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 January 31, 2020

Hello Falcon Families,

I can't believe that tomorrow is Feb. 1st already. Just this week we completed the Honor Roll/Principal's List Assemblies for the 2nd Quarter and now we are halfway through the 3rd Quarter. The year is truly flying by.

February marks one of the busiest months at the middle school. During Feb. we begin our big push to prep our students to demonstrate their mastery of the AZ State Standards on the AzM2 test that begins at the end of March. During Feb. the 8th graders begin meeting with the high school counselors to discuss and register for freshman year classes. Feb. also brings Valentine's Day and, this year, our first ever Valentine's Day Dance on Feb. 14th. Finally, Feb. brings us a 6th grade field-trip to the Renaissance festival, the AZ Youth Survey, the regional spelling bee, the Winter sports playoffs, and tryouts for Spring sports (basketball - boys & girls and, new this year, wrestling).

It is an exciting time of year and I look forward to a strong finish to the semester!

Respectfully,

James Carrick, Principal

Special Message for 8th Grade Parents:

Feb. 5th: 8th grade parent night @ FHHS (Lecture Hall); 5:30 p.m. start time.

Feb. 6th: HS counselors will meet with all 8th graders during class to discuss HS registration, hand-out registration materials, and answer student questions.

Feb. 11th: HS counselors will return to FHMS to register all 8th graders for their HS classes (teacher recommendation/signature will be required for advanced classes/programs and a parent signature will be required on the registration form).

Feb. 13th: The 8th grade class will take a field-trip to the HS for a tour of the campus, a class color transition ceremony, and a welcome by the students and staff second to none.

Special Announcements

See what is happening at our schools

Looking Ahead

View upcoming events of the week ahead

February 5	8th Grade Parent Night @ High School 5:30 pm
February 14	Valentine's Dance - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
February 21	Regional Spelling Bee - 9:00 am @ DVUSD
February 25	6th grade field trip - Renaissance Fair
February 29	PTO Gala - FH Community Center 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

*** MARK YOUR CALENDAR ***

State Testing begins in the Spring. Please look at the dates below and ensure your student will be in school!

AIMS Science	March 24
AIMS Science-make-up test	March 25
AzM2 Writing	March 26 and March 30
AzM2 Reading Part 1	March 31 and April 2
AzM2 Reading Part 2	April 6 and April 7
AzM2 Math Part 1	April 9 and April 13
AzM2 Math Part 2	April 14 and April 16
Test make-up dates:	4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/20-4/22

Tax Credit:

2019 Tax Credit:

There is still time to make a Tax Credit donation to our schools that will reduce your 2019 state tax obligation up to $400 for those who file a joint return. You actually have until April 15, 2020 to donate and have the credit apply to your 2019 Arizona Tax Return. Fees paid for extracurricular activities, sports, and clubs are all eligible for the AZ Tax Credit program. New for 2019, donations can be made in support of playground equipment or shade structures for playground equipment.

As a reminder, a receipt is needed from the school in order to claim the tax credit. Each school has provided receipts for every known donor who contributed through December 2019. Receipts for donations from January 2020 through April will be provided on an ongoing basis. If you have made contributions from earlier in 2019 and have not received a receipt yet, please contact Steffnie Beck so records can be updated and receipts provided.

A Message From Food Services:

As we begin the third semester of the school year please take time to check your child's lunch balance. We all know that students like to buy snacks and other goodies that you as parents may not know about nor planned for that additional spending. As a result their account may be much lower then expected, or even have a negative balance.
You can check your child's account via: https://fountainhillsusd.revtrak.net/

Important Reminder on Cell Phones:

Cellphones continue to be a distraction in school and we encourage parents to keep their student's phones at home during the school day.

Happening On Campus:

Mrs. Willis' 6th grade science class started the 3rd Quarter by engaging in an activity called, "Things We Should Say More Often". Students were asked to think of something they believe should be said more often, or something to help support another person who may be struggling. Students covered the hallway walls with their encouraging messages to each other.