The Faubion Lion Pride Press
Week of February 1, 2021
Dear Lion Pride,
Please read this week's installment of the Faubion Lion Pride Press. Please note that on Monday, there is no school in person for students nor are there live classes. See the "Monday, February 1" heading for more details. In this edition, we highlight acts of kindness across the district, give well wishes to our academic UIL contestants, and celebrate several members of our school community.
This week, just like every other week, we challenge our scholars to be EXCELLENT. We ask that they use complete sentences when speaking, that they listen with the intent to gain perspective, and that they be kind to each other. We stress to our scholars that there is a deliberate reason for the instructional decisions that our teachers make, and our activities are designed to best support our scholars' academic and social development.
Aristotle once said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Therefore, excellence ought not be an act but a habit." At Faubion Middle School, we make excellence a habit, and we are kind to each other. Parents, thank you for instilling those values in your children so they can make a lasting and positive mark on our community.
Go Lions!
-Mr. Boom
Academic UIL Districts
UIL is an academic competition sanctioned by the state of Texas. A testament to our culture of academic excellence here at Faubion Middle School is that we are the eight-time defending UIL champions. This week, we defend our title yet again. On Tuesday and Thursday, our UIL oral and writing scholars will participate live at Scott Johnson Middle School. Tuesday/Thursday competitors, please make sure to pack a lunch.
On Saturday, February 6, the rest of the events will take place virtually. UIL scholars participating Saturday should check their Canvas course for a schedule of events. Please send positive thoughts to our scholars this week, as they represent our school so well and have worked really hard in preparing. Below are the scholars who are participating on Tuesday and Thursday, and we will highlight next Saturday's participants in next week's Lion Pride Press.
Aylia Alberts
Saylor Baker
Ava Boehr
Capri Boysen
Josh Coleman
Nicholas Elsworth
Anna Gonzalez-Garcia
Lauren Hibbard
Juliana Huppe
Aubrey Kelly
Kammie Kristufek
Millie Logsdon
Luke Ludwig
Leah Ludlow
Anna McCarthy
Ben Mitchell
Tyler Moon
Zachary Neverdousky
Savanna Nicolle
Daniel Nwaekwe
Mia Peterson
Sophie Phillips
Charlotte Plaster
Reagan Poehler
Mallory Reynolds
Alivia Rivera-Norman
Mia Smith
Audrey Tremble
Jared Usher
Kyler Wolfe
Elise Wright
Tyler Young
Leo Ziman
Monday, February 1
Monday, February 1, students will not come to the school building for instructional purposes. This day will be an asynchronous instruction day for all of McKinney ISD. The teacher workday / asynchronous learning day is designed to give teachers the much needed time to reflect on and refine their craft while also providing students an opportunity to interact with content in a different way.
Under this new option, districts are provided with an opportunity to change a regular school day to be asynchronous instruction (students learn remotely and independently) in order to provide additional planned professional development, teacher preparation days, and to focus on teacher planning and student engagement. The waiver option came at a critical time during the COVID-19 pandemic, when most school districts and teachers can benefit significantly from additional planning and collaboration, due to the demands of teaching in-person and virtual students simultaneously.
Learning is for ENRICHMENT only, and teachers will post it to Canvas. The work will not be tied to a grade. One example would be a student having an extension article for students to read. Teachers are not expected to provide feedback on work that students complete.
Athletics practices and games will continue as communicated by the coaches.
Please mark your calendars for board-approved days to be used for the same purpose:
February 1, 2021
February 16, 2021
March 15, 2021
April 12, 2021
Ms. hatcher - WW1 Instructional Lesson
Realia and shared experiences are part of excellent storytelling. In Mrs. Hatcher's social studies class, she shared with her scholars that both her great grandfather and great uncle were veterans of World War I. Scholars in her class are able to look closely at an Army coat and helmet in her classroom. Her great uncle's story of how his grave was lost for over 100 years, was subsequently found, and how he was reburied in Dallas is a fascinating story. Mrs. Hatcher was the first living relative to visit and place flowers on the grave of this Purple Heart soldier. The kids LOVE to hear these stories because it brings history to life.
Pictured above are the World War I military medals of Sgt. James Derby Galleger. From left to right: The Purple Heart, The Prisoner of War, and the World War I Victory medal. Sgt. Galleger was wounded on the battlefield in France. He was captured by the Germans and taken as a Prisoner of War. He died from his wounds a few days later.
Students pictured are Ethan Greer, Keondre Hayes, and Hugo Sanchez.
Ray Bradbury
Landon Hernandez, Quaylan Velez, and Miles Phillips are pictured above, deep in conversation. The topic of conversation was "Point of View of the short story, "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury. After previewing interactive lessons about Bradbury, they quickly became interested in the early Science Fiction concepts present in his works. Each student was shocked that Bradbury created a digitized world in 1950 that we are only now just approaching in 2021.
The scholars continued talking about other concepts of text analysis, such as foreshadowing, theme, and tone of the story. All three had a healthy, hearty debate about how the story actually ended, as the author left us all hanging on the cliff. Each student has grown in his confidence to be able to speak and collaborate about a piece of text with academic evidence and support.
Structured Conversations
In Mrs. Nicolle's history classes, our scholars enjoyed having structured conversations supported by academic vocabulary on the following topics:
1) Andrew Jackson a good President or bad president because __________.
This conversation was supported by the following academic vocabulary: State ideas and evidence from The Bank, Nullification Crisis, Indian Removal, and Elections/Jacksonian Democracy.
2) What were the dates of Jackson's Presidency and the Trail of Tears, and subsequently, why do we associate Jackson with the Trail of Tears if he wasn’t president? (This question was posed by Abby Zamora!)
Pictured are scholars from Mrs. Nicolle's second period class, including: Presley Robinson, Lauren Hunsaker, Lauren Hibbard, Julianna Huppe, Nick Elsworth, Luke McKinley, Cooper Zweig, Michael McAloon, Charlotte Plaster, Tyler Young, Trevor McGee, Bryson Berman, Ella Griffin, Brooks Vogel, Rebekah Lessner, Naomi Valdez, Preston Heiden, Aubrey Kelly, Anna McCarthy, Farrah Nasser, and Grace James.
Virtual and Face-to-Face Pairing
In order to pull off an activity like this, teachers have to consider multiple variables and plan for the unexpected. We are super proud of our teachers' ability to use creative problem solving to find ways to make learning novel and engaging. Way to go, Mrs. Hammack!
Pictured are: Olivia Cohee (with VL partner Alec Boss), Owen Ellis (with VL partner Mabel Cotter), Zoe Ralston with partner Alexa Jaimes-Isaula, Chloe Moon (with VL partner Edwin Varghese), Russell Nelson (with VL partner Vimalan Alexander), and Melina Corts with partner Jacquie Killough.
A kind gesture
Thank you, Aiko
Using every available moment
Madison Triplett is pictured above working on a presentation for her Teen Leadership class. In this presentation, Madison explained why music is beneficial. She cited sources where music provides comfort, improves exercise, lessens anxiety, and eases pain. Madison, we are proud of you for your hard work!
Student Spotlight - Damonte Morrison
This week's student spotlight features the a recent edition to the Lion Pride, student-athlete, Damonte Morrison! Aside from being kind and humble, Damonte is hard-working and appreciative.
In his free time, Damonte likes to go to the basketball court to play hoops. His favorite team is the Los Angeles Lakers with his favorite current player being LeBron James. He feels that the greatest basketball player ever is Kobe Bryant. Damonte occasionally goes with friends to play, but he also understands the importance of practicing on his own. He understands that a true sign of someone's character is how they act when no one is looking.
Damonte plays on the seventh grade basketball team with Coach Ballou. Damonte said, "Coach Ballou is one of the best coaches I've ever had. He is nice, he is funny, and he is going to get on to us if we act up or talk during practice. He is pretty good at basketball, because I've seen him hoop. He also helped me get to my classes on time when I was trying to figure out my schedule.
Coach Ballou had this to say about Damonte: "Damonte Morrison is a soft spoken, talented but humble and respectful young man! He leads by example. In such a short period of time that he's been at Faubion, his peers look up to him. Faubion MS is lucky to have another future leader on this campus like Damonte."
Outside of school, Damonte enjoys spending time with his family and the playful banter that goes back and forth between them. He enjoys watching movies, especially action movies with Denzel Washington. A little-known fact about Damonte is that he roller skates (with traditional roller skates). He likes doing the speed skate and can even skate backwards.
Science is Damonte's favorite subject. He loves learning how things grow, how we move, and and how the brain functions. Science teacher, Coach Carter, is someone who Damonte looks up to. Damonte said, "I like him. He's hard on us, which I think is important because life isn't easy. I want to be successful in life. His teaching style helps me because if he's hard on us now when we look back it will help us realize that he helped us get to where we want to be now. If someone is easy on you, it won't get you ready for the real world.'"
Coach Carter had the following to say about Damonte: "I expect big things out of Damonte. He is a silent leader type that will let his actions do his speaking. He is very polite and kind. I’ve been able to watch him a little bit on the basketball court and I love the work ethic that I have observed. I am proud to have met Damonte and want us all to give him a big Lion welcome."
Congratulations, Damonte, for being featured in our Student Spotlight this week. We are excited to follow you in your time at Faubion and in your future!
Cheer Tryouts - Sign-Ups end February 5
Please follow the link below for information about our cheer tryouts! Sign-ups end February 5th!
Dancers Wanted - Faubion Drill Team
The Faubion Rythmettes is a drill team comprised of 7th and 8th graders. The team is designed to promote: good citizenship, leadership, good sportsmanship, and school spirit. Being a Rythmette is a year-round commitment. The Rythmettes dance at home football games, pep rallies, and various contests during competition season.
Interested in joining the award-winning Faubion Rythmettes Drill Team? Please complete the following online application form by Thursday, February 18th:
https://forms.gle/9dgSoN5GKdQFMFt17. Any questions can be emailed to Mrs. Kiefer: chkiefer@mckinneyisd.net or Ms. Muniz: emuniz@mckinneyisd.net.
"Faubion Loves Being Kind" Dress Up Week
Broadcasting students Daeshana Wilson, Lily Bewley, Jayden Bacha, Ella McClure, and Finn Gilbertson are pictured advertising the upcoming "Faubion Loves Being Kind" week.
Online courses for rising high schoolers
MISD Spring 2021 Online Course Offerings
Faubion MS 8th grade students will have the option of accelerating their course work by taking an additional course online during the Spring of 2021. Courses are provided in an online platform (Canvas or Apex) and taught by MISD teachers. There are no course meeting times, and classes can be accessed 24/7 for the duration of the term in a self-paced format. Online courses are available to students in grades 8-12.
Dates: February 8 – May 7, 2021
Tuition: $50.00 per semester ($25.00 if on free/reduced lunch)
Payment: Due to FMS Counselors by April 16 (cash, check or money order payable to “McKinney ISD”)
Courses: Health / Professional Communications / Foundations of PE / Psychology / Sociology
Please contact your child's counselor for more information.
As always, check out the Faubion MS Counselor Website for more info and counselor contacts at www.fmscounselors.weebly.com
Brain / Performance Connection through music rehearsal
Our Faubion Band, Choir, and Orchestra students are all busy preparing for upcoming concert performances and evaluations. In addition to the joy of making music in an ensemble, studies have shown connections between music education and performance on testing.
Students in the pic are: Russell Nelson, Omar Pereira, Ethan Livermore, Liam Coates, Beckham Sayers, Jake Chan, Jace Johnson, and Nathan Stilovich.
Percussion Feature
Past Due - Annual Payment for Laptop
McKinney ISD is uniquely positioned to not only address the challenges presented by the pandemic but also to create an environment where students can become producers in an increasingly digital world.
Please emphasize to your child that the district-issued MacBook is property of the district, and as such, students are not allowed to download programs or circumvent district security measures. If your child has done so, please ask him/her to bring the device to the library so we can assist. Please watch this VIDEO with your child to see the district's expectations for student MacBook use.
In order to provide the very best technology for our students, parents pay a nominal annual fee for insurance on their district-issued laptop. These fees can be paid in HAC through either the parent or student account. The deadline to pay laptop fees was January 22, 2021. If you pay the fee after this date, your child's account will temporarily lose access to non-instructional websites. Once you pay, the restrictions will be lifted.
The district has developed a comprehensive resource for parents, including payment details. This file provides instructions for how to pay the fee, including troubleshooting suggestions. Also included in the file is the 1:The World handbook (in English and in Spanish). Please pay the assurance fee at your earliest convenience.
If you would prefer to pay in person with cash or check, please check HAC for the amount first. You may send payment with your child to the library. If you have any questions, please email Melissa Willardson at mwillardson@mckinneyisd.net.
donation from a community partner
COVID support from our community
One Heart McKinney is an organization that partners with McKinney ISD to provide for those in need. Go to www.oneheartmckinney.com for a one-stop shop of resources related to COVID and community support. You can donate to the cause or seek help if interested.
Drug Use Prevention Resources
McKinney ISD offers a Canvas course called "Talk it up! Prevention resources for parents," which is full of drug prevention resources. Please visit the following LINK, bookmark it, and review it at your convenience. Our district truly embodies the "Live Kind" mindset in taking care of the entire child. Our district Substance Use Prevention Committee works hard to make the content relevant, engaging, and timely. Our counselors are also equipped with lots of resources to assist you, so if you need anything please reach out to us.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, Jan. 30
Beginning Orchestra Solo Festival
Monday, Feb. 1
7th boys' basketball (away) @ Prosper Hays - Gold - 5:00 / Navy - 6:00 / White - 7:00
8th boys' basketball (home) vs. Prosper Hays - Gold - 5:00 / Navy - 6:00 / White - 7:00
Tuesday, Feb. 2
Fine Arts Showcase Night for students from Burks, Malvern, Valley Creek and Walker
Last Names: A-F @ 5 pm, G-L @ 5:30 pm, M-R @ 6 pm, S-Z @ 6:30 pm)
Thursday, Feb. 4
7th girls' basketball (away) @ Prosper Hays - Gold - 5:00 / Navy - 6:00 / White - 7:00
8th girls' basketball (home) vs. Prosper Hays - Gold - 5:00 / Navy - 6:00 / White - 7:00
Thursday, Feb. 4 - Saturday, Feb. 6
FMS Advanced Theatre's Production of Snow Angel
Saturday, Feb. 6
DISTRICT ACADEMIC UIL COMPETITION
Our 6th grade students are researching a college of their choice, 7th graders are researching their chosen career, and our 8th graders are researching both in order to create their college and career journey, starting with high school. Pictured above is Kevin Olvera as he creates his Google Slides that will be printed and arranged on his display board.
Last call for the 2020-2021 yearbook!
2020. Yes, that is a complete sentence. That should be enough to encourage you to spring for a yearbook for your child. We will never forget this year. The FINAL DEADLINE to order a yearbook is Friday, January 29 for $40. We do NOT purchase extra copies due to publishing costs.
Please purchase online at www.jostensyearbooks.com. If you have any questions, you are always welcome to reach out to Mrs. Marshell at tmarshell@mckinneyisd.net.
Checking Your Child's Grades and Attendance
You may monitor your child's grades and attendance by using the Home Access Center.
Here are the steps to follow:
1) Please make sure that you are using Google Chrome as your browser.
2) Go to https://sso.mckinneyisd.net
3) Enter your login credentials. If you need assistance with your login information, please reach out to your child's house secretary:
A-G: Mrs. Soroa - rsoroa@mckinneyisd.net or 469-302-7005
H-O: Mrs. Gonzalez - amgonzalez@mckinneyisd.net or 469-302-6911
P-Z: Mrs. Dedman - odedman@mckinneyisd.net or 469-302-6917
Jack C. Faubion Middle School, the best middle school in the State of Texas
Email: mvandenboom@mckinneyisd.net
Website: faubionmiddleschool.com
Location: 2000 Rollins Street, McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: 469) 302-6900
Facebook: facebook.com/FaubionMS/
Twitter: @FaubionMS