A Message from the Principal
Dear FSUS K-8 Families,
Happy New Year! As we step into January, I’m excited to see the energy and enthusiasm our students bring as they dive back into their learning. Our teachers continue to inspire and challenge students daily, fostering both academic excellence and a strong sense of community. It’s truly a privilege to serve as principal of such a remarkable school.
This month, we are focused on new goals, fresh opportunities, and supporting each student on their journey to success. Please be on the lookout for upcoming events and activities that will continue to engage and enrich our students and families.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and for being such an important part of our FSUS family. Together, Every Student, Every Day, we are building a bright future.
Go Noles,
Principal Wilkinson
Building Connections Through Kindness: FSUS Random Acts of Kindness Week
Feeling connected to school is essential for student success. Inspired by the National Random Acts of Kindness Week, organized by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, FSUS will host our own “Random Acts of Kindness Week” from February 10th -14th to foster a positive school culture.
Under K-8 School Counselor, Mr. Gonner, students will learn that kindness is an action, not just a word, and participate in kindness challenges and activities. Families can join in by encouraging kind actions at home. Together, we can help every student feel valued and supported! More information and tips for fostering kindness will be in the February edition of the Nole Navigator.
MS Positive Discipline: Building a Respectful and Supportive School Community
Coach Julius Harley, Dean of Discipline, is excited to share the progress and positive results we’ve seen from implementing Positive Discipline practices in middle school. The focus of this approach is to foster a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment where students can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
What is Positive Discipline?
Positive Discipline is a proactive approach that emphasizes mutual respect, accountability, and problem-solving. It teaches students to understand the consequences of their actions and make better choices while building important life skills like empathy, responsibility, and self-regulation.
Key Goals for the First Semester:
- Building Respectful Relationships: Our staff has been working closely with students to build strong relationships based on trust, respect, and open communication.
- Encouraging Responsibility: Students are learning how to take ownership of their behavior and decisions. They are encouraged to reflect on their actions and the impact they have on others.
- Conflict Resolution: We’ve introduced tools like restorative circles and peer mediation to help students resolve conflicts peacefully and learn how to address problems constructively.
- Positive Reinforcement: We’ve celebrated students who model positive behavior through awards, shout-outs, and school-wide recognitions.
Classroom Strategies & Activities:
- Morning Meetings: Teachers have been starting each day with watching the morning announcements and reciting our school pledge.
- Behavior Plans: For students who need additional support, individualized behavior plans are helping them set clear goals and track their progress.
Impact So Far:
- Improved Student Behavior: Teachers have reported a decrease in disruptive behaviors, as students are now more mindful of their actions and the classroom community.
- Increased Engagement: Students are more actively involved in their learning, showing a greater willingness to participate and take responsibility for their work.
- Stronger Peer Relationships: Many students have expressed how they are better able to communicate and resolve conflicts with their peers, which has led to a more positive school culture overall.
Looking Ahead:
In the second semester, we plan to continue reinforcing these positive practices while introducing new opportunities for growth. Students will continue to have the opportunity to earn positive badges and attend the MS Badge Celebration! Our first badge celebration was a success and we look to improve each one as the school year continues.
We’re grateful for the support of our wonderful school community and look forward to seeing even more positive growth in the second half of the school year. Thank you for helping us create a positive, respectful learning environment for all students!
FSUS Library: Where Learning Comes to Life
Our library is truly the hub of our school, a place where students explore new worlds and discover a love of learning. Under Ms. Underhill’s leadership, the library has become a dynamic space that inspires curiosity and growth.
We’re thrilled to share that last month alone, we circulated an impressive number of books! Whether it’s helping students find their next favorite story or assisting with research, Ms. Underhill ensures every visit to the library is meaningful.
Ask your student about their latest library discovery, and let’s celebrate this cornerstone of our FSUS community together! Look at for our upcoming Book Fair February 10-14th!
Growing Minds: K-5 Academic Highlights
With the guidance of Ms. Helms, Elementary Academic Dean, the first semester of the school year has been a wonderful journey of growth, learning, and achievement for our students and staff! From mastering new skills to building lasting friendships, our elementary school community has worked together to make these months truly special. A big thank you to our dedicated teachers, supportive families, and hardworking students for making this semester a success!
First Semester Honor Roll
Congratulations to our incredible elementary students who earned a spot on the Honor Roll by achieving all A’s and B’s this past semester! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to learning have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of your achievements.
We are equally proud of all our students, regardless of whether they made the Honor Roll. Many have shown remarkable growth and improvement from one quarter to the next, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to doing their best. To every student who has worked hard this semester: you are amazing, and your efforts do not go unnoticed. Keep striving for excellence, and remember that every step forward is a step toward success!
Kindergarten: 85 Honor Roll Students
1st Grade: 86 Honor Roll Students
2nd Grade: 73 Honor Roll Students
3rd Grade: 47 Honor Roll Students
4th Grade: 86 Honor Roll Students
5th Grade: 59 Honor Roll Students
Outstanding PM2 Testing
We are thrilled to share the exciting progress our students are making! Our proficiency (level 3 or higher) percentages continue to rise, reflecting the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the support of our families. This growth highlights our commitment to academic excellence and the success of our strategies in meeting each student’s needs. Check out the chart below to see our impressive improvement in action!
Homework Tips
Homework time can be a positive and productive experience with a few simple strategies!
· Set up a quiet, well-lit workspace for your child, free from distractions like TVs or loud noises.
· Establish a consistent homework routine, so your child knows when and where to focus each day.
· Encourage short breaks for longer assignments to help them stay refreshed and motivated.
· Most importantly, be available for support, but let your child take the lead to build confidence and independence.
· Celebrate their efforts and accomplishments to keep them encouraged!
Spring Testing Dates at a Glance
Mar. 18-Mar. 31, 2025 iReady Diagnostics (Reading & Math) (Grades K-5)
April 3, 2025 B.E.S.T. Writing (Grades 4-5)
May 1, 2025 FAST PM3 Reading (Grades 1-5)
May 6, 2025 FAST PM3 Math (Grades 1-5)
May 8, 2025 5th Grade Science
Celebrating Middle School Academic Success and Looking Ahead
I want to take a moment to celebrate the remarkable academic achievements of our middle school students. Their dedication, effort, and enthusiasm for learning have been truly inspiring. These successes reflect not only their commitment to excellence but also the vital partnership between our families, educators, and school community, all working together to create a supportive environment for growth. Coach Lisa Kelley, our Academic Dean, is an incredible support system for our middle school students. Her dedication to their success, both academically and personally, ensures they feel encouraged and empowered every step of the way.
Highlights of Academic Growth
This semester, our students have demonstrated exceptional progress across all subject areas. From mastering complex math concepts to exploring scientific ideas and engaging with rich literature, their passion for learning shines through. Improved test scores, meaningful participation in class discussions, and their eagerness to rise to new challenges are just a few examples of their hard work paying off.
Gratitude for Our Faculty and Staff
These accomplishments would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of our outstanding teachers and staff. Their passion for education and tireless support empower our students to thrive. We are profoundly grateful for their efforts to foster a learning environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, and achievement.
Looking Ahead to the Second Semester
As we transition into the second semester, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. With continued determination, creativity, and perseverance, we are confident that our students will achieve even greater success in the months to come.
Upcoming Dates to Note
- March 18–31, 2025: Diagnostic 2 i-Ready
- April 3, 2025: B.E.S.T. Writing
- May 1, 2025: FAST PM3 Reading
- May 6, 2025: FAST PM3 Math and FAST PM3 Algebra/Geometry B.E.S.T.
- May 8, 2025: Civics EOC, 8th Grade Science Test, Biology EOC
Elementary PE Department Builds Community at the Jingle Bell Run
The FSUS Elementary PE Department helped bring our school community together this December by participating in the annual Jingle Bell Run in downtown Tallahassee! This festive event was a fantastic way to stay active, spread holiday cheer, and showcase our Florida High pride. Students, families, and staff joined the fun, running and walking alongside their FSUS classmates, teachers and Principal Wilkinson. Many dressed in festive holiday attire—jingle bells, reindeer antlers, and plenty of red and green added to the cheerful atmosphere!
The Jingle Bell Run wasn’t just a race; it was a celebration of community spirit, healthy habits, and holiday joy. The FSUS team made lasting memories and brought energy and enthusiasm to this wonderful event.
NEHS Members Spread Holiday Cheer in Elementary Classrooms
The National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) members brought the spirit of giving and joy to life this holiday season by volunteering in elementary classrooms just before Winter Break. These dedicated students spent time interacting with younger peers, creating special moments by reading books aloud and assisting with holiday-themed crafts. Their efforts not only brightened the day for the students they visited but also fostered a sense of community and mentorship within our school.
Thank you to our sponsors, Ms. Jackson and Ms. Gagnier, and our NEHS members for exemplifying leadership and kindness. Your time and efforts made a meaningful impact, spreading holiday cheer throughout our campus!
Middle School Science Labs: A Hands-On Exploration of the World Around Us
Our middle school students have been immersed in dynamic science labs, exploring key scientific concepts through engaging, hands-on experiences.
With Ms. Carla Evans, students have been investigating physical and chemical properties and changes, where they’re actively observing and testing materials to understand how substances interact and transform. These labs are sparking curiosity and deepening their understanding of the world at a molecular level.
In Ms. Michelle Rivera’s class, students have been calculating and describing how distance and time relate to speed. Through experiments and problem-solving, they are gaining practical insights into how these fundamental concepts affect movement and energy in our everyday lives.
Meanwhile, Ms. Avital McQuigg’s class took a fascinating dive into anatomy with a sheep brain dissection. By examining the brain’s structure and function, students gained valuable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the human nervous system.
These exciting science labs are not only enhancing our students’ knowledge but also encouraging them to think critically and creatively, making science come alive in the most meaningful ways!
4-H Speech Contest Winner: Advancing to Districts!
We are excited to announce that select students in grades 4, 5, or 6 participated in the 4-H Speech Contest at Florida State University School! This accomplishment highlights their hard work, creativity, and exceptional public speaking abilities.
In this contest, students delivered speeches on a variety of topics, and impressed the judges with their clear communication, organization, and engaging delivery. Their outstanding performance earned them the title of their class winner. Participants in our school contest were:
4th and 5th Grade Speeches
Treneil Williams “My Favorite Cruise”
Emily Meggs “Some Presidents and Some Rules”
Rhett Witter “Why New York is the Best” (2nd place)
Kenzie Allen “I Hate Money”
Marshall Lewis “Chemolithoatrophy”
Sydney Brown “Annoying Pop-Up Ads” (3rd place)
Nathan Holmes “What Makes a Good Book”
Alexa Meikenhous” Books”
Elizabeth Prosser “What Makes My Mom So Special”
Evan Ripple “The 3 Benefits of YouTube”
6th Grade Speeches
Thaswika Veerapureddy “Flexible Seating” (2nd place)
Maie Moody “Life Lessons in IEA”
Nikila Konidala “Around the World in 30 Minutes”
Benjamin ‘Benji’ Watts: “Why You Should Do Track”
Lena Thomas: “Give Us Reasons”
Adhya Goly: “Pollution” (3rd place)
Congratulations to Nathan Holmes and Maie Moody as the winners of our 2024 4H Speech Contest! As the 4-H Speech Contest champions, they will move on to the district competition, representing our school with pride. We wish them the best of luck in this next exciting step and look forward to seeing their continued success.
Golden Apple Teacher Award: CynClaire Flanagan, 2nd grade Teacher
Ms. Flanagan has quickly established herself as an invaluable member of the FSUS family! Her ability to navigate centers and small groups with the confidence and skill of a seasoned professional makes it hard to believe this is her first year. She has seamlessly integrated math small groups into her daily routine, ensuring every student receives personalized instruction while others remain actively engaged and independently following classroom procedures.
Before the holiday break, Ms. Flanagan went above and beyond by transforming her classroom into the enchanting Polar Express. This creative touch not only brought joy to her students but also made learning an unforgettable experience, sparking wonder and excitement during a special time of year.
Her kindness, dependability, and unwavering dedication to her students and colleagues are evident in everything she does. Ms. Flanagan’s passion for education and her commitment to creating a positive and engaging learning environment have already left a lasting impact on our campus.
Congratulations, Ms. Flanagan, on this well-deserved recognition! Your hard work and heartfelt contributions are deeply appreciated.
Celebrating Ms. Deana Davis, January Middle School Golden Apple Winner!
Ms. Deana Davis is truly a standout member of our middle school team, and we are so fortunate to have her at FSUS! Her unwavering dedication to her students’ success is evident in every lesson she teaches. By carefully targeting key skills and addressing individual learning needs, Ms. Davis creates an environment where every student feels supported and challenged to grow.
She has a unique ability to make math both relevant and engaging, sparking her students’ curiosity and pushing them to exceed their expectations. Her passion for the subject inspires students to approach even the most difficult concepts with confidence, knowing they can achieve more than they thought possible.
Ms. Davis is a natural motivator who balances high academic standards with a nurturing and supportive approach. Her students know they are not only challenged to excel but are also supported by someone who believes in them every step of the way. She is their biggest cheerleader, always rooting for their success, and it’s this combination of encouragement and rigor that makes her such a powerful force in their academic journey.
Congratulations, Ms. Davis, on this well-deserved recognition! Your passion for teaching and commitment to your students make our school a brighter place every day.
Supporting Student Success: I-Ready My Path at Home
One easy way to support your student’s growth at home is by encouraging them to work on their I-Ready My Path lessons. These individualized reading and math lessons, available for all K-8 students, are accessible through Clever. Just log in, click the I-Ready icon, and students can engage with lessons designed specifically for their learning needs.
While "Teacher Assigned" lessons reinforce current grade-level content, My Path lessons serve a different purpose. Based on each student’s most recent diagnostic test from September, My Path lessons are tailored to address skill areas from previous years where they may need reinforcement, or even to introduce more advanced concepts when students are ready to go beyond their grade level.
Every learner is unique, and My Path provides a personalized approach to support their individual progress. Engaging in these lessons at home can be an effective way to reinforce classroom learning and build a stronger foundation for continued success in both reading and math. Please contact your child's math teacher with any questions.
K-8 Dismissal Procedures
Elementary Walkers & Bike riders: Students who are walking home or riding their bikes are permitted to walk to the back gate with Special Area teacher, Ms. Curtin. It is expected that these students promptly exit the campus and head home, rather than lingering outside the gate.
K-8 Car riders: All students who are car riders should go to the front car loop to wait for their ride. Elementary students can only be picked up at the back gate if they are accompanied by a secondary student. The secondary student must present a car tag to pick up the elementary student from the front car loop before both students proceed to the back gate.
We appreciate your assistance in helping us keep all students safe. If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact Jaye Corbett, jcorbett@fsu.edu.
FortifyFL Parent Training Video: Important Safety Reminder
We encourage all parents to review the FortifyFL training video with their students to ensure they understand the importance of using this tool responsibly. FortifyFL allows students to report suspicious activity and concerns safely and anonymously, helping to keep our school community secure. Please take a few moments to watch the video together and reiterate the importance of making only valid reports, as false claims can disrupt the safety efforts and resources dedicated to protecting our school.
Thank you for your partnership in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for everyone at FSUS.