Newsletter - Fort Dodge Community School District

Fort Dodge Middle School
Newsletter
Our Schools. Our Community. Our Pride.
November 2015
FORT DODGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Fort Dodge Middle School
Newsletter
Nov. 2015
Dates to Remember:
November
4th: PreK-12 Professional Development EARLY DISMISSAL @ 1:10pm
6th: No STEM Academy
18th: PreK-12 Professional Development EARLY DISMISSAL @ 1:10pm
23rd: PreK-12 Professional Development NO SCHOOL
24th: PreK-12 Teacher Workday NO SCHOOL
25th: PreK-12 Conference Compensation Day NO SCHOOL
26th: Thanksgiving Holiday NO SCHOOL (all schools and offices are closed)
27th: Thanksgiving Holiday NO SCHOOL (all schools and offices are closed)
Looking Ahead…
December
1st: PreK-8 Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences EARLY DISMISSAL @ 1:10pm
3rd: PreK-8 Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
7th: 7th & 8th Grade Band & Orchestra Winter Concert @ 7:00pm
8th: MS Band & Orchestra Winter Concert @ 7:00pm
10th: 5th & 6th Grade Band & Orchestra Winter Concert Starting @ 6:30pm
15th: 7th & 8th Grade Choir Winter Concert @ 7:00pm
16th: PreK-12 Professional Development EARLY DISMISSAL @ 1:10pm
21st: No STEM Academy
December 23rd through January 3rd: Winter Break NO SCHOOL
OUR SCHOOLS. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PRIDE.
Page 2
Fort Dodge Middle School
Newsletter
Nov. 2015
Page 3
In this day and age, we know people are looking for more than just a job. You want a rewarding
experience working for something you believe in, and a schedule that maximizes personal time,
too. We encourage you to look into all the opportunities the Fort Dodge public school district has
to offer. Here you can safely transport our students, work alongside children with special needs,
provide IT/program support, and even maintain the pipes and plumbing. WE'RE HIRING! Our
pay is competitive, the hours are great, and the benefits are real. Our people make the difference
--YOU can make a difference--and we want you to join our team of dedicated professionals. Stop
in to the Central Administration Building, 104 S. 17th St. in Fort Dodge, or learn more
at www.fdschools.org. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CURRENT OPENINGS:
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Plumber
Paraeducator
IT Help Desk Support Specialist
Bus Driver
Substitute secretaries, paraeducators, and teachers
FDSH Lead Principal - please help us find our next leader by spreading the word to your
friends, family and networks about this outstanding opportunity to impact our students, staff
and schools.
OUR SCHOOLS. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PRIDE.
Fort Dodge Middle School
Newsletter
Nov. 2015
Page 4
Safety: Things are going well for parent am drop off and pm pick up. Some things to remember are:
Give yourself plenty of time to drop your child off in the mornings. It will likely take 1012 minutes to drop off your child so always budget an appropriate amount of time so that you
and/or your child do not end up late.
Reduce your speed. No matter where you are at when there are children present and the roads are slippery it is
important to proceed with caution. Our staff is diligently trying to keep all children out of roadways until their
ride is present, but as a driver always plan for the unpredictable and keep your eyes open.
Pull all the way forward and use both doors. We have established the system that best works for our parking
lot. We have opened both the auditorium and activity entrance in the morning. By design our parking lot and
drop-off lane are successful only in drivers always pull all the way forward to the west in the drop-off lane. Please
help us get everyone in and out of the building efficiently by pulling all the way forward and utilizing both doors.
In the Classrooms: It is hard to believe that we are just a few school days left in term one. Our
teachers have spent a great deal of time identifying standards of learning and creating assessments to monitor when learning has taken place. Our goal is to have learning standards clearly identified and communicated to both students and parents. Assessments that measure what we want students to learn and an organized way to analyze student performance, and a way to respond to both those that have learned as well as
those that aren’t quite there yet. Our teachers also participate in Professional Learning Communities that
are designed to provide quality professional conversations that allow them to create appropriate changes
in instruction where identified.
Around the School: Fort Dodge Middle School continues to be a busy place doing amazing things.
Our staff and students are developing service learning experiences into Dodger Time classes as well as
many other activities that promote healthy social development. Our PBIS theme for this fall is “Giving”. To
promote this theme our school is having a can goods drive with the proceeds benefiting local charity
groups. Finally believe it or not next week marks the end of our first quarter of the school year. Remember that term report cards are sent home with students. Expect them to be coming home the first week
on November. I will have the dialer remind you when it gets closer.
Enjoy the last of the nice weather,
FDMS Aministration
OUR SCHOOLS. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PRIDE.
Fort Dodge Middle School
Newsletter
Page 5
Nov. 2015
Reminders From The Office:
Phone Messages:
Everyday around 3:00, we call students to the office for any messages they have received during the
day. Please ensure you have called in before this time. Also, please keep in mind that with close to
1200 students, if you have a reoccurring message, please discuss this with your child in the morning
before school. This will help us keep classroom interruptions to a minimum.
Early Dismissals From School:
This year we have several early dismissals at 1:10. Please make sure your child knows how to get
home on these days. DART and regular school buses will run at 1:10 dismissal time.
Time of Arrival at School:
Students should not arrive at school before 7:40, as supervisors are not on duty before that time.
Breakfast starts at 7:50 and runs until 8:05. Please help us keep your children safe by not sending
them to school before that time.
Checking Out of School:
Please sign and send a written note to school if your child has to leave school during the day. They
are to bring it directly to the office first thing in the morning for office personal to sign. They will
then show that note to their teacher to get excused from class and bring the note to the office to
check out.
Parents are required to pick up their child on the South side. They will be waiting in the office or door
area until you arrive. If you did not send a note with your child, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO COME INTO
THE STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE (right doors) TO CHECK YOUR CHILD OUT OF SCHOOL. If they return to
school, they must first check in with the office for attendance purposes before returning to class.
Attendance
It is important to call your son/ daughter in absent if they are going to be late or miss a
day of school. Please call the number below when your child is unable to make it to
school.
ATTENDANCE LINE:
574-5711
OUR SCHOOLS. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PRIDE.
Fort Dodge Middle School
Newsletter
Nov. 2015
Page 6
New Staff Spotlight
Mrs. Daniel-Lara started her career in education in 2005 where she began teaching at STARS treatment facility. In 2006 she began teaching 4th grade at Hillcrest
until 2010 when Hillcrest closed. She then taught at Butler for 5 years before
choosing to come to the middle school and teach 5th grade math. Mrs. DanielLara is a FDSH graduate and has a Psychology Degree from the University of Iowa, an Elementary Education Degree and reading endorsement from Buena Vista
and her Master’s in Education with a reading specialist endorsement from
Viterbo University in 2011. When not at school she enjoys spending time with
her family which consists of her husband, 3 children and 2 shelter dogs.
Lexi Daniel-Lara
5 Envision (Blue) Math Teacher
Mr. Heatherington came to us this year from Sotuheast Polk Junior High where
he taught science for 7 years. Along with teaching science Mr. Heatherington will
also be the head 7/8 wrestling coach. He graduated fro m Prairie Valley and went
on to play collegiate baseball at ICCC and Grand View College in Des Moines,
where he graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Secondary
Education. He later completed his Master’s in Education at Morningside College
in 2013. When he is not at school he enjoys hanging out with his wife and 2 children. He also enjoys mountain biking, golfing and hunting. Helping out and
working on the farm also keeps Mr. Heatherington busy.
Kyle Heatherington
7 Believe (Plum) Science Teacher
OUR SCHOOLS. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PRIDE.
Fort Dodge Middle School
Newsletter
Page 7
Nov. 2015
TEAM
NEWS!!
7 Believe ( Plum)
The 7 Believe team enjoyed a wonderful
day at Kennedy participating in canoeing,
archery, fishing, geocaching, and other
activities. In November, students will be
continuing their work with fiction short
stories focusing on fiction elements and
conflict. They will be finishing structure
and function of life, dissecting frogs, and
beginning a genetic disorder unit. The
month is short with break in there, so we
look forward to some engaged learning
and positive behavior.
5 Envision ( Blue)
In math, we have welcomed Mrs. Carlson to our
class. Mrs. Carlson is a student teacher from Iowa
State and will be with us until December. We are
so lucky to have her! Students are starting on division and continuing number talks. We are working
on developing mental math in subtraction and multiplication. Please continue to check your child’s
planner each night for homework and or notes
about what we are learning in class.
In language arts, we are finishing up with our Literature Circles and book talks. We have focused on
the comprehension skills of visualization as well as
quoting direct quotes from a text. In November,
we will begin a writing unit. Students will use
their knowledge of the “M.A.R.K” steps from
KU to improve their sentence and paragraph
writing. Students will learn the difference between a fact and an opinion. The month of
November will also be spent learning how to
write a persuasive/argument paper. Please
remember to check out the class website:
https://sites.google.com/a/
fdschools.org/gaschomath/
home
On the website, students can look at
spelling lists that we will have throughout the
year. I will also be posting online assignments and skill practice in the near future.
In Science we are finishing up our unit on the
Solar System. For a final project the students will
be researching a planet and will be making planet
books to share with the class. After the Solar System we will start a Chemistry unit. In Social Studies we are learning about Native Americans and
why they came to North America.
OUR SCHOOLS. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PRIDE.
Fort Dodge Middle School
Newsletter
Page 8
Nov. 2015
FDMS 7th Grader, Joey Kelley, the son of
Scott Kelley and Anna Cook was recently accepted into the prestigious Opus Honor Choir
which will be performing in concert
on November 19th at CY Stephens auditorium. More than 3,300 students were nominated by their directors for 720 positions in the
four Opus Honor Choirs.
Each student submitted a recorded audition,
and were judged on tone quality, rhythm, intonation and musicianship. Joey is under the
direction of Joan Augustine-Ascherl.
Congratulations Joey!!
You are invited to the Winter Middle School Music Events. . .
Monday, December 7
7-8 Band Concert 7:00 PM (students at 6:45 PM)
Admission: $3 Adults; $1 Students; $5 max for a family
Tuesday, December 8
Thursday, December 10
5-8 Orchestra Concert 7:00 PM (students at 6:30 PM)
5th grade Band Concert 6:30 PM (students at 6:15 )
6th grade Band Concert 7:30 PM (students at 7:15 )
Tuesday, December 15
7-8 Choir Concert 7:00 PM (students at 6:15 PM)
Admission: $3 Adults; $1 Students; $5 max for a family
Thursday, December 17
5th grade Choir Concert 6:30 PM (students at 6:15 )
6th grade Choir Concert at 7:30 PM (students at 7:15)
All events held in the FDMS Auditorium
OUR SCHOOLS. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PRIDE.
Fort Dodge Middle School
Newsletter
Nov. 2015
OUR SCHOOLS. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PRIDE.
Page 9
Fort Dodge Middle School
Newsletter
Nov. 2015
OUR SCHOOLS. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PRIDE.
Page 10
Fort Dodge Middle School
Newsletter
Nov. 2015
Page 11
Mrs. Carlon will be holding Art Club in room 663 on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30. 5th & 6th Grade will be meeting
on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month while 7th &
8th grade will be meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.
Students will be asked to sign up prior to the date by 24 hours in order
to be included: this will allow for preparations of materials. Each
month’s calendar will be posted in the Student Service’s office and in the
art room so that student will know what projects we will be doing and if
they are interested.
In November we will be working on Watercolor .
In December we will work on cards that move and bookmaking.
Duct tape is a welcome “gift” this month…. Bright, fun,
colorful styles!!
Art Club Expectations
1. Sign up on document in Student Services office
2. Parents will arrange for their student to be picked up
by 4:30pm
OUR SCHOOLS. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PRIDE.
Fort Dodge Middle School
Newsletter
Page 12
Nov. 2015
This
Thanksgiving we pause
to reflect on
the many
blessings bestowed upon
us. As we take stock of all that we have
and all that has been accomplished over
the last year, we have much to be thankful for. We have students, staff, parents
and community partners who have dedicated their time and energy into making
our students and schools successful.
THANK YOU!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Parent teacher conferences for students in
grades PK – 8 will be held on December 1st and
3rd. Please watch for additional information to
come regarding the time of conferences as we
get closer to these dates. We look forward to
seeing you so we can share your child’s academic progress with you.
All schools will be closed November 23
-27 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
American Education Week presents us with an opportunity to celebrate public education and honor
individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education.
This week honors students, teachers, education support professionals, parents and community
members who help kids succeed. We hope you will take a minute to express your thanks to the individuals who have a positive impact on your child every day!
OUR SCHOOLS. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PRIDE.
Fort Dodge Middle School
Newsletter
Page 14
Nov. 2015
District Compliance
It is the policy of the Fort Dodge Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ancestry, age, gender, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, physical attributes, religion, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic
status, veteran’s status, actual or potential parental, family or marital status in its programs, services, and employment practices. If you have
questions or grievances related to this policy, please contact Marcy Harms, Director of Student Services, Central Administration Building, 104 S.
17th St., Fort Dodge, IA 50501, 574-5678; or United States Office of Civil Rights, U. S. Department of Education Office, 500 W. Madison St., Suite
1475, Chicago, IL 60661-4544. The District’s Compliance Coordinator for Affirmative Action is Robert Hughes, Assistant Superintendent, who can
be reached at 574-5657 or 104 South 17th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The District’s Designated Investigator of Physical/Sexual Abuse of
Students by School Employees is Marcy Harms. She can be reached at 574-5678 or 104 South 17th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The alternate is
Corey Moody. He can be reached at 5 74-5469 or 819 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The District’s Officer for Harassment Complaints
and Allegations is Marcy Harms, Director of Student Services. She can be reached at 574-5678 or 104 South 17th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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You can find information on our schools, news stories, data, contacts and more on the FDCSD website: www.fdschools.org.
In addition, follow FDCSD on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date District information, pictures and reminders.
Jennifer Lane jlane@fdschools.org
515.574.5668
OUR SCHOOLS. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PRIDE.