Freedom Middle School News
Week of January 24, 2021 Edition
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Reminder: Virtual Instruction Continues Jan. 25 through Jan. 29
Virtual 8th Grade Schedule for Jan. 25 through Jan. 29
Virtual 7th Grade Schedule for Jan. 25 through Jan. 29
Virtual 6th Grade Schedule for Jan. 25 through Jan. 29
FOOD DISTRIBUTION UPDATE
Weekly Schedule for January 25 through January 29, 2021
Tuesday, Jan 26 - "B" Day Schedule (Virtual Instruction)
Wednesday, Jan 27 - Time to Connect with Your Teachers; Submit Your Attendance
Thursday, Jan 28 - "A" Day Schedule (Virtual Instruction)
Friday, Jan 29 - "B" Day Schedule (Virtual Instruction)
Message From The Superintendent
Leadership is the capacity to transform vision into reality.
–Warren G. Bennis
Thank you to our students and families for your cooperation and patience during this shortened week, in which we adjusted schedules to prioritize vaccination opportunities for our staff. Below are some announcements and reminders as we look to the week ahead:
Announcements & Reminders
Tuesday, January 26th will be an asynchronous day of learning for high school students ONLY. This is to accommodate those students who are taking the PSAT.
As was indicated in the email shared with staff and community on January 12st, our School Board will be meeting on January 26th (5:30 p.m.) to review our current COVID-19 case data. Our goal is to resume the blend of hybrid in-person and optional virtual learning on February 1st. We do understand that advance notice of any changes in scheduling is very important to our students, families, and staff.
Also on January 26th (6:30 pm), following the status report of our Return To Learn plan, the school board will receive a presentation on the FY22 Superintendent’s Recommended Budget. Linked here is the agenda for the meeting.
A follow up School Board Budget Worksession will take place on Thursday, January 28th (6:30 pm). As a reminder, critical budget dates were approved and adopted by the school board for the FY22 budget season. They are also linked here.
We engaged our Parent Advisory Team this week and received feedback regarding student academic progress and social emotional learning. The insight of parents representing all levels was extremely helpful as we gauge our planning for addressing the academic and social emotional learning impact of this pandemic.
As a reminder, our COVID-19 Dashboard is updated weekly and can be viewed in the Return to Learn section on each school’s website or by clicking this link: SCPS COVID-19 Dashboard. Also on our webpage is a link to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Dashboard. This site provides data and statistics regarding COVID-19 positivity rates and cases per 100,000 by locality, region, and state.
We know and understand that the virtual setting for school can be a challenge. If you are in need of a hot spot, please contact your child’s school. We have some remaining. Additionally, if you need support for your child, do not hesitate to contact your child’s school. We are here to assist!
The mobile hotspots have been placed in the following location parking lots throughout the county:
7XPRESS (2976 Partlow Rd, Partlow, VA 22534)
Dollar General (5720 Courthouse Rd. Spotsylvania, VA 22551)
Belmont Community Center (7124 Belmont Rd, Mineral, VA 23117)
Super Value Inn (5321 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22408)
Stay 4 Less (5308 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22408)
Garden Inn (5308 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22408)
Dollar General (1500 New Bridge Rd, Mineral, VA 23117)
The week of January 24th is School Principal Appreciation Week. As a large and complex organization, our strong, dedicated building administrators are essential and pivotal in transforming “vision into reality.” I know from the feedback I receive how much they are valued for their steady and consistent leadership during this unprecedented crisis. Thank you for joining me in expressing appreciation for their efforts.
Have a great week!
Dr. S. Scott Baker
February Calendar Reminders
- Feb 8 - Teacher Planning & Prof Development/Student Holiday
- Feb 10 - Middle School Conference Night (Virtual)
- Feb 15 - Student/Teacher Holiday. Building Closed.
Staff Member of The Month
FMS Teacher of the Year
Parents and Students,
Do you know of a teacher who has gone above and beyond this year? Can you think of a teacher who makes learning fun? This is your chance to recognize them! If a teacher comes to mind, please spend 5 minutes filling out the form below to recognize our teachers who are working so hard in this virtual/hybrid environment. Nominations are due by Feb. 10th.
Upcoming Parent/Teacher Virtual Conference Night
Important Message From Nurse Newton
Call: 540-548-1030 Ext. 6219
Message from Dr. Wright regarding Virginia School Survey of Climate & Working Conditions
Parents, Students and Staff,
I hope you and your family are doing well and weathering this Covid storm. At FMS, we are “Keeping the pedal down” and moving forward with instruction. It is my hope that your children are able to access their learning remotely and keep up with their assignments. If not, please reach out to your child’s teachers to see what we can do to support your child.
Beginning February 1, students and staff will be participating in the VA School Survey of Climate and Working Conditions. Students will complete the survey through their PE classes. This is a brief survey that should take no longer than 25 minutes to complete. The purpose of the survey is to provide FMS with information on school climate, safety, and working conditions in order to maintain a safe and orderly school environment conducive to learning. The survey measures student and teacher/staff perceptions of school rules and discipline, teacher-student relationships, student engagement in school, and the extent of bullying and teasing at school. The survey is a component of the annual school safety audit which school divisions are required to submit to the Virginia Center for School & Campus Safety (VCSCS), according to §22.1-279.8.B of the Code. More information regarding this survey can be found here.
Upcoming Art Club Meeting
2021 Yearbook Orders
Yearbooks may now be purchased for $35.00 without a name plate and $40.00 with a name plate. Use this link to purchase a yearbook. January 25th is the cutoff date to order a yearbook with a name plate.
Parents are able to upload school appropriate pictures to the Yearbook Community Upload. Please make sure that you include the student name and grade. Uploading a picture does not guarantee that they will be added to the yearbook. Once you click on the upload link, make sure you use the code: FreedomMS. Use this link to access the Yearbook Community Upload.
Use this link to enter the Selfie Yearbook Contest:
Spring Sports Update
If a student is interested in trying out for a Spring Sport (Soccer, Girls Softball, Boys and Girls Track) please sign up on this form. This will allow Ms. McCready and Mrs. Jones to inform you of Coaches meetings, physical collection times as well as information regarding conditioning and try-outs. If you have any questions please email Karyn McCready (kmccread@spotsylvania.k12.va.us) or Lisa Jones (ljones@spotsylvania.k12.va.us).
Debate Club Schedule for January, 2021
Want to voice your opinions?
Learn how to listen and argue thoughtfully?
Appreciate others’ opinions and ideas?
Build confidence and leadership skills?
DEBATE CLUB IS FOR YOU!
Meetings are on Thursdays at 3:30 PM in Google Meet. If you are an interested 7th or 8th grade student you are welcome to join us every Thursday in January at 3:30 PM.
Coach: Mr. Jennings cjennings@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
Google Meet Code: e6xyagbypo
Check out Events at the FMS Library this week!
PTSA News
The PTSA is having a Membership Drive. Every person who joins (including students) between now and January 31st, will get one entry into a drawing for a $25 gift card. You can pay online at https://freedom-middle-ptsa.square.site/product/ptsa-membership/7?cs=true or you can send in the membership form which can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/freedommiddleptsa/forms with cash or check.
The next general FMS PTSA meeting will be held on February 9, 2021 at 6:30. All are welcome to join using the meet link below or by phone:
https://meet.google.com/pmv-ixht-hbj
US) +1 636-591-1484 PIN: 487 127 101#
Citizenship Essay Contest. Please see the attached flyer for information on how to enter. Deadline is February 1, 2021.
BJs Membership Fundraiser--The PTSA is offering a BJ’s Wholesale Membership fundraiser from Sun., January 17th until Wed., February 3rd. To renew or become a new member: please print the attached document, fill it out, and mail it to the school Attention: FMS PTSA along with your payment. All BJ’s Membership Applications need to be turned into the FMS PTSA (not BJ’s), in order for the PTSA to get credit for it. Please contact freedommiddlefundraising@gmail.com with any questions.
Box Tops Contest--The PTSA will have a Box Tops Competition from now until Feb 19, 2021. Feel free to drop your clipped Box Tops off at the school, mail them to the school Attention FMS PTSA, or download the Box Tops App and scan your receipts. No matter if you clip or scan, make sure you put your students name so they get credit.
Did you know that you can help support the FMS PTSA when you make purchases through Amazon Smile? Please make sure to select "Freedom Middle School PTSA, VA" from the Charitable Organization List for your future purchase(s)!
Eye of The Tiger Literary Magazine Cover Contest
The "Eye of the Tigers," Freedom's Literary Magazine is holding a contest to find the perfect piece of art for the cover. Entries should be on a plain piece of paper. If your artwork is not chosen for the cover, it may still be used inside the magazine. Entries are due by February 12th. Scan or take a clear picture of your entry with a camera and email Ms. Ferber at cferber@spotsylvania.k12.va.us.
The magazine is also accepting entries. We accept all forms of writing and art. Scan, take a picture, or share your entry through email to Ms. Ferber for a chance to be published in the magazine.
Rising 9th Grade Orientation Night for Chancellor High School
Spotsylvania Parks & Rec Spring Sports
Beginning Tuesday January 19, Parks & Rec will accept registration for Spring Soccer. Baseball, Softball and T-ball registration will begin Monday, January 25th.
Registration Information with our Covid-19 Return to Play Plan can be found on our website www.spotsylvania.va.us/parksandrec or by contacting (540) 507-7529. There are three ways to register:
· Online Registration
· In Person Registration at Loriella Park
· Outside Dropbox at Loriella Park
Please contact Parks & Rec directly with any questions. 540-507-7529
Inclement Weather Reminder
In addition to the Spotsylvania County School Websites, you may also find school closing information with the following:
FM Stations: WBQB 101.5, WGRQ 95.9, WGRX 104.5, WASH 97.1, HOT 99.5, WCVE 88.9, WCNV 89.1, WMVE 90.1, WTOP 103, WFLS 93.3, WYSK 99.3, WWUZ 96.9, WJMA 96.7
AM Stations: WFVA 1230, WTOP 820
Television Stations: WJLA CH 7 ABC, WRC CH 4 NBC, WUSA CH 9 CBS , WTTG CH 5 FOX, WTVR CH 6 CBS, WRIC CH 8 ABC, WWBT CH 12 NBC
Free Lance-Star: www.fredericksburg.com
Cable Stations: Comcast Channel 18
Alert Systems: www.spotsyalert.com
Learning Hub
Website: https://sites.google.com/spotsylvania.k12.va.us/fmsstaff/home
Wednesday Parent Conversations
9:00 to 9:30 World Language
9:30 to 10:00 English, History, Electives
10:00 to 10:30 Math, Science
10:30 to 11:00 SPED, ESOL, Specialists
Please email your teachers if you have any questions. Teacher emails can be accessed directly on the FMS Learning Hub found on our website.
Google Classroom
PTSA
Our PTSA needs you! Please consider joining the FMS PTSA. Email freedommiddleptsa@gmail.com with questions, or to ask about volunteer opportunities this year.
SCPS Virtual Zen Den
ParentVue and StudentVue
Freedom Middle School
Freedom Middle School
Home of the Tigers
#FreedomStrong
Email: ewright@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
Website: https://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/freedom
Location: 7315 Smith Station Road, Fredericksburg, VA, USA
Phone: 540-548-1030
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Freedom-Middle-School-1552644134793827/
Twitter: @Freedom_MS_SCPS