FMS SMORE PARENT NEWSLETTER
MARCH 28 - APRIL 14
FCS/FMS TITLE I PARENT SURVEY
The FCS/FMS Title I Parent Survey asks parents several questions about Title I (click here to see the Title I presentation we share in the beginning of the year) and other things. Please take a couple of minutes to fill the survey out. Thank you!
CALENDAR DATES
April 13
- FMS Baseball/Softball Home vs. CCMS at Franklinton Park 4:30
- Track @ Bunn HS (FMS, BMS, CCMS, Vance MS) 4:30
April 15-24
- Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
April 25
- FMS Track Home vs. Vance MS
FIRST WEEK OF MAY WILL BE I-READY TESTING AND TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
May 2
- FMS Track Home vs. Cedar Creek Middle School
May 4
- FMS PARENT GROUP ROOM 204 6PM
- Track away @ Bunn HS (FMS, CCMS, Bunn MS, Vance MS) 4:30
May 9
- FMS Track away at South Granville HS (against Butner Stem MS)
May 11
- EARLY RELEASE
- Track away @ Bunn HS (FMS, BMS, Hawley MS, N.Granville MS) 4:30
May 17
- GO VOTE TODAY - LOCAL ELECTIONS
May 18
- Track away @ Louisburg HS *Conference Championship Field Events Only
May 19
- Track away @ Louisburg HS *Conference Championship Running Events Only
May 24-27
- EOG TESTING DURING THESE DAYS - MAKE SURE YOUR STUDENT IS PREPARED!
May 30
- NO SCHOOL
June 7
- LAST DAY OF REGULAR SCHOOL - EARLY RELEASE
June 8-10
- REMEDIATION AND RETESTING DAYS
FMS PARENT GROUP MEETINGS
**FMS PARENT GROUP MEETINGS WILL NOW BE IN ROOM 204 - RIGHT THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR AND UP THE MAIN STAIRS TO THE LEFT! WE'LL HAVE COFFEE, TEA, AND SNACKS
Stemville is now Stemventure!
From FHS: Our last Stemventure of the year will be held on April 14, 2022 from 6 - 8pm here at Franklinton HS and we are inviting all of the Elementary and Middle School students in the county for this grand pre-spring break celebration!
FMS AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING
TUTORING IS MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, AND THURSDAY IN THE SCHOOL CAFETERIA
EVERY MONTH WE CELEBRATE A CHARACTER TRAIT - IN APRIL WE CELEBRATE INCLUSIVITY
LATEST POSITIVE VIBES SHOUT-OUTS:
- Anonymous regarding Ms. Moody (our new bus driver!): Ms. Moody is always a very good bus driver and she is realy nice.
- Anonymous regarding Anthony Buitrago: AJ Brings such good vibes! Hes always cheering other people up and smiling!
- CLICK BELOW TO ADD SOME SUNSHINE TO FMS :)
GET SOME CASH FOR THAT "A"!
SCHOOL COUNSELOR - MS. GILBERT
Ms. Gilbert’s Google Site: click here
Helpful Resources
NC211.org (or call 211)
Food Finder (FoodBank of Central NC)
Hope4NC (or call 1-855-587-3463)
TransitionsLifeCare.org (or call the Grief Line 919-719-7199)
National Domestic Violence Hotline (or call 800-799-7233)
SuicidePreventionLifeline.org (or call 800-273-8255)
National Alliance of Mental Illness/NC (or call 800-451-9682)
Vayahealth.com (for mental health needs) 1-800-849-6127
HumanTraffickingHotline.org (or call 888-373-7888)
How to Contact Ms. Gilbert:
Complete and submit this form: Counselor Request Form
Or send email to: marygilbert@fcschools.net
Or call FMS at 919-494-2971 ext. 298
Important Dates For 8th Grade Parents and Students!
9th Grade Registration @ FHS
8th grade students need to turn in their high school registration form (salmon colored) to their homeroom teacher. FHS staff will be returning to FMS to register students for their 9th grade classes on We. April
Early College High School!
Parents of 8th grade students: The link to apply for Early College is active. Parents complete the online parent application. Students complete the online student application. Students create and submit a video following the directions on the checklist. All of the other requirements are completed and submitted by me. Please don’t wait until the last minute! Apply here! The deadline is Thursday, March 31st.
Act Now for Assistance with Summer Camps!
Act Now for Assistance with Summer Camps!
Happy Camper of Franklin County is preparing for the 2022 camping season. Their hope this year is to send as many Franklin County children to camp as possible. In order to plan for this camping season, they are asking that referrals for Franklin County children be turned in no later than March 31st. The request form for financial aid from the Happy Camper Program of Franklin County and additional information is still required.
The current application form and teacher’s reference form are available in the main office at FMS. Parents complete the application, obtain the teacher’s reference or a reference from a community leader, attach the child’s discipline report from the school, and return all of it to Happy Camper P.O. Box 669 Louisburg, NC 27549. Documents can also be provided by email to kwilson@franklincountync.us or by fax to 919-496-8175.
All information must be submitted by March 31st and will be kept confidential for the sole purpose of determining the need of financial assistance to attend camp.
If you want your child to attend a summer camp and need assistance please act soon! Use the link below for info on local summer camp programs and their contact information to register now. If financial assistance is a need, please hurry and apply for assistance from Happy Camper.
The forms are in our main office to complete. Please contact Ms. Gilbert with questions.
Child Abuse Prevention starts with each one of us. Together we can make it easier for families to access support services and learn how to identify and build on family strengths. Visit the National Child Abuse Prevention Month website for more information. #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #ThrivingFamilies www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/
FCS IS HIRING SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS AND BUS DRIVERS - FMS IS HIRING A HALF-TIME EC TEACHER!
8TH GRADE TEAM UPDATES
MR. DOWNUM - SOCIAL STUDIES
We have started the second half of Westward Expansion which will also include immigration and industrialization. This is the final 9 weeks so please make sure that the students are keeping up with their work on PowerSchool so that they are not getting too far behind.
MS. HEAD - SCIENCE
This week we will begin our next unit about biotechnology and microbiology. We will also have at least two days of review concerning hydrology to help us prepare for the end of year test. Students who are present and able will be expected to complete their work by the due date and only those absent from class will be able to make up work. We will also be completing the third unit of the social and emotional curriculum about thoughts, emotions & decisions.
7TH GRADE TEAM UPDATES
MS. BAECHLE - ELA: Good afternoon, we will be taking Check-in’s this Monday, 3/28 (ELA) and Tuesday, 3/29 (Math). On Wednesday 3/30, we will begin our final Unit (3) with our final text of “A Long Walk to Water.” We will continue to focus on the “skittles” color-coding method when we analyze the text and associated materials, along with the usage of several graphic organizers and study guides. There will be a focus on theme(s) including: survival, traditions-family, beliefs-religion, war, education; etc. In addition, we will focus on symbol(s) such as: water, steps, a thorn, a tree, as well as the school building.
Please remind your students that completing I-Ready weekly for both ELA and Math for at least 45 minutes, and having one passing lesson is essential. In addition, make sure to check Powerschool on a regular basis throughout the remainder of the year to ensure you are up to date with your work and are pleased with your grade. Any missing work can be found under missing assignments on Google classroom. Again, we focus strongly on student accountability and responsibility.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns at kimberlybaechle@fcschools.net
MS. NEUJAHR - SCIENCE - This week we are starting off strong with the Quarter by jumping head first into Physics. This nine weeks project will be the final project of the year as students prepare a script to be a wax statue in the first ever FMS Wax Museum of famous scientists. As we begin this week with NC Check Ins, students will be learning what Newton's laws of Motion are as well as how to calculate Force, Acceleration, Mass, Speed, and Acceleration. This requires a lot of knowledge of Math which may be difficult for students. As students finish up there, please ensure your students are doing their notes for their tests and quizzes which will heavily impact their grade for the last quarter. If students are out, they should always be checking Google Classroom for more information on what they are missing in the class.
MS. JENKINS - MATH
Good Evening and Happy Springtime. We are excited about starting Quarter 4 with a fresh slate and continuing with our studies in Pre-Algebra. This week we will finish NC Check Ins. Please be sure the bring your Chromebooks to school each day, charged and ready to go. Also remember to bring your Math Notebooks and pencil or pen to class each day. We will continue to review our Classroom Rules regularly in order to maintain a productive learning curve.
This week we will interpret parts of an expression, factor expressions and review equivalent expressions. Take good notes and study the material in preparation for the Unit 4 Test, next week.
Remember to do your I-READY time, 45 minutes with 1 passing lesson each week.
Keep up the good work!
MR. LEMONS - SOCIAL STUDIES
Hello Ram Fam. Over the next couple weeks we will be finishing up World War II and talking about the Holocaust. We will also be implementing some testing practice for math and english. After we finish the next unit, we will be taking class time to review materials in both math and english as well as continuing our social studies curriculum.
6TH GRADE TEAM UPDATES
MS. MCINTOSH - ELA
We will finish our novel “Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis this week!
The novel is available in SORA. ( on chromebook under bookmarks)
Please continue to look on google classroom for your assignments for each chapter.
i-Ready weekly grade for ELA: Get at least 45 minutes and 70% passing rate in two reading lessons in order to get full credit.
We will also take a schoolnet test this next Friday, April 8th.
A. L.6.4-Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
B. L.6.5-Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
We have been practicing new testing strategies to overcome fear and anxiety! Ask your child to show you our new strategies for Mindfulness.
New grading procedure for Quarter 4: Students have more than enough class time to complete all assignments during class time. We will have a similar grading exception from Q3. Students will have to complete 2 (Teacher assigned) i-Ready lessons in order to turn in the late assignment. Please turn in all assignments on time. I will send a detailed email about grading expectations for Q4.
Thank you to all the parents who gave great feedback about grading.
Let’s start this LAST QUARTER with a BANG!
NEED HELP? Please contact me at chasitymcintosh@fcschools.net if you have any questions
MS. DOWNUM - SCIENCE
Good evening! Students have been working on the second half of the sixth unit called Earth Systems and Process which is all about the rock cycle. The second half of the unit focuses on the middle parts of the rock cycle teaching about rock types, minerals and soil.The tentative date for the test is April 12th but of course this is dependent on student needs during instruction.
We are currently working on Unit two in Social Emotional Learning. This unit focuses on bullying. We are nearing the end of the unit. The students are working hard and we have had great discussions.
MR. MITCHELL - MATH
6th Grade Math finished the previous week with a Unit 7 Test so keep your eyes peeled for updated grades concerning the test. With Check-ins today and tomorrow, we have been keeping busy with some math review from earlier lessons but we will begin Unit 8 this upcoming Wednesday. Unit 8 will take some time to cover so the test will not be for a few weeks.
iReady extra credit is still available! Please remember 45 minutes and one passed lesson will qualify your student for their weekly extra credit. I encourage all students to continue taking advantage of this opportunity.
Please reach out with any questions: brandonmitchell@fcschools.net
MS. BROOKS - SOCIAL STUDIES
In social studies, students are learning about one of the biggest plagues during the Middle Ages. During this lesson, students will discover how this plague spread throughout Europe, analyze how this plague impacted medieval Europe, and demonstrate an understanding of how individual people reacted to the economic and social changes taking place because of this plague. Later this week we will wrap up our unit on the Middle Ages by discussing the end of Feudalism. If you have any questions, please contact me at jericabrooks@fcschools.net.
ELECTIVES TEAM UPDATES
TR. GRANGER - ART
Greetings! Here are some projects artists completed last week:
Q3: Negative Space Drawing; in-class activity only
Students marked absent are exempt. Students marked present must have uploaded their artwork into Canvas for credit.
Your student should bring home an envelope this week with the same information. Email Tr. Granger at eagranger@fcschools.net if you have any questions or concerns.
MS. HATTEN - DRAMA
Can you believe it is the 4th nine weeks already? Wow! This is always a challenging time because we have testing to start off the nine weeks and then EOG’s at the end of the nine weeks. Students need to make sure they are doing their work IN CLASS so that they do not get behind. Let’s finish off this year STRONG!
ALL GRADES: Please encourage your student to put the daily questions and answers in their digital notebook. This counts for 8 grades this nine weeks, and we don’t want a bunch of 0’s pulling down grades!
8th grade: Prepare for shadow puppet presentations in class this week!
7th grade: I am so proud of those of you who have performed your REMOTE scene in front of the class already! I know it was scary for some of you, but you did a great job!
6th grade: Presentations of lyrical plays this week in class. Remember, nobody in your class has done this before, so there is nothing to worry about if you mess up. Nobody will know!
MR. SMITH - BAND/CHORUS
Our spring concert will take place on TUESDAY MAY 17th in the FMS Auditorium at 6:30. Colors for the concert are black dress bottoms and a red or white top.
Tutoring is available for all students on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30-5:30. Any student who needs additional help on anything is invited and encouraged to come.
**If you have any questions, please contact me: jimmiesmith@fcschools.net. **
Band 6: Last week, I decided what we were preparing for our spring concert was not working out for us and that I may have been just a bit ambitious with regard to what we could actually do. I instead chose three new pieces that we will perform. The students have access to these pieces in their Measures of Success method book as well as in Smartmusic. This week, we are really going to dive into getting this music performance ready. It will be imperative that your child practice regularly outside of class. Practicing can take on many forms aside from just playing the instrument. Students can listen to the recording of our concert music and follow/finger the notes/hum along with their part.
Band 7: Last week, we spent working on what will be the second piece on the program for our spring concert entitled "The Hope of Tomorrow". We also worked on cleaning our two other pieces for the concert. There is some very notable progress being made and over the next few weeks, I would like to build on that. Students are strongly encouraged to practice along with the recordings of these pieces and with a metronome. All recordings are available in Google Classroom as well as Smartmusic where they can listen to their specific part.
Band 8: Last week, we spent quite a bit of time cleaning two of our three pieces for the spring concert. We also began working on what will be the second piece on the program for our spring concert entitled "The Hope of Tomorrow". During our rehearsal, we identified some key issues that are holding us back from really excelling. Over the next few weeks, my plan is to work on a few of those, primarily timing and dynamics. Students are strongly encouraged to practice along with the recordings of these pieces and with a metronome. All recordings are available in Google Classroom as well as Smartmusic where they can listen to their specific part.
Vocal Music 6-7: I am VERY proud of our FCS All-County Chorus participants. They all represented FMS in the most positive light during every aspect of the event from the all-day combined rehearsal, to the concert. Today in class, we listened to the recording of the concert and talked about their experience. To my delight, they all had very positive things to say and seemed really excited about next year's event. Over the next few weeks, we will be focused on preparing the music for our spring concert. We have three selections picked out for our spring concert that we have been working on. Students have access to all of these songs including individual parts that they can practice along with.
Music Appreciation 8: Last week, we finished up our topic on the music and culture of the Middle East and took a test on that material today. Next, we will learn about the music and culture of India. We will be flying through the rest of the countries/regions to close out the year. There will be one or two classwork assignments followed by a quiz, then test.
AIG WITH MS. HAWTHORNE
Please read this letter for parents of students in the advanced classes. I look forward to finishing the year strong!
Valerie Hawthorne
AIG Facilitator CCMS & FMS
Click on the picture for the Battle of the Books list for 2022/2023!
***We really need a bigger team to be able to compete with the other schools. NCSLMA has lowered the number of books that need to be read from 26 to 16! If you have a reader send them Ms. Faulkner's way!
WE NEED A PARENT ON OUR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT TEAM
Meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 3:30-5:00pm
Need at least one parent on the team - more than that are welcome!
Works on implementing the school improvement plan
Deals with big picture FMS initiatives and changes (years long)
Interested? Email heidiboardman@fcschools.net
THE FMS STUDENT ATHLETE CONTRACT
DPI ELIGIBILITY (added so there is no confusion about eligibility vs FMS eligibility)
Eligibility to become a member of an athletic team hinges on the DPI rules for eligibility.
Regardless of the school organization pattern, a student who is promoted from the fifth grade to the sixth grade automatically meets the courses passed requirement for the first semester of the sixth grade.
Regarding academics, DPI states “the student must pass at least one less course than the number of required core courses each semester and meet promotion standards.” This means passing 3 out of 4 core classes with at least a 60%.
DPI also states, “if an athlete is academically eligible or academically ineligible at the beginning of any semester, that status is retained through the full semester.”
That means that fall sports and winter sports eligibility is based on the second semester final grades from the previous year.
That also means that when first semester report cards come out, athletes in winter sports can become ineligible to play during the season.
Spring sports eligibility is based on the first semester final grades.
Note from DPI: an athlete becomes eligible or ineligible on the first day of each new semester.
FMS ELIGIBILITY
FMS strives to maintain high academic standards for athletes, paired with support for athletes to make sure that they are successful in both sports and academics.
Grades will be pulled three weeks before the end of each quarter.
When grades are pulled, if a student is not passing at least 3 out of 4 core classes and at least 1 out of 2 Elective classes, that student will be put on academic probation. *Exception: when first semester final grades are in, students will automatically become ineligible for the remainder of the year if they are not passing 3 out of 4 core classes and eligible if they are passing 3 out of 4 core classes.
Any student on academic probation will have two weeks to get their grades to FMS eligibility standards. If they prove that their grades are going to meet standards for that quarter, they are fine until the next grade pull.
Students are encouraged to ask their teachers to go to the Alternative Learning Center to get help from Ms. Perry to get caught up.
At the end of two weeks, if a student on academic probation has not pulled up grades to meet the standards, the principal will recommend dismissal from the team unless there is a firm plan in place to address academic concerns.
This ensures that our athletes are supported with the goal to be eligible year-round for any sports they are interested in.
ATTENDANCE & PAPERWORK EXPECTATIONS
If the athlete is out of school for the full school day, they may not attend a practice or game scheduled for that day.
Being in quarantine means the athlete can't engage with the team until the full quarantine is completed.
Every athlete should have a physical exam on record clearing them to play.
Every athlete should be up to date on immunizations.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
ISS or minor referral Alternative Learning Center (ALC) Time Out:
1st and 2nd referral resulting in serving at least one full day in ALC or ISS: no practice/game any day that the student is serving a full day.
Third referral resulting in serving at least one full day in ALC or ISS: the principal will recommend dismissal from the team.
Major referral with Out of School Suspension (OSS):
Immediate dismissal from the team.
GRADE PULL DATES FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR:
December 10
February 28
May 9
The May 9th grade pull will be a general pull to remind students interested in participating in athletics next year that they need to focus on finishing the year as eligible to participate in athletics in the fall and winter.
R - Respectful
A - Accountable
M - Motivated
S - Safe
C - Character
H - Honor
O - Opportunity
I - Inclusivity
C - Compassion
E - Excellence
FMS MISSION:
FMS is a vibrant and caring school that empowers students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens who are college and career ready.
FMS VALUES:
- All children, regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic circumstances, or cognitive level, can grow and achieve.
- Strong collaborative teams with a shared vision can reduce achievement gaps and raise growth levels for all students.
- Forging strong relationships between the school, the parents, and the community is crucial in achieving a well-rounded education that addresses each student’s needs.
- A learning environment based on trust, integrity, and commitment is vital for student success.
- Discipline, safety, and accountability are important parts of a school culture that reflects intellectual, emotional, and social growth.