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FAPS #WeAreFenton Community Update
March 7 , 2024
Spring into FAPS!
Dear Fenton Community and Families
March is here, and let the Spring Madness Commence! College basketball is not the only thing that March brings. We are all starting to ramp up for our last quarter of the school year.
The State of Michigan State Assessment window will start the second week in April, and the vast majority of our students and teachers will be navigating these as well as preparing for the last part of the school year. We also are starting to look at next school year already. Online registration and enrollment was opened on March 1, 2024. Information about this and some other district updates are included in this month's newsletter.
Happy St. Patrick's Day, Happy Easter to those that celebrate and enjoy the beginnings of Spring! Also, March is Women's History Month, and I hope you find a way to celebrate the amazing women in your life - I have many! Lastly, it is also School Social Worker Appreciation Month - thank you to those that serve our district in this capacity.
I will close by wishing you all a safe and restful Spring Break to come at the end of the month from March 25th-29th. If you are heading somewhere for the break, please be safe in your travels if you are staying home enjoy the respite, and if you are still working thank you for your service to our community.
Bond Updates and Information
Community Support Makes a Difference
We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who voted in favor of this bond. Your support is a testament to your commitment to our students and their success. We have engaged in the sale of the first series of the bond that will fund the new entrance at AGS, the sidewalk on Shiawassee, start the additions at the 3 elementary buildings, and start the purchasing for HVAC in all buildings as well as infrastructure preparation for the updated ventilation. We have also held initial design concept meetings at all three elementary buildings.
Transparency and Accountability
We understand that you want regular updates on how the bond funds are being used. We are committed to providing you with clear and concise information throughout the entire process. We will be sharing regular reports on our website and through future newsletters detailing project progress and expenditures.
Looking ahead
This is just the beginning of our journey towards creating a world-class learning environment for our students. We are excited to continue working with the community to turn these plans into reality.
For more information:
- Visit our bond website: https://www.fentonschools.org/page/bond-projects
- Attend upcoming school board meetings: https://www.fentonschools.org/page/board-of-education
- Contact us: 8105914700
THANK YOU SSW and SHC's!
March is not only Women's History Month, but also National Social Worker Month, and we'd like to take this opportunity to thank our social workers as well as our School Home Coordinators for the awesome work they do to help our students and families navigate life! MANY MANY THANKS!
Also, a big thank you to our two on-site clinician's from Easterseals - Leann Buffmyer at FHS and Shayna Irvine at AGS. They allow us to have a mental health continuum, not many other districts can create. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Who doesn't love a LOCK-IN
Spring Break Food Distribution
Community Partner Food Distribution
For those on a tight budget, Spring Break can put a damper on a family's food budget when your
children are at home during the day. This is especially true for those families on the free or reduced
meal programs.
St. Jude’s Episcopal Church would like to offer you help with food for that week.
There will be a Food Distribution at St. Jude’s (106 E. Elizabeth St. at the corner of S. Leroy St. and
Elizabeth St.)
If transportation is an issue for you, please let us know and we can plan to have the groceries delivered.
Simply call the church office at 810-629-5681.
Many thanks to Dave Rayner, St. Jude's Outreach Coordinator, for his and St. Jude's continued partnership in helping our families.
FAPS United Way Campaign
Our World of Wonder Early Childhood Center benefits greatly by the gracious support of the United Way of Genesee County Michigan. Because we are the benefactor of their generosity, we as a district are holding a fundraising campaign. Please consider donating to this organization. Below is a video explaining the programming we fund with United Way, and some details about giving. If you would like to know ways to donate or discuss this in more detail please contact Marissa Cobleigh, World of Wonder Early Childhood Director mcobleigh@fentonschools.org. Thanks for your consideration in advance.
Spring Testing Schedule
Spring State Testing: A Guide for Parents
Spring is upon us, and with it comes the annual season of standardized testing in many schools across the nation. As a parent, you might have questions about these tests and how they impact your child. Here's a breakdown to help you understand:
What are Spring State Tests?
These are standardized assessments mandated by the state, typically administered in grades 3-8 and 9-11 at high school, to measure student performance in core subjects like:
- Reading
- Math
- Science (in some grades)
- Social Studies (in some grades)
Why are these tests given?
The primary purpose of these tests is to:
- Monitor student learning: Track individual progress and identify areas where students might need additional support.
- Evaluate school performance: Assess the effectiveness of schools and their curriculum.
- Compare schools: Gain insights into how schools within a district or state are performing relative to each other.
How can parents support their children?
- Maintain open communication: Talk to your child's teacher about the tests and address any concerns or anxieties your child might have.
- Focus on learning: Emphasize the importance of doing their best and learning from the experience rather than solely focusing on achieving a specific score.
- Maintain a positive attitude: Create a calm and supportive environment at home to help manage their stress and anxiety.
Additional resources:
- Your child's school website or teacher is the best source for specific information about the tests being administered in your district.
- You can also search online: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/student-assessment/assessment-calendars
Remember:
These tests are just one measure of your child's academic progress. As a parent, your ongoing support and encouragement play a vital role in their overall success and development.
Registration and Enrollment
FAPS Board of Education
Board of Education Meeting March 4, 2024
Our school board has been busy conducting sub-committee meetings as well as a regular meeting this past Monday, March 4, 2023. Our board president and board secretary have also been busy with our weekly bond meetings to ensure we are moving along with our bond sale, construction bids and other various tasks to bring the improvements to fruition in a timely manner. We appreciate them and their help and dedication to our district, as well as all of our school board members that show up for our district events to support our students and staff.
Please find the link to the board's work located on our new easy to navigate BOE website page here: