The Falcon Reporter
Back to School Newsletter 2018-2019
Fowler Parents & Students,
We are so excited to begin our 2018-2019 school year. Much has been planned at Fowler Middle School to ensure a positive and rewarding experience for all students. At FMS, we are committed to providing our students with a learning environment that will ensure success for all students. Our mission and purpose can best be articulated by our campus mission – Knowing & Advancing Each Child.
Parents, I would like to encourage you to read all of the information in our six-week newsletters. Our newsletters contain important information about our campus and many programs that we provide at FMS. Because you are an integral part of your child’s education, we feel that ongoing communication and collaboration with you is most important. We encourage you to contact teachers, counselors or administrators any time you have a question. Our receptionist, Ms. Alperin, will be happy to take a message or connect you with voicemail if we are unavailable. You are also welcome to email us. At
Fowler, we utilize our School Messenger phone and email system often to communicate important dates and reminders. Our Fowler website is also an excellent way for you to stay informed throughout the school year. Together, we will make Fowler Middle School the most wonderful and positive experience for your child. We look forward to the wonderful school year ahead.
Sincerely,
Donnie Wiseman
Fowler Middle School Principal
Important Dates
August
August 21
Band Parent Orientation Meeting
August 22
Choir Parent Orientation Meeting
August 22
Orchestra Parent Orientation Meeting
August 24
Choir Social
August 25
Orchestra Swimming Social @ Frisco Athletic Center
August 28
6th Grade New Student Breakfast in the Library
August 28
Clubs and Organizations Fair
August 29
7th Grade New Student Breakfast in the Library
August 29
Theatre Fall Show Auditions
August 29
Volleyball vs. Stafford @ FMS
August 30
8th Grade New Student Breakfast in the Library
August 30
PTA Dinner for the Teachers 4:30-5:30
August 30
PTA Board Meeting 4:30
August 30
PTA General Meeting Meeting 5:30
August 30
Meet the Teacher Night 6-7:30
August 31
Theatre Fall Show Auditions
September
September 3
Labor Day Holiday – No School
September 4
7th Grade Football vs. Stafford MS @ Liberty HS
September 5
Back to School Book Swap
September 5
Show Choir Audtions
September 5
8th Grade Football vs. Stafford Liberty HS
September 6
Volleyball vs. Trent MS @ Trent MS
September 7
Back To School Celebration
September 8
7th & 8th Grade Volleyball Tournament A team
September 10-14
College Week
September 10
7th Grade Football vs. Trent MS @ Lone Star HS
September 11
8th Grade Football vs. Trent MS @ Lone Star HS
September 13
School Picture Day (During Science Classes)
September 13
Volleyball vs. Scoggins @ FMS
September 14
Health Screenings in the Library
September 15
Orchestra All Region Boot Camp
September 17
7th Grade Football vs. Scoggins MS @ LTHS
September 17-21
Celebrate Freedom Week (Conducted through Social Studies Classes)
September 18
Pep Rally
September 18
Band Plays at 8th Grade Football Game @ LTHS
September 18
8th Grade Football vs. Scoggins MS @ LTHS
September 19
Choir Fundraiser Sing-a-thon
September 20
7th & 8th Grade Volleyball Lawler MS @ Lawler
September 21
LTHS Bound 7th & 8th Grade Band Performs with LTHS Band @The Star
September 21
Last Day of 1st Six Weeks
September 24
7th Grade Football vs. Lawler MS @ LTHS
September 26
8th Grade Football vs. Lawler MS @ LTHS
September 27
Volleyball vs. Pioneer Heritage MS @ Pioneer Heritage MS
September 29
Band Pre Region Clinic
September 29
Orchestra All Region Boot Camp @ Maus MS
October
October 1
7th Grade Football vs. Pioneer Heritage MS @ Reedy HS
October 2
Custodian Appreciation Day
October 2
8th Grade Football vs. Pioneer Heritage MS @ Reedy HS
October 4
Volleyball vs. Cobb MS @ FMS
Team News
6th Grade
Welcome new 6th grade Fowler Falcons!
Welcome to 6th grade social studies! We will begin our journey around the world by reviewing our map skills, geography themes, and learning about the elements that make up culture. We are looking forward to a fantastic year of geography, history and culture!
From the beginning of school, ILA students have been studying the different types of genres in literature along with the types of literary elements in reading. The teachers have had a great time getting to know the students through their “What’s on my Mind” project. We are exciting about our upcoming personal narrative essay in which the students will apply their understanding of summarization, sequencing, and the writing process to complete a major project.
7th Grade
To begin the year, 7th grade science classes will introduce lab safety, graphing, the scientific method, and the first ADI (Argument Driven Inquiry) Lab.
Texas history classes will be starting the year by studying the four natural regions of Texas and the Native American Indian tribes of Texas.
ILA classes will be working on writing a personal narrative and learning the techniques of revising a narrative.
Our 7th grade mathematicians will review some operations with rational numbers and solve two-step equations and inequalities. Please make sure that your mathematician is taking notes for homework.
8th Grade
Welcome back Fowler Falcons! 8th grade ILA is eager to cultivate an appreciation for language arts with your child. Our first unit of study will answer the essential question of what defines a hero. We will make connections with various texts and respond with higher level writing skills. Our weekly agenda is posted to our individual teacher websites, where we keep other important information as well. We look forward to many successes in ILA!
Our 8th grade scientists are beginning the year by reviewing lab safety procedures, the scientific method, and graphing. In early September, students will begin their study of chemistry! In this unit, students will work with the Periodic Table of Elements, and will focus on atomic structure. Lab work will be extensive, and we look forward to initiating ADI (Argument Driven Inquiry) labs in 8th grade this year. ADI labs will focus on student-driven methodology in their research, where they will practice scientific writing and verbal discussion of their experimentation. It is going to be a fantastic year in our 8th grade science classrooms!
We are excited to start the 2018-19 school year in U.S. History! Mrs. Leblanc, Mrs. Fitzgerald, and Ms. Jackson are ready to take you back in time! We have a fun year planned for the students and are anxious to get started!
Counselors’ Corner
The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time for Fowler Middle School students. This is a great time for all students to step out on the right foot as they journey through many fun and significant opportunities ahead in the 2018-2019 school year. The counselors, along with all of our staff members, value the opportunity to work with students and parents to make the middle school years a positive and challenging time as students learn and grow in all aspects of their lives.
With this goal in mind, we have several exciting events planned throughout the school year and several important dates for you to put on your calendar.
August 16-23, 2018- Schedule Change Requests – Students may pick up schedule change request forms in the front office beginning Monday, August 16th, and they must be turned in NO LATER THAN 3:35 on August 23rd. These forms are only used for Pre-AP level changes. No changes to elective classes will be approved. Counselors will provide students with a new schedule if it is possible to make the change.
August 28, 2018 (7:55 am) - 6th grade New Student Breakfast in the Library
August 29, 2018 (7:55 am) - 7th grade New Student Breakfast in the Library
August 30, 2018 (7:55 am) - 8th grade New Student Breakfast in the Library
August 28, 2018 (3:40 – 4:10 pm) – Clubs and Organizations Fair in the Fowler Cafeteria
September 5, 2018 (9:00-10:00) – Coffee with the Counselors –Counselor Introductions and Services Provided – Fowler Library
September 12, 2018 – Power to Change Kick-off Lesson
September 10-14, 2018 - College Week
Monday – Wear a college t-shirt with jeans
Wednesday – Flight Time teachers hand out college questionnaires
Thursday – Drawings during lunches
Friday – Classroom College Door Decorating Judging
September 26, 2018 – Power to Change Lesson
Catherine B. Fowler Library News
The Catherine B. Fowler Library is open from 7:55 to 4:05 daily. Students may come to the library before and after school to use Chromebooks, work on homework, and check out books. There is no student printer in the library. All printing must be done in the integration lab before school from 7:55 to 8:15.
Get Involved @ Your Library!
Does your student love to read and spend time with other readers? There are several ways Falcons can get involved at the library!
SLAB (School Library Advisory Board)—Students in SLAB help with all sorts of library projects, such as decorating book fairs, keeping the library clean and organized, and making displays. SLAB members are chosen by application process. Applications are online and will be available on the library web site by August 28th.
Library Lunch Bunch—Once a six weeks, students will meet in the library during lunch for a fun book-related activity. Each event will have a separate sign-up sheet, and will be advertised on the announcements. Students are welcome to attend any or all of the events.
If your student is interested in being a part of the library fun, please have him/her attend the Club Fair in the cafeteria on August 28th to get more information.
Looking for a good book?
Try the FMS Library blog! Here you’ll find book reviews on middle grade and young adult novels, tagged by genre and reviewed by your librarian! http://imallbookedup.blogspot.com.
4nd Annual Back to School Book Swap!
Parents, Teachers, and Students are all welcome!
We’re excited to host our 4th annual Back to School Book Swap after school on September 5th! Here’s how it works:
1. Send gently used books with your student to the library. You may also drop off books during open house on the 30th. (We will have an adult table for parents and teachers, and lots of middle grade/young adult tables, so you may bring anything from about a fifth grade reading level up.)
2. For every book that is accepted, your child will get a ticket. Each ticket can be redeemed for one “new” book at the event.
3. Stop by as soon as possible after school on September 5th. Books will be displayed on tables for you to browse and trade. We will be swapping and socializing until around 4:30! (If you can’t make it that afternoon, whatever is left will be available in the library for a few days—just hang on to your tickets.)
**We will also gladly accept donations if you are not interesting in swapping!**
Welcome New Faculty
Melissa Soileau - Assistant Principal
Welcome back Falcons! I am so excited to be starting my new adventure as an assistant principal here at Fowler. I grew up in San Antonio (Go Spurs!). I attended & graduated from University of North Texas on a diving scholarship, and received my masters from Argosy University. This will be my 16th year in education. I started teaching Elementary school, then moved to Fowler to teach middle school and be the Frisco ISD diving coach. This will be my 7th year at Fowler Middle School! I love spending time with my wonderful husband, 2 children (Kendall & Conner), and our golden retriever(Shiner). I cannot wait to work with the amazing staff here at Fowler Middle School.
Cathy Firmin - Assistant Principal's Secretary
Hi Fowler Falcons! I am excited to join the staff this year as the AP Secretary. I am starting my 5th year with Frisco ISD. I graduated from Baylor University (Go Bears)! with a degree in Journalism/Marketing. My background includes Public Relations and Marketing, serving in a Middle School Ministry and event planning. I truly love being in a support role and helping others. My husband and I have four children. Two are out of college, one is currently a college student and our youngest is starting her senior year of high school. Life is a wonderful whirlwind of kids, work, friends, volunteering and adjusting to a nest that is growing ever so quiet. I’m very happy to be part of Fowler Middle School and look forward to a fabulous year!
Simone Alperin - Receptionist
I am beyond excited to join the Fowler Falcon Family! This is my sixth year in Frisco and I even grew up in FISD, graduating from Centennial! I have two poodles who I love more than anything! I love shopping, reading, going to the movies and trying new restaurants! I am looking forward to an amazing school year and getting to work with the fantastic Fowler community!
Linda Bugni - 7th grade ILA
My name is Linda Bugni and I’m proud to be a new member of the Fowler Falcon team! I will be teaching 7th grade ILA after spending Nine years in 4th grade and two in first at Isblell Elementary. I am the mother of two boys, Connor and Shane, who will both attend Texas A&M this fall. My husband, Pete, is an engineer for Fujitsu Networks. We’ve been married for 23 years and lived in Frisco for the last thirteen. I have a fashion merchandising degree with a minor in business from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and I worked in that field for several years before I obtained my teaching certificate with a reading specialization from the University of North Texas. In my spare time, I love reading, going to movies, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I am looking forward to a terrific year of learning and growth!
Sue Villani - Functional Academics Aide
Penny Bridges - 6th grade ILA
I am absolutely thrilled to be a Fowler Falcon this year! I have recently moved to Frisco and am so excited to be a part of this awesome community. I grew up in Houston and am a proud graduate of Texas ATM University! This will be my 28th year to teach, and I love it what I do.... helping kids to love learning and watching them grow. In my spare time, I enjoy running, working out at the gym, and spending time with family and friends. I can't wait for my students to read, write, and think critically each day. 2018-2019 is going to be a fantastic year!
Sannihita Malakapalli - Math 7 and 8
Hello Fowler Families! My name is Sannihita Malakapalli (Mrs. M) and, I’m beyond ecstatic to start my first year at Fowler. I will be teaching Pre-AP 7th grade Math and Pre-AP Algebra 1. I have a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and have been tutoring for both Plano and Frisco ISD, for the past 3 years. I have two wonderful children, and both attend FISD schools. In my free time I like to paint, read, and travel with my family. I am extremely proud to be a part of the Fowler Team and look forward to partnering with you in advancing your child’s learning.
Cameile Grayson - Reading
Hello Fowler Family! My name is Cameile Grayson, and I am beyond elated to join a staff that operates in true family fashion to service the needs of all students. I started my teaching career in Jacksonville, FL in 2004 and was quite sure it was going to be a temporary venture. Three to five years is what I told everyone, but clearly not my reality as I am embarking on my fifteenth year in education. After eleven years of teaching in Florida, I decided I was ready for a new adventure. So, I moved to Plano in 2015 and I'm enjoying my new TX life. My first three years in TX were spent teaching in Richardson ISD where I learned a great deal, and as I transition to Frisco ISD I plan on continued self growth as I help my students grow into their greatness. I pride myself on being a champion for all students, especially those that struggle and often are overlooked and feel invisible. Over the years I've watched my munchkins blossom and I can't wait to see what my new journey as a Fowler Falcon brings. #2018willbefabulous
Claudia Sunday - PE and FISD Head Diving Coach
Hello Fowler! I am very excited to be joining this family! My name is Claudia Sunday, and this is my first year teaching P.E. and coaching the FISD divers. I have a BS in Kinesiology and a MA in Liberal Arts, both from TCU where I was a diver and a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. I have three wonderful and energetic boys,f a fantastic husband of 8 years and a house full of pets. In my free time I love crafting and to be active with my family. I look forward to an exciting year here at Fowler!
Josh Benningfield - Boys Athletics and TX History
Josh Benningfield here. I am a graduate of the University of Texas – San Antonio and a third year teacher. I have spent time at the high school level teaching US History and the past two years teaching 7th and 8th grade Social Studies in Richardson. I made the move to Frisco ISD because of the districts amazing reputation and look forward to a long career in FISD. My wife Lindsey and my 16 month old daughter Everleigh are very excited to be Fowler Falcons!
Sam Lane - Boys Athletics and PE
I am very excited to call myself a Fowler Falcon. This year will be nothing less than amazing. I graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with my Bachelors and Masters degree in Kinesiology. I also had a minor in education. I played baseball at UT Tyler for 4 years and then was the graduate assistant there for another 2 years. I am getting married this year in November to the love of my life and high school sweetheart. We have been dating 7 years and we have an Australian Sheppard that is 3. I will be teaching PE and coaching football, basketball, and track. Again I can't wait to be a part of the Fowler family and making all great memories in the process.
Lanston Sprott - Boys Athletics and PE
I am very excited to be a part of the Fowler Family! I just recently relocated to Frisco from Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD. I'm happy to be home in the district I grew up in. I will be teaching Physical Education and coaching football, basketball and track. I graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in History and Secondary Education. I have the biggest passion athletics and sports and want to share that passion with all of Fowler. I'm a former FISD athlete and love the district and cant wait to make a difference. Go Falcons!!
Deandra Barroso - Girls Athletics and PE
Hey Fowler Falcons! My name is Deandra Barroso and I will be teaching Physical Education this year as well as coaching Volleyball, Basketball, Cross Country and Track. I’m originally from Mercedes, Tx and I graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley where I competed for the University Track and Field Team for 4 years as a 400m hurdler. I earned my B.A in Science of Kinesiology with a focus on Education. This is only my 2nd year putting my education to use in a school district, but I’m more than excited to get started working with all the wonderful students I have heard pass through this middle school.
I moved out here alone just a little over a year ago, leaving behind my parents, big brother, 2 little sisters, my nephew, niece and my Godson. It’s been quite a transition being over 9 hours from home, but I’ve made some amazing friends since being out here and look forward to making more within all of you. My hobbies include staying active while going to the gym as well as dabbling in the world of photography and videography. I can’t wait to get this year started and have a wonderful school year! Go Falcons!
Fowler Middle School
Email: fowler@friscoisd.org
Website: http://schools.friscoisd.org/ms/fowler
Location: 3801 McDermott Road, Plano, TX 75025, USA
Phone: 469-633-5050
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FowlerMSFISD/?fref=ts
Twitter: @FowlerFalcons07