A Message from the Principal
Dear FSUS K-8 Families,
As we begin November, I am delighted to see our students deeply engaged in their learning and our teachers bringing their very best to the classroom each day. It’s truly an honor to serve as principal of such an exceptional school, where we are committed to academic excellence and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment for all. I am incredibly proud of our dedicated staff and the enthusiasm our students show as they embrace each new challenge.
We’re looking forward to some exciting events and opportunities for students and families as we head into the holiday season. Please know that we are here to support you every step of the way, and together, we can help our students continue to grow and succeed.
Thank you for being a valued part of our FSUS community.
Go Noles,
Principal Wilkinson
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.
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.
Middle School Students Dive into Book Tastings to Choose Their Next Reads
Students in Mrs. Scholz’s 7th grade classes recently participated in a fun and interactive “book tasting” event to find the perfect book for their upcoming project. Set up like a café, the classroom featured “menus” of different genres and stacks of books at each table, giving students a chance to sample a variety of options.
During the book tasting, students browsed through books, read the first few pages, and jotted down notes about which ones caught their interest. The goal was to help them discover something new and exciting to read, making the process of choosing a book both engaging and enjoyable.
By the end of the event, students left with a book in hand, ready to dive into their reading and prepare for the upcoming project. The book tasting proved to be a creative way to inspire a love for reading—and who knows, maybe some new favorite authors were discovered along the way!
7th Graders Experience Excitement and Inspiration at FSU Women’s Basketball Education Day
Our 7th-grade students recently had the thrilling opportunity to attend Education Day at the Civic Center, joining over 3,000 students from around the area to cheer on the FSU Women’s Basketball team. This field trip offered students an inspiring experience as they watched the Seminoles take on the University of North Florida in an action-packed game that saw FSU score over 100 points!
The energy in the Civic Center was electrifying, with students and fans filling the arena with cheers and school spirit. For many of our students, it was their first chance to witness college-level basketball live, and they were able to experience the fast-paced action, teamwork, and dedication displayed by the players up close. The Seminoles’ performance on the court highlighted not only athletic skill but also the hard work and determination that fuels success—values that align closely with what we aim to instill in our students.
Education Day also provided an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about the world of collegiate athletics and the importance of school pride. Students left the game buzzing with excitement and newfound admiration for both the sport and the student-athletes they saw in action. This unforgettable experience highlighted the power of teamwork and perseverance, leaving a lasting impression on our 7th graders.
Thank you to FSU and everyone involved for hosting this fantastic event, which continues to be a highlight of the school year. We look forward to more opportunities like this to inspire our students both on and off the court!
Sweet Success: Ice Cream Treat for Secondary Students
To celebrate the hard work and achievements of our secondary students, Mama P's Ice Cream Truck made a special visit to the secondary loop, offering a well-deserved treat based on report card performance. Students lined up eagerly for this refreshing reward, enjoying a variety of delicious ice cream options in recognition of their academic efforts.
The ice cream celebration brought smiles and a sense of pride, providing students with a sweet way to acknowledge their accomplishments. This event not only celebrated academic success but also reinforced the value of hard work and dedication. We’re proud of our students and grateful to Mama P's for helping us create a memorable experience that encourages continued growth and achievement.
FSUS Library Inspires Young Readers with Book Tower Program
The FSUS Library is thrilled to continue the Book Tower Program, an initiative designed to motivate students to read more and earn rewards along the way! Through this engaging program, students are encouraged to build their “book tower” by reading a variety of books, with prizes awarded as they reach new reading milestones.
As students progress, they also have the chance to earn slap bracelets, courtesy of Ms. Underhill, adding an extra level of excitement to their reading journey. The Book Tower Program not only promotes a love of reading but also helps students develop strong literacy skills and a sense of accomplishment as they see their book lists grow.
This program is a wonderful way to bring our community of young readers together, fostering enthusiasm and curiosity about books. We are excited to see students dive into their next reading adventure and look forward to watching those book towers rise!
Fun Facts:
- Books checked out this year: 26,383
- Books Checked Out in October: 11,387
- Secondary student visits to the library this year: 6,011
Book Towers
- 1st – 5th grade has completed 925 towers as of today.
- 446 students made their 1st quarter goal to turn in a book tower during the 1st 9 weeks
- Kindergarten students will start book towers in January
- 1st – 5th grade students who turn in a book tower during the 2nd 9 weeks earn a prize!
Golden Apple Teacher Award: Coach Nick Brown, Elementary PE Teacher
I am proud to announce Coach Nick Brown, our dedicated Elementary PE Coach, as October's Golden Apple recipient. Coach Brown’s enthusiasm and commitment to his students are truly exemplary, and he brings an unparalleled energy to our physical education program. His teaching style is engaging and inclusive, creating an environment where every student feels motivated to participate, stay active, and develop a lifelong appreciation for health and fitness. Coach Brown's impact goes beyond the classroom. Each morning, he greets parents and students alike with a warm smile and uplifting music, setting a positive tone for the day and fostering a strong sense of community. His dedication to making the most of every moment in class reflects his commitment to student growth, instilling values of teamwork, perseverance, and respect through each lesson.
Coach Brown’s ability to balance fun and discipline makes him a standout role model for both students and his colleagues. His positive attitude and unwavering support for our school’s mission strengthen our department and exemplify the best of FSUS. We are incredibly fortunate to have Coach Brown on our team, and we thank him for his exceptional service and dedication.
Congratulations, Coach Brown, on this well-deserved recognition! Thank you for all that you do for our students and community.
Golden Apple Teacher Award: Carolyn Daniels, MS Social Studies
I am pleased to honor Carolyn Daniels, our dedicated Middle School Social Studies teacher, as October's Golden Apple recipient. Carolyn exemplifies excellence in teaching through her unwavering commitment to our students and school community. Her passion for education extends beyond the classroom as she actively supports and mentors preservice teachers, sharing her knowledge and fostering the next generation of educators. One of Ms. Daniels's standout qualities is her exceptional communication with parents, ensuring that families stay connected and informed about their child’s progress. She has a talent for building strong relationships with her students, creating a learning environment where every student feels valued and encouraged. Additionally, her innovative approach to integrating reading skills into social studies helps students deepen their understanding of content while developing essential literacy skills—a combination that benefits them across disciplines. Ms. Daniels's dedication and warmth make her an invaluable member of our middle school faculty. Her positive impact on our students and school community is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for her many contributions.
Golden Apple Award: Aliison Prater, MS Art Teacher
We are delighted to announce that the November Golden Apple Award goes to our outstanding middle school art teacher, Ms. Allison Prater! Ms. Prater’s classroom is a lively and inspiring space, where students are continually engaged and motivated to explore their creative potential. Her passion for art is truly contagious, as she brings an incredible energy to her teaching that sparks imagination and creativity in every student. Ms. Prater’s ability to connect with her students and encourage them to take risks in their artistic endeavors helps them build confidence and develop their unique voices. Ms. Prater’s warmth and positivity create a welcoming environment that invites students to express themselves freely, fostering a sense of community and belonging. She not only teaches art techniques but also instills a deep appreciation for artistic expression, making her classroom a place of exploration and personal growth. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she organizes opportunities for students to showcase their work and contributes to the overall vibrancy of our school’s culture. Having Ms. Prater as part of the FSUS family is a true privilege. She inspires the next generation of artists with her commitment and passion, and her impact on our school community is profound. Congratulations, Ms. Prater, on this well-deserved recognition! We are incredibly grateful for your exceptional service, dedication, and the joy you bring to our school.
Golden Apple Award: Jennifer Humphrey, 4th grade teacher
The Golden Apple Award goes to Jennifer Humphrey, our incredible 4th-grade teacher! Known for her calm and collected demeanor, Ms. Humphrey brings a remarkable sense of professionalism and dedication to her classroom every day. She consistently provides rigorous, engaging lessons that challenge her students to reach their highest potential while making learning fun and accessible for all. Her dedication to maintaining high standards, along with her caring approach, has made her a perfect fit here at FSUS.
We are truly grateful to have Ms. Humphrey on campus, enriching the lives of our students and strengthening our school community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Ms. Humphrey!
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: A Journey of Culture and Tradition at FSUS
This year, FSUS students embraced the vibrant history and traditions of Hispanic cultures with a series of engaging and educational activities in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrated from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month provided students with opportunities to learn about the diverse contributions of Hispanic and Latino individuals, past and present, and to appreciate the cultural richness they bring to our world and community.
Throughout the month, each grade participated in activities designed to bring Hispanic culture to life. In classrooms, students explored the art, music, dance, and cuisine of various Hispanic countries. Younger students enjoyed storytelling sessions, where they heard folktales from different Hispanic cultures, helping them understand the values, traditions, and creativity that define these stories. Middle school students delved into deeper discussions, researching historical figures like César Chávez, Frida Kahlo, and Sonia Sotomayor, and presenting their findings through creative projects.
The hallways of FSUS were also transformed, with vibrant displays of Hispanic flags, famous artwork, and student-created projects that reflected their learning. Spanish classes incorporated traditional songs, cultural crafts, and dance demonstrations, allowing students to experience the rhythm and movement integral to Hispanic culture. Students even enjoyed a sampling of Latin-inspired cuisine, learning about the flavors and dishes that have become staples in many Hispanic communities. One of the highlights of the celebration was an all-school assembly, where students were treated to live performances by local dancers and musicians who showcased the energy and diversity of Latin American culture. This event brought together students, teachers, and families to celebrate and honor Hispanic heritage, fostering a sense of unity and respect within the FSUS community.
At FSUS, we are committed to promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity, and Hispanic Heritage Month offered a wonderful opportunity to educate and inspire our students. We are proud of how our students engaged with the activities and embraced the chance to learn about and celebrate the rich history, traditions, and accomplishments of Hispanic communities. Thank you to our teachers, staff, and families for making this month a memorable experience for everyone
Elementary Students Participate in Democracy with Kids Voting at FSUS
Our elementary students in grades 2-5 had an exciting opportunity to participate in the electoral process during Kids Voting at FSUS! Set up in the STEAM building, the event allowed students to experience the process of voting, casting their ballots in a way that mirrors the real-world experience of democratic participation.
This engaging event was designed to help our young students understand the importance of civic responsibility and empower them to make their voices heard. The students were eager to take part, stepping into the polling station with excitement and a sense of purpose, learning firsthand how voting works and why it matters.
A special thank you goes to Jessica Wolff, 2nd grade teacher, for her dedication in organizing this impactful event. Her efforts made it possible for our students to engage with the principles of democracy at an early age, fostering a sense of community involvement and responsibility. This memorable experience not only taught our students about the power of their voices but also encouraged them to become active citizens in the future.
We’re proud of our elementary students for their enthusiasm and participation in this meaningful event, and we look forward to continuing to inspire civic engagement at FSUS!
Middle School Badge Party Celebrates Positive Behavior with Dance and Fun
Middle school students who earned behavior badges this quarter were rewarded with an exciting Badge Party, organized by our Discipline Dean, Coach Harley. This special event, held during 4th period, recognized students for consistently displaying outstanding behavior and positive attitudes throughout the quarter.
Coach Harley transformed the space into a lively dance party, complete with a DJ who kept the energy high and students on their feet. The Badge Party provided a great break from the usual school day, giving students a chance to relax, dance, and enjoy time with friends as a reward for their dedication to maintaining a positive and respectful environment at FSUS.
These quarterly Badge Parties are more than just a fun break—they reinforce the importance of positive behavior and set an example for all students. We are proud of our students for their hard work, and grateful to Coach Harley for his efforts in organizing such an enjoyable event that encourages and celebrates their achievements. Congratulations to all badge recipients for making FSUS a better place each day!
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.