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 August 24, 2018

Three weeks into the year and FHMS is bustling with excitement and energy. The students are getting into a rhythm, the teachers are tackling the implementation of Beyond Textbooks, and sports and clubs are off to a great start. It is truly an exciting time to be a Falcon! Today I want to take the opportunity to focus on two topics: Beyond Textbooks and Bullying Prevention.

Last Wednesday, Aug. 15th, the team leaders spent the day working with Beyond Textbook (BT) educators to develop a plan for integrating the concepts of BT here at FHMS. Some of the decisions we worked through were:

how do we implement BT and ensure that we address any gaps in prior knowledge?;
how do we deal with formative assessments? (e.g. how often, when, what do we do with the data, etc...);
what does reteach look like for us? (e.g. when do we offer reteach, etc...); and
how do we offer enrichment opportunities for students that master standards quickly?

This Wednesday, Aug. 22, the entire staff participated in "BT101." We worked with the Beyond Textbook educators to access the BT site. One of the key elements of BT is the "unwrapped" standards. These "unwrapped" documents break down the State standards and help focus the lessons. Additionally, the BT site offers ideas for lessons, resources to augment the textbooks, and reteach & enrichment opportunities.

In the next few weeks you will hear your students talking about formative assessments, reteach, and enrichment. The formative assessments are designed to help the student (and teacher) measure his/her learning. If a student passes a formative (4 out of 5 or better) then he/she will be given the opportunity to participate in an enrichment activity that challenges him/her to apply the learning to new situations. Students that do not pass (3 out of 5 or less) will be given an opportunity to relearn the material and retake the formative. The objective: make sure that all students are mastering the standards before they start new learning. Keep an eye, and ear, out for more information about BT.

While the teachers were attending "BT101," the students were participating in a assembly presented by the Attorney General's Office. The assembly was designed to addresses the different types of bullying and cyberbylling, how it's affecting students, and preventative measures students can take to curtail bullying. The AG's goal is to empower and encourage us all to change the culture of bullying and create a culture of kindness and acceptance instead. Finally, the presenter discussed the legal consequences for bullying and how it can affect a student's future.*

According to recent research cited on www.StopBullying.gov, "we know much more about how complex bullying is, and how it affects youth at the time they experience it and even as adults." Conclusive research has shown:

Between 1 in 4, and 1 in 3 U.S. students say they have been bullied at school. Many fewer have been cyberbullied.
Most bullying happens in middle school. The most common types are verbal and social bullying.
There is growing awareness of the problem of bullying, which may lead some to believe that bullying is increasing. However, studies suggest that rates of bullying may be declining. It still remains a prevalent and serious problem in today's schools.*

"Solutions to bullying are not simple. Bullying prevention approaches that show the most promise confront the problem from many angles. They involve the entire school community-students, families, administrators, teachers, and staff such as bus drivers, nurses, cafeteria and front office staff-in creating a culture of respect. Zero tolerance and expulsion are not effective approaches."*

The most effective strategies for preventing/decreasing bullying include intervening when others are being bullied and keeping the lines of communication open. Make sure your student knows that you are there for her/him. Get your student involved in activities they love. Model respect and kindness at every opportunity, and encourage your student to help others that are victims of bullying.*

*StopBullying.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved August 20, 2018, from

https://www.stopbullying.gov/

FHMS Students Attending the Anti-Bullying Assembly

Special Announcements

See what is happening at our schools

Dean's Corner

Welcome to the first edition of "Dean's Corner"! An overall goal relating to discipline this year is to reduce suspensions and referrals so we can focus on improving academic performance and relationships at the classroom level. It is preferred that we find equitable, restorative practices rather than just the typical punitive discipline practices. We will work together to create rigorous classroom environments that are positive and conducive to the learning for all students. We will work to reconcile relationships that are broken due to altercations or disrespectful confrontations while increasing accountability for the offender and finding ways to manage those scenarios differently should they arise again in the future by reflecting on the incident and finding ways to improve going forward. By working together on a positive, supportive, and welcoming campus/classroom, we can reduce disruptive behaviors while increasing attendance and achievement.

Ms. Kramer

Dean of Students FHMS

Middle School Activity / Late Bus

We are happy to announce that the FHUSD Transportation Department will be 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 starting August 20, and will depart FHMS promptly at 4:10 pm. A copy of the schedule is posted to our website or may be downloaded HERE.

Back to School - Five Tips To Help Your Middle Schooler Adjust

Going into middle comes with a surge of adolescent hormones, uncertainty about the future, and the characteristic nervousness associated with a new school year - the transition from elementary to middle and middle to high school may be the most stressful in your student's life. Anxieties include, "Suppose I can't find my way around and am late to class?" "I've heard that the teachers are really strict and mean." "Suppose older kids pick on younger kids?" "Suppose I have no one to sit with at lunch?" "Suppose I have no classes with any of my friends?"

While our kids are going through a minefield of developmental changes, there are a number of things parents can do to help ease the tension and support their student. One thing we must not do is pull back from supervision. We may feel like our kids are "at that age" where they need to be more independent. That's true, but they still need parents and healthy boundaries to keep them safe.

Below are five tips for middle school parents:

1. Identify and calm common entry fears of middle school - Let them know that you understand their fears and that within the first few weeks, the new school routine will establish a sense of familiarity.

2. Supervise the completion of all homework - Most young people don't self-correct from academic failure. Set a good homework routine and help develop study skills to help your child be successful.

3. Let your middle schooler know that you want to be told about any social cruelty that occurs in person or online.

4. Encourage involvement - Middle School offers many activities, sports and clubs. The Fountain Hills Coalition offers an Above That Club that meets monthly after school.

5. Connect with other parents - Stay in the know. The Safe Homes Network connects parents in Fountain Hills for the sole purpose of keeping our kids safe and healthy.

Builders Club and K-Kids

Sponsored by the Noon Kiwanis club, the purpose of Builders club is to teach leadership, friendship, and working together on projects. This club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month for one hour after school. The first meeting will be Wednesday, September 5. All students are welcome to join! Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Back to School Bash Tonight!

Open Gym at FHMS

FHMS Running Club Mrs. McDonald's Running Club is back by popular demand! The club is open to all students in grades 4-8 and will meet Wednesday and Friday mornings before school. Permission slips are available in the front office or may be downloaded HERE.

Chess Club Chess Club, Sponsored by Chess Emporium, is back! Chess can help students increase their math and verbal skills, and their creative and critical thinking abilities. Chess also helps students develop self-discipline, concentration, critical insights, analysis, and writing skills. For more information and to sign up, see the attached FLYER.

Fountain Hills Library Branch

Here's a list of just some of the great teen/tween programs being offered at the Fountain Hills Library. For more information and a full list of programs, go to the library website.

Dungeons and Dragons : 8/27, 9/10, & 9/24 from 3:30-4:30

Join us for an afternoon of action, danger, and excitement! If you've played Dungeons and Dragons before, come with your character's backstory. If not, we'll provide one for you. Either way, break out your polyhedral dice and prepare to join the adventure. For youth ages 11-18.

Tween Scene - Astronomy: 8/29 from 3:30-4:30

Join us on the last Wednesday of the month for fun drop-in activities and crafts. Explore science, technology, music, and more! This month's theme is astronomy. For youth ages 8-13.

Game and Hang: 9/ 8 from 1:00-3:00

Teens, have you found yourselves shouting, "GAH!" and wishing you had some time away from homework and responsibilities to unwind and spend some time with friends? Here's your chance! Relax, grab a snack, and play some games with your friends. For youth ages 11-18.

Cool Careers - Helicopter Pilot: 9/12 from 3:30-4:30
Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? We're shining a spotlight on a new career each month, so mark your calendars and come explore your options. This month, join us to learn more about what it takes to become a helicopter pilot. For youth ages 8-18.

Transform Your Tee: 9/17 from 3:00-4:30
We all have t-shirts sitting around that we haven't worn in years. Bring a few of yours and turn them into something new. We'll have patterns for tote bags, pillows, and more. What will your shirt transform into? The options are endless! For youth ages 8-18.

Tween Scene - Chemistry: 9/26 from 3:30-4:30
Join us on the last Wednesday of the month for fun drop-in activities and crafts. Explore science, technology, music, and more! This month's theme is chemistry. For youth ages 8-13.

Looking Ahead

View upcoming events of the week ahead

08/24/2018	Soccer Game @ Gilbert Christian Middle School 4:00 pm
08/30/2018	Soccer Game @ FHMS 4:00 pm Mrs. Male's Honors Night 6:00 pm in Mrs. Male's classroom
09/03/2018	Labor Day - NO SCHOOL
09/04/2018	Volleyball Games @ FHMS B Team 4:00 pm A Team 5:00 pm
09/28/2018	Picture Day Retakes