The FCS Atoms Update
Summer Edition 2
Welcome to Summer
Hope that you all are having a great summer so far! This week FCS teachers and staff are gathering tomorrow to continue to work on ensuring that FCS is the best place for you! On Saturday, an FCS team is headed to DC to present at the Model Schools Conference to share about all the awesome things you do while you are with us! For that reason, there may be some delay in communication, but never fear, we will be back in touch with you as soon as possible!
Check out McDowell Public Library for some amazing events! https://mcdowellpubliclibrary.org/
We have some available seats in our Robotics Camp if you are interested please register here: https://forms.gle/BdHLZyJRnNzPsS8cA
Thanks,
-Melanie Shaver
One Book, One School- Summer Reading
Our school is about to take part in a special, communitywide shared reading event. By the end of this school year, every family will receive a copy of the same book – Refugee by Alan Gratz – and will be asked to read it together at home over the summer.
Reading aloud at home is valuable because it better prepares your scholar to be an effective reader, and it is also a fun, worthwhile family activity. With this program, we aim to build a Community of Readers at our school. Everyone – students, parents, teachers, even administrative staff – will all be following along together.
Halfway through the book, each scholar will complete a FlipGrid assignment on what he/she has read so far. The link to the assignment will be posted on the S’mores, our newsletter, which I send out weekly. Scholars will be responding to three of their classmates’ videos. A second FlipGrid assignment will be posted for the end of the book. Please find the due dates below.
It is likely your scholar has already used FlipGrid in school. It is a website where students can film a short video in which they respond to a question. Scholars then post their short videos for other classmates and their teachers to view. It is easy to use and a fun way to participate in a virtual book club over the summer.
I know that you’ll enjoy this special reading time with your scholar, making connections between Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud--even though they are separated by continents and decades. We look forward to further discussing the book when we begin the school year in August. With your help, we can build a Community of Readers at Foothills Community School.
View the One Book, One School FCS Refugee site here: https://sites.google.com/mcdowell.k12.nc.us/refugee-fcs/home
Summer Math Challenge
Week Two: Baby Birds
By your house, 57 baby birds hatched in a 12-week nesting period. By your friend's house, 39 baby birds hatched in the same 12-week nesting period. On average, how many more birds per week hatched near your house than near your friend’s house?
Internet Safety and Computer 1:1 Information
Orientation Trip
In order to kick off our 2019-2020 school year, we would like to invite our FCS Scholars to an orientation event Aug. 23rd. Although this trip will be a lot of fun, students will be involved in team-building and learning activities that will help them draw closer together as a family. This year our event will be a day trip.
When:
Aug 23rd.
We will depart at 7:30am from the WMMS/FCS South lot.
We will return by approx. 4:30pm to the WMMS/FCS South lot.
Where:
We will be travelling by Activity Bus to Catawba Meadows. At Catawba Meadows students will participate in 9 active stations that help them explore themselves, their peers and local history and science.
What:
What do students need to bring? A water bottle and sunscreen. If a student has medications, they will need to drop those off prior to the trip with Nurse Diana. Food, travel and activities all be included in the cost.
Why:
In order for our students and teachers to bond into a learning community, we want to provide a fun, low-stress experience that helps everyone engage in an adventure!
Cost:
As always, we try to provide trips that pack in a lot of fun at a $50 cost. Money for the trip will be due on Aug. 1st.
**Please contact Nurse Diana for medication forms and nurse information sheet. diana.mcentire@mcdowell.k12.nc.us
Summer Bridge
Upcoming Dates and Information
June 20- Week 2: Math Challenge Due
by July 5: Scholars will answer their first question on FlipGrid for pp. 1-160.
Which character do you think is facing the most difficult situation? What would you do if you were in this character's situation?
by July 12: Scholars will post 3 responses to classmates’ FlipGrids.
August 1- Orientation Trip Payment Due ($50)
August 8- Summer Bridge (Group 1)
by August 9th: Scholars will answer their second question on FlipGrid for pp 161-352
Whose journey did you enjoy reading about the most? Why? Choose from: Josef, Isabel, or Mahmoud.
August 15-Summer Bridge (Group 2)
by August 16: Scholars will post 3 responses to classmates’ FlipGrids.
August 23rd- Orientation Trip
August 26th-First day of school
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FCSSTEM/
Twitter: @STEMFCS
Instagram: @STEMFCS
Remind: www.remind.com class code: @STEMFCS (sends text alerts)
Email (Mailing List Sign up): https://goo.gl/forms/P9lpI2D9BJDI4eyl1
Website: fcs.mcdowell.k12.nc.us