FMS Parent SMORE Newsletter

*PAY ATTENTION TO TESTING DAYS!

MAY

5/5-5/9 TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - let teachers know you appreciate all their hard work!

5/5-5/9 Exact Path Diagnostics for Math and ELA this week

5/6 Track Meet AWAY @ LMHS

5/7 *LAST DAY FOR AFTERSCHOOL TUTORING

5/7 Nurse Appreciation Day

5/7 BETA CLUB MTG IN THE CAFETERIA 3:30 PM

5/8 Track Meet AWAY @ LMHS

5/8 EARLY RELEASE - students leave the building at 12:30pm

5/11 SUNDAY - MOTHER'S DAY

5/12-5/23 EOG REMEDIATION WEEKS FOR ELA, MATH, AND SCIENCE 8

5/15 SPRING CELEBRATION BAND CONCERT AND ELECTIVES PROJECTS SHOW

5/17 DISTRICT JOB FAIR @ LONG MILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (SATURDAY 9-11)

5/22 ATHLETIC AWARDS CEREMONY

5/24 SNEAKER BALL 6-8PM AT THE GYM

5/26 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

5/28 READING EOG GRADES 6-8

5/29 MATH EOG GRADES 6-8

JUNE

6/3 8TH GRADE SCIENCE EOG

6/4 GRADE 6 & 7 READING EOG RETEST (IF NOT PROFICIENT ON THE READING EOG)

6/5 GRADE 6 & 7 MATH EOG RETEST (IF NOT PROFICIENT ON THE MATH EOG)

6/5 GRADE 8 READING EOG RETEST (IF NOT PROFICIENT ON THE READING EOG)

6/6 GRADE 8 MATH EOG RETEST (IF NOT PROFICIENT ON THE MATH EOG)

6/10 8TH GRADE CELEBRATION @ 9:00 AM IN THE AUDITORIUM *Parents invited and you can take your child with you after the celebration :)

6/10 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - EARLY RELEASE - STUDENTS LEAVE BUILDING AT 12:30 PM

*REPORT CARDS MAILED OUT AFTER RETEST DATA IS AVAILABLE AND RETENTION DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.

Athletes who are interested in playing sports in the fall of 2025 will need to pass four out of six classes (Core or Elective) on their S2 in PowerSchool to be eligible to participate in 2025-2026 fall and winter sports. Call the school and ask to talk with Ms. Boardman if you have questions.

The superintendent shall develop (1) proposed promotion standards and (2) a process to be used in determining a student's readiness to progress to the next level of study and shall submit the standards and process to the board for approval. The standards will be based, in part, upon proficiency in reading. The standards and process must provide multiple criteria for assessing a student's readiness to progress to the next level of study, such as standardized test scores, formative and diagnostic assessments, grades, a portfolio or anthology of the student's work, and, when appropriate, accepted standards for assessing developmental growth. The standards and process will incorporate all state law and State Board of Education policy requirements, including those for the assessment and promotion of third grade students as described in G.S. 115C-83.6 et seq. and State Board of Education Policies GCS-J-002 and -003.

The promotion standards will also require that students not be promoted from eighth grade until a career development plan is completed in accordance with the requirements of G.S. 115C-158.10 and State Board of Education rules and not be promoted from tenth grade until the career development plan is revised. Any high school students who does not already have a career development plan must complete the plan within 90 days of enrollment in school. Career development plans must be easily accessible to students and parents.

Principals shall ensure that the promotion standards are used by teachers and school administrators in assessing each student's readiness to progress to the next level of study. Principals have the authority to promote or retain students based upon the standards approved by the board and any applicable standards set by the State Board of Education.

If your child does NOT have a charger, they need a new one before EOGs. EOGs are long tests and many students run down their computer during the testing sessions. If you wish to purchase a charger through the school, send in a note and $20 cash or check to the main office. If you wish to purchase a charger on your own it MUST be a 45W USB-C CHROMEBOOK charger. Cell phone/gaming chargers are NOT compatible with our devices and can cause non-repairable damage to the device.

To help with your online search use this phrase: USB Type C 45W Chromebook Charger for HP Chromebook. Students need a new charger as soon as possible - we are moving into diagnostic testing next week and remediation after that until EOG testing. Please help your child to be successful by making sure they have a working Chromebook and charger!

Scroll down to the end to see how to contact Ms. Gilbert and access lots of resources!

According to Mental Health America, we encounter mental health every day. Whether you are dealing with “everyday” stress, a divorce, a busy schedule, or even a natural disaster, it’s important to learn what’s affecting your health. Taking a screening is one of the easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health or substance use condition.

Find out if you are at risk for developing mental illness. Take an online mental health screening here.

Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common, and treatable. And recovery is possible. For more information about our mental health visit the National Alliance of Mental Illness.

For help finding a provider locally Vayahealth.com (used to be Cardinal Innovations) 1-800-849-6127.

“Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration. Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, particularly lower depression and anxiety. Spending time in nature is good for us for lots of reasons. “Fresh air and exercise” have long been recommended as a way for many to feel better, physically and mentally. ~The Mental Health Foundation

We are fortunate to have some beautiful parks with playgrounds, picnic areas, and nature trails in our area, in Franklin County and with short drives to Wake County. The parks are free and offer peaceful retreats from our stressful lives. Help your children unplug and experience what the world around them has to offer. Check out these area parks:

Franklinton Park

Owens Recreational Park

Carroll Joyner Park

Durant Nature Preserve

Blue Jay Pointe

Forest Ridge Park

SOCIAL STUDIES with MR. CALDERON:

Hello Parents and Guardians,

Here are some highlights of what we have been doing on Social Studies the last couple of weeks.

🌟 What We Learned: The Early Americas

• Explored the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations

• Learned how geography shaped culture and survival

• Studied innovations in architecture, farming, and writing systems

• Discussed religion, trade, and early forms of government

• Created projects and maps to show understanding

We played the Mayan game Pok-A-Tok

📘 What We’re Learning Now: African Kingdoms

• Investigating the powerful empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai

• Learning about trans-Saharan trade (gold & salt)

• Studying the spread of Islam and cultural achievements

• Discovering key figures like Mansa Musa and the city of Timbuktu

• Practicing map skills and analyzing primary sources

We will be playing the African Game: Mancala

🔮 What’s Next: Eurasia in the Middle Ages

• Exploring the feudal system and the life of knights and peasants

• Learning about castles, the Byzantine Empire, and Eastern Orthodoxy

• Understanding the role of religion and power in medieval society

• Studying trade routes like the Silk Road and their global impact

• Making cross-cultural connections between Europe, Asia, and Africa

📅 Reminders for Parents

• Check Canvas weekly for updates and homework

• Help your child review notes and vocabulary regularly

• Upcoming End of the Year Project – date will be announced soon

Thank you for your continued support!
Please reach out if you have any questions or want to learn more about what we’re doing in class.

Mr. Calderon

SCIENCE with MS. TJULKINA:

Dear Guardians,

Our students have been doing a fantastic job on their solar system presentations—I'm really proud of their creativity and effort! Please check in with your child to make sure they are finishing up their project, as final presentations are coming up soon.

In class, we’ve been diving into Earth systems, exploring topics such as the inner and outer core, tectonic plates, and the movement of Earth’s crust. Students have also been learning about the three main types of rocks—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic—and how they form and change over time. We’ve discussed continental drift and how it explains the shifting positions of Earth’s continents throughout history. These concepts are helping students build a strong foundation in Earth science and understand the processes that have shaped our planet over millions of years.

I hope your student is enjoying my class, it’s has been a great pleasure being their teacher.

Ms. T .

MATH with MR. MITCHELL: Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are thrilled to share some exciting news—our class performed exceptionally well on the recent Check-In assessments, earning 2nd place in the entire county! This is a testament to your student’s hard work, growth, and commitment to learning.

As we move forward, we’re channeling this momentum straight into our preparation for the End-of-Grade (EOG) exams. With continued support and focused practice, we know our students can finish the year stronger than ever.

To help your child prepare, I’ve gathered a set of valuable resources aligned with the NC EOG standards:

Official NC DPI Released EOG Test

• 2022 EOG Mathematics Grade 6 Released Form (PDF):
  https://www.dpi.nc.gov/documents/accountability/testing/eog/eog-mathematics-grade-6-released-form/open

Additional Practice Resources

• Tutorified – NC EOG 6th Grade Practice Test & Worksheets:
  https://www.tutorified.com/nc-eog-6th-grade-practice-test-pdf

• Quizalize – Interactive Practice Quiz:
  https://resources.quizalize.com/view/quiz/grade-6-math-nc-eog-released-form-274854be-3883-4af6-9f16-e3554847511b

• YouTube – Video Walkthrough of EOG Questions:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QltTzO4l2dc

Please contact me with any questions,

Mr Mitchell

Franklinton Middle School

6th Grade Math

(252) 226-9182

ELA with MS. CRUDUP:

Dear Families,

Over the next couple of weeks, we’re diving into exciting literature and important skill-building in our English Language Arts class. Here's a look at what we’re working on:

🎭 The Prince and the Pauper – Drama Genre

We’re wrapping up our study of The Prince and the Pauper, a drama (play) written in script form. This means students are reading text divided into acts and scenes, complete with dialogue and stage directions.

Reminders for students:

• A drama is meant to be performed.
  

• Stage directions (in italics and parentheses) describe actions but are not spoken aloud.
  

• Dialogue and character actions help tell the story.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze how playwrights develop characters.
  

• Create mental images to deepen understanding.
  

• Research a real-life character from the play.
  

• Write a character sketch.
  

• Perform a dramatic reading.
  

• Define vocabulary using a variety of resources.
  

• Identify and use prepositions and prepositional phrases.
  
  

🐭 The Mouse Bride – Folktale Genre

We're also exploring folktales, which are traditional stories passed down through generations. The Mouse Bride gives us a fun opportunity to dive into common folktale themes and human nature.

Folktale Features:

• Set in the distant past
  

• Passed down orally
  

• Focused on values and life lessons

Learning Objectives:

• Cite evidence to support plot and point of view analysis
  

• Research the origins and elements of folktales
  

• Discuss elements of plot
  

• Rewrite the story from a new point of view
  

• Expand vocabulary through context clues and discussions

🌀 Small Group Stations & EOG Prep

We are continuing with stations (small group work) to review key skills and prepare for the End-of-Grade (EOG) assessments. This is a great opportunity for targeted practice and individualized support.

📊 Diagnostic Testing This Week

This week, we are completing diagnostic assessments to track student progress and help guide our instruction for the rest of the year.

✅ Reminders:

• Please ensure your child comes to school daily with a charged Chromebook and a pencil.
  

• Your support makes a huge difference — thank you!
  
  

If you have any questions or need additional resources, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s finish the year strong!

Warm regards,
Ms.Crudup
ELA Teacher

MATH with MS. JENKINS:

Math in May!

I commend our students for putting forth their best effort on the last NC-CheckIn. Students should expect a data meeting to review their scores and expectations for the EOGs.

This week, we will finish Unit 6, Geometric and Measurement Reasoning. Please encourage students to review their material for a test on Friday. The students have learned to find the circumference and area of a circle, how to build and draw polygons with given conditions, and how to find volume and surface area of rectangular and non-rectangular prisms. We are also completing our final Edmentum diagnostic this week. Rest up and come prepared with a charged Chromebook and charger.

Next week, we begin Unit 3-Probabilistic Reasoning. This unit requires students to recall what they have learned about fractions, ratios, decimals, and percentages. All students are encouraged to participate in class discussions and ask questions.

Things to remember:

~Class attendance is important

~Remember the school and classroom rules. (Exhibit responsible behavior at all times)

~Bring your materials (Chromebooks(charged), notebooks, and pencils) to class daily.

~Get a good night's rest and come to class prepared to work daily.

~IXL assignments are important. Take time to complete them, especially the ones that are graded.

Believe in yourself, you can do it! Giving up is not an option.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at litishajenkins@fcschools.net.

SOCIAL STUDIES with MR. JONES:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are concluding our unit on World War Two, during which students explored the causes, key events, and global impact of the conflict. As we move forward, we will begin studying the Cold War and other major events that shaped the second half of the 20th century.

This next unit will cover topics such as the rise of superpowers, ideological conflicts between the United States and the Soviet Union, significant global movements, and pivotal moments like the Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and “Space Race”. We look forward to engaging students in thoughtful discussions and activities that help them understand how this period continues to influence our world today.

SCIENCE with MS. BRACKETT:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well!

Last week in 7th grade science, we had a great time learning about the respiratory system. Students enjoyed creating model lungs and began working on an anti-smoking poster project to raise awareness about the importance of lung health.

Looking ahead:

• Tuesday, May 6: We will have a short Respiratory System Check-In to review key concepts.

• This week: We'll explore lung capacity and integrate some math skills by studying the mean, median, and mode of our data.

• Next week: We'll shift our focus to body systems in other species as well as the excretory system.

Thank you for your continued support! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Warm regards,
Ms. Brackett

ELA with MS. BAECHLE:

We are in the mid-way point of Q4 and quickly approaching the end of the school year. The focus is to finish out the year successfully! As we continue the second half of the year and where effort and consistency count more than ever!!

It remains critical that we remind our students to stay up to date with their work in class and located on Canvas, as well as their grades updated regularly on Powerschool. As a result, we continue to hold them accountable for their work and growth academically. Please check in with your students to ensure that they are completing their work regularly and submitting it for a grade. Please speak with the main office if you’d like to be added as a view on your child’s Powerschool account.

Reminders:

-ELA Diagnostic round 3: 5/5 - 5/6

-Math Diagnostic round 3: 5/7 - 5/8

-ELA EOG - 5/28

-MATH EOG - 5/29

-Reading ELA Retest - 6/4

-Math Retest - 6/5

-Last day of school for students - 6/10**

Note: Students showed growth on both their ELA and Math Check-in 3 and I know they can do the same on their upcoming EOG’s. Please remind them to try their best every day and to take assessments seriously.

Growth and Accountability Agreement:

• I will complete daily work (assigned in class)

• I will finish any work that was not completed in class for homework

• I will come to class prepared (work completed and a charged chromebook)

• I will not disrupt the learning environment, or others

• I will check Canvas daily for updated assignments and due dates

• I will check Powerschool regularly for grades and missing assignments

• I will always try my best

• I will ask for further support from my teacher is I don't understand an assignment

• I will maintain a growth mind-set for my academic and personal growth and goals!!

Expectations:

Students are to come to class on time, prepared and ready to work. If they are not following the non-negotiables, they will receive a warning to correct their chosen behavior before they are sent to ALC with a write-up and a parent contact.

Remember that each quarter every student begins with a 100% in their classes. What they decide to do with their grades and achievements are up to them.

Sports and Grades: Please ensure your student is keeping up with their work and on their best behavior. Good grades and exemplifying positive behavior is key to being able to play sports throughout the school year. Grads for S2 quarters 3 and 4 will determine Fall and Winter eligibility**

New Curriculum: We have begun a new ELA Curriculum this year called: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Literature. The material is scaffolded in a way that is easy to understand while including detailed lessons/units including: anticipatory sets, clear standards, relatable topics, a variety of genres and activities, as well as various reading and writing activities with vocabulary throughout and plenty of application (practice) of content in order to master numerous skill-sets.

Note: A digital copy of the text can be located on students' Classlink (ED with a yellow smiley face app) and include each passage we read in class, as well as several comprehension checks (assignments), and several resources.

Please encourage your students to use this resource at home to compete and classwork that was not finished, or any homework that may be assigned. It is very beneficial for students to not only take accountability for their work, but to practice skills regularly in order to master academic goals.

🧱 Supporting Standards

L.7.4 Determine and/or clarify (2) the meaning of unknown (context clues) and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials.**

🎯Target Standards

RI.7.6 Determine (2) the author’s point of View (POV) in a text and

analyze (3) how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of

others. - HMH

RL.3 Analyze (3) how particular elements of a story interact. - Original

Short Story*

✏️Writing Standards

W.7.2 Write an Informative Report/Poem (3-4) informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.

Poem with a sport of choice (if time allows)*

W.7.5 Conduct short research projects to answer specific guiding questions (4)

Short Story**

This Week:

This week we take out the final round of ELA Diagnostics to show areas of growth and which skill-sets still need additional practice. We will also be closing out our short story unit. Students will continue to work on their original short stories outside of class, Their project is due on May, 23rd**

Next Two Weeks:

The upcoming two weeks we will be in a Remediation focus to ensure that students are successful on their upcoming ELA EOG. The standards we will focus on are the ones which were the most challenging on the prior Check-ins as well as skill-sets that require additional practice in order to master.

Project Links:

Fictional Short Story:

Mini-Lesson:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlIBRGNG2ZY (Video with guided notes)

2. https://languageartsteachers.com/elements-of-fiction-and-short-stories-mini-lessons/

Graphic Organizers:

https://www.samnllc.org/userfiles/fck/file/10-Story%20Elements%20Graphic%20Organizers.pdf

Requirements:

End of Unit 5/6 Assessment:

Fictional Short Story:

Due 5/23 -

Write an original (fictional) Short Story with the incorporation of graphic organizers and story elements provided in class.

Cores: 1, 2, and 3 - 1 pg. typed minimal.

Core: 4 - 2 pages typed minimal.

Extra Credit: Write at least one page longer than the requirement.

Tutoring:

The final day of tutoring for the year will be on Wednesday, May 7th **

Homework:

Students should expect homework two to three times weekly in order to continue to develop their skill-sets and to see growth. Please ask your child what work they have for homework, or have not completed on a regular basis to help keep them on track. Work is updated regularly for access on Canvas. Grades are also updated weekly and viewable on Powerschool. Students should expect classwork (homework if not completed) in order to maintain an understanding of reading both inside and outside of class on a weekly basis. The application process is so critical to close gaps in comprehension and to apply to later content**

Grades:

Student grades are present (updated regularly) on Canvas, and are now viewable to students and guardians on Powerschool. Students are expected to check their grades on a regular basis and reach out to their teacher for make-up work, or additional time to complete an assignment if they have been absent, as well as, emailing them a reminder once completed. I allow a one week timeframe to make up work before an assignment becomes a zero.

We are so close to the end of the school year and for what I consider to be the students' superbowl (EOG’S). Let’s finish strong and show us all what you have learned!!

Thank you parents and guardians for your continued support throughout the school year with what promises to be a successful year full of growth and achievements.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any further questions or concerns at:

kimberlybaechle@fcschools.net

MATH with MS. CUNNINGHAM:

It is hard to believe it is already May and we only have 5 weeks left of school. With it, comes many end of the year activities and of course end of the year assessments. Students will be taking their end of the year exact path diagnostic assessment and then we will be moving into EOG remediation for 2 weeks. Please remind your student to do their best on each assessment, take their time, and show what they know. It is important to show growth since the beginning of the year on each of these assessments. They need to be encouraged to try their best to get an accurate score because it helps identify areas where they may need additional support or instruction. It can provide valuable feedback on their progress, helps teachers tailor instruction to their needs, and ensures they’re prepared for the next level of learning. Plus, doing well can boost confidence and set a positive tone for future assessments and learning.

I have given each of the students their 3rd Check-in scores as well as had them make an attainable personal goal for their EOG based on their scores from the year. Please begin now with a night routine that consists of

We tested on unit 4-Statistical and Probabilistic Reasoning last week. In this unit, students learned to analyze bivariate data—using scatter plots and fitted lines to analyze numerical data, and use two-way tables, bar graphs, and segmented bar graphs to analyze categorical data.

We have now moved into our last unit—Pythagorean Theorem and Volume Cluster.

Our unit will build on students’ prior learning from:

Grade 6

• Areas of parallelograms and triangles

Grade 7

• Operations with rational numbers

• Converting fractions to decimals using long division

• Volume of prisms

• Area of circles

Standards Covered in this unit:

NC.8.G.6 Explain the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse

NC.8.G.7 Apply the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

NC.8.G.8 Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find the distance between two points in a coordinate system.

NC.8.G.9 Understand how the formulas for the volumes of cones, cylinders, and spheres are related and use the relationship to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

Essential Questions:

• How can lengths and distances be expressed (stated)–exactly or approximately –using understanding of square roots/irrational numbers?

• What is the purpose (idea, point, idea) of the Pythagorean Theorem?

• What dimensions (measurements, numbers) are needed to compute (figure, solve for…) the volume of a cylinder, cone, sphere?

• How are these dimensions (measurements) used to compute (figure, solve for….) the volume of this three-dimensional object?

Vocabulary

Pythagorean theorem, hypotenuse, legs, right triangle, square root, cube root, cone, cylinder, radius, sphere, volume

We will also be reviewing for the Math EOG starting May 12th, which is scheduled for May 29th. There is a module on the math canvas page titled Math EOG Review. I would suggest that students begin looking over all topics posted as well as reviewing the vocabulary posted under the module titled Math Vocabulary.

Any questions or concerns, please email me at michellecunningham@fcschools.net

SOCIAL STUDIES with MR. DOWNUM:

We are almost at the finish line. I know the kids have this and they will rock the EOG’s!!! In social studies we will be working on WWI probably for the rest of the year.

SCIENCE with MS. DOWNUM:

I hope you had a restful weekend! As we approach the end of the school year, it's common for students to feel burnt out and look forward to summer vacation. Please encourage your child to take care of themselves so they can finish the year strong. I am incredibly proud of all the effort and hard work the students are putting in!

We had our last Science NC Check-in on Friday, and I saw many students trying their hardest. The next big test for Science is the EOG on June 3rd. This week, we will be engaging in a fun, standards-based activity to give the students a much needed break. Next week, we will focus on remediation to ensure they are well-prepared for the EOG. Additionally, we still have a final unit in SEL to complete.

Thank you for your continued support!

Slideshow and Assignments: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/17dvZHX3EhkPKVYS0sf7wpBPaVZaN1Q1TMtkezA-SMok/edit?usp=sharing

The Diary of Anne Frank (Play Version)

Selection Summary: “In 1942 Amsterdam, the Jewish Frank family, fearful of being captured by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp, decides to go into hiding in an annex above Mr. Frank’s business. The Franks and a few others must remain in the annex at all times, and must keep silent during the day. Young Anne Frank uses her diary to keep an account of their time in the annex, which proves to be an important resource for future generations to learn about the Holocaust. Readers can also learn a lot from Anne’s indomitable spirit and zest for life.” HMH

Exact Path Final DiagnosticAssessment in ELA Class: May 5th -May 6th

Target Areas Include Based on the Exact Path Diagnostic Include:

• Continued Focus on Context Clues using the acronyms IDEAS / FANBOYS

• Making Inferences

• Identifying and Writing Theme Statements

• Analyzing Character Traits Based on the Actions/Dialogue of Characters

• Vocabulary Study: Connotation / Denotation

• Test Taking Strategies (RUNNERS / RACES)

Ways to Support and Encourage Your Child Daily!

Please check PowerSchool and Canvas page for the most up-to-date work assigned to your child. It has become an issue that students are not completing work as the deadline indicates on our Canvas Page. I cannot reiterate enough that the responsibility is on your child to email me with the title(s) of completed assignments after the due date. Otherwise, I do not know if your child went back to complete an assignment.

Homework - Prep Work for the End of Year Test: Independent Vocabulary Study…

Academic Vocabulary: Encourage your child to practice independently at home three to four times + per week in preparation for the 2025 Reading EOG.

1. Go to Quizlet at http://tinyurl.com/FrostEOGWordWall

2. Click on “Flashcards” and learn new terms

3. Click on “Learn” and identify correct terms and definitions

4. Click on “Match” to play the game

5. Click on “Test” to demonstrate mastery of vocabulary terms

Additional Vocabulary Review: ELA / EOG Vocabulary Terms (Interactive Games)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ab2x1KcUDMpTNGYwVxvklPIoExERtMhKYcjqZ7cfH2A/edit?usp=sharing

DRAMA with MS. HATTEN:

8th grade : PUPPETS! Students are nearing completion of their puppets!THey will be on display on May 15th - Spring Concert! And ARTS SHOWCASE

ART with Mrs. CLIFTON:

LIGHT ART - CHECK OUT THE BEAUTIFUL VIDEO COVERING SO MANY AMAZING PICTURES!

BAND with MS. RIPPE: ****Performance Schedule!****

May 15th - Spring Concert! Mandatory All Grades!! - Concert at FMS at 6:00pm. This is a graded event. Attendance at all rehearsals, the concert, and writing a reflection during your next class will make up 3 test grades for the 4th marking period.

Student dress for the Spring Concert is the same as the Winter Concert; all black, all white, white top and black bottoms, pop of red, To the best of your ability please wear dress up attire with nice shoes. We will have combined practices from Monday 5/12-Thursday 5/15 During class time. It is important to attend all rehearsals leading up to the concert performance. Students are able to stay after school and a snack will be provided in order for everyone to attend the concert.

On April 25th the 6th grade band put on an outstanding concert with Gravelly Hill MS 6th grade band! They performed the 4 pieces they have been working on and did an excellent job! On stage there were about 80 students! During this event the students had the opportunity to meet and work with composer Scratch Eden who came all the way from Tennessee and conducted the premiere of his latest composition Minotaur! Here is the group picture of the entire band. I am super proud of what they were able to accomplish in their very first year of playing an instrument!

Practice Logs! These are still coming out! On the back of each log for this marking period will have a review assignment. This is graded work. We will be starting the 5th practice log this week. It is important that if they lose the paper I hand them in class they can still access the work through “Assignments” in Canvas and reprint the document.

Friendly Reminder - It is very important that students study, practice, and log their time on their music on the Practice Logs. This will help students when they come into class every other day be ready to rehearse their parts. Please encourage your student to bring home their instrument to practice! If they forget their folder they can open their computer and go into our Canvas, “Pages” section to find all the music.

If it isn’t possible to practice their instrument at home students can still accomplish this by using a pencil to hold and finger through their parts for all wind instruments, use 2 pencils for all percussion to tap through their parts, count through their rhythms, say letter names of the notes, and sing through the melodies. Playing your instrument is best but studying is second best! Any reviewing of parts at home is a help! Don’t forget to fill out and hand in your Practice Logs!

Scales -We will continue to work on the Scale Builder in Ab concert! This is a higher level scale that consists of new notes and up to 4 flats for some instruments! Every class has really handled this scale well! And I am hearing more consistency when playing the higher notes! Keep up the good work everyone!

Rhythms! Starting this week students will be working on DOTTED QUARTER TO EIGHTH NOTE rhythm patterns. We will still be reviewing syncopation along with their 16th notes, and 8th note combinations. Adding to their beginner rhythms of whole, half, and quarter note combinations. Using a new rhythm everyday has definitely helped students with reading rhythms.

The music for the Spring Concert is really getting exciting! We are continuing to focus more on the style of the music. Working on techniques such as legato vs staccato playing. Working on dynamics with crescendos and decrescendos. And working the tempos of each piece. Staying together with balance and blending of sounds.

Below are the links to all the music available! Please encourage students to listen to these versions or any other versions of the songs they may find!

8th Grade: Up, Up, and Away, Mysterious Chase, and Bang Bang

https://www.jwpepper.com/up-up-and-away-11515781-800990/p

https://www.jwpepper.com/s?q=mysterious+chase&sort=score_desc&page=0

https://www.jwpepper.com/bang-bang-10490891-308670/p

7th Grade: Spitfire, Clutch, and Bruno Mars pack

https://www.jwpepper.com/s?q=spitfire&sort=score_desc&page=0

Links to an external site.

https://www.jwpepper.com/s?q=clutch&sort=score_desc&page=0

Links to an external site.

https://www.jwpepper.com/s?q=bruno+mars+four+pack&sort=score_desc&page=0

Links to an external site.

6th Grade:March of the Champions, Presto!, Little Star, and Midnight Mission

https://www.jwpepper.com/s?q=march+of+the+champions&sort=score_desc&page=0

Links to an external site.

https://www.jwpepper.com/s?q=presto%21&sort=score_desc&page=0

Links to an external site.

https://www.jwpepper.com/s?q=Little+Star&sort=score_desc&page=0

https://www.jwpepper.com/s?q=midnight+mission%27&sort=score_desc&page=0&preview=true

CTE with MR. PIRRONE:

Paxton Patterson Career Labs:

In the coming weeks, we are excited to kick off Rotations 3 and 4, tailored to the students' progress within the Paxton Patterson system. Our goal is to maximize their experience by aiming for a total of five rotations in the lab, and I am optimistic that they will achieve this milestone.

The students have been doing a fantastic job so far, especially considering this is the inaugural year of the program. Their enthusiasm and dedication have truly shone through, setting a strong foundation for future learning. Let's keep this momentum going as we dive into the next phases of our rotations!

Computer Science Discoveries 1 and 2:

CSD 1:

End of Year Project: Create Your Personal Webpage!

As we approach the end of the term, we are excited to announce a thrilling project that allows students to showcase their creativity and coding skills! Each student will embark on an engaging journey to design and develop a personal webpage using code.org. This isn't just any ordinary project; it's an opportunity to express who they are, share their interests, and demonstrate the coding knowledge they've acquired throughout the term.

Project Details:

1. Objective: Each student will create a fully functional web page that highlights their unique personality. This project will serve as a digital portfolio of their skills, interests, and experiences.

2. Coding Skills Application: Students will use various coding languages they have learned this term, including HTML, CSS. They will apply these languages to ensure their webpage is not only visually appealing but also interactive and user-friendly.

3. Creative Freedom: The design of the webpage is entirely up to the student! They can incorporate images, videos, and even animations to bring their webpage to life. This is their chance to think outside the box and create an impressive digital space that reflects their individuality.

4. Collaboration and Feedback: Throughout the project, students will have opportunities to collaborate with peers, exchange ideas, and provide feedback on each other's designs. This collaborative environment will foster a sense of community and enhance their learning experience.

5. Presentation: At the end of the project, students will present their webpages to the class. This is a moment to shine, showcasing their hard work and creativity while building confidence in their presentation skills.

This end-of-term project is not just about coding; it's about self-expression, creativity, and applying what they've learned in a meaningful way. We can't wait to see the amazing web pages our students create! Let the journey begin!

CSD 2:

Animation and Game Development Journey

Students are diving deep into the exciting world of animation and game design through code.org. After weeks of exploring various coding languages, they are on the brink of seeing their hard work come to life. They are discovering how their favorite games begin as mere ideas, which then transform into coded realities. The process involves crafting a language, implementing code, and, importantly, gathering user feedback to refine their creations.

In the coming weeks, students will have the opportunity to design and develop their very own small animated games. This hands-on experience will allow them to apply the skills they've learned, collaborate with peers, and unleash their creativity. As they embark on this project, they will not only enhance their coding abilities but also gain insight into the intricacies of game development. This journey promises to be both educational and immensely rewarding, as they see their imaginative concepts evolve into playable games!

Keyboarding Skills and Basic Word Processing:

Throughout our lessons, we have mastered the entire keyboard, established proper posture, and calculated our Words Per Minute (WPM) and Accuracy Percentage (ACC %). Now, we are excited to bring all this knowledge together as we delve into the art of document formatting.

In this crucial phase, we will learn how to set margins effectively, choose professional fonts, and understand when to use italics or bold fonts to enhance our presentations. We will also explore font sizes and other essential formatting techniques to create polished, professional documents.

As we wrap up this module and approach the end of the school year, our focus will shift toward a meaningful project. In the final two weeks, each student will craft a heartfelt thank-you letter to their teachers, expressing gratitude for their guidance throughout the year. They will have the creative freedom to format these letters as they wish. Once completed, I will print them out, allowing each student to personally deliver their letters to their teachers. This project not only reinforces our formatting skills but also fosters appreciation within our classroom community.

SPORTS

• Help out at Athletic Events (just be ready to jump in as needed :)
• Donate food or drinks for our athletes to have before they play or after they play
• Help coaches run drills or practice sessions
• Sell items on the sidelines (talk to the coach)
• Sponser a child's sneakers or other athletic attire
• Donate money to provide students with an awards dinner for the Athletic Awards Ceremony
• Help out at the Awards Ceremony serving food and cleaning up

BAND

• Help the Band Director at concerts (supervision of students)
• Donate food at concerts to feed students before the concert
• Sponsor a child's instrument or donate an instrument
• Donate money for extra reeds, etc. for students
• Help with field trips, help with All County (go in the bus)

ULTIMATE BOOK SHOWDOWN

• Donate books on the list
• Come in during lunches to help prep students for their competition
• Donate t-shirts or design t-shirts for the competition (in March)
• Donate money to cover feeding students lunch after their competition

PARENT SUMMIT: Joanne Allen, Vanessa Bell, Twyla Isreal

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT TEAM: Vanessa Barrier, Claire Brigner, Shanita Bumpers

DISTRICT PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL: Allan Barrier, Antonia Autrey, Jason Myers

Ms. Gilbert's Virtual Office

Complete and submit this form: Counselor Request Form

Or send email to: marygilbert@fcschools.net

Or call FMS at 919-494-2971 ext. 324212

NC211.org (or call 211)

besmartforkids.org Be SMART: Firearm safety

Crisis Text Line text HOME to 741741

Food Finder (FoodBank of Central NC)

Food Pantries in Franklin County

Hope4NC (or call 1-855-587-3463)

National Alliance of Mental Illness/NC (or call 800-451-9682)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (or call 800-799-7233)

SuicideCrisisLifeline.org (or call 988)

Vaya Health (or call their Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 800-849-6127)