The FAST Flyer

Sometimes I get so caught up in everything that’s going on that all I can think about is the next big thing, planning over and over again in my head the next steps to reach my goal. This is even more true now that I have become the principal of FAST. I want with all my heart for our school and our students to be successful so I am constantly planning, reflecting, re-planning, implementing, and planning again. It’s a lot for one brain to handle!

Lately I have been reminding myself of the little things that make this job worth all the work. As I write this I can hear some students singing outside of my office, five minutes ago a group of girls popped in to ask for a list of names so they can write thank you notes. I helped students fold paper for their new innovation project, I made a child laugh, I got a hug from a student, I helped solve a math problem. All of these little things that make up my day are the reason I have kept teaching all of these years. They are the reason I come to work everyday. Some days it’s one or two things and some days it’s a whole pile but every moment is important, every little one.

With all the information about test scores, and school scores, and government mandates it’s really important that I remember that the little things are really what school is actually about. It’s not a snapshot in time but a patchwork of moments. Yes, the big things are important, of course they are! But the little things are important too, woven around those big milestones are what makes our days worth the effort.

Thank you all for all of the little moments that you have given me over the past few months through thank you notes, cookie cakes, and flowers. These are moments that I have woven into my teaching quilt and will become happy memories as we blaze a trail FAST to the future.

In Partnership,

Mary H. Miller

The FAST Astros basketball team kicked off their season on Wednesday with a loss to Crabapple MS. Last night brought their second game of the season against Autrey Mill MS. The Astros had the lead but couldn't hold on to it by the final buzzer resulting in a tough loss. This young team has shown great potential and we're excited to see what the rest of the season holds for them. The game schedule is posted on our website. Come out and cheer them on!

Fulton County is seeking parent input for next school year's code of conduct. You are invited to provide feedback through this brief survey.

Please remember to complete the Intent to Return survey. This is not a commitment, but it will help us better plan for next year knowing how many seats we can offer to incoming students during our February lottery.

ALL siblings who do not currently attend FAST this year but would like to attend FAST next year MUST apply for the lottery. Siblings are not guaranteed a spot at FAST and must enter the lottery in the event that we have more siblings than available seats. We will attempt to ensure that all families with a sibling who will enter FAST next year follow the process correctly, but it is up to the parents to enter their child in the lottery. Currently enrolled students DO NOT need to enter the lottery.

Tryouts continue next week for our cheerleading squad. A complete schedule for try-outs, practice, etc. can be found HERE. If you have questions about this club, please contact either

Keyonna.beverly@fastk8.org or Krystina.batista@fastk8.org

Details for second semester enrichment clubs are now posted on the FAST website. Clubs are scheduled to begin the week of February 6, 2023. There are a variety of clubs for nearly any interest - including Little Yogis who is joining FAST clubs on Wednesday afternoons! Check out our website for more information.

We have observed that Valentine's Day can be a day that is less inclusive than what we strive for at FAST. We are planning to recognize Kindness Day and Friendship Day in February so students will have plenty of opportunities to share their big hearts with teachers and classmates. Students should not bring Valentine's to school.

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.

Yearbooks for the 2022-23 school year can be pre-ordered now! Go to www.balfour.com to order yours today. Yearbook ads are also available for purchase, see attached flyer for details.

Tours for prospective FAST families have begun! If you know of anyone considering applying or who might be interested, please let them know they can schedule a tour today from our website. Applications for the 2023-24 are open. Applications received by 12pm February 3 will be entered in the lottery on February 10.

The Culture & Arts Around the World Festival is an amazing opportunity to showcase all of the talent we have at FAST and celebrate the diversity within our school and community. We invite FAST Families to represent a country - of their heritage or interest. This display can include a tri-fold presentation board or digital slideshow, special music, art, clothing, items from that country, food samples and more! *A list of suggested items or images of items to be included will be provided.

This event will be a culturally rich and entertaining “must-see” evening!

We need YOUR help to make this event a success!

We will have *brief* weekly meetings {Fridays at 10:30am on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81133546859?pwd=RmZvb3J2MkdyQkwvMk01VDAyWjRhUT09} to plan.

Join the zoom or email PTOSchoolSupport@fastk8.org or if you have an interest in helping.

Please remind your child to keep their library book in their backpack when they are not reading it. This helps them remember to bring the book back to school on their library check out day. This way they can check out a new book without delay. Their backpack is called the "magic library book carrier" at school. Thank you for your assistance.

If you have questions or are interested in helping with the Library please email the library volunteers at library@fastk8.org.

The following is a signup with a list of needs (donations already dropped off have been marked off) for the family to replace what was lost in the fire: LIST OF NEEDS

There is also a go fund me link to help get the family back on their feet: Click here to view .

Families are welcome to drop donations at 11025 Crabapple Lake Drive, Roswell (in Crabapple Lake subdivision, less then 4 minutes from the school). This family has offered to drive the donations to the family in need.

* THANK YOU to all of the FBI dads who helped run carpool on Monday morning. It was very cold outside and the staff was thrilled to get to greet students from the warmth of the building. Look for a sign up soon for February FBI take over!

*Remember to send your kids with a water bottle daily!

*Label your child's outerwear clearly!

*Check labels on outerwear to be sure your child does not mistakenly bring home someone else's fleece/sweater!

Feb. 9: Governing Board Meeting

Feb. 13: Friendship Day

Feb. 16: Kindness Day

Feb. 17: Teacher Work Day

Feb. 20: Presidents' Day (School Closed)

March 9: Teacher Work Day

March 10-13: School Closed

A printable version of the 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.