The Firebird Flash
October 29, 2021
NEWSLETTER HIGHLIGHTS
- Principal's Update
- Fundraiser Delivery Delay
- Ski Passports
- Adventure in Panama
- Join a Club
- TDap Reminder
- Mark Your Calendar
- D49 Election Information
- PTSA
- Yearbooks
- Purchase Firebird Gear
Updates from our Principal
Greetings Firebird Nation Families -
It was great to have everyone back from break this week! We celebrated Red Ribbon Week and took our pledges to stay away from drugs. Thank you to Ms. Crist, Ms. Brooks, and all of our Student Council members for their work this week. The students had a great time participating in the Red Ribbon Week spirit days! Overall, this week was an adventure...first day back, an all school evacuation on the second day, mini-course sign ups on Thursday, and Halloween costumes today. We had a lot going on!
I want to thank everyone for their understanding and patience as we worked through our evacuation on Tuesday. Our students and staff did an excellent job evacuating the building. They also followed all of our procedures for retrieving their belongings and getting back with parents extremely well! Way to go Firebirds! I also appreciate all of our parents and community members for working with us as we navigated the reunification process. We had several challenges that occurred, which caused us to have to make some quick changes as we began. I recognize that there were areas where things were not running as smoothly, and we have already worked to correct those pieces, should we ever need to do anything like this again.
We will be sending out a form next week for parents to update their emergency contact information. This will help ensure we have updated information on who is cleared to pick up your students should an emergency take place. We also have prepared a new "Form" that would be used, instead of the email address in an emergency, so that information can be received and reviewed quickly. This will help us release walkers/bikers right away, while also knowing who is cleared to ride home with who, so that we can complete this process much quicker. We also worked through the traffic movement and radio communication on our end to help expedite the process as well. Overall, we learned from the situation on Tuesday and used this to help improve our processes for the future. Again, I really appreciate everyone's patience and support. I apologize for any frustration and/or added stress from Tuesday; we will be better if this process is ever needed again in the future!
Mini course sign ups went very well on Thursday. I want to thank the 20+ parents that came to assist with this process. All of the additional help allowed us to get students signed up for their courses. We will be completing make up sign ups at the beginning of next week for anyone that was absent on Thursday. Students will be called down to the office to sign up for their mini courses. Also, students should be bringing back their permission slips, waivers, and fees for courses as soon as possible. We will be collecting these each morning in the main commons from 7:15am until 7:45am. We will also have staff available in the Learning Commons during advisory each day to turn items in as well. Students should make sure all appropriate information and signatures are on their permission slips. We will also need payment (either cash or checks - individual for each course) to be turned in at that time as well. Remember that all mini course permission slips and payments are DUE by November 10th so that students do not lose their space in their course.
As we move into next week, we have quite a few home basketball games! Congratulations to our Firebird 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Boys Basketball teams on their wins over Skyview yesterday evening! I am always proud to see our Firebirds play hard! Awesome job Firebirds! For the games next week, we will be pulling eligibility for all students. Students that have multiple D's and/or F's are considered ineligible to participate in athletic games, attend club meetings, and attend athletic events. If students are ineligible, then they will not be able to attend our home games. Students were reminded of this in our handbook presentations when we reviewed the student handbook. We want to encourage our Firebirds to do everything they need to do in their classes to ensure they keep their grades up. Maintaining strong academic standing is so important to learn in Middle School so that they are prepared for High School and beyond.
We look forward to the week ahead. I still can't believe that there are only 3 more weeks until Thanksgiving Break! The time will go by quickly. I hope everyone has an awesome weekend! Stay safe and have a Happy Halloween!
Sincerely,
Brian Smith
Executive Principal
Falcon Middle School
Fundraiser Delivery Delay
From our partners at Big Kahuna...
Thank you for your participation in our recent fundraiser. At Big Kahuna, we are grateful for the support you have shown your school community. Unfortunately, due to unprecedented staffing and delivery challenges, there will be a delay in your product delivery. Please know that we have products in our warehouse, our delay is due to the labor shortage and a lack of available refrigerated trucks. We expect a 2-3 week delay and will keep you updated. For any questions, please feel free to contact our local representative, Darla Francies at (970)405-2707. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
4th-5th-6th Grade Ski Passports
Registration for the 4th, 5th & 6th Grade Ski Passport Program is now available for the 2021-22 winter season!
What is the Passport Program?
The CSCUSA Ski Passport Program offers 4th through 6th graders up to 88 days of skiing or riding at 21 of Colorado's mountains (starting at $59). Passport holders also receive 2 free ski or snowboard rentals from Christy Sports.
English Brochure Spanish Brochure
Colorado Ski Country USA believes that every student should have the opportunity to experience Colorado's signature winter sports, skiing and snowboarding. That is why for over 20 years the CSCUSA Ski Passport Program has helped thousands of students hit the slopes every year. Make sure your student does not miss out on the fun and sign up today! The quickest and easiest way to learn about the program and sign up for the Passport Program is online at coloradoski.com/passport.
See you on the slopes!
Adventure in Panama!
Dear Parents & Guardians,
I am excited to share that we are offering the students and families in our community opportunities to participate in educational travel experiences to Panama fall of 2023.
I wanted to reach out with these exciting opportunities while also remaining sensitive to what's happening in the world and everyone’s own comfort levels. I will be hosting a virtual meeting so that everyone can attend this informational session from the comfort of their own home. I will be hosting a meeting in person with the option to attend virtually if that is better for you.
I will be hosting this virtual info meeting on Zoom (view the meeting details using the link below) where we will discuss details like EF’s Safety Protocol and how they are supporting groups this year, exciting itinerary details, affordable payment options, and more! This meeting is not requiring that you travel, but why not learn about something fun and exciting while you have time at home with your student.
View meeting details and RSVP to receive the meeting link and follow up information here: https://bit.ly/2VSNLfK
I look forward to speaking with all of you online! 😊
Milithza McNeil
Join a Club!
- Anime Club is held Thursdays from 3-4:30pm in the Learning Commons
- Craft & Chess Club is held on Mondays, after school in Mod 3
- Writing Club is held on Tuesdays from 3-4pm in Room 35
- Gaming Club is held on Tuesdays from 3-4:30pm in the Main Commons
- Robotics Club is held on Mondays from 3-5pm in Rooms 33 & 34
Special Reminder for All Parents:
All students are required to have one dose of Tdap vaccine by the time they enter 6th grade to attend public school.
If your FMS student has not been given a Tdap vaccine dose, please contact your medical provider or local pharmacy to have this administered soon.
If you are unsure if your child needs a Tdap dose, please call the school health office at 719-495-5227.
Thank you!
Mark Your Calendar!
Nov 8 - School Accountability Meeting at 5:30pm
Nov 10 - Mini Course Permission Slips and Fees will be due
Nov 11 - Veteran's Day Assembly
Nov 18 and 19 - Firebird Mini Courses
Nov 22 to 26 - Thanksgiving Break
The November election is quickly approaching, very soon you will receive ballots in the mail. There are two items on the ballot that directly relate to District 49 and will impact all of our schools. The purpose of this communication is to encourage you to become aware and informed of both things that will affect schools, students, and staff once the final counts come in.
Below are links to information related to Ballot Measure 4A as well as links to our Board of Education Election. Measure 4A will be asking you to approve a tax increase in order to raise compensation for teachers and support staff.
Our hope is you will take the opportunity to learn about the issues in this election.
Building Our Future Community information - Ballot Measure 4A
Board Candidate Forum - Recordings can be viewed at link below
Please consider joining PTSA. Dues are only $8! You can send in cash or check (payable to FMS PTSA) or join online: https://falconmsptsa.memberhub.com/store
This is a great way to become engaged and involved at FMS!
We are also looking for parent volunteers to help with mini course sign ups and working the Firebird RISE Store on Fridays. Take a look at the opportunities below.
8th Grade Ads - 8th Grade Parents may also purchase 8th grade ads for their students using this link.
Looking for Firebird Gear?
Falcon Middle School
6th Grade Assistant Principal/Athletic Director: Elena Forehand
7th Grade Assistant Principal: Tim Scheck
8th Grade Assistant Principal: Joy Kovanda
6th Grade Counselor: Lisa Murdock
7th Grade Counselor: Carrie Clay
8th Grade Counselor: Amber Villani
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FMS Office Hours
7:15am-3:30pm
Email: fms@d49.org
Website: https://www.d49.org/fms
Location: 9755 Towner Avenue, Peyton, CO, USA
Phone: 719-495-5232