The Falcon
Fieldstone Middle School * November 2018*
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We began the month of October by observing the Week of Respect which was filled with activities designed around the theme of "Choose Respect." During the remainder of the month, we observed Red Ribbon Week for the purpose of raising awareness of the dangers of Drug and Alcohol abuse as well as School Anti-Violence Week. DARE Officer Cruise spent time with each grade level discussing the importance of positive digital citizenship and responsible social media use. Ways in which students can contribute to a safe and positive school climate were highlighted throughout the week. Our Character Ambassadors planned, organized, and facilitated many of the activities that so enriched all of us, and their efforts are very much appreciated. Our observances culminated in a lively Positive Choices Pep Rally during which each of our clubs, activities, and athletic teams were highlighted. Students and faculty members competed in scooter races, a baby food eating contest, and silly string event.
While there was an array of initiatives throughout the past month, all were united around the common goal of creating a safe and supportive environment for our students. Throughout the school year, our advisory and peer mentoring programs, Falcon meetings, and ongoing reinforcement of positive choices will ensure that Fieldstone Middle School is a place where all members of our school community are valued, cared for, and respected.
Please see below for additional topics of interest and the many reasons why it's great to be a Falcon. As always, if we can be of assistance to you or your family, do not hesitate to reach out to us.
All the best,
Gina McCormack, Principal
Richard Scherer, Assistant Principal
Attendance Policy Reminders
For this reason, parents are discouraged from planning events that impact regular student attendance at times during which school is in session. When situations arise that require students to be absent due to vacations, parents are reminded that teachers will not provide school work in advance. Students will be responsible for checking teacher websites, Google Classroom, and other classroom resources in order to remain current with their learning. Tests and quizzes that are missed during a student's absence will be made up at the discretion of the classroom teacher.
In addition to absenteeism, tardiness negatively impacts academic achievement. Students are considered late if they have not arrived in homeroom by 8:42 a.m. Those who are chronically tardy, and whose late arrivals are not excused in accordance with Board Policy, will be subject to consequences as outlined below:
- Seventh - Ninth offense: One Friday after school detention
- Tenth - Thirteenth offense: Two consecutive Friday after school detentions
- Each additional offense: In school suspension
The attendance policy can be referenced in the Fieldstone Middle School Student Handbook.
School Violence Awareness Week/ Red Ribbon Week
Positive Choices Pep Rally
Nurses Office Update
New Jersey mandates vision screening for students in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 8. These screenings have always been done in the health office using a standard vision tester or wall chart that screens for near and/or distance vision. This year we are expanding our vision screening through a cost-free program offered by the Lions Club. Several surrounding districts have had great success with this new program and we are enthusiastic about trying it here in Montvale.
The screening process will be implemented and supervised by our school nurses. The procedure uses new photographic technology and each student will be screened for hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, anisometropia and strabismus. This screening is performed from a distance of 3 feet; it requires no medication or preparation and is painless and comprehensive. As in the past, irregular screening results will be sent to parents whose responsibility it is to follow up with a complete eye examination for their child. Parents may always opt out of state mandated school screenings by contacting the school nurse.
Fall Athletics Update
Our student athletes had another successful fall season. The volleyball team rallied together and worked hard throughout the season, battling injuries, and competed in every match. The girls soccer team won an impressive five regular season games and hosted a playoff game against Wyckoff. The boys soccer squad earned the third seed in the playoff tournament and defeated Woodcliff Lake in the quarterfinals. Our athletes appreciated the support from our Falcon fan base and look forward to seeing you during the winter season.
A special thanks to following eighth grade student athletes for their great leadership and positive attitudes:
The Basketball interest meeting took place on November 6th. All physicals are due by November 27th. Students will not be permitted to tryout without all necessary paperwork turned into Mrs. Halder. Tryout information can be found on the Athletic Website. https://sites.google.com/montvalek8.org/fmsathletics
Fire Safety
Each year during Fire Prevention Week, the Montvale Fire Department visits FMS and educates our students in the area of fire safety. Students benefited from equipment demonstrations, reminders of how to remain safe in the event of a fire, and the presentation of an informative video. Thank you to the volunteers who give of their time and expertise to keep our community safe.
Co-Curricular Club Schedule
Please click here to access information regarding FMS club locations and schedules.
Environmental Awareness Challenge Grant Award
Annual Distribution of School Health Resources
The NJ Department of Education requires that the following health-related information be distributed to parents each year.
Annual Distribution of the Meningitis Fact Sheet
http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/faq/meningococcal_faq.pdf
Annual Distribution of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Fact Sheet
http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/hpv_brochure.pdf
Annual Distribution of the Sports Related Eye Injury Fact Sheet : http://www.state.nj.us/education/students/safety/health/SportsRelatedEyeInjury.pdf
Chromebook Repairs
If a student's Chromebook is in need of repair, the form at the following link should be filled out (including a parent signature) and handed in with the broken Chromebook to Mr. Valois.
Fifth Grade Trip to Sterling Hill Mining Museum
Fifth Graders Prepare for Spring by Planting Bulbs
Halloween At Fieldstone
Thank you to our PTO for generously supplying and serving the delicious donuts and cider that made our lunchtime Halloween celebration complete.
3Rs Day Dove Drawing Contest
Students are encouraged to submit a dove design to be considered as the symbol for this year's 3Rs program. FMS staff and the 3Rs committee will select the top three images. Students will then have the opportunity to vote on their favorite. The chosen image will appear on the program cover and t-shirts. All entries must be submitted to Mrs. McCann or Mrs. McCormack by November 20th.
3Rs Day Walkathon
PTO-Sponsored Book Fair
Upcoming Events
11/12 - Author Visit - Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
11/15 - 7th Grade Field Trip - Cultural Experience
11/16 - End of Expressive Arts Cycle 1
11/16 - Fieldstone Friday - Grades 5 and 6
11/20 - 6th Grade Field Trip to Liberty Science Center
11/22-11/23 - Thanksgiving Break
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