The FAST Flyer
The View from Above, Vol. 4 Issue 29
April 2, 2022
PRINCIPAL'S PERSPECTIVE
Dear Parents,
We are by nature social beings that do best when we are supported by the communities in which we choose to live. It is why solitary confinement (or as parents call it- time out) is such a powerful form of punishment. COVID has had a significant impact on all of us, adults and children alike. Our students learned in isolation and our teachers taught in empty classrooms for a very long time. That lack of face to face human contact impacted children far more deeply than we had first imagined resulting in up to a year in the delay of social emotional development.
The pandemic underscored the critical role that schools have in the emotional development of children and why education must be more purposeful in determining the action steps to address the social needs of the children. And for that reason, the Innovation Showcase was more than just a school event.
On Friday, one thousand people came together over a three hour period to celebrate our children’s accomplishments AND to rejoice in the signs of things perhaps moving closer to a new reality. There was a sense of both joy and relief; after two years of a pandemic, we could finally join together again as one community.
Looking back on our Innovation Showcase, we were impressed with how enthusiastic students were about the projects they had worked on, how comfortable they were in presenting their creations, and how passionate they are about raising money for deserving charities. It brought to life the pillars of our mission which is 1) to be child focused, 2) to create a culture of innovation based on design thinking, 3) to provide students with life skills geared towards preparing for the future, and 4) to maintain a community that is diverse.
If the pandemic has taught anything, it is not to take community for granted. We need each other more than ever.
Enjoy your holiday and your children this coming week.
Sincerely,
Stan Beiner
Principal
COVID UPDATES
COVID REPORTING
If your child falls sick, please contact the nurse at victoria.murray@fastk8.org and the principal at stan.beiner@fastk8.org so they can help you with a plan for return.
Also, contact the school if your child is coming off of quarantine to verify the return date.
HAPPENINGS
Innovation Showcase
After a day like yesterday, we are sure the only thing everyone is talking about is the Innovation Showcase event that allowed for students in every grade to showcase their projects. We had more than 300 visitors on campus. In addition to the many FAST parents, we hosted Kurt Wilson, Mayor of Roswell, City Council members Lee Hills and William Morthland, the Roswell police chief James Conroy, and members of the FAST Governing Board. A big thank you goes out to Mr. Franklin who did an amazing job planning and coordinating the event.
Students taught parents about coding, composting, and how to sew - and so much more. Parents got to see first hand the type of things their children are learning at FAST. Teachers got wet in the dunk tank despite the chilly temperatures. Bikes were repaired, smoothies were blended, and more than $5,000 was raised for charitable organizations. It was a great day and our students made us so proud.
Sports Assembly
This week, we recognized our student athletes at a sports assembly. Having completed seasons for soccer, volleyball, and basketball in our inaugural year in the league there were many lessons learned. Our Astros grew as athletes as well as students and it was so special to see them recognized for their achievements.
As part of the program, our coaches recognized some of our athletes for noteworthy achievements. Congratulations to:
Soccer: MVP: Ryan Ashtin; Coach’s Award: Aayush Ahuja: Most Improved: Harshaan Arora
Volleyball: MVP: Jordan Hall; Coach's Award: Dagny Karp; Most Improved: Ava James
Boys Basketball: MVP: Elijah Whitney; Coach’s Award: AJ Murray; Most Improved: Isaiah Waller
Girls Basketball: MVP: Tara Bagheri; Coach’s Award: Laryn Russell; Most Improved: Idara Edwards
Scoliosis Screening
As a reminder, 6th and 8th grade students are scheduled for scoliosis screenings on Wednesday, April 13. All parents in those grades should have received more information earlier this week. Unless the school receives an opt-out form, all students will be screened.
Ramadan Begins
We wish our Muslim families Ramadan Mubarak! The sacred holiday of Ramadan will be observed April 2-May 2, 2022 through worship and fasting from sunrise to sunset. The school will provide accommodations for students who wish to fast.
MAP Testing
REMINDERS
Yearbooks - Order Yours Today!
If you would like to order a yearbook, the store is open at Balfour.com, search for Fulton Academy of Science and Technology. Order details can be found HERE. Yearbooks can be ordered through April 15, 2022.
Milestones & EOC
Atlanta Lunch Co. Menu
Auction Items Needed
Silent Auction and Raffle Item donations are still needed for our upcoming FAST Art Festival & Family Night on Friday, May 6, 2022.
Proceeds from your donations and the event will support the Art & Music programs at FAST.
Please fill out this form to donate.
Art Festival Volunteers
We have tons of opportunities to help out & we're happy to have whatever time you can offer! Help us make the first FAST Art Festival a huge success for our community!
*Special Incentive* FIRST 10 FAMILIES to VOLUNTEER
will get a reserved parking space on campus for the event!
Moms & Dads deserve a night out!
Join us for a Parent Social on Wednesday, April 20 from 6-8pm at Oak St. Bottle Shop.
PTO will provide tasty treats from FAST Business Partner, Clean Eats with Kris! You don't want to miss this chance to connect with other FAST parents before the school year ends. Please consider joining us for part or all of the evening!
UPCOMING EVENTS
- April 22: 8th Grade Dance
- April 25-29: EOC for HS Classes
- May 6: FAST Art Festival
THE LATEST FROM FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS
FAST
Fulton County Schools
GA Charter Schools Association
FULTON ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Email: info@fastk8.org
Website: www.fastk8.org
Location: 11365 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA, USA
Phone: 678-321-1100
Facebook: facebook.com/FASTK8.School/
Twitter: @fastk8charter
The FAST Flyer is the electronic newsletter at FAST. Feedback is always welcome. If you have any questions, please call the school (678-321-1100) or email the FAST Communications Director at marie.emerson@fastk8.org.