THE CHARGER CONNECTION

Dear FMMS Families,

We’ve had a wonderful first week of school! Our Chargers are off to a strong start, and it has been such a joy watching students connect with their teachers, settle into routines, and begin their learning journeys for the year.

As we move into week two, we are excited to keep the momentum going. Students are still finding their way around the halls and getting acclimated to expectations, and we are so proud of the way they are adjusting with positivity and resilience.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us make this a successful start to the school year. We look forward to all the growth, celebrations, and learning that lie ahead!

Let's make two better than week one!

Dr. Burt

These opening days set the tone for the months ahead, and we are committed to dreaming big and pursuing our North Star Goal—ensuring every Charger meets or exceeds their growth goals.

The safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors is always our top priority in RISD. To support this, the week of August 18–22 has been designated as Safety Week across the district.

During this week, students will be introduced to the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and will participate in practice drills that help prepare them for different types of emergency situations. Each day will focus on a specific protocol: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter in Place.

Teachers will share the lessons in an age-appropriate manner, ensuring that students understand the importance of these safety measures without creating unnecessary stress or fear. In addition, families will continue to receive communication throughout the year whenever drills are scheduled.

The more we practice together, the better prepared we will be in the event of a real emergency. Thank you for your support in helping us create a safe and secure learning environment for every Charger.

At Forest Meadow, the safety and security of our students is a top priority. As part of our campus protocols, all students are required to wear their FMMS Student ID badge on a lanyard each day. Students should have their badge visible when entering the building.

• If a student forgets their ID at home, they will be issued a temporary red ID badge for the day, which must be returned before leaving campus.

• If a student has lost, damaged, or broken their ID, they will receive a temporary red badge for the day and be issued a replacement ID during Advisory/Elevate or at the end of the school day.

• Replacement IDs cost $3, per RISD policy. Temporary red badges that are lost or damaged will result in a $2 fee. After two ID replacements, additional consequences may apply.

These procedures help us quickly and clearly identify all students and ensure that everyone on campus belongs in our Charger community. We ask for your partnership in reminding your child to wear their badge daily.

Thank you for supporting us in keeping FMMS a safe and secure learning environment!

Please take a few minutes to take the needs assessment survey at the link below. This will help us provide the most meaningful counseling program possible at FMMS.

https://tinyurl.com/fmmsBOYsurvey

Support your teams! Richardson ISD welcomes visitors and spectators to district events at junior high and high school stadiums and gymnasiums across the district. Visit the RISD Athletics webpage to purchase tickets, view the athletics schedules, event policies, bag guidelines, and more.

It’s time to gear up for another exciting year of Charger sports! Below are the tryout and practice start dates for both girls’ and boys’ athletics, along with parent meeting details. Please review the flyers to find your athlete’s sport and mark your calendars so they don’t miss their chance to join the team.

🏐🏃‍♀️🏀🎾🏃‍♂️⚽ Girls Sports: Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, Tennis, Track, Soccer

🏈🏃‍♂️🏀🎾🏃‍♂️⚽ Boys Sports: Football, Cross Country, Basketball, Tennis, Track, Soccer

Parent meetings are scheduled for each sport—see flyers for specific dates and times. We can’t wait to see our Chargers competing, growing, and representing FMMS with pride this year.

Go Chargers!

Calling all 7th and 8th grade Chargers interested in Cross Country! This is open to both boys and girls, and we’re excited to kick off the season.

📅 Parent Meeting: Wednesday, September 4th
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: FMMS Cafeteria

Come meet the coaches, learn about practice schedules, meet expectations for the season, and get all your questions answered.

Contacts for More Info:

• Jocelyne.Delgado@risd.org (Room B110)

• Todd.Blanchard@risd.org (Room H009)

Let’s get ready to run, Chargers!

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

Love knitting, crocheting, or just want to learn?

Our Yarn Club is the perfect place to create, relax, and connect with friends. Open to all 6th–8th graders, we meet every Tuesday from 3:45 to 4:45 pm in C107.

All skill levels are welcome—bring your own project or start something new!

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!

We’re excited to kick off the 2025–2026 school year and want to be sure you have all the important beginning-of-year dates in one place:

📅 August 12 – First Day of School

• Welcome, Chargers!

📅 August 12–13 – Charger Camp

• Students will learn about FMMS, participate in get-to-know-you activities, and review campus expectations and procedures.

📅 Monday, September 15 – PTA Meeting & Meet the Teacher (5:30–7:30 PM)

• Walk the building and meet your student’s teachers.

📅 September 8–18 – BOY MAP Testing

📅 September 19 – Howdy Dance

• 7th & 8th Grade

We can’t wait to see you at these events as we Chart Our Course for an amazing year ahead!

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.

Support LH Area Orchestras while decluttering your home! Bring your electronics (any condition—except old TVs/CRT monitors), video games, toys, multimedia items, clothing, jewelry, accessories, sporting goods, musical instruments, and books for FREE recycling.

🗂 Document Shredding: $10 for the first box, $5 for each additional box (paper clips, rubber bands, and staples are okay—no binders/binder clips). Hard drive shredding is $20. Please bring items in containers you can take back home.

📅 When & Where:
Saturday, August 23, 2025
9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Lake Highlands High School, 9449 Church Rd, Dallas, TX 75238

As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, we kindly ask all families to complete the RISD Household Survey using the link below:

🔗 richardsonisdsurvey.nlappscloud.com

This important form helps determine eligibility for valuable programs and services at Forest Meadow Middle School, including student meal benefits, campus funding, and more.

✅ All families should complete one form per household, regardless of income or meal eligibility.

Your participation ensures our school receives the resources and support our students deserve!

Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete this important survey and for being an essential part of our FMMS community. 💜

Is your child ready to take their basketball skills to the next level? The PAL Hoops Youth Basketball Camp is here!

When: Mondays — August 25 to October 6

Where: Lake Highlands North Recreation Center
📍 9940 White Rock Trail, Dallas, TX 75238

Times & Ages:

• Ages 8–13: 4:00–6:00 PM

• Ages 14–18: 6:00–8:00 PM

Cost: Free for all participants!

Boys and girls are welcome. Improve skills, build teamwork, and have fun in a positive environment.

Register here: Scan QR code on flyer or click here (replace with actual camp link if available)

For more information:
📧 dpdpal@dallas.gov
📞 214-671-3492

The RISD Transportation Dept provides bus service from bus stop to campus for students who live more than 2 miles away from their home campus. Students who live within 2 miles are not eligible for bus transportation per TEA guidelines; info in regards to walking to the nearest bus stop

Scanning Badges for Bus Transportation - All Pre-K to 12th-grade students who ride the school bus to and from school, will be required to wear and scan their district-issued badge each time they board and exit the bus.

The new requirement is part of the district’s commitment to prioritize students’ safety. The measure is designed to help us ensure that students are on their assigned bus route, and to provide a quick response in the event of delays, route changes or emergencies.

Watch the video about the badge requirement for all students.