The FAST Flyer

This week we learned of another school tragedy this time in Nashville. My heart breaks for the victims, their families, and the entire community of Nashville. Since FAST has a wide range of ages for our students, they will have different exposure to the news as well as different levels of understanding about what they do hear. Events like this can be hard to process particularly for younger children. I wanted to provide this resource to you which provides some tips on how to talk to children about such events and hope that this is something you never need again.

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-parents-and-teachers

I also want to emphasize how seriously we take student safety at FAST. In addition to fire drills, we hold tornado drills, and intruder drills. Campus is monitored through closed circuit cameras and doors are kept locked at all times with access limited to only those with key fobs. Staff is trained on how to respond in the event of an emergency on campus, and we maintain a very close relationship with the local police department. As an open campus, our staff pays close attention to cars coming and going in our lot to ensure that only people who should be on campus are here. We appreciate you all adhering to our policies around visitors on campus since they exist for the safety of your children.

As we begin this week off, I invite you all to take a minute just to hug your children tight. I wish you all a safe and restful spring break.

In Partnership,

Mary Miller

Principal

Fulton Academy of Science & Technology

Most of our families have already responded to this survey, but if you have not yet we ask you to let us know ASAP whether or not you plan to return to FAST next year. As we offer seats to students on the waitlist, we want to be sure that we keep enough room for all of our returning students. We would love for all of our families to return, but understand that there are myriad of reasons why you may not. If you have any specific concerns that you would like to discuss, please reach out to us.

Click HERE to complete the survey.

We will be holding a middle school transition meeting for rising 6th graders on Wednesday, April 19 at 6pm on Zoom. In this meeting, Ms. Walker, Mr. McKinley and the rest of the 6th grade team will discuss what FAST students can expect as middle schoolers. Parents of current 5th graders are strongly encouraged to attend to get your questions answered.

On Thursday, Coach Ray got all of our kids moving with the Kids Heart Challenge. They were challenged to stay active for 30 minutes and had a variety of activities to keep them moving during that time. Some jumped rope, some played soccer or volleyball, others played basketball, and some even played four-square. Whatever it was they chose to do, they kept active for a cause.

In addition to staying active, students raised more than $4,300 for the American Heart Association -- which was over our goal. A big shout out to the second grade who led the way with fundraising.

• We’re celebrating spring with a $50 gift card giveaway, with three winners drawn each of the first two weeks in April! We encourage Yay Lunch customers to pay it forward and nominate a friend to win by filling out this entry form. Winners will be notified 4/10 and 4/17.
• For the first two weeks in April, the more you order, the more you save! Customers who order by the 4/9 and 4/16 order deadlines will receive $5 off orders of $30 or more with code YAYSAVE5, and $10 off orders of $50 or more with code YAYSAVE10. This offer applies to orders delivered the week of 4/10 and 4/17 and each code is valid for both weeks of service!

End of year exams will be here before you know it. It is extremely important for students to be at school on time each day during exams to limit disruptions in the building. We ask that you avoid scheduling appointments during this window to the extent possible.

Parents can find answers to frequently asked questions in THIS DOCUMENT. A full schedule of exams can be found HERE

The second annual Innovation Showcase is scheduled for Friday, April 21. Visitors are invited to visit by between 9-11am. Volunteer opportunities will be posted soon.

Please encourage your students to check the lost and found for any items they are missing. Our racks are full of jackets, hoodies, and sweaters. Items not claimed will be donated.

In an effort to streamline communications and ensure attendance records are being updated timely, we have created a new email for all attendance related correspondence. Going forward, please use attendance@fastk8.org for attendance related emails. If your student is going to be absent, you may email their homeroom teacher as well.

Please remember these policies which apply all the time:

• Parents must check in at the front office before going to Student Hall for any reason

• All volunteers on campus must have completed the Volunteer Registration

• Student Hall opens at 7:05am. Neither students nor parents are permitted in the building prior to that time

• Students should only be dropped off at designated carpool areas beginning at 7:05 am (i.e. in front of Student Hall or in the FAST Pass area)

• Students arriving after 8am must be signed in by a parent or guardian at the kiosk in the front office (students may not sign themselves in)

• Classroom visits for any reason should be cleared with the teacher in advance

• Students who do not attend FAST are not permitted to be on campus during school hours unless they are here for an event and are accompanied by their parent
• Early dismissal ends at 2:40pm. This is the latest time you may sign students out early.

We must all do our part to ensure that student safety is the top priority.

Calling all FAST Families & business owners! Donating items to the upcoming Silent Auction is EASY!

Just fill out this form:

FAST Silent Auction - Family Donation Form

YOU (or someone you know) owns a business or works for a business that can offer something in exchange for free publicity??

YOU have gift cards or a high value product that no longer brings you joy (or they still bring you joy but you would LOVE to SHARE that joy)??

YOU (or someone you know) have special skills to offer as a chef (or a really good home cook), floral designer, baby-sitter, dog walker, tutor, sports coach, etc.??

YOU (or someone you know) can offer an experience with someone famous or an experience at a really cool workplace??

Nominations for the 2023-2024 PTO positions are now open.
If you are interested in one of the positions listed below, please email PTOMembership@fastk8.org by March 20.

PTO Board Positions
2 Co-Presidents, 2 Co-Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer;
and Vice Chairs for Events, Marketing, Membership & Fundraising, School Support, Community Outreach, and Academic Enrichment.

The Innovation Team is asking families to collect empty paper towel and toilet paper rolls to be used in the upcoming Innovation Showcase.

Donations can be placed in the gray PTO Collection Bin located outside the front office.

We are looking for FAST Alumni and other High School Students (Beta Club members, Scouts, etc.) to volunteer at the Around the World Festival on May 5th, 5-8:30pm.

If you have a student who would like to volunteer please email pto@fastk8.org OR sign them up HERE.

Please note that parent volunteer requests will be sent in the coming weeks. Thank you!

April 3-7: Spring Break

April 13: April Governing Board meeting

April 17-21: Student Council Drive

April 19: 6th grade transition meeting

April 20: 7th & 8th grade dance

April 21: Innovation Showcase

April 24: Milestones begin

May 5: Cultural Arts Festival

May 8-11: Capstone presentations

May 12: Field day

May 16-18: 8th grade overnight trip

May 23: Kindergarten graduation

May 23: 5th Grade moving up

May 24: 8th Grade graduation

May 25: Last day of school

A printable version of the 2022-23 school calendar can be found HERE

A printable version of the 2023-24 school calendar can be found HERE

To keep up to date with the most recent information available from our district offices, please click on the image below.

Email: info@fastk8.org
Website: www.fastk8.org
Location: 11365 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA, USA
Phone: 678-321-1100
Facebook: facebook.com/FASTK8.School/
Twitter: @fastk8charter

The FAST Flyer is the electronic newsletter at FAST. Feedback is always welcome. If you have any questions, please call the school (678-321-1100) or email the FAST Communications Director at marie.emerson@fastk8.org.