23-24 FHS Weekly Update #21

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)

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!

Monday (12/11/23) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Tuesday (12/12/23) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.
• FHS Choir Concert - FHS Ruby Zima Auditorium - 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday (12/13/23)

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Thursday (12/14/23)

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.
• FHS Band Concert - FHS Ruby Zima Auditorium - 7:00 p.m.

Friday (12/15/23) - Holiday Break begins at close of business.

Saturday (12/16/23) - Holiday Break through January 2nd, school resumes January 3rd

Students who have exceeded 10 or more absences in the first semester will have to submit an Attendance Appeal by Friday, December 15th if they haven't already returned a signed Attendance Improvement Plan.

Attendance Appeals were distributed to students meeting that criteria and were present in SRT on Thursday, December 7th. Written Attendance Appeals will be due back to the basket in the Main Office by Friday, December 15th.

Failure to submit an Attendance Plan could result in:

• Being put on an Attendance Plan for the 3rd marking period (Mid-January to end of March) with strict criteria to meet to have credit re-instated.
• Result in credit being placed on hold during the Attendance Plan period.
• Negative impact on transcript with NC (no credit) shown on document, which could impact college acceptance.
• Negative impact on Athletic Eligibility for sports.

Students may have "held" credit earned back by:

1. Meeting conditions of a 9-week Attendance Plan.

2. Having an Attendance Appeal granted (i.e. submitting more documentation such as Dr. notes, repair bills, etc.) for absences/tardies.

3. Earning a C+ (77%) or better on the first semester exam for impacted class(es).

Monday (1/1/24) -

• No School - Closed

Tuesday (1/2/2) -

• No School - Closed

Wednesday (1/3/24) - School Resumes

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Thursday (1/4/24)

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Friday (1/5/24) -

Saturday (1/6/24) -

Monday (1/8/24) -

• Regular Day
• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Tuesday (1/9/2) -

• Regular SRT Day
• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Wednesday (1/10/24) - School Resumes

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Thursday (1/11/24)

• Half Day of School - Dismissed at 10:54 a.m.

Friday (1/12/24) -

• Half Day of School - Dismissed at 10:54 a.m.

Saturday (1/13/24) -

Week #3 - January 15 - 19, 2024

Monday (1/15/24) - MLK Day - No School/Teacher Work Day

Tuesday (1/16/24) -

• 2nd Semester/3rd marking period begins

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Wednesday (1/17/24) - School Resumes

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Thursday (1/18/24)

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.
• The Play That Goes Wrong - 7:30 p.m.

Friday (1/19/24) -

• The Play That Goes Wrong - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday (1/20/24) -

• The Play That Goes Wrong - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday (1/21/24)

• The Play That Goes Wrong - 2:30 p.m.

Monday (1/22/24) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.
  

Tuesday (1/23/24) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Wednesday (1/24/24) -

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Thursday (1/25/24)

• After School Tutoring (aka AST) 2:40 to 3:40 p.m., unless taking a bus, then 3:20 p.m.

Friday (1/26/24) -

• 
  

Saturday (1/20/24) -

You all know the classic whodunnit story, there has been a murder at a country manor and an inspector is set on the case to find who the culprit is. However, when this plot is given to the accident-prone thespians at The Cornley Drama Society, everything that can go wrong… does!

State Bank Athlete of the Week nominations continue and congratulations to this week's winner from Fenton:

1. Sam Dillard - Boys' Basketball -

Sam Dillard scored 32 points, 5 assist and 3 steals in the Fenton season opener against Bedford. Sam was a scoring machine and played an excellent game all around.

2. Jillian Shanahan - Gymnastics -

Jillian is a senior at Fenton high school. She has been setting an example in leadership with her strong work ethic since the start of the season It is early in our season and she is already meeting her goals. This past weekend she was a strong contributor for her team, earning qualifying on all four events and helping the team take first place on the floor at the Kick of Classic hosted by Huron Valley.

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

Fenton Marching Tigers performed in the Jinglefest Parade on Saturday, December 2nd. Check out these awesome pictures of them as they ready themselves on their bus ride to the parade and while marching downtown Fenton.

This week our school community will be focusing on the Other People Mindset of Supporting Others When They Struggle. This means when other people are struggling, we do our best to help them out.

Supporting other people when they struggle is a critical piece of being human. There are many different approaches to helping people who are struggling. These can include: listening while they describe an event and their feelings about it, taking action to help people in need, or simply just being there and sitting together in silence. Everyone faces tough days and needs support, and this support leads to a chain of prosocial behavior that makes us feel good about ourselves and our group.

Link: Batkid Begins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMUw4Ndpbdw

Members of Vocal Music Teacher's Ambassadors' group (past & present) spent part of their after school hours singing in the Fenton Community spreading good tidings and holiday cheer with their holiday carols. One favorite stop along the way is Uncle Ray's where Ambassadors were treated to ice cream for their efforts.

Keep watching as the Ambassadors throughout the month of December appear at different locations to share their singing talent and holiday wishes.

Mr. Smith's Video Production students invite you to watch the latest version of the FHS News . This week features multiple basketball-related promos, an NFL Guessing Game, a chat with Swim & Dive athlete Jacob Grifka, a three-point contest, and other important information!

Deadline for Cap & Gown Order - in Person was 11/22, online is December 31st at www.jostens.com

November - December - Fill out GO Scholarship form (see graphic & button below)

December, 2023 - FAFSA Form

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

• This week's CCR news (Early Decision 2, Boost your college app over holiday break, potential for apprenticeships in the US, and more!)
• Student Interest Day Highlights
• FIELD TRIP on Friday!
  
• Factory Two December Class Schedule & FREE CLASS Opportunity
• Xello for Families & Xello for Students
  
• Positivity Project- KINDNESS & SUPPORTING OTHERS WHEN THEY STRUGGLE
• Scholarship Information & Opportunities (DECEMBER Scholarship Newsletter, military, college athletics, & more)
• 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

The Brighton Area Schools Alumni Association will be offering a Mental Strength Training workshop (for ages 10-adult) on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, from 6:30-7:45pm at the

Brighton High School STEAM Center, 7878 Brighton Road, Brighton, MI 48116.

The 75-minute interactive workshop will be taught by Kelsey Gustafson, MS in Sport & Human Performance, and owner of Kelsey Gustafson Coaching LLC. Kelsey has a competitive figure skating background and competed in collegiate volleyball, along with basketball and track & field.

Attendees will participate in discussions about:

• Managing Expectations
• Understanding and Managing Pressure
• Building and Managing Confidence
• Supporting the Mindset of a Winner

A hand-out summarizing the session materials along with suggested sources for further information will be distributed. Early Registration ends on 1/12/24, and includes a $20 non-refundable Donation to BAS Alumni Association Scholarships. Door Registration may be available on 1/17 as space allows for a $30 Donation to BASAA Scholarships.

Attached is our flyer and registration form, which can be returned online at http://www.BrightonMIAlumni.com/Events., or at The Brighton District Library

Additional information is available at our website: http://www.BrightonMiAlumni.com/events or via email at BASAlumniSAT@gmail.com or via telephone at 810-227-0656.

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.

• 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