG, your child should continue working on his or her Learning Pathway. Students who have consistently worked on their Learning Pathway weekly throughout the year have made significant growth in reading proficiency (2+ years of growth).

  When you ask or wonder, how can I prepare my child for the Reading EOG? Simple… your child should work on his or her Learning Pathway nightly prior to the EOG!

  Test Date: May 29, 2024.

  Grade 8 Model Student Examples This School Year: The 8th grade student data showcased below worked on his / hers Learning Pathway every week since the beginning of the school year for 45+ minutes and completed two lessons weekly. They far surpassed growth expectations, and, as a result, will definitely show tremendous growth on the Reading EOG! Refer to I-Ready End of Year Data for these students below…

Again, I cannot emphasize enough how significantly the I-Ready Learning Pathway impacts reading growth. And, again, message from Mrs. Hathorne, AIG Facilitator (Please click on the link below to learn how I-Ready Learning Pathway supports and supplements academic growth for your child) video message

Ultimately, I simply ask that you encourage your child to utilize the close reading / test taking strategies learned in class to showcase your child’s best effort, growth, and proficiency on the End of Grade Reading Assessment! As a reminder, due to state-wide budget cuts, summer school is no longer an option to move to the next grade. And, growth speaks volumes! Thank you for all your support this school year. I am very proud of the 2023 - 2024 FMS Grade 8 class.

Sincerely, Ms. Frost

ART with Mrs. CLIFTON

Artists are learning about Color Theory and how color is connected to life through visual arts. They are creating AMAZING Selfies with colors that have meanings to them. These selfies will be on display on May 16th at our Spring Celebration after the band plays. The Castles are finished and will be on display as well. Please if your student is in art this semester come support them and see their wonderful ART!

CHECK OUT SOME AMAZING PROJECTS BELOW!

BAND: MS. BROWN

The Spring Celebration is just TWO days away!! We are full-steam ahead as we prepare and rehearse to ensure a wonderful concert.

Reminders for ALL band students: The concert on May 16th is mandatory. If something unforeseen happens and you can not make it, I must have a parent/guardian email prior to the concert and an alternate assignment will be given on Canvas. Band as a class is reliant on every individual player so, apart from the concert being a grade, it is important that every student does everything possible to be there.

Students are given the option to stay after school on Thursday to help with transportation issues and give students a chance to hang out together before the concert. Pizza will be provided (thank you to many generous families!) and students will be watching a movie. ALL STUDENTS have received a permission form for this. If the permission form is not returned prior to school ending on Thursday, the student may not stay after. I am not accepting an email or a phone call; the form must be signed.

All students need to be at school, on stage, with their instruments by 5:45 pm on Thursday, May 16th. We will be running a short rehearsal and then doors will open to family and friends at 6:15 pm. While you are waiting for doors to open, feel free to browse our items that will be raffled off and purchase raffle tickets that you can use to get those items. It is expected to be an awesome night celebrating our students!

*** If you signed up to bring refreshments for the art show portion of the night, please make sure those are dropped off by Thursday during school so we can get things set up.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. Your students have grown so much just since the winter concert and I can’t wait for you to hear them! Thank you so much for your continued support this year. See you on May 16th!!

DRAMA: MS. HATTEN

Drama Classes at all grade levels are completing projects for our Spring Concert and Arts Show this Thursday, May 16. Please come and enjoy the band and check out the arts show afterwards.

6th grade: We just completed our set design unit and students will have their diorama of a Bud, Not Buddy set on display. We are working on a costume design unit for the end of the year now.

7th grade: We are completing model sets of a fantasy creature house. Characters used are part of the Spiderwick Chronicles story. Students are painting them this week and trying to ensure everything is done by Thursday so that their work is ready for display. We will then work on some film study units through the end of the year.

8th grade: Students completed their costume design unit by designing and painting shoes for a queen from the musical SIX. They based their designs on a musical fashion era… and I think they did an amazing job! Shoes will be on display Thursday evening as well.

PE/HEALTH: MR. HARTSFIELD

Health: Students are discussing Safety online, home and emergency situations. Classes are watching videos and having discussions with emergency and safety in mind. Hands-on demonstration of the Hemilich, abdominal thrust and nose bleeds.

PE: Classes are finishing the Net game unit- Badminton. Students were able to compete in singles and doubles play.

Next, class will be outside: flag football, soccer or frisbee activity.

*The 23-24 Sports season has been completed, all athletes that have: softball, baseball, soccer or track uniforms need to return to Coach Hartsfield.

Teachers do contact parents, and things are not the way they used to be. Teachers are expected to contact parents of students who are failing their class using the Grade Alert forms that go out mid-quarter, and the At-Risk letters that go home with report cards 2nd and 3rd quarter. Teachers are also expected to grade assignments that are handed in by the due date in a timely manner so that parents can see how their child is doing in real time in Canvas and PowerSchool.

Parents, you have the ability to access PowerSchool and Canvas to see how your child is doing anytime you like. Parents no longer need to wait to hear from someone. You can see what is going on right now. Once you sign up to be a Parent observer for Canvas and PowerSchool you have access to grades and assignments, and you can see what has been submitted for grading and what has not been completed. Students in middle school are making choices about the work they do or don't do. We need parents to stay on top of what their child is or isn't doing so that they can address issues early in the year and early in the quarter.

If you ask your child how they are doing and they tell you they are doing great, you can immediately check for yourself and praise them or have that conversation about why they are not doing well. It doesn't take much time, and our students whose parents and guardians are checking their PowerSchool and Canvas regularly tend to have higher grades and better outcomes.

Just taking the time to get connected and working with your child to support them in meeting their academic expectations makes a huge difference for students in middle school. Your support is appreciated!

DPAC Parent Leaders this year:

Vanessa Bell

Antonia Autrey

Mizan Gebremichael

School Improvement Team Parent Leaders this year:

LaTasha Gaskin

Stacy Cilas

Parent Summit Members this year:

LaTasha Gaskin

Vanessa Bell

Caroline Omari Wango

Twyla Isreal

PLEASE NOTE:

Students are not allowed to leave the school building during the school day on their own. Parents and guardians must come into the main office and sign their child out if that child will leave the building for any reason.

If the person coming in to pick up your child is not on the list in PowerSchool, they will not be allowed to leave the building with your child unless you call the office to give us permission to have someone else sign your child out.

Please do not call the main office to have your child sent out - we will inform you that you need to come into the office in person and sign your child out.

Thank you for helping us to keep every student safe while on our campus!