Falcon Focus - FHMS Weekly Newsletter

Home of the Falcons!

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

Principal's Message May 3, 2019

As the 2018/2019 school year comes to a close and our focus shifts to the 2019/2020 school year, I want to take a moment to dispel some rumors, share some exciting changes that we have been working on this year and even more exciting changes that are coming next year, and finally I want to introduce some of the amazing additions we have already made to the staff for next year.

FHMS, like so many schools this year, has seen a number of staff members pursue opportunities in other districts or leave education altogether. While these staff member will certainly be missed, their choice to move on from Fountain Hills is not at all unexpected and is common in education. As we continue to fill the vacancies, we are excited by the strengths our new staff possess and the energy they bring with them. In the coming weeks we will introduce the new staff via the Falcon Focus. I am in contact with our new hires on a regular basis and they have already started using the Beyond Textbook website, shared their experience with PBIS, and asked about opportunities to sponsor clubs and sports. The positive energy this group brings with them is inspiring!

With a change in staff comes a change in elective offerings for our 6th - 8th graders. For the 2019/2020 school year the "Wheel" will offer the following tracks: Journalism, Coding, STEAM, and Independent Living. Each grade level will build upon the previous year's class (e.g., 6th grade will focus on photojournalism, 7th will focus on newspaper journalism, and 8th will focus on digital journalism). Our returning teachers and the new teachers we have already hired are excited about providing our students world class electives that compliment our focus on standards-based education in each of our core subjects (Beyond Textbooks, in its second year, will continue to drive our teaching and ensure that our students are learning and retaining the knowledge they gain).

In addition to several curriculum based changes, the staff has researched and is ready to delve into building a more positive learning environment that encourages positive behaviors, provides consistency in expectations, and works to support students in need. As we begin the 2019/2020 school year you will start to hear and see more about PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports). Two major commitments from the District office that will assist us in implementing PBIS and truly impact the culture at FHMS include: creating a partnership with experts in PBIS and adding a second counselor/social worker to our campus focused on supporting our students emotional and educational needs.

Finally, we look forward to our continued partnership with the PTO, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the Fountain Hills Mentors, the Fountain Hills Coalition, the Kiwanis of Fountain Hills, the Town of Fountain Hills, and all the other local groups and individuals that support our students, our staff, and our school!

Respectfully,

James Carrick, Principal

Special Announcements

See what is happening at our schools

Gala Winner

Fourth Grader, Rosemarie Sanchez, was the lucky winner of this year's "Principal's Basket" at the FHUSD PTO Gala. Rose's basket included such priceless items as a free homework pass, front of the line passes, classroom snacks sponsored (and delivered) by Mr. Carrick, a pizza party in the office with friends, a featured article in the Falcon Focus Newsletter and much more. Here's a little bit about this fourth grade honor student:

"Hi. My name is Rose. I am going to tell you about me. I love the color red. I love all animals in the world. I have 7 animals. 4 cats and 3 dogs. I have more than 1 sibling. I have 2 siblings. I have a sister and a brother. My birthday is in June. I watch a lot of movies. I also watch a lot of TV shows. My favorite TV show is Fast Layne. I also love watching shows and movies with animals in them. Well, that's it. Look below for some pictures of me."

Kiwanis Terrific Kids

Congratulations to the Kiwanis Terrific Kids: 4th graders Josiah Beasley and Kai Collier. Way to go!

Save the Date!

Please join us on Tuesday, May 14th at 6:00 p.m. here at FHMS for a very important "Bullying Awareness for Parents" presentation from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office called, "Stand Up to Put Downs."

FHMS Clubs and Homework Lab

Next week (May 6-10) will be the last week for any before/after school club meetings at FHMS. It will also be the last week of homework lab. There will be no more homework lab (and no more late bus) after Thursday, May 9.

8th Grade Promotion Dance

STUGO will host an 8th grade promotion dance on Friday, May 17th from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. We are in need of parents to help plan and chaperone the dance. We also need donations to pay for games and prizes. If you can help, please email Ms. Baca ( [email protected]) or Mr. Carrick ( [email protected]) ASAP. The more parent participation, the more memorable experience we can provide.

FH Parks & Rec Open Gym

Boys & Girls Club Summer Slam Event

FH Parks & Rec Middle School Madness

Sports Physicals On Thursday, May 16 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Spooner and Shaft PT is offering sports physicals for the upcoming school year. Physicals are only $25 a will be good for the entire 2019-2020 school year. INCOMING FHHS FRESHMEN ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A PHYSICAL PRIOR TO STARTING FALL SPORTS! Please see the attached FLYER for more information.

Looking Ahead

View upcoming events of the week ahead


05/09/2019	FHMS StuGo Dance (grades 6-8) 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
05/14/2019	Bullying Awareness Presentation FHMS : 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
05/17/2019	8th Grade Promotion Dance FHMS: 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
05/20/2019 - 05/22/2019	8th Grade Camp Surf Trip
05/22/2019	This is NOT an early release Wednesday; regular release time of 3:10 p.m.
05/23/2019	Last day of school; half day release at 12:15 p.m. 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony FHMS Gym: 6:00 p.m.
05/24/2019	No School - Summer Recess Begins!