April 9, 2021
Home of the Falcons!
"We Achieve and Celebrate Educational Excellence"
Falcon Focus
Photo courtesy of azcentral.com "The Phoenix Area's 5 Most Beautiful Schools" April 2015
A Message From The Superintendent

Good afternoon Falcon Families,
 
This has been a very busy week as we prepare for the state assessment and the end of the school year. It is so amazing that the year started off with so many restrictions and now we are planning for in person graduation, prom, promotion ceremonies, and so many other events. 
 
I hope you will join me in congratulating MMES Principal, Mrs. Dehombreux’s position in another district. Mrs. D is incredibly proud of the work she has accomplished at MMES to include achieving 2019 A+ School of Excellence award. While Mrs. D will be missed, we have put together a committee of parents and staff from MMES to interview candidates for the position. The interviews will take place on April 15th at the Learning Center at the District Office. We look forward to welcoming the new principal of MMES, but until then let’s give Mrs. D some Falcon love. Thank you for all you’ve done for the students at MMES, Mrs. D. You are appreciated.

The close of online registration for existing students is fast approaching and we need every student accounted for. Please help us plan for next school year and save you time by eliminating the piles of forms you fill out by hand in the Fall by taking the time to complete the process for each of your students. You can access your PowerSchool parent portal account here. If you need any assistance, please see these how- tos or contact your schools registrar. We are always happy to help!

As always, we wish you a wonderful weekend!
 
Kelly Glass
Superintendent
Fountain Hills Unified School District
McDowell Mountain Elementary School

Dear MMES Falcon Families: 
 
The busy month of April is underway! Here’s what’s been happening and what’s coming up at MMES:
 
3rd Grade AzM2 State Testing 
Third graders will begin AzM2 state testing on April 12. We have emailed the schedule to all third grade families. Per state requirements, all AzM2 testing must be in-person at the school. Third grade and FHVA teachers have been in contact with remote students’ families about arrangements for this.
 
AzM2 Spirit Week 
Before testing, we created and showed an AzM2 Spirit Assembly video on March 31 and AzM2 Spirit Week with dress up days April 5-8 to let third graders know that the entire school is behind them and to encourage them to do their best! 
 
The March 31 AzM2 Spirit Assembly video started with an introduction of what is AzM2 and an explanation with a slideshow about the dress up days including past student and staff dress up photos. This was followed by a video of Ms. Helm’s 104 class performing a “Testing Hints” song with drum sticks and rhythmic fitness balls under the direction of music teacher, Mrs. Perkins. Their song reminded third graders and even everyone that when we take a test, there are strategies we can use to help ourselves do better! Room 104’s fitness ball drum beats really helped get those helpful testing hints in the third graders’ heads!
 
Next in the assembly video, we talked about the Character Counts trait of Trustworthiness and how this connects to test-taking. Then we awarded Trustworthiness awards for one student from each class. These students are honest and do not deceive, cheat, or steal. They are reliable and do what they say they’re going to do. They have the courage to do the right thing and they build a good reputation for themselves. And finally, they are loyal, standing by their family, friends, and country. Congratulations to the following students for the top Trustworthiness award for each class:
  • 3rd Grade: Blaine Pattea, Alexander Hrisho, Adison Shroyer, and Sadie Valencia
  • 2nd Grade: Elliott Baggett, Oliva Henslin, Luke Sexton, and Emery Weil
  • 1st Grade: Ace Bolster, Isabella Garcia, Reece Halverson, and Erjon Zejneli
  • Kindergarten: Matthew Gaughan, Mason Jacobi, Alison Rudolph, and Presley Rudolph
  • Preschool: Mia Levato and Isadora Maruffo
 
Furthermore, the following day we showed Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Captain Larry Kratzer’s video announcing a special Character Counts trait award to only one student for our entire school. This student is known as the Champion of Character. Captain Larry announced that the Champion of Character for Responsibility was 3rd grader, Adison Shroyer!
 
Back to March 31’s AzM2 Spirit Assembly video, our counselor, Ms. Smart told everyone about some students and staff who did some very specific caring and kind things and were chosen for the Bobby’s Best Buddy award. Thank you so much to the following students and staff who have been showing caring and kindness in such special ways:
  • 4 students for 1st grade: Finley Hermie, Aubriana Hrisho, Ruby June Perez, and Bailey Ruiz
  • 5 students from 2nd grade: Marthabelle Francisco, Peyton Jochens, Mateo Lopez, Malarie Miller, and Matthew Nunez
  • 7 students from 3rd grade: Abby Nobile, Adalia Petrone, Jonathan Phillippi, Cohen Ramsayer, Adison Shroyer, Sadie Valencia, and Matthew Walters
  • 1 staff member: Mrs. Rita Luman, Health Aide
 
The assembly video ended with one more performance to encourage our third graders: Mrs. McElroy’s 203 class dribbling basketballs to the beat of a song called “Pass the Test” under the direction of Mrs. Perkins. That’s right, third grade, you’re going to pass the test; you’re even going to rock it because you are rock stars!
3rd Grade Visit to Fountain Hills Middle School 
On April 23, MMES third graders will be starting their near future as fourth graders by visiting Fountain Hills Middle School! The students will ride the bus to FHMS to get there around 1:20 to meet their principal, Mr. Markle and dean of students, Mr. Dellacona, then visit the fourth grade classrooms while fourth graders are at specials. They’ll get to find out what fourth grade will be like from their future teachers, including all the cool stuff they do. The visit will finish with a tour of the school, coming back to MMES around 2:40. MMES and FHMS staff are looking forward!
 
Fountain Hills Medical Center Art Contest 
MMES students had a special opportunity with the support of their art teacher, Mrs. Tracy Perry to submit their art to the Fountain Hills Medical Center to be on display there on their Student Art Wall for one year. The following students’ pieces of artwork were selected! Congratulations to:
  • 1 student from 1st grade: Travis Ostlund
  • 2 students from 2nd grade: Harlow Carponelli and Dane Goldapper
  • 4 students from 3rd grade: Scarlett Grieco, Venus Hall Lopez, Alexander Hrisho, and Adison Shroyer
 
Kiwanis Terrific Kids Awards 
We have awarded two more sets of Kiwanis Terrific Kids awards after spring break. Terrific Kids is a weekly award with one student from each grade K-3 earning a certificate and prizes sponsored by the Fountain Hills Noon Kiwanis Club. TERRIFIC stands for Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive, and Capable. Congratulations to the following Terrific Kids:
  • Week of March 22-26: Aris Butler, Kindergarten; Eve Goodman, 1st Grade; Dane Goldapper, 2nd Grade; Jonah Maroon, 3rd Grade
  • Week of March 29-April 2: Irene Jones, Kindergarten; Isabella Garcia, 1st Grade; Kairi Moon, 2nd Grade; Gabriel McDonald, 3rd Grade
 
Upcoming Events 
  • April 12-30: AzM2 3rd grade state testing
  • April 22: Earth Day Assembly & Fairness awards video
  • April 23: 1:20-2:00: 3rd grade visit to FHMS
 
We love our MMES A+ Falcon Family and Community!
 
Valerie Dehombreux
Principal
McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Fountain Hills Middle School

Happy Falcon Focus Day!

This week’s Falcon Focus is dedicated to our AZM2 testing we will begin on Monday April 12th here at Fountain Hills Middle School. 
Please find our testing schedule below. We will be doing one test each day for a two hour block in the morning and then running a modified block schedule on testing days. Teachers will be reminding students about their classes and tests each day. 
 
Testing will be first thing each morning from 8:30-10:30.
Virtual Academy and Full Time Option B Students
Please plan on arriving at Fountain Hills Middle school between 8:30 and 8:40. This will give the hallways a chance to clear and for us to get your student into their testing room.
Please arrive in the main drop off in the front of the school and proceed to the front doors. Once in the building we will temperature check each student and guide them to their testing room. 
We will utilize our Team Rooms where we will have desks set up for students to test in.
We will begin testing at 8:40. Once your student is finished, they are free to leave the testing room and head to the front office and make contact to be picked up.
Please remember that students will need to have their school issued Chromebooks with them for testing and will be required to wear a mask while in our building and in the testing room.

A few things to keep in mind for all students:
  • This is a great opportunity for students to showoff what they have learned.
  • We want students to feel relaxed and confident in their ability to take the AZM2.
  • Students will need to test on their school issued Chromebooks. Please make sure they are charged and ready to go.
  • Cell phones will need to be powered down to the off position and put away during testing.
  • No food or drink will be allowed in the testing rooms.
  • Students may bring a book to read if they finish the test early.

The old coach inside of me always gets excited when I get a chance to let my team show off the hard work they have put in for the big game. I want the students to have a chance to take the AZM2, see where they are as a student and continue to find ways to push their learning here at Fountain Hills Middle School. This is going to be a great few days of testing and then we will turn our focus to nailing the landing on the last 5 weeks of school.
Thank you for sharing your student with us and the opportunity to lead this great school. 

Please enjoy a glimpse into campus fun at the middle school...
Have a great weekend and see you on Monday.

In Partnership,

Jeff Markle
Principal
Fountain Hills Middle School
Fountain Hills High School

Hello Falcon Families!

In-Person Learning
As the COVID numbers in the state and in our town improve, and as more of us receive the vaccine, we want to encourage all of our students to return for in-person instruction. While we understand that there may be some who feel it would be best to remain home for a bit longer, we would love nothing more than to have all students back on campus and encourage you to do so. There are numerous benefits related to in-person learning and with our mitigation strategies we have in place, we feel confident that all members of our school community will remain safe. Additionally, vaccines are available for anyone 16 years of age or older. If you have any questions or concerns and wish to discuss this with an administrator, please feel free to contact the front office.
 
AzM2 & AzSCI Field Test in April
Below you will find the testing dates for the AzM2 and AzSCI Field Test. These tests MUST be completed in person, on campus by students. Students testing must use a school issued device to complete their assessments. Please review the following documents that have been sent out in previous communication. 
 
STUGO Charity Event
Our wonderful Student Council is putting on a charity event for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). They’ve put together a flyer that you can view below with more details.
 
Prom
Saturday, May 1st @ Villa Tuscana Reception Hall
Our fantastic STUGO students have worked hard to put together this year’s prom! Prom will be on Saturday, May 1st from 7:00-11:00pm. Tickets will be $60 and will be available for purchase by visiting the following link. All attendees will be required to wear a mask as this is a school function. We look forward to seeing everyone there!
 
CELEBRATIONS!
Congratulations to those recognized at last week’s 9th Annual Fountain Hills Coalition Essay Contest! The following students did an outstanding job in showcasing their abilities as writers! Their essays were poignant and heartfelt. It was wonderful getting to hear them read their own words! Thank you to our wonderful English teachers (Mr. Sunshine, Ms. Julian, Mr. Keating, and Mr. Bonner) for all of their hard work and guidance they provided our students.
  • First Place - Andrew Miller
  • Second Place - Taylor Pace
  • Third Place - Sophie Dehombreux & Faith Shannon
  • Honorable Mention - Genevieve Kastner, Ava Kalmbach, Izabell Butcher, Michaela Quintana, Cole Schulze, Tatum Molina, Reagan Oliver, Stella Grieco, Autumn Rynearson, Laura Skemp, Erin Hooley, Jacelle Bautista, Elizabeth Franzone, and Genevieve Perkins

Please enjoy a glimpse into campus fun at the high school...
Sincerely,

Kris Alexander
Principal
Fountain Hills High School
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