February 26th, 2016
News and Updates from FSMA
Bridge Challenge
In Room 10, the children had to design a bridge to hold a certain amount of weight. But, that is just the beginning of this integrated project that included multiple learning opportunities about economic principles,science and math. The children were given a set amount of "money" to purchase materials. The scarcity of objects drove up the price for some key items and some interesting bargaining and negotiating was happening. The classroom was abuzz and children were smiling from ear to ear as they built and tested their bridges.
Poetry Celebration
In Room, 16, the children memorized poems by African-American Poets and recited them to an audience of peers, teachers and parents. When you memorize, you take the poem inside you, into your brain chemistry if not your blood, and you know it at a deeper, bodily level than if you simply read it off a screen. If we do not learn by heart, the heart does not feel the rhythms of poetry as echoes or variations of its own insistent beat. - Brad Leithauser
Expansion Update
Earlier this week, FSMA sent a team to Dover for our second hearing about our Expansion Modification. We met with the Charter School Accountability Committee and responded to any questions they had. At the end of the meeting, they voted on a recommendation to approve our expansion. This recommendation will be given to the State Board of Education for a final vote on at the March 17th meeting. All is moving forward... get ready to roll up your sleeves this summer and help us prepare a building to welcome children!
3/2 - Read Across America Day (school-wide activities planned in classrooms)
3/8 - "Coffee and Conversation" 8:30 a.m.
Topic: Assessment and State Testing (What to Expect)
3/10 - FSMA Ice Skating Event
3/11 - No School / Teacher Professional Day
3/28 - FSMA Adult Mixer...book your babysitter now :)
3/23 and 3/24 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Field Trips in March; Want to know where everyone is going?
3/4 - 2nd/3rd grade to The Queen Theatre for "The Cat's Pajamas"
3/8 - Room 17 to the Wilmington Library
3/15 - Room 16 to the Wilmington Library
3/16 - 4th/5th/6th grade to The Grand for "Ellis Island"
3/18 - 4th/5th/6th grade to the Franklin Institute
3/22 - Room 20 to the Wilmington Library
Do you know a great teacher?
FSMA will begin the search for amazing teachers to add to our incredible team. On March 19th at 10:00 a.m., we will host an Information Session for Interested teachers. We anticipate adding teachers at every grade level as part of our expansion needs. If you know someone who would be a strong teacher (full-time or part-time), please let them know about this event. Flyers will be available at school if you know someone you want to pass it along to. Thank you in advance for helping us cast our net wide and making sure the best teachers are at FSMA.