FMHS Info Swarm
9/11/20
Message From The Principal
Slowly but surely the phrase "Yellow Jacket Universe" is working its way into the vernacular of our community. From hallway murals to t-shirts, our students see the words throughout our campus, and they hear them each day when I begin the morning announcements with the salutation, "Good morning, Yellow Jacket Universe".
It's more than just a nickname or catchphrase to us. It has meaning. Lots of other schools have "Nations" ("Eagle Nation", "Gator Nation", etc.) but very few, if any, have a "Universe".
The name Yellow Jacket Universe speaks to our size, our history, and our potential. We are the biggest school with the most storied history in our community, and we are always expanding. We are exceptionally proud of our history of academic, artistic, and athletic achievement, and we are ever-mindful of the importance of our growth. We want our school to be inclusive and welcoming. We are excited for each new student and the potential of the legacy they will leave in our school and our community.
I frequently say that our power is in our people, and that's what the Yellow Jacket Universe is all about.
Together We Swarm!
Gales Scroggs
Health and Social Distancing at Athletic Events
A return to school also means the return of high school athletics. Girls golf, girls tennis, swim, and volleyball are already underway this season with cheer, cross country, and football soon to follow. In order to ensure a healthy season, our athletes and coaches have followed the guidelines set forth by the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) regarding safety and social distancing protocols.
In accordance with further guidance from the SCHSL, our school and the entire Fort Mill School District will observe the following new health and safety protocols:
- Stadium and gymnasium capacities will be reduced to adequately allow for socially distanced seating
- Seats will be socially distanced from one another at a distance of approximately 6 feet
- Face coverings (cloth masks, face shields, and neck gaiters) are required and must be worn at both indoor and outdoor athletic events
- All tickets will be electronic and only available through the GoFan app
- Fans must not congregate in common areas before, during, or after athletic contests
In order to properly manage attendance at events, the district will not be able to honor staff entry using FMSD ID badges or Gold Cards issued to the community this season. We appreciate the dedication and support our community has shown for our athletic programs in the past. We hope that you will continue to stand by us through this new and different time, as we continue to improve the lives of our student-athletes through the sports we all know and love.
Yearbook Photos
Yearbook pictures for in-person students in grades 9-11 will be September 15 (A Day Students) and September 16 (B Day Students). Students should receive order forms through their 2nd block class in the next few days. Additional order forms are available in the main office and the R-wing office.
We are in the process of scheduling additional picture days for our virtual academy students. We will publish those dates as soon as they are available.
Mr. Kivett will send out additional information next week regarding the school picture process.
FMVA Info
This year roughly one-quarter of our student body is enrolled in the Fort Mill Virtual Academy setting. While not a separate school, the FMVA is a setting allowing our students the option of taking their courses online from FMSD teachers. Fort Mill High School students enrolled in the FMVA are exactly that: FMHS students. They receive support from a mix of FMHS and other FMSD teachers, as well as have a school-based administrative point of contact in Mr. Beam beamz@fortmillschools.org. While this is still a new venture for our school and district, we are very optimistic about the opportunities it provides to our students.
FMVA News and Resources:
Fort Mill Virtual Academy (FMVA) Website
Technical Difficulties: If a FMVA student experiences technical difficulties or their device breaks during the school day, they should attempt to contact their teachers via email. If they experience a problem outside of the school day, they should also try to contact their teachers, so they are aware of the issue. If the student is using a FMSD issued device and experiences a breakage, they may reach out to our school technology specialist Ms. Headden at headdenm@fortmillschools.org to enter a repair ticket.
The Buzz
Library Book Return
It’s time to return library books! Books can be returned to the Main or R-wing Libraries. Virtual students can drop books off in the Main Office. Please contact the Librarian, Ms. Bates, at batesa@fortmillschools.org if you have any questions.
Back to School Resources for Parents
Important Links
Faculty & Staff Directory—This link will take you to a directory of teacher and staff email contacts.
Parent Portal – This is the window for students and families to access our online gradebook system. If you need a login or assistance please contact your child’s counselor.
Athletic Information –This website has links to schedules for all our athletic teams, forms, and booster club information.
FMHS Fees—This link will take you to the page where you can pay fees for the 2020-2021 school year.
Voluntary Student Accident Insurance--This link will take you to information regarding voluntary student accident insurance.
Important Dates
Below you will find a list of important dates over the next two weeks. These include school events and home athletic, arts, and extracurricular events.
September 15--Girls Tennis vs Gaffney @ 5:00 pm
September 15--Volleyball vs York (JV @ 5:30 pm & Varsity @ 7:00 pm)
September 15--Yearbook Picture Day (A Day; A-K)
September 16--Girls Tennis vs Rock Hill @ 5:00 pm
September 16--Yearbook Picture Day (B Day; L-Z)
September 17--Girls Tennis vs Nation Ford @ 5:00 pm
September 21--M1 Midterm Distribution
September 21--Volleyball vs South Pointe (JV @ 5:00 pm & Varsity @ 6:30 pm)
September 22--Volleyball vs Gaffney (JV @ 5:30 pm & Varsity @ 7:00 pm)
September 24--Volleyball vs Nation Ford (JV @ 5:30 pm & Varsity @ 7:00 pm)
September 24--Football vs Nation Ford (9th Grade @ 5:30 & JV @ 7:00 pm)
Fort Mill High School
Email: scroggsg@fortmillschools.org
Website: http://fmhs.fortmillschools.org/
Location: 215 N Highway 21 Bypass
Phone: 803-548-1900
Twitter: @FMHSnews