The Steamer Sentinel - Issue 06
Issue 06 of The Steamer Sentinel
Steamer Families,
It's hard to believe how quickly the school year is moving! There are so many great things happening at Fulton High School, and we are proud of the hard work, growth, and accomplishments of our students and staff. As we continue through the school year, our focus remains on maintaining high expectations, building positive relationships, and providing opportunities for every student to succeed.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We encourage you to stay connected, get involved, and help us continue building a school community we can all be proud of.
Together, We Raise The Standard!
Parsons' Post
From the desk of Mr. Parsons
Mrs. Bowers and I had the honor of presenting at the Illinois Principals Conference on Monday, October 19th, where we shared the story of Steamer Nation and our continued commitment to Raising The Standard!
Our presentation focused on three key areas: Clarity, Capacity, and Culture, with The Standard at the heart of our message. We highlighted the progress we've made, including increasing our graduation rate from 90% in 2023 to 100% in 2025! This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff.
We also emphasized the importance of leaders growing other leaders through teacher leadership, student leadership, and strong academic systems and structures that elevate voices and create opportunities for growth. We believe that when students and staff have a voice and clear expectations are consistently reinforced, our entire school becomes stronger.
One of our key messages was simple: Consistency creates habits. Habits establish THE STANDARD.
We are proud of how far we've come, excited about where we're headed, and honored to have shared our Steamer Nation story with educational leaders from across the state. None of this progress happens without our incredible staff, students, families, and community working together.
The Standard isn't just something we talk about. It's something we live every day.
Football won their first playoff game Saturday 70-15. The Steamers play Saturday, October 31 @ Stark County at 1pm
Steamer Volleyball Regional Information at St. Bede HS
Game #1, October 28th at 6:00pm vs the winner of St. Bede and Sterling Newman
Game #2 Regional Championship, October 29th at 6pm
🏐🏈Go Steamers! 🏈🏐
From the desk of Mrs. Bowers
Mr. Parsons and I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Illinois Principals Conference in Peoria, where we spent three days learning, collaborating, and connecting with hundreds of school administrators from across the state. It was a great opportunity to share ideas, gain new perspectives, and recharge as we continue working to make FHS the best it can be!
One of the highlights of the conference was having the opportunity to present our story of Steamer Nation! Our session, centered around Raising the Standard, highlighted the systems, expectations, relationships, and intentional work that continue to shape our school culture. We shared not only the progress we've made, but also practical strategies other school leaders can take back to their own buildings.
We are incredibly proud of the work happening at FHS and grateful for the opportunity to represent our students, staff, school, and community on a statewide stage. While we were excited to share our journey, we also came home with new ideas and inspiration to keep moving forward.
Our work is never finished. We will continue to learn, grow, and Raise the Standard for Steamer Nation! View Our Illinois Principals Conference Presentation Here.
Our teachers pour so much into our students each day, and one of the simplest ways we can show appreciation is by keeping our staff lounge stocked with small comforts that brighten their week. If you’re interested in supporting our staff this year, we’re accepting donations of snacks, drinks, and quick‑grab items that help keep energy high throughout the school day.
Popular items include:
Granola bars, crackers, trail mix
Single‑serve drinks like sparkling water, soda, or iced tea
Chocolate or candy for an afternoon pick‑me‑up
Coffee pods, water flavor add-ins or tea packets
Fresh fruit when available
For families who prefer to donate items online, we’ve also created an Amazon Wish List with staff‑favorite items and essentials. This makes it easy to support our teachers from home and ensures the lounge stays stocked throughout the semester.
Amazon Wish List - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3LJX5GC4LZ6NR?ref_=wl_share
Items can be dropped off in the main office or ordered directly through the wish list. Your support goes a long way in helping us maintain a positive, encouraging environment for the adults who care for our students every day.
NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH
National Bullying Prevention Month takes place every October to raise awareness and promote kindness. One out of every five students report being bullied. This might be happening to someone you know and care about. Unite with others, show that you care and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
'Two Minute Newsletter' - From the desk of Mrs. Facio
- 12 FAFSA – THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID is now a required step for students to earn a diploma from an Illinois High School. For more information, go to the Financial Aid/FAFSA tab under FHS Counselor’s Corner on the district website. Students and parents can get started by creating an FSA ID by going to https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch. If you do not intend to complete the FAFSA, please contact Mrs. Facio regarding the FAFSA Non-Participation Waiver. This year’s FAFSA application has OPENED EARLY and can now be completed.
- 12 GET COLLEGE APPLICATIONS COMPLETED NOW!! You can request electronic transcripts through Parchment! Use “Parchment” and/or “Common Application” for college applications if possible. All applications should be done by November. Need help completing an application? Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Facio & she will help you go through it step by step.
- 12 GET YOUR INOCULATION/SHOT RECORDS UP TO DATE- Check with your physician, health department and/or FHS to make sure you have all shot records in ONE location and ready to deliver to the college of your choice.
- 9-12 TUTORING is available to all FHS students after school. Start the semester strong! Please see Mr. Parsons or Mrs. Bowers to get signed up for this free service!
- 9 FRESHMAN ACADEMIC SEMINAR began today in SWIM for A day freshmen. B day freshman will work on this on Monday with Mrs. Facio. Each year, in October, we begin the process of high school planning for our freshman. Each student has a chance to learn about graduation requirements, educational opportunities, and is prompted to fill out a tentative 4-year plan for high school.
- 9-12 IMPACT hours must be completed and submitted through Sauk’s online portal by May 31 in order to remain eligible for the IMPACT program. Do not miss out on Earned Tuition at Sauk! Start on your volunteer hours NOW.
- 10 CCC SOPHOMORE CAREER DAY took place on October 20th. Sophomores learned about the career academies at CCC and visited area workplaces to learn what it takes to have a career in their areas of interest.
- 12 SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES Are being made in Counselor’s Corner on the school website as applications open. Scholarships listed in GREEN have been updated for the 26-27 school year.
- *Pro Tip- While River Bend scholarship applications do not open until January, the application process & essay prompts tend to stay the same year to year. Consider getting a head start on your applications now!*
- 11-12 ARE YOU AN 18- YEAR- OLD MALE? If you are, you are required by law to register with the Selective Service. You can register as early as 17 years and 3 months old. By doing so, you will be eligible for student loans and grants, job training, and government jobs. Failing to register can lead to a 5-year prison sentence and up to a $250,000 fine. Register at the post office, DMV, or online at https://www.sss.gov/.
FFA will have their next chapter meeting on November 2nd at 6:15 in the FFA room. We hope to see everyone there!
FFA will be running the food drive this year. If someone brings in 8 non-perishable items to Mrs. Meurs they will get one energy drink from FFA! But it is only one energy drink a day you cannot bring in more than 8 items and get more than one drink.
FFA will be selling hot chocolate and the next home football game!🍨🏈
Fulton FFA members attended National FFA Convention and had a great time learning, making memories, and enjoying new experience!
Junior Class Prom Fundraiser
Support the junior class in raising funds for this year's prom by shopping our A Blend Above online fundraiser! You can choose from a delicious variety of gourmet mixes—including dips, desserts, cookies, soups, and more—all ordered online and shipped directly to your home. It’s a convenient way to stock your pantry or pick up holiday gifts while helping make prom an unforgettable night. Be sure to place your orders before the online store officially closes on November 2nd! Link
👟👞🥾 COMING SOON: SHOE DRIVE!
Have old shoes that still have some life left? Don’t throw them away or donate them just yet!
FHS will be collecting gently used shoes of all sizes and styles throughout December and January. The shoes will be donated for reuse in developing countries, and FHS will receive $0.40 per pound collected to support our Student Achievement Incentives and Activities. So start saving those shoes! 👟👞🥾
Stay tuned for more information about where and when to donate!
Slow Down Immediately: Most farm equipment travels at 15 to 20 mph. Reduce speed right away and maintain a larger following distance to improve your line of sight behind wide equipment.
Pass with Caution:
Only pass in legal passing zones—passing at intersections or in no-passing zones is illegal and dangerous.
Wait until oncoming traffic is clear, signal, pass, and return to your lane once the farm vehicle is visible in your rearview mirror.
Honk your horn before passing to alert the driver.
If the vehicle is extra-wide, wait until the driver pulls over and signals that it is safe to go around.
Yield to Oncoming Equipment: Give wide farm vehicles the right-of-way when driving in the opposite direction. Pull onto the shoulder or a turn-out if necessary, as farm vehicles cannot always pull over safely.
Watch for Wide Turns: Farmers may pull slightly to the right before making a wide left-hand turn. Check for driveways, field entrances, turn signals, or hand gestures before attempting to pass. Nearly half of all farm-vehicle accidents involve left-hand turns or rear-end collisions.
Double-Check Intersections: Always take a second look in all directions before entering an intersection or pulling out to pass.
Look for Warning Lights: Farm equipment is required to have flashing amber and red lights. Keep an eye out for these visual warnings.
Basic Driving Safety: Always wear your seat belt (required by Illinois law) and remain fully focused by avoiding distractions.
Student Code of Conduct
Supporting our teams with pride, safety, and respect.
While we are excited that our elementary and middle school students enjoy attending home events, it is important that everyone understands the expectations for student behavior. Our priority is to keep students safe and ensure all fans can enjoy Steamer events.
⚓Entry & Supervision
Enter Together: All K–8 students must enter the event with an adult, who is responsible for them the entire event.
No Re-entry: Once inside, students may not leave and return.
Elementary (K–5) Students: At home football games, may sit in the designated student section and must follow all expectations. All other games, they must stay with their parent/guardian.
Middle School (6–8) Students: May sit in the designated student section (when provided) and must follow all expectations.
High School (9-12) Students: May sit in the designated student section(s) and stand along the fence.
⚓Where to Be
Stay in the Stands: Students should remain in the bleachers watching the event – not roaming hallways, fields, or campus.
Designated Sections: Student sections, when available, will be clearly marked.
Building Access: Students may only be in approved areas (e.g., concessions, restrooms). All other areas are off‑limits.
⚓Game Day Behavior
Watch the Event: We are here to cheer on the Steamers! The focus should be on the field or court. Do not bring footballs, basketballs, or other sporting equipment.
No Side Games: Playing separate games or running around school grounds is prohibited to ensure everyone’s safety.
Show Respect: Treat staff, concession workers, officials, players, and fellow fans with kindness. Respect school property at all times, this includes picking up after themselves.
Follow directions: Students must follow all directives from school staff and event supervisors.
⚓Consequences
First Warning: Students who misbehave will be sent to sit with their supervising adult for the rest of the event.
Serious or repeated violations – including being in unauthorized areas or causing disruptions – may result in removal from the event and/or loss of privilege to attend future home events.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe, positive, and respectful environment for all Steamer fans. Together, we ensure our students enjoy events safely while cheering on the Steamers with pride.