The Firebird Flash
October 23, 2020
NEWSLETTER HIGHLIGHTS
- Principal's Update
- Red Ribbon Week
- Halloween Costumes
- Updates from PTSA
- Firebirds RISE! App
- Recognize an Outstanding Firebird Nation Staff Member - Click the RISE Logo to the left.
Updates from the Principal
Good Afternoon Firebird Nation Families -
Welcome Back! I hope that everyone had an awesome 2-week Fall Break! I know that all of us needed the time to rest and recharge! We are excited to see our students return next week as we work through 2nd quarter. We have about four weeks until Thanksgiving Break and then an additional three weeks before the Winter Break. This quarter goes by quickly, so it is important for students to stay on top of their school work, attendance, and grades.
Please remember, if your student is experiencing any COVID symptoms that it is important for them to stay home. Students can still participate in their classes via e-learning in these cases. We want to make sure that we do not bring any possible cases of COVID into the building that would result in a grade level or team cohort having to quarantine. Cases in El Paso Country are on the rise, so we want to do everything we can to make sure we keep all of our students and staff safe and healthy at FMS. Students - Please remember to wear your masks at all times within the building. We must all work together to ensure we are appropriately social distancing at all times. Let's all work together to keep everyone at Firebird Nation healthy and safe!
It looks like we will have some cold weather on Monday for our return. If the temperatures are 17 degrees or below including windchill, then we will bring students inside in the morning:
- 6th Grade students would report to the Main Commons.
- 7th Grade students would report to the Gym (Music Hallway side).
- 8th Grade students would report to the Gym (Athletic Hallway side).
We will also have a plan for lunches if the weather is too cold to eat outside. We are able to utilize our main commons, but must ensure we have 6 feet of spacing between all students since they would be unmasked for lunch. 6th grade students that have class at Bennett Ranch right before lunch will eat in the BRES Commons and then proceed down to FMS. We will set up additional tables on the stage area in the FMS Commons for each grade if needed. A schedule adjustment may be made for 7th grade since they currently do not have multiple lunch times or locations like the other grades do. In any case, we will be ready to serve our students and keep them out of the cold when needed.
This week is National Red Ribbon Week. Falcon Middle School will be participating in our annual spirit week as a way to stand up against drugs and bullying! Look for information below related to the different spirit week days and be watching the announcements for more information through the week.
We will be launching our Firebirds RISE PBIS Program this week and Students should receive their student ID's. We will show them how to access their accounts and check their points. Teachers will receive training on how to utilize the app and reward students for showing our Firebirds RISE Behaviors. In a couple of weeks, we will open the Firebird store in the main commons for students to spend their points on various incentives or spirit wear items. Thank you again to our JS2S student leaders for their feedback to launch this new program!
I hope everyone enjoys this last weekend before our return next week! Stay safe, healthy, and warm as this winter weather moves in!
Sincerely,
Brian Smith
Executive Principal
Falcon Middle School
HALLOWEEN COSTUMES
Halloween Costumes will be allowed on Tuesday, October 27th, for the first half of the alphabet, and also on Thursday, October 29th, for the second half of the alphabet. Please follow the guidelines below:
1. Normal School Dress Code still applies. Students should review the dress code in the student handbook.
2. There can be NOTHING on the face EXCEPT for their face mask…we have to be able to see their normal face. This means there can be absolutely NO full face covering masks, NO face paint, NO fake blood, NO sunglasses, and NO hoods pulled up over their head.
3. Wigs and hats will be allowed as long as they are part of a costume and do not cover the face. If during class, the hat or wig is a distraction to the learning environment, then it will be taken off for that class period at the request of the teacher.
4. There can be NO weapons of any kind, which also includes anything that looks like or resembles a weapon.
5. We want students to have fun and show school spirit, but the guidelines need to be followed so that students are not asked to call home for a change of clothes.
PTSA UPDATES
Firebird Families: Your Parent-Student-Teacher Association (PTSA) is ready to support our school community! This is a great way to get involved as a parent, community member, staff member, or student! We encourage you to be a part of our organization to help support FMS, impact change, and ensure that all Firebirds RISE!
We hope you will show your support by joining the PTSA for $8. There are two ways to join:
Send in $8 (per member) with cash or check (made payable to Falcon MS PTSA) to the front office.
Join online HERE
There is also an opportunity to order spirit wear, t-shirts for $10 and hoodies for $25 (XXL sizes add $2). Again, cash or check may be sent to the front office or order ONLINE.
We hope you will join us at our next PTSA Meeting! This will take place on Tuesday, December 8th. Please mark you calendars! It is our hope to meet at FMS in the Main Commons, but if conditions do not allow, then we will provide a Zoom link.
If you have any questions or have ideas for supporting our students and staff, please contact DeDe Bolke, President, at bolke74@yahoo.com.
PTSA Reflection Program
How creative are your kids? The Falcon MS PTSA is sponsoring the Reflection Program! The theme this year is "I Matter Because..."
Students can create an entry in any or all of the following categories: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Film Production, Dance Choreography, and Music Composition. ENTER HERE.
The deadline will be in late November. Please direct any questions to Karen Hobson at karenhobson@copta.org
We've had students from FMS place at the National PTA level for the last two years!! Let's show off our creative kids.
Firebirds RISE!
Students - Nominate a Fireball Today!
Dropping off or Picking Up?
Falcon Middle School
6th Grade Assistant Principal: Tim Scheck
7th Grade Assistant Principal: Kava Lientz
8th Grade Assistant Principal/Athletic Director: Elena Forehand
6th Grade Counselor: Carrie Clay
7th Grade Counselor: Amber Villani
8th Grade Counselor: Lisa Murdock
**************************************************
FMS Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 7:15am-3:30pm
Friday: 7:15am-2:00pm
Email: fms@d49.org
Website: https://www.d49.org/fms
Location: 9755 Towner Avenue, Peyton, CO, USA
Phone: 719-495-5232