Dear FMS Families,

We have enjoyed our time with students since the break. We have been fortunate to be able to engage in some wonderful shared experiences through two unique schoolwide performances!

We started meeting with families last week for conferences. Our teachers will continue to meet with families through this week, with time carved out in the evening this Thursday and during the day on Friday. If you haven’t scheduled a conference with your child’s teacher, please do! It’s an important opportunity to connect about your child’s growth and progress this year.

Thank you for all you do to support our students outside of school!

Sincerely,

Sara Jablonski

FMS Principal

sjablonski@ewsd.org

802-879-6326

Last week, all fourth graders traveled to the State House in Montpelier to see democracy in action. Students have been learning about government and it brought much of their learning together! In addition, students had the opportunity to tour the Vermont Historical Society, which is right near the State House.

We were the lucky hosts of the Canadian Folk Music group The Receivers last week. They played a mix of songs on fiddle, banjo and guitar. Students had a wonderful time clapping along to upbeat tunes. They drove directly from FMS back to their home in Ontario, Canada, after a few performances in the Burlington area. This performance was made possible at FMS by Young Tradition Vermont, which is part of Vermont Folklife Center.

Just this morning, we hosted the Vermont Youth Dancers for an abridged performance of their current show, In the Woods Somewhere, Robyn Hood’s Band of Thieves. This group is made up of talented youth of all ages from Essex, Jericho and Underhill. Their full-length show will be performed at Essex High School on April 1 and 2, 2023.

There is some research that some students may benefit from using a fidget. Fidgets can help some students maintain their attention during class. Some students use fidgets with great success here at FMS.

With that said, there is an increase in distractions and challenges with fidgets that are brought to class. We have some clear guidelines for fidget use. For students who truly need a fidget, the expectations are:

• They stay silent

• They stay hidden from the sight of others

• They are used only when trying to focus

• Only use one at a time

With that said, slime is not a fidget. It is a toy. We are asking that students please do not bring slime or slime ingredients to school.

Thank you for your cooperation with this.

FMS is so excited to host an author visit on 4/13 and 4/14! Kevin Kurtz has written several Non-Fiction children's books and regularly visits schools to meet students face-to-face and talk to them about reading, writing, science and nature.

Here is more about Kevin from his website:

Kevin Kurtz has loved books and nature since he was a kid growing up in upstate New York. He holds degrees in English literature and elementary education and started his career assisting with lab and field work at a marine biology research center.

Kevin then used the knowledge and skills he gained from all of these experiences by working as an educator, program developer, and curriculum writer for organizations such as the Science Factory Children's Museum in Oregon and the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston (You can learn more about his career experiences by visiting his LinkedIn page).

Kevin has been an Education Officer on the research vessel the JOIDES Resolution. He traveled with an international team of scientists during an expedition where he spent eight weeks at sea in the South Pacific. The scientists were studying the chain of volcanoes that makes up the Louisville Seamount Trail.

In 2016, Kevin was an educator for the Chicxulub Impact Crater expedition. He joined scientists in the Gulf of Mexico and in Germany as they studied the crater left behind by the asteroid impact that wiped out most of the dinosaur

Click here to learn more about Kevin: http://www.kevkurtz.com

Please see below for information on the Big Beautiful Life Run, Walk and Roll, in memory of FMS Student Addi Carroll, who passed away last June.

Run, Walk and Roll Flyer

Register Here

When: June 10, 2023, 10 AM to 12 PM (and flexible virtual steps challenges)

Where: Founders Memorial School, Founders Road, Essex Junction, VT

Get your body moving! Have fun and help us raise money for kids in medical crisis as well as awareness for organizations who help them thrive!

Everyone can Run, Walk or Roll!

• 1.2k (Run, Walk or Roll): flat asphalt for those who are rolling or have difficulty with distances and grade changes.

• 5k (Run or Walk): Cross country style course
• Can't join us in person? Check out our flexible virtual steps challenges (June 1-10)! There's even a challenge for hospitalized kids (in progress).

• First Responder? We have a special in person division and virtual challenge for you! Make it fun and challenge other members and departments to go further or faster!

Prizes

• Winners will receive medals, Addi's Engine book and a gift from our Title Sponsor.
• Ribbons and electronic finisher's certificates for those who complete.
• Virtual challenge participants will also receive electronic milestone badges.

Learn more about Big Beautiful Life at https://bigbeautifullife.org/ and join us on Facebook.

EWSD School Calendar

Thursday, 3/23: Comfy Cozy Day, Schoolwide Read-In

Friday, 3/24: Family Conferences, No School for Students

Wednesday, 4/19: EWSD Fine Arts Night at Essex High School

Friday, 4/21: Comfy Cozy Day, Schoolwide Read-In

4/24- 4/28: Spring Break

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
Twitter: @srjablonski

FMS is a caring and inclusive school community, where all voices and perspectives matter. We grow critical thinkers who seek truth and contribute to a diverse global community. Together, we inspire each other to create an equitable, joyful school where all students belong.