Falcon Wings Weekly
It's A Great Day to Be A Falcon!
Principal's Corner
RISE is a new program at FHS that is showing incredible results. RISE (which stands for Realizing Individual Student Excellence) is an on-site advocacy/mentoring/support system that is available to any student who is facing any barrier to success in their lives. They specifically focus their efforts on students of color, those experiencing poverty, and/or students who will be first generation college students. So far their efforts have been very successful in helping students do better in school, feel a sense of belonging at FHS, and get on a path to post-secondary success.
RISE is led by coordinators Juanita Picazo and Hanan Mohamud as well as AmeriCorps Promise Fellows Nora Schulz and Timur Yarmakov. They have impacted well over 100 students by providing social/emotional support, academic advising, and tutoring. They have conducted dozens of home visits, delivered meals to families, and connected students to various community resources. If you think your son or daughter could benefit from RISE support, please click here to visit the RISE website. All contact information is on the website and we welcome the opportunity to help any student RISE to their full potential!
Best wishes for a great week. Always forward. We Are Faribault!
Mr. Jamie Bente
Principal - Faribault High School
Upcoming Calendar; Important Dates
Monday, March 29 - First day of 4 day per week learning model; Spring sports start
Tuesday, March 30 - ACT test for all interested 11th graders
Wednesday, March 31 - Distance learning day for all students - School is open for student support
Thursday, April 8 - Accuplacer test for all interested 11th grader
Friday, April 9 - Last day of 3rd quarter
Tuesday, April 13 - ACT Makeup Day for any 11th grader who missed it
Students to Return 4 Days Per Week Beginning Monday, March 29
Students will return to in-person learning four days per week beginning on March 29. Wednesdays will continue to serve as a distance learning day for all students. In-person learning is available for all students - even ones who have been distance learners throughout the school year. Staying in a 2 day in-person model will not be an option for any students. Full distance learning is still an option for students. Please call the high school main office at 507-333-6100 if you have any questions or would like to change your child's learning model.
We will continue to require masks for students and staff, practice at least 3-foot social distancing, institute our enhanced cleaning measures, and operate on adjusted schedules that limit interactions between groups of students.
Return to Full In-Person Learning Means Some Things Change; Others Stay the Same
On Monday, March 29 we will combine the two hybrid groups into one. We also have seen the return of dozens of distance learners to in-person learners since the announcement was made. That means we will go from about 375 students in our building each day to about 800. While we are excited for the opportunity to see our students and bring back "the buzz" that a building full of teenagers creates, we are also very mindful of the fact that safety continues to be our #1 priority for all students. Here are a few updates on how we will move forward:
- Masks must continue to be worn - over the mouth and nose - at all times students are not eating or drinking.
- All student desks will continue to be wiped down with disinfectant by teachers in between each class period.
- Students can arrive at FHS any time after 7:30 AM.
- Hot breakfast will be available in the cafeteria. Students can eat in the cafeteria (socially distanced). There will also be "grab and go" breakfast bags available for students when they walk through the main doors and these can be eaten during 1st period.
- 1st period will still start at 8:15. We expect students to be on time to all classes.
- During hybrid learning, all desks were spaced at least 6 feet apart. Now the distance has been reduced to 3 feet to accommodate the larger number of students.
- Wednesdays will continue to be distance learning days (not days off from school). The school is open for support on Wednesdays if any distance learners or in-person learners want to come in between 8:00-3:30.
- During lunches, seniors may leave campus (as has been allowed for years). All students in grades 9-11 must report to their homeroom and we will dismiss a few classes at a time to go to get their food to ensure there is no large group of students gathering at one time. Once students get their food they will be able to return to their homeroom, stay in the cafeteria to eat (socially distanced. We can accommodate around 100 students at once, unlike the roughly 350 that used to eat in the cafeteria at once), or if weather allows students will be able to go outside.
- At the end of the school day, students will be expected to leave the building immediately unless they are involved in an after school club, sport, or activity or are working directly with a teacher on school work. There should be no "hanging around" at school.
FHS Remains Open on Wednesdays For Drop In Support
Distance learners and in-person learners will be able to come to the high school on Wednesdays between 8:00-3:30 on Wednesdays to get help from an academic specialist, visit the RISE room, work in a quiet location, or access the wifi at school. Students much sign in and sign out at the main doors. Keep in mind that there is no food service and the gyms and fitness center is off limits during that time. Since teachers do have the option of working off-site on Wednesdays, if students would like to meet with a specific teacher it is important that they arrange a meeting with that teacher ahead of time to ensure they are in the building.
FHS Focus on Equity Includes Push to Diversify Curriculums, Include Multiple Perspectives in All Classrooms
Faribault Public Schools is committed to equity in all areas. FHS is focusing on meeting this goal by ensuring that all students - especially those who have been marginalized in the past - are able to see themselves in the curriculums that are taught in our classes. By ensuring our curriculum is inclusive of a diverse collection of people, histories, experiences, and points of view we can better ensure a well-rounded education for every student. Further, who hope to promote empathy in our students and help them see into the lived experiences of students who may be different from them in some way.
Wetzel Earns First Place at FFA State
State results are in! Congratulations to Hannah Wetzel for placing first in her Beef Entrepreneurship Proficiency Application. Hannah’s SAE is composed of raising registered shorthorn and shorthorn plus cattle. She works to excel in the show ring while maintaining production herd averages and will be recognized at the virtual State FFA Convention in April and will compete this fall at Nationals!
Freshman JT Hausen Competes at Class AAA State Wrestling Tournament
JT Hausen wrestled admirably at the state wrestling meet last Thursday at St. Michael - Albertville High School. He became the first Faribault freshman to qualify for the state tournament since Josh Oathoudt in 2017 and continued a streak of six consecutive years the Falcons have sent an individual to the state wrestling tournament. Congratulations, JT!
McDonough & Duchene Impress at State Gymnastics Meet
Congratulations to junior Lauren McDonough & senior Chloe Duchene for representing FHS and performing very well at the state gymnastics meet this weekend. Lauren scored a 8.775 and Chloe earned a 8.200 on beam. Well done, ladies!
Theatre Cast Meets with Professional Composer/Playwright
Last week the FHS theatre cast and crew had a Zoom meeting with Stephen Murray, the composer and playwright of the musical "HELP! I'm Trapped in a Musical" which they will perform in mid-April. They got to hear about his background and how he got into the profession. He also discussed the musical and his inspiration for creating it. Students were able to ask questions and discuss the musical and characters in the show.
Leadership Classes Available For All Students Interested in Leadership
The Faribault High School Activities Office will be offering 6 sessions of Student Leadership classes again this spring. This opportunity is specifically designed for student-athletes who desire leadership roles on athletic teams including Team Captains. All students at FHS are welcome to attend.
The first class meets this week: On Wednesday, March 31 from 10:00 - 11:00 am in the Faribault High School Cafeteria. If interested in participating, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/LeKyFQYwrtH7EeCZ9.
Northfield HCI Seeks to Award Youth Bank Grants up to $300 to Support Positive Interactions Between Youth
New Chicken Coops in FHS Courtyard Show Emerging Success of Agriculture Program; Made Possible by 7 Period Day
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