FHTMS Weekly Newsletter #22

Dear Families,

We invite families to join us for a parent viewing of Screenagers, a documentary that explores the impact of digital media on young people and offers practical strategies for building healthy habits. In early February, all students will view the student version of this documentary during the school day, and we want to partner with families to continue these important conversations at home. This parent/caregiver viewing is an opportunity to learn together, reflect on how technology is shaping our lives, and discuss ways we can support healthy, balanced choices with digital media that help build a strong, kind, and connected generation.

Your Principal,
Suzanne Gruendling

Screenagers Thursday January 29th at FHTMS in the Library 6:30 pm

Wednesday is a late start day.

Check out the Common Roots Farm to go offering at the bottom of the newsletter.

FHTMS is excited to host our Winter Carnival on Wednesday during regular school hours. This action packed day is designed to build community and strengthen a sense of belonging for all students. Throughout the day, advisory groups will participate in activities centered on connection, teamwork, and school spirit. At lunchtime, students will enjoy bingo, followed by a highly anticipated student versus staff basketball game in the afternoon and a special performance by the FHTMS cheer team. The Winter Carnival is an incredible celebration of our students’ hard work in living our RISE values by being responsible, inclusive, safe, and engaged.

Tuesday: Team or Wolf Gear

Wednesday: Crazy hair / hat, mismatch or bright colors

Thursday: Winter Fun! Dress in your favorite winter gear.

Friday: Dress retro like you favorite decade

*** Note the windchills are below zero and single digits much of the week, so all outfits should be ready for the weather!

January 28, 2026. Late Start Date 10:30 am start

January 28, 2026. FHTMS Winter Carnival

Winter Weather Safety Information
Vermont Department of Health Winter Weather Safety (includes translated materials): healthvermont.gov/winter-weather
Winter weather tips from Vermont Emergency Management: Winter Safety | Vermont Emergency Management
Overnight shelter information: Current Shelters and Warming Centers | Vermont Emergency Management

For all semester and year long courses our report card dates are January 30 and the last week of school. For quarterly classes, we will have a one page update each quarter.

Schoology is available all year for up to date student information

2026 April: Family Conferences, Quarterly class updates

June: Report Cards

We are partnering with the FHTMS PTO to bring the new version of the video Screenagers to our students, staff and families in January and February. We will have more details out soon. The impact of the digital age is important for all of us to consider, not just our middle schoolers. We will announce a date for family viewing soon.

Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age

Date: Thursday January 29, 2026 6:30 pm (FHTMS Library)

Runtimes: Original: 59 Minutes, Classroom: 45 Minutes

Now updated for 2025, this award-winning film probes into the vulnerable corners of family life and depicts messy struggles over social media, video games, and academics. The film offers solutions on how we can help our kids navigate the digital world.

FHTMS is honored to welcome Special Olympics athlete and ambassador Lucy Meyer to our school community, celebrating her inspiring mission of inclusion and advocacy for young people with disabilities. As a five-time gold medalist, Lucy embodies the spirit of courage, joy, and determination, teaching us the importance of creating a fully inclusive, welcoming environment for all students. We are excited to learn from her experiences and support this partnership with Special Olympics.

On Wednesday, February 11th FHTMS will be hosting a Naturalization Ceremony for new Americans! We are lucky that our 8th Grade students will get to be witnesses to this wonderful ceremony. We are asking for volunteers to help provide snacks and refreshments for for the people being naturalized and their families. Please sign up here if you are able. Please drop off donations by 8:30 am. Many thanks!

We are excited to support the Vermont Special Olympics Penguin Plunge and are proud to have a growing team representing FHTMS. This annual event brings our community together for an important cause while promoting inclusion, courage, and school spirit. We are hopeful this year’s plunge will be our largest team yet and set a new school record for participation. By taking the plunge, our students, staff, and families help raise awareness and funds to support Special Olympics athletes across Vermont, demonstrating the values of teamwork, generosity, and community that define FHTMS.

There will be a pancake breakfast for our Penguin Plunge Team on Thursday January 29th 8:00 - 8:30 am.

Art club meets next week! Any 7th or 8th grader interested in attending should sign up with Mrs. Treston!

Bolton Ski and Ride: Please bring all equipment and warm clothing—students without proper gear cannot participate. New this year: Drop-off in the bus lane at the main entrance from 7:45–8:15 am. After 8:15, use the parent drop-off lane. This makes it easier for students to carry their gear.

Peer Leadership meets every Friday morning at 8:00 in Ms. Brassord's room.

S.O.A.R. Meets this Friday after school in the library-Check in with Mr. Russell or Mr. Jetter if you're not able to attend

Student Council is every Tuesday at 8:00am in room 257 (Ms. Meisenzahl room)

• Sign up for Family Schoology access
• Complete Family Guide to Schoology
• Family Schoology Login page
• Student Schoology Login page

Would you like your child to increase their culinary skills in your kitchen?

Common Roots has been offering Farm to Go Classes for 18 years to our FHTMS students.

Students have prepared 15,500 meals for their families to date.

This 5 week course is fun, teaches skills in a 2:1 ratio students to teacher

and your child comes home with your family meal each of the 5 classes!

Check out the Flyer and Registration - first come first serve!

Bring registration to FHTMS front office or the Wheeler House (1100 Dorset) any day.

We will make a waiting list for the late March/April course.

"NOURISH TO FLOURISH"