FMS Parent SMORE Newsletter
January 27, 2025
JANUARY
1/27-1/30 Grade 8 Science Remediation Week
1/28 AWAY Basketball @ N. Granville MS 4:30 pm
1/29 Louisburg Magnet High School recruiting visit with 8th grade during Electives
1/29 Basketball vs Cedar Creek MS at Franklinton High School 4:30 pm
1/29 Wrestling Match AWAY @ Hawley Middle School 4:30
1/30 Franklinton High School recruiting visit with 8th grade during Electives
1/30 SCIENCE 8 CHECK-IN #2
1/30 REPORT CARD PICK-UP IN CAFETERIA 3:30-4:30 PM *will include FCS At-Risk letters if a child is failing more than one class and/or below grade level on diagnostics
1/30 HOME Wrestling Meet 4:30 pm
1/31 Report cards and At-Risk letters sent home with students if not picked up on 1/30
FEBRUARY
2/1 SATURDAY - Wrestling Tournament at Franklinton High School
2/3-2/7 School Counselor Appreciation Week
2/4 SECU Reality of Money program with 8th grade during Electives
2/4 FRANKLINTON HIGH SCHOOL FAST TRACK REGISTRATION FOR RISING 9TH GRADERS
*ALL 8TH GRADE STUDENTS NEED TO ATTEND THIS TO REGISTER FOR HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES EVEN IF THEY ARE PLANNING ON GOING TO ANOTHER CHOICE HIGH SCHOOL.
2/4 Basketball AWAY @ Terrell Lane MS 4:30 pm
2/5 Science Check-in #1 Grade 8 only
2/6 Basketball AWAY @ Butner Stem MS 4:30 pm
2/6-2/7 VGCC Honors Band (Field Trip)
2/10-2/14 LOVE THE BUS WEEK - thank your bus driver!
2/10-2/13 Math Remediation week
2/11 Basketball AWAY Vance Middle School 4:30 pm
2/12 Basketball HOME vs Hawley MS 4:30 pm
2/13 EARLY RELEASE - STUDENTS LEAVE AT 12:30 PM
2/14 NO SCHOOL - HAPPY VALENTINES DAY
2/17 Random Kindness Day :) Be kind to someone for no reason!
2/18 MATH GRADE 6-8 CHECK-IN #2
2/19-2/20 ALL COUNTY BAND *parents will pick up at end of day
2/19-2/20 ACCESS TESTING (ESL)
2/24-2/28 GRADE ALERT EMAILS GO OUT THIS WEEK (if your student is failing one or more classes)
2/24 Dr. Schuhler visiting FMS students for Lunch Buddies
2/26 5TH GRADE VISIT TO FMS TODAY (FES & LOMES)
MARCH
3/5 Elementary Registration (FES & LOMES)
3/9 Daylight Savings Time Starts
3/11 Ultimate Book Showdown (Middle Schools)
3/14 Grade Six Band Bonanza with Gravely Hills Middle School in Chapel Hill
3/17-3/20 Reading Remediation Week
3/18 FCS 5th Semi-annual Parent Summit (email heidi.boardman@fcschools.net if you are interested in attending)
3/20 EARLY RELEASE students leave the building at 12:30 pm
3/20 END OF QUARTER THREE
3/21 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
3/26 Reading Check-in #3 6-8
3/27 REPORT CARD PICK-UP 3:30-4:30 in the cafeteria
3/28 Report cards and At-Risk letters sent home with students if not picked up on 3/27
APRIL
4/7-4/11 SPRING BREAK NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
4/7-4/11 Assistant Principal Appreciation Week
4/14-4/17 Math Remediation Week
4/18 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
4/20 EASTER SUNDAY
4/21 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
4/23 MATH CHECK-IN #3 6-8
4/28-5/1 Science 8 Remediation Week
MAY
5/1 MATH I CHECK-IN #2
5/2 SCIENCE 8 CHECK-IN #3
5/5-5/9 TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - let your teacher know you appreciate all their hard work!
5/5-5/9 Exact Path Diagnostics Math and ELA this week
5/8 EARLY RELEASE - students leave the building at 12:30pm
5/11 SUNDAY - MOTHER'S DAY
5/12-5/23 EOG REMEDIATION WEEKS
5/15 SPRING CELEBRATION BAND CONCERT AND ELECTIVES PROJECTS SHOW
5/22 ATHLETIC AWARDS DINNER AND CELEBRATION
5/26 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
5/28 ELA EOG GRADES 6-8
5/30 MATH EOG GRADES 6-8
JUNE
6/3 SCIENCE EOG GRADE EIGHT ONLY
6/10 8TH GRADE CELEBRATION
6/10 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - EARLY RELEASE - STUDENTS LEAVE BUILDING AT 12:30 PM
6/11-6/13 RETEST DAYS - MODIFIED SCHEDULE - STUDENTS RETEST IF THEY WERE NOT PROFICIENT
8TH GRADE PARENTS!
The deadline for interested 8th grade students to apply to Early College High School or Louisburg Magnet High School is February 7th
Students can apply to either or both programs using this link: https://www.fcschools.net/parents/choice-schools-programs/application.
Please let Ms. Gilbert know (marygilbert@fcschools.net) when you have applied to a choice program.
Early College High School is a FREE program at the VGCC campus in Louisburg, that blends high school and college so students have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and Associate’s Degree from VGCC at the same time. (For free.) ECHS will visit FMS for a presentation with our students and answer any questions you may have. You can visit their website at Franklin County Early College High School to learn more about the program. (There’s no fees for college courses or for college textbooks, because it’s free.)
Louisburg Magnet High School is a traditional high school with a focus on a STEM program, and project-based learning. Staff and students from LMHS will present info to our 8th grade class on Jan 29th. Check out the LMHS website for updated info at Louisburg Magnet High School
SAVE THE DATE!
Franklinton High School will be registering ALL 8th grade students because we are unsure this early who will be attending early College or Louisburg Magnet High. FHS counselors will visit FMS this Friday, Jan. 31 to talk to our students about high school and registration. Students will register for classes at the Spring Showcase at FHS on Tuesday February 4th! The Showcase provides a great way to introduce students to the FHS campus, classes, and extracurricular activities. 8th grade students and their parents can visit the school and speak to teachers, staff, and coaches and learn more about the school at their rising 9th grade presentation. Don’t miss out! Keep informed about FHS at Franklinton High School. ALL FMS 8th grade students will register with FHS even if they’re applying to the Choice programs above.
Please encourage your students to finish 8th grade strong, as we are preparing them for high school classes!
MATH with MS. JENKINS:
Hello FMS families!
This week marks the beginning of the third quarter and our students are excited about learning more about algebra. We continue to work on Unit 4, Reasoning with Expressions.
They have learned how to identify the parts of an expression, how to identify equivalent expressions, and how to distribute or expand algebraic expressions. In the next two weeks, we will work on combining like terms and writing expressions in different forms to better understand relationships within context.
Many students completed the Edmentum mid-year diagnostic test. We will have data discussions concerning the results to ensure continued progress throughout the year.
Things to remember:
~Class attendance is important.
Class assignments serve to prepare students for each unit test.
~Remember the school and classroom rules. (Exhibit responsible behavior at all times)
~Bring your materials (Chromebooks(charged), notebooks, and pencils) to class daily.
~Get a good night's rest and come to class prepared to work.
~ Believe in yourself, you can do it!
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at litishajenkins@fcschools.net.
SCIENCE with MS. BRACKETT: Dear Parents/Guardians, I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to share an update on what we’ll be focusing on in 7th grade science over the next few weeks. We are continuing with North Carolina Standard PS 7.1, which covers concepts related to motion and stability. During this time, we will be completing the following hands-on labs: - Coin and Cup Lab - Marshmallow Challenge Lab - Kinetic Energy in Toys Lab - Balloon Battle Lab - Balanced and Unbalanced Card Sort Lab - Rolling Car Lab - Tug of War Simulation - Seesaw Launcher Lab Each class will begin with 10-15 minutes of reading using Readworks, followed by writing in their Book of Knowledge to reflect on what they’ve learned. In addition, students should be reviewing vocabulary words regularly by practicing with the Motion and Stability Quizlet. Please take a moment to check your student's progress in PowerSchool and encourage them to stay on top of any missing assignments. Consistent engagement and practice are key to success! Thank you for your support! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Best regards, Ms. Brackett Progress, Not Perfection
ELA with MS. BAECHLE:
Welcome back students and families from Remote Learning as we continue to deep-dive through Unite four! Overall, students performed well during remote learning last week and upheld expectations.
It remains critical that we remind our students to stay up to date with their work in class and located on Canvas, as well as their grades updated regularly on Powerschool. As a result, we continue to hold them accountable for their work and growth academically. Please check in with your students to ensure that they are completing their work regularly and submitting it for a grade.
Growth and Accountability Agreement:
I will complete daily work (assigned in class)
I will finish any work that was not completed in class for homework
I will come to class prepared (work completed and a charged chromebook)
I will not disrupt the learning environment, or others
I will check Canvas daily for updated assignments and due dates
I will check Powerschool regularly for grades and missing assignments
I will always try my best
I will ask for further support from my teacher is I don't understand an assignment
I will maintain a growth mind-set for my academic and personal growth and goals!!
Expectations:
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.
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.
Sports and Grades: Please ensure your student is keeping up with their work and on their best behavior. Good grades and exemplifying positive behavior is key to being able to play sports throughout the school year. Grads for S2 quarters 3 and 4 will determine Fall and Winter eligibility**
New Curriculum: We have begun a new ELA Curriculum this year called: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Literature. The material is scaffolded in a way that is easy to understand while including detailed lessons/units including: anticipatory sets, clear standards, relatable topics, a variety of genres and activities, as well as various reading and writing activities with vocabulary throughout and plenty of application (practice) of content in order to master numerous skill-sets.
Note: A digital copy of the text can be located on students' Classlink (ED with a yellow smiley face app) and include each passage we read in class, as well as several comprehension checks (assignments), and several resources.
Please encourage your students to use this resource at home to compete and classwork that was not finished, or any homework that may be assigned. It is very beneficial for students to not only take accountability for their work, but to practice skills regularly in order to master academic goals.
🧱 Supporting Standards
L.7.4 Determine and/or clarify (2) the meaning of unknown (context clues) and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials.
🎯Target Standards
RI.7.1 Cite (3) several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text
says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RI.7.3 Analyze the interactions between individuals, events (structure), and ideas in a
text (3)
RI.7.8 Trace and Evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing
whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support
the claims** (4)
✏️Writing Standards
W.7.2 Write an Informative Report/Argument (3-4) informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
W.7.5 Conduct short research projects to answer specific guiding questions (4)
The Terror and Wonder of Space” - Unit 4
This Week:
Students continue reading several anchor texts, while they Compare and Contrast the texts, while analyzing the claim within each. We will also be reviewing challenging concepts/standards from Check-in two in order to close any gaps in comprehension.
Next Week:
Students continue their deep-dive into unit four “The Terror and Wonder of Space,” where they will look at the structure of a text and how it helps develop and exude meaning within a text. They will take in-depth notes in their vocabulary journals, expand their working and academic vocabulary, utilize textual evidence to support thrift claims, and strengthen their annotation skills.
I will be covering Data-Talks next week as well with every student to discuss both their round two of Diagnostics and Check-in results. We will discuss growth and goals that need to be addressed moving forward. They will also begin to work on their Unit four group project.
Tutoring:
Tutoring for the 24/25 school year has begun. Tutoring will be held in the cafeteria each Monday and Wednesday from 3:30- 5:00 pm. Please be sure to pick up your student by no later than 5:00 on Vine st. During tutoring students will receive support in both review strategies (gamification) and homework help. Be sure to turn in your tutoring contract form to your homeroom teacher before you start. We hope to see you there!
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) in order 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, as well as, emailing them a reminder once completed. I allow a one week timeframe to make up work before an assignment becomes a zero.
Thank you parents and guardians for your continued support throughout the school year with what promises to be a successful year full of growth and achievements.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any further questions or concerns at:
SCIENCE with MS. DOWNUM:
Remote Learning:
I am proud to share that the students have been phenomenal in adapting to remote learning. Their hard work and participation has truly shone through, even in this non-traditional setting!
Check-Ins:
We have two important science check-ins coming up. The first is this Thursday, January 30, covering Matter, which we learned at the start of the year. Initially, the state did not have a test ready, so our district created one on Schoolnet. However, the state now has a test prepared, and we will be taking it this Thursday. The second check-in will focus on Earth Science, which we are currently studying. The students are very comfortable with this topic, and we will be testing on Wednesday, February 5. Please encourage your students to try their very best!
Test-Taking Tips for Parents:
To help your student succeed on the day of testing, consider the following tips:
Ensure they get a good night's sleep before the test.
Provide a healthy breakfast to fuel their brain.
Remind them to read all instructions carefully.
Encourage them to manage their time wisely during the test.
Remind them to stay calm and focused.
Quarter 3 Updates:
As we dive into Quarter 3, here are some ways you can help your student excel:
Encourage them to check PowerSchool regularly to stay on top of their grades.
If they struggle with remembering assignments, suggest keeping an agenda or planner. This can be as simple as an extra notebook to jot down due dates and assignments.
Emphasize the importance of taking ownership of their grades. This skill will benefit them not just now, but also as they transition to high school and beyond, regardless of their chosen path.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at sarahdownum@fcschools.net. Thank you for your continued support!
SOCIAL STUDIES with MR. DOWNUM:
Semester 2 has started and it is crazy to think that we are already halfway through the year. It has been a crazy few weeks so we are slowly making our way through westward expansion. This is what we will be working on for the foreseeable future.
Science Check ins:
Please make sure that the kids are prepared to have two science check-ins in as many weeks. This is going to be rough on the kids, and it is not ideal but it is the situation we’re in. The first check in is this Thursday and the other is next week.
Report Cards:
Report Cards are going home this week, please look these over with your students. You may also receive an at risk letter in the report card. This is just to inform you that your child is failing more than one class and give the student time to recover.
MATH with MS. CUNNINGHAM:
It’s wild, but we are halfway through the school year and starting semester 2! Where has the time gone? It is time for a fresh start. Please make sure your student stays on top of their work and turns in their assignments on time instead of waiting until the last week of the quarter- have your student set a personal goal to show academic improvement by the end of the third marking period.
Students took their Exact Path Middle of Year Math Diagnostic assessment last week.
Our second Math NC Check-in will be Tuesday, Feb. 18th. Remediation will occur the week of Feb. 10th-13th
We have started our unit 2b, which is still Reasoning About Equations and Angles, but in this second half of the unit the students build upon their knowledge of parallel lines from grade 6 and angle relationships from grade 7 to recognize relationships between the angles created when parallel lines are cut by a transversal. Students solve real-world and mathematical problems using equations and angles.
NC.8.G.5 Use informal arguments to analyze angle relationships.
Recognize relationships between interior and exterior angles of a triangle.
Recognize the relationships between the angles created when parallel lines are cut by a transversal.
Recognize the angle-angle criterion for similarity of triangles.
Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving angles.
Vocabulary
transversal, vertical angles, straight angle, supplementary angle, complementary angle, alternate interior angle, alternate exterior angle, corresponding angles, exterior angle theorem, adjacent angles, same side interior, same side exterior
Key Math Practice Standard(s)
MP3: Justify relationships between angles in a diagram.
MP6: Use precision to calculate the value of missing angles.
I Can Statements (Student Learning Targets)
I can identify congruent angles on two parallel lines cut by a transversal and use them to determine missing angle measurements.
I can observe that the sum of the angles in a triangle is 180 degrees.
Please have your child reviewing vocabulary from each unit on a nightly basis. On our math canvas page is a module titled vocabulary with links to activities to review vocabulary words for each and every unit that we have covered this school year. Reviewing now will help instill those words into memory instead of trying to cram them in before the EOG in June. It will help to keep those beginning of year units fresh in their brains to make those questions that much easier.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, michellecunningham@fcschools.net
ELA with MS. FROST:
We Have the Green Light for a Fresh Start (Quarter Three, 2025)!
We are entering the 3rd nine weeks, and I appreciate all your support to ensure your child is putting 100% into academics and behavior expectations based on FMS Non-Negotiables. And, it is yet another opportunity to show growth. “Growth, Growth, Growth” has been our ongoing goal. In the upcoming two weeks, students will have one on one data talks regarding the results of the 2nd Reading NC Check-In and Exact Path Benchmark results. Comparisons will be made based on the first NC Check-In and Exact Path Benchmark scores. Again, the ultimate goal is for your child to show growth. Based on overall deficits by question and standard, I will provide direct instruction via guided reading on the major gaps reported on the 2nd NC Reading Check-In data.
Third Nine Week Goal: To New Beginnings… The Start of the Third Nine Weeks!
My Challenge To You As Parents And Guardians: With the beginning of the third nine weeks, I ask that you talk to your child about successes and areas of improvement based on academic and behavior performance during the first and second nine week results of this school year and set personal goals for the next nine weeks to improve academic performance. Set goals with a plan for action! Please encourage your child not to wait till the last minute. Active engagement everyday speaks volumes!
Complete assignments on time (including time allotted during class)
Check PowerSchool daily
Check email daily for announcements
Pay close attention to due dates
Complete uncompleted work for homework
Ultimately, do not wait until the last minute (assignments close)
Ways to Support and Encourage Your Child Daily!
Please check PowerSchool and our Canvas page for the most up-to-date work assigned to your child. It has become an issue that students are not completing work as the deadline indicates on our Canvas Page. I cannot reiterate enough that the responsibility is on your child to email me with the title(s) of completed assignments completed after the due date. Otherwise, I do not know if the student went back to complete an assignment.
Curriculum: Unit Four may be extended based on online learning to ensure any gaps are addressed and closed.
HMH Curriculum: Introduction to Unit Four Titled, “The Fight for Freedom”
Texts:
“Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad”
“The Drummer Boy of Shiloh”
“Oh Captain, My Captain” with supplemental texts
Student Academic Goals:
(RL 1)
I can cite textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly.
I can cite textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of inferences drawn from the text.
(RL 2)
I can determine the central messages (theme) of a text.
I can objectively summarize a text.
I can discuss how characters' actions / dialogue determines the theme.
(RL 3)
I can analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.
(RL 4)
I can determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
Homework!
Independent Vocabulary Study… Ms. Frost’s Word Wall
Academic Vocabulary: Encourage your child to practice independently at home two times + per week.
Go to Quizlet at http://tinyurl.com/FrostEOGWordWall
Click on “Flashcards” and learn new terms
Click on “Learn” and identify correct terms and definitions
Click on “Match” to play the game
Click on “Test” to demonstrate mastery of vocabulary terms
Please contact me at annafrost@fcschools.net
ART with Mrs. CLIFTON:
Nothing like starting the new semester at home on virtual learning. A big shout out to all my students that made it! Since we are learning photography this year, and you all were at home with some beautiful snow I asked for pictures. This week we are back in the classroom, and I will be sending home both my syllabus and phone policy for parents to sign. Students do get a grade for having them signed. Thank you parents for helping with this. I am attaching the guidelines for cellphone usage in my class below. Students do not need a cellphone at school to take pictures with for my class. If a student does not have a phone I will pair them with someone that does, or I have a camera for them to use. I am looking forward to a wonderful semester and can’t wait to see the photos that are take.
GUIDELINES FOR PERMISSION:
Cell phones will be used during class for taking and editing photographs and referencing photographs.
Texting, making calls, engaging in social media, or similar is not allowed during class. The cell phone may only be used to complete class assignments.
If the cell phone is improperly used, the student will lose the privilege to use their cell phone during class and will complete bookwork instead of photography assignments.
Any damage to the cell phone during school hours is not the responsibility of the teacher or the school. The student and parents/guardians are responsible for any incurred damage.
