FMS Parent Information SMORE
January 22, 2024
WE ARE NOW IN QUARTER THREE / SEMESTER TWO
FMS AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING IS FREE AND SLOTS ARE AVAILABLE!
Tutoring Information:
- After school tutoring runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week on regular school days (no tutoring on holidays, early release days, or inclement weather days)
- The tutors are the teachers that work here! Your child will be in good hands.
- Tutoring time is 3:30-5:00pm
- Parents will need to pick up students before 5pm or by 5pm at the latest (transportation is not provided).
- A Parent/Student program contract must be signed by the second session the student attends (click the button below or have your child get a paper copy from their teacher)
FMS CALENDAR
JANUARY
1/22 TEACHER WORKDAY - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
1/23 & 1/24 i-Ready Middle of Year Diagnostic Testing: Reading (Remediation schedule both days)
1/23 Basketball HOME vs. Vance MS
1/24 & 1/25 ESL ACCESS testing afternoons both days
1/25 Basketball AWAY Wake Prep
1/25 Wrestling HOME vs. Vance & Cedar Creek
1/26 REPORT CARD PICK-UP FMS CAFETERIA 3:30-4:30PM *report cards and At Risk letters not handed out to parents will go home with students the following school day.
1/29 Wrestling AWAY vs. Ravenscroft & Wake Prep (last match)
1/31 Early College High School Interest Information Meeting for Rising 9th Graders
1/31 Basketball AWAY vs. N. Granville
FEBRUARY
2/1 Louisburg Magnet High School Interest Information Meeting for Rising 9th Graders
2/1 Basketball HOME vs Hawley MS
2/5 Basketball HOME vs. Bunn *8th Grade Recognition (last game)
2/5-2/9 MATH REMEDIATION WEEK
2/12 Dr. Schuhler Lunch Buddies Visit
2/13 NC Check-in #2: Math 6-8
2/14 Valentines Day - let someone know you care about them!
2/15 Early Release - students are released at 12:30pm
2/16 Teacher Workday - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS TODAY
2/20 Franklinton High School Interest Information Meeting for Rising 9th Graders
2/22 Bus Driver Appreciation Day
MARCH
3/5 GO VOTE TODAY (PRIMARY VOTE)
3/11-3/14 ELA/SCIENCE 8 REMEDIATION WEEK
3/14 Early Release - students are released at 12:30 pm
3/15 Teacher Workday - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS TODAY
3/20 NC Check-In #3 Science 8
3/21 NC Check-In #3 Reading
FMS ANGELS - THANK YOU FOR DONATING!
Thank you to FMS Staff for bringing in shoes, coats, and more for our clothing closet. We appreciate you!
Thank you to the Franklinton Democratic Precinct for the clothing donation - really nice clothes for really great kids!
Thank you to the Franklinton Women's Club for the wonderful clothing donation!
**We have a special need for hoodies, coats, leggings for girls, new underwear for girls, and athletic pants for boys. All donations can simply be dropped off in the main office. Thank you for helping us to help our students!
SCHOOL COUNSELOR: MS. GILBERT
Heads Up 8th Grade Parents!
Our 8th grade students have some choices to make for high school!
8th grade students can apply to Early College High School, a free 5-year program that blends high school and college so students have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and Associate’s Degree from VGCC at the same time. Staff and students will visit FMS on 1/31/24 to present information about their program and answer questions.
8th grade students can also apply for the STEM Magnet program at Louisburg Magnet High School. Staff and students from LMHS will also visit FMS (TBD) to present information about their program and answer questions.
Apply for either or both programs here: FCS Choice Application
The deadline to apply is 2/9/24.
Once you have submitted an application, please notify Ms. Gilbert so she can submit the required recommendation forms.
Franklinton High School will visit FMS on 2/20/24 to discuss high school planning. All FMS students will register with FHS even if they are applying to LHS or ECHS.
FHS has a Spring Showcase and Fast Track registration on 3/7/24 when parents and students can visit and tour and learn more about FHS. Registration with FHS will take place at FMS later in March for those students that do not register at the Spring Showcase.
Please encourage your students to finish 8th grade strong, as we’re preparing them for high school classes!
Helpful Resources
NC211.org (or call 211)
Food Finder (FoodBank of Central NC)
Hope4NC (or call 1-855-587-3463)
TransitionsLifeCare.org (or call the Grief Line 919-719-7199)
National Domestic Violence Hotline (or call 800-799-7233)
SuicideCrisisLifeline.org (or call 988)
National Alliance of Mental Illness/NC (or call 800-451-9682)
Vaya Health (or call their Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 800-849-6127)
How to Contact Ms. Gilbert:
Complete and submit this form: Counselor Request Form
Or send email to: marygilbert@fcschools.net
Or call FMS at 919-494-2971 ext. 298
STEAM LAB PICTURES!
8th grade students had an opportunity to help out the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences by looking for microfossils in soil. Check out one that we were able to identify by using the Microeye in the STEAM Lab!
Fossil Fun in the STEAM Lab
This is an actual fossil!
Finding fossils using a magnifying glass
GRADE 6 TEAM
SCIENCE: MS. DOWNUM
We are working on our Matter unit. We are learning about physical properties which can be observed with the five senses and the Periodic Table of Elements. The test is still scheduled for the 31st.
Our upcoming unit is called Earth Systems and Processes which will cover the Rock cycle and Plate Tectonics. This is a long but fun unit. This unit is the longest unit we will cover all year. I do not have a test date for this unit yet. It will be around early March.
SEL has been on pause due to all the schedule changes we have experienced for weather, testing, and remediation. I have had students ask when we were going to cover our next lesson so they can learn more about their emotions and how to manage them. I use lighter science days to teach SEL It looks like we can start back up with these lessons next week.
Report card pick up will be on the 26th this week from 3:30-4:30.
MATH: MR. MITCHELL
I trust this message finds you in good health. I am delighted to share some exciting updates from our vibrant 6th Grade class at Franklinton Middle School.
Academic Achievements:
As we navigate the middle-of-the-year iReady diagnostics, the results have unveiled a spectrum of outcomes. Some students have exhibited remarkable progress, while others have experienced more moderate growth or faced challenges. Recognizing the pivotal role of consistent completion of the two iReady lessons per week for optimal performance, I encourage you to engage in conversations with your students about their diagnostic growth and reinforce their commitment to daily iReady practice. Your support in this endeavor will undoubtedly contribute to significant improvement in the end-of-the-year diagnostics.
Preparation for EOGs and Unit 5 Test:
In our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, we continue our weekly "From the Jump" assignments, delving into last year's EOG questions. I urge you to actively participate in discussions with your students about these assignments, fostering a deeper understanding and preparation for the upcoming EOGs. Mastery of these questions, coupled with focus on the Unit 5 test covering decimal computations, will play a pivotal role in their success.
From the Jump Quiz and Weekly Notes:
As part of our strategic approach to assessments, students engage in a From the Jump Quiz every Friday. The use of weekly notes on the From the Jump paper serves as a valuable tool to enhance their understanding. Consistent practice through these quizzes positively influences their preparedness for assessments.
Grades and Class Preparedness:
A gentle reminder for students to complete 60 minutes and pass 2 lessons in iReady each week, contributing not only to their grades but also enriching their overall education. I'm pleased to report that student behavior remains excellent, and their consistent engagement in schoolwork is commendable.
General Preparedness:
To ensure a seamless and focused learning environment, it is essential for students to arrive with charged chrome books, notebooks, and writing utensils every day.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at brandonmitchell@fcschools.net. Your collaboration is deeply valued.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
Best regards,
Mr Mitchell
ELA: MS. CRUDUP
Greetings Families,
Last week our students had to take their ELA NC Check-in and their I-Ready Diagnostic for Math. Although some of our students aren’t fans of assessments they handled it all with grace. Our Check Ins had 24 questions on it and the students made a goal they would like to reach. We had a great deal of students reach their goal. Growth is what we want to see and we saw that. Please continue to encourage your students to do I-Ready, statistics show that it works. Each student should be completing at least 2 passed lessons a week.
Be Prepared for Class
Students should have a charged Chromebook daily for school, at any given time we may be using those. The expectation is that all materials are with you during class. If the student knows they need something for the day they should come right in and ask for it and sharpen etc. We are low on classroom supplies so keep that in mind.
Curriculum
We are still discussing Figurative Language and Tone and Mood throughout the Novel Bud Not Buddy. Your student has a personal workbook for this book that goes by Chapters. They are responsible for these and are to do them as we complete each chapter. These notebooks help with vocabulary and Comprehension. The Chapters in this Book are short so reading at home should be more convenient with this novel.
Thank you for your role in your students education, any questions just reach out to me at sharondaperry@fcschools.net
SOCIAL STUDIES: MR. CALDERON
Welcome to the New Semester!!! We have finished our lessons on Ancient Greece and Alexander the Great. In the next couple of weeks we will embark on a virtual trip to Ancient India, Ancient China and Ancient Japan. We will be studying their cultures and way of life. We will even get the opportunity to make paper just like they did in those times.
Be Prepared
Parents, I will ask from you that you please make sure your students are completing their work and that they have the material for the class when they come to school. We have plenty of students without chromebooks or broken chromebooks. In addition they need to have notebooks, highlighters and pencils.
Thanks you for your support,
Mr. Luis Calderón
GRADE 7 TEAM
MATH: MS. JENKINS
Hello FMS families. We have officially made it halfway through the school year. This week marks the beginning of the third quarter and our students are excited about learning more about algebra. We continue to work on Unit 4, Reasoning with Expressions. We have learned how to identify the parts of an expression, how to identify equivalent expressions, and how to distribute or expand algebraic expressions. In the next two weeks, we will work on combining like terms and writing expressions in different forms to better understand relationships within context.
Many students completed the I-Ready midyear diagnostic test. We will have data discussions concerning the results to ensure continued progress throughout the year. Students are encouraged to complete two passing lessons of I-Ready each week. Students who complete this task are eligible for a prize drawing each week.
Things to remember:
~Class attendance is important
(If you miss class you are expected to make up the assignments. Class assignments serve to prepare students for each unit test)
~Remember the school and classroom rules. (Exhibit responsible behavior at all times)
~Bring your materials to class daily. (Chromebooks(charged), notebooks, and pencils)
~Get a good night's rest and come to class prepared to work.
~Math I-Ready assignments are important. Believe in yourself, you can do it!
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at litishajenkins@fcschools.net.
SCIENCE: MS. BRACKETT
Happy New Year, and welcome to the electrifying kickoff of the third nine weeks!
Hold onto your hats because we're diving headfirst into the thrill of testing for the recently conquered unit—Evolution and Genetics. Buckle up, students! Make sure to unleash your inner test-taking superheroes by hitting the books and rocking the quizzes on Quizlet at Evolution and Genetics Review.
But wait, there's more! Brace yourselves for an exhilarating ride through the next two units that promise to be nothing short of a rollercoaster of knowledge. First up, we're delving into the fascinating realm of Energy: Conservation and Transfer, setting the stage for an explosion of excitement. And that's not all! The grand finale brings us to Forces and Motion—a riveting adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Get ready for a high-octane journey through the captivating worlds of energy, forces, and motion. I can practically feel the anticipation buzzing, and I know our amazing students are going to eat up every moment of this next nine weeks!
Now, let's talk about classwork. Attention, all super scholars! Some heroes are falling behind in completing their tasks during class. Fear not! There's ample time during class to conquer your assignments. If, by some twist of fate, your classwork remains unvanquished, consider it a mission for the night—homework awaits, due the next day. Let's ensure every task is conquered, and success is our middle name!
If you have any questions or concerns about your student’s grades or assignments, please contact me at sherrybrackett@fcschools.net.
SOCIAL STUDIES: MR. JONES
Hello FMS families! We had a great first semester and I look forward to what is to come. In class this quarter we will be going over both World Wars as well as the Great Depression. Students have been assigned a project that will be due at the end of Q3. They were assigned an event from the World Wars and were instructed to make a poster, diorama, or both for extra credit. The rubrics have been posted on their canvas pages.
Starting the new semester is a great opportunity for students to have a reset or keep pressing on with all of the work they have been doing. It is good to review the syllabus and make sure that all classroom requirements and expectations are known and reinforced.
There will be some sensitive material covered when it comes to this time in history. Permission slips will be sent out in order for students to view certain materials. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at hunterjones@fcschools.net
ELA: MS. BAECHLE
Good evening students and families and welcome to Q3! Students have taken their ELA Check-In 2.0 round two and overall we had some solid growth in some categories, though we want to still focus on overall reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skill-sets. We began Q3 this week with a fresh start and an agreement I would like both students and parents to partake in for continued growth and success is Q3 and beyond!
Growth 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 (tutoring)**
I will maintain a growth mind-set for my academic and personal growth and goals!!
Expectations: Overall, students have done a solid job with maintaining a positive behavior in class, as well as keeping up to date with their work. I appreciate you speaking with your students about their personal and academic goals on a regular basis. 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.
Curriculum: Currently, we are roughly two thirds through Unit 2 with Frederick Douglass and the topic of “Slavery.” Students have been introduced and continue to learn about his background and daily life as a slave and its role within American History. The models within the unit focus on: Historical context, Author’s purpose, and Poetry. Students have read several excerpts in which they have annotated key vocabulary, located textual evidence, labeled where their answer can be found, and responded to in-depth text-based questions.
Students continue to utilize a series of skills including: color-coded annotation, a strong focus on content vocabulary, a variety of written responses, utilizing a variety of graphic-organizers, anchor texts, etc.
This week: we will be focusing on a mini-unit on Poetry. Students will learn how a poem is structured and how to analyze a poem by making inferences, determining if it is non-fiction (topic) or fictional (theme), as well as locating and analyzing several examples of figurative language.
Next week: Students will be partaking in the second round of “data-talks” for both the ELA Check-in two and the reading diagnostic. Students will be tracking their own data and setting goals for both Checkin-in three and the EOG at the end of the year. We will also be introducing different activities and reviewing challenges concepts in the form of “Enrichment,” in order to enhance specific skill areas.
Q2/3 Project: Throughout Q2 and Q3 students will be writing a research paper from a series of pre-selected Social Issue topics. This week students will select a topic from those provided to them on a series of ‘Social Issues.” The next two weeks we will be focusing on the structure of body paragraphs 1-4 including the when/where, and the why/how of their chosen topic, as well as at least one piece of textual evidence from their online sources. The project rubric and letter of intent to be signed are included below: The project due date is TBD and will be likely be due at the end of February**
Q2/3 Project Info: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x1SbVnRixJHN4lBKpBEhfi45lsYePFUHlBWFDzQqMic/edit?usp=sharing
Letter of intent:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oPykoLE60SbiP-SF25OJlv2Ec8th7YXb_V5StmBP_a4/edit?usp=sharing
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.
Grades: Student grades are present 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. I allow a one week timeframe to make up work before an assignment becomes a zero.
I-Ready: Is a proven and resourceful data-driven program that allows teachers to see tri-annually where a student is at in their comprehension level by grade lexile. It also allows teachers to view the data and see where students have mastered a skill, and what areas need additional practice. Student growth or lack thereof on their pathway is a factor in potential summer learning or even retention ol their grade, which is why it is so essential to their weekly learning**
Students are expected to complete two passing lessons from their pathway each week. In addition, they will be assigned “teacher assigned lessons” at times to enhance what is being taught in class, which is to be completed by the end of the week for a grade. The teacher chosen assignment will focus on a skill-set currently being taught or reviewed in class in order to strengthen a specific skill.
We are currently utilizing I-Ready incentives for every two passing lessons per ELA and Math each week. This incentive began right before the holiday break. Students have an opportunity to receive an incentive of their choice for their hard work. See the image below for more info…
Tutoring: Tutoring occurs weekly each: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30-5:00 pm in the cafeteria. Please ask your student about a tutoring contract to view and return attached below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KHba-Ciy9XIx3mbAu6Ki7mwwocNfgA1dOxvI7Qcg3V8/edit?usp=sharing
I will be there on Mondays and Thursdays for additional support in ELA.
Students have worked hard Q2 and their efforts and growth have shown! The goal is to maintain that focus and effort in Q3. Keep up the good work :)
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any further questions or concerns: kimberlybaechle@fcschools.net
GRADE 8 TEAM
SCIENCE: MS. HEAD
We are finishing up our dig into Earth History and beginning the Evolution unit for Science. We will have the end unit test for Earth History Monday 1/29. In the Second Step lessons we will be continuing to look at recognizing bullying and harassment. Please let me know if any questions come up (my email: nadinehead@fcschools.net). Thank you!
SOCIAL STUDIES: MR. DOWNUM
We are now in the 3rd quarter/2nd semester so we have a fresh clean slate. This is a great opportunity to remind the students to put their best foot forward. This is a new year and a new semester lets all put our best feet forward.
This coming week we will be finishing testing with the mid-year ELA I-Ready diagnostic. This is an adaptive test and will allow the kids to see if they have shown any growth from the beginning of the year. Please ensure that you remind your student to come in with a charged Chromebook. They will have two days to work on this diagnostic so they should not rush and do the best that they can.
In Social Studies we will be continuing with The Civil War and Reconstruction. The kids have been doing a lot of work on cause and effect in class. We will have the exam for this unit in the next two to three weeks, depending on student understanding of the topic. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at daviddownum@fcschools.net
MATH: MS. CUNNINGHAM
It’s wild, but we are halfway through the school year and starting semester 2! Where has the time gone? It is time for a fresh start. Please make sure your student stays on top of their work and turns in their assignments on time instead of waiting until the last week of the quarter- have your student set a personal goal to show academic improvement by the end of the third marking period.
Students took their iReady Middle of Year Math Diagnostic assessment last week. Some will be finishing up tomorrow. Results will be coming home with their report cards on Friday.
Our second Math NC Check-in will be Tuesday, Feb. 13th. Remediation will occur the week of Feb. 5th-9th.
With our different schedules because of remediation, early release, and delayed start, we are still working to complete our unit 2a assessment- Reasoning About Equations and Angles, in which we have been solving equations and inequalities with variables on one side and both sides. We also learned how to graph the inequalities on a number line.
We are moving onto unit 2b, which is still Reasoning About Equations and Angles, but in this second half of the unit the students build upon their knowledge of parallel lines from grade 6 and angle relationships from grade 7 to recognize relationships between the angles created when parallel lines are cut by a transversal. Students solve real-world and mathematical problems using equations and angles.
NC.8.G.5 Use informal arguments to analyze angle relationships.
Recognize relationships between interior and exterior angles of a triangle.
Recognize the relationships between the angles created when parallel lines are cut by a transversal.
Recognize the angle-angle criterion for similarity of triangles.
Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving angles.
Vocabulary
transversal, vertical angles, straight angle, supplementary angle, complementary angle, alternate interior angle, alternate exterior angle, corresponding angles, exterior angle theorem, adjacent angles, same side interior, same side exterior
Key Math Practice Standard(s)
MP3: Justify relationships between angles in a diagram.
MP6: Use precision to calculate the value of missing angles.
I Can Statements (Student Learning Targets)
I can identify congruent angles on two parallel lines cut by a transversal and use them to determine missing angle measurements.
I can observe that the sum of the angles in a triangle is 180 degrees.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, michellecunningham@fcschools.net
ELA: MS. FROST
To New Beginnings… The Start of the Third Nine Weeks!
My Challenge To You As Parents And Guardians: With the beginning of the third nine weeks, I ask that you talk to your child about successes and areas of improvement based on academic and behavior performance during the first and second nine week results of this school year and set personal goals for the next nine weeks to improve academic performance. Set goals with a plan for action! Please encourage your child not to wait till the last minute. Active engagement everyday speaks volumns!
Complete assignments on time (including time allotted during class)
Check PowerSchool daily
Check email daily for announcements
Pay close attention to due dates
Complete uncompleted work for homework
Read the novel, Inside Out and Back Again, 30 minutes per day
Ultimately, do not wait until the last minute (assignments close)
Novel Study: We are now reading a historical nonfiction novel titled, Inside Out and Back Again with a focus on identifying character traits based on text evidence, annotation skills, context clues, vocabulary, and making inferences.
Pic is Linked… Novel Study: We are beginning our second novel study .”For all the ten years of her life, Hà has only known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope. In America, Hà discovers the foreign world of Alabama: the coldness of its strangers, the dullness of its food . . . and the strength of her very own family.”
Students Take the 2nd I-Ready Reading Diagnostic Assessment (1/23-1/24):
The assessment determines placement on your child’s learning pathway. Data will be shared with students next week via individual data talks. Data will also be sent home on Monday with Report Cards. Remember… Your child should work on his or her Learning Pathway for 45+ minutes per week with a 75% or higher average on two lessons.
Each week during ELA core classes, lessons will include allotted time (25 minutes two days per week) to complete the expectations for I-Ready Learning Pathway work listed above. During this time, students will engage in small group work to strengthen vocabulary, annotation skills, and “error analysis” on standardized test excerpts in preparation for the reading EOG.
Students have also completed the 2nd NC Check-In Benchmark Assessment: Data will be shared with students and we will set goals for the end of year benchmark in preparation for the Reading EOG.
Show Growth!!!
Friendly Reminder: Homework
Students are expected to read the assigned classroom novel (Inside Out and Back Again) and self-selected reading materials via SORA / library / bookstore / Online outside the school day in order to meet our Ultimate Reading Goal; Reading Standard 10. (30 minutes per night)
NOTE: At the request of Ms. Frost, unfinished classwork may be assigned for homework.
Please contact me at annafrost@fcschools.net
ELECTIVES TEAM
ART with Mrs. CLIFTON
Just like that we have finished out the first half of the year. Your Amazing Artists are moving to new Electives. It has been a joy to have them in my class. I hope they will keep creating. “Creativity is contagious, pass it on” Albert Einstein
I look forward to getting to know our new artists. We will be starting the semester with a get to know you tessellation where students will illustrate things about themselves, They will write a radio introductions to go along with their tessellation.
CHECK OUT SOME AMAZING PROJECTS BELOW!
PE/HEALTH: MR. HARTSFIELD
New Year, New Semester! Coach Hartsfield is excited to welcome the 6th, 7th and 8th graders to Health and PE.
Throughout the semester classes will explore the benefits of exercise, understanding the importance of their health and building life skills. Each class session will consist of 90 minutes: Health 45 mins and PE 45 mins.
Weeks 1-2 will cover:
Understanding Health - Health Triangle (6-8)
Physical Fitness Test (6-8)
Matball (6-8)
*CPR (8) -only 8th graders
CTE: MS. SMITH
6th Grade:
I am thrilled to welcome new students into Keyboarding class! This semester, we will embark on an exciting journey into the world of keyboarding, where students will not only enhance their typing skills but also gain a deeper understanding of its history and the layout of the keyboard. By delving into the roots of this essential skill, we aim to provide a comprehensive foundation that goes beyond the mechanical act of typing. Throughout the course, your child will not only become proficient at the keyboard but will also develop a valuable appreciation for the evolution of this essential skill. I look forward to a productive and engaging semester with your child in our Keyboarding class.
7th Grade:
As we kick off the second semester, I am thrilled to welcome our 7th-grade students to the exciting world of Computer Science Discoveries 1!
In our class, we will be utilizing an engaging platform called code.org to dive into the fundamentals of computer science. This semester promises to be full of fun and learning as we embark on a journey to explore the problem-solving process and develop critical thinking skills.
Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to work on interactive coding exercises, collaborative projects, and gain hands-on experience in the world of computer science. The problem-solving process will be a central focus, encouraging students to approach challenges with creativity and determination.We will focus on learning how to code personal websites.
8th Grade:
I am thrilled to welcome you to the Computer Science Discoveries 1 class.
In our class, we will be diving into the fascinating world of computer science, exploring creativity through coding and problem-solving. I want to let parents know that we will be using Code.org as a platform for our activities. Code.org is an excellent resource that allows students to engage with coding concepts in a fun and interactive way.
For the start of the semester, we will focus on the problem-solving process. This foundational skill is essential in computer science and many other areas of life. We will work together to develop strategies and approaches to tackle challenges, fostering a growth mindset along the way.
As we progress, our focus will shift towards animations and game designs.
DRAMA: MS. HATTEN
With great enthusiasm I welcome you to the 2nd Semester, and into our Drama Class! I am very excited to have this opportunity to serve as your Drama teacher this year and hope this is just the beginning of a fun and fruitful relationship of creating theatre together here at Franklinton Middle School. Together, with your participation, I hope to nurture an environment in which you can explore and express your imagination and expand your knowledge of the stage and the richness and creativity that is the theatre.
Middle School Drama is an elective course introducing students to the skills and disciplines needed to be focused and successful in the Arts. Theatre encompasses music, design, art, technology, acting… there is so much to Drama! This course will provide a wonderful opportunity for students to express themselves creatively in an unintimidating and accepting class environment as students will be free to try and will be challenged to try again!
Students in all grades will need to have the following things for this class:
Two pocket folder (to be kept in the classroom)
Pencils
Paper
Chromebook - be sure your chromebook is charged.
Various materials for projects that will be determined by your creativity.
Important about our work:
Group Work: Building an ensemble is essential in theatrical work. Students will work with different students in the classroom, not always best friends. Students will be evaluated on their individual work within the group. It is important to learn to work through problems, no matter whom the conflict is with. There will be a group work checklist posted in Canvas for teacher observation and assessment.
Playwriting: We would not have theatre, if there were no plays. We will be writing monologues, scenes, and may even write our own vignette play. Students will have the option to write on notebook paper and keep writing in their folder or to write digitally on Google Docs. I insist on Google Docs because the students can access it anywhere to work on it from any device with Google Docs.
Written Reflection: Students will reflect on their work, at least on a weekly basis. It is important as students take control of their learning. These will be formative grades and assessed by a rubric posted in Canvas.
Design Work: We will take a look a varying depth at prop, costume, make-up, and scenic design.
Acting: Students will be challenged to be up in front of their class doing various things, acting out scenes, telling stories, playing games… All I ask is that you come to class with an open mind and a willingness to participate!
PARENTS: Use the following directions to create a Canvas Observer Account:
Have your student(s) Generate a Pairing Code (this will be different for each student).
Go to https://fcschools.instructure.com/login/canvas (bookmark this site so that you can easily access your Observer dashboard for your student(s).
Click on Parent of a Canvas User? in the upper right-hand corner of the window.
Complete the required information in the window, which will include inputting the student Pairing Code. Multiple students can be added.
Go to the Dashboard to see your student(s)' courses.
Parents can sign into this account to easily access their student's courses within Canvas. What can parents view as an Observer?
BAND: MS. BROWN
It is hard to believe we are already in semester 2 but here we are!
Semester 2 is the same when it comes to band classes because band is year round. Expectations remain the same and we are working toward our concert in the spring. It will be sometime in May and that date will be forthcoming very soon. Please remind your students that practice makes perfect; the more that each student practices their instrument at home, the more we can accomplish in class.
If your student is interested in switching instruments, those decisions will be made during the first week of the semester. There is NO guarantee that your student will be able to switch to the instrument they want due to the materials that we have available. Please talk to your student about this and tell them that, if they do want to switch, they need to talk with me this upcoming week.
We are starting our second semester Music Appreciation class this week and I am looking forward to an awesome semester with them. Students will need to bring a notebook to class every day and will have weekly notebook checks.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions that you may have!
Anna Brown
Library News!!
Kim Faulkner, Media Specialist
Check out my Canvas page here!
*I am at FMS on Wednesday and Thursdays and every other Friday.
If your student has told you they are on the Battle of the Books team feel free to check out this book list. Please encourage them to read the novels.
FMS will be hosting the event this year!!
Did you know that your student can check out actual physical books from the Franklin County Public Library just by using their powerschool number? Go check it out!
THANK YOU TO OUR FMS PARENT LEADERS!
DPAC Parent Leaders this year:
Vanessa Bell
Antonia Autrey
Mizan Gebremichael
School Improvement Team Parent Leaders this year:
LaTasha Gaskin
Stacy Cilas
Parent Summit Members this year:
LaTasha Gaskin
Vanessa Bell
Caroline Omari Wango
Twyla Isreal