The Freedom Phenom

Happy New Year! I hope that this newsletter finds you well-rested and excited about the promise of a new year. We are all programmed to want to make changes at defining points, and nothing is more celebrated than the New Year's Resolution. While many have already fallen to the wayside after 6 days, perfection is not the point of change. Doing better is the point. As we begin the march through second semester, I ask that we all resolve to do better than last semester in some way. Growth occurs through persistent perseverance, not perfection.

On another note, I would like to share a bit of personal news. Last Fall, it was determined that I need a hip replacement sooner rather than later. So, I will be out of the office for four weeks beginning on 1/21/25; I will return to work on 2/24/25. During my absence, a familiar face will return to act as the interim principal, Dr. Kerry Martin, who filled in during Ms. Nolan's absence in the Fall of 2023. While I hate to be gone, I am more than comfortable knowing that Dr. Martin will be at FMS to support the students and teachers as we move forward just doing a little better each day in this new year.

All the best,

Chad Flatt, Ed.D

Principal

• 6th - Digital Learning Day (1st Day of 3rd Quarter)
• 7th - In person classes resume
• 8th - Menchie's available for purchase during lunches
• 9th - 2nd Quarter Report Cards Go Home
• 10th - 7th Grade Q2 Reward Party
• 10th-11th - 6th Grade Statewide Honor Chorus in Athens
• 13th - Basketball Games - Freedom vs Mill Creek
• Boys play at home and Girls play at Mill Creek MS
• 16th - CCSD Board Meeting
• 16th - Basketball Games - Freedom vs Creekland
• Boys play at home and Girls play at CMS
• 8th Grade Recognition
• 20th - MLK Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL
• 21st - Color Battle Fundraiser Kick Off
• 23rd - 2nd Round All-State Chorus Auditions
• 23rd - Basketball Games - Freedom vs Woodstock
• Girls play at home and Boys play at WMS
• 8th Grade Recognition
• 25th - CCSD Reading Bowl
• 28th - Band & Chorus Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A
• 30th - 2/1 - GMEA Conference in Athens, GA
• 31st - Student of the Month Breakfast

Thank you for your support of Freedom Middle School and the investments you make in your children’s lives. We’re so excited to introduce you to this year’s major fundraising initiative: the Freedom MS Color Battle 2025 that will start Tuesday, January 21st and end on Friday, January 31st with the Color Battle Event.

Students will then be challenged to get donations over 2 weeks from family and friends to help our school. Funds raised will be used towards School Culture: Student Rewards, Teacher Recognition, Building Improvements & more. We’ll end the 2-week fundraiser with a celebratory Color Battle event for students who participate in the fundraiser (think of field games, lots of color powder, participant t-shirts, loud music, high energy, and FUN!).

Look for additional information later this week in a separate email!

Basketball season is still going strong! This month students can stay after school for games on Jan 16th and Jan 23rd. Info and permission forms will come through Parent Square so be on the lookout for that next week. Tickets can be purchased online at GOFAN. Concessions will be available for purchase (cash only). The schedule for January is below. We hope to see as many students as possible out supporting their classmates and cheering them on. Go Patriots!!!!!

Your student may purchase Menchie's on the 1st Wednesday of every month during their lunch time. This month is scheduled for Wednesday, January 8th. Menchie's can be purchased with cash, check or a credit card. Students may not use electronic payment through their phones.

The media center has added tons of new books. Students should be sure to stop by and check out the latest additions!

The Media Center also has a school store called FMS Finds that is open daily for students to purchase pencils, pens, erasers, etc. Don't get caught without your supplies! (Cash only)

Thank you so much for your Spirit of the Season donations. Your support is invaluable. All the food we received will be delivered to our food pantries at Cherokee High School and Woodstock High School as we continue to work together to ensure that none of our students and families experience food insecurity. We appreciate you!

Academic Bowl had such a fun season this year! We participated in both the county and regional competitions, and had weekly practices throughout the semester. We’ve learned a lot, and have enjoyed sharing our learning with others!

Happy New Year from your FMS PTSA Board!!

We had so many businesses and parents sponsor and donate items during December. We were able to put on an amazing luncheon for the staff as well as some fabulous treats for the students. We are so grateful to the community, thank you so much for the support!!

To Be Voted On:

General Membership Meeting

January 2025

ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

CURRENTLY STATES:

Section 7. Each member of this local PTA/PTSA shall pay annual dues of 6 to said association. The amount of such annual dues shall include the portion payable to the Georgia PTA and the portion payable to the National PTA.

AMEND TO READ:

Section 7. Each member of this local PTA/PTSA shall pay annual dues of $10.00 to said association. The amount of such annual dues shall include the portion payable to the Georgia PTA and the portion payable to the National PTA.

ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION

CURRENTLY STATES:

Section 1. The officers of this PTA/PTSA shall consist of:

• one (1) president or two (2) individual co-presidents.
• 2 vice president(s) or individual co-vice presidents *(designate officer’s responsibilities and titles, if applicable)
• 1 secretary(ies) *(designate officer’s responsibilities and titles, if applicable); and
• a treasurer. (Georgia PTA does not approve co-treasurers).

Please note: The Parliamentarian is not elected but is appointed by the President.

AMEND TO READ:

Section 1. The officers of this PTA/PTSA shall consist of:

• one (1) President or two (2) individual Co-Presidents.
• one (1) Vice President or two (2) individual Co-Vice Presidents *(designate officer’s responsibilities and titles, if applicable)
• 1 Secretary(ies) *(designate officer’s responsibilities and titles, if applicable); and
• a Treasurer. (Georgia PTA does not approve co-treasurers).

Please note: The Parliamentarian is not elected but is appointed by the President.

ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION

CURRENTLY STATES:

Section 8. There shall be a nominating committee composed of 5 members (must be an uneven number) and 2 alternates who shall be elected by this local PTA/PTSA at a regular general membership meeting at least one month prior to the election of officers, as outlined in Article VI, Section 3.

AMEND TO READ:

Section 8. There shall be a nominating committee composed of 3 members (must be an uneven number) and 1 alternate who shall be elected by this local PTA/PTSA at a regular general membership meeting at least one month prior to the election of officers, as outlined in Article VI, Section 3.

ARTICLE XIII: GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

CURRENTLY STATES:

Section 6. 15 members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business in any meeting of this local PTA/PTSA.

AMEND TO READ:

Section 6. 10 members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business in any meeting of this local PTA/PTSA.

We are extremely grateful to our business partner, The Modern Woodmen of America. Garth Gherardini and his team went all out for our December PD. They provided Chick-fil-A breakfast and lunch for our teachers all throughout the day during their working professional development. This generosity is greatly appreciated by all the staff. THANK YOU!!!

Click on the club below for more information and interest forms!

History Bowl

Next Meetings: Thursday, January 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th @ 8:15am

Junior Beta Club

Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 14th 4:15-5:00pm

Tome Literary Society

Next Meetings: Tuesday, January 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th @ 8:15am

4-H Club

Next Meeting: Monday, January 27th @ 4:15pm

Boys Bible Study

Next Meetings: Tuesday, January 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th @ 8:15am

First Priority

Next Meetings: Thursday, January 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th @ 8:15am

Freedom Stitch Society

Next Meetings: Thursday, January 9th & 16th @ 8:15am

Girls Bible Study

Next Meetings: Tuesday, January 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th @ 8:15am

Good Earth Garden Club

Next Meetings: Wednesday, January 8th & 22nd @ 4:15pm

Interact Club

Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 8th @ 8:15am

Patriot Pet Club

Next Meeting: Monday, February 3rd @ 4:15pm (no January meeting)

Yearbook/Photography Club

Next Meeting: Monday, January 13th @ 8:15am

The Cherokee County School District offers the Vector Alert (formerly SafeSchools Alert) system for reporting safety concerns. The Vector Alert system allows students, parents, school staff and everyone in the community to anonymously report safety concerns by text, email, online message or phone call.

Through Vector Alert, you can submit safety concerns to CCSD five different ways:

1. By Phone:470.315.9171
2. By Text: 470.315.9171
3. By Email: 1695@alert1.us
4. By Online message: https://cherokee-ga.safeschoolsalert.com/
5. By Mobile App – Download the Vector Alert app for free from the iPhone App Store and Google Play for Android phones. The app icon is a red and white checkmark/V on a blue background. The first time you open the app after downloading, you’ll need to enter 1695 for the ID and confirm your District is the Cherokee County School District.