#FBMS Stronger Together
Staying Connected and Engaged April 27th, 2020
FBMS Updates and Information
Last week, Superintendent Granatino shared our collective disappointment about Governor Baker’s decision to continue remote learning and keep schools closed. This was a bitter disappointment for me and the entire FBMS community. We anticipated receiving new directives from DESE and our Commissioner of Education at the end of last week, but we are still awaiting those updates. We were initially asked to move slowly and focus on many standards already covered, but with a greater level of in-depth analysis. We are anticipating hearing from Commissioner Riley early this week and believe he will ask districts to focus on power standards. Our educators and leadership team stand ready to revise our current plan to reflect these new expectations and weave them into student remote lessons. For now, nothing changes for our students and staff. They will continue with the plan in place, though we will continue finding ways to enhance the program and to offer additional tools that will allow us to further address the needs of all our students.
Many parents have asked if the district will be engaging in face-to-face instruction or check-ins between teachers and students. While the district leadership has asked us to refrain from this due to privacy laws and out of precaution and safety concerns for our students, Superintendent Granatino and district leadership, upon getting the updated expectations from Commissioner Riley, anticipate that we will hopefully use a platform to allow us some video-conferencing, while also keeping our students and staff safe from any concerns.
Lastly, please know that the entire FBMS community is also planning ways we can assist our 8th graders transitioning to grade 9 (as well as our current 5th graders transitioning to grade 6); ways we can celebrate and continue some traditions for our beloved grade 8 students during our final weeks of school; virtual events for our all of our current students, and staff (including 5 teachers who will be retiring at the end of the school year).
We are also busy organizing cleaning out student lockers, gym lockers, and student belongings in a methodical way, all while ensuring we follow social distancing and adhering to the Board of Health regulations.
Stay tuned for the many updates!
The FBMS Leadership Team
Trimester 2 Awards
We are also in the process of emailing all our Trimester 2 Power of One award winners. These awards are given for a student or staff person who go 'above and beyond' to make a difference at Furnace Brook!
Here are is a picture one parent shared with us when one of our amazing grade 6 students opened the Trimester 2 Awards envelope! Way to go, D!
FBMS YEARBOOK UPDATE
As we all adapt to change, one thing that remains constant is the yearbook tradition of documenting the history of our students and our school year. We are pleased to announce that our yearbook adviser completed and submitted the yearbook for printing.
Since copies are limited and school schedules continue to change, we ask that you please order your yearbook online as soon as possible. Jostens offers a payment plan at checkout for your purchase if you would like to use that option
Any questions or concerns please email lhiggins@mpsd.org
Link to order: https://tinyurl.com/ycgmofr9
Resources for Families
Children across the country are dealing with significant changes to life as they know it. The disappointments they are facing from cancelled events, changes in routine, and loss of time with friends and family is likely bringing up some strong emotions. Although difficult experiences, these disappointments present an opportunity for kids to better understand their emotions, to feel validated and empowered, and to build resiliency. Below are a couple of links to articles with more information.
Handling Your Kid's Disappointment When Everything Is Cancelled
How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus Cancellations
Helping Your Kids Stay Happy and Busy At Home
Teens, Social Distancing and Anxiety in The Time of COVID-19
Contacting Us!
If you have any needs or questions, please feel free to reach out to us using the following email addresses. We are here to help you!
Grade 6:
Mrs. Damphousse - Guidance Counselor can be reached at ldamphousse@mpsd.org
Dr. Smith - Asst. Principal can be reached at jsmith@mpsd.org
Grade 7:
Mr. Johnson - Guidance Counselor can be reached at ljohnson@mpsd.org
Mrs. Lynch - Asst. Principal can be reached at llynch@mpsd.org
Grade 8:
Mrs. Swan - Guidance Counselor can be reached at jswan@mpsd.org
Mr. Madden - Asst. Principal can be reached at smadden@mpsd.org
Principal: Mrs. Kemmett - can be reached at mkemmett@mpsd.org
Special Education Dept. Head - Mrs. Baggia - can be reached at jbaggia@mpsd.org