The Faubion Lion Pride Press
Week of March 22, 2021
Dear Faubion Family,
In this edition of the Faubion Lion Pride Press, we celebrate our students' performance at the state Youth and Government meet, point out great instruction, and provide a glimpse into the upcoming STAAR testing.
Each year, National Let’s Laugh Day on March 19th reminds us to add a little humor to our day. It’s never good to be serious all the time and letting the laughter bubble up from time to time is good for all of us! We have all heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.”
Our teachers take our craft very seriously and we also understand the importance of having a light-hearted and understanding attitude during difficult times. We appreciate when our teachers show compassion for each other and for our students. We appreciate when our students take the time to tell our teachers that they are making a difference.
Aristotle once said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." At Faubion Middle School, we make excellence a habit, and we are kind to each other. Parents, thank you for instilling those values in your children so they can make a lasting and positive mark on our community.
Go Lions!
-Mr. Boom
An act of kindness
Earlier this week, Mason Henry found a pair of AirPods in a case and turned them in. This act was one of exemplary character, one we appreciate so much here at Faubion Middle School.
Faubion Youth and Government Recognized at State Competition!
During Spring Break, Faubion Middle School attended a political debate competition where two students shined above all the rest. Leo Ziman and Matthew Ehsan, both Faubion 7th Graders, received the award for Outstanding Bills. The award was given to the top 11 students out of hundreds of submissions state-wide.
Leo petitioned for a mandatory one-hour lunch break for schools across Texas, bolstering a lot of support from fellow debaters. Matthew’s bill addresses child health care, mandating all parents to have car seats and sensors in their cars to notify them when another passenger is in the vehicle. Matthew argues that this will impact the number of heatstroke-related deaths due to leaving children in hot cars.
We are so proud of all our McKinney YMCA delegates who participated in this monumental debate. A special thanks to Mrs. Nicolle, who teaches the elective class and runs the after-school program for these students.
Pictured representing the YMCA are: Mr. Stevens, Matthew Ehsan, Mrs. Nicolle, and Leo Ziman.
Student Spotlight - Jimmy McGowan
This week's student spotlight features the student-artist-athlete, Jimmy McGowan!
Born and raised in McKinney, Jimmy appreciates the opportunities that the school district provides. He has gone through the Spanish dual-language program, starting to learn Spanish in kindergarten at Caldwell Elementary. Jimmy is also an integral member of the choir and is competing in athletics. Jimmy is trying his hand at pole vault this year but isn't nervous because, "If you have a mat then it's not the end of the world."
Jimmy's sense of humor and wit are evident, and he is clearly an old soul. Since Jimmy knows Spanish he can talk to more people. "Knowing Spanish will be beneficial for me in the future. It's a widely spoken language here and in other places. It makes you think of things differently. It helps you learn other languages. It probably helps with creativity." While picking up the tool of a second language is beneficial, Jimmy feels that the process of learning Spanish has been positive in many ways.
"It's important to get to know other cultures because you see things from a different point of view. You understand people more. You can talk to more people."
Jimmy had trouble picking his favorite teacher, but Profesora Corvison stood out among his favorites. "I've had her all three years so you have more of a relationship with your teacher than your other teachers who you have for just one year. She adjusts instruction if needed." Profesora Corvison said, "I have had the privilege of meeting Jimmy for three years and have seen how he has become a young man committed to social causes. He is a highly creative and intelligent student, with a great sense of humor that cares about the well-being of all."
On top of Spanish, Jimmy really enjoys science and history. In science, Jimmy likes that they are learning material "in depth", and his favorite topic included lessons surrounding the moon. He finds astronomy interesting, knowing that there is so much more to life than what we see here on Earth. With that being said, there is so much more to learn because the space is so vast. Jimmy felt that the moon mission in 1969 was significant because "it was a big step in realizing that we have much more to learn".
Jimmy acknowledges that conspiracy theories exist about whether we landed on the moon, and his experience in the Spanish immersion program has stretched his mind into better considering different viewpoints. "Learning Spanish has helped me to listen in to other perspectives. Spanish is another language. You have to relearn everything again and forces you to think of different things."
Jimmy has a worldly perspective. Having traveled to Canada, the Bahamas, and Belize, Jimmy has been more places than most. In fact, his dad grew up in Munich, Germany and has a passion for history and culture. Jimmy has two older siblings in college. Although he does not get to see them all that often, he enjoys when they visit. Having two older siblings who went through McKinney schools helps Jimmy because he knows what to expect going into high school and beyond.
Outside of school, Jimmy likes to "hang out" with friends and spend time in downtown McKinney. Jimmy specifically mentioned Cadillac Pizza as one of his favorite places to eat and really likes the "smoky pie". On it comes brisket, onions, barbecue sauce, and he does not remove any of the toppings. Mom and Pop is also a favorite place to get popcorn.
Jimmy appreciates the size of the community of McKinney. "You are able to run into people that you know pretty often, yet you always seem to meet new people too. For the most part, the community has a common understanding of what is right and what is wrong, which helps with having a cohesive community."
Faubion is a special place to Jimmy. He has been able to develop friendships here that he will be able to carry with him to high school. He appreciates the diversity that the school brings, in that the school pulls from many parts of the city. This allows Jimmy to get to know people with various perspectives and experiences.
Learning in person is important to Jimmy, and he feels that learning is a social process. "We have a good culture here. My classes are fun. Everybody wants to learn but we're also good friends. We talk a lot. It's not always what you're learning, but who you're learning with. I would choose being a face-to-face learner because it's easier. You can ask more people or more questions during class.
Mrs. Boysen, Jimmy's ELAR teacher, said, "Jimmy comes to every class with such a joy and eagerness to learn. He loves to read and contribute to all discussions. He uplifts everyone around him in his humorous ways and laughter. Jimmy excels in ELAR class with discussions, readings, writings, and most of all, character."
Jimmy has a lot of decisions to make about his path through high school. He has an interest in broadcasting, sports, choir, Spanish, and other academics. Fortunately he has two older siblings who have navigated the process. We are excited to see what the future holds for this talented and wise young man.
The pendulum swings
Upcoming STAAR Tests
7th graders will take the Writing STAAR test on April 6th. Please mark your calendars and have your student ready for a great day of showing their knowledge and skills learned this year. It is also important to know we are taking all safety precautions during testing. Our virtual students will take the STAAR test ON CAMPUS, as well. Please make arrangements to have your child to campus on that day (more details to come). Also note, we will not allow visitors on campus on STAAR testing days.
Below is a list of all STAAR testing days for your calendaring convenience:
8th grade Science – May 6th (bring charged laptop to the secured testing location on campus)
8th grade History – May 7th (paper version)
6th-8th grade Math AND Algebra I EOC – May 11th (bring charged laptops to the secured on-campus location)
6th-8th grade Reading – May 12th (paper version)
Summer School for Students Entering Grade 9
Students entering grade 9 next year have the opportunity to take online classes this summer for advancement. The fee to take an online course is $110 per class. For students who are in AVID or have free or reduced lunch the price is $50 per class. Please note that the timeline to finish summer coursework is only 4 weeks and students must complete an online exam by 11 am on June 29th. They do not offer extensions if coursework is not completed within the four-week timeline.
If you are interested in signing up for an online summer course, please use this LINK to fill out a google sheet. Your child's counselor will contact you with additional registration information. Please note that summer classes are subject to counselor approval and availability.
Please review the flyers to see the classes that are available to your student.
If you have any registration or counseling questions, please reach out to your child's house counselor!
Counselors by Alpha:
A-G - Mrs. Phillips - rphillips@mckinneyisd.net
H-O - Mr. Rodriguez - danrodriguez@mckinneyisd.net
P-Z - Mrs. Kiefer - chkiefer@mckinneyisd.net
You can always keep updated with the latest counseling information by visiting our counselors' webpage at fmscounselors.weebly.com.
Track and Field Results
MUSIC - Strengths in Sight-Reading
Researchers at the University of Montreal have used various brain imaging techniques to investigate brain activity during musical tasks and found that sight-reading musical pieces and playing music both activate regions in all four of the cortex's lobes; and that parts of the cerebellum are also activated during those tasks (Sergent et al., 1992)
Sergent, J., Zuck, E., Terriah, S., & MacDonald, B. (1992). Distributed neural network underlying musical sight-reading and keyboard performance. National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology Information.
McKinney High School Color Guard
Check out our award-winning 2021 Varsity Winter Guard!
On May 4th and 5th from 5pm – 7pm, McKinney High School host a clinic for all of those interested in joining the 2021-2022 Color Guard! We will teach you everything you need to know, so there is absolutely no experience required!
You may be asking yourself, “What is Color Guard, and why should I participate?” Considered the Sport of the Arts, color guard is an activity that combines dance fundamentals with the manipulation of flags, rifles, and sabres. While best known for our performances with the McKinney Royal Pride Band, the color guard also has an award-winning winter guard team that competes all across Texas.
Participating in the color guard will also help you earn both your P.E. and Fine Arts credits! Most importantly, you'll be a part of a supportive team environment where you'll make friendships that can last a lifetime!
6th and 7th grade parents:
Next summer (July 2022), several students will have the opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime. Ms. Witsell, a 6th grade teacher at Faubion, is chaperoning a 10 day trip to England, France, Germany, and Switzerland with EF Tours.
A parent interest meeting will take place virtually on Tuesday, March 30th at 6:30 PM. The itinerary, trip details, and cost will be discussed during the meeting. To RSVP for the meeting and get the Zoom information, please use the following link: https://bit.ly/3chnZ8Y
We currently have 6 students signed up and 12 spots left! We hope you will consider joining us.
**This tour is in partnership with EF Educational Tours. This tour IS NOT affiliated with Jack Faubion Middle School or McKinney Independent School District. All questions should be directed to Ms. Witsell. cwitsell@mckinneyisd.net
Updated Shot Records for Rising 7th Graders
Rising seventh graders need proof of updated immunizations before the end of this school year. Your child's schedule will be withheld until immunization records are up-to-date.
Please take your child to complete immunizations. If your child has already received his/her vaccines, provide the updated record to our campus nurse ASAP.
The following vaccines are needed:
Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis-containing vaccine (received within the past five years)
Meningococcal vaccine (within the past five years)
It is necessary for your child to be in compliance to attend 7th grade for the 2021-22 school year.
Collin County Health Care Clinic offers low-cost or free immunizations for Medicaid, CHIPs, American Indian or Alaskan native, uninsured or underinsured (no vaccine, capped coverage or select vaccine insurance coverage).
Collin County Health Care, 825 North McDonald Street, Mon - Fri, 7:30am-11am and 1pm-4pm
Spring Break is a great time to get your immunizations completed!
If you have any questions about the information above, please reach out to our school nurse at mguinn@mckinneyisd.net or 469-302-6914.
helping our community
One Heart McKinney is an organization that partners with McKinney ISD to provide for those in need. Go to www.oneheartmckinney.com for a one-stop shop of resources related to COVID and community support. You can donate to the cause or seek help if interested.
Drug Use Prevention Resources
McKinney ISD offers a Canvas course called "Talk it up! Prevention resources for parents," which is full of drug prevention resources. Please visit the following LINK, bookmark it, and review it at your convenience. Our district truly embodies the "Live Kind" mindset in taking care of the entire child. Our district Substance Use Prevention Committee works hard to make the content relevant, engaging, and timely. Our counselors are also equipped with lots of resources to assist you, so if you need anything please reach out to us.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, March 26
TRACK & FIELD - 7th & 8th Boys and Girls - Prosper Rushing & Johnson MS @ McKinney North - 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
March 22, 26, and 27 (Mon, Fri, Sat)
Choose your BAND instrument event for current fifth graders--sign up for an appointment at www.faubionband.com
March 25 and 26 (Thur, Fri)
Choose your ORCHESTRA instrument event for current fifth graders--sign up for an appointment at www.faubionorchestra.com
Checking Your Child's Grades and Attendance
You may monitor your child's grades and attendance by using the Home Access Center.
Here are the steps to follow:
1) Please make sure that you are using Google Chrome as your browser.
2) Go to https://sso.mckinneyisd.net
3) Enter your login credentials. If you need assistance with your login information, please reach out to your child's house secretary:
A-G: Mrs. Soroa - rsoroa@mckinneyisd.net or 469-302-7005
H-O: Mrs. Gonzalez - amgonzalez@mckinneyisd.net or 469-302-6911
P-Z: Mrs. Dedman - odedman@mckinneyisd.net or 469-302-6917
Words from the learning Commons
Parents, each year MISD gathers information about the use of technology. We have a survey that students will complete during class, a survey for staff, and a survey from the parents. The results of this parent survey are received on a campus by campus basis, so you may be asked to complete it for each campus where you have a student. We only see results from our campus’ surveys. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey as it is helpful for us to know about the technology access in your home. The survey is available in English or Spanish. If you need Spanish, please click on the word language in the upper-right hand corner and select Spanish. This survey will be open from March 16th – March 26th. http://www.bbyt.es/DR8KP
Padres, cada año MISD recopila información sobre el uso de la tecnología. Tenemos una encuesta que los estudiantes completarán durante la clase, una encuesta para el empleados y una encuesta de los padres. Los resultados de esta encuesta para padres se reciben escuela por escuela, por lo que es posible que se le pida que la complete para cada escuela donde tenga un estudiante. Solo vemos resultados de las encuestas de nuestro campus. Tómese unos minutos para completar esta encuesta, ya que es útil para nosotros conocer el acceso a la tecnología en su hogar. La encuesta está disponible en inglés o español. Si necesita español, haga clic en la palabra idioma en la esquina superior derecha y seleccione español. Esta encuesta estará abierta del 16 al 26 de marzo. http://www.bbyt.es/DR8KP
Jack C. Faubion Middle School, the best middle school in the State of Texas
Email: mvandenboom@mckinneyisd.net
Website: faubionmiddleschool.com
Location: 2000 Rollins Street, McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: 469) 302-6900
Twitter: @FaubionMiddle