Falcon Flyer
Volume 22 Issue 1
Principal's Nest
On behalf of the Falcon Staff, welcome to the 2018-2019 school year! As we near the end of summer, I hope you and your family have enjoyed making countless memories over the summer break. Looking ahead to the school year, my number one priority will be learning as much as possible about the special culture Finley Farms Elementary has established and partnering with students, parents, staff, and community members to continue our path towards helping students reach full potential and be successful. Consistent and informative communication will be a key focus to assist with our collaboration in support of the students. Along with our weekly Falcon Flyer and frequent updates on our multiple social media platforms; our school website will be maintained throughout the year to act as a central location for information pertaining to Finley Farms Elementary.
This year, in partnership with the Finley Farms PTO, I will host a Meet the Principal event at Waffle Love in San Tan Village Marketplace on Thursday, July 26th from 4-7pm. Please consider stopping by for a delicious dessert, say hello to familiar and new faces, and pick up a grade level specific supply list with a coupon courtesy of Office Depot - Gilbert to help with your back to school shopping.
Recently you should have received an Infinite Campus Annual Update email to ensure we are connected to your most up to date information. Please take the time to complete the Annual Update as it helps with our daily communication to you regarding your student(s). If you did not receive the email or are new to Gilbert Public Schools and the Infinite Campus parent portal, stop by the office or give us a call and we are happy to assist.
Student Safety - As we prepared for the upcoming school year, one area of concern continuously discussed was our Parent Drop-Off / Pick-Up procedures. In response, I have partnered with parents, teachers, support staff, GPS Transportation, and the Gilbert Police Department to assess our procedure and review alternatives in order to ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our students safe.
Starting on the first day of school, August 2nd, we will require parents wishing to drop-off and pick-up without walking students onto campus to use the loop directly south of the playground off Mesquite Street (formerly reserved for busses). The one bus assigned to FFE will use the loop directly west of the playground (formerly reserved for parent drop-off / pick-up). By making this switch, we will drastically decrease the number of vehicles crossing paths with our students that are walked onto campus from the parent parking lot and also provide a clearly defined location for families wishing to remain in their vehicle while a staff member assists with the loading/unloading of students.
In the next week you will receive a detailed guide with maps to outline the adjustment via email in addition to flyers handed out at Meet the Teacher. Your continued support and patience as we transition to this adjustment in procedure for the safety of our students is integral and greatly appreciated.
Looking forward to seeing you all at Waffle Love on Thursday, July 26th and at our Meet the Teacher Night on Tuesday, July 31st as we get the 2018-19 school year off to a fantastic start!
Sincerely,
Keegan Bassett
Principal
Finley Farms Elementary
Finley Farms Platforms
Meet the Principal
Teacher Assignments
Meet the Teacher Open House
Plan on meeting up with friends, checking out our new spirit shirt at the PTO table and learn about how you can be involved in our events planned throughout the school year.
Welcome New Falcons to the Nest!
Kelly Melle - 3rd Grade
My name is Kelly Melle, and I am so excited to be back at Finley Farms Elementary teaching 3rd Grade again! I’m looking forward to a great year with a tremendous team, an amazing staff, and fabulous students!
I am originally from North Dakota. I graduated from North Dakota State University and Valley City State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and a Minor in Child Development and Family Science. I have been teaching for 20 years, and this will be my 6th year teaching 3rd Grade for GPS. I have taught 3 years at Finley Farms, and 2 years at Houston Elementary. I have also taught Kindergarten and First Grade.
My spare time is spent with my husband, Randy, and our daughters, Milissa (CO), Brianna, (CA), and Shae (AZ). I also enjoy reading, exercising, traveling, and hanging out with our two French Bulldogs, Lola and Milo. Our family is also very involved in our Non-Profit Organization, Chandler I AM Project, named after our son, Adam.
Samantha Smith - 6th Grade
Janice Ewbank - Reading Coach
Greetings! My name is Janice Ewbank and I am excited to be joining the GPS family as I step into the position of Literacy Coach! I have been a passionate educator for the past 23 years, serving in positions of teacher, instructional coach and, most recently, curriculum and instruction specialist. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Masters in Educational Leadership. I also had the honor of being selected as a Tempe Sister Cities Educator Exchange Delegate to New Zealand (photo) where I was given the opportunity to live with a principal’s family during the summer (NZ winter) immersed in their culture and educational system. I value teaching and learning alongside of administrators, teachers, children and families from all walks of life.
Elizabeth Sherbeck - Special Education
Rachelle Fitch - Special Education
Hello! My name is Rachelle Fitch and I am excited to join the SPICE program at Finley Farms. My background is in preschool special education and resource. Other than my love for teaching, I love watching my children play sports, traveling and being outdoors.
Kathy Graves - Special Education
Rachel Fisher - Special Education
Alanna Wiktorowicz - Amanecer Preschool
Recent News from the Nest
Upcoming Events
July 27 - Class Lists posted on Kinder windows (southwest) at 5pm
July 31 - Meet the Teacher from 6pm-7:30pm
August 2 - First Day of School -- school starts at 8:38am
PTO Boohoo breakfast near the flagpole after students enter the building
August 3 - Spirit Day -- wear Finley Farms Falcon shirts
August 8 - Early Release -- student dismissal at 2:25pm
August 14 - Kinder & 1st Curriculum Night from 5pm-6pm
2nd & 3rd Curriculum Night from 6pm-7pm
August 15 - ALP Curriculum Night from 5pm-6pm
4th, 5th & 6th Curriculum Night from 6pm-7pm
Finley Farms Elementary
Email: finleyfarmsinfo@gilbertschools.net
Website: http://gilbertfinley.ss11.sharpschool.com/
Location: Finley Farms Elementary School, South Columbus Drive, Gilbert, AZ, USA
Phone: 480-507-1624
Facebook: facebook.com/FinleyFarmsFalcons/
Twitter: @FinleyFalcons