Microsoft Word - nov 07 newsletter.doc

Finally we are finished with MEAP testing! As you probably know, there was a testing irregularity in the Jackson area which meant that all 5^th and 6^th graders in the state had to re-take the first part of the English Language Arts. The MEAP results, obviously, will be delayed.

Our first marking period assembly will be Wednesday, November 21 at 1:20 in the large gymnasium. During this time we will hand out honor roll certificates, announce Pride of the Pack students, and recognize the LEO club and outstanding students in the co-curricular subjects. In case you are not aware, we have 4 marking periods. Last year we followed a trimester schedule but determined that the nine week terms are a better match for our middle school students.

Last week I had a parent meeting to discuss some needs we have at FMS. At the top of the list is the desire for mentors. If you are interested in spending an hour a week during the school day tutoring or spending time with a student (or a small group), please let me know. Another need is the newsletter. With a busy schedule, it is difficult to get a newsletter on a timely basis, so Jane Tuls has graciously offered to take over that responsibility. We plan to get articles written by students to communicate what’s happening in the classroom.

Please read the enclosed information on MRSA. Encouraging students (and adults!) to wash their hands is sometimes a challenge, yet it is the simplest way to avoid colds and infections.

I encourage you to review your child’s student handbook with the rules. Pills, either prescription or non-prescription, are NOT to be brought to school. Due to a recent pill incident at school, I am making arrangements for a drug dog search, hopefully before Christmas break. When a search is scheduled, staff and students do not know ahead of time. Although students will be in a lock down situation, I will announce that it is a search. After the search is completed, your child will bring home a letter describing the findings.

Our cross country and girls basketball teams completed successful seasons. Now it is time for boys’ basketball. Swimming will start the first part of December. It’s not too late for your child to sign up for the swim team. As always, a physical form needs to be on file in the office before a student can participate.

To be named to Pride of the Pack, a student must display the 6 Character Counts traits: trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness, citizenship, respect, caring. In reviewing the list, the main reason students don’t make the list is responsibility, whether it is not turning in homework or being late for classes. The second reason a student is vetoed involves respect.

Our LEO Club (Young Lions) continue to work hard in the community. Recently the group, under the direction of Mrs. Laurene Homsher, was awarded a NATIONAL service award. Less than 1% of the clubs receive this honor! The LEOs continue to recycle plastic and metal containers. In addition, they are collecting eye glasses from now until mid-December, with a goal of 100 glasses. If you have any glasses to donate, please send them with your child. There will be a collection box at school.

The current membership lists includes: President Tory Cheney, Vice-President Kala Terrell, Secretary Jamie Parrish, Treasurer Kennedy Bolles, Kendra Alt, Thomas Atkins, Joshua Berens, Jesse Berndt, Billy Bowyer, Shelby Durham, Eliot Hawker, Meghan Hawker, Emily Hummel, Whitney Jones, Vicki Juhl, Maria Perla, James Sargent, Madelynne Sargent, Meagan Sergent, Brooke Shineldecker, Sara Sommer, Mary Sovinski, Marissa Spickerman, Elexis Terrell, Marissa Waybill and Quadree Zenk. Other advisors are Caryn Homsher and Mrs. Sherry Claflin.

Just a reminder of a few daily rules our students are expected to follow. If you have any questions please feel free to either review your child’s handbook, look on line at www.fremont.net or contact the office.

Attendance policy: All absences must be reported to the school by phone on the day of the absence. Reporting of a student absence must be done by a parent or guardian and should be reported between 7:00 – 8:30 a.m. Absences must be reported to the office even if contact has been made with the child’s teachers. If verification cannot be made by phone or a written note by the parent, the absence will be treated as an unexcused absence.

Students must be in attendance at least a minimum of 3 hours, not including lunch and rec, time on the day of a scheduled school event to be eligible for participation in athletics OR

attendance at ANY FPS event. If a student misses class in the morning, for example he/she must report to school by 11:00 a.m. The absence must be excused by the building administrator. Participation will be at the discretion of the administrator. If a student is absent a full day, attendance or participation at ANY school sponsored event is NOT permitted (this includes attendance at high school sports). Failure to follow this rule will result in an automatic Saturday school. (page 2 & 3)

Snowballing: Snowballing is considered dangerous and is simply not permitted on school grounds. Violation will result in an automatic after school detention. (page 8)

Tardiness: A student arriving late to school should report immediately to the office for a tardy slip. Only an emergency is an acceptable excuse for being late to school. The tardy policy is based on each nine week marking period. Tardies which are not excused, result in the student making up time in accordance with the following policy:

Telephone messages: While we make every attempt to deliver messages to students, we cannot guarantee delivery of messages after 2:00 p.m. (page 8)

Before and after school policy: Students should NOT be on the FPS grounds before 7:30 a.m. and may not enter the hallways prior to 7:50 a.m. unless there is a specific school sponsored activity the student must attend. Students need to be OFF all FPS grounds by 3:25 p.m. unless the student has a specific activity they are attending. (page 5)

Nov 21

– Term 1 awards assembly

Nov 22 & 23 – No school/Thanksgiving break

Dec 12

– Orchestra concert @ Dogwood 7 p.m.

Dec 13

– Band concert @ Dogwood 7 p.m.

Dec 16

– Choir program @ Dogwood 3 p.m.