Falcon Focus - FHMS Weekly Newsletter (Final Copy)

Home of the Falcons!

"Fountain Hills Middle School empowers students to learn, to care, and to succeed."

Principal's Message September 7, 2018

Hello Falcon Families,

During this week's focus, I'd like to spend some time discussing Beyond Textbooks and the importance of communication. When it comes to Beyond Textbooks (BT), I feel that I need to help dispel some rumors and misconceptions. First and foremost, Beyond Textbooks is a laser focused guide to the AZ State Standards. Beyond Textbooks is not a program, nor does it replace our textbooks. What Beyond Textbooks does for us is help focus our energies on the critical standards and provide us with exemplars of what a student, who is "proficient" on a given standard, can actually do/accomplish/demonstrate.

What we have found so far is that Beyond Textbooks has helped us identify some gaps in student learning that we need to close. For example, 4th grade students (according to AZ State Standards) should be able to multiply 2 digit numbers. What we have found is that the majority of our 4th graders need some remediation with single digit multiplication. By adding the "reteach and enrich" structure of Beyond Textbook, we no longer ignore this gap and move on...instead we offer opportunities for students to enhance their learning and retest on the standards they struggle with. On the flip side, if a student masters a standard quickly, we are developing opportunities for those students to receive enrichment in the standard (e.g. deeper understanding/application, not "more" work). If you have any questions about Beyond Textbooks, please do not hesitate to ask.

As demonstrated above, accurate and timely communication is vital to the success of our students and critical in avoiding misunderstandings. I have always believed that a strong line of communication between the teacher and parents/guardians is invaluable and that 90% of perceived issues can be resolved with a simple phone call. This communication requires a commitment from both the teacher and the parents/guardians. Please do not wait until there is a problem to reach out to your child's teacher(s). If your child is struggling in a class or shares something that seems "off" to you, reach out to the teacher. More often than not, the teacher can offer insight into the issue that will help your student find greater success in the class and/or can offer "context" that will help ease your concern.

Lastly, we need your help with keeping the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up lines moving efficiently. Specifically, please do not stop to pick up your student if you are in the left lane. The left lane is a through lane only. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in ensuring the safety of our students.

Special Announcements

See what is happening at our schools

Dean's Corner

This week we want to focus on a hot button topic...vape pens and oils. These items will fall under the same category on the discipline matrix as "Drug Paraphernalia." Due to the flexibility of modern day vapes to be filled with almost any substance, it is impossible for a school to distinguish the contents of the oil. As a result, we have to protect our students and work under the assumption that the oil contains an illegal/controlled substance. This means that on a first offense a student will likely receive a more substantial consequence.

HOWEVER, on this first offense a student can have the suspension reduced by submitting documentation of attendance in a substance use diversion program or, if the parent/guardian chooses, proof of drug test that indicates no illegal/controlled substances in the student's system.

The Fountain Hills Coalition has provided home drug test kits free of charge. These are available in my office as well as through the Coalition should a parent choose to administer one. We want to ensure that all kids are healthy and safe here at FHMS and to accomplish this we will not tolerate these items on the school campus at any time, for any reason. Helping students understand the dangers and health risks associated with vaping is important to us and we are developing education opportunities for our students, as well as including awareness as part of the restorative discipline plan at FHMS this year.

Samantha Kramer, M.Ed., M.S. Bio.

FHMS Dean of Students

Middle School Activity / Late Bus

We are happy to announce that the FHUSD Transportation Department is providing a "late" bus again this year for students who stay after school for FHMS-sanctioned activities. The activity bus will run every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and will depart FHMS promptly at 4:10 pm. A copy of the schedule is posted to our website or may be downloaded HERE.

Homework Lab is Back

PTO-sponsored Homework Lab meets every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after school for one hour in the library. Homework Lab is available to all students in grades 4-8.

Students must turn in a signed permission slip to Mrs. Beck in the front office. Permission slips are available at the front office or you can download one HERE. Students attending homework lab may take the activity bus home at 4:10 p.m.

FHMS Birthday Club

We are excited to offer FHMS families the opportunity to add to their student's birthday celebrations! For only $5, you can add your student's first name and last initial with a "Happy Birthday" message to our marquee (only current students are eligible). For all submissions, we must have the student's name, birthday, and $5 (cash or check payable to FHMS) at least two weeks prior to their actual date of birth so we are able to program the system accurately. The birthday message will run from 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. on the student's birthday. Request forms are available at the front desk, and must be signed by the student's parent/guardian.

Open Gym Tonight!

Rob Deer Baseball Experience

Order Your Yearbook! Order your 2018-19 FHMS Yearbook today and save $10.00! Yearbook price is $29.00 until 9/28/18. Go to jostens.com to order yours today!

Looking Ahead

View upcoming events of the week ahead

09/10/2018	Volleyball Game @ Valley Christian Junior High B Team 4:00 p.m. A Team 4:45 p.m. Soccer Game @ FHHS 4:00 p.m.
09/12/2018	Soccer Game @ FHHS 4:00 p.m.
09/13/2018	Golf Match @ Orange Tree 3:30 p.m.
09/15/2018	Football Game @ Gilbert Christian 9:00 a.m.
09/17/2018	Golf Match @ Desert Canyon 3:30 p.m. Soccer Game @ Crossroads Park 4:00 p.m.
09/18/2018	Volleyball Game @ FHMS A Team 4:00 p.m. Soccer Game @ TBD 4:00 p.m.
09/19/2018	Golf Match @ McDowell Mountain 3:30 p.m.
09/20/2018	Soccer Game @ Tempe Sports Complex 3:30 p.m.
09/27/2018	First Quarter Music Program - Grades 4 & 5 FHMS Gym 6:00 p.m.
09/28/2018	Picture Day Retakes