Happy Friday, Lil Steamer Families!
February 18, 2022
From the desk of: Principal Hoese
Steve Brucher.
That's the name of the person who likely had the biggest impact on my life from a relatively minor moment. He was my high school English teacher, football coach, and basketball coach.
Mr. Brucher had an amazing way of connecting with teenagers who were unruly or not easy to connect with. But it wasn't a moment that occurred in high school that changed my life, but rather after I had graduated.
When I was in college, I was struggling to prioritize my academics and subsequently my grades suffered. So much so that I needed to withdraw from a few classes my junior year (instead of failing them).
I was at a crossroads about my future - should I continue on with college (and continue adding to my student loan debt total - yuck) or take a year off, earn some money, and decide what to do from there?
I had spoken to family and friends and had mixed answers. So, I reached out to Mr. Brucher for some advice. I always held him in high regard and he always seemed to have a great answer for challenging problems.
I still remember sitting down to meet with him in the conference room (now the Steamer Suite) above the east gymnasium. I remember him saying the following:
If you're going to take a year off of college, you can only take one year off. If you take any more than that then you won't ever go back.
I agreed that I would only take one year off. During that year I worked full time at Family Video and volunteered to coach 5th/6th grade football in the fall.
Mr. Brucher offered me the opportunity to volunteer to coach sophomore boys basketball with him in the winter - I eagerly agreed. And, as I write this, it just now dawns on me why he extended that opportunity to me - to show me what I would be giving up should I choose not to continue towards my degree.
Whoa, self reflection is amazing :)
The odd thing is, he didn't tell me what to do - he presented options to a young punk who was struggling in an aspect of his life. He then presented an opportunity to help make a decision.
I'm grateful for people like Mr. Brucher who make a positive impact in people's lives and continue to do so. Even though our time together was only a few chapters in the book of my life, they were some pretty impactful chapters and have affected the main storyline considerably!
Thanks, Mr. Brucher. I don't know who I would be today if you hadn't been there for me 20 years ago. I'll continue to try and pay that forward to others every day.
JAGH
Student COVID Related Absences
From the desk of: School Counselor Mrs. Meumann
Meaningful conversations with our children are important. Meaningful conversations build trust and develop your child’s confidence. Your child learns that you care about them, you know them, and you are interested in what they think, feel, and do.
Here are some ideas for conversation starters:
1. Who did you help today?
2. Did anyone help you today?
3. Did you notice anyone struggling today? How did you help?
4. Why is it important that friends, teachers, and students help each other during the day?
5. Is there anything that you wish you would have done differently today?
LOVE is in the Air....
4A Participates in Olympics with STEM
Look what we made during our Olympic Makerspace!
Scholastic Book Fair!
Spring Pictures
Want to Be More Involved with the Greatest Little Elementary School in the Universe?
If you are looking to get involved with the school or looking for ways you can help, the PTO is a great place to start. We are always looking for more individuals to help. The FES PTO was organized to promote and enhance the educational experience for every child. Our goal is to improve the quality of education provided and enrich the school through volunteerism, financial and organizational support. The PTO has helped the school in many capacities, from helping raise a majority of the funds for our new playground, funding field trips, classroom extras, providing meals for teachers during parent teacher conferences and many other various things. Our next meeting is March 1, at 6 pm, we would love to see you there.
The PTO will have some vacancies to fill for the 2022-2023 school year as well, we are seeking a new president or co-presidents, along with more members. If you have any questions please reach out to Elise Vogel, send our Facebook page (Fulton PTO) a message or email fultonelempto@gmail.com
Kindergarten Round Up!
Preschool Screenings!
Another BINGO Winner!
Kids Heart Challenge for all FES Students
All envelopes are due back to FES by February, 18th.
If you collect $50.00 or more, you will get a free ticket to the Quad City Storm Hockey Game on March 26th.
We are very excited for you to join us at our AHA Night at the Quad City Storm on Saturday, March 26th. I sure hope you can join us. Every student who raises $50 or more will receive a complementary ticket, their family will receive a discounted ticket and you, my awesome volunteer will receive a complementary ticket. There are also a lot of fun activities we are offering to our top fundraisers.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Have a nice weekend!
With Heart,
Christine- American Heart Association
Lunch and Breakfast Menus
Upcoming Important Dates
#SteamerNation Fridays
Friday, Feb 25, 2022, 08:00 AM
Fulton Elementary School, 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
Spring Pictures
Tuesday, Mar 1, 2022, 08:00 AM
Fulton Elementary School, 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
Preschool Screening - BY APPT ONLY
Wednesday, Mar 16, 2022, 08:00 AM
Fulton Presbyterian Church, 9th Street, Fulton, IL, USA
Family Fun Night
FES is hosting a Family Fun Night -Under the Sea. Bring the family to school for fun filled math and reading activities the entire family will enjoy. Mark your calendars for Monday, March 21, 2022. More information will be sent home closer to the date.
Monday, Mar 21, 2022, 06:00 PM
Fulton Elementary School, 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
Fulton Elementary School
Email: jhoese@riverbendschools.net
Website: riverbendschools.org/fes
Location: 1301 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
Phone: (815)589-2911
Twitter: @FultonSteamers