Fulton Science Academy
ACCREDITED AND STEM CERTIFIED COLLEGE PREP GIFTED SCHOOL
WEEK OF AUGUST 3, 2020
Principal's Corner
Dear FSA Community,
I hope that you are all doing well and enjoying the remaining days of the summer.
I would like to begin this newsletter by congratulating one of our senior student, Kallisa Greene. I am pleased to inform you that Prepvolleyball.com named our senior Kalissa Grenne #22 of the Top 150 of the Class of 2021 in the country! Congratulations Kalissa! We look forward to following along with your exciting journey!
Our faculty members are back in campus for 2020-2021 school year pre-planning week. This morning we enjoyed having our first faculty meeting for this new school year. Our admin team and faculty look forward to the orientation day on this Friday, August 7.
I have great news for you regarding our campus expansion construction. We have been told that most likely, we will be able to start moving furnitures to the our campus expansion area this Friday (if not sooner). We are very excited to have a much larger campus this year. It will provide us much needed space for safe spacing and social distancing.
SCHOOL REOPENING - PHASING IN PLAN
- Week 1 (Aug. 10-14) - All grades virtual learning
- Week 2 (Aug. 17-21) - All grades virtual learning
- Week 3 (Aug. 24-28) - PreK and Kindergarten On Campus with Hybrid Model
- Week 4 (Aug. 31-Sep.4) - PreK thru 3rd grade On Campus with Hybrid Model
- Week 5 (after Labor Day) - To be determined! Our intention is to add remaining grades to Hybrid Model after Labor Holiday.
Since our lower elementary grades use only one classroom, we feel safer to begin hybrid learning with them compared to the higher grade levels where movement is needed between classes depending on their levels. Our intention is to add remaining grades to Hybrid Model after Labor Holiday.
Our ultimate goal is to provide a quality education in the safest way possible for our FSA community. We appreciate your continued support.
NEW SCHOOL YEAR OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE REMINDER
I would like to remind you that we have installed and tested Zoom Room Concept with large TVs in each classroom as part of our hybrid model approach, and it is working great. The advantage of this new technological setup is that it allows smooth and effective interaction among faculty members, students who choose to come to school, and students who chose to stay at home.
Please be informed that we now require all students and faculty members to wear masks or face shields at the school.
At this time, our plan includes the following sections:
- Facility Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Enhancements
- Operational Adjustments
- Clinic Procedures for COVID 19
- Hybrid Model Instruction
- Attendance
- Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
- Clubs & Academic Teams
- Athletics
- COVID-19 Warning for Students and Parents
For further details about these sections, please visit our newly created COVID-19 Response page on our school website.
Here is the link: http://fultonscienceacademy.org/covid-19/
PARENT SURVEY
We ask that families in PreK through 3rd grade continue to submit their selection between online learning and campus learning. We will send another parent survey in mid August regarding your selections for the month of September.
ORIENTATION DAY
This year we will host our orientation day virtually on Friday, August 7th. We recognize that our FSA students are eager to meet their new teachers, and we would like to provide a safe way for them to be able to introduce themselves in preparation for the first day of school. Orientation Day schedule has two parts. The first part is a general session for all parents to receive general information and have their questions answered. The second part is the time to meet with teachers.
GENERAL SESSION SCHEDULES
- Elementary School General Session - between 8:15am and 8:45am
- Middle School General Session - between 12:30pm to 1:00pm
- High School General Session - between 1:00pm to 1:30pm
SCHEDULES FOR MEETING WITH TEACHERS
PreK - Kindergarten: 9:00am-9:45am
1st - 2nd Grade: 9:45am-10:30am
3rd - 4th Grade: 10:30am-11:15a
5th Grade: 11:15am-12:30pm (longer to allow for time to meet all teachers briefly)
Middle and High: 1:45pm - 3:45pm (About 15 minutes meeting with each teacher of your child
- Period 1: 1:45pm-2:00pm
- Period 2: 2:02pm-2:17pm
- Period 3: 2:19pm-2:34pm
- Period 4: 2:36pm-2:51pm
- Period 5: 2:53pm-3:08pm
- Period 6: 3:10pm-3:25pm
- Period 7: 3:27pm-3:42pm
Detailed schedules and the zoom links will be sent close to the Orientation Day.
Below is the link for parents to locate medication and medical health condition forms for those students that will be face-to-face in school.
These forms, along with their medication if needed, can be dropped off in the nurses office on the first day of school. Please put everything in a large Ziploc bag with your child’s name on the medication, and on outside of the bag.
ELEMENTARY RESOURCE PICK UP
Students who will be joining classes on campus will receive their curriculum resources and materials when they report to their classes on campus. We will be arranging time slots for our virtual students to come to campus and pick up the resources/materials needed for online learning from home during the weekend following the first week of school (August 15-16). Once we have identified which students will be joining virtually, you will receive communication about your allotted time slot to come to campus and pick up these items. In that email, you will receive detailed information about when/where to report, and how this will be done in a safe manner for our families and faculty members.
Elementary families will receive designated pick up days/times next week
MIDDLE AND HIGH RESOURCE PICK UP
Laptop and textbook distribution for middle and high school will be at the following dates:
- August 3rd Monday - 6th Grade
- August 4th Tuesday - 7th Grade
- August 5th Wednesday - 8th Grade
- August 6th Thursday - 9th and 10th Grades
- August 7th Friday - 11th and 12th Grades
You may come to school on the above dates based on your last name. See details below:
- 9:00 am - 10:00 am - Student Last Name starting with A through E
- 10:15 am - 11:15 am - Student Last Name starting with F through K
- 11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Student Last Name starting with L through P
- 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm - Student Last Name starting with Q through U
- 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Student Last Name starting with V through Z
CARPOOL CARDS
At FSA, we utilize a scanning system for afternoon dismissal. For the first day of school on campus (August 17th), you will receive an emailed copy of your child’s carpool card. We kindly request that our families print out this paper copy and have it accessible for the afternoon carpool on Monday, August 17th. Having this card ready will help our dismissal process run smoothly. More specific details about arrival/dismissal procedures will be provided prior to the start of the school year. Our virtual students will receive these during resource pick up day, in the event that they choose to report to in-person learning in the future.
PreK and Kindergarten arrival and dismissal procedures differ from our regular dismissal procedure. You will receive information from your child’s homeroom teacher about the PK / K dismissal process during orientation.
This Wednesday, we will send you our usual "First Day of School Instructions" email for you to find all the needed information in one email.
Please enjoy reading the rest of our summer newsletter as you prepare for the next school year at FSA.
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy.
Sincerely,
Kenan Sener
Principal
A message from FSA Elementary School Assistant Principal, Mrs. Sanchez
Dear FSA Families,
While we prepare for the upcoming school year, we would like to help our students and families also feel prepared to join virtually. This year, we will continue to use the Zoom online platform for digital learning.
If you were with us during our spring cyber school model, you are likely already familiar with this platform. We will be utilizing the new Zoom Room technology in our classrooms when hybrid learning begins, however this new technology will not require much adjusting from the student side to join these classes.
In order to help troubleshoot any issues ahead of time, we will be hosting online sessions as a trial for any FSA family that feels they need to test their device(s) at home. These sessions will provide you with an opportunity to test your devices and determine any issues before they are needed for orientation day on Friday, August 7th and classes beginning Monday, August 10th.
Mrs. Sanchez will be hosting a session for our elementary families on Thursday, August 6th at 5:00pm. Please feel free to join using the link provided in the email sent by Mrs. Sanchez in order to see if your devices work properly. We will not be providing technical assistance during the sessions, but these sessions are intended for you to have an opportunity to test your systems and take action if needed. If you feel comfortable that your devices already work with the Zoom platform, please note these sessions are optional and do not feel like you must attend.
Elementary Testing Session: Thursday, August 6th at 5:00-5:45pm
Link to access sent via email
If you have multiple students in your household, we suggest trying on all devices that may be used for cyber school (laptops, desktop computers, tablets, etc.)
Below you may also find some links that might be helpful if you are interested to learn more about the Zoom online platform:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials
FSA MISSION & VISION
Mission
To deliver an educational framework designed to achieve the highest academic results and instill enduring strength of character by leveraging innovation and STEAM curriculums for college preparedness and lifelong student success.
Vision
Fulton Science Academy Private School endeavors to be a nationally ranked and recognized school for pre-K through 12th grade, serving advanced and gifted student populations committed to academic success, civic responsibility, global citizenship, and high ethical values within a safe environment that celebrates diversity and is nurtured by the collaborative efforts of its stakeholders and the broader community.
You may Submit a Vote Everyday for FSA in Appen Media's Best of the Best Competition
Appen Media Group announced a community-wide Call for Nominations as part of their annual "Best of the Best" competition in North Atlanta in 2020. Please show your support of Fulton Science Academy Private School by voting here:
https://www.northfulton.com/bestofnorthatlanta/2020/#//
Please vote for our school under the category of "Services" / "Best Private K-12 School".
Please encourage people around you to vote for our school as well!
Please submit a vote every day till August 15.
Thank you for your support!
2020 - 2021 ACADEMIC YEAR CALENDAR
School Hours & Bell Schedule
APPLY NOW FOR 2020 STATE TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Dear FSA Families,
We would like to encourage all of our families to apply for the State Tax Credit Scholarship program as it greatly benefits our students.
This program provides an opportunity for taxpayers to redirect Georgia tax dollars and, in turn, provide financial aid assistance to FSA students. We would greatly appreciate it if you would please apply and choose Fulton Science Academy Private School as your designated school.
Please also inform your friends, co-workers, and relatives who live in Georgia; they can also participate and help support our school.
The 2020 Tax credit online application is now open!
Click here to complete your online application now!
What's next?
- Upon receipt of your online application, Apogee will pre-verify the provided information for accuracy
- Apogee will submit all received applications into the online GTC system for pre-approval
- The Department of Revenue will mail pre-approval certificate letters confirming the amount of your approved request
- From the date you receive the approval letter, you will have a maximum of 60 days to fund the tax credit. Payment must be made within this 60 day time period or the tax credit will be void.
How can this tax credit benefit both Fulton Science Academy Private School and myself?
Under this law, you can redirect a portion of your Georgia income tax to provide financial aid assistance to FSA students based upon need. You will receive a tax credit on your state income taxes and a charitable deduction on your federal incomes taxes for the amount of your contribution.
How do I participate in the program?
It’s easy. All you have to do is complete our easy paperless process, and Apogee will submit the paperwork on your behalf. Apogee will process your approval notice within 30 days. Once the approval notice is received, please send your payment by check or pay online within 60 days of your approval date.
Is there a limit regarding how much I can give each year?
Yes, the amount you can give is limited by your tax filing status:
- Married Filing Jointly: Maximum of $2,500
- Individual Filer: Maximum of $1,000
- Married Filing Separately: Maximum of $1,250
- Individuals who receive pass-through income can contribute up to $10k
- C-Corporation: Up to 75% of GA tax liability
Can I direct my contribution to help a specific student?
Although we understand why it would be ideal to designate specific recipients, this is not possible. Apogee does not accept donations that are allocated for specific individuals. Donors would lose their ability to receive a charitable contribution, as well as the Georgia tax credit.
Apogee is a 501c3 non-profit organization and, as such, is bound first and foremost by the rules and regulations governing this special status. As a 501c3, Apogee is not permitted to accept any donations directed to a specific individual. To do so would put Apogee’s non-profit status in jeopardy and, in turn, its SSO status in jeopardy.
Who or what is Apogee?
Apogee Scholarship Fund is a state registered SSO (Student Scholarship Organization) as well as a 501c3 non-profit organization whose primary functions are to facilitate the process of distributing tax credits in exchange for donations and to disburse those funds for private school tuition scholarships.
"Apogee" (ap-uh-jee) is defined as the highest point (typically of an arc). To this end, Apogee strives to help children reach their highest educational potential.
How do I know what my GA tax liability is?
Your GA tax liability is typically 6% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). You can also look at Line 18 of your GA tax return (Form 500) to learn your GA tax liability.
Why should I give now?
The State has placed a yearly cap on the amount of credit available. That amount is $100 million. That means that every school, every taxpayer, and every corporation in GA is drawing from the exact same pool of credits.
Once the funds are distributed, interested agencies must wait until the following year to participate in the program. Once funds are deposited, they are immediately available to assist families who want the best educational choice for their children.
Please note: The yearly cap is generally met on the very first day of January. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged that you please submit your application as soon as possible to be considered for approval.
Can I reduce my quarterly estimated tax payments by the amount I donate?
This is a great opportunity to write the check to support education instead of paying that portion of estimated taxes. Please ask your accountant to reduce your quarterly estimated tax payment by the amount of your contribution. This will reduce each of your quarterly payments by 25% of the amount you intend to contribute.
What happens if my donation exceeds my tax liability?
The tax credit is a “non-refundable” credit. This means you cannot receive a refund for any more than your GA tax liability. Any excess credit beyond your tax liability can be carried forward for up to five years.
Do I have to include my check with my donation package when mailing to Apogee?
No. Apogee cannot accept payments prior to January 1. Since the vast majority of applications received are early applications, payment should be made after approval has been secured. Payment must be made within 60 days of approval.
What is Apogee's Tax ID Number?
FEIN: 26-2693572
Is this donation a charitable deduction on my Federal return in addition to the credit?
Yes. Because of the 501c3 status, you are eligible to receive a Federal Charitable Deduction for the amount of your contribution. The law does require that you increase your State income by the amount of your Charitable Deduction on your Federal return (donation amount).
Can Apogee help me understand how this credit will affect my specific tax situation?
Yes. Apogee is well versed in the specifics of how this credit affects most tax scenarios and is happy to offer guidance regarding how this credit is related to your specific tax situation.
As always, we also suggest that you please consult your personal tax advisor, as they will have the best understanding of your specific tax situation.
How do I get started?
Simply log onto http://www.apogee123.org.
FSA Athletics is ready for the new school year!
Our volleyball girls returned to the court on Wednesday night while following all safety precautions put in place! It was great seeing them!
Curriculum Nights are Coming Up! More Details TBA
6:00pm to 7:30
More Information TBA in the Coming Weeks
- Pre-K - 2nd: Tuesday, August 25th
- 3rd - 5th: Wednesday, August 26th
- MS & HS: Thursday, August 27th
Immunization Requirements
Please note that rising K and 7th grade students need additional immunizations to attend Kindergarten and 7th Grade. For more detailed information you can visit the Georgia Department of Public Health's School Vaccines & Updates list by clicking here.
Class Placements | 2020 - 2021
Once you receive them, please go over them carefully and let your respective school level administrator know if you have any questions or concerns. Please note: These class placements will not include teacher names at this time. Homeroom classes and teacher assignments will be announced during orientation days.
Elementary class placements were emailed to families on Thursday, July 2nd. These included course levels for the upcoming school year. If you did not receive your child’s placement information, or if you have any questions about the information you received, please reach out to Mrs. Sanchez (csanchez@fultonscienceacademy.org) for assistance.
Middle School: Mr. Turan - nturan@fultonscienceacademy.org
High School: Mr. Parlak - yparlak@fultonscienceacademy.org
Uniforms | 2020 - 2021
BELOW ARE THE REQUIRED UNIFORM PIECES THAT PRE-K THROUGH 8TH GRADE STUDENTS MUST HAVE:
1) Red Polo shirt with school logo
2) *Shoes that follow the uniform guidelines (see below).
3) Black or brown belt (to be worn with all shorts and pants that have belt loops)
4) P.E. athletic shirt & shorts/pants mandatory for grades 6-12, optional for grades 4-5
*Shoes that meet the uniform guidelines have been added to the FSAPS Land’s End uniform options. These particular shoes are not required, but shoes worn to school DO need to meet the uniform guidelines.
High school uniforms are slightly different from the younger grades
1) oxford button down shirts are required
2) there is an option for red sweaters and jackets for high school students only.
3) P.E. athletic shirt and shorts/pants are mandatory
ALL SHIRTS MUST HAVE THE SCHOOL LOGO
Music Instrument Selection for 2020 - 2021
Participation in Band or Orchestra is mandatory at FSA for 6th-8th grade students as a part of our STEAM curriculum.
IMPORTANT UPDATES:
- Only be 6th-8th graders in the band and orchestra program now. 5th graders will remain in elementary general music to restrict travel from their homeroom classrooms if they end up meeting in-person.
- Ken Stanton representatives will be available for instrument rentals and sizing during textbook pick-up on August 4th and August 5th.
Students can choose from a variety of instruments including...
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Alto Saxophone
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Percussion
(Percussionists will learn all the instruments you can hit, shake, or scrape!)
Instrument specialists will be there to help with rentals, sizing, and more! Students should wait until Instrument Selection Day to select an instrument.
If they want to choose something during the summer, they should reach out to Ms. Otim first.
Independent study in music theory/history is available for students who do not wish to play an instrument.
We are so excited to have you as a part of our music program!
Need more info? Contact Kayla Otim at kotim@fultonscienceacademy.org
School Supplies | 2020 - 2021
Please follow the link to see all school supply lists by grade on our website
Easy Supply List
FSA PARTNER | EASY SUPPLY LIST
Need a top up on your child’s school supplies but don’t have the time to run to the store? Here’s an option from one of FSA’s newest partners and it’s as easy as 123… just …
SEARCH: Go to www.easysupplylist.com and search for the school supply bundle you need.
BUY: Click on the item to checkout.
RECEIVE: Receive your package at school. NO Delays. NO needed follow-ups.
That’s how easy it is to get your school supplies. While it is a great service to use at the start of the school year, it is not limited to that time frame. Not only are you getting a tailor made service but you are also doing a good deed and giving back to FSA and another worthy cause with your purchase. As a percentage of sales will be donated back to FSA annually and The Joshua Bembo Project. A cause that supports research to fund inoperable brain tumors, www.joshuabembo.com / www.gcregistry.com
Mustang News is accepting various applications for 2020-2021 | deadline extended to august 21
Due to school going online for the time being, MNT will exten try the deadline for new member applications until August 21. This will allow rising 9th, 10th and 11th graders to apply for positions of show editors and reporters. Rising 10th graders if you are interested in being an anchor complete the form for anchors. Also please submit your audition video for all positions you are interested in. This is important since we are not able to do in person studio auditions. Questions ? Please email fsanews@fultonscienceacademy.org.
Calling all rising 9th and 10th graders.., interested in joining the award winning Mustang News Team? Then complete the application via the link https://forms.gle/Jzgicn54HJTtdpR46 by August 21. Please read carefully as you also have to submit a short video with your application.
The process takes place in various steps.
- Submit your completed application with a short video
- Your teacher recommendations will need to be verified
- Current team members will review applications
- If you made the cut you will be invited to do an interview with current team members.
- Following the interview you will be notified if you made the team.
Not sure what MNT is about ?
It’s a production run by high school students working before and after school. They generally work a day in advance to get the show ready. Being a team member means you will be held accountable, must be able to honor deadlines, great at talking/communicating with others as well as “step up” when needed.
At the moment MNT is looking for reporters and video editors. You will also get the chance to learn other roles in the production as you go along.
Rising 10th graders and current MNT members - it’s audition time for News Anchors.
If you are interested please complete the following application and send in an audition video of no more than 30 secs of you presenting a news story. https://forms.gle/xU5B7auSKAWB72E16 Normally, auditions would be held in studio, but the team would like to get ahead of schedule and have plenty of planning time.
Feel free to use content from the school newsletter for your story. You will be evaluated overall on camera presence, articulation, and clarity of your delivery. Current MNT members interested in anchoring should also send in an audition video and completed application. Please note that anchors tend to take on other roles as well on the team when needed, such as camera, editing, reporting and producing. Audition application due by August 21.
Rising 8th to 11th graders : MNT is looking for “Vloggers”
Interested in being an FSA Vlogger? Wondering what that is ? Well it is simply producing a one to one and a half minute video that will air on the school’s youtube channel. Topics will vary and you will be encouraged to come up with your own ideas. Don’t worry support for the video will be provided as you need it. Interested? Complete the application and attach a 45 sec video on a topic of your choice. https://forms.gle/KJFmpKiRsXppK6xL8 Submit by August 21.
SMART TUITION
FSAPS Tuition Information: http://fultonscienceacademy.org/tuition-information/
Smart Tuition is the tuition management system used by FSA. In addition to tuition, all incidental billing such as aftercare fees, sports and academic team fees, trips, etc., is also done through Smart Tuition. There is a $50 yearly fee for Smart Tuition.
If you have not set up your account or are having trouble setting up your account, please contact our Business Administrator Abdurrahim Kurt by phone or email.
Phone: (678) 366 - 2555 ext. 105
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR REMIND, OUR SCHOOL NOTIFICATION APPlication
JOIN FSA REMIND HERE: https://www.remind.com/join/fsaps
By joining "FSAPS remind," you will receive messages via push notifications, SMS, or e-mail. We recommend SMS option for our families and students.
We will use this tool as an addition to other communication portals we use at our school to keep our families apprised of what's happening at Fulton Science Academy. Thank you.
FSA SOCIAL MEDIA
Please connect with us online and grow our social media following!
FSA is proud to be building a strong social media presence and we encourage you to follow us using one or more of the following links:
1- FSA YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/user/FultonScienceAcademy
If you subscribe to our YouTube channel, you will receive notifications whenever we upload a new video.
2- FSA FACEBOOK PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/FultonScienceAcademyPrivateSchool/
Many of you already follow our Facebook page. If you are not yet connected, please “Like" our Facebook page.
3- FSA INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/fultonscienceacademy/
We post lots of pictures on our Instagram account. You will enjoy seeing new pictures every day.
4- FSA LINKEDIN
https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulton-science-academy-private-school
So many of you have LinkedIn accounts. To get news about our school on LinkedIn, simply follow our schools’s LinkedIn page.
5 –FSA TWITTER
https://twitter.com/fsaprivate
Twitter is a great way to get updated about school. Simply follow our school on Twitter to get recent tweets from our school.
Fulton Science Academy Private School
Serving Advanced and Gifted Students
Pre-K through High School
Email: ksener@fultonscienceacademy.org
Website: www.fultonscienceacademy.org
Location: 3035 Fanfare Way, GA, United States
Phone: (678) 366-2555
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FultonScienceAcademyPrivateSchool
Twitter: @fsaprivate