The FAST Flyer
The View from Above, Vol. 4 Issue 30
April 16, 2022
PRINCIPAL'S PERSPECTIVE
Dear Parents,
This weekend, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and Sikhs will all be celebrating religious holidays. For Christians, the weekend begins with Good Friday and will be followed by the holiest day of the year, Easter. These holidays mark the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. On Passover, Jews around the world will be gather as families to remember the exodus from Egypt after 400 years of slavery. Muslims will continue observing the month of Ramadan which is marked by worship, community services, and fasting. In addition, Sikhs are celebrating the Visakhi Festival which is an ancient fall celebration that also became the date which marks the formal founding of the highest order of the Sikh brotherhood. And, it is a festival celebrated by many Hindus in different regions of India.
Each of these faiths will be able to observe these holidays freely because the founding fathers of our nation established the First Amendment which protects our rights to religious freedom and public gatherings; it also prohibits the United States from creating a state sponsored faith. As a result, we get to pray when and where we want. It is no wonder that so many people have come to our shores over the years in order to escape religious persecution. We often talk with pride and passion about the diversity of our community. On this weekend, let us focus on what we have in common.
Let this be a moment where we stop to appreciate what we have in our country and never take it for granted.
To our Muslim families we wish you a Ramadan Mubarak: to our Jewish families we wish you a Chag Sameah, to our Christian families- we wish you Happy Easter; and to our Sikh and Hindu families, Happy Visakhi.
The bonds that bind us are stronger than those who wish to pull us apart.
Sincerely,
Stan Beiner
Principal
COVID UPDATES
COVID REPORTING
Unfortunately, numbers have begun to rise again. We are not currently changing our mask policy, but we are closely monitoring the situation should we need to make a change in order to keep our students and staff safe. Please be sure to communicate any positive cases in your home to FAST (both stan.beiner@fastk8.org and victoria.murray@fastk8.org) so we can mitigate the spread at our school.
Also, please contact the school if your child is coming off of quarantine to verify the return date.
HAPPENINGS
Student Council Drive
Student Council is sponsoring their collection drive for Furkids from April 18-22. The effect of Covid-19 on animal shelters is truly being felt with the lack of supplies and donations. We are collecting the following critical items for Furkids:
Gently used or new, CLEAN blankets and towels
Dog and cat food
Trash bags
Clorox type wipes
Paper towels
Dog and cat treats MADE IN THE USA
Small rugs with rubbers on the bottom side
Saline Nose Drops
Pill pockets
Heating pads
Meat and veggie baby food
Chew type bones MADE IN THE USA
Students will be at carpool all week to collect those items in the morning. Please help the FAST Student Council finish this year by helping out our furry friends!!!
Home Internet & Device Safety
Innovation Showcase: The results are in
The Friday before spring break was a whirlwind with our first Innovation Showcase bringing more visitors to campus than we have had in years. Students proudly presented their projects to parents, other students, and special guests from the community. Now that we’ve had the time to reflect upon all of the activities and accomplishments, we wanted to share with you the metrics that speak to the success of the event.
10 = # of bikes repaired
71 = # of keychains sold
83 = # of phone holders sold
112 = # of raffle tickets sold
136 = # of smoothies blended
158 = # of student participants
320 = # of visitors to the showcase
636 = # of cookies baked
8,472 = Total money raised for charity!
STUDENT AWARDS
Handwriting Contest
Our students continue to give us reasons to be proud of their achievements. Recently, some of our students participated in the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest. We are excited to announce that 2nd grade student Rayaan Chakraborty was named State Grade-Level Winner. In addition to the medal he received, he is eligible to compete as the Grand national Champion. Good luck, Rayaan!
GA State Tech Fair
Before Spring Break, we shared with you the pictures of our medal ceremony for all of our FCS Tech Fair winners. The first place winners from the Fulton County competition went on to compete at the state level. FAST came back three winners at the state competition. 8th graders Arya and Bhavya Alapati took first place for their device modification project while 3rd grade student Nirwaan Kayastha won 1st place for his Solar System multimedia presentation. Way to go!
REMINDERS
Perception Survey
Fulton County Schools is requesting parents participate in the Annual Parent Perception Survey. The information collected in this survey is anonymous and confidential and will be used by the district to make improvements to schools. The survey takes about 25 minutes to complete. If you have students in more than one school, they ask that you complete one survey per school where you have students enrolled.
Milestones & EOC
Last Day of School
Atlanta Lunch Co. Menu
Silent Auction: Sneak Peek
Take a look at our upcoming Silent Auction website! Bidding will begin on April 27. You still have time to donate an item. All donations must be received by Friday, April 22.
Remember - the FAST Family PTO is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) classification from the IRS and your donation is tax deductible!
Moms & Dads deserve a night out!
RSVP for the spring Parent Social and join us on Wednesday, April 20 at Oak St. Bottle Shop from 6-8pm. Food provided!
UPCOMING EVENTS
- April 22: 8th Grade Dance
- April 25-29: EOC for HS Classes
- May 6: FAST Art Festival
- May 23: Kindergarten Graduation
- May 23: 5th Grade Bridging
- May 25: 8th Grade Graduation
- May 26: Last Day of School (half day)
THE LATEST FROM FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS
FAST
Fulton County Schools
GA Charter Schools Association
FULTON ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Email: info@fastk8.org
Website: www.fastk8.org
Location: 11365 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA, USA
Phone: 678-321-1100
Facebook: facebook.com/FASTK8.School/
Twitter: @fastk8charter
The FAST Flyer is the electronic newsletter at FAST. Feedback is always welcome. If you have any questions, please call the school (678-321-1100) or email the FAST Communications Director at marie.emerson@fastk8.org.