THE CHARGER CONNECTION

Hello Charger Families,

We want to share an important update about your child’s MAP Growth assessment results. Starting this fall, MAP Growth will use a new set of national norms to help interpret student scores. This allows educators to set more personalized growth goals, especially for students who are above or below grade level.

What does this mean for your child? You may notice that your child’s percentile ranking looks different than before. This percentile represents where your child stands when compared with their peers today--not peers from several years ago.

Because student performance has generally declined since the pandemic, the same score may now be associated with a higher percentile. This change applies to both current and past reports in MAP Growth.

Has the test itself changed? MAP Growth has also improved how it adapts to each student. The test now aligns even more closely with the material students are learning in class, helping teachers understand how students are performing relative to grade-level expectations.

How can you learn more? This blogpost explains the updates in more detail. If you have questions or want to talk more about your child’s progress, we’re here to support you.

Additional information about NWEA MAP in RISD and directions on how to review your child’s Student Progress Report can be found on the RISD Website. Your child’s MAP assessment results will be posted in the Focus Parent Portal about one week after each MAP window closes.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s learning journey. Please contact your child’s classroom teacher if you have any questions about how to read the reports or what next steps will be in supporting your child’s academic success.

Dr. Burt, Principal

In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the FMMS Sunshine Committee invites everyone to wear pink every Wednesday in October. Let’s show our unity, raise awareness, and honor those impacted.

Do you sell unique products, create delicious food, or provide unforgettable services?

We’d love to feature your business at Market in the Meadow—a special community shopping event hosted at Forest Meadow Middle School (9373 Whitehurst Dr., Dallas, TX 75243). This is your chance to showcase your passion, connect with the community, and reach new customers!

🛍 Event Dates

• Friday, Nov. 7 – Vendor Setup, 6pm

• Saturday, Nov. 8 – VIP Shopping at 9am | Open 10am–5pm

• Sunday, Nov. 9 – 11am–4pm

✨ Join amazing vendors like Kendra Scott, Bam and Bird, Mizzen+Main, and Whatsoever Things.

For booth maps, pricing, and registration, visit @marketinthemeadow or contact Kristi Kendall at 214-536-2240 | marketinthemeadow@yahoo.com

Two weeks ago, Advanced Theatre students from Forest Meadow and Lake Highlands Middle Schools had the exciting opportunity to participate in the first-ever Dallas County School Days with Broadway Dallas. They joined more than 2,000 students from across the county for a special matinee performance of The Wiz by the touring company.

The energy in the theatre was electric, and our students had an unforgettable experience! Even the cast shared their excitement, saying it was the best audience they had performed for on the entire tour.

Our Chargers showed up in full force for Camo Day and the school spirit was incredible! The halls were filled with camouflage as we geared up to take on the Broncos.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day such a fun and spirited success.

Let’s keep the energy going as we continue to cheer on our Chargers this season! ⚡🐴

Week of September 29th

Monday, September 29th

• B-Day
• FMMS Volleyball vs. Liberty JH
• 7th @ LJH
• 8th @ FMMS

Tuesday, September 30th

• A-Day
• Jersey Day - Wear your Favorite Jersey to Support the Chargers!
• FMMS Football vs. WWJH, Wildcat Ram Stadium
• 5:30, 7th Grade
• 7:00, 8th Grade

Wednesday, October 1st

• B-Day
• Wear Pink and support Breast Cancer Awareness

Thursday, October 2nd

• A-Day

Friday, October 3rd

• B-Day
• Wear Red - LHHS Homecoming
• Wyldlife, 4:00-5:00, FMMS Cafe

Looking Ahead - Mark your Calendars

October 9th - Q1 Pep Rally - Pep Rally Schedule

October 10-13 - Fall Break, No School

October 28th - Battle of the Boneyard Rally & Football Game

Show your Charger pride and join STUCO as we team up against the Westwood JH!

Wear your favorite jersey to school and then come out to support Charger Football as they take on the Wolves.

Let’s pack the stands and show our school spirit!

Come support Student Council during the upcoming volleyball games! Our Snack Shack will be open with plenty of your favorite treats and drinks.

Every purchase helps fund STUCO projects and events for our school—thank you for your support!

We’re proud to be the FUTURE Wildcats!

Join STUCO and wear RED Friday, October 3rd to support Lake Highlands High School’s Homecoming Game.

Let’s fill the stands with red and cheer on the Wildcats as they take the field — see you at Wildat/Ram Stadium at 7PM!

Creating a family tech plan helps build balance, set healthy boundaries, and keep everyone safe online. Start the conversation together with these simple tips:

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

Attention Chargers!

Applications are now open for the 2025–2026 Yearbook Club. If you’re creative, enjoy photography, writing, or design, this is your chance to help capture memories for the Charger community.

👉 Apply by Friday, September 26th using the link: s.risd.org/fmmsyb2526
📅 First Meeting: Monday, September 29th
🕓 Time: 4–5 pm
📍 Location: Room H189 (Mr. Hodge’s Classroom)

Please note: You must apply and be accepted to participate.

Art Club applications are available in Room H015, Ms. Evans’ room.

The Art Club will be holding an interest meeting after school on Monday, September 29th. This meeting is open to all students who have already applied as well as anyone who would still like to apply.

Please remember—spots in Art Club are limited, so if you’re interested, be sure to complete your application by Thursday, October 3rd. Applications turned in after that date may not be considered.

If you’re ready to show your creativity and join a fun community of artists, come to the meeting after school on Monday, September 29th. We hope to see you there!

All FMMS young ladies and their parents/guardians are invited to join us for the Charger Darlings Interest Meeting on Monday, September 29 at 6:30 PM in the FMMS Library.

Come meet our new mentors and learn about the exciting plans we have for the year, all grounded in our faith-based values. We can’t wait to kick off another amazing year together!

For more information, please contact Sydney Verdun at sydney.verdun@risd.org.

Our Chargers are raising funds for choir needs like music, festival fees, and student scholarships. You can help by purchasing delicious popcorn or making a direct donation. Every gift—big or small—helps our singers shine all year long.

👉 Give here: https://s.risd.org/choirfundraiser25

Thank you for supporting the arts at Forest Meadow!

6th Grade Families,

Permission slips have been distributed for two upcoming 6th grade field trips:

• Dallas Opera – Tuesday, November 12
  Cost: $2.00

• Dallas Holocaust Museum – Wednesday, November 20
  Students will need to request a sack lunch if one is needed.

Please be sure to review, sign, and return the permission slips with any required payment by the due dates indicated on the forms.

Thank you for your support in providing these valuable learning experiences for our students!

Think you’ve got what it takes to be the best speller at FMMS? Join us for the Spelling Bee Interest Meeting on Monday, October 6th during Advisory.

The official FMMS Spelling Bee will take place on Wednesday, December 3rd during school.

👉 Students must complete the interest form in order to attend the meeting: https://s.risd.org/fmmsbee2526

Questions? Email Ms. Efferson at emmeline.efferson@risd.org

or stop by Room H103.

Mark your calendars—Wednesday, October 8th from 11:30 am–1:30 pm is Kona Day at Forest Meadow! A portion of all sales will be donated back to our school.

Students can choose from these fun options:

• Kiddie – $3.00

• Klassic – $4.00

• King – $5.00

• Color Changing – $6.00 (+ $4 refills)

• Kowabunga – $7.00 (+ $4 refills)

Plus, enjoy the Flavorwave with all your favorite flavors! Don’t miss this sweet way to support FMMS!

Get ready, Chargers—it’s Spirit Week at The Meadow! Join us in showing off your school spirit leading up to our Rally on Saturn, Thursday, October 9th at 2:30 p.m.

Here’s what’s happening each day:

• Monday, 10/6: Favorite Holiday Day 🎉

• Tuesday, 10/7: Anything But a Backpack Day 🎒

• Wednesday, 10/8: Pink Out 💗 + Kona Ice at Lunch 🍧

• Thursday, 10/9: Wear White 🤍

Let’s fill the halls with Charger PRIDE and make this Spirit Week one to remember!

Join STUCO on 10/9 as we Rally on Saturn – Life’s Better at The Meadow!

Wear WHITE to shine under the blacklights as we light up the galaxy together. We're bringing a cosmic energy, stellar spirit, and an out-of-this-world celebration you won’t forget — plus a special performance by the Lake Highlands Dettes!

Must have your Student ID (no temporary ID's) and no ISS/OSS to attend.

It’s time for our Chargers to showcase their creativity through the Reflections Program! Students can submit entries in dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts.

This year’s theme is “I Belong!”

📅 All entries are due October 17th.
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer for rules, entry forms, and the link to submit entries digitally.

Encourage your Charger to get creative and share their talents!

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. ⚡🐎

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.

RISD takes underage substance use, bullying, and violence seriously. The heartbreaking outcomes produced by substance use, bullying, and violence can change the trajectory of a young person’s life in the blink of an eye.

Throughout October, students will receive lessons on substance abuse and bullying prevention. Red Ribbon week will be held the week of October 22-31. The theme for this year is “Life is a Puzzle: Solve it Drug Free.” During this week, HS Peer Helpers and PALS will be going out to some elementary campuses to lead presentations on peer refusal skills (4-5) or present a puppet show for K-3 students.

Secondary students will be receiving substance abuse prevention lessons during Red Ribbon Week, and throughout the year. For more information and to learn ways that you can support your own children in having important conversations about bullying and substance prevention, below are some helpful resources.

• Fentanyl Awareness and Naloxone

• Parent and Community Prevention Toolkit

• This toolkit is a way for parents to learn more about the vaping epidemic, gauge their child’s risk of trying e-cigarettes, and find the best strategy to talk to their child about e-cigarettes.

• RISD Bullying Prevention and Intervention Webpage

• Tips for Parents/Caregivers on Talking to Students about Bullying

• RISD Drug Prevention and Intervention Webpage

• Partnership to End Addiction

Tips for Talking to Students about Substance Use – English

Tips for Talking to Students about Substance Use – Spanish

Have questions about the upcoming RISD Bond 2025? Want to learn more about what a bond is, how bond dollars can be used, and which projects are being proposed?

Visit www.risd.org/bond2025 to get the facts and join us at one of the upcoming community information sessions:

• Sept. 30 – 6:30 p.m. | Parkhill Junior High

• Oct. 2 – 6:30 p.m. | Richardson West Junior High

• Oct. 14 – 6:30 p.m. | RISD Administration Building Auditorium

• Oct. 16 – 6:30 p.m. | Westwood Junior High

These sessions are a great way to hear details, ask questions, and learn how the bond could impact our schools. All parents, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

You are invited to attend Richardson ISD’s Dyslexia Parent Night on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Professional Development Center (PDC) Auditorium, 701 W. Belt Line Rd., Richardson, TX 75080.

This evening will provide:

• Information about the dyslexia program curriculum

• A mini “Experience Dyslexia” simulation to help families better understand what students may experience

• Guidance and resources to support your child at home and school

We especially encourage parents of students who are new to the dyslexia program to attend.

We look forward to partnering with you and hope to see you there!

‘Tis the season to make a difference! From November 17 – December 2, Forest Meadow is supporting the Richardson ISD Angel Tree. We’re collecting new toys and winter clothing items to help spread joy to families in need across our district.

Items most needed include:

• Toys for toddlers and children under 12

• Winter coats (children’s, men’s, and women’s sizes)

• Scarves, hats, and gloves

• New socks and underwear

Donations can be dropped off at any RISD campus. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for local families through the Richardson Council of PTA’s Clothes Closet and the Network of Community Ministries.