THE CHARGER CONNECTION

Happy Sunday Chargers!

We’ve just wrapped up a fabulous second week of school! Our Chargers are finding their way, meeting new friends, and already beginning to dream big and chart their course for a successful year. It has been wonderful to see their excitement and energy on campus each day.

As we move into our third week together, we want to remind you that we will begin counting tardies. Consistent on-time arrival to class is an important part of building responsibility and ensuring every student has the best learning opportunity possible.

You can review our FMMS Tardy Policy by clicking the button below:
👉 FMMS Tardy Policy

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our Chargers.

Let’s make it another great week!

Dr. Burt

Week of August 25th

Monday, August 25th

• B-Day

• Advisory - House Reveal Day

Tuesday, August 26th

• A-Day

• Advisory - SOS Advisory Lessons

Wednesday, August 27th

• B-Day
• ELEVATE

Thursday, August 28th

• A-Day
• ELEVATE
• 7:00pm, LHHS vs. Forney HS Varsity FB Game

Friday, August 29th

• B-Day
• ELEVATE

Looking Ahead - Mark your Calendars

Monday, September 1st - Student/Staff Holiday - No School

Tuesday, September 2nd - FMMS Football Scrimmage vs. LHMS

Thursday, September 4th - FMMS Volleyball Scrimmage vs. LHMS

Tuesday, September 9th - Fall Picture Day

Monday, September 15th - Meet the Teacher Night

We’re improving each day with students wearing their ID Badges on full display around their necks—thank you for your support!

Wearing ID Badges daily helps us maintain a safe environment, and we appreciate you continuing to encourage your student to wear theirs appropriately. You can also help build responsibility by having your student keep their badge in a consistent spot at home so it’s easy to grab each morning before school.

Please see the graphic for our FMMS ID Badge Protocols. If your student needs a replacement, money can be turned in to the office or to Ms. Mallard ($1 for a lanyard; $3 for an ID Badge).

Thank you for partnering with us and reinforcing our Charger core values of safety and responsibility!

We love having our families involved in supporting our students!

To ensure the safety and success of all, ALL new and returning volunteers are required to complete the RISD Volunteer Application each year. The application process includes a background check, photo upload, and volunteer orientation.

👉 Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit www.risd.org/volunteer to get started!

Thank you for your commitment to our Chargers and to making FMMS a great place to learn and grow!

Parents,

If you have not already done so, please complete the RISD Household Survey using the link below:

🔗 richardsonisdsurvey.nlappscloud.com

This important form helps determine eligibility for valuable programs and services at Forest Meadow Middle School, including student meal benefits, campus funding, and more.

✅ All families should complete one form per household, regardless of income or meal eligibility.

Your participation ensures our school receives the resources and support our students deserve!

Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete this important survey and for being an essential part of our FMMS community. 💜

During this year, school staff are working to teach students about how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. We are using a program called Time to ACT: SOS Signs of Suicide.

The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help. These lessons are scheduled to be delivered at FMMS in Advisory on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 and Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025.

You can find a parent letter with additional information linked HERE. Please let Mrs. Alvarado know if you have any questions.

Dear Parents and/or Caregivers,

The staff at Richardson ISD are increasingly more concerned about the increase of adolescents using drugs and alcohol in recent years. Fundamentally, it is important that we provide students with comprehensive drug education.

Linked below is information for families about the district lessons that will be rolled out through Advisory classes throughout this school year.

6th Grade Parent Resources

7th Grade Parent Resources

8th Grade Parent Resources

RISD Parents, Fans, and Community,

Richardson ISD Athletics is excited about the 2025-2026 school year! We are asking for everyone’s support in modeling good sportsmanship and positive behavior at all athletic events. RISD is a proud supporter of a new sportsmanship initiative called The Texas Way. Please click on this link to watch a short video about what it means to be a Texas Way school district.

Watch The Texas Way Hype Video

Our district strives to provide athletic experiences that are enjoyable and rewarding to athletes, parents, employees, and fans who participate in or attend athletic events. Good sportsmanship by all is paramount to the achievement of that goal.

RISD Fan Expectations

• Visitors to athletic events must demonstrate appropriate behavior at all times.
• Inappropriate conduct diminishes the experience for everyone and will not be tolerated.
• Spectators are encouraged to cheer on and express support for athletes and teams.
• Fans should not yell or scream at athletes, coaches or officials, or attempt to “coach” players from the stands or sidelines. Such behaviors distract athletes and coaches and disrupt play.
• Spectators who fail to demonstrate appropriate sportsmanship and conduct will be warned.
• Repeated failure to adhere to these expectations may result in ejection from an event or even removal of the privilege to attend future RISD sporting events.
• Parents or fans are not permitted on the sideline, track, gym floor, bench/dugout area, etc. during an athletic event.
• Fans should not approach a scorer’s table or engage with referees or officials, before, during, or after events.

As representatives of our schools, we should all lead by example, promote the ideals of good sportsmanship and model positive adult behavior for our students. This idea is a primary focus of the RISD Code of Civility and serves as an anchor for behavioral expectations for all RISD stakeholders in our schools and at school events and activities.

As a Texas Way school district, we can all improve the level of sportsmanship at UIL sporting events, decrease the number of ejections, and strengthen the relationships between coaches, athletes, officials, and fans.

We appreciate your support and look forward to a great year. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Respectfully,

Lonnie Jordan

Executive Director of Athletics RISD

It’s time to gear up for another exciting year of Charger sports! Below are the tryout and practice start dates for both girls’ and boys’ athletics, along with parent meeting details. Please review the flyers to find your athlete’s sport and mark your calendars so they don’t miss their chance to join the team.

🏐🏃‍♀️🏀🎾🏃‍♂️⚽ Girls Sports: Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, Tennis, Track, Soccer

🏈🏃‍♂️🏀🎾🏃‍♂️⚽ Boys Sports: Football, Cross Country, Basketball, Tennis, Track, Soccer

Parent meetings are scheduled for each sport—see flyers for specific dates and times. We can’t wait to see our Chargers competing, growing, and representing FMMS with pride this year.

Go Chargers!

Calling all 7th and 8th grade Chargers interested in Cross Country! This is open to both boys and girls, and we’re excited to kick off the season.

📅 Parent Meeting: Wednesday, September 4th
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: FMMS Cafeteria

Come meet the coaches, learn about practice schedules, meet expectations for the season, and get all your questions answered.

Contacts for More Info:

• Jocelyne.Delgado@risd.org (Room B110)

• Todd.Blanchard@risd.org (Room H009)

Let’s get ready to run, Chargers!

Stay up to date with the latest news, announcements, and events from Forest Meadow Middle School—your hub for all things Charger Nation!

Do you really like science? Do you like building things? Doing labs?

This may be just the team for you! Our Science Olympiad team is seeking new members for the 25-26 season. We are looking for all enthusiastic and science-minded students who want to be a part of a great team and participate in competitions with area middle schools.

Please consider coming to our interest meeting if you would like to join this scien-tastic team!

Charger Nation! Join STUCO as we cheer on Charger Football and Lady Chargers Volleyball this season with themed spirit days!

Dress up, bring the energy, and let’s pack the stands with Charger spirit. ⚡🐎

Presented by Mr. Dockery & Mr. Leonard

Interest Meeting

• When: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
• Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
• Where: Room H‑110

What is the Charger Gents Club?

A brotherhood for middle school boys in grades 6–8, focused on sports, leadership, and mentorship.

We use sports talk and real‑life conversations to build respect, confidence, and character on and off campus.

Starting September 8, 2025 FMMS Clinic

Texas Department of State Health Services requires different annual screenings based on the student’s grade level. A list of required screenings by grade level is below. The types of screenings conducted annually include vision, hearing, acanthosis nigricans, and spinal. All screenings will be conducted throughout the school year instead of one mass screening day.

If a student’s screening results indicate the need for further evaluation by a physician or other health provider, then the nurse will send home a referral letter. This screening does not replace your child’s need for regular health care and check-ups.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the mandated school screening, a physician-signed hearing, vision, acanthosis nigricans and/or spinal evaluation for the student must be submitted to the school nurse before September 2, 2025.

Required Screenings by Grade Level

• 6th (new to RISD students) – hearing and vision
• 7th hearing, vision, and acanthosis nigricans, spinal (spinal is girls only)
• 8th (boys) - spinal
• 8th (new to RISD students) - hearing and vision

Thank you,

RISD Health Services

Grab your boots and your best dance moves—the Howdy Dance is coming to the Café from 7–9 PM! This fun night is open to 7th & 8th graders only! 🎶✨

🎟 Tickets are just $5 and will be sold at lunch starting September 15th. Can’t snag one at lunch? No worries—you can also buy your ticket at the door!

So dust off your cowboy hat, round up your friends, and let’s make it a night to remember! 💃🕺

⚡💙 Want to be part of STUCO? 💙⚡

Come to our STUCO Interest Meeting on Thursday, 9/28 in H104.

You’ve got TWO chances:
🌅 7:30 AM or 🌇 3:45 PM

Learn what Student Council is all about and how YOU can become a member.
✨ Applications open Friday, 9/29—don’t miss out! ✨

Love knitting, crocheting, or just want to learn?

Our Yarn Club is the perfect place to create, relax, and connect with friends. Open to all 6th–8th graders, we meet every Tuesday from 3:45 to 4:45 pm in C107.

All skill levels are welcome—bring your own project or start something new!

We’d love to welcome you to our PTA family! The PTA plays a crucial role in supporting our students, staff, and campus through events, volunteer opportunities, and funding for essential programs and supplies.

By becoming a member, you’re not just staying connected—you’re helping to build a stronger Charger community. Whether you’re ready to volunteer or simply want to stay in the loop, every membership matters and makes an impact.

Let’s make this a fantastic year—together!

Here is where you’ll find the latest news and announcements from Richardson ISD.

Stay connected with important updates, events, and information that matter to our students, families, and community.

Join us at The Taco Joint on Wednesday, August 27 from 3:00–9:00 PM for a fun evening supporting our Highlandettes!

Dine-in or take-out, and don’t forget to mention Highlandettes at checkout—20% of all sales will go directly to benefit the team.

Thank you for supporting our Highlandettes and one of our favorite local restaurants!

Parents rceived a message on Tuesday, August 12 with information on how to access Schoology, RISD’s online learning platform for grades 3-12.

Please check your email to learn more about how teachers and students use the platform, and how parents can stay informed and engaged in their child’s learning throughout the school year.

Log in to your account to update contact information, monitor grades, attendance, assignments, test scores, opt-in forms and more.

Visit the Focus web page to create an account, reset your password, add a student to an existing account or learn more.

Is your child ready to take their basketball skills to the next level? The PAL Hoops Youth Basketball Camp is here!

When: Mondays — August 25 to October 6

Where: Lake Highlands North Recreation Center
📍 9940 White Rock Trail, Dallas, TX 75238

Times & Ages:

• Ages 8–13: 4:00–6:00 PM

• Ages 14–18: 6:00–8:00 PM

Cost: Free for all participants!

Boys and girls are welcome. Improve skills, build teamwork, and have fun in a positive environment.

Register here: Scan QR code on flyer or click here (replace with actual camp link if available)

For more information:
📧 dpdpal@dallas.gov
📞 214-671-3492

It’s time for our annual Lake Highlands Red Out game on Friday, October 17, 2025! Show your Wildcat spirit by ordering your official Red Out shirt and supporting LHHS Cheer.

• Soft Cotton: $20 | Dri-Fit: $22 (Sizes YXS–A3XL)

• Order online at www.lhhscheer.com/redout

• RISD employees can use code RISEMPLOYEE25 at checkout.

This year, a portion of proceeds will be donated to the More Like Wynne Foundation, honoring the memory and life of Lake Highlands Elementary student, Wynne Naylor.

Thank you to our 2025 Red Out sponsors for making this tradition possible!

Let’s pack the stands in RED and cheer on our Wildcats! ❤️🐾

The RISD Transportation Dept provides bus service from bus stop to campus for students who live more than 2 miles away from their home campus. Students who live within 2 miles are not eligible for bus transportation per TEA guidelines; info in regards to walking to the nearest bus stop