FMS Monthly Newsletter
February
Letter from the Principal
Dear Middle School Families,
I’m excited to share several updates and celebrations from our school community!
Testing Growth Update
We recently reviewed our fall-to-winter testing data, and I’m proud to report that nearly every tested area showed above expected growth. This reflects the hard work of our students and the dedication of our staff. A special shout-out goes to our 8th graders, who showed the most overall growth across grade levels. To celebrate their efforts, they will earn some free time and snacks during LIFT next week. Great job, 8th grade!
In addition, individual students who demonstrated expected growth in at least two out of the three tested areas will be recognized in the coming weeks with a candy nacho bar celebration. We are proud of the effort our students are putting into their learning and growth.
Trojans Live Assemblies
Each month, we host our Trojans Live assemblies, where we invite community members to speak with students about their careers, community involvement, and life experiences. These assemblies are an important way for students to learn more about the Fairfield community and explore different paths and opportunities. If you would be interested in speaking at one of our upcoming assemblies, please reach out to Mrs. Marten. We would love to have you share your story with our students!
Missing Assignment Challenge
We are currently holding a grade-level missing assignment challenge. Over the next month, the grade level with the lowest overall number of missing assignments will earn a reward. Families can support this effort by encouraging students to regularly check their assignment journals and review missing work on Infinite Campus to stay on track. Your partnership in helping students build strong organizational habits makes a big difference.
Winter Activities Update
Congratulations to our boys basketball and girls wrestling teams on a great start to their seasons! We are proud of their commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Thank you to all the families who support our student-athletes by attending events, coordinating schedules, and cheering them on throughout the season.
Student-Led Conferences
Our student-led conferences are coming up on March 2. Be on the lookout for communication from teachers and your students about signing up for conferences! These are really special for your students to be able to share their learning from the year so far, so you won't want to miss out!
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are helping our students grow academically, socially, and personally. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Marten
FMS Principal
Student of the Month/Principal's Awards Winners
Students of the Month
5th Grade: Henry Broz
5th Grade: Vivian Conilogue
6th Grade: Calyssa Mallinger
6th Grade: Phoenix Houts
7th Grade: Israel Maselli
7th Grade: Tayla Spray
8th Grade: Hope Hellweg
8th Grade: Gage Markle
Principal Award Winners
5th Grade: Khoen Davis
5th Grade: Olivia Leach
6th Grade: Annaliese Jackson
6th Grade:Kellan Melcher
7th Grade: Wakefield Garrett
7th Grade: Naomy Pasillas
8th Grade: Kevin Perez Chavez
8th Grade: Atlee Hudson
Once a month, we at FMS celebrate our amazing students by our staff selecting two from each grade for a Student of the Month Award and a Principal's Award. Our next Trojan PRIDE Assembly will be February 26th at FMS. Here are December's recipients!
Balen Boatright Honor Band Selection
Congratulations to FMS' own, Balen Boatright, for being selected for the 2026 Southeast Iowa Bandmasters Association Honor Band Festival! This festival features top middle school musicians selected through rigorous auditions, with the festival being held on January 24th at the University of Iowa's Voxman School of Music. Students selected from Ottumwa, Davenport, and Fairfield performed in a prestigious ensemble following auditions at Fairfield High School on January 20th. Congratulations, Balen!
PBIS
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Trojan PRIDE at Fairfield Middle School play an essential role in creating a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students. By clearly teaching expectations and recognizing positive choices, we aim to help students develop responsibility, kindness, and perseverance both in and out of the classroom. Trojan PRIDE encourages students to take ownership of their actions, support their peers, and contribute to a strong school community. Together, PBIS and Trojan PRIDE empower students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally while feeling valued and motivated each day at school.
Trojans Live and Annual Elks Essay Competition students!
FMS welcomed Ben, the manager of Brown's Shoe Fit to speak to our students about himself. We also were able to celebrate four students who placed in the Elks Essay Competition recently. Congratulations to Tristen Talbot, Talia Felt, Bella Thommen, and Calyssa Mallinger.
FMS Activities Calendar
See our activities for our Winter activities HERE!
Cold Weather Notice
With the weather changing to lower temperatures, please speak with your student regarding appropriate clothing for colder weather. We will go outside if the real feel temperature is 10 degrees or warmer for recess as well as for outside before the building is open at 7:45. We will make adjustments to where students will be at regarding the AM before school starts and recess if the weather gets below the real feel of 10 degrees.
February Important Dates
- Feb. 3rd: New LIFT Groups start for 6th - 8th grades
- Feb. 13th: Student Connection Survey
- Feb. 16th: 7th and 8th Grade Jazz Band Concert @ FMS
- Feb. 9th: Family Engagement Night 5:00 - 7:00 PM
- Feb. 20th: No School - Teacher Quality Day
- Feb. 24th: 7th - 8th Grade Band Concert (OPTIONAL for 7th graders; REQUIRED for 8th graders not in girls' wrestling) @ FHS Auditorium
- Feb. 25th: Mental Health Screener
- Feb. 26th: Trojan PRIDE Assembly
- Feb. 27th: End of Trimester 2
School Contact Information
Fairfield Middle School
Principal: Mrs. Carly Marten
Assoc. Principal: Mr. Alex Rebling
Main Office: Mrs. Janice Kaufman, Mrs. Dawn Hardy
Website: Fairfield Community School District
Location: 404 West Fillmore Ave., Fairfield, IA 52556
Phone: (641) 472 -5019
Facebook: facebook.com/fairfieldtrojans
X (Twitter): @fairfieldcsd