It's hard to believe that we are already a month into the new school year. I am delighted to have the opportunity during our Back to School Nights to meet many of our parents and to share our goals for the 2011-2012 school year. I would also like to share some of the wonderful things that are happening in our school in more detail.
Highlights from classroom visits
Ms. Gillespie (6th grade social studies) - Students are completing a detailed "Report Card" evaluating the effectiveness of the Articles of Confederation.
Ms. Middleton (6th grade science) - students constructed a scale model of the solar system to help them understand the concept of "relative distance"
Mr. Sheridan (multi-grade Information Literacy) - students are learning how to remix music to accompany historic civil rights speeches.
Ms. Anderson (7th grade social studies) - students are writing essays debunking myths about "cave men" (prehistoric humans) in preparation for composing emails to Geico Insurance.
Ms. Donnelly (8th grade French) - students are taking on the role of a French teacher to prepare powerpoint presentations to teach their classmates.
Ms. Loscalzo/Heferon (6th grade math) - students are learning how to find the area of irregular shapes, culminating in an activity where they find the area of an irregular shaped bedroom in order to install new carpet.
These are just of few of the engaging and meaningful lessons that I was happy to experience.
I GOT YOUR BACK ROLLOUT
As part of the new Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying legislation, every school is required to observe a Week of Respect next week. At FMS, we decided to take this opportunity to rollout our year-long I GOT YOUR BACK initiative that will help us create a positive and supportive school environment. Throughout the week, we have a variety of activities planned to educate and sensitize our students about their role and responsibilities toward this goal. We are planning homeroom activities, lunch activities, contests, and assemblies to drive home the message. On Friday 10/7 (our first Spirit Day) we will recognize "White Out Bullying" by asking all students and staff to wear plain white T-shirts. Please talk to your children about what they learned each day during the week.
This video is a PSA for parents to enlist their support in these efforts:
Important Dates in October
David Lubar (resident author) visits FMS to hold workshops with grade 7 language arts classes - 10/3 - 10/4
Back to School Night House of the Tiger - 10/4 @ 6:30
Back to School Night House of the Phoenix - 10/5 @ 6:30
Grade 6 Canteen - 10/7
MHS Science Academy presentations to grade 8 - 10/11
Music Department Trip to see Wicked on Broadway - 10/12
Marking Period 1 Progress Reports mailed - 10/13
Home and School Association Monthly meeting - 10/18 @ 9:30
School Picture Re-takes - 10/20
Lantern Coffee House - 10/21
Colonial Challenge Run - 10/23
Dinner and Sports Night - 10/28
Please try to join us for the evening events.
