22-23 FHS Weekly Update #23
Week of January 9 - 13, 2023
No School for Students - Monday (1/16/23) - Work Day for Staff
January is.....School Board Recognition Month
January is School Board Recognition Month and a time to recognize the individuals who approach their volunteer work as a full-time job, with extraordinary dedication to public schools.
School boards make decisions that can sometimes be quite difficult, or require sifting through a great deal of information. They are involved in community activities and spend many hours at extracurricular events.
This month, we encourage all members of the community to thank our FAPS Board Members:
1. President: Emily K. Rossmaessler
2. Vice President: Dana L. Jones
3. Treasurer: Pamela Dickie
4. Secretary: Matthew Welch
5. Trustee: Renee Juhl
6. Trustee: Michael Pearce
7. Trustee: Ashley Prew
Sounds of the Season!
Thank you Mr. Wright and the Ambassadors for sharing your talents with everyone!
January - Week #3 - Start of Second Semester
Tuesday (1/17/23) -
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Wednesday (1/18/23) -
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
- First Semester Grades are due to the Office by 2:40 p.m.
- CIP Meeting at 2:45 p.m.
Thursday (1/19/23)
- ThinkFast Interactive Teen Driving Assembly 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. 10th & 11th Graders
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Friday (1/20/23) -
Athletic Schedule
First Semester Grades & Transcripts
Grades from all of these sources have to be received and hand-entered BEFORE report cards and transcripts can processed. Additionally, exam results are also needed to determine if an Attendance Appeal becomes moot when a student scores C+ or better on the semester exam.
Stay tuned for more information on when first semester grade information will be published.
Think Fast Interactive Teen Driving Assembly - January 19th during SRT
This program is sponsored by the State of Michigan's Office of Highway Safety Planning and through Federal NHTSA grants and covers Michigan's rules, regulations, penalties, along with current information on speeding, racing, and fatalities.
If you're interested in joining us as a speaker for Student Interest Day, please contact Mrs. Grady at lgrady@fentonschools.org.
Student Interest Day
Event goal: Provide students with the opportunity to learn from & speak with industry professionals in a variety of career fields. Guest speakers are asked to share information about their career field/occupation with high school students for a 1-hour session.
We are currently looking for speakers from the following industries/professions:
- Veterinary Medicine/Animal Breeding/Care
- Money Management/Banking/Investing
- Nursing
- Surgeon/Physician/Physician Assistant
- Careers in Sports/Professional Athlete
- Psychologist/Psychiatrist/Mental Health
- IT/Computer Technology
- Basic Cooking Skills
- Cosmetology/Beauty Industry
- Video Game Development
- Engineering
- Fashion/Interior Design
- Skilled Trades/Heavy Equipment Operation (Construction/Electrical/Plumbing/Welding, etc.)
- Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy/ Athletic Trainer
- Hunting/Fishing/Outdoors
- Job Interview Skills
- Law Enforcement
- Legal Professions
- Venture Capitalist/Stock Trader
- Health & Physical Fitness/Nutrition & Wellness
- Military (all branches)
- Music (music theory/various instruments)
- Photography
- Robotics
- Understanding/Filing Taxes
- Animator/Illustrator
- Graphic Design/Marketing
- Understanding credit/loans
- Automotive (technician/mechanic/race car/motorcycle/auto body repair)
- Artist (multimedium)
- Accounting/Business Management
- Film/Director/Actor
- Dentistry (dentist/oral surgeon/dental hygienist/dental assistant)
January - Week #4 -
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Tuesday (1/24/23) -
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Wednesday (1/25/23) -
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Thursday (1/26/23)
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
- Student Interest Day - NO SRT Travel
- UM/DEEP & Dual Enrollment Informational Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Lecture Room
Friday (1/27/23) -
DEEP Informational Meeting - Thursday (1/26/22) @ 6:30 p.m. in FHS Lecture Room.
Students at FHS have the opportunity to concurrently earn high school and college credits through our partnership with the University of Michigan-Flint.
The Dual Enrollment Educational Partnership (DEEP) program offers students in 12th grade the opportunity to take college courses, taught by UM-Flint instructors, at a reduced tuition rate.
Courses are taught at Fenton High School during the regular school day.
To learn more, please attend the Informational Meeting on Thursday, January 26th at 6:30 p.m. in the FHS Lecture Room.
Dual Enrollment - Informational Meeting - Thursday (1/26/22) following DEEP Meeting in FHS Lecture Room
Traditional Dual Enrollment (11th or 12th grade students)
At the end of the DEEP Informational Meeting (which starts at 6:30 p.m.), Mrs. Boike, our Post-Secondary Coordinator, will provide information to parents and students who are interested in traditional dual enrollment opportunities.
Traditional dual enrollment means that 11th or 12th grade students take college courses offered by either Mott Community College or the University of Michigan-Flint, in a variety of formats (on campus, online, hybrid).
The presentation will include information about tuition rates, admission criteria, the application process, and student responsibilities.
Should you have any questions about these programs, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Boike at kboike@fentonschools.org.
January/February
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Tuesday (1/31/23) -
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
- Deadline for Proud Parent Ad for Yearbook (see graphic below)
- IB Diploma Program Informational Meeting for interested 10th graders - 6:30 p.m. via Google Meet (see other graphic for Google Meet Link)
Wednesday (2/1/23) -
- Basketball @ Little Caesar's Arena - 12:00 p.m. Varsity Girls; 1:45 p.m. Varsity Boys
- Staff Meeting - No After School Tutoring
Thursday (2/2/23)
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Friday (2/3/23) -
- NHS Blood Drive #2 - see graphic below for more info
International Baccalaureate Informational Meeting - Tuesday (1/31/23) - 6:30 p.m. via Google Meet
There will be an informational meeting for all students and parents interested in learning more about the IB Diploma Program for 2023-24 on Tuesday, January 31 at 6:30 p.m. via Google Meet:
FHS IB Diploma Program Info Meeting for 2023-24
Tuesday, January 31 · 6:30 – 7:45pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/tcy-wkcp-cqm
Or dial: (US) +1 314-833-7257 PIN: 261 470 373#
Information will be especially helpful for current sophomores as they plan their courses for grades 11 and 12.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Mark Suchowski at msuchowski@fentonschools.org or at (810) 591-2610.
Proud Parent Ad for Yearbook - Due January 31st
NHS Blood Drive #2 - Friday, February 3rd - Consider Donating
Young donors, ages 16-18, who meet the height & weight requirements, and who have parent permission, can also donate. See the height & weight chart button and permission slip button below. Please consider donating on December 3rd.
Sign Up for Appointment:
https://donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/146642
February - Week #2
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Tuesday (2/7/23) -
- Senior Class Meeting in SRT
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
- Southern Lakes EMC Meeting (by invite only)
Wednesday (2/8/23) - Count Day
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Thursday (2/9/23)
- Flint Metro League Student Leadership Conference
- Junior Class Meeting in SRT
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Friday (2/10/23) -
Student Council - Possible Dance - Saturday, February 11th - 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tickets will be on sale: Monday (1/23/23) through Tuesday (1/31/23) at both lunches.
Historically, February snow days and low ticket sales have resulted in the dance being cancelled. Consequently, after school on January 31st, IF ticket sales cannot cover the costs, the dance may be cancelled and refunds given.
Listen to the PA announcements and watch future Weekly Updates for more information.
February - Week #3
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Tuesday (2/14/23) - Valentine's Day
- Sophomore Class Meeting in SRT
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Wednesday (2/15/23) -
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
Thursday (2/16/23)
- ASVAB Testing for 10th, 11th & 12th Graders (see other graphic for more info)
- Freshman Class Meeting in SRT
- AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
- 23-24 Genesee Career Institute - 1st Year Applications due!!!
- Last Day for Audition Classes for 2023-24 to be turned in to office
Friday (2/17/23) - PD Day - No School for FHS Students
Note: Monday (2/20/23) - No School - Presidents' Day
ASVAB Testing
ATTENTION 10th, 11th & 12th Graders:
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) Exam/Career Exploration Program can help you to take steps now toward finding a career that is right for you. You can benefit from the exam regardless of your plans for after high school. It will be given during 1st, 2nd & 3rd hours on Wednesday, February 22nd. Booklets about the ASVAB are available in the FHS Counseling Office.
If you are in grades 10 - 12 and you are interested in taking advantage of this exclusive career exploration, please sign up in the Counseling Office by Thursday, February 16th. If you are unable to come in and sign up for it, please let Mrs. Stapp know and she will be happy to put your name on the list.
Teaching & Learning
FHS News - Latest Episode
Positivity Project: Theme of the Week: Prudence
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Prudence. Prudence means you plan for the future and achieve your goals by making careful everyday choices.
Prudence is the ability to do the right thing for the right reason, at the right time. It’s a future-oriented way of thinking that helps a person set goals, make plans, and have the discipline to accomplish them. It is cognitive -- more a strength of the head than of the heart.
Prudence supports effective individual self-management. Whether aspiring for an athletic record, academic grade, or purchasing a car, foresight and planning are necessary. However, even with a plan, long-term goals can only be obtained by overcoming those impulses and desires that steer you away from your goals. Prudence provides the wisdom to know which character strength to leverage, at which time, to achieve your desired end state.
To practice and encourage the character strength of prudence with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2) where together you will watch a video, read a quote and talk about the answers to three questions.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sK3wJAxGfs
From the FHS Office
Scheduling for 2023-24
Application Courses
Students wanting to be enrolled in classes such as Honors World History, Honors American Studies, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and some elective courses must make application to these courses and meet any/all criteria provided on the application. Applications will be available during the month of January.
Audition Courses
Some classes, such as certain instrumental & vocal music classes may require students to schedule an "audition" in order to be considered for acceptance to the class. Audition information will be available in January. Audition window is 1/23 to 2/16/23.
Important Dates:
1. Wednesday, 1/11/23 - 2023-24 FHS Curriculum Guide posted to FHS Website.
2. Monday, 1/23/23 - Application & Audition Class materials available & Audition window opens.
3. Thursday, 1/26/23 - DEEP Informational Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the FHS Lecture Room.
4. Friday, 1/31/23 - International Baccalaureate (IB) Informational Meeting - at 6:30 p.m. via Google Meet (see graphic below for link)
5. Monday, 2/16/23 - Genesee Career Institute (GCI) Open House - at GCI - 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.
6. Tuesday, 2/7/23 - Senior Class Meeting in SRT - covering Senior End of Year Activities (local scholarships, prom, graduation practice, graduation, Project Graduation, etc.)
7. Thursday, 2/9/23 - Junior Class Meeting in SRT - scheduling, spring testing, etc.
8. Tuesday, 2/14/23 - Sophomore Class Meeting in SRT - scheduling, spring testing, etc.
9. Thursday, 2/16/23 - Freshman Class Meeting in SRT - scheduling, spring testing, etc.
10. Thursday, 2/16/23 - Audition window closes.
11. Monday, 2/27/23 - Counselors go to help 8th Graders enter Course Requests
12. Wednesday, 3/1/23 - Counselors @ Social Studies to help 9th Graders enter Course Requests
13. Monday, 3/6/23 - Counselors @ Social Studies to help 10th Graders enter Course Requests
14. Wednesday, 3/8/23 - Counselors @ Social Studies to help 11th Graders enter Course Requests
15. Friday, 3/10/23 - Counselors Catch-up/Contingency Day (if snow day occurs)
Note: March 10, 2023 Deadline for ALL Course Requests to be entered!!!!
FHS 2023-24 Curriculum Guide Posted to website on 1/11/23
Reminders
- Call by NOON the day after an absence to excuse it.
- Use Parent Drop Off - Do not drop students in other lots.
- Door Dash, or any other food delivery, is NOT permitted.
- Call early for a dismissals, so passes can be issued early in the day to students.
- All students should CHECK OUT in the Main Office.
- Student vehicles MUST be registered to park on campus. Students are NOT allowed to go to vehicles during the school day.
- Closed Campus - students are NOT to leave campus without administrative permission.
- Math Lab - Every 4th hour & lunch for any student.
- After School Tutoring - Mon thru Thursday from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m. Permission slip below
- Read the Weekly Update (sent every Friday) for important updates & deadlines!!!
Traffic Safety Reminders
All drivers are reminded that the loop to the south of the high school where the Main Entrance is located is reserved each morning (7:00-7:45 a.m.) and afternoon (2:15 to 2:45 p.m.) for school buses only.
Anyone dropping off or picking up students should use the Parent loop accessible from Donaldson Drive. Those who are dropping off or picking up students in the Parent loop should follow signage provided to keep traffic moving. Parking lots should NOT be used for student pick-up/drop off.
Please follow these traffic procedures to ensure the safety of all FHS students and staff.
Athletics & Activities
FAPS Ski & Snowboard Club
Who: Students & Parents (beginner to expert) at least 7 to join the club and participate in the group ski lessons. There are discounted tickets for 6 and under who want to go with parents.
What: Discount lift tickets & rentals at Mt. Holly. More info at the meeting or contact:
- Mrs. Loria - mloria@fentonschools.org (AGS/FHS students) or
Mrs. Eastman- seastman@fentonschools.org
Cost: $25/per club membership card
When: Fenton Elementary nights are Thursdays -----Mrs. Eastman
FHS/AGS Club nights are Fridays---- Mrs. Loria
FHS Basketball at Little Caesar's Arena - February 1st
The Fenton High School girls and boys varsity basketball teams will be playing at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday, 2/1/2023 against Linden HS!
To obtain tickets: Visit www.pistons.com/fenton or see the flyer below to purchase tickets and to get more details about the event.
Wednesday, February 1st
12:00 pm - Fenton Girls Varsity vs. Linden
1:45 pm - Fenton Boys Varsity vs. Linden
7:00 pm - Detroit Pistons vs. Washington Wizards
Tickets: $23.00/$32.00
Senior Class of 2023 - Important Information
Note: Local Scholarship Night changed to May 16th at 7:00 p.m.
FAFSA Tracker Info for the Class of 2023
FAFSA Tracker - Class of 2023 for Fenton High School - 177 out of 278 seniors have submitted the FAFSA so far, up from 102!!! Great job!!!
Link to FAFSA:
GO Scholarship - Class of 2023
The Genesee Opportunity (GO) stipend provides Genesee County high school graduates with money for college, career training, or certification licensing fees.
To be eligible:
- You must reside in Genesee County, Michigan or on a property that is taxed by a Genesee County school district and,
- Be a graduate, from a high school in Genesee County.
- Graduates must be enrolled in an eligible training program or post-secondary educational institution and submit an application by the due date.
- The GO stipend can only be awarded one time and must be used within the first 12 months after graduation or GED completion.
- The GO stipend is not based on income or grades, and is funded through a millage approved by Genesee County voters.
Once the completed application is received, Genesee Opportunity staff will verify the information provided to determine eligibility for the GO Stipend.
Class of 2023 - Michigan Achievement Scholarship
Starting with the high school Class of 2023, students will be eligible for more financial aid from the State, up to:
- Up to $2,750 if they attend a community college, per year
- Up to $5,500 if they attend a public university, per year
- Up to $4,000 if they attend a private college or university, per year
Students will be eligible if their family demonstrates financial need* when they complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
*Financial need is defined as an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $25,000 or less.
Things High School Seniors can do right now to prepare:
- File the (FAFSA) ONLY 58 of the 278 seniors/parents have done so!!!
- Create a MiSSG Student Portal three to five business days after filing your FAFSA.
More programs details to come. Be the first to hear when more information becomes available and sign-up for updates.
Link: To register for an upcoming webinar on this new scholarship, https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs/michigan-achievement-scholarship/informational-session
1. Jan 24th Webinar registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hYBu2VtMSGW7CliqOsstbg
2. Jan 26th Webinar registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oZE3OaGAREe9ImFSsPZSXQ
Partnerships
FAPS Strategic Plan - 2022 to 2027
Over the past several months, district representatives have been working together to formulate the next Fenton Area Public Schools' Strategic Plan. Teams have been pulled together to gather data and input in order to set goals and create a blueprint for our district's future.
Our Strategic Planning Team consists of our Superintendent, member(s) of the Board of Education, Administrators, Directors, Staff, Student(s), and Parents. Fenton's Strategic Plan will run through June 2027.
The foundation of our Strategic Plan is built upon four Focus Areas of Success:
- Facilities
- Community & Parent Engagement
- Student & Staff Support & Development
- Long Term Stabilization.
Online or In-person Practice SAT Opportunity @ Brighton H.S. - February 18th
Registration Closes by 5:00 p.m. - February 6th
From the Office of Career & College Readiness
In this week's newsletter:
- November is Career Development Month Contest!
- Positivity Project: Knowing My Words & Actions Affect Others
- Factory Two November Class Schedule
- Manufacturing Open House
- College visits are back!!
- Simon Says...Follow me on social media!
- FAFSA FAQs
- *NEW* Scholarship opportunities (future educators & musicians)
- College Board & Parchment Accounts
- Current and NEW job postings
Technology Links
See FHS Website - "Our Parents" or "Our Students" for Technology Info
FHS Launches Social Media - Follow Us!!!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fentonhs48430
Instagram: @fenton_hs
Twitter: @Fenton_HS
Google Classroom - How to JOIN A Class
All FHS Students - Join Classes in Google Classroom
After getting your schedule online via Parent/Student Vue, ALL FHS students should go into the Google Classroom and enter the "Class Codes" for the correct hour and class taught by his/her teachers.
To "join" the Google Classroom for all of your classes follow these three steps:
1. Check your FHS gmail for a Google Classroom invite from your teacher.
2. If there is no invite, log into Google Classroom to see if the classroom is there to JOIN. You are looking for a JOIN code.
3. Email your teacher (ex. jane doe = jdoe@fentonschools.org). You can find the first initial of your teacher's first name on your schedule.
Note: Parents can also JOIN a class in Google Classroom to view grades, assignments, handouts, etc.
Social-Emotional Health & Wellness
COVID Reminders
- Call Attendance Office to report at (810) 591-2609.
- Quarantine at home for five days.
- May return to school, if symptoms have resolved, wearing a mask for Days 6-10.
Symptoms include:
Temperature 100.4 or signs of fever (chills/sweating)
Sore throat
New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing
Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
New onset of severe headache
New loss of taste or smell
Congestion or runny nose (more than usual)
Cultivating Wellness Newsletter from the Genesee Intermediate School District
October Newsletter Link: https://www.smore.com/s4xdt
November Newsletter Link: https://www.smore.com/5nf2e
December Newsletter Link: https://www.smore.com/09xp4
January Newsletter Link: https://www.smore.com/fvn2rw
FHS & Easter Seals
FHS has partnered with Easterseals of Michigan. Easterseals offers school-based therapy with an onsite clinician 5 days per week including:
- Individual, family & group therapy utilizing evidence-based interventions.
- Specialized training & support services for parents & teachers
- Connections to numerous community resources
- Less time missed at work/school
- Fewer transportation conflicts
- Students can make appointments when convenient (avoiding test days, etc.)
Please contact the Counseling Department for more information at (810) 591-2612.
OK 2 Say (available in the App Store and Google Play Store)
Call: 1-8-555-OK2SAY
Text: 652729
Email: ok2say@mi.gov
Website: www.mi.gov/ok2say
Suicide Awareness & Prevention
Did you know? Every school student identification card now has a contact name and phone number for Suicide Prevention, as mandated by law. If you are in crisis, or know someone who needs help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline NOW at:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Kinship Care
Give them a TOLL FREE call at 800-535-1218 (Monday - Friday, 9-4 PM).
WEBSITE: kinship.msu.edu EMAIL: kinship@msu.edu
FARR
FEELING HELPLESS - the Fenton Area Resources & Referral Network (aka FARR) can help. If you need assistance, and are in the Fenton, Lake Fenton, or Linden school districts, FARR can help with emergency assistance and resources. Call or email them using the info below.
FARR
P.O. Box 529
Fenton, MI 48430
Phone - (810) 750-6244
Fax - (810) 885-0286
Email - FARRNetworkHelp@gmail.com
Fenton High School
Office Hours: Monday through Friday - 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. (Closed Fridays through 9/2/22).
FHS Administration:
Michael Bakker, Principal
Zachary Bradley, Assistant Principal:
Laura Lemke, Assistant Principal:
Edward Uhrik, Athletic Director/Assistant Principal:
Counselors:
Elizabeth Elsesser - Last Names A - F:
Michelle Pietraszkiewicz - Last Names G - N:
mpietraszkiewicz@fentonschools.org
Craig Golembiewski - Last Names O - Z:
cgolembiewski@fentonschools.org
Career & College Readiness Coordinator:
Lindsay Grady:
Email: mbakker@fentonschools.org
Website: www.fentonschools.org
Location: 3200 West Shiawassee Avenue, Fenton, MI, USA
Phone: (810) 591-2600