Trojan Update

Big news! Fountain Middle School has officially been named a Purple Star School by the Colorado Department of Education! 💜

This award recognizes the school’s strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and families. From student transition support to dedicated staff and resources, FMS is proud to stand with those who serve. #PurpleStarSchool #FFC8Family #TodaysMissionFutureReady #MilitaryConnected

For the safety and care of all students, our campus opens at 8:10 AM. Students should not be on campus before this time unless they are participating in a supervised before-school activity. Families who need early drop-off options are encouraged to consider enrolling in the YMCA Middle School Program, which provides care for students who need to arrive before 8:10 AM. Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our students safe.

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 May 19 - 20. 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 summer break.

Final exams play an important role in evaluating students' knowledge. They also help our teachers plan and make adjustments 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!

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

• After school clubs will begin January 13.

1. 4/15 - Multicultural Night
2. NJHS - Meeting
3. 4/22 - PTO, 4 pm
4. 4/22 - Vaping PRevention Family Education Night (See Flyer Below)

• Athletics

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.

Immunization reports and exemptions

The health office team is working on sending home non-compliant letters for students with missing or incomplete immunization records on file at school. Most incomplete records are due to the Tdap vaccine.

Colorado law requires students who are entering sixth grade to receive a tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. Please reach out to Nurse Ball for questions 719-358-4365/ lball@ffc8.org.

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/