The FAST Flyer

This time of year can be very busy in schools with planning for graduations, end of year parties, and field day while trying to support our students through end of year testing and dreaming of summer vacation. Anyone who has been in my office lately and seen the giant lists all over the walls can attest to the fact that I have also been busy planning for next year. I am really excited about all the work I have done, and I wanted to share with you where we are at.

Staffing updates:

We are already fully staffed for the 2023-24 school year. 28 of our current teachers are returning, and the entire admin team is returning (and growing!). Having this completed before the end of the year gives us all time to focus on other things over the summer.

All teachers for next year are either certified or in the process of updating/transferring their certification (including a new coding teacher who should be certified by summer). We have streamlined our new-hire onboarding process so that all staff will have transcripts on file, teaching certifications checked, have been through GBI background check, fingerprinting, and state clearance as well as an independent background check by the time school starts in August. State clearance is fairly stringent in that it verifies an individual is clear of any and all felony charges as well as any charges related to moral turpitude, sexual assault, or controlled substances. This also ensures that their certification is not suspended in any state and there are no open ethics complaints.

Facility update:

We have mapped out a classroom plan for next year that will allow for all homerooms to be in Student Hall without having any core classes in the portables.

Curriculum:

If you sat in on a recent governing board meeting, you may have heard that they approved expenditure for new text books for math and ELA. Our teachers will be trained on the new material during pre-planning in August. An overnight trip for 5th grade is already booked for next spring and the 8th grade overnight for 2024 is being planned.

Safety:

Mr. Moore and I have a meeting scheduled with a liaison from the Georgia Emergency Management Department to review and update school safety procedures. We will also be attending a school safety conference this summer. Staff will be trained on emergency procedures during pre-planning the week before school starts.

I know this year has been full of challenges, but I am incredibly optimistic about the future of FAST and appreciate your continued support. #FAST2thefuture

In Partnership,

Mary Miller

Principal

Fulton Academy of Science & Technology

Milestone exams continue over the next few weeks.

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. Students who arrive after exams begin will be required to wait in the front office until the test session is concluded. Once testing has begun, students may not be released until the test session is concluded.

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

All medication left in the clinic after school dismisses on May 25, 2023 will be disposed of. Please pick up your child’s medication from the clinic. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Nurse Murray at victoria.murray@fastk8.org.

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.

Purchase your Yard Sign HERE

May 4: Sports Assembly (4:30pm)

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 (9am)

May 23: 5th Grade moving up (12pm)

May 24: 8th Grade graduation (6pm)

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.