Falcon Ridge Family Updates
February 12, 2024
News and Tidbits
Dear Falcon Ridge Families,
It was nice to see so many of you at the PTO Books and BINGO event at Falcon Ridge on Friday night. We appreciate our PTO's hard work and the support of our amazing Falcon Ridge families!
The character trait we are focusing on this month is kindness. I encourage you to take a moment to check out our newsletter for valuable resources that can help reinforce this important trait at home. Your partnership in nurturing kindness in our students is greatly appreciated.
Speaking of kindness, what are some kind manners we should expect?
- Saying "thank you" after something is received, given, or exchanged.
- Using the word "please" when you are asking for help or would like to receive something you want or need.
- Looking people in the eye when you greet them or if they're talking to you.
- Greeting others with "hello" or "goodbye" as well as responding to someone when they greet you.
- Saying "I'm sorry" or "excuse me."
- Holding the door open for others.
- Not speaking over others, but waiting until it's their turn to talk.
Have a splendid week and winter break!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jorgensen
Thank You Coach Barry!
Congrats to Mr. Wallas ~ Samsung State Finalist and $2,500 Grant Winner!
Congrats to Dr. J. ~ IMLA Educator of the Year Recipient!
Congrats to Mrs. Willis ~ Idaho Track/Female Coach of the Year Recipient!
2nd Grade Read Bowl Challenge
The second grade students completed Read Bowl with Macolm (football player for the New England Patriots). Their goal was to read as many minutes as they could in Four Quarters (4 weeks). They read a total of 15,083 minutes during class time and homework time! The students were so excited each week as they logged out minutes.
Here is a picture with their certificate of completion and total minutes read. It looked like a very fun experience!!
Meteorologist Vin Crosby Visited Campus
Cheering for the Game
We Love Our PTO
Focusing on Kindness
First and Second Graders Designed Planets in Science
Ski Day Information
Date: Friday, February 23, 2024
At Tamarack, we feel strongly that every child should have the ability to experience the joy of winter sports at an affordable rate. There is no better way to celebrate your student's hard work than a day of play on the mountain. Exposing students to winter activities promotes a healthy year-round active lifestyle!
No gear or experience? No problem! We provide discounted tickets, rentals and lessons for your group of 10 or more.
- Lifts open at 9am
- Lessons are from 10am-12pm
- Minimum of 10 people for each category we would like to participate in.
- Everything is ala carte and each category is $17.85
- Siblings, friends and other family members are welcome to come too
Tickets -$17.85Rentals- $17.85Lessons- $17.85 You can select the product category or combination of categories listed in the options below. Payment is due on myschoolbucks February 5, 2024 @ noon. NO refunds for cancelations
For questions, please contact Mrs. Clark, tclark@falconridgecharter.org
Thank you,
Electronic Devices
Our goal is to provide an academic environment free of distractions being
conducive to learning and a social environment that supports the
development of kind and respectful relationships. Use of any electronic
devices such as cell phones or smart watches (any screened watches) must be
turned off and in your backpack at all times. Any student using their
phone or any electronic device will have them confiscated. However student(s)
may use their cell phones in the office with permission. If a student needs to
contact a parent, he or she should come to the office. Conversely, if a parent
needs to contact a student, he or she should contact the office.
Falcon Ridge Character Development
This year Miss Eason will continue teaching monthly character trait lessons in grades 1-8, and beginning October 26th, she will be partnering with Mrs. Combe from Lifespan Idaho (formerly Positive Action) to co-teach the monthly character traits in grades K-5. Lessons will include a focus on anti-bullying and the Falcon Ridge character traits, including:
- September - Respect
- October - Excellence
- November - Gratitude
- December - Compassion
- January - Responsibility
- February - Kindness
- March - Patience
- April - Honesty
- May - Integrity
Resources will include children's chapter books as well as age-appropriate videos and hands-on activities provided by Miss Eason. Survey permission slips will be coming home in 4th and 5th grade classes. If you have any questions about the lessons or resources, please contact Dr. Jorgensen or Miss Eason.
Average Daily Attendance
YTD: 96.46%
K - 95.00%
1st - 94.13%
2nd - 95.86%
3rd - 97.90%
4th - 88.12%
5th -95.00%
6th - 94.54%
7th - 90.30%
8th - 93.43%
Attendance Policy
2. The ONLY absences that WILL NOT be used in calculating the attendance record are:
A. Those that occur due to school-sponsored activities, since these are considered an equivalent educational experience. These exemptions will apply to students participating in sports events, academic field trips, and others deemed co-curricular.
B. Bereavement in the immediate family (grandparent, parent, or sibling). Any extended bereavement may be reviewed by the Board;
C. Subpoenas to appear in court or court-ordered placements for special services; and
D. Illness or hospitalization verified by a doctor’s statement with date(s) excusing the student from school.
3. Absences which will be counted in the nine-day limit will include such areas as: illness (without a verified doctor’s statement), family trips, work days, vacations, visiting friends or relatives, suspension in and out of school, watching tournaments when not an actual participant, medical, dental, or other personal appointments, or any others not mentioned which the school board determines as an absence.
Safe Student Pick-Up Process
As part of our continuous commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all our students, we kindly remind you of our designated student pickup protocol.
For the safety of our students, we ask that you please adhere to the following guidelines during the student pickup process:
Designated Pickup Spot: Please arrive at the designated pickup spot indicated by the school. This helps streamline the pickup process and ensures a smooth flow of traffic.
Teacher Supervision: Our teachers will be present at the pickup spot to assist with safely escorting students to your vehicles. This also allows us to verify that the student is being picked up by an authorized person.
Communication: If there are any changes to the pickup routine, such as a different authorized person picking up the student, please inform the school office in advance. This will help us avoid any confusion and ensure the safety of your child.
Patience and Courtesy: We kindly ask for your patience during the pickup process, especially during peak times. Your courtesy towards fellow parents and staff is greatly appreciated.
By adhering to these guidelines, we can collectively maintain a secure environment for all students. We sincerely thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for your ongoing support in prioritizing the safety of our students.
Stem Club Schedule
All times are 3:00pm-4:30pm
October 11th
October 18th
November 1st
November 15th
December 13th
January 10th
January 17th
January 24th
February 14th
February 28th
March 6th
March 20th
April 10th
April 24th
Kuna Pop-Up Library Schedule
PTO Events
*THANK YOU!!:
Thank you to everyone who came out to Books & Bingo! What a fun night!
Special thanks to Mr. O & Mrs. Jenkins for being our Bingo Callers!
Also big thanks to Dr J (and family!), Mrs. Lopez (and family!), Mrs. Wierschem, Mrs. Covell, Mrs. Hill and Ms. Eason for coming out to help us!
We have an amazing Falcon Family!
*PTO Elections:
The PTO is looking to fill the four Executive Board Seats (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary) for the 2024-2025 School Year. To apply for an Executive Board Seat, the interested party needs to email Stacy Duncan at pto.frc@gmail.com.
The interested party needs to include in their email, how they are connected to Falcon Ridge (parent, employee, grandparent, etc), which role they are wanting to apply for and why they would be a good fit for the position. All interested parties need to have their email submitted by February 29th, 2024.
The Official Election will be hosted at the March PTO Meeting on March 7th, 2024 at 6pm. Interested Parties need to be in attendance at this meeting.
The Executive Board Roles are as follows:
President. The president shall preside over meetings of the organization and executive board, serve as the primary contact for the principal, represent the organization at meetings outside the organization, serve as an ex officio member of all committees except the nominating committee, and coordinate the work of all the officers and committees so that the purpose of the organization is served.
Vice President. The vice president shall assist the president and carry out the president’s duties in his or her absence or inability to serve.
Secretary. The secretary shall keep all records of the organization, take and record minutes, prepare and communicate the agenda, handle correspondence, and send notices of meetings to the membership. The secretary also keeps a copy of the minutes book, bylaws, rules, membership list, and any other necessary supplies, and brings them to meetings. Communications and documentation may refer to electronic and/or hard copy.
Treasurer. The treasurer shall receive all funds of the organization, keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures, and pay out funds in accordance with the approval of the executive board. He or she will present a financial statement at every meeting and at other times of the year when requested by the executive board, and make a full report at the end of the year.
The Purpose of the PTO is as follows:
Article II – Purpose Section 1. The objectives of the Falcon Ridge PTO are: To promote a closer relationship between the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate in the education of Falcon Ridge students. To develop between Falcon Ridge parents and teachers such united efforts as will secure for all Falcon Ridge students the highest advantages in cognitive, social and personal development. Section 2. The objectives of the Falcon Ridge PTO are promoted through an educational plan directed towards parents and teachers; developed through conferences, committees, projects, programs and social activities; and are governed and qualified by the basic policies set forth in.
Section 3. The organization is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal RevenueCode or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. To raise funds to support Article II, Section 2.
If you just want to volunteer for PTO Events, please send us an email saying you want to volunteer. You don't have to be on the Board or attend every meeting. We ALWAYS need helping hands!!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
*PTO Meeting 3/7 (Elections) @ 6pm in the multi-purpose room (PLEASE NOTE: This is a rescheduled date)
*PTO Meeting 4/2 -Executive Board Meeting in the multi-purpose room
*Spring Carnival 4/26 @ 6 to 8pm
REMINDER: When PTO organizes an event, school policies still need to followed by students and their families. Children need to be supervised by a parent at all times. Thank you for helping us keep things running smoothly and everyone safe.
If you have questions or concerns, please email us at pto.frc@gmail.com.
Thank you again for supporting your PTO!
Kindness Resources for Parents
10 Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness
- Offer to help a neighbor with chores or errands.
- Pay for someone’s meal or coffee.
- Leave a kind note for someone to find.
- Volunteer at a local charity, homeless shelter, animal shelter, or other nonprofit organization.
- Donate items to a shelter or food bank.
- Offer to give someone a ride or help with transportation.
- Listen and offer support to someone who needs it.
- Compliment a stranger and make them smile.
- Hold the door open for someone or offer assistance when their hands are full.
- Write a positive review or recommendation for a local business or service provider.
Other Resources for Parents
Upcoming Events:
2/12 - Boys Basketball Game at Liberty Charter @ 4:00pm
2/13 - Boys Basketball Home Game @ 4:00pm
2/13 - School Board Meeting @ 6:30pm
2/14 - STEM Club
2/15 - Boys Basketball Home Game @ 4:00pm
2/16 - Elementary Student February Birthday Celebrations
2/19-2/23 Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
2/28 - STEM Club
Dr. Jorgensen, Building Administrator
Email: cjorgensen@falconridgecharter.org
Twitter: @coach_jorgensen