December & January
2023-2024
Upcoming Events
December 1st--Last Day of Book Fair
December 4th--6th Reading MAP assessments
December 5th-- Choir Concert at JMS @ 6:30
December 7th-8th-- Math MAP assessments
December 8th-- Late Night in the Nest 6:30-8:30
December 13th-- Late Work Due
December 14th-- Art Show @ 4-6 & Band Concert @ 6:30
December 16th--End of 2nd Quarter
December 18th-January 3rd-- Winter Break
January 9th-- 2nd Quarter Grades posted
January 11th-- PTO @ 5:45
January 15th-- Martin Luther King Jr. Day/No School
January 16th-- Session 3 of FAME begins
Note from the Principal
We are excited to end the first semester and start with a fresh second semester. Our semester and quarter 2 ends on December 15, 2023. All missing work from midterm to end of quarter is due by 3pm on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Parents and students will be able to view report cards in Synergy after January 9th. An email reminder will be sent out.
Each grade level has planned a special end of semester activity for December 15th. Please check with your student on the event and the eligibility criteria. We plan to end the semester on a positive note. As a reminder students will enjoy winter break beginning December 18 through January 3rd. We look forward to seeing all Falcons return for the second semester on January 4th.
On behalf of the French MS Faculty, I want to wish each Falcon Family Happy Holidays. May the season bring you peace, rest, and joy. It is truly an honor to serve the FMS community. I am blessed to be your principal! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!—Mrs. Hoffman
PTO Donut Fundraiser
Please check out the flyer below and support our PTO with this short fundraiser. Students will receive a flyer and order form on December 6! We appreciate your support!
Inclement Weather
As the weather begins to cool, we want to remind families and staff of school closing notification procedures.
As we make decisions about closing school, a number of factors come into play, including the safety of travel but also the safety of students who will be home during the day.
Should school be canceled, we will:
- Send a text, email, and/or phone call via SchoolMessenger
- Update the district social media pages
- Update the district website
- Contact our local media partners
To sign up for text message updates, text Y to 67587. To learn more about school delays and closures, please review our How We Communicate With Families document.
District Mobile App
The TPS mobile app, TPS Engage, gives students, families, staff, and the community a more convenient way to stay informed about what’s happening in our schools. This free app gives you access to news, social media feeds (no social media accounts needed), district and school calendars, notifications, staff contact information, and more.
Download from the App Store or Google Play by searching for Topeka Public Schools.
District Calendar & Upcoming Events
As our families and staff plan for the upcoming year, view the 2023-2024 academic calendar, which is available on the Communications Department drop-down menu.
The district Google Calendar is also available on our home page.
Here Comes the Bus App
Families can stay updated on transportation by downloading the Here Comes the Bus app!
- View the real-time location of your child’s bus.
- Access the app from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
- Receive push notifications or email alerts.
- Send your child to the bus stop at just the right time, every time.
How to get started:
- Download the Here Comes the Bus app* or visit herecomesthebus.com
- Sign Up by going to the Here Comes the Bus website. https://login.herecomesthebus.com/SignUpConfirm.aspx
- Enter school code 29036 and click “Next” followed by “Confirm”
- Complete the “User Profile” box
- Under “My Students,” click “Add.” Enter your child’s last name and student ID number
- Once you confirm your information, you’re ready to begin using Here Comes the Bus
FAME
Session 3 will begin Jan.16-Feb. 15. The program runs each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday that school is in session. Students will have tutoring and time to complete work before joining an enrichment club hosted by French staff. Clubs include: swimming at the YMCA, Diamond Painting, Art in History, Technology Fun, Creative Writing and others. Students need to be picked up 4:30pm. You can click on the link below to sign up. Spots are limited and fill up quickly!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44AEA928A4FAC43-38335165-fame#/
Art Show:
The Winter art show will be held December 14, 2023 from 4pm-6pm. We invite all families and community members to visit the show and the amazing art pieces our students have created.
Concerts:
Choir will hold their winter concert on Dec. 5, 2023 at 6:30pm at Jardine Middle School. Band will hold their winter concert on Dec. 14, 2023 at 6:30pm at French Middle School.
We would like to say a HUGE thank you to our Topeka Hyvee for their donation of 200 lunch boxes! Each lunch box contains a booklet of coupons for items such as Pringles, Eggo Waffles, apple sauce, and more! These coupons must be used by the end of 2023. Please see Jordan Gallagher, Jean Ryan, or Kelly Barnett to get yours today!
School counselors and school social workers can also assist with getting families food, clothing, hygiene supplies, blankets and more.
Late Night in the Nest
We will be having another Late Night in the Nest on December 8th from 6:30-8:30 pm. All 7th and 8th graders are invited, as long as they have passing grades and eligibility points. We will have a DJ, dancing, snacks/drinks, open gym, open computer lab, and board games. The cost is $3, or $2 if you have an honors card. We hope to see all eligible 7th and 8th graders there!
Second Step Program
During December and January in Advisor Base, your child will be discussing bullying and harassment as part of Second Step® Middle School Social Emotional Learning Program. Research indicates that bullying in middle school is associated with sexual harassment and gender-based harassment in high school and beyond. We are taking proactive steps to reduce occurrences of bullying and harassment at our school. Second Step is designed to support your child in developing the knowledge and skills to help stop bullying and harassment. Students will learn the similarities and differences between bullying and harassment, how to recognize sexual harassment and gender-based harassment, their rights and responsibilities at school when it comes to bullying and harassment, and how to seek help if they or someone they know is being bullied or harassed.
Here are some key definitions your child will be learning:
• Bullying: intentional physical, verbal, or social aggression. It’s often repeated over time and occurs when there’s a real or perceived power imbalance.
• Gender-based harassment: aggression against someone based on their sex. This also includes aggression against someone because they do not conform to male or female stereotypes.
• Harassment: aggression against someone based on a real or perceived characteristic they have, such as their race, religion, sex, or gender. It’s serious enough to create an unsafe environment and is a form of discrimination.
• Sexual harassment: when someone bothers someone else with words, actions, or pictures of a sexual nature.
We encourage students to report any instances of bullying or harassment they witness or experience to you and to trusted adults at our school. We have an on-line report form on our school website that students and parents can use to report. Please contact our school counselors if you need additional support in reporting or dealing with bullying or harassment. Additionally, if you have any questions about the Second Step program, please don’t hesitate to contact our counselors for more information. Thank you for your support as we work together to build a bullying- and harassment-free community.
School Musical
Finding Nemo JR! Is the musical at French this year. The charming 60-minute musical, designed for middle school-aged performers, is based on the beloved 2003 Pixar film Finding Nemo. All grade levels are able to audition and participate in the school musical. Auditions for all grades will be Dec. 12th from 2:45 - 5pm. Callbacks may be held Dec. 14th and the cast list will be posted Dec 15th at 8:00am. The show will be performed the first week of March.
Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all materials are provided by Music Theatre International.
Career Day
“Exploring Possibilities”, FMS’s annual career day was a huge success again this year. It was held on Nov 17 all day. Students rotated through 5 different career speakers, watched 8th graders in Career & Life Planning career presentations and also participated in 3 life hack sessions. French MS would like to thank the following speakers for giving of their time and presenting to our students.
Alejandro Mateos, Co-Owner with Nalys Outdoor Co. and Lariza Chavira
Ande Davis, Law Professor (and attorney) with Washburn University School of Law
Andrew Spencer , Bridge Load Rating and Permit Engineer, Caitlyn Spencer with KDOT
Ashleigh Smith, Workforce & Leadership Dev Facilitator with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
Bernard Franklin, with Chick-fil-a
Candace Young, Therapist
Carla Nolan, General Dir, Human Resources - Retired from Topeka Public Schools
Cassie Johnson, Relationship Manager with Advisors Excel
Colby Brown, Athletic Trainer with University of Kansas Health System- St. Francis
Deanna Lassiter, Admissions Counselor with Job Corps
Deb Bruner, Theatre Shop Manager with Washburn University
Dennis Bosley, Truck driver with Southern Cal Transport
Dustin Jessepe, Field Operations Supervisor with City of Topeka
Dusty Nichols, Actor
Emily Tabares and Mirella Marcelo with Little Learners; Washburn Tech
Gabriella Guerrero, Relationship Manager with Advisors Excel
Gage Palmer, Pilot
Hunter Mangel, Education Program and Ambassador Animal Manager with Topeka Zoo
Jason Hoffman, Lawyer with Hoffman & Hoffman
Jon Bays-Broils, Painter with Topeka Public Schools
Justin Salum, Business Development Manager with Schendel Lawn and Landscape
Lisa Bruner, Equine program director with Hope and healing academy
Marisol Marcelo, Dir of Marketing & Public Relationships, Funeral Director with Brennan Mathena
Mike Renfro, Farmer/Rancher
Renee Stevens, Owner with Taj Mah Dog
Sara Myer, Tattoo Artist/Muralist with Matryoshka Tattoo
Tracy Gallaway, Senior Professional Trainer with Gainwell Technologies
Travis True, Curriculum Technology Specialist with Topeka Public Schools
Naviance, College, Career & Life Readiness program
Students have been hard at work with Naviance. 6th graders have been doing self discovery lessons, “My Foundation”, “Self-Confidence” & “Using My Strengths". 7th graders have been working on success skills lessons, “How I Learn”, “Habits for Success” and “Getting Involved”. 8th graders have been doing self discovery & career planning lessons, “Connecting Interests & Careers”, “What’s Your Road”, “My Career Path”. We will continue to use Naviance the rest of the year and especially with high school enrollment with our 8th graders.
High School Enrollment for 8th Graders
High School Enrollment for 8th Graders begins in January. Mrs. Barnett and Ms. Ryan will be talking to all 8th graders to start the high school enrollment process. High school counselors will come to French to visit with students the last week in Jan. Students will learn what high school will be like, what classes are offered, what credits are, and how many credits they need to graduate. Students will select classes they want to take in high school and complete a 4 year individual plan of study through Naviance. In February, we will review 4 year plans and 9th grade enrollment choices and answer questions they have about high school. Students will pre-enroll with the high school they are scheduled to attend based on their address. Parents will be able to see what classes their students chose at conferences and approve schedules with Mrs. Barnett and Ms. Ryan at that time. During the enrollment process students will explore the program of studies, which is full of important information about high school. You can review the program of studies on the Topeka Public Schools website. It is important for students to keep track of classes they take in high school, so they will be on schedule to graduate. We encourage students to update 4 year plans, and to keep the high school program of studies bookmarked for easy access, so that they can keep track of classes they take and need to take. Tentative High School Parent Information Nights:
Topeka West January 30, 2023 6-7pm
Topeka High January 31, 2023 6-7pm
Highland Park February 1, 2023 6-7pm
HS enrollment parent night with MS counselors at French MS will be February 13 5:30-6:30PM for 8th graders with last name A-K. Eighth graders with last name L-Z will have their HS enrollment parent night with MS counselors on Feb.15th from 6:00-7:00PM.
If you have any questions regarding the high school enrollment process, please contact Mrs. Barnett (students last name A-K)at 438-5821 or Ms. Ryan (students last name L-Z) 438-5879.
Winter Sports Update
“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” John Wooden UCLA
The varsity girls basketball team is currently sitting in 2nd place and has the potential to play in the city championship, which is Dec. 13th at Highland Park High School. All levels of play are finding great success on the court this season with the JV currently undefeated and the B team winning multiple games as well.
Boys Basketball will start the week of Jan. 4th(sign up will be before break) with tryouts after school from 3:00- 5:00. Teams will be finalized during this week so it is important to have your physicals ready by then. Teams will be broken up by skill level and classified by Varsity, JV, and B team. The Varsity and JV will practice after school from 3:00- 5:00, while the B team will practice after from 5:00- 6:00. The games will be held on Mondays and Thursdays, starting on January 22nd. All games start at 3:15 and cost $2.00 to enter, most are finished by 5:30, but may be earlier or later depending on the speed of the games.
Failure Policy
Just a reminder that a district wide grade policy is in effect. Any student with an F on their grade checks will be ineligible for the next game until the F is brought up. An F list will be created every Friday, with student athletes informed that day if they are on the report. It is then their responsibility to bring that grade up and communicate with the coach when that has happened with a note from the teacher.
We would like to remind spectators that French Middle School is a member school of the Kansas State High School Athletic Association (KSHSAA) and is governed by their rules. One of those rules which, we completely support is Rule 52 which states:
ALL ACTIONS are to be FOR, NOT AGAINST; POSITIVE, NOT NEGATIVE or DISRESPECTFUL
Section 1: General Regulations (apply to grades 7-12)
Art. 1: SPORTSMANSHIP is a general way of thinking and behaving. The following sportsmanship policy items are listed below for clarification:
a. Be courteous to all. (participants, coaches, officials, staff and fans)
b. Know the rules, abide by and respect the official’s decisions.
c. Win with character and lose with dignity.
d. Display appreciation for good performance regardless of the team.
e. Exercise self-control and reflect positively upon yourself, team and school.
f. Permit only positive sportsmanlike behavior to reflect on your school or its activities.
We hope that you can attend the games this year to cheer on the Falcons!
From the Nurse
Illnesses & When to Stay Home:
Students learn best when they are healthy and alert in school. Keeping your student home when they are sick promotes a quicker recovery and helps prevent illness for classmates. Below is the district exclusion policy for keeping/sending students home when they are ill, and conditions for when they should return.
Covid 19:
Reporting a Covid Illness or Exposure:
Please continue to report all Covid Illnesses and Exposure to the school nurse as soon as possible. This includes Positive Tests, Close Contact and Household Exposure. In order to assure you have the most up to date Quarantine, Mask Requirements and Testing Options, information will be shared at the time of notification.
French Middle School
Kendra Besenyi, LPN
Ph: (785) 438-4156
Fax: (785) 271-3609
Email: kbesenyi@tps501.org
Bullying Policy
French Middle School will not tolerate bullying of any kind. Bullying is defined as any ongoing verbal or physical mistreatment where there is an imbalance of power, and the target/victim is exposed repeatedly to negative actions by one or more students. Bullying can be direct (physical or verbal), or indirect (exclusion, cyber-bullying, emotional). In order for everyone to feel safe and secure at school, every Topeka Public School has adopted the following rules against bullying. “I will not bully others. I will try to help students who are bullied. I will do my best to include students who are easily left out. When I know somebody is being bullied, I will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.” Students, staff, and parents should report any bullying that they are aware of to administration through the on-line bully report link on the French website. Students who bully others will receive consequences. Our counselors will be visiting 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes in August and September to remind students what bullying is, what we can do to prevent bullying, and what students should do if they or someone else is being bullied.
Notice of Non- Discrimination
The Topeka Public Schools, Unified School District No. 501 is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity. No person shall, on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin or ancestry be denied lawful access to any appropriate educational service, program or activity provided by the school district. The Title VI and Title IX compliance coordinator is the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching/Learning/Administration. The Section 504/Title II compliance coordinator is the Coordinator of College and Career Ready Services. For employment, the EEO/AA officer is the General Director of Human Resources. All compliance coordinators may be contacted at 624 SW 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294, (785) 295-3000. The clerk of the Board of Education has been designated to receive and redirect or handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, regulations and procedures. The clerk may be contacted by calling (785) 295-3045 or by writing to 624 SW 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294.