The Bobcat Bulletin

Given some recent events in the community, on Wednesday, our schoolwide SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) lesson addressed the concept of "stranger danger." We defined a stranger as anyone a child does not know, even though they might seem friendly. We engaged in a “true or false” exercise to identify a person as a stranger or a trusted adult, watched a short video and had a class discussion. It’s also important that safety strategies are reinforced at home. Thank you for your cooperation with this so we can keep our children safe!

Please also remember to take the following precautions:

• Talk to your children: Remind them never to talk to or accept anything from strangers, even if they seem friendly. Teach them to say "No" and walk away if approached. They should walk in groups or with at least one buddy when possible.

• Supervise children closely, especially when playing outdoors, and ensure they are always within your sight or sound.

• Report suspicious activity: If you see anything concerning, such as someone trying to lure children, do not hesitate to call the police immediately.

• Be a good role model: Teach safe pedestrian behavior and follow the rules yourself.

Tips for children walking to school:

• Understand traffic signals

• Follow pedestrian rules (i.e., crossing streets only at crosswalks)

• Know what to do if approached by a stranger

• Stick to the route chosen and don’t go off with friends in another direction

• If possible, have a cell phone or other means to contact you when they arrive at their destination

Within the next week, we will be holding an emergency egress (or fire) drill. This is a drill in which we will activate the fire alarm and evacuate the school. It typically takes no more than 15 minutes, but is an important safety practice. Our students know that safety drills help us know what to do if there is an emergency.

Addi Carroll lived a Big Beautiful Life with unparalleled passion and purpose. She was a beloved member of our community and the Essex Fire Family. She also courageously fought a long, progressive battle with a complex mystery disease which included severe blood and bone marrow disorders. Yet, she had an indomitable spirit and met life with joy, never acknowledging her life was hard. Not once. Blood products gave Addi life countless times, allowing her to live more life

than most in only 12 short years. Now that her medical battle is done, we hope she leaves everyone her life has touched, inspired to be present in life, believe in possibilities, find joy, be and help others. Please honor her by coming together, in her

memory, to give blood and save lives.

This winter and spring, our 5th graders will be attending health class to learn about a variety of important health topics. Mr. Bowker and Ms. Hall, FMS P.E. teachers, will be teaching health units over the next 4 months. Topics include:

• Nutrition

• The Skeletal System

• Disease, Blood and the Danger of Drugs

• Changing Emotions & Growing Up

Our classrooms create opportunities for celebrations throughout the school year where all students can participate and that reflect the world around us. At FMS, we also have developed special traditions so we can celebrate as an entire school. This is a shift from only celebrating or honoring traditional holidays that unintentionally excluded some students.

With this in mind, we ask families not to send Valentine’s Day cards or treats to school. As a part of our ongoing social-emotional learning throughout the year, we engage in inclusive, alternative activities. One example to ask your child about is the "I Caught You" card program. Students take time to acknowledge one another for kind acts, many of which are read on the morning announcements. In addition, our classrooms engage in celebrations throughout the year, which makes our school a joyous and welcoming place to learn. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to build a community that teaches about all perspectives.

We will be celebrating a schoolwide spirit week from February 19-23. Each day brings something fun! See the schedule below for how your child can participate.

We understand our change in school start times this year has been an adjustment. Thank you for getting your children to school on time!

7:15: Buses begin to arrive, parent drop off begins

7:30: Students enter the school, get breakfast, walk to class

7:40: FMS School Day Begins

7:41: Students who enter the building at this time or after will receive a pass and walk to class

2:40: FMS School Day Ends (1:40 on Wednesdays)

If you are dropping off your student past 7:40 am please pull into the bus lane in front where there will be adults to check your student in. Thank you for your cooperation with this.

Our FMS PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) Team has planned two special family nights in the upcoming months. More details will follow, but please mark your calendars for the following dates:

Thursday, March 14, 2024, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

FMS Family Night - BINGO and Healthy Snacks!

Thursday, May 16, 2024, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

FMS Family Night - Technology Tools and Tips!

Register here: FMS Bingo Night Registration

The Heavenly Food Pantry provides food resources for those in need in Essex Town, Essex Junction and Westford. They are open twice a month. Please see details below.

Location:

39 Main St.

Essex Jct., VT 05452

February Dates:

Monday, February 12, 2024, 5:30 pm -7:30 pm

Thursday, February 22, 2024, 3:00 pm -6:00 pm

2023-2024 EWSD Calendar

Thursday February 15: Winter Orchestra Concert 7:00-7:40 pm
Thursday, February 22: Winter Band Concert 7:00-7:45 pm

Monday, February 26-Monday, March 4: Winter Break

Tuesday, March 5: Inservice, No School for Students

Thursday, March 14: PBIS Family Night, BINGO and Healthy Snacks, 6:30-7:30 pm

Thursday, March 21: Evening Family Conferences, 5:00-8:00 pm

Friday, March 22: Family Conferences, No School for Students

Thursday, May 16: PBIS Family Night, Technology Tools and Tricks, 6:30-7:30 pm

Email: sjablonski@ewsd.org
Website www.ewsd.org/fms
Location: 33 Founders Road, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: 802-879-6326
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Founders-Memorial-School-1509308329359547