Freedom Middle School News
Week of January 17, 2021 Edition
To translate, please click the link at the top of the page.
Reminder: Tuesday, January 19 and Wednesday January 20 are both Asynchronous Days of Instruction
Virtual 8th Grade Schedule for Jan. 19 through Jan. 29
Virtual 7th Grade Schedule for Jan. 19 through Jan. 29
Virtual 6th Grade Schedule for Jan. 19 through Jan. 29
FOOD DISTRIBUTION UPDATE
Weekly Schedule for January 17 through January 22, 2021
Tuesday, Jan 19 - *ASYNCHRONOUS* Day of Instruction
Wednesday, Jan 20 - Time to Connect with Your Teachers; Submit Your Attendance
Thursday, Jan 21 - "A" Day Student Schedule (Virtual Instruction)
Friday, Jan 22 - "B" Day Student Schedule (Virtual Instruction)
Message From The Superintendent
“We have the glorious opportunity to inject a new dimension of love
into the veins of our civilization.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I hope that all of our students and families are enjoying a safe and restful weekend. Thank you for your continued support and partnership! Below are some announcements and reminders as we look to the week ahead:
Announcements & Reminders
Tuesday, January 19th will be an asynchronous day for all students in an effort to support staff with the ability to access the Covid-19 vaccine.
Tuesday, January 26th will be an asynchronous day of learning for high school students ONLY. This is to accommodate those students who are taking the PSAT.
As was indicated in the email shared with staff and community on January 12st, our School Board will be meeting on January 26th to review our current COVID-19 case data. Our goal is to resume the blend of hybrid in-person and optional virtual learning on February 1st. We do understand that advance notice of any changes in scheduling is very important to our students, families, and staff.
We engaged our Teacher Advisory Team and STAND (Student Advisory) in meetings this week.
As a reminder, our COVID-19 Dashboard is updated weekly and can be viewed in the Return to Learn section on each school’s website or by clicking this link: SCPS COVID-19 Dashboard. Also on our webpage is a link to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Dashboard. This site provides data and statistics regarding COVID-19 positivity rates and cases per 100,000 by locality, region, and state.
We know and understand that the virtual setting for school can be a challenge. If you are in need of a hot spot, please contact your child’s school. We have some remaining. Additionally, if you need support for your child, do not hesitate to contact your child’s school. We are here to assist!
The mobile hotspots have been placed in the following location parking lots throughout the county:
7XPRESS (2976 Partlow Rd, Partlow, VA 22534)
Dollar General (5720 Courthouse Rd. Spotsylvania, VA 22551)
Belmont Community Center (7124 Belmont Rd, Mineral, VA 23117)
Super Value Inn (5321 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22408)
Stay 4 Less (5308 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22408)
Garden Inn (5308 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22408)
Dollar General (1500 New Bridge Rd, Mineral, VA 23117)
Never before in my lifetime can I recall a more important time to reflect on and press forward in the spirit of Dr. King’s words and mission. Our students, families, staff, and entire community need to receive the gift of love, expressed through not only words, but in direct service.
Have a great week!
Dr. S. Scott Baker
Message from Dr. Wright
Parents, Students and Staff,
I hope that each of you are staying safe during this time of distance learning. As we move into our third week of online learning at the beginning of this semester, I'd like to thank all of the teachers who are working so diligently to make sure their students are staying on top of their school work. The same goes to parents who are patiently making sure their students are completing assignments. There has never been a time where the Teacher/Parent partnership is so vital.
With that said, we've seen a record number of assignments not being turned in. Parents, please take a few minutes to look over your child's grades in ParentVue to make sure all work is complete and up to date.
Below are a couple changes for next week. Students, please use Tuesday and Wednesday next week to get caught up and submit all missing work.
Go Tigers!
Attention All Students and Parents
Please note the following calendar/school day changes:
Monday, January 18th is a Student and Teacher Holiday - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, January 19th is now an Asynchronous learning day. Students should check in for attendance and with teachers/classes as you would normally do on B-days.
Spring Sports Update for Middle School Athletes
The SCPS School Board has decided to move forward with Middle School Athletics by allowing Spring sports to be played. Spring sports include soccer (open to both boys and girls this year), girls softball, and boys/girls track.
There will be a lot of information that parents and students need to know prior to tryouts. Both AD's (Karyn McCready and Lisa Jones) will host a Zoom meeting on January 19th @ 6:30 pm. Please sign up on this form in order to attend. You will be emailed the link that will allow you to join the zoom meeting. We are limited to 100 participants, so please sign up in advance. If you are unable to attend at that time please email kmccread@spotsylvania.k12.va.us. If there is a need to hold a second meeting, we will send out additional information on date/time.
January/February Calendar Reminders
- Jan 18 - Student/Teacher Holiday. Building Closed.
- Jan 19 - Asynchronous Day of Instruction
- Feb 8 - Teacher Planning & Prof Development/Student Holiday
- Feb 10 - Middle School Conference Night (Virtual)
- Feb 15 - Student/Teacher Holiday. Building Closed.
Debate Club Schedule for January, 2021
Want to voice your opinions?
Learn how to listen and argue thoughtfully?
Appreciate others’ opinions and ideas?
Build confidence and leadership skills?
DEBATE CLUB IS FOR YOU!
Meetings are on Thursdays at 3:30 PM in Google Meet. If you are an interested 7th or 8th grade student you are welcome to join us every Thursday in January at 3:30 PM.
Coach: Mr. Jennings cjennings@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
Google Meet Code: e6xyagbypo
Upcoming Art Club Meeting
Upcoming Parent/Teacher Virtual Conference Night
PTSA News
The PTSA is having a Membership Drive. Every person who joins (including students) between now and January 31st, will get one entry into a drawing for a $25 gift card. You can pay online at https://freedom-middle-ptsa.square.site/product/ptsa-membership/7?cs=true or you can send in the membership form which can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/freedommiddleptsa/forms with cash or check.
Citizenship Essay Contest. Please see the attached flyer for information on how to enter. Deadline is February 1, 2021.
BJs Membership Fundraiser--The PTSA is offering a BJ’s Wholesale Membership fundraiser from Sun., January 17th until Wed., February 3rd. To renew or become a new member: please print the attached document, fill it out, and mail it to the school Attention: FMS PTSA along with your payment. All BJ’s Membership Applications need to be turned into the FMS PTSA (not BJ’s), in order for the PTSA to get credit for it. Please contact freedommiddlefundraising@gmail.com with any questions.
Box Tops Contest--The PTSA will have a Box Tops Competition from now until Feb 19, 2021. Feel free to drop your clipped Box Tops off at the school, mail them to the school Attention FMS PTSA, or download the Box Tops App and scan your receipts. No matter if you clip or scan, make sure you put your students name so they get credit.
Did you know that you can help support the FMS PTSA when you make purchases through Amazon Smile? Please make sure to select "Freedom Middle School PTSA, VA" from the Charitable Organization List for your future purchase(s)!
2021 Yearbook Orders
Yearbooks may now be purchased for $35.00 without a name plate and $40.00 with a name plate. Use this link to purchase a yearbook.
Parents are able to upload school appropriate pictures to the Yearbook Community Upload. Please make sure that you include the student name and grade. Uploading a picture does not guarantee that they will be added to the yearbook. Once you click on the upload link, make sure you use the code: FreedomMS. Use this link to access the Yearbook Community Upload.
Application for Advanced High School Programs 2021-2022 School Year
For our 8th grade students interested in applying to CGS/IB, the online application window closes at 11:59pm on Friday, January 22, 2021. Google Classroom or Spotsylvania Website have the application links. Please make sure Mrs. Jones (ljones@spotsylvania.k12.va.us) knows you are applying so you don't miss out on information.
Eye of The Tiger Literary Magazine Cover Contest
The "Eye of the Tigers," Freedom's Literary Magazine is holding a contest to find the perfect piece of art for the cover. Entries should be on a plain piece of paper. If your artwork is not chosen for the cover, it may still be used inside the magazine. Entries are due by February 12th. Scan or take a clear picture of your entry with a camera and email Ms. Ferber at cferber@spotsylvania.k12.va.us.
The magazine is also accepting entries. We accept all forms of writing and art. Scan, take a picture, or share your entry through email to Ms. Ferber for a chance to be published in the magazine.
Rising 9th Grade Orientation Night for Chancellor High School
Courtland High School Baseball
There will be a virtual meeting on Thursday, January 21 at 3:00 pm for anyone interested in trying out for Cougar Baseball this spring. Eighth grade students attending Courtland next fall and interested in trying out this year are encouraged to attend. If interested, contact Coach Acors at tpacors@spotsylvania.k12.va.us to receive the meeting link. Eighth grade students attending Courtland next fall and interested in trying out this year are encouraged to attend.
Spotsylvania Parks & Rec Spring Sports
Beginning Tuesday January 19, Parks & Rec will accept registration for Spring Soccer. Baseball, Softball and T-ball registration will begin Monday, January 25th.
Registration Information with our Covid-19 Return to Play Plan can be found on our website www.spotsylvania.va.us/parksandrec or by contacting (540) 507-7529. There are three ways to register:
· Online Registration
· In Person Registration at Loriella Park
· Outside Dropbox at Loriella Park
Please contact Parks & Rec directly with any questions. 540-507-7529
Inclement Weather Reminder
In addition to the Spotsylvania County School Websites, you may also find school closing information with the following:
FM Stations: WBQB 101.5, WGRQ 95.9, WGRX 104.5, WASH 97.1, HOT 99.5, WCVE 88.9, WCNV 89.1, WMVE 90.1, WTOP 103, WFLS 93.3, WYSK 99.3, WWUZ 96.9, WJMA 96.7
AM Stations: WFVA 1230, WTOP 820
Television Stations: WJLA CH 7 ABC, WRC CH 4 NBC, WUSA CH 9 CBS , WTTG CH 5 FOX, WTVR CH 6 CBS, WRIC CH 8 ABC, WWBT CH 12 NBC
Free Lance-Star: www.fredericksburg.com
Cable Stations: Comcast Channel 18
Alert Systems: www.spotsyalert.com
Learning Hub
Website: https://sites.google.com/spotsylvania.k12.va.us/fmsstaff/home
Wednesday Parent Conversations
9:00 to 9:30 World Language
9:30 to 10:00 English, History, Electives
10:00 to 10:30 Math, Science
10:30 to 11:00 SPED, ESOL, Specialists
Please email your teachers if you have any questions. Teacher emails can be accessed directly on the FMS Learning Hub found on our website.
Google Classroom
PTSA
Our PTSA needs you! Please consider joining the FMS PTSA. Email freedommiddleptsa@gmail.com with questions, or to ask about volunteer opportunities this year.
SCPS Virtual Zen Den
ParentVue and StudentVue
Freedom Middle School
Freedom Middle School
Home of the Tigers
#FreedomStrong
Email: ewright@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
Website: https://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/freedom
Location: 7315 Smith Station Road, Fredericksburg, VA, USA
Phone: 540-548-1030
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Freedom-Middle-School-1552644134793827/
Twitter: @Freedom_MS_SCPS