The Firebird Flash
September 25, 2020
NEWSLETTER HIGHLIGHTS
- Principal's Update
- Last Day of 1st Quarter Info - September 30, 2020
- Joining PTSA
- Recognize an Outstanding Firebird Nation Staff Member - See more information below or click the RISE Logo.
- Picture Day Info - October 5th & 8th
Updates from the Principal
Good Afternoon Firebird Nation Families -
It's Friday! We made it through another week! I want to extend a HUGE Thank You to our students. I know that the wearing of masks and distancing is a challenge for all of us. The students have done a great job of making sure they are wearing their masks at the appropriate times and following our safety procedures within the school and classrooms. I really appreciate their support in these efforts and what they are doing to keep Firebird Nation safe! I know the biggest challenge for them has been the distancing aspects and this is the one place we can continue to improve. We continue to remind our students that they must be a minimum distance of 3 feet apart when masked at all times. During mask breaks and lunch outside, they must be a minimum of 6 feet apart.
You will see a link in this newsletter to buy Firebird Spirit Wear from our PTSA. We are really working to provide opportunities for all of our Firebird students and parents to purchase Firebird gear! Let's show that Firebird Spirit and wear that Red and Gold proudly! We also appreciate the support of our PTSA and encourage our parents to join! This is a great way to get involved in our school, support our students, and problem solve areas where we can be better. This is a way for our Firebird community members to RISE and this year we are all working to RISE together. I encourage you to join PTSA today! This can be accomplished through the Spirit Wear store as well.
Don't forget that 1st Quarter ends on Wednesday of next week; that is Wednesday, September 30th. Students should be checking their grades and talking with their teachers to see if there is anything else that needs to be accomplished before the end of quarter. Also, for 6th and 7th grade students, new Explore classes will begin on Thursday, October 1st. Please check your schedules in PowerSchool starting on Monday to see what new Explore classes you are in. Students will begin attending these classes through Zoom and in person starting on Thursday.
Parent Teacher Conferences take place on Thursday, October 8th from 4pm - 7pm and again on Friday, October 9th, from 7:45am - 3:15pm. Each team of teachers is sending out communication with their process on how to sign up for conferences. We encourage our parents to sign up for a conference so that you can network with your teachers and learn more about how your student is doing in school. Conferences will take place virtually through Zoom at this time. If times fill up, or you are needing to find a different time, please communicate with your teacher teams. We will work with you to find a time that works if you would like to schedule a conference.
Again, thank you to everyone for their support of Firebird Nation and all of our students. I appreciate the hard work of our staff, parents, and community members in providing the very best that we can for our students. It takes all of us working together to ensure that the very best is in place and I appreciate everyone's efforts in working together during these challenging times. That is the Firebird Nation way and how we all RISE together!
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Brian Smith
Executive Principal
Falcon Middle School
1st Quarter Ends - September 30, 2020
Also, for 6th Grade and 7th Grade students, remember that the end of first quarter means that your explore classes will be ending soon. You will have new explore classes starting on Thursday, October 1st. Check your schedule through the online portal beginning on Monday, September 28th to know which new explore classes you will have starting on October 1st.
FALCON MIDDLE SCHOOL PTSA - JOIN TODAY!
Firebird Families: Your Parent-Student-Teacher Association (PTSA) is ready to support our school community! We hope you will show your support by joining the PTSA for $8. There are two ways to join:
Send in $8 (per member) with cash or check (made payable to Falcon MS PTSA) to the front office.
Join online at https://falconmsptsa.new.memberhub.store/store?category=Memberships
Please note that using online payment, the PTSA will be charged a service fee, so a donation would be appreciated to offset the cost.
There is also an opportunity to order spirit wear, t-shirts for $10 and hoodies for $25. Again, cash or check may be sent to the front office or order online: https://falconmsptsa.new.memberhub.store/store
The PTSA will host a meeting soon, but if you have any questions or have ideas for supporting our students and staff, please contact Karen Hobson, Membership Chair, at hobsonk@elpasotel.net.Electronic Devices
We will be closely following District 49 Board of Education Policy JICJ - Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Technology Devices. Basically, personal technology devices must be put away and not be out during the school day. It will be the student’s responsibility to ensure the devices are powered off or put in silent mode throughout the day. Devices will be confiscated and brought to the office if in violation of this policy. We will call home on the first offense and if a second offense occurs, parents will need to come to the office to pick up the device.
Vaccinations due!
Special Reminder for All Parents:
All students are required to have a Tdap vaccination prior to entry into 6th grade. One dose of Tdap is required for all students in 6th through 12th grades to attend public school.
Lost & Found Items
There is no longer a Lost & Found area in the Commons. Instead teachers will keep items in their classrooms and will have a location for students to check if they are missing something.
Smaller items such as glasses and jewelry are sometimes brought to the front office.
Please be aware that items not collected will be donated every two weeks (on the 2nd and 4th Fridays) so it is important to regularly check areas in classrooms.
Recognize a Firebird Nation Staff Member
Falcon Middle School Picture Days are Coming Up!
FMS Picture Day - Last Names A-J
Monday, Oct 5, 2020, 08:00 AM
Falcon Middle School, Towner Avenue, Peyton, CO, USA
FMS Picture Day - Last Names K-Z
Thursday, Oct 8, 2020, 08:00 AM
Falcon Middle School, Towner Avenue, Peyton, CO, USA
E-Learner Pictures
- Last Name A-J: Monday, October 5th (1:30-3:00pm)
- Last Name K-Z: Thursday, October 8th (1:30-3:00pm)
Bring a copy of your student class schedule to assist in verifying your identity. You will check in at the south doors to the building for the Music Hallway when you arrive.
If you do not wish to take your picture at this time, then you can participate in our Picture Retake day that typically takes place in late January or early February. More information to be shared about this date later.
Click the button below for more information and to order pictures.
Falcon Middle School
6th Grade Assistant Principal: Tim Scheck
7th Grade Assistant Principal: Kava Lientz
8th Grade Assistant Principal/Athletic Director: Elena Forehand
6th Grade Counselor: Carrie Clay
7th Grade Counselor: Amber Villani
8th Grade Counselor: Lisa Murdock
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FMS Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 7:15am-3:30pm
Friday: 7:15am-2:00pm
Email: fms@d49.org
Website: https://www.d49.org/fms
Location: 9755 Towner Avenue, Peyton, CO, USA
Phone: 719-495-5232