March 30, 2018
VEX Robotics Going to World Championship!
The Five Forks VEX Robotics team is having a tremendous year, winning the State Championship and a chance to compete at the World Championship! Through trials and tribulations, the team went from a basic robot in the fall, continuously learning from failure, and making their robot better for each tournament. Ultimately, the team went to the State Tournament as the top seeded team, winning the championship, and making Five Forks the first Middle school in Gwinnett County to receive such an honor.
The win allows the team to compete at the World Championship which will be held in the exotic locale of Louisville, Kentucky from April 25-28. In order to get the team there and compete for Gwinnett County and the State of Georgia, we are requesting donations for the team. If you are a parent of a student at Five Forks and would like to contribute, please log in to mypaymentsplus.com and you will find a donation spot for VEX Worlds. If you cannot do that but would like to contribute, please click here for the link to the GoFundMe account. Thank you for your support! Any and all donations are greatly appreciated by the team to help make this dream a reality!
No One Eats Alone Day!
Cell Phone Policy!
Hello Five Forks Family,
As you know, Five Forks is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) school, and teachers frequently plan lessons in which students use school technology and their own personal technology (cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) to engage in learning at high levels. Trust me when I say that we are seeing some wonderful lessons utilizing technology!
Unfortunately, there is a downside to having technology always at the fingertips of our students…and that is the temptation to use their cell phones and devices for non-instructional purposes. We have seen an increase in students texting during the day, using various social media platforms, listening to music, and more. As you can imagine, this greatly takes away from their focus on teaching and learning, and the misuse of technology could result in discipline consequences.
While I have had an opportunity to speak with all staff members (and students during morning announcements) regarding misuse of personal technology, I am writing to request some help from you in this matter. Please talk with your students about the need for them to focus on their learning. Ask them to not use their cellphones/devices unless the teacher specifically requests that they use them for instructional purposes. Please ask them to refrain from texting, utilizing social media, and listening to music during the day. When students are found to be in violation of our electronic use rules (see Agenda book, pg. 9), we will take the technology from them and process a violation. Eventually, parents may be responsible for picking up the technology, and students could lose the privilege of having personal devices here at school.
I also ask that you refrain from texting your child during the day. Please know that we will always be more than happy to get a message to your child during the day if you have an emergency. Please call the FFMS office at 770-972-1506, and we will be happy to help you!
Five Forks Middle School continues to excel academically because our staff is committed to creating an environment that is focused on teaching and learning. We need your help in this matter to continue the great work and to prepare every student for high school, college, career, and beyond!
Sincerely,
Christine Douthart, Principal
Clinic News!
GA Milestones - Study/Resource Guides!
The Georgia Department of Education has published Study/Resouce Guides to help our students prepare for the upcoming Georgia Milestones. The Study/Resource Guides are intended to serve as a resource for parents and students. They contain practice questions and learning activities for each content area. The standards identified in the Study/Resource Guides address a sampling of the state-mandated content standards. Please utilize this resource to help your child prepare for this upcoming assessment.
Rising 9th Grade News!
All current 8th grade parents are highly encouraged to check the front page of our website frequently for information relating to Rising Freshman information. It currently includes information on 9th Grade Football, 9th Grade Softball Tryouts, and a Parents Tour. Refer to the "Important Events" sheet below for current dates and descriptions.
In addition, the curriculum office at BHS encourages all Rising 9th Grade parents to sign up now for Brookwood's weekly "Saddle Up" newsletter to get a feel for all of the events and activities available to students and families. Also, here's the link for the Rising 9th Grade video. This information will help students and parents learn about all the offerings at BHS before the students actually begin high school, so they'll be better equipped to make decisions about curriculum and activities.
We are Smoke-Free!
Car Rider Information - Very Important!
For those of you who drop your students off, or pick them up at Five Forks, I ask that you please use the dedicated car rider lane. I have received reports from neighborhoods surrounding us that many of you are parking in their neighborhoods in the afternoon. This clogs their neighborhood streets and poses a safety issue for them. Years ago, the neighborhood directly across the street took their concerns to the county and had them put in signs discouraging the use of their neighborhood as a waiting area for picking up students.
At this time, I have let them know that I will reach out to our community and respectfully request that our parents use the car rider lanes. We want Five Forks to be a "good neighbor" in the community, and this would truly help us be seen favorably.
If the parking in the neighborhood does continue, please know that the next action that they may take is calling the police and having them come out to speak with individuals.
I really appreciate your support in this matter. Help us be a good neighbor to those around us!
Christine Douthart, Principal
Local Events!
Parent Portal!
Is your correct address showing in the Parent Portal? If not, please provide the school with a current contract or lease and a current utility bill so that your student's record can be updated. Important school information is mailed home frequently (along with emails sent and phone calls made), and we strive to have current and updated information on all students. You are able to update some data directly through the Portal, or feel free to call or email Sandy Havill at 770-736-4526 or sandy_havill@gwinnett.k12.ga.us. We appreciate your assistance with keeping our records and information accurate for all students.
Important!
Please remember that students should NOT be dropped off prior to 8:15 am on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday mornings. The gym is not open for study hall, and we do not have staff to monitor students during this time.
The ONLY days that drop off is permitted at 8:00 am is on our two help session days, Wednesday and Thursday.
Again, please do not let your child out of your car prior to 8:15 am on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.
We appreciate your support.
Count Me In Award!
Each week we highlight the contributions of a deserving FFMS staff member as selected and written by another staff member. Click here for a list of winners with this week's featured at the top.
Help Session Days!
Click here for important information on our morning help session days.
Car Rider Information!
Dates To Remember!
4/2 - Spring Break (Classes Resume April 9th)
4/11 - Milestones Testing Begins
4/13 - 12-Week Progress Reports Go Home With Students
4/14 - Saturday Opportunity School, 9:00 - 11:00 am
4/14 - Girl Power STEAM Event, 10:30 - 12:30, Cafeteria
4/20 - Band Rockathon Fundraiser, 4:30 - 10:00 pm
4/27 - Post-Milestones Walkathon, During Connections
4/28 - Saturday Opportunity School, 9:00 - 11:00 am
4/28 - Amanda Riley Foundation Carnival, 5k, and Fun Run, BHS, 8:00am-3:00pm
Five Forks Middle School
Email: five_forks_middle@gwinnett.k12.ga.us
Website: fiveforksmiddleschool.org
Location: 3250 River Drive Southwest, Lawrenceville, GA, United States
Phone: 770-972-1506
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BuckyConnects
Twitter: @BuckyConnects