Falcon Flyer
Fall Creek Intermediate - August 9, 2020
Off to a fabulous start!
The 2020-21 school has begun!! While the start has been unlike any other I have experienced in 30 years of education, it has been exciting nonetheless! As a staff, we are taking this opportunity to consider how education can be reimagined to support students in our ever-changing world. #FCIReimagined
Listening in on Zoom call with teachers and students last Thursday and Friday was both heartwarming and inspiring! Students were sharing about their favorite things and their thoughts for the year while teachers introduced themselves and connected with excitement. There were virtual high-fives and chuckles, smiles and seriousness. The range of emotions were there. But to hear the sounds of our students' voice...oh the joy!!
This week, teachers will continue to connect with students and begin the important endeavor of creating a community within each team. Social emotional learning will be at the center of this as we begin to address emotions and encourage questions as we focus on empathy and team building. Teachers will share class, small group, and related arts schedules as well as begin the process of understanding Canvas and how it will be used both in our virtual instruction and in-person. The foundational work done this week is crucial to the work we will do together this year!
As staff at FCI, we are focused on the following four words this year:
Flexibility. Patience. Support. Grace.
Keeping these at the forefront of our minds will help us all as we process the many ever-changing items for our school year given this unique time for our community, country & world.
Please communicate with us so we may support your child & your family. As details may be revised throughout the school, you are able to refer to the HSE website for updated information. (https://www.hseschools.org/happenings/reopening-hse)
Warmly,
Mrs. Day
Principal
Attendance
Our goal throughout virtual instruction, is to support and connect with you child! As you can imagine, attendance is essential within the virtual instruction model. We value our students being present in the virtual classroom, just as we do when "in person.” In order for students to be successful, we need them in to attend class so that teachers are able to present new material, assess levels of understanding, and work with students individually or in small group.
During virtual instruction, attendance will be taken in each class and will count for overall attendance for the year. A Skylert will be sent early afternoon if a student has missed even one class to promptly communicate the absence to you. We do realize that there may be situations (e.g., a doctor's appointment, being ill, etc.) that might keep a student from attending a class. If this is the case, we ask that you communicate with your child's teachers so they can help support your child.
If a student is absent, mini-lessons for every class will be posted in Canvas. This allows for a student who was absent to be able to watch the mini-lesson, take a survey question/exit ticket, and complete the assigned work. Even if absent, a student can keep up with the content of the class. If the work is completed within two days of the absence, the student will be marked present.
We want all our students to find success within virtual instruction. Therefore, please let us know how we can support your child's in class daily interactions even when absent. Remember, we are part of your team!
Virtual Instruction Schedule
The basic schedule at the intermediate level is as follows:
- 8:00-8:15am - Community Circle/Team Building/Class Meeting
- 8:15-11:15am - Instruction in Humanities, Science, Math (refer to team schedules)
- 11:15-12:00pm - Lunch/recess
- 12:00-3:00pm - Related Arts, Small groups, and band/orchestra (refer to team schedules)
Students should be available and join at times indicated per their teachers' schedule.
Morning Announcements!
Library News - Curbside Pick Up is at FCI!
Students are learning how to place holds and request library books using both the Library Canvas page and the Destiny Library Catalog. Confirmed holds will be available for pick up at FCI on Thursdays from 4pm to 6pm during virtual instruction. Students who request books will receive an email from Ms. Zabonick, along with the first parent listed in Skyward, with pick up information. More information is available on the Library Canvas page.
Still interested in Band & Orchestra?
6th grade families, we are so excited to still be able to offer your student the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument, even with our virtual start! Please find all the necessary information in the link below if you have not done so already. We do need to have you fill out the Google form within the information ASAP, so your student can be enrolled into the Band or Orchestra Skyward and Canvas courses.
Link to Band & Orchestra newsletter (see below): https://www.smore.com/f27v5
Please email Mr. Spidel - Band - brspidel@hse.k12.in.us or Mr. Wirtz - Orchestra - awirtz@hse.k12.in.us
Locker Content Pick-Up Reminder
Justice, Equity, and Inclusion
Anti-Racist Reads and Resources for Kids and Teens compiled by the Hamilton County Public Library
"Whether you are researching and learning for yourself or need resources and stories for your children, our library has gathered a list to help support your conversation about race justice in America."
The Hamilton County Public Library has created a comprehensive list of reads and resources about anti-racist movements and information. The resources cover all age ranges, from young children to adults. Visit the link above to access these resources.
PTO Board and Committee Chair Positions for 2020-2021
For the 2020-21 school year, here are the members of the FCI PTO Executive Board:
- Co-President - Stacy Osswald
- Co-President - Cynthia Barker
- Vice-President - Amanda Smith
- Treasurer - Tara Frieden
- Co-Treasurer - OPEN
- Secretary - OPEN
If you have an interest in filling the Co-Treasurer or Secretary Board positions, please send an email expressing your interest to ptofci@gmail.com.
We typically have many Committee Chair and volunteer needs throughout the year, but this year will likely look a little different than years past. No PTO-sponsored in-person events are allowed at this time. This means there will not be an Ice Cream Social nor a Welcome Back Hangout at the beginning of the year. Our fall fundraiser, the Chalk Walk, may have to look a bit different too, but we are still planning to move forward with some sort of direct donation fundraising campaign. Stay tuned for details. The PTO will continue to service our teachers, students and staff this year. We will continue to process, approve and fulfill PTO Teacher Grants, as needed. We are excited to support the students and staff this year in whatever capacity we can!
We are also planning to sell spirit wear shortly after school starts. Be on the lookout for spirit wear information and order forms after school starts.
For now, we are on hold with any other events and Committee Chairs. As things progress this year, we will reach out for whatever volunteer needs there are.
For questions, or to reach anyone on the PTO Board, please send emails to our general FCI PTO email at ptofci@gmail.com.
You can also get PTO and school-related info on the Parents of Fall Creek Intermediate School Facebook page.
We’re looking forward to a return to school!
~FCI PTO
Falcon Flyer Translations
Need to translate the Falcon Flyer or know someone who would benefit from a translation?
You can now translate your newsletter into multiple languages. The Translation feature is powered by Google Translate and translation is based on their translation functionality.
To select a language:
- Press TRANSLATE NEWSLETTER under Accessibility in the upper right corner of the Falcon Flyer.
- Select your desired language from the drop-down.
- Press CLOSE.
HSE Community Insider
All About FCI
Assistant Principal - Mr. Marc Williams (mwilliams@hse.k12.in.us)
Email: FCI-General@hse.k12.in.us
Website: https://fci.hseschools.org/
Location: 12011 Olio Road Fishers, IN 46037
Phone: (317)-915-4220
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fall-Creek-Intermediate-Falcons/536020973132615
Twitter: @FCIFalcons