23-24 FHS Weekly Update #23

In the event that school is cancelled on a day scheduled for semester exams, Fenton High School will publish information on the website, via Facebook, Instagram, etc. as to how the exam scheduled would be impacted.

Please check those sources should the need arise.

School of Choice Window 2nd Semester - January 1st - 16th

Fenton Area Public Schools School of Choice Application window for second semester of the 2023-24 school year opens January 1, 2024 and closes on January 16, 2024.

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.

Monday (1/8/24) -

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

Tuesday (1/9/2) -

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

Wednesday (1/10/24) - School Resumes

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

Thursday (1/11/24) - Wear BLUE for Human Trafficking Awareness Day

• Half Day of School - Dismissed at 10:54 a.m.
• Please make sure your ride home knows dismissal is at 10:54 a.m. If you get back from GCI after this time, you will need to find your own ride home.
• No After School Tutoring due to Half Day Schedule.

Friday (1/12/24) -

• Half Day of School - Dismissed at 10:54 a.m.
• Please make sure your ride home knows dismissal is at 10:54 a.m. If you get back from GCI after this time, you will need to find your own ride home.
• Fenton Youth Initiative (FYI) Animal Drive - See flyer below

Saturday (1/13/24) -

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized each year on January 11th. In recognition of this important day, and throughout the month of January, Blue Campaign hosts several special events and educational activities.

Blue Campaign’s largest initiative is #WearBlueDay on January 11th. To raise awareness of human trafficking, we invite the public to take photos of themselves, friends, family, and colleagues wearing blue clothing and share them on social media – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – along with our #WearBlueDay hashtag.

Anyone can participate, all you need is a piece of blue clothing!

Week #3 - January 15 - 19, 2024

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

Tuesday (1/16/24) -

• 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.

Wednesday (1/17/24) - School Resumes

• 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.
• 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.

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) -

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.
• 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 home basketball vs. Swartz Creek

Saturday (2/3/24) -

January is School Board Recognition Month and a time to recognize the individuals who approach their volunteer work as a full-time job, with extraordinary dedication to public schools.

School boards make decisions that can sometimes be quite difficult, or require sifting through a great deal of information. They contribute hundreds of hours each year and spend many hours on professional development to keep well-informed of the latest trends in educational leadership. They are involved in community activities and spend many hours at extracurricular events.

This month, we encourage all members of the community to thank our FAPS Board Members.

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

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.

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 Optimism. Optimism means you expect the best from the future and work to achieve it.

Optimism represents a state of hopefulness and confidence about the future (both short and long term). People with this strength are future-oriented. They have a positive vision of what the future holds and maintain confidence that they will get there. Despite setbacks, they keep a positive attitude and often find ways to convert what seems like an obstacle into a stepping-stone to achieving their goals.

Optimism is not about wearing rose-colored glasses and rolling over when the going gets tough. It’s about staying focused on the good in any situation -- allowing you to be aware of opportunities and accountable for your emotions. Optimists are strong leaders. They find meaning in hardship and can create a vision for the future. Optimists are inspiring; their example is contagious. And, by sharing and achieving their vision -- despite setbacks -- they help us all achieve more.

Link: Paraolympics - Dare to Believe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9CmSoPwgRI

On December 15, Mr. Bakker sent an email to seniors and parents of seniors (see content shown below). It contained the information that I have pasted below. If you haven't seen it yet, please take a look at the current FHS Class of 2024 Pictures for the yearbook (linked below). If any issues need to be addressed, the Google Form for errors (linked below) needs to be completed no later than January 5.

Please note, all cropping and necessary editing will take place once the photos are placed on the yearbook pages.

Good Afternoon Parents and Students of the Class of 2024,

Please take a moment to look over the Class of 2024 Senior Pictures and the Senior Portrait Sign-off form no later than January 5, 2024.

It's important for the yearbook staff that you complete this process, so they can continue their work on the yearbook when we return in January.

FHS Class of 2024 Pictures

FHS Senior Class Sign-off Instructions

Direct Link to Google Form if there's an error with your photo

1. Deadline for Cap & Gown Order - WAS December 31st. If you haven't ordered the custom gown, you need to do so ASAP at www.jostens.com.
2. November - December - Fill out GO Scholarship form (see graphic & button below)
   
3. December, 2023 - FAFSA Form
   

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

• 📢Placing Value in CTE
• DOL: Streamlining Registered Apprenticeships
• Extracurriculars and College Applications 🎷🏈🏆⛳
• 💰💰The new FAFSA
• MSU Adulting 101 Classes
• Factory Two January calendar
• Xello for Families & Xello for Students
  
• Positivity Project- OPTIMISM
• Scholarship Information & Opportunities 💸🎓
• 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.

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.

• 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