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Fisher Middle School will celebrate Red Ribbon Week next week!

This year’s theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free,” encourages students to make healthy choices, support their friends, and recognize that their decisions matter.

Throughout the week, we’ll highlight ways students can respond to peer pressure, protect their goals, and reach out to trusted adults for help. Students and staff can also show their support by participating in our dress-up days:

• Monday, October 26: Get Red-y for Red Ribbon Week! Wear a Red top and Fisher dress code bottoms to kick off the week!
• Tuesday, October 27: Team Up Against Drugs! Wear a jersey or sports shirt with Fisher dress code bottoms.
• Wednesday, October 28: Drug Free from Head to Toe! Wear sunglasses and fun socks.
• Thursday, October 29: Scare Away Drugs! Wear your favorite costume. No masks, face paint, or accessories are allowed.
• Friday, October 30: Be a Hero! Wear a superhero shirt with Fisher dress code bottoms.

Families, we invite you to continue the conversation at home. Ask your child about their goals, practice ways to say no to peer pressure, and remind them that they can come to you with questions or concerns.

Thank you for partnering with us to help Fisher students make healthy choices during Red Ribbon Week and throughout the year!

Fisher uses Edgenuity, an online learning platform that provides lessons, practice activities, and assessments, for Content Recovery. We now have an opportunity to expand its use to offer sixth-grade SC READY Science test preparation and ELA and Math for all Grades. These sessions would provide additional practice to strengthen students’ understanding of key concepts and build confidence for the upcoming testing in May 2027..

If you are interested in having your child participate, please complete the Google Interest Form. Your responses will help us plan this opportunity.

Reaching Higher at Greenville County Schools!

At Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School, we are celebrating GCS as one of the first school districts in South Carolina to earn the 90-90-90 milestone by surpassing 90% in all three major achievement areas: reaching a 92.2% Graduation Rate for the Class of 2026, 90.5% of the graduating class earning College/Career Ready status, and 98.9% of Greenville County schools rated Excellent, Good, or Average on the State Report Card. This is a powerful reflection of the GCS Advantage in action, where there are Stronger Communities, Greater Opportunities! To learn more about the celebration, visit our website. @gcschools

Monday - October 26

Basketball Teams and Cheer Parent Meeting: 5:30 - 6:30

Fall School Pictures - Make Up Day

Tuesday - October 27

School Improvement Council SIC Meeting - 4-5 Media Center

Wednesday - October 28

PTSA Traets - Jumbo Crumble Cookies/Cakesicles - Cash/Card ONLY, No Devices.

Cheer Mascot Tryouts - 3:45-5:15 GYM

Thursday - October 29

Fisher Night #1- 5:30-7:00 Perspective Family's Invited to Tour.

Fisher Night #2 - 5:30-7:00 Thursday November 5th.

Friday - October 30

PTSA Treats - Krispy Kreme Donut Sales in Sunken Assembly - 2.00 - Cash/Card ONLY, No Devices

Spread the Word to ANY and ALL who are interested in the great things here at Fisher and find out how to make this your School.

Car Line Reminders:

Afternoon: Please DO NOT Double Stack in Carline until 2:45 PM to allow visitors to exit the facility.

Morning: Please DO NOT Drop Off Students in the morning in the Outside Lane, this is a safety Issue and we do not want students crossing in front of cars.

Late Pick Up: Effective Tuesday September 7, any students not picked up by 4:00, we will begin scanning badges and tracking late pick ups. Continued late pick ups may result in an impact on extra curricular opportunities and may require paying to be in our Extended Day Program (EDP). Please arrive on time for student dismissal.

Health Room (Medication Drop Off):

Please be advised that the Health Room does not open till 8:00 when the Nurse arrives. The front office staff can not receive medication, it can only be received by the Nurse. If you arrive prior to 8:00 you will be asked to wait until the Nurse arrives. The Nurse Priority is for Students and ensuring their care and return to class or home, if the Nurse is with a student, front office will require you to wait till he is free. The Nurse's unincumbered time is between 2:30 and 3:30. Where he can see a parent between 8:00 to 3:30, they will also have to wait if he is with a student as their health needs as well as having them return to class promptly so that they do not miss instruction are his top priority between 8:00 and 2:30.

Athletic Questions for the Athletic Director:

McKenna Stover-Tally - mrstover@greenville.k12.sc.us or Call 864-452-0837

October Athletic Newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/8v61h

EDP (Extended Day Program) https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/fisher/edp - Questions:

Tinika Steverson - tsteverson@greenville.k12.sc.us or Call 864-452-0877

Trandon Dendy - tdendy@greenville.k12.sc.us or Call 864-452-0878

Student Purchases for PTSA Sales:

Throughout the school year, our PTSA sponsors special sale events during student lunches, including Kona Ice, Common Pops, and other sweet treats. We appreciate the PTSA providing these opportunities for our students; however, we need families to understand the expectations regarding purchases.

Clink Link to read more about guidelines and expectations:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l4EHVlSqrUFvw5vSPXvERfxsGFhyX8NECDByy8e1l8k/edit?usp=sharing

MVPA Cumulative Benchmark Assessments:

This year, all Mastery View Predictive Assessments (MVPAs) will be comprehensive benchmark assessments. These assessments measure students' progress toward mastery of grade-level standards by including both previously taught and upcoming standards. This approach helps teachers identify unfinished learning, recognize students' prior knowledge, adjust instruction and monitor student mastery throughout the year.

Link: 2026-27 Cumulative Formative Overview

Mastery Connect Student Report Explanation: Mastery Connect has created an explanation to the student reports that are generated after each benchmark. This explanation can be sent home to parents with a copy of their student's benchmark results.

Link: What is the Mastery Predictive Assessment Student Report? Parent & Family Reference Guide

Fine Arts Center Application Opens October 1, 2026

The application to attend the Fine Arts Center during the 2027-2028 school year opens on October 1, 2026. Interested students in grades 8-11 have until January 28, 2027, to complete the application. Students should speak to their School Counselor regarding the opportunity to tour the Fine Arts Center and explore their award-winning programs, which include:

• Architecture

• Creative Writing

• Dance

• Digital Filmmaking

• Music - Jazz Studies, Percussion, Recording Arts, Strings Chamber Music, Voice, Winds Chamber Music

• Theatre Design & Production

• Theatre Performance

• Visual Arts

For more information, please go to www.fineartscenter.net and click on ADMISSIONS.

🍽️ Parent Lunch Visits

We welcome parents and guardians who would like to join their student for lunch! Please plan your visit during your student’s scheduled lunch community time and be mindful that lunch must conclude on time so students can transition promptly to their next class.

For safety and to maintain our cafeteria routines, parents and guardians should eat with their student at the designated high-top tables only. Parent visitors may not sit with students in the main cafeteria seating area.

Please note that school schedules are occasionally adjusted due to special events or other circumstances. We encourage families to confirm with the school that the regular lunch schedule will be followed on the day of your planned visit. Additionally, please limit your visit to your child only and do not invite friends, unless prior parental permission has been secured in writing.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, organized, and timely lunch experience for all students!

Effective Immediately, ANY Food brought in that is purchased outside of Fisher, must be consumed outside the Cafeteria at the High Top Tables in the Sunken assembly.

Hello Fisher Parents! Please see the below letter concerning Erin's and Gavin's Law lessons that school counselors will be presenting to Fisher students. These lessons will take place during Semester 1 PE classes with 6th grade in September, 7th grade in October, and 8th grade in November. The lessons will be repeated in the Spring for other students taking PE during 2nd Semester.

Presentation to 6th Graders - September 15th

Presentation to 7th Graders - October 13th

Presentation to 8th Graders - December 8th

Click the Link to read more about Erin's and Gavin's Law Lessons:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lZIwsV3J8DZ9dLajioxCp3u6drH68Pvc/view?usp=sharing

Click on the Image to Register for this Event. Monday October 26 Session Presenters are our very own Dr Lynch and Mr Wisner.

Parent Academy: Learning Opportunities for Families Receiving Special Education Services: Please help us spread the word about our upcoming Parent Academy workshops for families of students receiving special education services! English and Spanish flyers are attached.

Links: English Flyer | Spanish Flyer

Fisher Middle ID Policy 25-26

Identification Cards

Policy & Procedures

• All students are provided 1 free identification card and 1 lanyard at the beginning of the school year or upon initial arrival at the school

• Charge $5 for New ID and lanyard.

• After each reprint, if a student does not have money to pay for ID, the student’s account will be charged.

• Each time a student is charged, the student will also be issued a step on the PJFMS discipline ladder. Administration will then notify the student and parent of the step and the consequences associated with the step.

ID Badge Reminders

Keeping our Firebirds safe is one of our biggest responsibilities. One of the ways we do that is by having students wear a school-issued ID each day. This is a Greenville County Schools policy. In the event that your child comes to school and forgets their ID, we have several options:

-Go to the front office and call someone to bring it up to school.

-Pay $5 for a replacement ID on arrival, either by cash or by card via School Cash Online.

-In the event that the child does not pay that morning using cash or credit online a warning step will be issued and a replacement ID will be issued. The $5 charge will be applied to the student’s account and paid as soon as possible.

Please do not accrue more than $ 20 in student ID debt. You may repay debt in payments if you owe for more than one ID.

A student can also purchase a replacement lanyard for $1.00.

Paying for an ID is as easy as 1…2….3!

Look at our school’s website, and you will see a section titled “ID Badge Replacement Payment.” If you click on ID Badge Payment, you will be directed to the proper place to pay. It is user-friendly and easy to use.

What should I do if my child is prone to forgetting their ID?

-Consider urging your child to find a teacher or a grade-level Assistant Principal who can house their ID each night. The child can drop it off in their classroom/office each afternoon and pick it up again the next morning.

-Consider purchasing a backup ID so that they have more than one.

Thank you for your help with this matter! Go Firebirds!

Safety Drills: Practice with Purpose:

The safety and security of our students and staff is always a top priority. Throughout the school year, students and staff will participate in a variety of safety drills, including Lockdown, Fire, Elopement, Shelter-in-Place, and Secure-the-Building drills. Each drill is designed to prepare our school community to respond quickly, calmly, and appropriately should an actual emergency occur.

We believe it is essential to practice every drill with fidelity and intention. While we hope we never have to use these procedures in a real emergency, purposeful practice builds confidence, reinforces expectations, and helps ensure everyone knows exactly what to do when every second matters. We appreciate our families reinforcing with students that safety drills should always be taken seriously and followed exactly as directed.

Please visit the Security Site at: https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Parents/main.asp?titleid=safety

We practice with purpose today so we are prepared to respond tomorrow.

Car Line Reminders:

If you have your car tag from last year, please bring this with you on the first day of school. All students will be getting a car tag sheet from their homeroom teachers on Tuesday. Car tag numbers have not changed unless your student and another student at Fisher were identified with the same number.

Dismissal - Student Pick Up:

This is a reminder of our school’s dismissal and student pick-up expectations. School dismissal occurs at 3:15 PM, and all students who are car riders are expected to be picked up no later than 4:00 PM.

We regularly have had an increasing number of students remaining on campus until as late as 4:30 PM and beyond, which is not acceptable. The school does not have staff available to supervise students beyond the designated dismissal window, and extended delays create safety and supervision concerns. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure timely pick-up of their child. If an emergency arises that will cause a delay, you must contact the front office immediately.

Repeated late pick-ups may result in consequences in accordance with school policy.

Effective immediately, all students will be documented when pick up extends beyond the required time; The administrative team will review the Late Car Rider Report on a regular basis to identify patterns of repeated late pickups. The following intervention steps will be used to ensure consistency while supporting families.

Number of Incidents

1st Late Pickup

2nd Late Pickup

3rd Late Pickup

4th or More Late Pickups

Cell Phone (PED) Policy:

• Cell phones should be powered off and in the students bookbag during school hours
• Devices shall be put away upon entering the building at 7:30 and remain Away until students have departed the building at 3:15.
• No wireless earbuds are allowed at Fisher Middle School. Wired headphones are acceptable.
• Smartwatches used for communication or imaging should be left at home
• No gaming devices such as a Switch, Xbox, or Playstation will be allowed at school.
• Any personal electronic device that is brought to school is done so at the risk of the student and parent. Fisher Middle School assumes no responsibility or liability for lost, damaged, or stolen electronic devices. Fisher Middle Administration will not be responsible for conducting searches to find lost or stolen items.

Minor Discipline Ladder

Minor Discipline Ladder System

Click the link above to learn more about how minor discipline issues will be recorded, communicated and addressed this school year. This system promotes student accountability. Students will be responsible for their actions and behaviors. This allows all faculty and staff to be on the same page. When we are all speaking the same language it reduces frustration among and between the staff. The ultimate goal is to foster a respectful and supportive environment where all students can learn and be successful.

Each Quarter the Ladder Resets.

Students Who Ride the Bus To and/or From School:

To ensure the safety of all students, Greenville County Schools maintains clear expectations for student behavior while riding the school bus. Because the bus is considered an extension of the school environment, all students are expected to follow the driver’s directions and adhere to established safety guidelines.

Expected Student Behaviors While Riding the School Bus:

• Be at the bus stop on time and ready to board.

• Follow all directions given by the bus driver immediately and respectfully.

• Remain seated facing forward while the bus is moving.

• Keep hands, feet, and personal belongings to yourself.

• Use appropriate language and speak at a reasonable volume.

• Keep the aisle clear at all times.

• Do not eat, drink, or throw objects on the bus.

• Keep all body parts and belongings inside the bus windows.

• Respect the driver, fellow students, and school property.

• Use electronic devices only if they do not create a distraction or disruption.

• Help maintain a clean and safe bus environment by disposing of trash properly.

• Board and exit the bus in an orderly manner.

• Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.

• Report safety concerns or problems to the bus driver or school administrator.

• Understand that riding the school bus is a privilege and may be suspended for unsafe or inappropriate behavior.

Remember: Safe bus behavior helps ensure that everyone arrives at school and home safely each day.

As outlined in Greenville County Schools Transportation Incident Form 130-77, bus misconduct is categorized into two primary levels:

• Level I – Disorderly Conduct:
  These behaviors include actions such as excessive noise, horseplay, standing while the bus is in motion, or failing to follow the driver’s directions. Consequences typically follow a progressive discipline model, beginning with a warning and parent notification and potentially leading to short-term suspension of bus privileges if behaviors continue.

• Level II – Disruptive or Safety-Threatening Conduct:
  More serious behaviors—such as disrespect directed at the bus driver, refusal to obey directives, throwing objects, fighting, or vandalism—pose significant safety risks. These incidents WILL result in immediate suspension of bus privileges, parent conferences, and additional school-based disciplinary actions. Movement while the bus is in motion, i.e changing seats, jumping around creates a possible danger to the operation of the bus, including your child, other children, and the driver..

Riding the school bus is a privilege, and maintaining a safe and respectful environment is essential for all students. If a student’s bus privileges are suspended, transportation to and from school becomes the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

We encourage you to review these expectations with your child to help ensure a safe and positive transportation experience for everyone. Your partnership is vital in reinforcing the importance of respectful and responsible behavior.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Gary McCartney, Assistant Principal 6th Grade and Transportation at the school at 864-452-0805 or eMail gmccartney@greenville.k12.sc.us .

October Partner - Greenville Zoo

A Family-Friendly Adventure with Animals from Around the World

Embrace the wild at the Greenville Zoo, a must-visit attraction in the heart of Greenville, SC. Home to exotic animals from around the world, including leopards, giraffes, orangutans, and more, this family-friendly spot offers an up-close look at wildlife while promoting conservation and education. Stroll along the pathways and enjoy interactive exhibits and viewing spots to see the animals up close. Seasonal events throughout the year make every visit unique, like Brew in the Zoo, Sippin' Safari, Boo in the Zoo, and more. Whether you're planning a fun day with the kids or looking for a memorable stop on your Greenville adventure, the Greenville Zoo is the perfect place to explore with its wonderful open-air exhibits and collection of wildlife.

Set on 14 acres in the city’s Cleveland Park , the zoo was founded in 1960. At that time, most of the animals were indigenous species that had already been called the Upstate region home. In 1962, a monkey dome was added and populated with 26 Colobus Monkeys. Needless to say, those handsome primates were not indigenous to the area and the zoo was off and running as a host to animals from around the planet.

America 250: In honor of America's 250th Birthday, students in grades Pre-K through 12 are invited to participate in this district wide celebration through poetry, speech, song, dance, artwork, photography and essay! America 250 Coordinators are assigned at each school. Deadline for students to enter is October 30. A graphic is included for use in your school-wide communication.

Link: Flyer | Website

Parent Backpack

Parents are strongly encouraged to create a Backpack account for their children. Greenville County Schools uses Backpack to provide parents with the most recent news and information about our schools. The Backpack for Parents account also provides parents, guardians, or contacts with a central place to sign in to:

• View their student's information including demographics, attendance, classes, grades, lunch balances, and test scores
• Apply or register their student to Special Focus schools and programs (Fine Arts Center, Career Centers, etc.)
• Receive alerts and notifications regarding their students
• View their student's school and contact information
• Manage parent and contact information for their students

Click the link for instructions.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VLfZzYSvD3K7q60iTRm3iaF5FL6-_CEl/view?usp=sharing

Link in Spanish: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VN9vJP2NZuuMFuVmvTU_ft54kw_3qmmH/view?usp=sharing

The EVOLV Detection System is used district-wide as a part of Greenville County Schools collective safety efforts. These are used primarily for weapons detection. All schools partner with the GCS Security Department as well as local law enforcement agencies. As parents you can expect that we will run EVOLV a minimum of once per week but more often we will run screens multiple times per week. These screener sessions will remain completely random and will always be unannounced. We will often conduct an EVOLV Intake which is conducted as students enter the building before school at all student entrances. During an intake students should remove their Chromebooks and carry it in separate from their backpack.

Please know that school administration maintains regular contact with GCS Security in our continued efforts to ensure school safety.

Be a Birdwatcher

The Fisher Middle School SIC developed a program years ago call the Birdwatcher program. This is a program that allows Level 2 approved parents, family, and community to come to Fisher to help with supervision and hang out with our kiddos. The cool thing is that you can do this around your schedule. You can assist in the morning before school in the cafe, gym, or hallways during lunches, during the school day, and even after school during carline. If you want to help out but don't have all the time in the world this could be the opportunity you're looking for. Check out how to become a Level 2 volunteer below.

Being A Parent Volunteer at Fisher Middle School

Please click this link HERE to explore your options when it comes to being a parent volunteer at Fisher Middle School. This would include in-school opportunities such as Field & STEAM Day and external events such as class trips or field trips. We prefer that volunteers, chaperones, etc. are Level 2 approved.

Fisher Middle Athletics

Fisher Middle Athletics Page

Monday October 26 - 5:30 to 6:30

Basketball Teams and Cheer Meeting in GYM.

ATTENTION PARENTS OF STUDENTS ATTENDING ATHLETIC EVENTS:

Please be reminded that all students attending athletic events must be picked up promptly at the conclusion of the event and from the designated pickup location.

For Basketball games, parents must be in the parking lot and ready to pick up their student at the following times:

Girls Basketball: No later than 7:00 PM
Boys Basketball: No later than 8:00 PM

All student pickup will take place ONLY at the Gym Entrance car line. Parents should be in the parking lot by the designated pickup time and prepared for prompt student pickup.

Students are not permitted to walk home, leave campus unsupervised, or be picked up from any other location on school grounds. These procedures are in place to ensure the safety and accountability of all students.

Coaches and staff members are not responsible for supervising students after the designated pickup time. Parents who repeatedly arrive late or fail to follow established pickup procedures may have their child's privilege to attend future athletic events revoked.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and orderly environment for all students and athletes.