23-24 FHS Weekly Update #24

School of Choice Window for 2nd Semester Closes Tuesday, January 16th.

FAPS' School of Choice Application window for second semester of the 2023-24 year closes on January 16, 2024. See the online enrollment link at www.fentonschools.org.

This paperwork is also for families who starting the 2023-24 in-district but may have moved out of the district and want the children to continue to attend FHS.

Week #3 - January 15 - 19, 2024

Monday (1/15/24) - MLK Day - No School/Teacher Work Day

Tuesday (1/16/24) -

• Rescheduled Semester Exams for Hours 1 & 2 take place

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Wednesday (1/17/24) - School Resumes

• 2nd Semester/3rd marking period begins
• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.
• IB Diploma Program Informational Meeting for 10th Graders & Parents - FHS Lecture Room at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday (1/18/24)

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.
• IB Diploma Program Mtg for current 10th & 11th graders during SRT in FHS Lecture Room.
• Informational Meeting for E-Sports at 4:00 p.m. (see graphic in Athletics & Activities for more information)
• The Play That Goes Wrong - 7:30 p.m.

Friday (1/19/24) -

• Varsity home basketball vs. Linden
• The Play That Goes Wrong - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday (1/20/24) -

• The Play That Goes Wrong - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday (1/21/24)

• The Play That Goes Wrong - 2:30 p.m.

Monday (1/22/24) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.
• 1st Semester Grades due to FHS Counseling Office by 2:40 p.m.

Tuesday (1/23/24) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Wednesday (1/24/24) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.
• Early Middle College with Mott Informational Mtg (invite only) - 6:30 p.m. FHS Lecture Room

Thursday (1/25/24)

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Friday (1/26/24) -

Saturday (1/27/24) -

Grades for FHS are due on 1/22/24 by Teaching Staff. FHS also partners with outside agencies such as Genesee Career Institute, U of M Flint, Mott Community College, Gen Net, and various online vendors such as Michigan Virtual, Odysseyware, etc.

Grades from all of these sources have to be received and hand-entered BEFORE report cards and transcripts can be processed. Additionally, exam results are also needed to determine if an Attendance Appeal becomes moot when a student scores C+ or better on the semester exam.

Stay tuned for more information on when first semester grade information will be published.

Monday (1/29/24) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Tuesday (1/30/24) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Wednesday (1/31/24) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.
• Early Middle College with Mott Informational Mtg (invite only) - 6:30 p.m. FHS Lecture Room
• Dual Enrollment Opportunities Informational Meeting - FHS Lecture Room - 6:30 p.m.

Thursday (2/1/24)

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Friday (2/2/24) -

• NHS Blood Drive #2
• Varsity Basketball vs. Swartz Creek

Saturday (2/3/24) -

• Polar Plunge - "Freezin for a Reason" - Help Support Special Olympics

Dear Parents & Guardians of FHS 10th graders,

In February, all FHS students will be asked to request classes for the 2024-25 school year. Students in 10th grade will make some particularly important decisions about the FHS Post-Secondary programs in which they may want to participate.

We are asking parents / guardians of current 10th graders to complete a brief survey, the results of which will help us to identify students who may be interested in the various academic programs offered at FHS.

With the survey results, we plan to reach out to the proper target audience for each of the informational meetings that will be held in January and February.

Please review the attached document for more information about each of the FHS Post-Secondary programs and then complete the survey using this link, if you have not already completed it:

Post-Secondary Survey for Parents of FHS 10th Graders

FHS National Honor Society is hosting its second of three Blood Drives planned for this school year on Friday, February 2nd in the FHS Aux Gym.

Young donors, ages 16-18, who meet the height & weight requirements, and who have parent permission, can also donate. See the height & weight chart button and permission slip button below. Please consider donating on February 2nd.

Fenton High School is proud to share that we have become a Unified Champion School in conjunction with Special Olympics Michigan! We are excited to offer additional extra-curricular activities for our students, engage our community stakeholders, and strive for a more inclusive world.

On February 3, 2024, FAPS will have representatives jumping into Lake Fenton in the annual Polar Plunge Event. Funds raised, help student-athletes compete in the Special Olympics, and help to provide equipment, uniforms, transportation, and so much more.

Monday (2/5/24) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.
• 8th Grade Transition Night - 7:00 p.m. FHS Main Gym

Tuesday (2/6/24) -

• Junior Class Meeting in SRT - Scheduling, spring testing, etc.
• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Wednesday (2/7/24) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.
• Parent University: Topic - School Refusal - 6:30 p.m. FHS

Thursday (2/8/24)

• Sophomore Class Meeting in SRT - Scheduling, spring testing, etc
• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Friday (2/9/24) -

• Varsity Basketball vs. Kearsley (home)

Saturday (2/10/24) -

• FHS Band District Solo & Ensemble
• Snow Ball Dance - 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. (sponsored by FHS Student Council)

Sunday (2/11/24)

• Superbowl Sunday

Student Council has been given the "green light" to see if they can sell enough tickets to have a winter dance on Saturday, February 10th for FHS 9-12 grade students.

Tickets for sale from January 22-February 2. Last day to buy tickets is February 2nd.

Listen to the PA announcements and watch future Weekly Updates for more information.

ATTENTION 10th, 11th & 12th Graders:

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) Exam/Career Exploration Program can help you to take steps now toward finding a career that is right for you. You can benefit from the exam regardless of your plans for after high school. It will be given during 1st, 2nd & 3rd hours on Wednesday, February 21st. Booklets about the ASVAB are available in the FHS Counseling Office.

If you are in grades 10 - 12, and you are interested in taking advantage of this exclusive career exploration, please sign up in the Counseling Office by Thursday, February 15th. If you are unable to come in and sign up for it, please let Mrs. Stapp know and she will be happy to put your name on the list.

Monday (2/12/24) -

• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.

Tuesday (2/13/24) - Mardi Gras (French Classes)

• Freshman Class Meeting in SRT
• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.

Wednesday (2/14/24) - Valentines' Day/Ash Wednesday/Attendance Count Day

• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.

Thursday (2/15/24)

• Deadline for signing up for ASVAB Testing for 10th, 11th & 12th Graders (see other graphic for more info)
• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
• Last Day for All Audition Courses to conduct Auditions
• All FHS Class Applications, GCI Applications, IB, EMC, and Dual Enrollment applications due!!!
  
• 23-24 Genesee Career Institute Applications due - 1st Year Applicants

Friday (2/16/24) - PD Day - No School for FHS Students

On December 4, the FAPS Board of Education voted to approve some curricular and programming changes for FHS. At their meeting, several new potential classes for Fenton High School were presented, some adjustments to current classes (moving from year-long to semester) were adopted, and a name change of our alternative education program was approved. New courses include the following:

1. Life Skills Trades

2. Life Skills Communication

3. Child Development

4. Creative Writing

5. IB Music

6. General Aviation/Drones

7. Marketing 1 & 2

8. Officiating

9. Senior Seminar

10. Statistical Reasoning in Sports

11. The Detective Chronicles

12. Young Adult Literature

13. Health (Semester)

The school district has decided to conclude its partnership with Gear Up 2 Lead as part of a reassessment of curricular and educational services. The FAPS Board of Education voted to provide alternative educational under the name of Fenton Alternative Academy.

Next steps are to update the 2024 FHS Curriculum Guide (which comes out in January) so it can be ready for the 2024-25 scheduling window beginning in January, 2024!

January/February kicks off 2024-25 Scheduling at Fenton High School with several upcoming informational programs, open houses, and application and audition opportunities, so it is important for students and families to make sure they are aware of the options available. See the Curriculum Guide that will be posted online January 10th for more information.

Application Courses

Students wanting to be enrolled in classes such as Honors World History, Honors American Studies, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and some elective courses must make application to these courses and meet any/all criteria provided on the application. Applications will be available during the month of January by 1/23/24.

Audition Courses

Some classes, such as certain instrumental & vocal music classes may require students to schedule an "audition" in order to be considered for acceptance to the class. Audition information will be posted in January by 1/23/24.

Important Dates:

1. Wednesday, 1/10/24 - 2023-24 FHS Curriculum Guide posted to FHS Website.

2. Wednesday, 1/17/24 - International Baccalaureate (IB) Informational Meeting - at 6:30 p.m. in the FHS Lecture Room

Tuesday, 1/23/24 - Application & Audition Class materials available.

3. Wednesday, 1/31/24 - DEEP & Dual Enrollment Informational Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the FHS Lecture Room.

4.Tuesday, 2/6/24 - Senior Class Meeting in SRT - covering Senior End of Year Activities (local scholarships, prom, graduation practice, graduation, Project Graduation, etc.)

5. Thursday, 2/8/24 - Junior Class Meeting in SRT - scheduling, spring testing, etc.

7. Tuesday, 2/13/24 - Sophomore Class Meeting in SRT - scheduling, spring testing, etc.

8. Thursday, 2/15/25 - Freshman Class Meeting in SRT - scheduling, spring testing, etc.

State Bank Athlete of the Week nominations continue and congratulations to this week's winner from Fenton:

1. Anderson, Hunter: Wrestling: Hunter placed 4th at the highly competitive Detroit Catholic Central tournament this past weekend.

2. Bigger, Kenna: Cheer: Freshman, Kenna Bigger, stepped up for her team on Saturday at Brighton's Best. Kenna competed in all 3 rounds on Saturday, performing her standing back tuck for the first time in Round 2. In addition to a stellar performance in round 1, Kenna and her stunt group contributed 3 one-leg extensions and 3 full twists to help the team achieve their choreography bonus in round 3.

FHS is happy to announce an Informational Meeting for those interested in E-Sports on Thursday, January 18th at 4:00 p.m. in the former CAD room. We hope to have a team set up by the start of February.

Check out the expanded E-sports gaming platforms (see above flyer).

For questions and more information, contact Coach Nick Ragnone@fentonschools.org

FAPS Ski & Snowboard Club -

Who: Students & Parents (beginner to expert) at least 7yrs old to join the club and participate in the group ski lessons. There are discounted tickets for 6 and under who want to go with parents.

What: Discount lift tickets & rentals at Mt. Holly. For more info contact:

• Mrs. Loria - mloria@fentonschools.org (AGS/FHS students) or

• Mrs. Eastman- seastman@fentonschools.org

This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Prudence. Prudence means you plan for the future and achieve your goals by making careful everyday choices.

Prudence is the ability to do the right thing for the right reason, at the right time. It’s a future-oriented way of thinking that helps a person set goals, make plans, and have the discipline to accomplish them. It is cognitive -- more a strength of the head than of the heart.

Prudence supports effective individual self-management. Whether aspiring for an athletic record, academic grade, or purchasing a car, foresight and planning are necessary. However, even with a plan, long-term goals can only be obtained by overcoming those impulses and desires that steer you away from your goals. Prudence provides the wisdom to know which character strength to leverage, at which time, to achieve your desired end state.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiHIldWF06o

Thank you parents for your calls and your effort to get doctor's notes turned in for your child during the 1st semester. Because of your diligence, we have reduced the number of students having to go through an Attendance Appeal process, being put on an Attendance Plan, or having credit put on hold.

See the results below! Keep up the great work!

There are major changes and improvements coming to the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. This redesigned and streamlined FAFSA form will be available by Dec. 31, 2023.

What You Need To Know Now

The 2024–25 FAFSA form will expand eligibility for federal student aid.

• 610,000 new students from low-income backgrounds will be eligible to receive Federal Pell Grants due to updates to student aid calculations.

• Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to get an early estimate of what your federal student aid could be after submitting the new form.

The 2024–25 FAFSA form will offer a new, streamlined user experience for students and their families.

• Applicants will be able to skip as many as 26 FAFSA questions, depending on their individual circumstances. Some applicants will need to complete as few as 18 questions, taking less than 10 minutes.

• Watch our “2024–25 FAFSA FAQs” playlist to better understand what’s changed on the new form.

What You Can Do Now

• Didn’t submit a 2023–24 FAFSA form? Make sure to create your StudentAid.gov account—and remember your username and password so you can access and submit the 2024–25 FAFSA form when it’s available.

• Find out if your parent(s) or spouse will need to be contributors (contribute their info on your FAFSA form).

• If your parent(s) or spouse will need to contribute to your form, make sure each contributor creates their own StudentAid.gov account. Even if a contributor doesn’t have a Social Security number, they will be able to create an account when the 2024–25 form goes live.

• Watch our “Preparing for the FAFSA Form” playlist to understand what information and documents you’ll need to fill out the FAFSA form.

Stay informed about 2024–25 FAFSA changes and receive up-to-date notifications and information:

• Did you fill out a FAFSA form for 2023–24? We’re emailing students (and parents of dependent students) who applied on the 2023–24 form, reminding them to apply for 2024–25. To ensure you receive future updates, log in to your StudentAid.gov account and confirm we’ve got your current email address.

• Follow Federal Student Aid on social media for resources and announcements—including an alert when the new FAFSA form is available to complete.

Yearbooks can be purchased online only. More information and a link to order can be found on our site here: https://thefentonian.weebly.com/order-your-book.html

or

contact Mrs. Hoover @bhoover@fentonschools.org

• In this week's newsletter:

  • This week's CCR news (FIELD TRIP OPPORTUNITIES x2, EMU campus visit info, where to look for a full-ride scholarship, and more!)
  • Michigan Career Pathfinder
  • Xello for Families & Xello for Students
  • Positivity Project- Curiosity
  • College Visit Calendar
  • College Application Waiver Codes
  • Scholarship Information **NEW** scholarship opportunities (military, college athletics, & more)
  • Employment/Volunteer Opportunities
  • Useful Links
  • Simon Says...
  • Past Newsletters
  
  

This is a reminder that we have a "Community Bulletin Board" on our district website where we post digital flyers related to community events, local clubs or activities, community sports programs, etc... Please visit the link to see what's happening throughout our community! #WeAreFenton

https://www.fentonschools.org/page/community-bulletin-board

The Brighton Area Schools Alumni Association will be offering a Mental Strength Training workshop (for ages 10-adult) on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, from 6:30-7:45pm at the

Brighton High School STEAM Center, 7878 Brighton Road, Brighton, MI 48116.

The 75-minute interactive workshop will be taught by Kelsey Gustafson, MS in Sport & Human Performance, and owner of Kelsey Gustafson Coaching LLC. Kelsey has a competitive figure skating background and competed in collegiate volleyball, along with basketball and track & field.

Attendees will participate in discussions about:

• Managing Expectations
• Understanding and Managing Pressure
• Building and Managing Confidence
• Supporting the Mindset of a Winner

A hand-out summarizing the session materials along with suggested sources for further information will be distributed. Early Registration ends on 1/12/24, and includes a $20 non-refundable Donation to BAS Alumni Association Scholarships. Door Registration may be available on 1/17 as space allows for a $30 Donation to BASAA Scholarships.

Attached is our flyer and registration form, which can be returned online at http://www.BrightonMIAlumni.com/Events., or at The Brighton District Library

Additional information is available at our website: http://www.BrightonMiAlumni.com/events or via email at BASAlumniSAT@gmail.com or via telephone at 810-227-0656.

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 15, 2024, from 12:00p - 2:00p, join the FIA Museum + Art School for a free screening of "Across the Tracks: Unveiling the Vibrant African-American Community on Flint's Southside." The film will be followed by an artist talk featuring Ed Watkins, who will share memories of growing up on Flint's Southside and discuss why he chose to document his community in his artwork, forever immortalizing places lost to urban renewal.

This program will take place in the FIA's Isabel Hall, and it is FREE and open to the public.

Need To Email or call a Teacher?

Students/Parents needing to reach a teacher/staff member during can:

1. Go to www.fentonschools.org website
2. Click on "Our Schools" and locate Fenton High School from the drop down menu.
3. Go to the heading "Our Team" and find the sub-heading "Staff Directory"
4. Names are listed alphabetically with a "Send Message" link under the name as well as the phone number to that staff member.

Families using or qualifying for a Michigan Bridge Card/EBT, Food Assistance:

To receive the Summer EBT benefit, every family must have an approved student eligibility benefit (free or reduced) through their school. Households may need to complete and submit the School Meals and Summer EBT Application.

Make sure all families are aware they will need to turn in this form ahead of count day to receive benefits over the summer. Count day will be February 7, 2024. https://fenton.familyportal.cloud/

• Call by NOON the day after an absence to excuse it.
• Use Parent Drop Off - Do not drop students in other lots.
• Door Dash, or any other food delivery, is NOT permitted.
• Call early for a dismissals, so passes can be issued early in the day to your student.
• All students should CHECK OUT in the Main Office.
• Students are NOT allowed to go to vehicles during the school day, without administrator permission.
• Closed Campus - students are NOT to leave campus without administrative permission.
• Math Lab - Every 4th hour & lunch for any student.
• After School Tutoring - Mon - Thursday from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m. Permission slip needed
• Read the Weekly Update (sent every Friday) for important updates & deadlines!!!

With the holiday season upon us, it's that time of year when we start preparing for possible inclement weather and the possibility of school cancelation. Please take time to plan for what you and your family will do in the event we have to cancel school. The district will always attempt to make decisions in time for you to use your plans optimally; however, sometimes with mother nature and the weather patterns in Michigan it doesn't always go as we'd all appreciate.

Please take a look below at the process for a weather cancelation and understand that we try our best to ensure student safety above all else.

A. We monitor the weather, and if severe weather is predicted, as superintendent, I along with the help of our transportation/operations department, local road commission and law enforcement evaluate potential issues.

B. As superintendent, I collaborate with Genesee County Superintendents to make decisions based on the road conditions for our area currently and/or in the near future.

C. We as a district will notify designated individuals in the event of a school closure to then disseminate information as quickly as possible.

D. Families can check: the district website, messaging through our FAPS app to phones in the form of voice, text message, email message, district Facebook, and news stations (ABC 12, WNEM 5, NBC 25, Detroit Fox2).

When the weather breaks and road conditions are in question, remember to leave early and drive slowly. Also, ensure your contact information is updated with your school so the district can provide the most efficient communication.

FHS has partnered with Easterseals of Michigan. Easterseals offers school-based therapy with an onsite clinician 5 days per week including:

• Individual, family & group therapy utilizing evidence-based interventions.
• Specialized training & support services for parents & teachers
• Connections to numerous community resources
• Less time missed at work/school
• Fewer transportation conflicts
• Students can make appointments when convenient (avoiding test days, etc.)

Please contact the Counseling Department for more information at (810) 591-2612.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

ABOUT THE LIFELINE

https://988lifeline.org/

Kinship care is the full-time care, nurturing and protection of children by family members, close family friends or other important adults in the child’s life. This could include grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, family friends or members of their tribes or clans.

Contact: 800-535-1218 (Monday - Friday, 9-4 PM).

WEBSITE: kinship.msu.edu EMAIL: kinship@msu.edu

If you need assistance, and are in the Fenton, Lake Fenton, or Linden school districts, Fenton Area Resources & Referral Network (aka FARR) can help with emergency assistance and resources. See contact info below.

​

FARR

P.O. Box 529

Fenton, MI 48430

​Phone - (810) 750-6244

Fax - (810) 885-0286

​Email - FARRNetworkHelp@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fentonhs48430

Instagram: @fenton_hs

Twitter: @Fenton_HS

Website: www.fentonschools.org

Office Hours: Monday through Friday - 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

FHS Administration:

Michael Bakker, Principal

mbakker@fentonschools.org

Zachary Bradley, Assistant Principal:

zbradley@fentonschools.org

Laura Lemke, Assistant Principal:

llemke@fentonschools.org

Edward Uhrik, Athletic Director/Assistant Principal:

euhrik@fentonschools.org

Counselors:

Brian Halas - Last Names A - F:

bhalas@fentonschools.org

Michelle Pietraszkiewicz - Last Names G - N:

mpietraszkiewicz@fentonschools.org

Craig Golembiewski - Last Names O - Z:

cgolembiewski@fentonschools.org

Career & College Readiness Coordinator:

Lindsay Grady:

lgrady@fentonschools.org

Email: mbakker@fentonschools.org
Website: www.fentonschools.org
Location: 3200 West Shiawassee Avenue, Fenton, MI, USA
Phone: (810) 591-2600