Notes from the Principal
Dear FHUMHS Middle School Families,
I hope you’re as excited to welcome Spring as I am! I want to take a moment to discuss two important topics that are increasingly impacting our students: caffeine consumption and academic integrity in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Caffeine and Our Students
Lately, we’ve noticed more students consuming caffeinated products—often in larger amounts. In addition to familiar sources like coffee and energy drinks, new products such as caffeine pouches and caffeinated gum are making their way into students' hands. While caffeine may seem harmless, excessive consumption can negatively affect sleep, focus, and overall health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under 12 avoid caffeine entirely and that teens (ages 12–18) limit their intake to 100mg per day—roughly the amount in one cup of coffee or two cans of soda.
Why Limit Caffeine?
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Growing Bodies – Children and teens are more sensitive to caffeine’s effects.
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Sleep Disruptions – Caffeine can interfere with the quality and quantity of sleep.
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Anxiety & Hyperactivity – It can increase nervousness and restlessness.
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Heart & Health Concerns – In extreme cases, caffeine can impact heart rate and blood pressure.
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Energy Drinks = Extra Risk – These often contain excessive caffeine and sugar, leading to dehydration and other health issues.
💡 What You Can Do: Talk with your child about their caffeine intake and make sure your child understands your expectations, regardless of peer influence. Encourage healthier choices like water, milk, or caffeine-free drinks.
For more information, check out these helpful resources:
✅ AAP: Caffeine and Kids
✅ CDC: Dangers of Energy Drinks
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Plagiarism, and Learning with Integrity
Technology has revolutionized access to information, but it also brings new challenges. While AI tools can be useful, students must learn to use them responsibly. Copying AI-generated work without true understanding not only hinders learning but also conflicts with our values of honesty and effort.
There are many ways we can support students at home and at school.
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Encourage Original Thinking – Learning is about analyzing information and problem-solving, not just finding quick answers.
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Discuss AI Ethics & Citing Sources – Help students understand when and how to use AI responsibly and remind them that 'copying' and 'pasting' requires properly crediting their sources of information.
Ask Questions -- Check in with your child. Ask them if, how and when they are using AI? Let them show you what they know and talk it through.
The pace at which technology changes can make it difficult to stay informed as parents! I remember navigating the rise of the internet and cell phones with my own teenage children. I often felt like they knew more than I did! And they did. Trying to have conversations or set limits about something I didn’t fully understand was challenging.
To help, Annie Crumb, our FHUMHS Librarian, created a valuable resource for parents on Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI Parent Guide.
Cognia Update
The majority of our VTCAP (Cognia) testing is now complete! Our 8th graders have a few remaining testing sessions on April 1st and 2nd. We appreciate our students' hard work and perseverance throughout this process. One of the biggest challenges of this statewide assessment is the stamina and focus it requires. Building academic endurance and the ability to sustain attention are key skills we emphasize in Middle School as students' brains continue to develop. In today’s world, both students and teachers face constant distractions, making this an ongoing challenge. Keeping smartphones out of the classroom is one way we support focus, but there’s always more to be done. This assessment serves as an opportunity to practice both stamina and focus. This can sometimes lead to extra energy that needs to be released throughout the day. It’s not uncommon to see shifts in behavior during testing days, and we appreciate everyone's patience and support as we navigate this important process together.
Finally, we are working on finalizing dates/times for end-of-the year events and will communicate those out soon. Stay tuned.
By working together, we can help students build strong habits that support both their health and academic success. I encourage you to have conversations at home about these important topics.
As always, I appreciate your partnership in creating a supportive learning environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out—my door is always open!
Jennefer Paquette
FHUMHS Co-Principal
The recent raffle and Pampered Chef Bingo were a success! We have raised enough to cover the cost of printing which means that each middle school student will get a middle school yearbook at no cost! Kudos to Mrs. Erin Haley, this year's middle school yearbook advisor. Not only did she organize these events, but is a bingo calling pro! We thank the students that attended bingo and helped it run smoothly. We thank all of the students who sold tickets, the families/friends that bought them and/or came out to bingo and all who donated goods for the concession stand. Additionally, we would like to thank the local businesses who donated to the raffle: Brown's Family Farm, Pond Hill Ranch, Lake Bomoseen Lodge and Taproom, Sam's U-Save Fuels, and Hubbardton Forge. We are grateful!
2025 Youth Sailing Camp sign-up is live
Sign-up: http://app.heygov.com/.../rec-youth-sailing-camp.../send
Learn to sail in just a few days this summer on Lake Bomoseen. For children entering 5th-8th grades July 7-11 or July 14-18
Schedule: M, T, W, Th, F (12-3pm)
Location: Crystal Beach, Lake Bomoseen
Registration Fee: $100 per week
Please note, space is limited! This year, to allow more campers to join in the fun, we are limiting to one week per camper. If space allows, we will extend to two weeks. Priority will be given to those who have little to no experience sailing.
You will be contacted by the program director to complete a final registration.
Contact Joe Mark, Program Director with questions, joe.mark.vt@gmail.com
FHUMS PTO
Join us on Facebook or at our next meeting! Thank you all for supporting our Slater Middle School Students! If you have any questions about the Middle School PTO, or their events, please reach out to the individuals listed below.
NEXT MEETING IS April 17th, 6-7 pm in the library.
Officers:
President: Kim Lemois, berlyJay06@comcast.net
Vice President: Ashley Bruce, Abruce86@icloud.com
Treasurer: Nicole Rice, nicole.rice1515@gmail.com
Secretary: Amanda Crowningshield, galvin1110@yahoo.com
Participate virtually through this link: FHMS Monthly Meeting Link
