

The Firebird Focus
2024-2025
March 2025
Greetings Firebirds!
As we begin March and feel the first hints of spring's arrival, I wanted to share some important updates with you. First, I'm delighted to share that our recent FLVS Career Fair & Expo was a resounding success. We had incredible participation from industry professionals and businesses across the state. My sincere thanks to Amber, Kaleigh, and everyone who facilitated the engaging Zoom sessions. This event was a significant undertaking, and I truly appreciate the time and effort invested by all of you. I personally attended several sessions and was impressed by the valuable experiences you provided for our students.
For the second semester, we launched the SPR Dash, a crucial tool for closely monitoring student progress. We've been thrilled to see so many of you become proficient in using Power BI for both homeroom and content area monitoring. It's vital that everyone gains comfort with this system, as it will be our primary monitoring tool moving forward. To support this, we will be offering refresher training sessions during our post-Spring Break professional development time for anyone who still needs assistance. Please take advantage of this opportunity, as after this school year, the current spreadsheet will be discontinued, making the SPR Dash and Power BI essential for effective student support.
As we look back on the progress we've made this year and prepare for the final push, let's remember that obstacles are simply chances to cultivate strength and resourcefulness. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely stated, "That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do—not that the nature of the thing has changed, but that our ability to do has increased." This emphasizes the importance of building our students' capacity for self-reliance and adaptability, skills that will empower them to navigate any future challenges with confidence. And just as we strive to foster growth in our students, we must also prioritize our own professional development. Embracing challenges allows us to refine our teaching methods, expand our knowledge, and ultimately, increase our effectiveness as educators. This continuous growth ensures we remain equipped to provide our students with the best possible learning experience.
Finally, and most importantly, I want to express my gratitude for your dedication, tireless efforts, and collaborative spirit. It is an immense honor to serve as your principal. I am continually inspired by your commitment to our students and your passion for education. You are the heart of our Firebird family, and your contributions are invaluable. Teachers lead students to success!
As we look forward to Spring Break later this month, I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. Whether you're planning a vacation or simply taking time for personal reflection, I hope you all return refreshed and ready for the final quarter.
Remember, it's great to be a Firebird, and I am confident that together, we will finish this school year strong and achieve great things for our students. Your hard work is the foundation upon which their successes are built.
Warm Regards,
Suzanna Pacheco
Principal, FVHS
February 2025 TOA F2F
Our recent in-person event was truly a highlight! It was wonderful to connect with everyone, reflecting on our progress, learning together, and strategically planning for student success. Beyond the productive sessions, it was a genuine pleasure to simply relax and enjoy each other's company. Thank you for making it such a memorable and valuable experience.
February Firebird Flame of Excellence
Looking Ahead this Month
- Thursday, March 6th: FVHS Staff Meeting at 12:30 PM
- Friday, March 7th: NHS Induction Ceremony at 12 PM
- Tuesday, March 11th: School Based Leadership Team Meeting at 9:30 AM
- Thursday, March 13th: PLC meetings at 1 PM
- Friday, March 14th: Literacy Leadership Team Meeting at 11:30 AM
- Monday, March 17th through Friday, March 21st: Spring Break
- Thursday, March 27th: Professional Development Sessions at 1 PM
- Thursday, April 3rd: FVHS Staff Meeting at 12:30 PM
Instructional Coaches
Spring Break is right around the corner. As you are pushing towards your much deserved break, please let us know how we can support you. Take a peek at our ISC March Update for shoutouts, reminders, PDs and more. Remember to schedule a chat with us by using our booking links available on the Coaching Connection website.
Family Engagement Updates
We will continue our College Tours this Spring. Please share these opportunities with parents during Monthly Homeroom Calls. Thank you for continuing to teach our families how to access information about the opportunities we provide. Please continue to direct families to the Week at a Glance and Family Resource Center. The WAAG is linked for you in the Monday morning calendar invite in Outlook, as well as in the Focus announcements.
School Counselor Corner
Please visit the FVHS School Counseling site which includes lots of information about college and career planning, graduation requirements, community service/ work hours, and more. Please be sure to bookmark the site and refer to it often as it will answer many questions.
We have begun course registration for the 2025-2026 school year and that will run through March 12th. School counselors have been hosting course selection webinars and will host one more on March 11th. Links to join sessions can be found here.
A Fall 2025 Dual Enrollment Webinar was held by Ms. Chu, our DE coordinator on January 16. Please view the recording here.
Families can visit our Dual Enrollment site for information about our partner colleges, eligibility requirements, steps to apply, and deadlines.
Please visit our of scholarship site for information on scholarships, financial aid, and other educational opportunities that have been shared with us to advertise to FVHS students.
School counselors host Counselor Café sessions on a variety of topics to support student success. Information on topics and links to join sessions can be found HERE.
School counselors host Friendship Crew for grades 9 and 10 on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at 12:30. The next Friendship Crew meeting is March 13th.
FVHS MTSS & Intervention
Get to know the MTSS/RtI A Programs!
Did you know….
…..All RtI A - Tier 2 ELA students have access to Achieve 3000, a reading program with strong evidence of effectiveness, that uses high interest non-fiction text to support good reading habits. Learn more here. Contact any of our Reading Intervention Instructors with questions.
…..All Algebra 1, Geometry and T3 Math students have access to IXL for Math support. In as little as 10 minutes a day, students can improve their math skills with supplemental practice; additionally, the program provides immediate feedback and scaffolding. Learn more here. Contact any of our Math Intervention Instructors with questions.
….Every student in our school has access to Progress Learning for Test Preparation, including End of Course Exams. Learn more here. Contact Megan Dahlquist or Stephanie Fabela with questions.
….For juniors and seniors who have not met their graduation requirement for reading or math, Ignite Sessions are held each week. Participating students will learn about concordant scores and targeted study plans to prepare for ACT, CLT, and SAT testing to meet that graduation requirement. Contact Stephanie Fabela or Missy Verville for more information.
T2 Documentation
Having trouble navigating the Tier 2 documentation process? Reach out anytime and set up a time to talk all things Tier 2. Ping Sarah Taylor on Teams or send an email to discuss your practices, log some supports, or answer any questions you may have while learning this new and important process.
Full Time Public Schools Department News
Interactive Literacy Calendar
- Are you interested in deepening your practice and providing a literacy-rich environment for your learners? Your literacy coach is happy to help you! Please visit this Reading Room and explore the links and resources provided. Want to learn more? Book your literacy coach using the calendly link provided in the reading room!
- Did you know the FLVS Family Literacy Site creates a monthly interactive calendar for Secondary Students? Take a look at all the Family Literacy Resources HERE !
Student Services
- Click HERE for the Student Services Week at a Glance
- March 26th at 12:00 Spring Cleaning for your Mental Health (Pathways # 23851): Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home but can also be for your mind, body, and spirit. Decluttering some of our old habits and rejuvenating positive endeavors, such as creative projects, will help us start the new spring season refreshed. In this session, we will review how to start healthy habits, let go of the past and regrets, cultivate creativity to have positive mental health, and improve your overall well-being! This session is focused on supporting self-care for educators.
- April 4th at 11:30 Positive Psychology: Recap and Wrap-Up (#23640): In this session we will review the previously learned skills of three blessings, signature strengths, active constructive responding, savoring, kindness, getting out of thinking traps and mindfulness. We will discuss what strategies work and which ones don't as well as which ones they’d like to improve upon. Takeaways will be discussed. This session is focused on supporting self-care for educators.
ESOL
Learning & Development
Here is your monthly preview from the world of Learning and Development!
Professional Development Opportunities Interactive calendar (be sure to bookmark) and our *updated* OnDemand Library
Professional Development On-Demand
Did you know that the L&D team has a Microlearning video library available for instructors aligned to the FLVS handbook? Topics in production: Strong start, Timely grading, motivating students, availability at work.
March PD Calendar
For the most up-to-date information, be sure to bookmark the Monthly PD Menu