23-24 FHS Weekly Update #26

As we enter the winter doldrums and students/families spend more time indoors, cabin fever sets in. Please remind students they have access to the Counseling Office and Easter Seals at Fenton High School when they are struggling academically, socially, or emotionally.

For more information, please call the FHS Counseling Secretary, Kim Stapp at (810) 591-2612 or email kstapp@fentonschools.org.

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 & DEEP (UM-Flint) 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 Basketball vs. Swartz Creek (home)

Saturday (2/3/24) -

• Polar Plunge - "Freezin for a Reason" - Help Support Special Olympics

Grades for FHS were due on 1/22/24 by Teaching Staff. FHS also partners with outside agencies such as Genesee Career Institute, U of M Flint, Mott Community College, Gen Net, and various online vendors such as Michigan Virtual, Odysseyware, etc.

First semester grades are now available on the Parent/Student View under the documents tab!!

Attendance PLANs will be mailed, however report cards will NOT be.

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

FHS National Honor Society is hosting its second of three Blood Drives planned for this school year on Friday, February 2nd in the FHS Aux Gym.

Young donors, ages 16-18, who meet the height & weight requirements, and who have parent permission, can also donate. See the height & weight chart button and permission slip button below. Please consider donating on February 2nd.

Fenton High School is proud to share that we have become a Unified Champion School in conjunction with Special Olympics Michigan! We are excited to offer additional extra-curricular activities for our students, engage our community stakeholders, and strive for a more inclusive world.

On February 3, 2024, FAPS will have representatives jumping into Lake Fenton in the annual Polar Plunge Event. Funds raised, help student-athletes compete in the Special Olympics, and help to provide equipment, uniforms, transportation, and so much more.

Monday (2/5/24) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.
• 8th Grade Transition Night - 7:00 p.m. FHS Main Gym

Tuesday (2/6/24) -

• Junior Class Meeting in SRT - Scheduling, spring testing, etc.
  Class Meeting in SRT (End of Year activities, graduation, prom, scholarships, etc.)
• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Wednesday (2/7/24) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.
• Parent University: Topic - School Refusal - 6:30 p.m. MOVED to Board Office.

Thursday (2/8/24)

• Sophomore Class Meeting in SRT - Scheduling, spring testing, etc.
• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Friday (2/9/24) -

• Varsity Basketball vs. Kearlsey (home)

Saturday (2/10/24) -

• FHS Band District Solo & Ensemble
• Snow Ball Dance - 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. (sponsored by FHS Student Council)

Sunday (2/11/24)

• Superbowl Sunday

Student Council has been given the "green light" to sell tickets to have a winter dance on Saturday, February 10th for FHS 9-12 grade students.

Tickets for sale from January 22-February 2. Last day to buy tickets is February 2nd.

Listen to the PA announcements and watch future Weekly Updates for more information.

Monday (2/12/24) -

• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.

Tuesday (2/13/24) - Mardi Gras (French Classes)

• Freshman Class Meeting in SRT
• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.

Wednesday (2/14/24) - Valentines' Day/Ash Wednesday/Attendance Count Day

• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.

Thursday (2/15/24)

• Deadline for signing up for ASVAB Testing for 10th, 11th & 12th Graders (see other graphic for more infomation
• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
• Last Day for All Audition Courses to conduct Auditions
• All FHS Class Applications, GCI Applications, IB, EMC, and Dual Enrollment applications due!!!
  
• 23-24 Genesee Career Institute Applications due - 1st Year Applicants

Friday (2/16/24) - PD Day - No School for FHS Students

Monday (2/19/24) - No School/Presidents' Day

Tuesday (2/20/24) -

• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.

Wednesday (2/21/24) -

• ASVAB Testing Takes Place
• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.

Thursday (2/22/24)

• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.

Friday (2/23/24) - Application & Audition Lists Posted at AGS MS & FHS by 3:30 p.m.

• Ambassador's Concert - at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday (2/24/24)

• Ambassador's Concert at 7:30 p.m.

ATTENTION 10th, 11th & 12th Graders:

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) Exam/Career Exploration Program can help you to take steps now toward finding a career that is right for you. You can benefit from the exam regardless of your plans for after high school. It will be given during 1st, 2nd & 3rd hours on Wednesday, February 21st. Booklets about the ASVAB are available in the FHS Counseling Office.

If you are in grades 10 - 12, and you are interested in taking advantage of this exclusive career exploration, please sign up in the Counseling Office by Thursday, February 15th. If you are unable to come in and sign up for it, please let Mrs. Stapp know and she will be happy to put your name on the list.

Monday (2/26/24)

• Counselors visit 8th Grade Classrooms at AGS
• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.

Tuesday (2/27/24) -

• Counselors visit 9th Grade Social Studies Classrooms
• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.

Wednesday (2/28/24) -

• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.

Thursday (2/29/24) - LEAP Day

• Counselors visit 10th Grade Social Studies Classrooms
• AST from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.

Friday (3/1/24) - Half Day of School/Expo Set-Up in afternoon

• Counselors visit 11th Grade Social Studies Classrooms

Saturday (3/1/24)

• Expo Weekend

Sunday (3/2/24)

• Expo Weekend

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 26th 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 1/26/24.

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 1/26/24.

Important Dates:

1. Wednesday, 1/17/24 - International Baccalaureate (IB) Informational Meeting - at 6:30 p.m. in the FHS Lecture Room - see graphic below for QR Code, if still interested.

2. Tuesday, 1/23/24 - Application & Audition Class materials available.

3. Wednesday, 1/26/24 - 2023-24 FHS Curriculum Guide posted to FHS Website.

4. Wednesday, 1/31/24 - DEEP & Dual Enrollment Informational Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the FHS Lecture Room.

5. Thursday, 2/6/24 - Junior Class Meeting in SRT - scheduling, spring testing, etc.

6. Tuesday, 2/8/24 - Sophomore Class Meeting in SRT - scheduling, spring testing, etc.

7. Thursday, 2/13/25 - Freshman Class Meeting in SRT - scheduling, spring testing, etc.

Ambassadors is a high intensity Jazz Ensemble with a longer and more in depth audition process. In this group, we perform all over the state, sometimes even going to competitions across the country! On average in this group there are 8 concerts, and in a year we learn a lot of music. If you’re even a bit interested in singing, come and audition! Auditions will be 2/27, 2/28 and 2/29

https://sites.google.com/view/fhsambassadors

Auditions for students interested in being a part of the Ambassadors will take place at 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. on the following dates in the FHS Choir Room:

• Tuesday, February 27, 2024
• Wednesday, February 28, 2024
• Thursday, February 29, 2024

Call backs will take place: Thursday 2/29 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

The Audition Process:

1. Fill out the application

2. Obtain 2 teacher recommendations

3. Prepare a pop/jazz song to sing

4. Select and sign-up for an audition time slot - LINK TO SIGN UP (see sites page)

5. Come early to the audition time slot with a completed application and a song to sing.

Please bring a karaoke track with you.

There will be a cd/computer available.

Please - No A CAPELLA.

If you are using a cd, please make sure there are no lead vocal on the cd.

Bella Voce is an all women’s choir for people who are interested in singing but want a more relaxed schedule. Due to its smaller size, this choir has a really strong sense of family and connection between all members. Many of our members often talk about how Bella Voce is a great stress reliever, a fun class to participate in, and is a great way to meet new people. On average this choir has 3 concerts a year, and sometimes more; with pep assemblies, football games, and visiting locations around town to perform! The audition process for this choir is a basic voice check. If you want to audition, email Mr. Wright (the choir director) at bwright@fentonschools.org and ask about Bella Voce.

Varsity Vocals is an advanced mixed choir for anybody interested in singing with friends. This choir is typically our biggest choir, and it’s a lot of fun. Like Bella Voce, this choir is an easier load but still challenging. Varsity Vocals, like Bella Voce, has an average of 3 concerts a year. On top of that, we are often asked to go to FHS pep rallies, sports games, and other places to perform! Varsity Vocals is a very interactive class where we don’t only sing, but we make great friends, get the chance to relax during the school day, and meet upperclassmen to help you out on your high school journey. The audition process for this choir is a basic voice check. If you want to audition, email Mr. Wright (the choir director) at bwright@fentonschools.org and ask about Varsity Vocals!

IB Theatre Arts is a higher level theatre production/performance class where students produce several theatrical and fundraising productions.

AUDITION DATES:

Tuesday, February 13, 2:45-5:00 pm

Wednesday, February 14 2:45-5:00 pm

Thursday, February 15 2:45-5:00 pm

Click on Link for Audition Requirements: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WWD2ErILev-t1BuPzF9gsCuyPGAoBSogW6YH_5bZ0Ro/edit

The following information is for any current sophomore who is interested in learning more about applying to and attending Genesee Career Institute (GCI) during the 2024-25 school year.

GCI courses are open to any Fenton High School (FHS) student who will meet junior or senior standing by the start of the 2024-25 school year. (You must be on track with your required classes/credits.)

The FHS Counseling Department has created a Google Classroom titled "2024-25 GCI Enrollment Info for 1st Year Applicants," and you may NOW join this Classroom with code gx4bitq . Included in this Classroom is important information and resources to assist students (and parents) in making a decision about applying to and attending GCI. Furthermore, the official "2024-25 GCI Application" (Google Form) is housed in this Classroom (see "STEP 4").

If you have any interest in applying to GCI for the 2024-25 school year, then please join this Google Classroom. The deadline to complete/submit the 2023-24 GCI Application ("STEP 4") is Friday, February 16th (by Midnight)!

Thanks,

FHS Counselors

FHS is happy to announce an Informational Meeting for those interested in E-Sports on Thursday, January 18th at 4:00 p.m. in the former CAD room. We hope to have a team set up by the start of February.

Check out the expanded E-sports gaming platforms (see above flyer).

For questions and more information, contact Coach Nick Ragnone@fentonschools.org

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 Social Intelligence. Social intelligence means you are aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings. You understand why they do things.

Social intelligence refers to a person’s ability to understand and manage interpersonal relationships. It is distinct from a person’s IQ or “book smarts.” It includes an individual’s ability to understand, and act on, the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors of other people. This type of intelligence can take place “in the moment” of face-to-face conversations but also appears during times of deliberate thinking. It involves emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Social intelligence helps individuals build relationships -- and is important to numerous aspects of a person’s life. It allows an individual to form friendships and alliances. And it assists a person against being taken advantage of. People with social intelligence can “read” other people’s faces and know what motivates them. Social intelligence builds over time and as a person ages. In this sense, it is similar to the character strength of perspective.

To practice and encourage the character strength of social intelligence with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.

Have a wonderful week!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw

Thank you parents for your calls and your effort to get doctor's notes turned in for your child during the 1st semester. Because of your diligence, we have reduced the number of students having to go through an Attendance Appeal process, being put on an Attendance Plan, or having credit put on hold.

See the results below! Keep up the great work!

Note: Students who EXCEEDED 10 days of absence, did not return an Attendance Appeal, or did not score a C+ or better on the semester exam will be mailed an Attendance Improvement PLAN letter next week with steps he/she needs to take to get credit re-awarded.

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

• Attention Juniors!! Check out WORK BASED LEARNING for your senior year!
• ASVAB Testing
• 📢📢NEW SCHOLARSHIPS POSTED! January 31st deadlines!!
• Wayne State Med-Prep Night
• ➡️NEW FAFSA information
• Obstacles for CTE Programming
• Xello for Families & Xello for Students
  
• Positivity Project- Social Intelligence
• 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

To receive the Summer EBT benefit, every family must have an approved student eligibility benefit (free or reduced) through their school. Households may need to complete and submit the School Meals and Summer EBT Application.

Make sure all families are aware they will need to turn in this form ahead of count day to receive benefits over the summer. Count day will be in early February 2024. https://fenton.familyportal.cloud/

Are your children safe while online? Michigan families, especially minors, are becoming inundated with advertisements from alcohol, tobacco, pornography, illegal drugs and gambling marketers through different internet and cell phone inboxes. To reduce these influences on youth, the State of Michigan offers a free program to stop adult advertisements from reaching e-mails, text messages, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter. The Michigan Child Protection Registry, like the federal Do Not Call List, is a free do-not-contact service for Michigan’s families and can be located at www.ProtectMIChild.com."

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.

Does your student/child strain to read a screen? Do you have a student/child with a chronic health condition that keeps them from being on time to school or causes them to miss days? Does your student/child lack health care coverage or have an untreated health condition. Did you know that health conditions are the leading cause of school truancy?

For more information on coverage and/or enrollment assistance, call or text

Connecting Kids to Coverage at 810-853-6458.

OR

Free or low-cost healthcare coverage for children under the age of 19, or pregnant women of any age. Apply online at www.michigan.gov/mibridges.

Help share the news with families!

Medicaid is re-starting eligibility renewals!

Remind Families to:

1.Check/update contact info for each family member in MiBridges

2.Check their mail or text messages for a letter

3.Complete their renewal form if they get one

• 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