Roadrunner's Digest

Good evening FMS Families and Staff,

We've arrived at our final five-day stretch of the school year, and we have a lot coming up! Please remember that the deadline for students to submit assignments in any class is Friday, June 13 at 3:00pm. All canvas assignments will be locked at this time, regardless of student attendance.

If you have an 8th grade student going to Hershey Park, please ensure they wear their school shirt that was provided to them on Thursday. This is a requirement! Tuesday, June 10 is a standard school day for ALL students. Eighth graders will complete their final promotion practice during period 7, and promotion is Wednesday, June 11. Please scroll to the more detailed announcements about these items.

If you have a 6th or 7th grade student, our annual Color Wars field day is Thursday, June 12. On top of wearing their team's color, students should:

• Bring a refillable water bottle with their name prominently displayed on it
• Wear sunscreen (the forecast is sunny, 89 degrees, and low chance of rain)

Friday, June 13 is an early release day for all students.

If you have not yet taken the MCPS Caregiver Survey, please take just five minutes to do so now! MCPS wants to learn more about your family's experience at your student's school. Your voice matters and helps us understand how students and families experience teaching, learning, and the school environment. Scroll down to learn more about the purpose of the survey and how responses are recorded.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support, and have an excellent week!

In this newsletter you will find:

• This week's bell schedules
• This week's Roadrunner Shout Outs
• NO After-School Activities
• FMS Counseling Updates
• NEW: Lost and Found Items being donated June 18
• PLEASE READ: Hershey Park Details
• 8th GRADE: Promotion Reminders
• TIMELY: Support Color Wars
• MCPS Culture & Climate Survey
• MCPS Things to Know

PTA Corner:

• Join the PTA

Thank you to the following Roadrunners who have made a positive impact on our learning community!

• Blen Asegu
• Penny Ketchan
• Stephen Katzel
• Hope Garten
• Bethany Genua
• Evelyn Forbes
• Ida-Mae Steppling
• Aurelia Irby
• Jane Vandre
• Amaya Howell
• Dr. Higley
• Arman Saini
• Mr. Lichvar
• Mrs. Williams 6th grade
• Alexiane Hunt
• Patti Tyler and Harriet Caplan
• Brittany Hawkins
• Michael Hernandez
• Building services
• Johnny Maldoado
• Roy Lynn
• Serenity L
• AYAT C
• Ms.Moton
• Dr. Higley
• Arsema G
• Rayne Timoll
• Joy
• Ezra Beshah
• Franco Aleman
• Camilo Nino Gonzalez
• Giovanni Gomez
• Valerie S.
• Alyssa Jones
• Clara Willis
• McKinley Cooper
• Colin Nadjibe
• Moses Jackson
• Kara Pruitt
• Mikah Richardson
• Ruth Asegu
• Devin Novick
• The Counseling Department - Lazaris, Payne, Bronstein
• Mason Wickard
• Camilo Castro Soneira
• Nikia Williams
• Zahara Reid
• Natalie Rose
• Lauryn Yoon
• Eliza Hanif
• Emma Kirkpatrick
• Isla Zelo

Would you like to recognize a student or staff member?

Submit a SHOUT-OUT!

Thank you for taking a moment to thank a Roadrunner who has made a meaningful difference.

Please check out the School Counseling Website for information regarding community events, SSL opportunities and mental health resources.

All lost and found items will be available in the cafeteria for students to take home starting tomorrow, June 9. Any unclaimed items will be donated on June 18.

If your student has misplaced a lunchbox, water bottle, jacket/coat, or other item of clothing, please encourage your student to visit the lost and found table this week.

📅 Date: Monday, June 9

🕣 Departure: 8:30 AM (All students attending the trip must arrive at school by 8:15 AM)
🕗 Return: 8:00 PM (Students must have transportation waiting at FMS at 8:00 PM)
📞 If the return is delayed, students will call to update families.

🎒 What to Bring:

• Spending money (Suggested: $40 or more) for food/games
• Sunscreen and a phone charger
• Comfortable shoes
• ONE factory-sealed water bottle only (outside food/drinks not allowed)

💳 Important: Hersheypark is cashless
They accept: Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
Cash-to-card kiosks are available inside the park (no fee)

👕 Dress Code:

• Must wear the 8th Grade Trip T-shirt (This will be handed out during Promotion Practice and Technology Return on June 5th)
• Follow MCPS dress code
• Swimwear (if visiting the water park) must not have metal or decorations and is only allowed in water park areas.
  📲 Visit the Hersheypark website for more info on attire & rules

☔ Rain or Shine: Please check the weather forecast for Hershey, PA, and dress accordingly.

📱 Students may bring phones but are responsible for their belongings.

Let’s make it a fun and safe day to remember!

Thank you!

🎓 Promotion Ceremony Details

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Performing Arts Center

🚗 Arrival: Students must arrive by 12:40 PM

🚫 Reminder: No balloons, blow horns, food, or drinks allowed in the theater
🚙 Transportation: All students must arrange their own transportation to and from the event

We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with you!

The excitement is building as our 6th and 7th grade students prepare to face off in the ultimate year-end tradition—Color Wars 2025! This spirited competition marks the end of the 2024–2025 school year, and we’re planning a day filled with fun, teamwork, and unforgettable memories.

To make this event truly special for all students, we’re kindly asking for donations. Whether it’s beads, bandanas, face paint, or ice pops, every little bit helps to ensure a successful and memorable experience for our students.

If you're able to donate or support in any way, we’d greatly appreciate it! The link is posted below. Thank you for helping us celebrate the end of the school year with fun, pride, and community spirit!

Share Your Experience!

We want to learn more about your family's experience in our schools. Your voice matters and helps us understand how students and families experience teaching, learning, and the school environment. Please take about 10 minutes to complete this caregiver survey.

Why is your feedback important?

It helps us:

• Better understand the experiences of students and families,

• Recognize what’s working well and where support may be needed,

• Ensure schools are welcoming, respectful, and inclusive for all.

Will anyone at the school know who filled out the survey?

• No. Your responses are confidential.

How will the responses be used?

• School and district leaders will review the feedback to understand family and student experiences and inform planning and decision-making for the upcoming school year.

Each week, MCPS shares a community message with helpful system-wide information, reminders, and invitations to events. Though they are sent out via email, we will always link them here.

Direct donations to the FMS PTA are our primary source of fundraising! Help us avoid sales-based fundraisers!

• If you have already joined, but have NOT made a tax-deductible donation, we encourage you to do so. Any amount is appreciated!
• If you have not yet joined, please join, and donate, today!

Your direct donations help the PTA fund:

• Math, English, and STEM materials
• Counseling and wellness initiatives
• Field trips
• Arts, music, and athletic activities,
• Staff appreciation
• Parent/family resources

Feel free to contact me anytime and follow Farquhar on Twitter!

Email: Angelica_L_Smith@mcpsmd.org
Phone: 240-740-1200
Twitter: @farquharms