November 4 – November 8, 2013 Year 3: Volume 11 Remember to check Florence Middle School Website and Facebook Page. REMEMBER, STUDENTS, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Congratulations to our administrators! Mrs. Rainey and Dr. Horn were selected by the National Association of Secondary School Principals to participate in the inaugural leadership and professional development symposium offered by NASSP and the U.S. Army. There were only 30 administrators selected for this honor. We are one of only 15 schools from across our Nation to be invited to participate. Go Falcons! Florence Middle School is FOCUSED on attendance. Florence Middle School is FOCUSED on attendance: For the month of September, we had an average attendance of 94.91%. Both the 7th grade and 8th grade averaged 18 absences per day. Please help us stress how important daily attendance is to your student. Let’s strive for 100% attendance…. From The Counseling Office: -Are you a student who is making a difference through volunteering? If so, apply for a 2014 Prudential Spirit of Community Award and you could win $1000 and a trip to Washington, D.C. next May! Please see your school counselor for more information. -The administration of the Explore exam was a success. We are proud of our students! Once the results come in, a letter will be sent home with students for parents to schedule an appointment with the 8th Grade Counselor to discuss results. Mr. Russell, one of our new teachers, has an email address that’s similar to another FCS employee. He would like his students’ parents to know his correct email address is [email protected], not [email protected]. He apologizes for any lack of response, but he was thus far unaware of any contact. He wants to hear any concerns parents have, now that his correct address has been given. There will be an honor roll party for students who had all As and Bs for the 1st nine weeks on Monday, November 4th, during students’ second wave lunch periods. UPCOMING EVENTS October Data Meetings: At FMS, it is a top priority to make sure students are receiving a quality education that will prepare them to be successful at the next level. One very important part of this process is our data meetings. Each month, our teachers and administrators meet together to review student performance and plan strategies that will help teachers be more effective and students more successful. We are excited about a new piece of data: benchmark assessments. This month we will be able to include this new information in our data meetings to help us measure our teaching effectiveness and student learning. Please help us support students next week as they take the first benchmark assessments of the year. They will count as 10% of a student’s nine- week grade. Any 7th or 8th-grade student who is interested in participating in the school-wide spelling bee, should see Mrs. Hollis in room 210 to sign up and to receive the word list. You must sign up by November 8 if you want to participate. CLASSROOM NEWS Tutoring after school takes place Monday-Thursday, room 211, from 3:15-4:15. Students need to be prompt in arriving before 3:15, and parents need to be prompt in picking up their children at 4:15. Congratulations Mrs. Christy and Florence Middle School for receiving the NAESP Sharing the Dream Grant in the amount of $5000.00!!! Sharing the Dream Grant Program posted: 15 school principals win grants of $5,000 each for community and global engagement projects Alexandria, VA—October 24, 2013—The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and MetLife Foundation today announced the winners of the 2013-20 New post on Sharing the Dream Grant Program NAESP Foundation & MetLife Foundation Announce 2013-2014 Sharing the Dream Grant Winners by Sharing the Dream Grant Program 15 school principals win grants of $5,000 each for community and global engagement projects Alexandria, VA—October 24, 2013—The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and MetLife Foundation today announced the winners of the 2013-2014 Sharing the Dream grant program. Ten past recipients of Sharing the Dream grants have been awarded $5,000 each to expand projects that were funded between 2003—2012. An additional five grants of $5,000 have been awarded to schools for new projects that build community through global engagement. Since 2004, with generous funding from MetLife Foundation, Sharing the Dream has awarded more than $2,000,000 in grants for projects that have impacted—and continue to impact—children, families and communities across the country and around the world. We are privileged to have partnered with MetLife Foundation over the past decade to support principals bold efforts to bring children and families from different nations and cultures together to learn from one another, said NAESP Deputy Executive Director and NAESP Foundation CEO Ernest J. Mannino. In this final, capstone year of the Sharing the Dream grant program, we are excited to celebrate and extend the legacy of the more than 300 awardees whose vision, innovation and leadership have positively impacted school communities the world over, and whose pioneering projects will continue to serve as models—and inspiration—for years to come. Unique to this final year of the Sharing the Dream program, ten Keeping the Dream Going grants of $5,000 each were awarded to principals who received grants in the past to take their Sharing the Dream projects to the next level of excellence. Sharing the Dream also continues its focus on global awareness by awarding five grants of $5,000 each for new projects that that promote peace and collaboration, community-building, respect for cultural and other differences and family involvement in school. In all, fifteen Sharing the Dream grants are being awarded this school year to largely underserved urban and rural elementary and middle schools in fourteen states. MetLife Foundation has been pleased to partner with NAESP to support and encourage the important leadership roles principals play in their schools and communities, said Dennis White, president and CEO. We applaud the creative and effective ways schools have used Sharing the Dream grants to engage parents and the community, and build global awareness. 2013-2014 Winners: Sharing the Dream Grant Winners Centreville Elementary Centreville, VA Project: The World Within Our Walls Florence Middle School Florence, AL Project: Adventures Through Global Weather Lowell Community Charter Lowell, MA Project: The LCCPS Global Lowell Program Lincoln Elementary Ponca City, OK Project: Building Bridges Multicultural Festivals Mellon Elementary Palatka, FL Project: Connecting Globally for Our Future Keeping the Dream Going Grant Winners Cambridge School of Chicago Chicago, IL Project: International Passport for All Christel House Academy Indianapolis, IN Project: Young Voices in Conflict C.T. Sewell Elementary Henderson, NV Project: Empowered Parents and Families Emily G. Wetherbee School Lawrence, MA Project: Tribute Talks Harris Elementary Woonsocket, RI Project: Harris Community Dream Garden Monitor Elementary Springdale, AR Project: Monitor Family Digital Library Southwest Academy Magnet School for Science and Engineering Baltimore, MD Project: Get Global! St. Stephen Elementary St. Stephen, SC Project: Global Science Made Fun Storm Lake Elementary Storm Lake, IA Project: Reaching More Corners of the World Through Technology Stetser Elementary Chester, PA Project: Exploring Our Global Community-A Continuation Established in 1921, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) serves elementary and middle school principals in the United States, Canada, and overseas. NAESP supports principals as the primary catalysts for creating lasting foundations for learning through policy development, advocacy, and resources for effective instructional leadership. NAESP seeks to advance the principalship and address issues in pre-K--3 alignment, principal preparation and evaluation, and building the capacity of new principals. For more information about NAESP, please visit naesp.org MetLife Foundation was created in 1976 to continue MetLifes long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Today, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, committing $200 million over the next five years to help build a secure future for individuals and communities around the world. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit metlife.org Sharing the Dream Grant Program | October 30, 2013 at 1:52 pm | Categories: Press & Announcements, Program Announcements, Program News | URL: wp.me/p2bQKO-gh Mr. Graham’s 8th grade English - Eighth grade accelerated English classes will take the assessment on Jerry Spinellis Milkweed on December 6, 2013. Mrs. Holliss English Language Arts classes - I want to thank the wonderful parents who served as chaperones for our field trip to UNA to see theatrical productions of five classic short stories. Our students exhibited exemplary behavior, and I could not be more proud of them! Ms. M. White’s classes - We will begin reading Jean Craighead Georges Julie of the Wolves, Tuesday, Nov. 12. Please get a copy ASAP. The AR deadline for this nine weeks is Tuesday, Dec. 17. Please follow the requirements discussed in class. Do not wait until the last minute to accomplish this task. Mrs. B. White’s Classes- need to bring a copy of Julie of the Wolves to class on Tuesday, November 5. All Mrs. Bragwells students need to return their corrected Forces Test questions with attached study guide, signed for extra credit points, if they have not already. Parents, Mrs. Holt will stay after school on Wednesday for anyone in her Pathways class who needs extra help, or who has not completed all their work for the quarter. 8th Grade Science - I would like to thank all the parents for the supplies sent to my class. I appreciate all that you do! Thank you, Mrs. Newton Science teachers would appreciate donations of glue sticks for the classroom. Mrs. Farriss pre-algebra and math classes are off to a great start! So far, attendance has been great!!! Thanks to all parents who were able to send extra school supplies! With all the new exciting extra-curricular activities going on, please let your child know how important their EDUCATION is to you! Praise them for their grades and hard work! Encourage them to exhibit good character, and compliment them when you see it! Contact me if you have any questions or concerns. ALABAMA RENAISSANCE FAIRE SONNET-WRITING CONTEST WINNERS – 2013 GRADES 7-8: First Place (tie): Abby Wesson, Florence Middle School, Chanh Pham, St. Joseph Catholic School Second Place (tie): Anna Margaret Hayes, Muscle Shoals Middle School, Fletcher Cox, Florence Middle School Third Place (tie): Nikhil Boorgu, Florence Middle School, Jacob Gentle, Florence Middle School Honorable Mention: Cara Grace Carroll, Muscle Shoals Middle School John David Bailey, St. Joseph Catholic School Khloe Hendrix, Florence Middle School Day Robertson, Florence Middle School Katherine Pitts, Florence Middle School Thomas McCutcheon, St. Joseph Catholic School Lilly Holmes, Florence Middle School Lara Brewer, Florence Middle School Emma Kate Griffin, Florence Middle School FCCLA will meet in Mrs. Brook’s room after school on Thursday, November 7th. BAND NEWS -Practice Records for 2nd 9 weeks will be turned in on paper, NOT on Edmodo. Students will receive a paper copy of a PR record each week. 100% turn in rate is needed! are due every TUESDAY for band members in Beginner, Concert & Symphonic Band. Please feel free to contact me with questions at [email protected] -FMS & HMS combined Christmas Concert will be held on Tuesday, December 10th at 7pm. This is a concert you do not want to miss!! Beginner band, Concert band, Symphonic band, Percussion ensemble, Jazz band and much, much more! Also, it is rumored that a very special holiday guest will be making an appearance! Join us in the FHS auditorium for this spectacular concert event! -All-State band auditions will be held January 18th, 2014 at Muscle Shoals HS. All 8th grade Symphonic band students are STRONGLY encouraged to audition and any interested 7th graders are welcome to audition! All music and scale info has been downloaded to the students’ iPads. This is also the audition for District honor band so it is important that the FMS band have great participation as in years past. Please encourage your student to audition for this opportunity! SPORTS NEWS FMS Football- 7th & 8th gr. – season over JV – season over Freshman Center – season over Varsity Football – The FMS Falcon & Lady Falcons basketball teams Nov. 4 Mon Colbert County Florence Combined Girls Combined Boys 4:00 7th Grils 5:00 8th Boys Nov. 7 Thurs Chapman Florence 4:30 8th Girls 5:30 8th Boys (changed to) Dec. 5 Thurs Williams Williams 4:30 7th Girls 6:30 8th Girls 5:30 7th Boys 7:30 8th Boys FMS Volleyball – season over JV Volleyball – season over Softball – Varsity Swim Team is comprised of 7th Thru 12 Grade Students. Next meet, November 7- Cullman (@Cullman) Let’s have a great meet, FHS swimmers! Go Falcons! Cross Country – 11/9 - AHSAA State Meet (varsity only), Oakville, AL FMS Girls & Boys Soccer: Anyone that missed the meeting and is interested in playing soccer, see Coach Walker in room 126 to fill out a contact information sheet and get more information on the upcoming season. FMS Girls Soccer: Tryouts are going to be held on November 12th, 14th, 19th, & 21st from (5:30 - 7:00pm) and Saturday November 16th from (10:00am- 12:00pm) at North Florence soccer fields on Chisholm Road. Important Info: (1) All players must have a physical to participate in evaluations!!! (2) Players should bring water and wear proper attire for the weather. (3) Shin guards are required (be sure the NOCSAE seal and height range are printed on the front of the shin guards) CLUBS NEWS Junior United Nations Assembly (JUNA) – Every Tuesday from 3:15 - 4:15 the JUNA Team will be meeting in Mrs. Christys classroom 131, until we have completed writing our resolution. National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) – Newly elected officers: President – Trevor Simpson Vice-President – Madison Russell Secretary – Grant Brown Treasurer – Sydney White Parliamentarian – Jacob Gentle Sargeant-at-Arms – Evan Taylor Please email me if you have any questions: [email protected] Science Olympiad – meets every Wednesday from 3:05-4:00 in room 233. The math team and science Olympiad team is selling Florence Pocket Ts. Choose from a comfort color blue or grey, short or long sleeve shirt with a monogrammed F or school initial pocket. Short sleeve are $25 and long sleeve are $35. Email Melanie Harris at [email protected] to order or ask questions. ***Next team meeting Wednesday, November 6 after school until 4 pm.*** Student Council - Finally, your Edmodo code is on the information sheet that Mrs. Howell and Ms. Jones have, so please make sure to come by to see us!!! Student Council - We would like to congratulate our new officers!! President - Alle Thornton Vice President - Aria Pons Secretary - Lindsey Williams Treasurer - Caroline Richey 8th Grade Reporter - Mary Elizabeth Lane 7th Grade Reporter - Sara Holcombe 8th Grade Historian - Aleysia Pons 7th Grade Historian - Margo Jenkins 8th Grade Sergeant at Arms - Julia Riedel 7th Grade Sergeant at Arms - Garrett Dickinson FBLA - Join FMS FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) today and be a part of the leaders of tomorrow! Have a chance to compete locally and nationally, help others, travel, learn leadership and teamwork skills, and meet students from everywhere! Membership is $10.00. See Mrs. Curtis or Coach Johnson. The FMS Robotics Team - The FMS Robotics Team will meet every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 3:05 until 5:00 in 404 Sanderson Gym. Team members will need to be picked up in front of Sanderson Gym at 5:00pm sharp. Go Falcons! FMS Technology Student Association members and Career Clusters Technologies students are selling Falcon “Power Bracelets”! A Falcon “Power Bracelet” is sure to give that much needed edge over the competition, while allowing you to look the part of an enthusiastic Florence Falcon fan! Imprinted on the Falcon “Power Bracelet” is the popular phrase “It’s a Falcon Thang Baby!” Falcon “Power Bracelets” are at the all-time low price of $5 each! Get yours today while quantities last! Go Falcons! Family and Consumer Science (FCCLA) - 8th graders who were enrolled in Mrs. Brook’s class last year may participate in the FCCLA organization this year by picking up an application in Room 112. FCCLA is one of four Career and Technical Education student organizations on the middle school campus. Students must be enrolled or previously enrolled in the course that integrates the program. Math Team - The FMS math team meets on Thursdays from 3:05 until 4 pm. 7th grade meets in Ms. Harris room 215, and 8th grade meets in Mrs. Barnetts room 212. Yearbook – Please remember to order a yearbook for your student. Order forms are available in room 225, or you may go online to walsworthyearbooks to order online. The 2013/2014 school year will only happen once! Capture the memories with a yearbook. $35.00. Parents/faculty/staff, remember that any and all photographs of school activities/sports may be submitted for possible use in the yearbook. Photographs may be sent electronically to [email protected], or may be burned to a disc and sent to school attention Reaves/Yearbook. Last year we had several submitted photos in the yearbook. PTO – Come to the PTO meetings, join ($20) and be an informed parent. Officers: President-Cynthia Southward; Vice President- Debbie Williams; Secretary-Sandy Holcombe; Treasurer-Rhonda Blackburn Chorus - The Winter Concert is scheduled for December 5 @ FHS @ 7:00 p.m. There is no admission charge for the concert. All chorus students are required to attend. A few students have still not paid the $25 rental fee for their chorus attire. This really needs to be taken care of immediately. Thank you for your continued support of the efforts of the FMS chorus!!
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 19:35:26 +0000