The FMS Family Newsletter #4
October 29th, 2024
We S.O.A.R. at Faribault Middle School
Dear Parents of Faribault Middle School Students,
We are excited to share the positive impact that PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is having on our school culture at FMS! PBIS is a proactive approach that teaches and reinforces positive behaviors, creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. Thanks to this initiative, we have seen a considerable decrease in student referrals to the office compared to last year. Our students are thriving, and our school culture continues to grow more positive and inclusive each day. Thank you for supporting us in creating a welcoming and respectful environment at Faribault Middle School!
Warm regards,
Faribault Middle School Administration
FMS Attendance Line
Dear Parents,
We’d like to remind you of the importance of calling in if your child is unable to attend school for the day. This helps us ensure every student’s safety and keeps our records accurate. Please call our attendance line at 507-333-6302 to report any absences. Thank you for your cooperation!
Quarter One End Date: Thursday, October 31st
As the quarter ends this Thursday, we encourage you to check in on your child’s grades and progress. To ensure academic success, it’s important that all missing work is submitted and any outstanding summative assessments are completed. Thank you for supporting your child in finishing the quarter strong!
FMS Conferences
Dear Families,
We warmly invite you to join us for our upcoming drop-in conferences! This is a great opportunity to connect with teachers, discuss your child’s progress, and share in their accomplishments. Please feel free to stop by on Friday, Nov. 1st from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM or on Thursday, Nov. 7th from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you there!
Graduating from Faribault Middle School
Graduation Eligibility Policy
Purpose: This policy outlines the criteria for students to be eligible for 8th-grade graduation, focusing on academic performance, behavior, and attendance.
1. Academic Requirements:
Students must pass all academic classes, including Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Electives.
Semester Grade Calculation: If a student fails a class during one quarter but earns a passing grade in the next, and the semester average results in a passing grade, the student is considered eligible for graduation and the quarter grade does not count.
Progression and Failures:
6th graders are allowed to fail up to three classes and still progress to the next grade.
7th graders are allowed to fail up to two classes.
8th graders may fail only one class. Failure of more than one class may result in ineligibility for graduation unless special circumstances are approved by administration.
2. Behavior and Office Referrals:
Students must demonstrate appropriate behavior as outlined in the school’s code of conduct.
Frequent or severe office referrals may result in a review of the student’s eligibility to graduate.
Chronic or severe infractions (e.g., bullying, violence, or continued disruption) that call for suspensions may lead to ineligibility for graduation unless improvement is shown and documented through a behavior plan.
3. Tardiness and Attendance:
Students are expected to be on time to all classes. Chronic tardiness (defined as being tardy 10 or more times per semester) may result in ineligibility for graduation.
Excessive unexcused absences or truancy will be considered when reviewing a student’s eligibility, particularly if attendance affects academic performance.
4. Administrative Review:
In certain cases, students may appeal to the administration for a review of their eligibility. Special circumstances, such as medical or family issues, may be taken into account.
5. Communication and Support:
Teachers, counselors, and administrators will regularly monitor students at risk of failing or receiving frequent office referrals. Early intervention strategies will be implemented to support students in meeting graduation requirements.
Our Busy Classrooms 📚
Our front cover winner was Adalynn Aguirre.
Our back cover winner was Violet Hernandez.
Our 7th graders just finished their Bicycle Safety unit.
Walk! Bike! Fun! is funded through MN DoT’s Safe Routes to School Program. Their goal is to increase safety of youth pedestrians and bicyclists.
Thanks to our community volunteers for helping make this experience possible for our students.
Music Time🎵🎶
We are excited to welcome you to our upcoming music events! Please join us for the Band Concert on November 12th at 7:00 PM and the Choir Concert on November 19th at 7:00 PM. We look forward to celebrating our students' hard work and talent with you!
The Thing That’s Missing From Our Conversations About Kids and Phones
5 Minute Read
We’ve all seen the data around phones, social media, and the youth mental health crisis and we know: this generation of children has staggering rates of anxiety and depression. I’m as concerned as anyone, and yet, I’ve been shocked that one key word—really, a key foundational principle in life— has been left out of the conversation: boundaries. the rest of the article...