The FAST Flyer
The View from Above, Vol. 4 Issue 14
Nov. 13, 2021
PRINCIPAL'S PERSPECTIVE
Dear Parents,
Four hundred years ago, Pilgrims arrived in America seeking the freedom to worship free of persecution. They were the first of many immigrants to come to this land. As Neil Diamond belted out so beautifully: Everywhere around the world/They’re coming to America/Every time that flag’s unfurled/They’re coming to America/Got a dream to take them there/They’re coming to America/Got a dream they’ve come to share/They’re coming to America.
Beginning in the mid- 1800’s, immigrants began to arrive in massive waves- the Irish fleeing the Potato Famine; the Germans leaving after the promise of political reforms failed; the Jews escaping pogroms and oppression; each group coming with its own story of despair to a new land filled with promise.
Others were brought here in shackles, not out of choice but because they were seen as commodities. Forced to endure slavery, they had to build a new way of life founded in family, fellowship, and faith.
Whatever the politics, immigration continues to this very day. People wanting to come to America seeking a better life for themselves and their families. The reasons have not changed. They are escaping persecution and oppressive regimes, yearning to reunite with families, hoping to feed their loved ones, exploring economic opportunities, and seeking to worship as they choose.
Thanksgiving is a reminder that for all the differences we have, there is so much more that we have in common. We have all been strangers in a strange land. Our paths to this country are therefore interconnected. This unique holiday is a time to reflect on what we are grateful for and what our country has the potential to become...not a melting pot but a salad bowl filled with many flavors.
Our school is also a reminder of what we have in common. Diversity is not just part of our mission. It is something we live every day. As one staff member once observed: If you see two children of the same background walking together, it is purely a coincidence. As our students get older, they become more aware of their differences amidst the backdrop of a world in turmoil. Issues arise which are typical in the older grades but there is a difference. In our unique environment where diversity is a value, there is no choice but to work together to explore issues and seek understanding.
The activities in which our No Place for Hate Committee engage our community are addressing topics that students have identified as areas they want to work on. This year, they are focused on addressing symbols of hate, telling stories of personal experiences, focusing on the hurtfulness of name calling, and discussing these topics openly. Student Council has become a place where students work together on projects to better the community around us.
Walking the halls of our school and watching our students at play, I see what the world has the potential to be. We live by the tenet of being many communities-one people for which there is reason for hope.
During the coming days, we will celebrate Heritage Week when we celebrate many of the over 50 cultures and nations from which we come, culminating with a Thanksgiving assembly where we will celebrate our oneness as Americans. International Night will tie it all up that evening before a well anticipated vacation.
I came to FAST because I was offered a job but being here has changed me. It has made me more aware and culturally sensitive. It has made me a better person. I always knew America was a nation of immigrants but at FAST I have come to truly understand what that means. I would not trade the experience of being at this school for anything. And for that I give thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving, Y’all
Stan Beiner
Fulton Academy of Science and Technology
Principal
Covid Update
Substitutes Needed
HAPPENINGS
International Night
We are looking forward to our International Night presentation, but we need your help to make it spectacular. We would like to include information from as many families as possible. Maybe you don’t know much about where your ancestors came from originally or your family has been in the U.S. for a few generations. That’s ok! Work from what you do know. Information can be about another country, but it can also be about a US state or region. We all come from somewhere - let’s celebrate all of those places!
We are asking families to prepare one of the following:
A Google slide with
Information (a few facts and pictures of your homeland)
Family photo celebrating one of your holidays (including Thanksgiving)
Family photo visiting where you came from (country of origin, US state of origin)
Video of your family singing a song or performing a dance (20 seconds max)
Send your input to marie.emerson@fastk8.org by no later than November 16, 2021. We will be putting together a presentation that we plan to share with all of our FAST Families on November 18 during the live virtual event.
It’s time to “SOCK IT TO” YIMBY
The Student Council community outreach project is off to a great start. FAST families have stepped up to donate all kinds of food and supplies that will go to North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) to help families in need. The supply drive will continue through November 18 and now is the time to focus on YIMBY (Yes in My Backyard) which provides support for the homeless in our community.
The biggest need for YIMBY is for new socks and new or gently used sleeping bags and blankets. We all know how good it feels to have warm dry socks when we’re outside on a cold day so let’s “sock it to” YIMBY. Student Council members are available at morning drop off to take your donations.
School Tours
If you are aware of any families who are interested in attending FAST next year, please let them know that tours are scheduled! The lottery will open for applications for the 2022-23 school year on January 1, 2022 and tours have begun. The link to reserve a spot for a tour can be found on our website.
FAST Artist on Exhibition
FAST Parent Talent Bank- Volunteer Your Expertise
Two of the unique characteristics of FAST are our Genius Hour and Capstone programs. These learning experiences allow students to choose their own topics of study, set their own goals, and dig into their passions. As students grow, their Genius Hour projects expand in depth and expectations, including the encouragement to reach out and connect with experts in the fields of their selected passions.
That is the background for why you are receiving this survey. We would LOVE to leverage the unique skills and expertise of the greater FAST community, so we are compiling a list of talents, fields of study, lines of work, hobbies, and unique skills. This list will be shared with teachers so that if a student decides to study ladybugs for genius hour, we can search the list for an entomologist among us, or if a student wants to write a song on the guitar, they can find a few guitar playing parents or studio producer parents to teach them a jingle or two. The list will most often be used for connecting students with "experts", inviting professionals for career days or STEM lunches, or mentoring students through long-term projects.
This list is opt-in. If you do not wish for your name to be on the list, we will not include it. If you choose to be a part of it, we will only include your name and contact information that you wish to be included and the information will only be shared internally with the teachers and staff at FAST.
Furthermore, we will not be sharing any contact information directly with students. To maintain a safe and supervised community, all connections will occur during the school day under the supervision of the teacher. Expert interviews will take place over zoom and mentorships will require the mentor to complete volunteer paperwork on FCS. A background check must also be run through our private service. Our aim is to build connections within our community, facilitating the transfer of knowledge, while also providing a safe and nurturing environment for our students.
Please fill out THIS FORM so that we can create those connections and help our students thrive. Thank you so much!
REMINDERS
Picture Retakes
If your student had their picture taken on Tuesday, November 9 either because they were absent for the September pictures or because you wanted a retake, the Picture Day ID to order prints from Lifetouch is EVTCGWT3F.
If you ordered a class picture in September that you have not yet received, please contact marie.emerson@fastk8.org.Lost Wallet
Fulton County Technology Fair
Carpool Reminders
A few important reminders for both morning and afternoon carpool.
Please follow staff directions. It is extremely important that you are paying attention to the staff directing cars. Our goal is to keep cars moving and keep everyone safe. Carpool staff works as a team communicating amongst one another when directing cars. You may not see the same thing the team sees when they are directing you.
Please pay attention when you are in the queue. Drivers not paying attention when they are being directed to move forward cause delays for everyone.
If students are able to get out of the car unassisted during morning drop off, they should. They do not need to wait for a staff member to open the door for them.
Everyone who does not have a FAST Pass must use the carpool lanes. All FAST Passes should be displayed in the front window of your car when you pull into the parking lot. If you do not have a FAST Pass displayed in your window, then you should be using the carpool lane. This applies to both mornings and afternoons, no exceptions. (FAST Passes are only issued for carpools of four or more students.)
If you need to sign your student out early, you must do so no later than 45 minutes before dismissal: 2:35pm (1:35 on Thursdays). If you arrive after this time, please proceed to the carpool line to pick them up.
FAST Salutes Our Veterans
Atlanta Lunch Co. Menu
Kids Growing too FAST?
Cardboard Boxes Needed
The Innovation teachers have some fun projects planned. They are in need of cardboard boxes. If you have any size cardboard boxes, please flatten and bring into Mr. Franklin.
Thank You!
Our teachers need a break!
FAST is looking for 5 parent volunteers per month to help with morning carpool. You can drop off your child(ren) at 7:00a.m and then help get students out of cars from 7:05 - 7:50am.
These volunteers will allow our teachers & staff a bit of much needed extra time to prepare for the school day.
If interested, please contact PTO@fastk8.org and let us know your availability.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Nov. 15: Spelling Bee Class Rounds Grades 4&5
- Nov. 16: Spelling Bee Class Rounds Grades 6-8
- Nov. 18: International Night
- Nov. 19-28: Thanksgiving Break
THE LATEST FROM FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS
FAST
Fulton County Schools
GA Charter Schools Association
FULTON ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Email: info@fastk8.org
Website: www.fastk8.org
Location: 11365 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA, USA
Phone: 678-321-1100
Facebook: facebook.com/FASTK8.School/
Twitter: @fastk8charter
The FAST Flyer is the electronic newsletter at FAST. Feedback is always welcome. If you have any questions, please call the school (678-321-1100) or email the FAST Communications Director at marie.emerson@fastk8.org.