Fulton Science Academy
EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION, CHARACTER
Week of February 27, 2017
PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
Greetings!
It's a new week and that means a brand new newsletter packed with important information to help you and your family have the best experience possible at FSA!
Some highlights:
- I'd like to extend my personal congratulations to our Mathletes and our High School Science Olympiad teams. Both did incredible work this past week and came home with impressive finishes. Way to go!
- Last night, FSA held the inaugural meeting of our brand new "Business Advisory Committee." Wow! The members of this committee have already provided incredible feedback and we haven't even begun our working sessions yet!
- Please remember to sign up for volunteer opportunities in conjunction with our Spring Book Fair.
- if you have not yet completed our Bus Information Survey, please do so!
- Back by popular demand, our Cultural Cafe returns to FSA on Sunday, March 5. This is an event you won't want to miss.
- I'd like to extend best wishes to our Model UN teams who are competing in Savannah later this week.
- Also, a friendly reminder that the school will be celebrating Dr. Suess Day this Thursday, March 2. Students and faculty are invited to dress up in character (please see details below).
- ABRSM Music Exams are scheduled for this weekend; best of luck to our musicians!
As always, we thank each and every FSA supporter for the important role you play in helping to make our school so special. I send my very best wishes to you and your wonderful families for an amazing week ahead!
Sincerely,
Kenan Sener
Principal
Motivational Quote of the Week
High School Science Olympiad Team brings home a 3rd Place Trophy During First Competition!
Fulton Science Academy’s Division C Science Olympiad Team posted a historic performance at the Regional Tournament hosted by Kennesaw State University in Marietta on Saturday, February 25. While FSA’s Division B team (composed of 6th through 9th grade students) is well-known for its Science Olympiad prowess, this is the first year the school has competed in Division C (9th through 12th grades.) In spite of its novice status, the team brought home the third-place trophy and qualified for the State Science Olympiad tournament.
“We really didn’t know what to expect,” said head coach Gloria Stathos. “In many ways, we were very much the underdogs. We competed with a team of 11 eighth, ninth, and tenth graders while other teams had 15 members composed mostly of upperclassmen. Five of our team members had never competed in Science Olympiad before this year. We were so worried about having enough students to cover all 23 events that we asked the State Science Olympiad Director for special permission to include eighth graders on our team. Additionally, students are prohibited from competing in more than one division, so we couldn’t use students who competed for us last weekend in our Division B tournament.”
“We’re so proud of these students,” beamed head coach Pam Walsh. “There were 23 teams in this tournament and our tiny, little team out-performed Forsyth Central, Lassiter, North Cobb, Pope, North Gwinnett, and Riverwood high schools. We came within 18 points of the second place winner, Alpharetta High School.”
“It’s been tough for these students to devote a lot of time to Science Olympiad,” commented Assistant Principal and Building Event Coach Yasin Parlak. “They have such a rigorous course load and so many extra-curricular activities that it’s hard to find time for them to work together as a team. We spent many lunch periods building our Robot Arm and Electric Vehicle. I’m just so proud and happy for them.”
“Our high school students really don’t have time to attend many of our after school Science Olympiad classes,” said Mrs. Walsh. “Rather, several of our top Division B students spent time over the past week mentoring their high school counterparts and helping them prepare for the tournament. It was really a great display of teamwork. We also give a lot of credit to Chloe. She competed for us in two events in the morning, before racing back to FSA in time to compete in the Destination Imagination regional in the afternoon.”
Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Stathos are looking forward to the State Tournament to be held on March 25 at Emory University. “It will be a reunion of sorts for FSA graduates,” said Mrs. Stathos. “Since we didn’t offer high school when these kids graduated they are attending high schools throughout the metro area. Many of the top teams in the state are stacked with FSA grads. It gives us a lot of pride to see former students on the awards stand.”
Congratulations to the following students who earned awards at the tournament:
Towers – coached by Mr. Parlak
1st Place – Maahi and Bahriye
Forensics – coached by Mr. Kuppuswamy
1st Place – Bahriye and Chaitanya
Ecology – coached by Mrs. Butler
2nd Place – Nicholas and Chaitanya
Hovercraft – coached by Mr. Kersey
2nd Place – Charlie and Vishal
Helicopter – coached by Mrs. Walsh
3rd Place – Bahriye and Maahi
Electric Vehicle – coached by Mr. Parlak
4th Place – Nicholas and Vishal
Microbe Mission – coached by Mr. Shealy
4th Place – Sanjeev and Nicholas
Microbe Mission – coached by Mr. Shealy
4th Place – Sanjeev and Nicholas
Not pictured...
- Astronomy – coached by Mrs. Walsh -5th Place – Charlie and Bahriye
- Rocks and Minerals – coached by Mrs. Walsh -5th Place – Sanjeev and Kian
- Game On – coached by Mr. Sana -6th Place – Chloe
- Write It, Do It – coached by Mrs. Stathos -6th Place – Maahi and Chloe
- Anatomy – coached by Dr. Owens, Ms. Hobbs, Dr. Moscovitch -7th Place – Sanjeev and Ethan
- Dynamic Planet – coached by Mrs. Walsh - 7th Place – Sanjeev and Karthikeya
More Fabulous FSA News - Mathletes Qualify to Advance to AIME!
Two of our 8th-grade students, Holden W. and Vishaal R., qualified for the 2017 AIME – American Invitational Mathematics Examination based on their performance on the AMC 10A. Congratulations to both students on this prestigious success!
AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination) is the step before USAJMO. Briefly, the USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO) is an exam used after the American Invitational Mathematics Examination to determine the top math students in America in grades 10 and under.
It is possible for students to qualify for the Red level of the Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program. After two steps following USAJMO contest, top six students are selected to form USA Math Team to represent USA in the International Math Olympiad.
Spectacular performance Holden and Vishaal! We are proud of you!! Good Luck at AIME!
Destination Imagination Showcase Hosted by FSA
The Regional Competition had two parts: a team challenge and an instant challenge. For the team challenge, students acted out skits, displayed colorful backdrops, and donned one-of-a-kind costumes. For the instant challenge, students were forced to "think on their feet" as they came up with solutions to unconventional problems. Both parents and volunteers were impressed by the handiwork of our students!
This Regional Showcase served as a "dress rehearsal" for the larger State Competition on March 25 at Lanier High School. Students will now integrate feedback from judges into their projects, putting the finishing touches on their team challenge. We look forward to seeing what these students can do!
Because Kindness Counts, FSA Collects Items to Support Foster Care Support Foundation
It feels good to help others! This past month, FSA's Student Council led the donation collection for Foster Care Support Foundation in Roswell. Students collected hundreds of new and gently used items to help local children who have been placed in foster care. Thank you to everyone who contributed! Together we can make a difference. #FSAcares
High School Students Visit Emory University
FSA's high school students were treated to an incredible experience touring the beautiful campus of Emory University in downtown Atlanta last week. Their day began with a 45-minute information session titled "Beyond the Numbers."Students often think about standardized exams when it comes to getting into college, but it's much more than those few intense hours of work.
Students were guided through an in-depth conversation regarding completing applications (from curriculum choices to standardized testing and extracurricular activities), and the unique opportunities they have to share their story through their application. Students also participated in a game in which they served as the admission committee and decided who got into the selective college.
After the information session, a current sophomore at Emory took our students on an hour long walking tour of the Quadrangle, main library, computing lab, main student center/dining hall, gym, dormitory, and various academic buildings. We even enjoyed some Starbucks at the on-campus Starbucks which used to be the largest on any college campus. It was a great experience for our students to see the Emory students enjoying college life and taking a break from their busy academic schedules.
Upcoming Events - Please Mark Your Calendars (New Events are Highlighted in Bold for Added Convenience)
- Spring Book Fair March1-5
March 2
- Dr. Suess Day - see below for details
March 5 (Sunday)
- Cultural Cafe 4:00-7:00 pm- the book fair will be open
March 14
- Pi day
March 19
- Open House 1:00-3:00 pm
Spring Break - No School- April 3-7
Spring Book Fair opens Wednesday!
We’re excited about welcoming a new vendor, Bedford Falls to our upcoming Spring Book Fair
Opening Times:
- Wednesday March 1, 7:30 am-5:20 pm
- Thursday, March 2, 7:30 am-5:20 pm
- Friday, March 3, 7:30 am- 5:20 pm
- Sunday, March 5, 4:00-7:00 pm- during Cultural Cafe
Parent Volunteers will transform the Media Center into our very own bookstore. There will be hundreds of books from new and favorite authors, popular series, and books on the summer reading lists.
Don’t miss the chance to light up a young reader’s face with a good book.
We need your help. Sign up to help cashier, restock or assist students finding a book.
FSA Students and Faculty Invited to Celebrate the Birthday of Dr. Suess This Thursday, March 2!
This Thursday, March 2, every student from Pre-K through 10th grade has the option to either dress up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character or wear all black to be the “Cat in the Hat" to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Suess.
A few Dr. Seuss characters and MSO volunteers will be greeting students at the carpool doors to paint whiskers on faces and pass out “Cat in the Hat” hats to anyone who wants one.
If students choose not to dress up as a character or wear all black they must be in FSAPS uniform. However, we hope everyone chooses to participate in the fun for this all-school event. Middle School students seem to enjoy this dress up day more than anyone! Remember though, you must be on time to school to get your hat and face painted.
Fulton Science Academy’s Annual Cultural Café
Sunday, March 5th 2017
4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at FSAPS
We invite you and your family to join us in celebrating the rich and amazingly diverse cultural heritage of our student body!
Please bring an ethnic dish to share that will serve at least 10.
You can sign up from the web links found on the school newsletter under Cultural Café or from the links listed below.
Cultural Café 2017 Food & Volunteer Sign-up http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c49a4a628abfa7-fsas
Cultural Café 2017 Talent Show Sign-up
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c49a4a628abfa7-cultural
In addition to amazing food, the event will include:
- A fun photo booth for selfies
- Around the world activity for the kids
- Entertaining performances from our talented students
- Cultural artifact collections to explore Everyone is welcome to dress in their native attire!
Open House Scheduled for March 19
Kindergarten Had a LOVE-ly time Celebrating Valentine's Day!
The Kindergarten students had a wonderful time last Tuesday coming together for a day filled with LOVE-ly Valentine’s Day activities. Students participated in Valentine’s Day themed centers where they graphed candy hearts, made Conversation heart frames, played Valentine’s BINGO, and used a variety of collage materials to create “Lovebugs.” Of course, they also loved eating some sweet treats and showing off their moves during the Valentine’s Day Dance!
The biggest hit of the day, though, was bright and early in the morning from 7:45 am until 9:15 am as students enjoyed the Fourth Annual Kindergarten Sweetheart Breakfast! The Kindergarten teachers hosted a breakfast for all of the sweet parents in the cafeteria. Mrs. Sanders, Mrs. Irshadullah, and Mrs. Crosby scrambled eggs, served waffles made to order, and provided a few other breakfast favorites such as bagels, muffins, croissants, yogurts, fresh fruit, orange juice, coffee, tea, etc. A delicious way to start the day and fun fellowship for all!
Classroom Creativity...
FSA Welcomes Five New Additions
Middle school Biology students were so excited to hold the chicks, as well as care for them through hands-on learning. This project will go in conjunction with students' lessons on genetics, evolution, reproduction, and animals studies. Students were able to submit name ideas for the new pets and we are hoping to have names for the chicks very soon!
Other classes have also come to check out our project. We are eager to see what will happen next and will keep you posted!
Classroom Connections...
Mystery Readers Visit Kindergarten Classes
Black History Month Reports
Students in Mrs. Sanders’ Kindergarten class have been learning about African American history in school - and at home! Students chose and researched an influential person in African American history and wrote a report about them for homework with their families. Students wrote 2 or 3 facts that they learned about the person to share with the class. We learned about Harriet Tubman, Oprah Winfrey, Virginia Hamilton, Barack Obama, George Washington Carver, Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes, Thurgood Marshall, and so many more!!!
Club News
Elephant Toothpaste - Really??
In "Hands-On-Science" club, Mrs.Irshadullah demonstrates experiments that involve students in a total learning experience, helping to enhance the students' ability to think critically. There is something so empowering about causing a reaction in an experiment or suddenly grasping a science concept.
In this club, students have experimented with baking soda and vinegar to make a volcano explode, created clouds in a jar, made boats with aluminum foil and guessed how many pennies they could hold, and even made elephant toothpaste!
Learning this way gives kids confidence as learners and it is just plain fun!
Great progress in Computer Programming club!
Students in grades 3-5th students are very exited with what they are learning in the computer programming club. So far, students were introduced to the steps of web programming and the creation of animation. They will keep implementing JavaScript language and drawings in websites they create on their own.
Sign up to join the new Anti-Bullying Club, 'Friends of Rachel'
Students and staff were profoundly impacted by the Rachel's Challenge assembly earlier this month. Following the assembly, a small group of students were invited to attend a training to implement a club for our school which will continue the chain of kindness and compassion and Rachel's challenges in our school for years to come. The Friends of Rachel Club will begin next week every Tuesday morning from 7:35 am-8:00 am in the Media Center.Students 4TH GRADE AND UP are invited to sign up to join this club however the first 20 students to sign up will be accepted due to a limited space.
Join the Friends of Rachel Club!!!
When? Tuesdays from 7:35-8:00 am (Starting 2/28/17)
Where? The Media Center
Who can join? Any student is welcome to join but the club will be capped at 20 students.
How do I join? Sign up in Ms. Kelly’s office
Goal- To continue the chain reaction of kindness and compassion in our school. FOR club members are the “go to” students in the school who take care of business and help others!
What do club members do?
- Meet weekly for 30 minutes
- Work on culture improvement projects for the school
- Ex- Chain link projects, Kindness Graffiti Wall, Kindness Message Grams, Letters of Appreciation, New student Project
- Perform weekly acts of kindness
- Reach out to those who need it
- Mentor those who need help
- Lead by example
Other Reminders (Please note: all information below this title is being repeated from prior newsletters).
FSAPS SUMMER CAMPS
We are pleased to inform you that once again we have scheduled several wonderful summer camps at our school.
Fulton Science Academy summer camps provide fun, hands-on activities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Camps develop new skills, expand creative thinking, and foster team building and new friendships.
With the exception of the FSA's Summer Leadership Camp (which is open to FSA students only), our camps are open to ALL Georgia students.
Please CLICK HERE to see a detailed list of camps that will be offered at our school this summer.
Would you like to coordinate a home visit? If so, please read on...
Simply email junal@fultonscienceacademy.org with some suggested dates/times, as well as your students' name(s) and homeroom assignments. Ms. Unal will be in touch to confirm final details.
Home visits are a casual way for your child to spend time with his/her teacher in the comfort of their home. Teachers enjoy having a chance to see children in this comfortable environment, doing whatever makes them most happy and spend time with children and their parents outside of a regular school day.
FSA Students Invited to Attend Summer Leadership Camp
Bus Survey for 2017-2018 school year
We recognize that some of our families could benefit from a bus service to transport their child to and from school each day.
We need to gather information from each of the interested families and pass it along to the bus companies that we are looking into. The bus companies will then determine the bus routes and bus stops.
- The cost is about $175/student per month with a $25 sibling discount.
- The bus will have the students at the school by 7:40 a.m. and there will be one afternoon transport, leaving the school at 4:30 p.m.
If you are interested, fill out the linked form below by March 15, 2017.
Once we have the information from all of the interested families, it will be shared with the bus companies. We will share the outcome as soon as we can. Thank you!
FSA High School Expansion Plans Continue
While we recognize that our high school is small, expansion plans continue and interest is exciting. The customized benefits we are able to offer to our students because of our relative size are important, especially as students prepare for college. Examples include:
- Enriched/Customized Academic Offerings
- Small Student to Teacher and Student to Counselor Ratios
- College and Career Planning as Part of the School Day
- Extracurricular Activities, including Academic and Athletic Teams
- Extra SAT and ACT prep classes beginning in 6th grade
- AP workshops after school (during club time)
- Additional SAT and ACT practice tests within the school day
- Guidance about the creation of timely, relevant portfolio materials to bolster college applications
- Global Travel Opportunities
- Personalized college tours to leading local universities
- The ability to serve as Student Ambassadors for our Campus Expansion Project
- Mentorship/Internship Opportunities
- Personal MacBook Pro
- Specially coordinated social outings for high school students
High school continues an important phase of emotional and physical development for students and is a time when planning, organization. and guidance is all key factors in a student's success. High school students who choose FSA for this crucial phase of their educational journey will receive a level of individualized attention and care that, we believe, will make them truly proud to be an FSA mustang and will be unlike other school experiences.
To learn more about enrolling your child in high school, please email admissions@fultonscienceacademy.org. To inquire about our highschool program, including college pre-planning, please email Guidance Counselor, Lindsay Kelly, at lkelly@fultonscienceacademy.org.
2017-2018 School Calendar Dates Now Available On School Web Site
Environmental/Conservation Club Provides Exciting After-School Option for Students
FSA'S ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB WANTS YOUR SUPPORT!!!
Are you interested in conserving our environment? Would you like to learn more about land preservation, nature, and preserving our ecosystems? If so, the Environmental/Conservation Club is for you!
Thanks to a generous gift from the Novak Family Foundation, a new club has been added on Tuesday afternoons for 5-10th graders. Projected activities for this semester include:
- Certifying our school as a National Wildlife Federation Schoolyard Habitat
- Having students trained and certified in Chemical Water Quality Testing through Adopt-A-Stream
- Planting trees on our school campus
- Creating Pollinator garden/Butterfly Waystation
- Environmental speakers
- Environmental Discussions, Activities, and Experiments
- Conducting a Bioblitz on our school campus
The only thing we are missing is YOU! Please come join us!
Order Your 2016-2017 Yearbook!
"Attention all FSA Families!
Please consider buying a YEARBOOK to help your student remember a great school year at FSA! This year, the yearbook team is covering ALL GRADES (PK - 10TH) ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, EVENTS, AND ACADEMICS! The book is 30 PAGES longer than previous years and we are featuring as many students as possible! The book also allows for personal customization to make it your own!
PURCHASE AND PERSONALIZE YOUR Fulton Science Academy Private School YEARBOOK BY CLICKING HERE:
http://www.treering.com/purchase?Passcode=1013541294622699
A few important facts:
* Your personalized yearbook only costs $30.00.
* You’ll need to purchase your copy and complete your free personal pages by April 3.
* Your 2 free custom pages are optional if you don’t customize you’ll receive a standard yearbook.
To begin, please click on this link:
http://www.treering.com/purchase?Passcode=1013541294622699
Any other questions can be sent to FSAPS' Yearbook Advisor, Rita Modrzynski, rmodrzynski@fultonscienceacademy.org. Thank you!"
Private Music Lessons Available At FSA
FSA's Private Music Program is now accepting new students! We offer private music lessons in many instruments and areas of study: Piano, Voice, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass Violin, Clarinet, Flute, Ukulele, Saxophone, Accordion, Percussion, Trumpet, Trombone, Banjo, Mandolin, Theory, Conducting, Composition, and more.
There is a $20 registration fee and the tuition is $480 for the second semester. You may obtain more information by visiting our page on the website at:
http://fultonscienceacademy.org/private-music-lessons-2/
please contact Melinda Hubbell at mhubbell@fultonscienceacademy.org or (770) 402-2907.
FSAConnect mobile App
We are happy to inform you that now you can check fsaconnect by mobile app.
Here is how you can access the app:
ITunes App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/radix-mobile/id1159005166?mt=8
Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radix.radixmobile
The links can also be found at the bottom of your connect page by the other social media links.
A pop-up banner will appear on top of the screen when users access the school connect on their mobile devices.
Site link: https://fsaconnect.fultonscienceacademy.org
Username: fsaconnect username
Password: fsaconnect password
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR REMIND, OUR SCHOOL NOTIFICATION APPlication
JOIN FSAPS REMIND HERE: https://www.remind.com/join/fsaps
We have created a remind account to keep our community informed and up-to-date with what is happening at our school.
By joining "FSAPS remind," you will receive messages via push notifications, SMS, or e-mail. We recommend SMS option for our families and students.
We will use this tool as an addition to other communication portals we use at our school to keep our families apprised of what's happening at Fulton Science Academy. Thank you.
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
REPORTING ABSENCES
When your student will be absent from school for the entire day, please contact FSAPS each day in any of the following ways:
1. E-mail your child’s teacher
2. Send an email to attendance@fultonscienceacademy.org
OR
1. Send in a note to the front office when your child returns to school OR
2. Call the front office on the day your child is absent at (678) 366-2555 ext. 0
FSA SOCIAL MEDIA
Please connect with us online and grow our social media following!
FSA is proud to be building a strong social media presence and we encourage you to follow us using one or more of the following links:
1- FSA YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/user/FultonScienceAcademy
If you subscribe to our YouTube channel, you will receive notifications whenever we upload a new video.
2- FSA FACEBOOK PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/FultonScienceAcademyPrivateSchool/
Many of you already follow our Facebook page. If you are not yet connected, please “Like" our Facebook page.
3- FSA INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/fultonscienceacademy/
We post lots of pictures on our Instagram account. You will enjoy seeing new pictures every day.
4- FSA LINKEDIN
https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulton-science-academy-private-school
So many of you have LinkedIn accounts. To get news about our school on LinkedIn, simply follow our schools’s LinkedIn page.
5 –FSA TWITTER
https://twitter.com/fsaprivate
Twitter is a great way to get updated about school. Simply follow our school on Twitter to get recent tweets from our school.
6- FSA BLOG
http://fultonscienceacademyprivateschool.blogspot.com
If you click on Follow button on the right hand side, you will receive notifications when we post a new article.
GREEN SCHOOL TIPS BY FSA ROBOTICS TEAM STUDENTS
Fulton Science Academy Private School
Serving Advanced and Gifted Students
Pre-K through High School
Email: ksener@fultonscienceacademy.org
Website: www.fultonscienceacademy.org
Location: 3035 Fanfare Way, GA, United States
Phone: (678) 366-2555
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FultonScienceAcademyPrivateSchool
Twitter: @fsaprivate