The Bobcat Bulletin
A Newsletter from Founders Memorial School
The Principal's Office
Happy First Friday Everyone!
Our Founders Bobcats have had an awesome first week of school! We are excited to be back! We are working together to get into the groove of a new school year. Students are getting to know classmates and staff, learning new and old routines, and participating in many activities related to CARES (Cooperation, Assertiveness, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Control) - some key principles of Responsive Classroom.
Go to the link for more information about Responsive Classroom practices.
We look forward to having a great year with you all! Have a lovely holiday weekend.
Educationally Yours,
Wendy Cobb
FMS Principal
Important Dates to Remember
September 2 - Labor Day - NO SCHOOL
September 13 - FMS Picture Day
September 13 - Ellis Instrument Pick Up starting at 6PM - Ellis will have all instruments ready for pick up - please meet in Mr. Valyou's room.
September 26 - FMS Open House and Spaghetti Dinner
September 27 - FMS PTO Fun Run
FMS News
The Importance of Good Attendance
You can:
- send in a note
- you can call and leave a message on the attendance line at 802-879-6326, press #3 for Attendance
- Fill out the online absence form at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeMXm8Y0yFELWjD6mUnpLjc1kboiFus6ZhXc6EqpzANyYfIA/viewform and you can find it on the FMS homepage on the right hand side of the large picture as a button!
Any one of these ways will help you avoid the dreaded call from the Registrar wondering where your child is that day! See the impact of good attendance (NOT missing classes and NOT being tardy!) below!!
Nuts and Bolts
EWSD District Communications Agreement
As a district, we are actively using:
- The EWSD and school websites: www.ewsd.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/EssexWestford
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/essexwestford
- Twitter: @EssexWestford
- The Essex Reporter
- Flyers/annual reports/handbook/etc.
The Essex Westford School District does not require parents to sign a form giving the District permission to share images of students' likeness or artistic work to be used in printed, televised, and web-based communications.
Parents who wish to request otherwise may complete an opt-out form in the school's main office.
Founders BOBCAT T-Shirts!
Transportation Updates
Bus Lane Safety
Although it may be the shortest route, please do not walk in the bus lane, or between the school buses when they are parked out front loading or unloading children. School buses have 'blind spots' that make some spots difficult to see. While there are mirrors aimed at those hard to see places, the bus driver's attention is focused primarily on the children getting on or off the bus, not on the space immediately in front of or alongside the bus.
Cars are also not allowed to use the bus lane for any reason during the school day especially at drop off and pick up times! You can use the lot next to the school and your student can walk on the sidewalk safely to the front entrance of our school. Please make sure you park and drop off in our lot and do not drop off in crosswalk!
Thank you for helping all children stay safe! Please see the map below.
News from our Staff
BIKING SKILLS AND SAFETY Starting on Tuesday, September 2nd
We can securely store students bikes and helmets for the two week period but they will need to be picked up promptly when the unit ends on Sept 14th. Please clearly label any bikes or helmets that are brought from home. The Bike Smart trailer will be parked in front of the school by the side exit of the gym. If students bring their own bikes, they can be left in the space between the trailer and the building and we will store them each night.
This is a unique and fun opportunity for us to work with students to work on biking skills and safety. If there are any concerns or questions please contact us either Eric Bowker ebowker@ewsd.org or Courtney Hall chall@ewsd.org.
News from the FMS Library
We are so excited to open our doors to all students for library orientation which begins next week. Students will get to know our newly renovated space and will have an opportunity to check out books. Look for a letter from the FMS Library next week with more details about our program.
Please remind your child to return his or her summer checkouts from either EES or FMS. EES books can be returned to the FMS library. Students are not permitted to borrow books for the new school year until all summer books have been returned. If you have any questions, please contact Sara Jablonski at sjablonski@ewsd.org or 857-6306. Thank you!
ALSO!!!! We are still accepting FMS Summer Reading BINGO cards! Please send them in so your child can enter the prize raffle!!
Community Resources
- Aunt Dot's Place - https://www.auntdotsplace.com/ - Essex based local food shelf
- Essex Eats Out - http://www.essexeatsout.org/ - Providing healthy, free meals in a warm, safe, and inclusive atmosphere on Fridays
Founders Memorial School
Website: www.ewsd.org/fms
Location: 33 Founders Road, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: 802-879-6326
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Founders-Memorial-School-1509308329359547/timeline/
Twitter: @FMS_Essex