The Freedom Phenom

Good afternoon, I hope that each of you has had an enjoyable start to the school year. It is hard to believe that we have already completed one month of the 24-25 school year and Labor Day is in the rearview mirror. With that sentiment in mind, it is important to focus forward now on a couple of areas:

1. September is a "lighter" month as we have Fall Break, but with September comes a deeper focus and dive into academic content. It is imperative that your student(s) be here at FMS each day to ensure the greatest chance for academic success.
2. As the newness of school wears off so too does the grace that students extend to one another at times. Please remind your student(s) that there are always adults who are willing to support and help him/her with issues that arise.

Lastly, I want to thank each of you for the support you all have shown as we have worked through new protocols regarding cell phones and dress code. The support from you all as a community has allowed these initiatives to successfully get off the ground. Thank you. Have a great week!

All the best,

Chad Flatt, Ed.D

Principal

Virtual curriculum night videos will be posted in all teachers’ Canvas courses under the Course Info Button. You can also access all Curriculum Night videos on our YouTube page (link). Please feel free to subscribe while you’re there so you get notifications of when we are going live for school-wide events!

Afternoon checkouts end at 3:30pm. If you arrive after 3pm please park in the side parking lot accessed through the 2nd entrance. This will help you avoid the afternoon car rider line.

Bedford Falls Book Fair will be October 7-11. This is a great opportunity to volunteer in the Media Center. Find a time slot that works for you HERE

In August, 1,940 books were checked out!

6th Grade enjoyed a Book Tasting of Genres. Students sampled books from Fantasy, Supernatural, Dystopian, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, and Realistic Fiction.

Dear Freedom Families,

We are making a special effort to ensure that all students fully benefit from their education by attending school regularly. Getting into the habit of daily attendance is more important than ever. It helps to:

· reduce stress

· make it easier to connect with friends and teachers

· support learning

· improve outcomes like academic success and graduation

· lay the foundation for success in high school, college, and/or work

In order to support daily attendance, we will implement the following attendance interventions:

· Parent notification at 5th, 7th, and 9th unexcused absence.

· School based attendance meeting at 7th unexcused absence.

· School social worker referral at 10th unexcused absence.

· Potential referral to the Cherokee County Community Truancy Panel after 10th unexcused absence.

· Attendance incentives such as awards, monthly gift card drawings for perfect attendance, quarterly rewards, etc.

It is our hope that your child will be able to attend school regularly. We are working to make our school environment a place where everyone can be safe, healthy, and learning. We will do our best to listen and partner with you so that our students have a successful year. Thank you in advance for your assistance and support.

Family and Consumer Science

Students are off to a great start this school year! Sixth and Seventh graders began this year discussing what makes a good employee and managing stress. Eighth graders rotated through employability stations including how to write a professional email, writing a thank you card, social media etiquette, ironing a shirt etc. All grade levels reviewed Kitchen safety and sanitation, reading a recipe, measuring practice, and making a simple snack. All grade levels have practiced sewing the three basic stitches, 2-hole and 4-hole button and some even got to sew stuffed monsters. The last week of August 6th and 7th graders studied Fashion and 8th graders studied Interior Design. As we enter September, all grade levels will study Financial Literacy and then roll into the week before fall break studying Childcare. Students seem to be enjoying all the skills-based activities, and it is so exciting to see all their special talents and to watch them learn and grow!

This year Freedom is beginning a new tradition. Each month we will recognize a teacher and a staff member who has gone above and beyond in their role. These people truly exemplify the FMS spirit. This new award is called the Patty Award symbolizing an authentic Patriot. For the month of August, we honored Christy Bennett as the teacher of the month, and our custodian team as the staff member of the month!

MEMBERSHIPS!! MEMBERSHIPS!! MEMBERSHIPS!!

Please see the flyer for the Pizza Party Contest PTSA will be hosting for the winning Homeroom classes bringing in the most memberships by September 11, 2024

Help your Patriot's homeroom earn pizza.

Why?

Mainly because they are middle schoolers and they are always hungry!!

Secondly, because you want to support their school and help to make an impactful change by becoming a PTSA member.

https://freedommsptsa.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

SPONSORS!!

We would like to take the time to thank our current paid and in-kind sponsors thus far for the 2024-2025 school year!!

• Bridgemill Family Dentistry- Red, White & Blue
• Sixes Church- Red, White & Blue
• Summertime Pools- Red, White & Blue
• Giggle Monsters
• Card My Yard
• Wicked Wings
• Chick-Fil-A
• Little River Boat Marina

If you too would like to be a sponsor for this school year, please feel free to reach out to Freedomptsapresidents@gmail.com

YOUR sponsorship and/or memberships help to put on events such as the Back to School Bash (the dunk tank was a HIT!), appreciation days/events for the staff and faculty, snack cart for holidays and testing, and new this year Birthday treats for EVERY student during their birthday month.

Don't forget to sign up for Remind messages so you are up to date on any volunteer, Sign-up Genius or donation opportunities. Text 81010 and in the message type @freedompts

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

Academic Bowl

Next Meeting: Monday, September 9th @ 8:15am

History Bowl

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 5th @ 8:15am

Junior Beta Club

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 12th @ 4:15-5:00pm

Tome Literary Society

Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 3rd @ 8:15am

4-H Club

Next Meeting: Monday, September 30th @ 4:15pm

Boys Bible Study

Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 10th @ 8:15am

First Priority

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 5th @ 8:15am

Freedom Stitch Society

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 5th @ 8:15am

Girls Bible Study

Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 10th @ 8:15am

Good Earth Garden Club

Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 4th @ 4:15pm

Interact Club

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 2nd @ 8:15am

Patriot Pet Club

Next Meeting: Monday, October 7th @ 4:15pm

Yearbook/Photography Club

Next Meeting: Monday, September 9th @ 8:15am

Basketball

Cheerleading

Tryouts will be held on Wednesday, September 11th, from 4:15-6:00pm in the gym. All interested participants must have an up to date physical uploaded in rank one prior to tryouts.

Intramurals

Every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 4:15-5:30pm. You must have a permission form on file in order to participate.

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.