FMHS Info Swarm
9/4/20
Message From The Principal
Despite all of the potential distractions--especially in our face-to-face setting with face masks, social distancing, one-way hallways, and more--our students rose to the occasion and we experienced a terrific first week of school!
The faculty and staff were abuzz all week about how remarkable our students' behavior truly was. They did everything that was asked of them and did it without complaint. Whether it was logging into new technology platforms and streaming lessons or sitting socially distanced on a new schedule, our students' behavior was truly exceptional. I really mean that. They were the reason everything went so well, and we are incredibly proud of them.
I never cease to be amazed by the resiliency and positivity of our students and teachers, regardless of the circumstances. The Yellow Jacket Universe is truly special.
Together We Swarm!
Gales Scroggs
Welcome Back, Yellow Jackets!
Yearbook Photos
Yearbook pictures for in-person students in grades 9-11 will be September 15-16. Students should receive order forms through their 2nd block class in the next few days. Additional order forms are available in the main office and the R-wing office.
We are in the process of scheduling additional picture days for our virtual academy students. We will publish those dates as soon as they are available.
Mr. Kivett will send out additional information next week regarding the school picture process.
FMVA Info
This year roughly one-quarter of our student body is enrolled in the Fort Mill Virtual Academy setting. While not a separate school, the FMVA is a setting allowing our students the option of taking their courses online from FMSD teachers. Fort Mill High School students enrolled in the FMVA are exactly that: FMHS students. They receive support from a mix of FMHS and other FMSD teachers, as well as have a school-based administrative point of contact in Mr. Beam beamz@fortmillschools.org. While this is still a new venture for our school and district, we are very optimistic about the opportunities it provides to our students.
FMVA News and Resources:
Fort Mill Virtual Academy (FMVA) Website
Technical Difficulties: If a FMVA student experiences technical difficulties or their device breaks during the school day, they should attempt to contact their teachers via email. If they experience a problem outside of the school day, they should also try to contact their teachers, so they are aware of the issue. If the student is using a FMSD issued device and experiences a breakage, they may reach out to our school technology specialist Ms. Headden at headdenm@fortmillschools.org to enter a repair ticket.
The Buzz
Library Book Return
It’s time to return library books! Books can be returned to the Main or R-wing Libraries. Virtual students can drop books off in the Main Office. Please contact the Librarian, Ms. Bates, at batesa@fortmillschools.org if you have any questions.
Student Drop-Off / Pick-Up
Attendance and Early Dismissal
Attendance Procedures for 2020
- If your student has an appointment, please notify the appropriate Attendance Coordinator through email to minimize the number of people in our buildings.
- Parents of students in grades 10, 11, or 12 should email Melissa Garrison (Email: garrisonmd@fortmillschools.org; Fax: 803-548-1911).
- Parents of students in grade 9 should email Karen Adams (Email: adamsk@fortmillschools.org; Fax: 803-548-8632).
- The email should include the student’s full name, the requested time of dismissal, and the parent’s contact information.
- A dismissal pass will be given to your student to allow him/her to leave school at the specified time.
- All medical notes to excuse an absence should be submitted to the appropriate Attendance Coordinator through email or fax.
- Thank you for your assistance in following these guidelines!
Important Reminders
Student Drivers—Our student parking lot is located off of Munn Road. All students parking on our campus must have a FMHS parking permit and have successfully completed the Alive at 25 driver training course. Once students arrive on campus they should secure their valuables, lock their doors, and proceed immediately to the courtyard entrance after 8:10 am.
Cell Phones—Student cell phones and electronic devices must be powered off and out of sight during the instructional day (8:40am-3:40pm). Students may not use their cell phones or electronic devices during class change or lunch. This also applies to students using their phone as a means for listening to music or checking the time. The only exception to this policy is when a phone or device is being used for instructional purposes under the direct supervision of the teacher, after which the phone must be immediately powered off and secured out of sight. If you need to get in touch with your child during the school day please call the school at 803-548-1900 and allow us to assist in getting a message to your child.
Class Schedules—Classes are very full and schedules are final. Students should only report to guidance regarding a scheduling matter if they have a hole in their schedule or are enrolled in a class they have already successfully completed.
Textbooks—Students will check out textbooks during classes under the direction of their teacher over the first few days of school.
Bus Riders—Please click here for a copy of the bus routes for Fort Mill High School. Please be aware that things always run slower than usual the first few days and your patience is greatly appreciated. Students should know their bus number, neighborhood name, and street address. Please call the district transportation office regarding any questions or concerns.
Shuttle Classes—Students with a face-to-face 1st block class located at Nation Ford High School should report to FMHS first and will be called to the shuttle bus at 8:50 am. After the first day of school, 1st block shuttle students will depart on the shuttle bus daily by 8:25 am. Students with a 4th block shuttle class will report to the bus loop at 1:55 pm. No student should drive to Nation Ford High School without returning a permission form signed by their parents. Carpooling is not allowed as transporting any passenger in a personal vehicle to Nation Ford is expressly prohibited.
Hand-Sanitizing Stations--Hand sanitizer dispensers will be provided in each classroom and readily available throughout all buildings.
Visitors--In an effort to protect the health and safety of our community, we will greatly restrict the number of visitors allowed on campus to minimize the total number of people on-site. No outside guests will be allowed to visit the classroom or during lunchtime. All efforts will be made to keep necessary visitors to a minimum, including the use of virtual or telephone meetings with families and guests. In cases where face-to-face parent meetings on-site with school staff are deemed necessary and appropriate, parents must follow social-distancing guidelines and wear face coverings.
FMHS 2020-2021 Face-to-Face Bell Schedule
Face-Coverings
- The Fort Mill School District will require the use of face coverings for students and staff. The district will provide face coverings for any student who cannot provide their own. Appropriate face coverings include cloth face coverings, neck gaiters, face shields, and masks. Designs on face coverings should not be disruptive to the educational process and should follow the dress code policy restricting logos and clothing that promotes alcohol, drugs, tobacco, racism, hate, gang affiliation, nudity, violence, and profanity.
- Students may remove face coverings during lunch, while eating and seated at an appropriate social distance. Students may also remove face coverings during physical education classes, while socially distanced and engaged in athletic activity at the direction of their instructor.
- Please be aware that we will take the enforcement of this policy very seriously. If a student is found not wearing a face-covering--outside of the noted exceptions mentioned above--while on school grounds, they will immediately be offered a mask. If the student refuses to wear a face covering, it may be addressed as a disciplinary matter (specifically "defiance of school authority" per the code of conduct). The most important part of this policy is that they are following the directions of the adults in the building.
- Please know that we do not wish to discipline any students over such an easily avoidable decision. Please talk with your child and stress the importance of wearing a face covering.
Back to School Resources for Parents
Important Links
Faculty & Staff Directory—This link will take you to a directory of teacher and staff email contacts.
Parent Portal – This is the window for students and families to access our online gradebook system. If you need a login or assistance please contact your child’s counselor.
Athletic Information –This website has links to schedules for all our athletic teams, forms, and booster club information.
FMHS Fees—This link will take you to the page where you can pay fees for the 2020-2021 school year.
Voluntary Student Accident Insurance--This link will take you to information regarding voluntary student accident insurance.
Important Dates
Below you will find a list of important dates over the next two weeks. These include school events and home athletic, arts, and extracurricular events.
September 7--Labor Day (No School)
September 10--Girls Tennis vs Boiling Springs @ 5:00 pm
September 10--Volleyball vs Clover (JV @ 5:30 pm & Varsity @ 7:00 pm)
Fort Mill High School
Email: scroggsg@fortmillschools.org
Website: http://fmhs.fortmillschools.org/
Location: 215 N Highway 21 Bypass
Phone: 803-548-1900
Twitter: @FMHSnews