The Bobcat Bulletin
Founders Memorial School News: January 30, 2023
From the Principal
Dear Families and Caregivers,
We have had a wonderful month since our early winter break. January is a turning-point in our year and begins a long stretch of important learning time for our students. Our classroom learning communities are strong, students are being challenged and are engaged in their learning. They are critical participants in many of the operations of school! This month, we had a student-led group publish the first issue of our very own Founders Flyer school newspaper, and our fifth grade piloted a lunchtime talent show. Lunchtime announcers keep routines flowing at lunch and many areas of the school are kept neat and tidy with the help of our students.
Last week, information was shared regarding our mid-year progress reports. Please contact the front office if you have any trouble accessing your child's report.
I invite the opportunity to collaborate with families - please reach out if you have questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Sara Jablonski
FMS Principal
802-879-6326
A Day in the Life at FMS
In-School Chorus Concert
Our 4th and 5th Grade Chorus gave a wonderful performance on Thursday, 1/26. The evening performance will be held on 1/31.
Judy Dow Visit
Judy Dow, and Essex resident and Indigenous Scholar and Educator visited Sarah Kitchen's 3rd grade class on Friday, 1/27
Minute to Win It
We had a schoolwide celebration on 12/21, and students loved playing fun games all over the building!
Morning Announcers
We have a rotating "staff" of student morning announcers. They do an amazing job starting our school day!
History Exploration
Fourth graders are learning about the events of World War II through historical fiction such as Rose Blanche and Number the Stars.
Grade-level Collaboration
Our grade-level teams work together each week to review student progress and plan instruction.
Valentine's Day
We will be celebrating kindness and uniqueness throughout the month of February through our SEL learning in class. This week, we started a Schoolwide Snowflake project. In addition, we will have a fun schoolwide celebration during the week of February 20th. Thus, we will not be coordinating classroom Valentine's Day celebrations on February 14th.
Please do not send "Valentine's Day" cards and treats to school. Throughout the month we will continue our focus on kindness and exchanges of compassionate, kind communication. Thank you for understanding.
Progress Reports
Please find the latest school communications about progress reports below.
Personal Electronic Devices
Students should not be using personal devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches) for communication at school. If your child brings a device to school, it should remain zipped in their backpack during the school day. Devices are distracting to student learning and we are unable to monitor device use. Thank you for your cooperation with this!
Student Dress
Some questions have come up at FMS around student dress, and whether we have a "dress code." I'm including information below from the EWSD Handbook, as well as a link to the handbook. Information about student dress can be found on pages 35 and 36. Please reach out with any questions!
SCHOOL DRESS
The dress code reflects our promise to help show positive, comfortable learning conditions for all, as well as our continued effort to help prepare students for the workforce beyond school. Students are to arrive at school, school events, and/or functions dressed appropriately. Please make sure your child(ren) is dressed appropriately for school activities and weather conditions. Parents/guardians are responsible for making sure their student(s) meet these expectations.
Appropriate clothing meets acceptable judging requirements for hygiene and safety, and does not distract from the learning process. Items with obscene or offensive terms; messages of hatred, violence, unfair treatment based on skin color, age, etc., sexual suggestions, or that which shows the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco are not permitted.
STEM at Work!
Students at FMS learned how to program Dash to travel across a map using a block coding program called Blockly. Third graders learned about the seven continents and programmed Dash to travel across the world. Fourth graders learned about the United States and had to program Dash to stop at two states in each timezone. Fifth Grade is learning about the Western Hemisphere and programmed Dash to travel through South America.
Winter Gear
Students should bring:
hats, waterproof gloves, warm jackets, snow pants and boots.
FMS Mission
This year, our staff developed a mission statement. This was a process that involved all voices and prioritized student experience. Please see below!
FMS is a caring and inclusive school community, where all voices and perspectives matter. We grow critical thinkers who seek truth and contribute to a diverse global community. Together, we inspire each other to create an equitable, joyful school where all students belong.
Important Dates: Mark Your Calendars!
Tuesday, 1/31: FMS Chorus Concert, 7 pm
Friday, 2/24: Comfy Cozy Day, Schoolwide Read-In
Monday, 2/27 - Tuesday, 3/7: Winter Break
Thursday, 3/23: Comfy Cozy Day, Schoolwide Read-In
Founders Memorial School
Email: sjablonski@ewsd.org
Website www.ewsd.org/fms
Location: 33 Founders Road, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: 802-879-6326
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Founders-Memorial-School-1509308329359547
Twitter: @srjablonski