Trojan Update

We invite you to join us for our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences, a great opportunity to celebrate your child's progress and collaborate on their growth. Conferences will be held on:

• October 16: 7:15 AM – 7:00 PM

• October 17: 7:15 AM – 11:00 AM

• 8th grade, electives, and special education will have walk-in conferences.

• 6th and 7th grades are by appointment. Please use the SignUpGenius link to schedule a time.

Please note: Teachers will be unavailable from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM for lunch and 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM for dinner.

We look forward to partnering with you!

Sign Ups will become available 10/8 at 4 pm. Use this link to sign up. https://sugeni.us/VSPM

Fountain Middle School is seeking your input on our school counseling services to include academic, college/career, and social-emotional supports. Please click the link below and share your feedback on the ways in which our counseling department supports your student(s) and ways that we can continue to improve. We greatly value and appreciate your insights. The survey should take 15-20 minutes to complete.

• Parents - https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/veD4EK

As we look ahead to the end of the semester, we want to inform you about our upcoming middle school semester final exams, which will take place from December 16th to 18th. Students will take no more than two exams per day, with exams in all classes, including electives.

Attendance is expected for all exams, and we encourage families to plan accordingly as this is the last week of school before the holiday break.

Final exams play an important role in evaluating students' knowledge from the first semester. They also help our teachers plan and make adjustments for the second semester to better support student learning and success.

We understand you may have questions as we approach this time, and we are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any clarification or further information.

Thank you for your continued support in helping your child succeed!

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

• 10/7: 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
• 10/12: STEM & Drone Competition, Mesa Ridge HS
  
• 10/15: Girls’ Soccer @ Skyview
• 10/15: Wrestling vs. CMJH @ 4:15
• 10/16: Girls’ Soccer vs. Horizon @ 4:15

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

• Monday - Thursday, 4 - 5 pm

Other Events

• FALL BREAK10/14 - 10/18

• 10/7 - OTUS Gradebook Training

• 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/