Trojan Update

FFC8 Families,

This year, Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 will provide free Breakfast and Lunch for all students. It is important for families to still provide income information as qualifying households may be eligible for Summer EBT benefits and students may receive discounted technology fees, summer school fees, college testing fees, and more.

Please fill out the Family Economic Data Survey online.

Hearing and Vision will be taking place for 7th graders on Tuesday October 1st and Wednesday October 2nd. Please encourage students to bring glasses to school these days. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Nurse Ball.

lball@ffc8.org

719-358-4365

Exciting news—the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! It’s a wonderful chance to bond with your child over the joy of discovering new books. Research shows that kids read more when they choose their own books, and a love of independent reading brings numerous benefits, from academic success to improved mental health.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Dates: 9 - 17 October
• Location: FMS Media Center
• Family Event Schedule: Parent Teacher Conference
• https://www.scholastic.com/bf/fountainmiddleschool
  

Visit our school’s Book Fair homepage for more details. While you're there, set up an eWallet—an easy way for your child to shop cash-free.

You’ll also have the option to contribute to Share the Fair™, which helps students in need purchase books.

I hope you’ll join us and make this a memorable reading experience for your child,

Sports

• 10/2: Girls’ Soccer vs. Falcon @ 4:15

• 10/7: Girls’ Soccer vs. Grand Mtn. @ 4:15
• 10/8: Wrestling vs. Horizon @ 4:15
• 10/9: Girls’ Soccer vs. CMJH @ 4:15
• 10/10: Wrestling @ Sproul
• 10/12: Black & Blue Wrestling Tournament @ FMS- matches start at 8:00 am
• Parent Teacher Conferences 10/17 - 10/17 - more information to come

After School Clubs & Tutoring Schedule: https://shorturl.at/fxMYW

• Monday - Thursday, 4 - 5 pm

Other Events

• 10/1 - Otus Grading System training for parents. Sign Up here. https://shorturl.at/xvUeN
• 10/3 - Beginning Choir & Band Concert
• 10/4 - FFC HS Football MS Night
• 10/5 - Choir Solo and Ensemble

• 10/8 - PTO FMS Conf. Room - 4:15 pm

• 10/24 - Fall Festival

Students are encouraged to attend after-school sporting events, but please note we don't offer transportation for spectators. Ensure your student is picked up at the venue by 6:30 p.m. Students leaving campus after school must have an adult escort to return for events.

Password Changes

Student account passwords are being reset July 15-22. If passwords don't work, use the new one. Parents/guardians can find the new password in the IC Parent Portal under "More" > "Student Email." New passwords will also be given to students at the start of school. You can contact our Help Desk (719-382-1608) for assistance (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.).

Otus Gradebook

We are excited to introduce a new system for reporting student grades called Otus.

• Why Otus: Otus replaces Infinite Campus for viewing grades, offering a more detailed picture of student learning.
• Accessing Otus: Access Otus through a link in the Infinite Campus portal, your school's website, or by visiting otus.com. Bookmark the website for easy access.
• Adding Students: Use a unique student code provided by the school to link your child to your Otus account.
• Viewing Grades: The Gradebook module shows enrolled classes, standards mastery (progress bars with color codes), and assignment details (due dates, submission type, comments).
• Filtering: Filter the Gradebook by standard or assessment for a more focused view.
• Activity Tab: This section displays notifications about class activities and upcoming/outstanding assessments.
• Reports Module: View third-party data like district, state, and national assessments (if available).
• Help & Resources: A help center is available within Otus. You can also contact your child's school or find resources linked in the video description.

For a more detailed walkthrough, watch the full video provided.

Vape Sensor

We've installed vape sensors to create a healthier learning environment for all students. Vaping is harmful and can disrupt the classroom. We want our students focused on their education, not addictive substances.

Throughout the year, we'll work with student groups to educate about the dangers of vaping. Please watch the attached video with your child to start a conversation about this important issue.

Thank you for helping us keep our campus tobacco and vape-free.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a safe and efficient carpool line. To maintain a smooth drop-off and pick-up process, please:

• Be patient and courteous to other drivers.
• Utilize the crosswalk for student drop-off and pick-up.
• Use the parking lot for longer drop-offs or unloading.
• Avoid blocking crosswalks or changing lanes within the carpool zone.
• Observe speed limits and follow traffic flow.
• Quick drop-offs: If your drop-off is quick, use the carpool line. For longer unloading, please use the parking lot.
• No trunk unloading: The carpool lane is not for unloading items from your trunk.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe!

To maximize classroom time, follow these guidelines for delivering forgotten items during the school day:

Drop off forgotten items at the table near the Attendance Secretary's office, labeled with your student's name and grade.

Students can retrieve non-classroom items during lunch. Please note that only parents or guardians can deliver personal lunches to the Attendance office; we cannot accept deliveries from businesses or organizations.

"Change happens, like housing loss, homelessness, job challenges, and resource needs. If this applies to you, contact your District Liaison for support. We offer resources like a school pantry, clothes closet, hot meals program, parent resource nights, and more. Reach out to Promis Bruno, MSW, at 719-492-8810 or pbruno@ffc8.org for assistance."

Website: https://www.ffc8.org/FMS
Location: 515 North Santa Fe Avenue, Fountain, CO, USA
Phone: 719 382 1580
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FMSTrojansFFC8/