Fulton Science Academy
EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, CHARACTER
Week of February 13, 2017
PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
"Teach the children. We don't matter so much, but the children do. Show them daisies and the pale hepatica. Teach them the taste of sassafras and wintergreen. The lives of the blue sailors, mallow, sunbursts, the moccasin-flowers. And the frisky ones—inkberry, lamb's quarters, blueberries. And the aromatic ones—rosemary, oregano. Give them peppermint to put in their pockets as they go to school. Give them the fields and the woods and the possibility of the world salvaged from the lords of profit. Stand them in the stream, head them upstream, rejoice as they learn to love this green space they live in, its sticks and leaves and then the silent, beautiful blossoms." - Mary Oliver
Mary Oliver states so eloquently an underlying current that we strive to embody at Fulton Science Academy. Our goal, always, is to create a learning environment where our students are our epicenter, and where our faculty has the freedom and support that they need to bring education to life! This requires a multi-dimensional approach where lessons expand beyond a ditto or a screen; where teachers have the freedom and flexibility to develop hands-on experiments that enable students to apply the lessons they are learning in the classroom to the world around them.
Students enjoyed many "real-world" experiments this week; we can't wait to share some of them with you!
On a different subject, as we approach Valentine's Day, I would like to extend a very special THANK YOU and my love and gratitude to our FSA FACULTY! These men and women work nights, mornings, and weekends...many have made FSA their "second home" because they want to ensure your child has an unparalleled learning experience. They are such an inspiration to me and are such incredible role models for our students!
In closing, please take some time to enjoy this newsletter, which is once again FILLED with important information.
Happy Valentine's Day! Here's to FSA; a small school with a very big heart, because, #fsacares.
Gratefully,
Kenan Sener
Principal
Motivational Quote of the Week
High School Model UN Team Shows Impressive Results at Georgia State Competition
Team Results:
Chloe - Honorable Mention - Security Council
Sophie - Honorable Mention - African Union
Kian - Distinguished Delegate - OIC
Model UN's cooperative, hands-on learning allows students to confront a range of topics with the perspective of their assigned country or organization. Through these experiences - during preparation, in committee sessions, and even in hallway caucuses - students develop an appreciation of differing viewpoints, experience the challenges of negotiation, see the rewards of cooperation, broaden their world view, and discover the human side of international relations and diplomacy.
With some of the region's most astute high school UN members, we couldn't be more proud of how our high schoolers competed. Great job, kids!
Mid-Dialogue
Working Lunch
Taking a Rare Break Before Presenting
FSA Students Advance in State Spelling Bee
Last Thursday, February 9th, Arul S. and Navina D. represented FSA in Round 1 of the GISA Qualifier Spelling Bee. These two talented students are photographed here with their staff advisor and FSA supporter, Ms. Outler (far right).
Out of dozens of students, only 10 were selected to advance. After an hour-long written session of spelling and vocabulary, both Arul and Navina earned a spot at the next round!
They will be representing FSA at the Atlanta Academy on Tuesday, February 23. Best of luck to them both!
FSA Students Bring Home a Win During the Fulton County Science Fair
FSA eighth grader, Arul S., and Nina T., a sixth-grader, both won first place at this weekend's Fulton County Science Fair. Both will now advance to the GA State Science Fair, scheduled to occur before the end of March.
Arul S. also received a nomination to qualify for the National Broadcom Masters competition. Details on this distinguished award follow:
Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering Rising Stars), is the premier science and engineering competition for middle school students.
Society affiliated science fairs around the country nominate the top 10% of 6th, 7th and 8th-grade participants to enter this prestigious competition.
After submitting the online application, 300 top projects were selected and 30 finalists presented their research projects and compete in team hands-on STEM challenges to demonstrate their skills in critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Way to go!
FSA Sends Get Well Wishes to Our Beloved Mr. Stiffler
Mr. Stiffler has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. Anyone who knows FSA knows what a special role Mr. Stiffler plays in making our school so special.
When speaking with him via phone this morning, Mr. Stiffler said, "I can't wait to get back to school in a few days. I have been so touched by the outpouring of love and support from my FSA family. Some of our students' parents are doctors at the hospital where I was admitted, and I was so honored to have been visited by those doctors, as well as our administration. I am focusing on my recovery, but I miss my students and faculty friends terribly! I can't wait to get back and see everyone soon!"
We can't wait to see you, too, Mr. Stiffler...Here's to a safe and wonderful recovery! (If you would like to send well wishes to Mr. Stiffler, please email cstiffler@fultonscienceacademy.org). Thank you!
Students Invited to Participate in Optional "Dress Up Day" on Tuesday, February 14
If your son or daughter has a special dress, suit, shirt and tie, or other "fancy attire" that they would like to wear to school, they are welcomed and encouraged to do so!
All grade levels will enjoy a Valentine's Day Dance tomorrow compliments of our MSO, and are encouraged to enjoy this special opportunity to dress up.
FSA "Business Advisory Committee" Members Announced
In addition to the list of current members, corporations such as Google, Apple, Mercedes Benz, Tesla and Delta are also being approached about possible participation. The goal of the committee is to facilitate dialogue between our school and the broader community and to identify ways that, through collaboration, we can provide our students with the best possible preparation for college, and life in general. The committee's first meeting will take place on the evening of Sunday, February 26.
Many thanks to those who emailed their support and interest in participating. There will be additional opportunities to serve in a variety of capacities moving forward, and we look forward to tapping into the incredible expertise of so many of our families. What an incredibly talented group of parents we have. Wow!
Island of "Misfit Clothes" Looks for Lost Owners! :)
Please ask your child to check the Lost and Found pile in the FSA Cafeteria as soon as possible to re-claim what is rightfully his or hers. As a friendly reminder, all clothing items should be labeled to avoid going home with the wrong student.
Items not reclaimed by the end of this month will be donated to charity. Please help these items, many of which are expensive parts of the students' uniforms, find their way back home. The lost items thank you, and so do we! :)
Please Don't Forget Spring Pictures this Wednesday!
- Individual spring portraits will be taken of any students pre-k thru 10th grade whose parents have signed up online and/or returned the envelope by Wednesday.
- Class pictures will be taken for pre-k -5th grade only.
- You can order online at www.mylifetouch.com but must also fill out the paper envelope.
- Spring individual portraits are ordered with Picture Day ID: AG206076Q0.
- Class group pictures are ordered with Picture Day ID: AG206008G0.
- Students can dress up or wear their uniform.
Upcoming Events - Please Mark Your Calendars (New Events are Highlighted in Bold for Added Convenience)
February 14
- Dress Up Day - School Valentine's Day Dance - (Different grade levels to be held at different times)
February 15
- Spring Picture Day - Dress Up or Wear Your Uniform - Ordering details are below
February 16
- STEAM Video Awards - Red Carpet Awards Show - 1:45 p.m. (Parents welcome!)
February 17- 20
- Presidents Day Weekend - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS; TEACHER WORK DAY
February 28-March 6
- Spring Book Fair Week
FSAPS SUMMER CAMPS
We are pleased to inform you that once again we have scheduled several wonderful summer camps at our school.
Fulton Science Academy summer camps provide fun, hands-on activities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Camps develop new skills, expand creative thinking, and foster team building and new friendships.
With the exception of the FSA's Summer Leadership Camp (which is open to FSA students only), our camps are open to ALL Georgia students.
Please CLICK HERE to see a detailed list of camps that will be offered at our school this summer.
FSA Students Invited to Attend Summer Leadership Camp
Bus Survey for 2017-2018 school year
We recognize that some of our families could benefit from a bus service to transport their child to and from school each day.
We need to gather information from each of the interested families and pass it along to the bus companies that we are looking into. The bus companies will then determine the bus routes and bus stops.
- The cost is about $175/student per month with a $25 sibling discount.
- The bus will have the students at the school by 7:40 a.m. and there will be one afternoon transport, leaving the school at 4:30 p.m.
If you are interested, fill out the linked form below by March 15, 2017.
Once we have the information from all of the interested families, it will be shared with the bus companies. We will share the outcome as soon as we can. Thank you!
FSA High School Expansion Plans Continue
While we recognize that our high school is small, expansion plans continue and interest is exciting. The customized benefits we are able to offer to our students because of our relative size are important, especially as students prepare for college. Examples include:
- Enriched/Customized Academic Offerings
- Small Student to Teacher and Student to Counselor Ratios
- College and Career Planning as Part of the School Day
- Extracurricular Activities, including Academic and Athletic Teams
- Extra SAT and ACT prep classes beginning in 6th grade
- AP workshops after school (during club time)
- Additional SAT and ACT practice tests within the school day
- Guidance about the creation of timely, relevant portfolio materials to bolster college applications
- Global Travel Opportunities
- Personalized college tours to leading local universities
- The ability to serve as Student Ambassadors for our Campus Expansion Project
- Mentorship/Internship Opportunities
- Personal MacBook Pro
- Specially coordinated social outings for high school students
High school continues an important phase of emotional and physical development for students and is a time when planning, organization. and guidance is all key factors in a student's success. High school students who choose FSA for this crucial phase of their educational journey will receive a level of individualized attention and care that, we believe, will make them truly proud to be an FSA mustang and will be unlike other school experiences.
To learn more about enrolling your child in high school, please email admissions@fultonscienceacademy.org. To inquire about our highschool program, including college pre-planning, please email Guidance Counselor, Lindsay Kelly, at lkelly@fultonscienceacademy.org.
Results of Parent Feedback Defer Possible In-School Dining
While our school continues to remain optimistic about adding this option in the future, without a consensus from an overwhelming majority of our families to add this service (and corresponding fee), we cannot proceed at this time.
Our hope is to re-visit this important student service moving forward and that hopefully more families will look favorably upon adding SAGE in the future.
For questions regarding this program, please contact Assistant Principal, Michelle Campbell, at mcampbell@fultonscienceacademy.org. Thank you!
Rachel's Challenge Presentation Inspires FSA Students
Bullying is a national epidemic that can gradually (or suddenly) creep into a child's life. If left unidentified and untreated, it can erode a child's sense of self-worth, challenge their sense of safety, and dilute the positive energy that is so important to a happy, successful student. At Fulton Science Academy, we have a zero tolerance policy on bullying, recognizing that a large part of prevention involves awareness and education.
Last week, FSA was proud to host the highly-acclaimed program, "Rachel's Challenge." This presentation emphasizes our school's tenets of kindness, inclusiveness, and compassion while honoring a very special child who knew she would have a huge impact on the world, long after her premature passing.
Rachel Scott was the first student killed in the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. Her father established "Rachel's Challenge" to perpetuate his daughter's positive example, including an incredible two-page "Code of Ethics" that she wrote a month before her death. In it, Rachel wrote, "Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer."
We agree.
Two separate presentations, filled with age-appropriate content for our younger and older children, left an indelible mark on our students. Proudly signing the "Rachel's Challenge" banner, FSA students skipped back to class where they created kindness chains, discussed what they had just witnessed, and identified tangible ways they could honor Rachel's Challenge to embody kindness, caring, and acceptance of others.
Fulton Science Academy would like to thank the Novak Family Foundation for sponsoring this powerful presentation; Mr. Scott (who flew in personally from Colorado to present to us); Ms. Kelly, our guidance counselor, for coordinating the presentation; and those students who excitedly formed "Rachel's Friendship Circle," a new FSA group that is committed to keeping Rachel's legacy alive, not only in the halls of FSA, but in the walls of any building they enter by setting a positive example for others.
To learn more about this incredible program, please click here:
"Hidden Figures" Movie Sparks Discussion Among Middle and High School Students
FSA middle and high school students enjoyed a private showing of the acclaimed movie, "Hidden Figures," at AMC Theaters in North Point Mall this week. What an experience for our children!
The movie highlights the incredible untold story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson - brilliant African-American women working at NASA, who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
This visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big. It was incredible to hear our students reflect upon what they saw!
The school's decision also sparked quite a response on Social Media, with nearly 1,500 people reading about it organically on the school's Facebook. Said one follower, "This is what a differentiated and astounding mix of old and modern teaching methods looks like. Bringing history, real-world applications, and interests into the classroom, or in this case, bringing students to it, will deepen their understanding of what they are learning, enforce the curriculum, and expand on their interests. Amazing job, Fulton Science Academy!"
SIDENOTE FROM MEDIA SPECIALIST, MS. STATHOS:
If you enjoyed the field trip to see the movie Hidden Figures, perhaps you would enjoy reading the book. Thanks to a generous donation from the Kefalas family and book fair proceeds, the Media Center has three copies of the Young Readers edition and three copies of the original edition for loan. Check it out!
Ongoing Donations Encouraged to Support Foster Care Support Foundation
Families are once again encouraged to please consider sending children to school with items to donate to support Roswell-based Foster Care Support Foundation. This charitable outreach initiative is being coordinated by the FSA Student Council.
FCSF serves a vital and growing need throughout Georgia by providing free clothing, infant equipment, and developmental toys to thousands of children in foster and relative care. Foster Care Support Foundation also hosts a variety of community events, including an annual "Prom-A-Palooza" which provides high-school aged foster children with prom dresses to help them prepare for this special time in their lives.
As FSA collects items to assist this important group, students are asked to please donate any of the following items and bring them into their homerooms for collection and delivery.
SUGGESTED DONATION ITEMS:
- Clothing sizes preemie to adult, especially boys' pants and shoes
- Toys in excellent condition, if not new. (click on below link for specific needs)
- Safe and clean infant care equipment.
Additional items can be found here:
http://www.fostercares.org/help#collapseGoods
Thank you!
FSA High Schoolers Invited to Participate in Video Competition
This year's competition:
"To create a 30-60 second video announcement on this year's topic: 'It's NOT a Sewer!'"
Application information will be sent home with all high school students this week.
THIRD GRADERS Serve Up a Slice of Equivalent Fractions
Elementary Students Aren't Afraid to Get their hands dirty in the science lab
three states of matter in kindergarten
Students Embark Upon Egg Hatching Experiment
This project takes the classroom lectures further and provides a real life experience for FSA students. Currently, the eggs have been in the incubator for 12 days. Today, students looked through the egg shells with a flashlight and observed the movement of the embryos. Students have been so excited and cannot wait to meet our newest FSA family members in about a week!
Pre-K Rings in Upcoming President's Day Weekend by Singing
club updates
Board Games Club
FSA Orchestra
FSA's Orchestra Club has been full of joy – Beethoven’s “An Ode to Joy!”
According to Dr. Hawk, our Orchestra Conductor, "Our 3rd–5th-grade participants have been learning the melody and counter-melody from Beethoven’s most famous tune, taken from his final, 9th Symphony."
Additionally, these young musicians are playing warm-ups, scales, and bow exercises.
We’ve even practiced “hooking” our bow strokes to the tune of “Happy Birthday.” Orchestra Club students are working hard and having fun every Monday afternoon!
Other Reminders (Please note: all information below this title is being repeated from prior newsletters).
2017-2018 School Calendar Dates Now Available On School Web Site
CLINIC Update - Please Keep Children Home if Showing Any Symptoms of Illness
Our clinic remains busy recently with students displaying a variety of symptoms and illness. Isolated cases of the flu, strep throat, seasonal colds, and GI illness have been making their way through our classrooms.
As you can imagine, the health and safety of our students are our primary concern. If your child is complaining of stomach discomfort, has a fever, is experiencing diarrhea, muscle aches, etc., please contact your pediatrician and keep your child home until all symptoms of illness have passed for at least 24 hours.
For more information about our policies on illness, please refer to the FSAPS Handbook (Page 22-24). Please feel free to contact school nurse, Vickie Decuir (vdecuir@fultonscienceacademy.org), with questions or comments. Thank you!
Environmental/Conservation Club Provides Exciting After-School Option for Students
FSA'S ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB WANTS YOUR SUPPORT!!!
Are you interested in conserving our environment? Would you like to learn more about land preservation, nature, and preserving our ecosystems? If so, the Environmental/Conservation Club is for you!
Thanks to a generous gift from the Novak Family Foundation, a new club has been added on Tuesday afternoons for 5-10th graders. Projected activities for this semester include:
- Certifying our school as a National Wildlife Federation Schoolyard Habitat
- Having students trained and certified in Chemical Water Quality Testing through Adopt-A-Stream
- Planting trees on our school campus
- Creating Pollinator garden/Butterfly Waystation
- Environmental speakers
- Environmental Discussions, Activities, and Experiments
- Conducting a Bioblitz on our school campus
The only thing we are missing is YOU! Please come join us!
Order Your 2016-2017 Yearbook!
"Attention all FSA Families!
Please consider buying a YEARBOOK to help your student remember a great school year at FSA! This year, the yearbook team is covering ALL GRADES (PK - 10TH) ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, EVENTS, AND ACADEMICS! The book is 30 PAGES longer than previous years and we are featuring as many students as possible! The book also allows for personal customization to make it your own!
PURCHASE AND PERSONALIZE YOUR Fulton Science Academy Private School YEARBOOK BY CLICKING HERE:
http://www.treering.com/purchase?Passcode=1013541294622699
A few important facts:
* Your personalized yearbook only costs $30.00.
* You’ll need to purchase your copy and complete your free personal pages by April 3.
* Your 2 free custom pages are optional if you don’t customize you’ll receive a standard yearbook.
To begin, please click on this link:
http://www.treering.com/purchase?Passcode=1013541294622699
Any other questions can be sent to FSAPS' Yearbook Advisor, Rita Modrzynski, rmodrzynski@fultonscienceacademy.org. Thank you!"
Would you like to coordinate a home visit? If so, please read on...
Simply email junal@fultonscienceacademy.org with some suggested dates/times, as well as your students' name(s) and homeroom assignments. Ms. Unal will be in touch to confirm final details.
Home visits are a casual way for your child to spend time with his/her teacher in the comfort of their home. Teachers enjoy having a chance to see children in this comfortable environment, doing whatever makes them most happy and spend time with children and their parents outside of a regular school day.
Six Flags rEAD TO sUCCEED - 2017
If your child is in Kindergarten through 6th grade, they are invited to participate in the "Six Flags' Read to Succeed Program!" This is a fun incentive to get kids to read.
Students need to record and log their reading over the next two months. If they submit a log with 6 hours of reading on it by Friday, February 24, 2016, they will receive one free ticket to Six Flags Over Georgia! Logs for Read to Succeed went home with students on Friday, January 13.
Considerations include:
- Only students in grades K through 6 are eligible to participate;
- Review the reading log provided by your child's language arts teacher. Your child should use this sheet to record what and how long he/she reads;
- Your child must complete 6 hours (360 minutes) of recreational reading;
- Please initial each entry and then sign the reading log to verify that the 6 hours of reading has been completed;
- Your child can read books, magazines, newspapers, or comic books (digital or hard copy). Reading for homework or a class assignment does NOT count!
- Students can read silently, aloud, or with an adult - you can read to your child, or your child can read to you;
- Remind your child to return the reading log to his/her language arts teacher by Friday, February 24, 2016. Your child's teacher will submit your child's information and minutes read;
- Late entries will NOT be accepted.
Happy reading!
Private Music Lessons Available At FSA
FSA's Private Music Program is now accepting new students! We offer private music lessons in many instruments and areas of study: Piano, Voice, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass Violin, Clarinet, Flute, Ukulele, Saxophone, Accordion, Percussion, Trumpet, Trombone, Banjo, Mandolin, Theory, Conducting, Composition, and more.
There is a $20 registration fee and the tuition is $480 for the second semester. You may obtain more information by visiting our page on the website at:
http://fultonscienceacademy.org/private-music-lessons-2/
please contact Melinda Hubbell at mhubbell@fultonscienceacademy.org or (770) 402-2907.
FSAConnect mobile App
We are happy to inform you that now you can check fsaconnect by mobile app.
Here is how you can access the app:
ITunes App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/radix-mobile/id1159005166?mt=8
Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radix.radixmobile
The links can also be found at the bottom of your connect page by the other social media links.
A pop-up banner will appear on top of the screen when users access the school connect on their mobile devices.
Site link: https://fsaconnect.fultonscienceacademy.org
Username: fsaconnect username
Password: fsaconnect password
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR REMIND, OUR SCHOOL NOTIFICATION APPlication
JOIN FSAPS REMIND HERE: https://www.remind.com/join/fsaps
We have created a remind account to keep our community informed and up-to-date with what is happening at our school.
By joining "FSAPS remind," you will receive messages via push notifications, SMS, or e-mail. We recommend SMS option for our families and students.
We will use this tool as an addition to other communication portals we use at our school to keep our families apprised of what's happening at Fulton Science Academy. Thank you.
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
REPORTING ABSENCES
When your student will be absent from school for the entire day, please contact FSAPS each day in any of the following ways:
1. E-mail your child’s teacher
2. Send an email to attendance@fultonscienceacademy.org
OR
1. Send in a note to the front office when your child returns to school OR
2. Call the front office on the day your child is absent at (678) 366-2555 ext. 0
FSA SOCIAL MEDIA
Please connect with us online and grow our social media following!
FSA is proud to be building a strong social media presence and we encourage you to follow us using one or more of the following links:
1- FSA YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/user/FultonScienceAcademy
If you subscribe to our YouTube channel, you will receive notifications whenever we upload a new video.
2- FSA FACEBOOK PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/FultonScienceAcademyPrivateSchool/
Many of you already follow our Facebook page. If you are not yet connected, please “Like" our Facebook page.
3- FSA INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/fultonscienceacademy/
We post lots of pictures on our Instagram account. You will enjoy seeing new pictures every day.
4- FSA LINKEDIN
https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulton-science-academy-private-school
So many of you have LinkedIn accounts. To get news about our school on LinkedIn, simply follow our schools’s LinkedIn page.
5 –FSA TWITTER
https://twitter.com/fsaprivate
Twitter is a great way to get updated about school. Simply follow our school on Twitter to get recent tweets from our school.
6- FSA BLOG
http://fultonscienceacademyprivateschool.blogspot.com
If you click on Follow button on the right hand side, you will receive notifications when we post a new article.
GREEN SCHOOL TIPS BY FSA ROBOTICS TEAM STUDENTS
Fulton Science Academy Private School
Serving Advanced and Gifted Students
Pre-K through High School
Email: ksener@fultonscienceacademy.org
Website: www.fultonscienceacademy.org
Location: 3035 Fanfare Way, GA, United States
Phone: (678) 366-2555
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FultonScienceAcademyPrivateSchool
Twitter: @fsaprivate