Donnie Wiseman - Frisco ISD Schools

Volume 9, Issue 1 • 1st six weeks
The Official Fowler Middle School Newsletter
2015- 2016
Fowler Parents & Students:
We are so excited to begin our 2015-2016 school year. Much has been planned at Fowler
Middle School to ensure a positive and rewarding experience for all students. At FMS, we are
committed to providing our students with a learning environment that will ensure success for
all students. Our mission and purpose can best be articulated by our campus mission –
Knowing & Advancing Each Child.
Parents, I would like to encourage you to read all of the information in our six-week newsletters. Our newsletters contain important information about our campus and many programs
that we provide at FMS. Because you are an integral part of your child’s education, we feel
that ongoing communication and collaboration with you is most important. We encourage you
to contact teachers, counselors or administrators anytime you have a question. Our receptionist, Mrs. Wendell, will be happy to take a message or connect you with voicemail if we are
unavailable. You are also welcome to email us. At Fowler, we utilize our school messenger
phone and email system often to communicate important dates and reminders. Our Fowler
website is also an excellent way for you to stay informed throughout the school year. Together, we will make Fowler Middle School the most wonderful and positive experience for
your child. We look forward to the wonderful school year ahead.
Sincerely,
Donnie Wiseman
Fowler Middle School Principal
What’s Inside?
New to Fowler
Congratulations to 7th grade cheerleader, Mary Catherine McDermott for receiving the Leader-
ship Award at NCA Cheer
Camp this past summer. This
award is voted on by NCA staff and
is only awarded to one cheerleader for showing superior leadership skills with her squad and others.
Way to go, Mary Catherine! We are
proud of you!
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Best Buddies a &Fowler Green Scene
5
Calendar, Yearbook, & Percussion
6
Team News
7
Technology Class Information
8
Counselors’ Corner
9
Library
10
Theater Department
11
PTA News & Deliveries Policy
122
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Travis Zambiasi
Assistant Principal
I'm extremely excited to be able to be a
part of the Fowler family this year. Around
the district, Fowler's reputation speaks for
itself as an exceptional school. I look forward to participating on a team of educators that knows and advances each child.
New staff members @ Fowler 2015-2016
Young Shim
Technology Applications
Hello! My name is Young Hee Shim. I am a UNT graduate with a Bachelor’s
Degree in Business Computer Information Systems. My husband and I have
a son who is a senior attending Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. Before joining Fowler Middle School, I worked at Borchardt
and Isbell Elementary, and this is my 12th year in Frisco ISD. When I have
free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, dining
out, shopping, and traveling. I am excited about my first year at Fowler and look forward to
having many great learning years with students.
Jarrid Trevino
Karina Zarate
Texas History & Boys Athletics
Introduction to Spanish & Reading
I am a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State
University class of 2013.
This is my third year teaching and second year coaching. I just recently moved to
Frisco from Tyler with my
wife, and I am excited to
start this year here in
Frisco.
I am so happy to be here!
I come from McKinney ISD
and Plano ISD where I
taught elementary, high
school, and now, I am super excited to be at
Fowler! Looking forward to
a GREAT year!
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Scott Castleman
Boys PE & Athletics
This is my first year coaching and teaching. I graduated from Texas State
University with my BS in Exercise and Sports Science and a minor in History in 2014 and then student taught in Frisco ISD. I recently got engaged this summer to my college sweetheart Lacy, and we are planning a
summer of 2016 wedding. I coach 8th grade football, basketball, and soccer here at Fowler and teach P.E. I am also a varsity assistant baseball
coach at Liberty. I'm looking forward to being the best teacher, coach,
and mentor I can be for the students and athletes at Fowler Middle
School.
Vanessa Guzman
Choir Director
I'm from Dallas, and this is
my third year teaching choir.
I graduated from TWU - Go,
Pioneers! I love bursting out
into song and hanging out
with my dogs Crunch & Nacho. When I'm not teaching, I'm singing
with the Dallas Symphony Chorus. I'm excited to be joining the Fowler team!
Lauren Jeffcoat
7th Math
I am excited to be here at
Fowler Middle School. I
graduated from Texas
Women's University and student taught here at Fowler.
I have a wonderful husband, Matt, and a seven
year old son named Matthew. I look forward
to working with staff and parents on making
this a wonderful year.
New staff members @ Fowler 2015-2016
Ciara Kaiser
7th & 8th Grade Science
Greetings! I will be teaching 7th and 8th grade science at Fowler this school
year. This is my fourth year teaching in Frisco ISD. I graduated from Texas
Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. After graduating
from TSU, I earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Texas Woman’s University. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, shopping, eating
out, and playing video games. Fowler is a great school, and I am eager to
begin the school year with such an amazing group. I hope to positively influence my students
to love science!
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Arjuna Contreras
Percussion Assistant
I am really excited to join the Fowler family, as the Percussion Specialist for the Band program. I previously taught at Colleyville Heritage High School and Heritage Middle School, located in GrapevineColleyville ISD. In addition to teaching, I am a professional drummer.
I currently play in a several bands, including the popular Texas Country group, Eleven Hundred Springs. In recent years, I’ve toured with
Donna Summer, Brave Combo, and Howard Scott, the original lead
singer and guitarist for the band, WAR. I also serves as the drummer
for the North Campus of Prestonwood Baptist Church, located in
Prosper.
Beth Murray
7th & 8th Grade
Math
I am happy to be back
at Fowler! This is my
ninth year teaching math
and I look forward to
working with all my seventh and eighth
grade students. Go Falcons!
Monica Pagan
ILA & Special Education
I am super excited to be a
part of the Fowler Family! My
husband, 3 children, and I
moved to Frisco 2 years ago
from New Jersey, and we
LOVE it! I am looking forward
to having a fantastic 2015-2016 school year!
Thamara Millan
ESL ILA Facilitator
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and graduate from UTD. I continued to
graduate school at SMU for Mediation and Arbitration. Recently, I obtained a
graduate degree from Lamar University in Education & Technology Leadership. Founder and CEO of Small World (Angel Program, Back to School), one
of the largest supporters of Education Foundation.
Sasha Covarrubias
Special Education Support
I'm excited to join the Fowler family this year! I am originally from Tyler,
Texas and moved to the Dallas area six years ago. I hold a Bachelor's degree
from the University of North Texas and am currently pursuing my Master's
from Texas Woman's University in Counseling. I have three years of inclusion
experience and eight years working with children. In my spare time I enjoy
shopping, hanging out with friends, and spending time with my two older
brothers. I am thrilled to start this year at Fowler Middle School and get to
know each student.
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RECRUITMENT DATES: September 10, 2015 in FMS Library
7:30-8:15 am OR 3:45-4:30 pm
Best Buddies Sponsors: Lindsey Bianchin & Heather Burris
Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a
global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from
one original chapter to almost 1,900 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Best Buddies
programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States, and over 50 countries around the world.
Best Buddies’ eight formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambas-
sadors, and Promoters — positively impact nearly 900,000 individuals with and without disabilities worldwide. Best
Buddies volunteers annually contribute, at no cost to their communities, support services that equate to more than
$168 million USD.
Best Buddies Middle Schools fosters one-to-one friendships between students with and without IDD. Students
with IDD are often isolated and left out of social activities. Best Buddies Middle Schools helps to create an inclusive school climate for students early on in their educational development.
As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with IDD secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships.
The Fowler Green Team is ready to kick-off
another Green year at Fowler Middle
School. Our plan is to continue with all of the
great plans we had in place last school year
and to try and make our campus even greener this year.
Mrs. Williams will be visiting all science classes during the second and third week of
school to talk about the Green Leadership
Team. Applications will be made available
during her visits, and they are due on Tuesday, September 8th by 3:45pm. We are
looking for students who are enthusiastic
about saving the earth and have great ideas
of ways to do it!
Green Leadership Team members will be
announced by September 11th.
Items you can recycle anytime at Fowler Middle School:
 Batteries
 Plastic bags – We encourage families to use canvas shopping
bags
 Cell phones
 Printer Cartridges
 CD’s
 Shoes
 Plastic #1-5 & #7
 Paper
 Cardboard
 Steel
 Tin
 Aluminum
 Glass
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FMS Calendar
August
August 24 – First Day of School
PTA One Check Fundraiser begins
September
September 1—Clubs and Organizations Fair—3:40 Cafe
September 7 – Labor Day – NO SCHOOL
September 8 – PTA Meeting – 5:30pm Library
Meet the Teacher Night – 6:00-7:30pm
September 9 – Coffee with the Counselors – 9:00am
September 10 – Activity Schedule – Power to Change
September 11 – Fall Dance 4:00-8:00pm
September 14 – Watch DOG Pizza Party – 6:00pm
September 17 – Picture Day
September 18 – PTA One Check Fundraiser Ends
September 21-25 – College Week
September 22 – Pep Rally for Football and Volleyball – Activity Schedule
September 24 – Activity Schedule
October
The Fowler Middle School
Percussion Ensemble has
been selected to perform at the
Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). In
this international competition,
the PASIC percussion ensemble
contest selects 3 collegiate ensembles, 2 high school ensembles and 1 middle school ensemble, through a call-for-tapes
evaluation process. Congratulations to the unbelievable percussion students at Fowler Middle
School for their selection as the
only middle school percussion ensemble in the country
selected to perform.
The Fowler Percussion Ensemble
will present a showcase concert
on Saturday, November 14th at
11am at the Henry B. Gonzalez
Convention Center in San Antonio, as part of PASIC.
October 1 – Activity Schedule – Power to Change
October 2– End 1st Six Weeks
October 5-9 – Fall Scholastic Book Fair
October 6 – Fall Choir Concert – 6:30pm FMS Cafe
October 12 – Parent/Teacher Conference Day –
10:00am to 6:00pm
Yearbooks are available for purchase online. Click the order a yearbook button on Fowler’s
homepage or copy and paste the link below into your internet browser. If you order before
9/18, you will receive free icons with the purchase of one line of personalization.
http://jostensyearbooks.com?REF=A01098308
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Welcome to Fowler, 6th graders! In 6th grade social studies, students will be reviewing the
main components of maps and creating their own maps, showcasing their knowledge. Students will then learn about the geographic themes and the elements of culture.
Sixth grade ILA students will be starting the year by studying personal narratives through My
Life in Dog Years by Gary Paulsen. After completing the novel study and additional reading
and writing practice, students will transfer their understanding of effective narratives to begin developing a
personal narrative about an event that greatly impacted their lives. ILA classes will focus on reading for a purpose and successfully completing each stage of the writing process throughout the year.
For the first six weeks in science, sixth graders will be reviewing lab safety targets. We will then learn
about process skills necessary for science study, such as scientific method, identifying and using tools, scientific measurement, graphing data, and using models.
In sixth grade math, students will be receiving their new math book! Please be sure your student has
a binder for the section of the book they will be using along with daily homework. We initially focus on prime
factorization and divisibility and move quickly onto fractions. We look forward to a fun and exciting year in
math!
To begin the year, 7th grade science classes will introduce lab safety and graphing, while
PreAP science students will begin working on science fair projects. Texas history classes will
be starting the year by studying the four natural regions of Texas and the Indian tribes of
Texas. ILA classes will be working on writing a personal narrative and learning the techniques of revising a narrative. PreAP ILA students will engage in activities related to their summer reading
novel, Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick. 7th grade GT ILA students will be analyzing
the craft of a writer in the Lone Star Books. Then, students will create book trailers about one of the Lone
Star books. Our 7th grade mathematicians will review some operations with rational numbers and solve problems involving proportionality.
Welcome back to our returning and new Falcons! We are excited to meet each 8 th grader this
week. Here are a few items to ensure success. PreAP ILA students should be prepared to analyze their summer novel, The Messenger. Also, The Giver by Lois Lowry is our next in-class
novel for all students. ILA teachers are eager to jump right into many challenging and interesting units of study in ILA - from implementing effective writing practices to sharpening our reading
skills. Please visit the Student Learning Hub and teacher websites often and contact us if you have any questions. For the first module in Math 8, we will be studying real numbers and their properties; this includes classifying and ordering real numbers as well as converting fractions, decimals, and percentages. After that, we
are going to discover the Pythagorean Theorem and some of its uses in the real world. The PAP Algebra I students will be learning about functions and how they are used in tangible world settings. The students will also
interpret and create situational graphs. The US History classes will be exploring reasons for colonization. We
are celebrating Freedom Week in September through a special program organized by the Social Studies Department. Science classes will explore the experimental design process, while PreAP students will be laying the
foundation for science fair requirements. We look forward to a positively “Falcontastic” year!
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All the students will have a great time and learn a lot in the computer classes at Fowler.
The following is a summary of what we will be doing throughout the school year. Please note – copyright issues are
discussed in all these classes.
Multimedia I:
The students will review their file management skills, and they will learn how to create a Google calendar and other
Google apps and functions. They will create a Fairy Tale PowerPoint presentation using the 4 different types of animation they will learn in class. The students will learn how to use PhotoShop Elements. They will love this software.
They will learn how to edit photos, create and enhance text, as well as lots of other fun effects they will create with
this software. If you have any old or damaged photos at home, they will be able to make them look like new! The
students will learn about using audio and inputting it into their projects. The students will also create an original ebook by creating the story, title, and illustrating it themselves. They will use their audio knowledge to record their
story and create a voiceover to include in their e-book. They will be able to see their digital book in an epub software – pretty exciting! Stay tuned for more information later on.
Multimedia II- Video Production II:
The students will review file management and update their Google calendars. They will create CD covers
using PhotoShop Elements, using the digital cameras to take pictures of themselves or their phones, then edit them
and combine images on the canvas to create realistic photos. Then, they will use Powtoons software to create a
presentation. They will explore how to use Google presentations to create an informational presentation about what
they learned in Multimedia I last year. It will be a great learning experience for them! Color is another topic we will
review, as it is important to understand the psychology of color in order to apply it to whatever you are creating.
Next, we will be back in PSE creating patterns and textures. The students will use Google sketch up to create a
building, and then they’ll place it into Google Earth. The students will learn a little about HTML coding and create
some web pages. The students will also do work for teachers around the school – creating flyers, etc. if any teachers have the need for our “business”. The students will also create a virtual museum to display some of their Photoshop projects. They will also create a website to display their work from MM2 and VP2. Stay tuned for more fun
information from this class.
In VP2, the students will learn more skills related to video production; they will learn how to create different effects such as coming out from behind a pole, mirroring themselves, creating lightening effects, etc.
They will work in groups to develop ideas and brainstorm as to which projects they might like to do. We also create
some videos for the Broadcast class to incorporate into their projects.
Animation:
Sample of a comic strip created by a student
Again, the skill of proper file management will be reinforced as well as
creating a Google calendar. All the students in class will create a website
to display their animations. You will also be able to see what they have
worked on in class! Just ask them to show you their site. The students
will practice sketching characters for projects; they will learn how to
draw different characters- and will learn how to draw eyes, noses,
mouths, etc. The students will create an original character to use in projects throughout the year. They will incorporate their character to create
an original comic strip. They usually come out really cute!
They will work in groups to research the history of animation and
choose an animator to research. Then, working with their group, they
will put together a presentation to show to the class about what they
learned. From there they will create an animation using an app called
“Sock Puppets” on the ipads from the school library. The students will begin with learning 2d animation using FlipBoom software. From there, they will go into 3D software. I know I am looking forward to meeting all the characters; they should be very interesting. Look for more information about the Animation class in future newsletters.
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The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time for Fowler Middle School students. This is
a great time for all students to step out on the right foot as they journey through many fun and significant opportunities ahead in the 2015-2016 school year. The counselors, along with all of our staff
members, value the opportunity to work with students and parents to make the middle school years a
positive and challenging time as students learn and grow in all aspects of their lives.
With this goal in mind, we have several exciting events planned throughout the school year and several
important dates for you to put on your calendar.
August 24 – 28, 2015 - Schedule Change Requests – Students may
pick up schedule change request forms in the front office beginning Monday, August 24th, and they must be turned in NO LATER THAN 3:35 on August 28th. These forms are only used for Pre-AP level changes. No changes
to elective classes will be approved. Counselors will provide students with
a new schedule if it is possible to make the change.
September 2, 2015 (7:55 am) - 6th grade New Student Breakfast in the Library
September 3, 2015 (7:55 am) - 7th grade New Student Breakfast in the Library
September 4, 2015 (7:55 am) - 8th grade New Student Breakfast in the Library
September 9, 2015 (9:00-10:00 am) – Coffee with the Counselors –Counselor Introductions and Services Provided – Fowler Library
September 10, 2015 – Power to Change Classroom Meeting #1 (Activity Schedule)
September 21-25, 2015 College Week – This is a week of celebrating “higher education” and
giving the students a chance to learn about many of the diverse opportunities available in their future.
September 22, 2015
– Power to Change Day (Activity Schedule)
September 23-October 29, 2015 “My Future” Lessons – For 5 weeks,
the counselors will provide lessons once a week on the topic of college
readiness and career planning. These lessons will be provided through
Texas History classes.
October 1, 2015 – Power to Change Classroom Meeting #2 (Activity Schedule)
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Get Involved @ Your Library!
Does your student love to read and spend time with other readers? There are several ways Falcons can get involved at the library!
SLAB (School Library Advisory Board)—Students in SLAB help with all sorts of library projects, such as
decorating book fairs, making book trailers, and adopting library shelves. SLAB members are chosen by an application process.
Book Clubs—Our Library Lunch book clubs are casual, fun, and open to anyone! At meetings we’ll read books
together, discuss our favorites, and watch book trailers together to find new reads!
If your student is interested in being a part of the library fun, please have him/her attend the Club Fair in the
cafeteria on September 1st. Applications for SLAB and sign-up sheets for Book Clubs will be available
there, and in the library later that week.
Frisco ISD Libraries are proud to use TexQuest !
TexQuest is a statewide digital resources program of the Texas State Library and
Archives Commission that provides anytime, anywhere access to high quality,
authoritative digital resources to all educators, students and students' immediate
families in public schools and open enrollment charter schools in the great state
of Texas. (www.texquest.net)
To see how TextQuest resources can benefit your student, please visit the following link: http://bit.ly/1HWr99j
Looking for a good book?
Try the FMS Library blog! Here you’ll find book reviews on middle grade and young adult novels, tagged by genre and reviewed by your librarian! http://imallbookedup.blogspot.com.
Looking ahead!
Book Fair
Fall Book Fair will run October 5th-9th!
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Welcome Back to School to all of our Fowler
Parents and Students. We are looking forward
to a great year. Thanks to all of our Volunteers
that helped with PTA events this summer. Fowler PTA is looking for some-
REMINDER about deliveries:
one to Chair Reflections this year. Please
Because of the large number of students enrolled, deliveries should be made under VERY limited circumstances and should be limited to such items as school
work, books, class materials, clothing or uniforms for
class or other school related activities. All deliveries
will remain in the front office and students are
responsible for checking to see if the item has
arrived on their own, between classes or at
lunch. Students will NOT receive a note from
the office notifying them of any deliveries. The
delivery of flowers, candy or gifts is not allowed. The
only exceptions to this rule (things that we
WILL deliver) are: glasses, contacts, phones,
lunch money or notes about transportation after
school.
contact Boogie Lammes at
ptaboogie@verizon.net.
Fowler PTA Board 2015-2016
Name
Email
Principal
Donnie Wiseman
wisemand@friscoisd.org
President
Boogie Lammes
ptaboogie@verizon.net
VP - Membership
Shahnaz Savul
shahnaz.savul2@dpsg.com
VP - Ways&Means
Laura Blackbourn
ptablackbourn@yahoo.com
Secretary
Tisha Harris
tyharris10@gmail.com
Treasurer
Christie Gore
cgore10@gmail.com
Parliamentarian
Stephanie Forester
bugsmom424@yahoo.com
Hospitality
Sherri Butler
sbutler2470@yahoo.com
Spirit wear
Saundra Brown
saundrasb@yahoo.com
Volunteers
Monica Violante
monica@violante.com
Communications
Melissa Trezza
osubucks96@tx.rr.com
Teacher Liason
Julie Brown*
brownju@friscoisd.org
Healthy Lifestyle
Marcia Ramsey
mnramsey1@att.net
Environmental
Andrea Williams
williaan@friscoisd.org
WatchDOGS
Tejas Shroff
tejas_shroff@yahoo.com
SAGE
Christine Kurtz
ckurtz.pta@gmail.com
Programs
DON’T FORGET! One Check
Fundraiser Checks are due
by September 18th
Position