Falcon Flyer
Volume 24 Issue 2
Principal's Nest
Finley Farms Community,
As we enter the seventh week of the school year I am amazed at the progress our students have made since the first day of school. Around campus the student behavior is highlighted by respectful actions and students willing to serve others while lending a helping hand. As classrooms are visited on a daily basis, teachers are partnering with students to expand on prior knowledge, engage in meaningful discussion, and alter lessons to best meet the needs of the class. Over the last two weeks I have met with each grade level team to discuss student performance up to this point. Teachers will be partnering with you at next week's conferences to provide an update on your child's learning, discuss strategies being utilized, and review strengths and challenges observed at school.
Similar to last year, we kindly ask for your assistance with scheduling conferences by selecting your preferred conference time via the SignUp Genius platform. Please utilize the link below for a list of teacher SignUps.
Finley Farms Parent-Teacher Conference SignUp Links
During our conferences we will be on our modified Half Day schedule with student dismissal at 11:55am. Gilbert High TCrew students and Highland High NHS students will be available in the Project Room throughout both evenings to provide supervision for Falcons while parents attend their designated conference time.
As a reminder, our gates open at 7:45am. Please be sure you are supervising your child(ren) up to 7:45am as we do not have staff on duty until our gates open. Your continued help to reinforce safety expectations by using our designated crosswalks, following traffic laws, and correct use of our parking and parent loop areas is greatly appreciated.
With Fall Break fast approaching, today we kicked off PTO's major fundraiser for the year with Step It Up! With help from the community, our goal is to raise funds to go directly back to the classroom and campus in order to best meet the needs of our students. With PTO's partnership with Step It Up! this year, students will be participating in a Day of AWESOMENESS Obstacle Course as the culminating event on Friday, October 4th. Additional information for how you can be involved and help support our school through this fundraiser will be forthcoming.
Sincerely,
Keegan Bassett
Principal
Finley Farms Elementary
Finley Farms Platforms
Wacky Wednesday Spirit Day
Picture Day
Take Your Parent to PE Week
We are excited to host the first annual Take Your Parent to P.E. Week September 23-27. Have you ever wondered what your child is learning and doing in physical education class? This is your opportunity to join them in learning through movement. Please check your child's calendar and plan to attend P.E. with them that week. Dress for activity and get ready for an action packed lesson.
Upcoming Events
September 16 - Step It Up! Assembly
September 16 - PTO Executive Meeting at 5:30 & PTO General Meeting at 6:30 pm
September 17 - Wacky Wednesday Spirit Day
September 18 - Oceanography Parent Meeting
September 19 - NASCAR FedEx Assembly
September 19 - PTO Restaurant Night @ Chick-fil-A San Tan Village Marketplace
September 20 - Fall Picture Day
September 24 - Running Club Parent/Informational Meeting
September 26 & 27 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Half Day student dismissal at 11:55am
October 4 - Step It Up! Day of AWESOMENESS
October 4 - Half Day student dismissal at 11:55am
October 7-14 - Fall Break
Finley Farms PTO YouTube Channel
Meet our P.E. Student Teachers
The first semester your children have two student interns from Arizona State University, Mrs. Pena and Mr. Armendariz, for their Physical Education classes. We are so excited to learn from your childās wonderful Physical Education teacher, Mrs. Anson, and to be a part of their fitness development.
Mr. Armendariz: I have been dedicated to assisting youth since 2014 with the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Although the experience is in a different spectrum, my passion for developing children is my passion. Spring 2019 I was placed at Campo Verde High School where we assisted the lead teacher with the strength and conditioning of student athletes. Prior to that in Fall 2018 I was at ASU Prep Poly where I spent my time with elementary students. I have four children from ages 8 years to 8 months. Improving my skills to be the quality teacher that all children deserve is my goal upon completing my internship with Ms. Caryn Anson. The 49ers is my favorite NFL team and the Red Sox is my favorite MLB team.
Mrs. Pena: When I was in Kindergarten I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up and I answered, āPresident or a Physical Education teacherā. But, when I went to college to play golf and major in business, yet found myself becoming a fitness instructor during those 4 years, along with help coaching hockey. I should have listened to my younger self, because when I graduated, I knew that I would be most happy helping children love health and fitness, so I decided to continue my education by pursuing my Masterās in Physical Education at ASU. Truly I am so happy, and feel like I am doing exactly what I was meant to do. Throughout the program at ASU I have been able to work with many of the top Physical Education teachers from the Elementary and Secondary level in Arizona, and it has been absolutely amazing to learn from the best. I am married to a Police officer and we have our two dogs and two cats. My favorite NHL team is the San Jose Sharks and PGA player is Tiger Woods. Daily I do yoga, strength training and walking my the German Shepherds!
We are truly grateful to be at Finley Farms. Every student and faculty member has been great to meet. We look forward to be here for the rest of the semester!
Thank you!
Mr. Armendariz and Mrs. Pena
Finley Farms Elementary
Email: finleyfarmsinfo@gilbertschools.net
Website: http://gilbertfinley.ss11.sharpschool.com/
Location: Finley Farms Elementary School, South Columbus Drive, Gilbert, AZ, USA
Phone: 480-507-1624
Facebook: facebook.com/FinleyFarmsFalcons/
Twitter: @FinleyFalcons