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FAPS #WeAreFenton Community Update
December 5, 2023
December and New Year Celebrations!
Celebrating a Year of Achievements and Growth
Dear WeAreFenton Families,
I hope this message finds you well as we approach the holiday season and the end of another remarkable year. As we reflect on the past twelve months, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we have undertaken together. This December marks many successes for our school district. Through it all, your support has been the cornerstone of our success.
Academic Achievements:
Our students have excelled socially and academically, showcasing their amazing talents. From innovative teaching methods to cutting-edge technology integration, our educators have gone above and beyond to ensure a dynamic and enriching learning experience for every student.
Community Engagement:
Our commitment to fostering strong ties with the community has flourished over the past year. Through many bond informational meetings, community events, and collaborative initiatives, we have strengthened the bond between our schools and families. Your involvement has been instrumental in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for our students.
Facilities and Infrastructure Enhancements:
You and our community have made a commitment to invest (November Bond Election) in upgrading our school facilities and technological infrastructure to provide a SAFE, modern and conducive learning environments. These improvements lay a legacy foundation for continued innovation and excellence in education.
Wellness and Support Services:
The well-being of our students remains a top priority. Our dedicated SEL team of counselors, social workers, psychologists, district nurses, school home coordinators and support staff have worked tirelessly to provide emotional and mental health support, ensuring that every student feels heard, valued, and supported.
Future Initiatives:
Looking ahead, we have exciting plans for the coming year. We will continue to explore innovative teaching methods, expand our opportunities for students and staff, and strengthen partnerships with local organizations to provide additional resources for our students.
As we celebrate this one-year milestone, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support. Together, we have proven that in the face of challenges, our community can rise above and thrive. I look forward to another year of growth, collaboration, and success.
Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!
Warm regards,
Heidie Ciesielski
Superintendent
We are Fenton!! Imagine the possibilities….
GO GRIFFINS!
Senior Parents - FAFSA Help!
As was shared in the fall, the FAFSA window will be opening sometime in December (no later than December 31). There are changes to this year's process and because there will be essentially 2 - 3 months less time for applications to be processed, it will be extremely important to fill out the application as soon as possible once it's released. Additionally, we are being told that colleges and universities will not receive their student data from FAFSA until the end of January, further complicating when families will receive their financial aid package.
In an attempt to help everyone prepare now for when the FAFSA window opens, FHS staff has prepared a one-page FAFSA Checklist document with links to support you. Please reach out to your counselor or FHS Administration if you need help or have questions!
Parent University
Meet our School Home Coordinators
They say it takes a village to raise a child. We are your village!
Fenton Area Public Schools serve a strong, supportive community that works together and relies on one another for support. We hope that you see your child's school as a resource, especially in times of need. In an effort to alleviate some of the stress that sometimes comes with trying to stay connected and make ends meet, FAPS has a team of School Home Coordinator’s that can assist students and families through the challenging times. Services offered include coordinating with local agencies for support in mental health, housing, transportation, clothing and basic needs. School Home Coordinators serve as the connection between school and home ensuring both academic and social-emotional success. If your family and/or student may benefit from these resources, please contact your building's School Home Coordinator.
North Road and State Road Elementary- Melissa Mong
Tomek Eastern and AGS- Lauren Underwood
Fenton High School & Grades 9-12 Alternative Education- Nicole Kilpatrick
Lauren Underwood
I am the School Home Coordinator for both AGS and Tomek. Part of
my position is to help families in need of resources. Anything from food assistance, clothes and hygiene
essentials, school supplies, getting to school regularly etc. While I carry the majority of these items in my office, whatever I don’t
have on hand, I can go collect them for you as well.
During the winter months and winter break I have a lot of winter coats, hats, snow pants, gloves and
boots. If you need any of these items, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will help get your child
what they need.
If you are in need of food assistance here are some sites to click on and fill out.
https://www.fentoncenterofhope.org/
It takes a village and I hope that you will reach out with any resources that you may need!
Lauren Underwood
AGS (810)591-7750
Tomek (810)591-6850
Nicole Kilpatrick
My name is Nicole Kilpatrick and I am the School-Home Coordinator at for grades 9-12. I am here to help your family in a variety of ways to meet your needs at home or at school, and helping attend school on a regular basis. If your family needs access to food, warm clothing, winter gear or other resources, please reach out to me as I would love to help. Email nkilpatrick@fentonschools.org for more information.
Melissa Mong
This time of year can be extra hard for some families, and please reach out if you need help with necessities or ways to celebrate the holidays. We have access to many resources within our community and have wonderful community partners who will help our students and families. Email mmong@fentonschools.org
Swimming State Champion
Congratulations to Tess Heavner
Tess won the state championship in the 200IM and the 100Backstroke! She completed the competition with her season-best times - the 200 individual medley (2:03.69) and the 100 backstroke (55.10). What a tremendous accomplishment - WeAreFenton and WeAreProud! Pictured above are Tess, Coach Aue and Coach Jones!
Inclement Weather Season
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.
FAPS Board of Education
On behalf of the board of education, HAPPY HOLIDAYS and a MERRY NEW YEAR!
❄️🎅🔔
Ashley & Adam Prew, Elaina & Andy Younger, Emily Rossmaessler, Superintendent Ciesielski, Mike Pearce, Matt & Susan Welch, Renee & Dave Juhl. (Not pictured Dana Jones)
Board of Education Meeting December 4, 2023
Our school board held the regular monthly meeting on December 4, 2023. Our board accomplished a tremendous amount of board business this month with policy, strategic planning and asset management - it's been a busy month with subcommittee meetings as well as regular board meetings. The board also had a chance to attend the Genesee County School Board Association Holiday Gathering in Frankenmuth pictured above. Dana Jones was recognized for her length of service to our board of education.
You can find the link to the board's work located on our new easy to navigate BOE website page here: