The FAST Flyer

As we move through the school year, we would like to take a moment to highlight the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and partnership between our school staff, students, and families.

Our teachers and administration are committed to creating a positive and supportive learning environment for every student. It’s important to remember that our educators are people too—dedicated professionals who care deeply about your children’s success. Teachers and administrators do not create challenges for students but work tirelessly to address any issues that may arise, always with the goal of supporting students’ growth. They want the best for each student, just as you do.

However, we have noticed that at times, frustrations may lead to teachers being gossiped about, yelled at, or unfairly criticized. We ask you to remember that this can deeply hurt and discourage staff, who are doing their best to help your children succeed. Criticism and harsh language, especially in moments of stress, can undermine the positive and supportive environment we strive to create together.

We understand that situations can sometimes be difficult, but it is essential to handle these moments calmly and respectfully. Yelling, gossiping, or using harsh language towards staff does not contribute to finding solutions, and it negatively impacts the collaborative spirit we value. We ask that you treat all teachers and school staff with kindness and respect, even when discussing challenging topics.

At our school, we believe in a strong partnership between home and school. This partnership only thrives when all parties—students, parents, teachers, and administration—take responsibility for their role. Parents play a crucial part in ensuring that students are prepared and supported in their educational journey, and students themselves must also be held accountable for their actions, behavior, and academic efforts.

Together, we can create a positive environment where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential. We are grateful for your cooperation, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

Thank you for being a valuable part of our school community. Enjoy the long weekend.

What an incredible end to the season! Mr. Ling led the Astros soccer team to an unprecedented four consecutive wins. We are so excited to see this team grow over the next few years as our team ages into the FCS program. Way to go Astros, we are so proud of you all!

FAST students never cease to surprise us with the things they can do. Yesterday, our middle school students put on an amazing talent show filled with music, dance, comedy, and even some magic! It was wonderful to see their creativity and confidence shine on stage.

Thank you to all the students who participated - on and off stage. Special thanks to Mr. Hendry and Mr. Edge for all their wok to make the event a success. We are so proud of our talented performers and can’t wait to see what they bring to the stage next year! If you missed the show, it was streamed on Facebook and you can watch the recording on our page.

We are excited to announce that this year’s yearbook is now available for pre-order! Our yearbook will be filled with special memories, class photos, and highlights from the 2024-2025 school year.

To reserve your student's yearbook, please visit: https://shop.memorybook.com/ and reference

School Code: 246825M. All users will have to Register the first time they access the site.

Registration for the Fulton County Student Technology Competition is Opening Soon! Each year, FAST students excel at this district-wide event, and we’re confident this year will be no exception. The competition is set for January 11, 2025, with first-place winners advancing to represent FAST at the state level.

In preparation, students competing in the county competition will have the chance to showcase their projects at the FAST Tech Fair in December. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to cheer on our talented tech enthusiasts!

Students who are interested in competing can speak with Ms. Sawhney. Further information can be found on the FCS website.

We are proud to encourage and support our students in achieving academic excellence. As such, we look to provide opportunities to accelerate students where we can. Based on MAP, Milestones and other performance indicators, we have been adjusting schedules to challenge our students for continuous academic achievement. Please note that the window for continuous achievement requests this year will close on November 1. If you have any questions or would like more information on how your child can accelerate their learning, please contact the assistant principal for your child.

Mark your calendar for the annual Scholastic Book Fair which is scheduled for the week of October 28- November 1. You can set up your student's e-wallet now so they can shop cash-free. https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/FAST

Parents will be able to shop during our Family Day event which will be the morning or our STEAM costume parade (Oct. 31). Volunteer opportunities will be posted soon!

Students in grades K-5 will participate in our annual STEAM costume parade on Thursday, October 31. Children are invited to dress in a school appropriate costume with a STEAM theme.

ABSENCES: Please report student absences to both attendance@fastk8.org and your student's homeroom teacher. You may send doctors' notes for absences directly to attendance@fastk8.org

CURRICULUM/CLASSROOM CONCERNS: If you have questions or concerns regarding your child's class, your first point of contact should be your child’s classroom teacher. If further clarification or assistance is needed, you can contact the respective assistant principal (anesha.james@fastk8.org or elementary or demetria.walker@fastk8.org for middle school.)

TRANSPORTATION CHANGES: If your student will have a change to their afternoon transportation (whether it is for a day or long-term), please be sure that you are communicating any changes to your student's afternoon dismissal to both their homeroom teacher and Ms. Cadogan (gail.cadogan@fastk8.org).

If your child is not feeling well, we encourage you to keep them home to avoid spreading illness at school. Please keep in mind that if a student is running a fever they are expected to remain out of school until they have been fever free without the use of medication for a full 24 hours.

Please remember that FAST is a nut free school. Students should not bring any foods for lunch or snack that contain any nut products including, but not limited to, peanut butter or almond butter.

This is a serious risk to those students with severe allergies. Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated.

As a reminder students are not permitted to use their cell phones or Bluetooth devices throughout the day. Students who have a cell phone out after school begins at 7:40am through 3pm will have their phone confiscated for the day. Please remind your students of this policy so that you will not have to come to the office to retrieve their phone.

Students must be in homeroom by 7:40am each day. Please be sure that you are allowing time to navigate carpool and your student to get to class on time. If you arrive after 8am, you will need to come into Innovation Hall to sign in your student.

Early dismissals are not permitted after 2:40pm (M-Th, 1:40pm Fridays). If you need to pick up your child for any reason, please plan accordingly.

All students are expected to be in full uniform every day. The full uniform code can be found on our website at: https://www.fastk8.org/fast-apparel-and-supplies/

Students who are not in full uniform will have their parents contacted.

Get ready for a fantastic evening! We invite you to be a part of our PTO Trunk or Treat event, where creativity meets community fun!

Date: Friday, October 25, 2024

Time: 5:30- 7:00 pm

• Costumes Welcomed (non-scary costumes please)

• Don't forget a bag to collect your treats!

• Fall games and trunk or treating for all FAST families!

• Kona Ice will be on site for purchase (20% of sales donated back to FAST)

• Vote for your favorite trunk designs and most innovative candy chutes!

• Prizes awarded: Voting by your peers will take place for the Most Innovative, the Best STEM-themed, Best Overall "WOW" Display, and Best FAST Staff hosted trunk.

• Dinner plans before or after the event? Stay tuned for details on a local restaurant spirit night!

• Parking is secured at Northbrook Church (same side of the street as FAST for a safe walk) *Please do not park across the street at Lebanon Church.

Questions: Contact the Trunk or Treat Volunteer Coordinator, Courtney, at courtneyhlee@gmail.com or PTOEvents@fastk8.org

Join us in transforming our parking lot into a vibrant wonderland! Hosting a trunk is a fantastic way to bond with your family, meet other parents, and create unforgettable memories.

We’re hosting a friendly contest for the most innovative candy delivery system or chute. Show off your creativity and make treat-giving even more exciting! Whether you design a whimsical slide or an innovative chute, your unique idea could win a prize!

Mark your calendars and get ready to unleash your imagination. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Our PTO Membership Drive has started for the 2024-2025 school year! Please join us in making a difference in our FAST school community. By becoming a member of the PTO, you can become an important part of supporting our school. PTO memberships raise funds that support FAST students and staff. This includes programs like field day, our learning garden, school assemblies, teacher grants, staff appreciation events, and more! This annual membership drive is our main fundraiser for the school year.

The FAST Family PTO is a non-profit organization, composed of volunteers, focused on supporting the educational experience of all FAST students.

The new school year is quickly approaching and we need a few great volunteers! Please reach out by contacting pto@fastk8.org to find out more.

What's a PTO volunteer? ANYONE who can help out within their capacity. We are looking for parents who can lead projects to parents that can volunteer an hour here or there. There is something for everyone!

Why volunteer? You are providing valuable support and building the FAST community! Be a positive impact to our school by clicking below to learn more.

Oct. 14:-15: Fall Break (STUDENTS OFF)

Oct. 16: Parent/teacher conferences (STUDENTS OFF)

Oct. 18: MS Fall Dance

Oct. 25: Trunk or Treat

Oct. 28- Nov. 1: Book Fair

Oct. 31: STEAM Costume Parade

FAST leverages various means of communications to keep our families up to date with what is happening at school. Since most people are on social media, we post to different platforms to keep you up to date. If you aren't already following us, check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

To keep up to date with the most recent information available from our district offices, please click on the image below.

Email: info@fastk8.org
Website: www.fastk8.org
Location: 11365 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA, USA
Phone: 678-321-1100
Facebook: facebook.com/FASTK8.School/
Twitter: @fastk8charter

The FAST Flyer is the electronic newsletter at FAST. Feedback is always welcome. If you have any questions, please call the school (678-321-1100) or email the FAST Communications Director at marie.emerson@fastk8.org.