The FAST Flyer

“Our nation’s teachers prepare and inspire the next generation of leaders that are critical to our future. Yet for years, our education system has faced challenges in attracting, recruiting, and retaining qualified teachers – challenges that were made worse by the pandemic. As children across the country start the 2022-2023 school year, too many schools are struggling to fill vacancies for teachers, including with qualified teachers, and other critical school professionals – such as bus drivers, paraprofessionals, nurses, and mental health professionals – positions that are essential to help our students recover academically, access the mental health supports they need, and thrive in and out of the classroom.” (Retrieved from the US Department of Education - article, Biden-Harris Administration Announces Public and Private Sector Actions to Strengthen Teaching Profession and Help Schools Fill Vacancies, 2022)

I’m sharing this article excerpt to let you know that FAST has not been immune to this phenomena. However, our Interview Team has met these challenges with dedication and diligence. And, as for our future staff, it is our hope that they will get to know us, and want to join us on this amazing journey.

This week, we are offering our 7th Grade Science position to someone who comes to us with a degree in Biology. Our candidate is also certified in GA in the area of Middle Grades Science.

This weekend, students may not have access to the Internet through their devices because of network password issues. Our Director of Technology, Ms. Diana Figueroa, is working to resolve this issue. We’ve asked teachers to be mindful of homework requirements and provide homework extensions through next week. On Tuesday, in homeroom, our MS students will be able to work with their teachers to create new passwords. In our ES, the passwords will be given by their teachers.

Last Tuesday, a parent called to say that he was concerned about his child not having a Science Teacher, and how important it was for his child to have a teacher. And, he got no argument from me, because I understood the importance of what he shared. I provided him with some background information about our new candidate for the 7th Grade Science position. I also shared with him who the substitute teacher was in that 7th Grade Science class, and that she had a teaching degree, and was very knowledgeable about the curriculum and the students, and he said, “I didn’t know that. That is not what I heard.” I paused, and smiled and said, “I’m so glad you called.” Thank you for allowing me to share what we are doing for your child and all students at FAST, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to address your concerns. I was glad to have the opportunity to share with him what really goes on at FAST on a day to day basis. I also shared with him that the students are doing well. They are happy and excited about the wonderful things we planned for them. He commented that he was actually seeing some positive changes. He ended the call with how pleased he was that we hired a teacher, and he was looking forward to seeing the great things his child will be learning!

If only I had a magic wand…I’d wave it over everyone to help them see how amazing our children are, how dedicated our teachers and leaders are, and how wonderful it still is to be a part of the FAST family!

I would indeed…

We’re the FAST Astros! Together, we will achieve great things!

Our vision: To be recognized as a premier STEM school that creates and nurtures the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and leaders.

Lifetouch will be here for school pictures on Monday, September 26. All students are required to wear their cobalt blue FAST logo polo shirt. Orders can be placed online through Lifetouch using Picture Day Code: EVTQMF29D.

Mark your calendars for September 22-23 for parent teacher conferences. There is no school for students on those days. Teachers will be sending out links to sign up for conferences. If you were not able to make it to Curriculum Day, this is a great opportunity to meet your student’s teacher and ask questions specific to your child.

The second soccer season for the FAST Astros is gearing up! The first practice is scheduled for Tuesday. Please contact jonathan.moore@fastk8.org for more information. Students who plan to play, must provide all of the appropriate paperwork before they will be eligible to compete.

Student Council elections will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. Students will receive an email from Ms. Abramson about campaigning this week. Students running for an executive council position will be expected to make a brief campaign introduction video this week.

We are excited to introduce our new lunch service, Yay Lunch, which provides freshly made, balanced meals for students, faculty, and staff through a simple online ordering process. All meals are prepared daily by local Restaurant Partners and delivered to schools by the Yay Lunch team. Register today to be the first to know when menu and ordering are live!

Lunch will begin service at FAST on September 12. Menus are posted on their website for advance ordering. Remember, all orders are due by Sunday night for the following week.

And good news: Yay Lunch is offering 20% off your order when you use the code SAYYAY20 at checkout. This offer ends October 2nd and applies to one week of orders.

As a reminder, elementary students should not have phones at school at all. This includes smart watches. If students need to contact their parents, they should speak with their teacher. The only students permitted to use cell phones during the day are 8th graders and they may only use them during recess or lunch. Parents should never text their students to meet them in the parking lot during dismissal to bypass carpool.

A Rocket, Miss. Frizzle, or The Flash... What should our scarecrows be? YOU have a chance to submit your fun ideas! Please submit your creative description to PTOCommOutreach@fastk8.org by this Friday, September 2nd.

The Roswell Youth Day Celebration is taking place on October 8th. It is sure to be a fun time filled with face painting, floats, and food! Are YOU interested in creating a float for FAST, and being the master of ceremonies? Please contact PTOCommOutreach@fastk8.org by Tuesday September 6th if you are!

Round 3 Orders will be available for backpack delivery after September 6th.

If you have questions about your order OR would like to hep sort and deliver shirts to student backpacks please contact our Spirit Wear parent volunteer: Alexandra Gorfinkel at Fastspiritwear@outlook.com

Sept. 5: Labor Day (school closed)

Sept. 22-23: Parent-teacher conferences (students off)

Sept. 26: Picture Day

A printable version of the school calendar can be found HERE

To keep up to date with the most recent information available from our district offices, please click on the image below.

Email: info@fastk8.org
Website: www.fastk8.org
Location: 11365 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA, USA
Phone: 678-321-1100
Facebook: facebook.com/FASTK8.School/
Twitter: @fastk8charter

The FAST Flyer is the electronic newsletter at FAST. Feedback is always welcome. If you have any questions, please call the school (678-321-1100) or email the FAST Communications Director at marie.emerson@fastk8.org.