The Falcon Reporter

It is our pleasure to announce that Shedonna Mark has been selected as our Fowler Middle School Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year.

Shedonna has consistently demonstrated excellence in her teaching practices, focusing on meeting the diverse needs of all her students. Her commitment to advocacy ensures that every student feels supported and valued, creating an inclusive environment where learning can thrive. In addition to her classroom achievements, Shedonna has shown remarkable leadership within our staff. She has taken the initiative to lead professional learning sessions, sharing her expertise and inspiring us all to adopt relationship-centered learning practices.

If you would like a Fowler Yearbook this year you must order before January 31st. Click this link to order today:

https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01098308

See Document below for more info.

Fowler Needs Your OLD BATTERIES!

January 27-31: FISD kicks off its Battery Recycling Drive this month, so gather your old batteries from the holidays and send them to Fowler. Help us by dropping off your batteries by the end of the month, or send to Fowler with your students; the designated collection area is in the Fowler front entry foyer. Last year our campus was the district leader in recycling batteries. Thank you for your participation, students and families!

We want YOU on our 7th and 8th grade squads! NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! We will teach you everything!

Cheer Tryout Packets with important district information will be given out VERY SOON! Stay tuned!

Fowler Cheerleading Try-Out Information Important Dates, 2025-2026

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Monday, February 24th Cheerleading Parent Meeting @ 5:30pm in the FMS Library (student and parent must attend) COME LEARN ABOUT THE FUN

Friday, March 7th by 3:45pm - Cheerleading Tryout Paperwork Due. (Cheerleading Acknowledgement Form, Medical Release, Inherent Risk Sheet, Concussion Form)

Friday, March 14th – Try Out Cheer, Chant, and Dance posted on Fowler Cheerleading Website to learn over Spring Break in preparation for the tryout clinic.

Wednesday, March 26, Thursday, March 27, Friday, March 28 Cheer Clinic 3:50pm-6pm FMS Competition gym

Tuesday, April 1st Try Outs with NCA Judges at FOWLER MIDDLE SCHOOL beginning 4pm-5pm.

Friday, April 4th at 6pm FMS 2025-2026 Cheerleaders announced on Fowler Cheerleading Website! Good Luck Everyone!

Monday, April 7th at 5:30pm New Squad Parent Meeting in Coach B’s Classroom

Please email the Fowler Cheerleading Coaches with any questions! We want YOU on our squads! Boys and girls are BOTH welcomed and encouraged!

• Lindsey Bianchin bianchil@friscoisd.org
• Abby Frizzell frizzella@friscoisd.org
• Laurie Worman wormanl@friscoisd.org

CHEERS!

In sixth grade ILA, students will begin Unit 3: Exploration where they will read various texts that center around our essential questions: “What does it mean to explore or be an explorer?” and “What are the character traits of a successful explorer?” Throughout the nine weeks, students will deepen their understanding of character analysis by reading, writing, speaking, listening, and presenting. They will read and evaluate various genres, and at the end of Unit 3, students will write a piece that focuses on what it means to be an explorer and the traits necessary for exploration.

In science, we will learn about both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors in ecosystems and how biotic factors interact with other biotic factors and abiotic factors. The structural levels of ecosystems from individual organisms to entire ecosystems will be covered. We will also discuss characteristics of organisms, such as how they gain nutrition, if they are unicellular or multicellular, etc. Students. will also learn about how modern cell theory was developed. After learning about organisms and environments, we will delve into earth's structure and managing resources.

To start off the new semester in math, 6th graders will be starting Unit 6 covering order of operations and equations & inequalities. A great way to help students see this in the real world is to work through problems involving grocery shopping where they have to buy multiple items.

In 6th grade social studies, students will complete their study of Russia and the Eurasian Republics. Students will then continue their journey around the world by studying the geography, history and cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the effects of rapid urbanization.

Texas history classes have been traveling back in time to when Texas is finally annexed and becomes the 28th state in the United States to when Texas seceded from the Union in the year 1861 and the Civil War begins. Students learned about the battles and other events that took place in Texas during this time, and are now learning how Texas was reconstructed.

7th graders will start the 2nd semester with module 4 Geometry - covering similar figures, area, volume, and surface area. This will take us through the end of February. Module 5 is our last module and it will cover data analysis, probability, and financial literacy. STAAR review will begin after module 5.

In ILA, we are beginning Unit 3 and discussing the unit Essential Question which is, "What can people learn from change?" Students will be writing analytical essays and focusing on themes which are supported by examples and evidence. They will also be creating their own "theme parks" later in the unit which is always challenging and fun. Please encourage your student to read outside of class to help expand their writing skills and vocabulary--the science proves it makes a huge difference in their academic success!

We are wrapping up our solar system unit, where students explored the physical properties, locations, and movements of celestial bodies like planets, moons, and comets, and analyzed how gravity governs motion in our solar system. We also examined Earth's unique characteristics that support life. Next, we’ll dive into water and human activity, analyzing how our actions impact groundwater, surface water, and ocean systems, and exploring the balance between our dependence on and influence over these vital resources.

ILA students ended 2024 on a high note, understanding the importance of research and societal topics. Students participated in high-level, engaging Inquiry-Based Learning as they explored various issues and viewpoints. The new year will focus on enhancing effective communication when taking a stand.

They will apply Future Ready Learner characteristics into the carefully designed lessons for marking period 3!

The Fowler 8th Grade Scientists are concluding their cosmic journey through the universe and setting their sights back on Earth! Over the next nine weeks, they’ll dive into the fascinating world of cells to uncover the secrets of life, explore how traits are inherited, and investigate how species adapt to survive. Finally, they’ll zoom out to examine ecosystems, learning how biodiversity and population changes impact energy flow and the balance of nature. Through hands-on activities and thought-provoking discussions, students will connect the microscopic to the macroscopic, exploring the incredible interconnections of life on Earth!

Finally, as we kick off the third quarter, our 8th graders are exploring Andrew Jackson’s presidency, westward expansion and the Civil War!

As we begin the second semester of the school year, there are some important dates that the counselors would like you to be aware of once we return from winter break.

Our Frisco Family Services Food Drive will be one of the first big events of second semester, February 3-7, 2025. We will promote this on social media and through school messenger, along with other ways of donating, when the drive officially begins on January 29th. Please mark the dates on your calendar and thank you for supporting our community.

Course Selection for 2025-26 School Year

Also, we have several important course selection dates coming up for our students in January. Please look over the dates and information below so that you can be involved in your student’s registration process for the 2024-2025 school year.

6TH TO 7TH GRADE Course Selection

January 17, 2025 – Fowler Students and parents will receive an informational presentation and all documents needed to complete the course selection process.

January 31, 2025 – Deadline for entering 2024-25 course requests in Home Access Center and returning course cards to your 6th grade Social Studies teacher.

7th grade A-M/Kristin Cabaniss – Cabanisk@friscoisd.org

7th grade N-Z/Andrea Wolf – WolfAn@friscoisd.org

7th TO 8TH GRADE Course Selection

January 17, 2025 – Fowler Students and parents will receive an informational presentation and all documents needed to complete the course selection process

January 31, 2025 – Deadline for entering 2024-25 course requests in Home Access Center and returning course cards to your 7th grade Science Teacher.

All 8th Graders/Andrea Wolf – WolfAn@friscoisd.org

8TH TO 9TH GRADE Course Selection

January 16, 2025 - High School Counselors individually visiting w/students during ILA classes

Character Traits of the Month

January – Self Control is doing what is best despite short term temptations. Self-control powerfully predicts academic and professional achievement, physical and emotional well-being, and positive social relationships.

February – Emotional Intelligence is understanding your feelings and using them wisely. It allows us to empathize with others, self-regulate our own emotions, and build better relationships.

March – Grit is showing passion and perseverance for long term goals. Grit will help you persist to reach your full potential.

The spring Scholastic Book Fair is February 3rd-7th! Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them to become bolder, prouder, and stronger readers. AND—as always—every book they buy earns rewards for our school.

While we still accept cash, cards, and checks, we would love to encourage you to try eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases by simply prepaying an amount of your choosing by credit card. When your student comes to the fair to shop, they’ll just need to let the cashier know they have a personal eWallet, and we’ll use those funds to pay for the purchase. Any amount left over can be used at the next book fair!

Email Mrs. Laferriere with any questions at laferrm@friscoisd.org.

Dear 6th Grade Parent/Guardian,

In preparation for 6th graders to enter 7th grade, there are 2 immunizations required by the State of Texas. The specific 7th grade immunizations your student will need are:

Tdap – last dose must be within the last 5 years

Meningococcal Vaccine – given on or after the 11th birthday

If you have not turned in the updated shot record to school after your child’s 11th year old checkup, please do so as soon as possible. You are more than welcome to email the record to tsaiv@friscoisd.org.

If your child needs those shots, please make sure to email the updated record to me as soon as possible. Student will not be able to view his/her 7th grade schedule when it is available or start school in August unless the immunization record is up to date.

Please congratulate the following students:

3rd place: Anika Tiwari 8th grade

2nd place: Vanya Agarwal 7th grade

1st place winner: Aditya Abburu 6th grade

Aditya will move on to represent Fowler in the Frisco ISD Spelling Bee in January.

Frisco ISD is hiring crossing guards. See flyer below for more information.