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 October 19, 2018

On behalf of Fountain Hills Middle School, I would like to congratulate Mr. David Perkins, who has been named Four Peaks Rotary Club Teacher of the Month for October 2018!

Mr. Perkins goes out of his way to engage all students in his classroom. He engages his students with innovative lesson plans that utilize numerous resources beyond the traditional textbook. Mr. Perkins makes his students feel welcome and pushes them to achieve more then they believe they can.

In addition to being an amazing mentor to his students, Mr. Perkins has taken on an 8th grade elective that offers students a practical look at everyday living (e.g. banking & taxes, cooking, and career exploration). He serves as the 8th grade team leader and is the first to offer his colleagues support when they need it the most.

Finally, David Perkins is the embodiment of "Team Player" and sets the standard as a true professional. FHMS is thrilled that Mr. Perkins has been named Teacher of the Month and he will be honored by the Four Peaks Rotary Club on October 25th. Thank you, Mr. Perkins, for all you do!

Special Announcements

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Dean's Corner

Often times we forget that as students learn and grow we may come across situations defined as misbehavior. We have the opportunity in these situations to help students learn from these behaviors and restore any damaged relationships. In a restorative approach to discipline we engage in meaningful dialogue about the presented behavior, have reflective conversations about how the choices made impact both the person that took the action as well as any other person(s) involved, and we work to make amends and prevent further misunderstandings. By teaching students how to properly engage with those around them (the people and the relationships) we can navigate a lot of purposeful social learning.

Many times in a student's first visit to my office they will be asked to share more about the situation in which they were involved; they may be asked about how we will work to restore the damaged relationship rather than focusing on just consequences for the action. Yes, consequences may still apply, but we want to work on restoring relationships and building new ones. Students may be asked to describe the situation in detail including acknowledging their part/role in the situation, use "I" statements to identify for what can the student offer apology, offer alternative means to handle the situation in the future, and commit to not repeating the offense. By engaging the student in a meaningful learning opportunity they may be able to alter their choice in the future. Every student should come to school knowing they are safe and supported and that we will work together to learn and grow and build positive relationships.

Samantha Kramer
Dean of Students

First Quarter Honor Roll Assemblies

The First Quarter Grading Term ended October 4. Be sure to check PowerSchool for Q1 final grades. Below is the schedule for the grade-level honor roll assemblies, which will be held the week of November 5. Invitations for the honor roll assemblies will be sent home with students next week.

Tuesday, Nov. 6
6th grade: 11:19 a.m. - 11:49 a.m.
7th grade: 11:49 a.m. - 12:19 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 7
8th grade: 11:21 a.m. - 11:51 a.m.

Friday, Nov. 9
4th grade: 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
5th grade: 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

New Music Clubs Starting at FHMS!

FHMS Band Director, Amy Laughlin, has several new music clubs starting up:

Choir will be Mondays after school and is open to all students in grades 4-8.

Guitar Club will be Tuesdays after school and is open to all students in grades 4-8.

Jazz Band will be Thursdays after school and is open to band students in grades 6-8.

Percussion Club will be Fridays after school and is open to all students in grades 4-8.

Please contact Mrs. Laughlin (alaughlin@fhacademics.org) if you have any questions. Permission slip are available in the front office or may be downloaded here:

Choir Guitar Club Jazz Band Percussion Club

Monster Mash Dance

The FHMS Falcon Leaders are hosting this year's first dance on Friday, October 26, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. All 6th, 7th and 8th graders are invited and may attend. Be sure to wear your costume, as there will be a prize for the best one! (NO full face masks will be permitted.) Tickets for the dance are $10 per person and must be purchased prior to 3:30 p.m. on 10/26/18 (no exceptions). Pizza will be sold for $1 a slice, and drinks will be free. You can purchase your ticket from Mrs. Beck before school, during lunch, or after school.

Junior Achievement Volunteer Needed

We are looking for a parent/community volunteer to lead one-hour sessions for a 6th grade class. The volunteer is needed one hour a week (8:30 - 9:25 a.m.) for six weeks. As a JA volunteer, you help educate and inspire young people to understand business and be workforce ready. JA will provide all training and materials. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Ivy Violette at iviolette@fhacademics.org.

Fountain Hills Coalition

Looking Ahead

View upcoming events of the week ahead


10/20/2018	Football Game at FHHS 9:00 a.m.
10/22/2018	Above That Club Meeting 3:10 - 4:05 p.m.
10/26/2018	Monster Mash Dance 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
10/27/2018	Football Game at PRCA 11:00 a.m.