The Bobcat Bulletin

During the 22-23 school year, Sarah Kitchen’s 3rd grade piloted a unit of a new curriculum resource during Black History Month called Windows to a Multicultural World. This resource was produced by the Educational Director of The Clemmons Family Farm in Charlotte. As part of the pilot, Mrs. Kitchen’s students submitted their original storyboard artwork as part of a state-wide contest. They won the contest, and the incredible opportunity to star in a music video connected with their learning about “Two Bessies” - Bessie Stringfield and Bessie Coleman. The song was written and performed by artist KeruBo, and this past Friday night, we celebrated the release of this video with a launch party! We will watch this video at our schoolwide morning meeting this week - but please feel free to preview it yourself! We look forward to exploring other modules of this interdisciplinary curriculum resource this year across our school.

This week, you will receive testing results from the spring VTCAP (Vermont Common Assessment Program) in the mail. Families and caregivers will receive a copy of your student’s score report, a score interpretation guide, and a letter from Jackie Tolman, EWSD Director of Learning and Instructional Impact. Please contact the school should you have any questions about these materials!

We know that many families choose to celebrate Halloween and that it is coming up on Tuesday, 10/31. Please remember that students are not allowed to wear costumes to school as it causes a distraction from learning. Please also refrain from sending your student to school with candy. Thank you for your partnership in supporting this.

Vision/Hearing

It is time for annual vision and hearing screenings at FMS. Each year all third and fifth graders are screened. Additionally, fourth graders on 504 Plans, IEP's, or who have vision and/or hearing concerns are screened. If your student does not pass the screening, a referral note will be sent home. If your student has already been screened at their medical home and you would like to opt out of screening, please provide me with a copy of their results.

Screening guidelines can be found on the Vermont Department of Health website under the Standards Of Practice: School Health Services Manual. Look under "screenings".

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your student's vision and/or hearing, please contact me at agoodkind@ewsd.org or at 802-857-6304.

Free Covid Test Kits

Families can have four free test kits delivered to them using this US Government Offer FREE TEST KITS.

Operation Warm
The Rotary Club of Essex participates in a program called Operation Warm that provides new winter coats to families in need. If your child needs a winter coat, please contact the health office before October 27th. Thank you, Rotary Club of Essex!

Audiobooks and Ebooks help students engage in text and gain exposure to more words, ultimately improving vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking skills!

All FMS students will be exploring the world of Audioboks and Ebooks in library class this week through our amazing digital book collection app, Sora.

Did you know your students can log onto the Sora app on a home device? Click the link below for directions!

Feel free to reach out to Mrs. Biggs at abiggs@ewsd.org if you have any questions.

Happy Reading!

This mural was created by our entire school community to celebrate our individuality and community during October's open house. It was inspired by the work of street artist Kelsey Montague who creates interactive murals all over the world. Her hashtag on instagram is #whatliftsyou if you are curious to see more of her work. Each artist at Founders created a feather that symbolized their unique spirit.

Wednesday, October 18: School Picture Day

Thursday, November 2: Evening Conferences

Friday, November 3: Family Conferences, No School for Students

Monday, November 20 - Friday, November 24: Fall Break, No School for Students

Email: sjablonski@ewsd.org
Website www.ewsd.org/fms
Location: 33 Founders Road, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: 802-879-6326
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Founders-Memorial-School-1509308329359547