Falcon Forum
Principal Point
I hope you had a wonderful weekend, we have such beautiful weather this time of year. It's hard to believe that we are in week 8 of our school year and close to wrapping up the first quarter. I continue to be thankful to see our students each day. In-person learning provides our students with the academic, social and emotional support we were missing last year with virtual and hybrid learning. Although COVID numbers in our community are growing, wearing our masks at school is drastically reducing the opportunity for exposure and positive cases. Thank you for your support in making sure your child brings a mask each day, and reinforcing the importance of wearing it properly while here. We also appreciate all you are doing at home and in your daily life to stay healthy and safe. Our students have settled into the school routine, and have done a great job of meeting the many challenges that the pandemic has placed upon our daily routines. We have noticed that some of our students are struggling with friendships, social interactions, and the day to day demands and expectations here at school. I believe the time away from traditional school, lack of interaction for some, and the overuse of cell phones and social media, has created some disconnect and issues for some of our students. We are committed to helping get these students on track, with counseling groups, ongoing behavioral support, and education on appropriate socialization and conflict management. I am encouraged by the supports we are providing, and the growth we are seeing in all of our students each day.
Within this newsletter you will find some important information, including Parent Teacher Conference dates, and instructions for signing up. Thank you for taking the time to read through this, and for your ongoing support.
Go Falcons!
-Mr. Ryan
IMPORTANT CALENDAR REMINDERS
October 15th: Last Day of the First Quarter
October 19th &20th: Parent Teacher Conferences...4:00 - 7:00
October 22nd: No School Pre K-12
November 2nd (election day): All Student Virtual Learning Day
Parent Teacher Conferences - October 19th & 20th (4:00 - 7:00)
Parent Teacher conferences will once again be Virtual. Please see video for instructions, and disregard the comment in the video referring to Wednesday and Thursday. We recorded the video last year, and this year it is Tuesday / Wednesday. Please use the dated links below to sign up for your day and time. We look forward to conferencing with you, please let us know if you have any questions.
Video Instructions for Scheduling Your PT Conferneces
November 2nd Is a District Wide Virtual Learning Day
Our teachers are already planning on ways to ensure this is a day of learning although studens are home. Our teachers will set their students up with expectations and instructions on Monday in preparation, and will be available through Google Meets for instruction and student questions.
Students Must Be Prepared to Learn
Research shows the following 5 factors are crucial to academic success.
1. Sleep - 8 hours a night is best for brain processing and restoring energy. “Loss of sleep hurts attention, executive function, working memory, mood, quantitative skills, logical reasoning, and even motor dexterity.” http://www.nasponline.org/publications/periodicals/communique/issues/volume-35-issue-8/childrens-sleep-academic-performance-
2. Exercise - Exercise is essential. It increases blood flow and strengthens neurons in the brain. Daily exercise is the best, but aerobic exercise at least twice a week is crucial. www.brainrules.net/exercise
3. Stress - Brains are built to deal with stress that lasts for 30 seconds. Stress damages memory and can hurt your motor skills and immune system. The emotional stability of the home is the single greatest predictor of academic success.
4. Diet and Hydration - Feed your mind. Kids need to stay hydrated and their diet should include a variety of nutrients. Avoid excess sugar, especially processed, in order to maximize energy on a daily basis.
5. Screen Time - Screen time should not replace healthy activities and should end an hour before bedtime. Devices should not be allowed in the sleeping space!
http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/21/health/screen-time-media-rules-children-aap/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/screen-time/art-20047952?pg=2
*Much of the info above comes from John Medina’s book Brain Rules.
Fall Athletic Information
Our Fairmont Athletic Director is Mr. Eric McDermott. Please direct your questions regarding athletics to Mr. McDermott using his contact information below.
eric.mcdermott@boiseschools.org 208-854-4829
COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 Testing Resources in the Treasure Valley
Fairmont Counseling Information
Counseling Opportunity for Parents
7th Grade: Kim Ross - kim.ross@boiseschools.org
8th Grade: Kristen Pina - kristen.pina@boiseschools.org
9th Grade: Spencer Cummings - spencer.cummings@boiseschools.org
Boise School District and Fairmont Junior High Websites
Our school district website is continuously evolving to answer your questions and meet your needs. Also, access our school website for updates and contact information.
Fairmont Junior High
Email: chris.ryan@boiseschools.org
Website: https://fairmont.boiseschools.org/
Location: 2121 North Cole Road, Boise, ID, USA
Phone: (208) 854 - 4790
Twitter: @FalconsFairmont