THE CHARGER CONNECTION
June 3rd, 2025
Week of September 22nd
Happy Sunday, Chargers!
Chargers, can you believe it? The first six weeks of school are already behind us, and we’re just three short weeks away from the end of the 1st quarter—WOW! We are so proud of the hard work and growth we’ve seen from our students already this year.
Our Beginning of the Year MAP testing has now concluded, and teachers will begin holding data meetings to set and review student growth goals. Be sure to ask your Charger how they did on MAP and what their individual growth goal is—they’ve each set a target to work toward this year!
We’re excited to partner with you in supporting students as they reach for their goals and continue to grow academically.
Forest Meadow Middle School is excited to share that we are part of the 2024–2026 Stronger Connections Grant (SCG), awarded to only 98 school districts and charter systems across the nation, including Richardson ISD.
The purpose of this grant is to support systemic change in how schools address and respond to bullying, violence, and acts of hate. By supporting both the academic and non-academic needs of students, SCG helps us create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments that promote:
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Improved academic achievement
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Mental, behavioral, and emotional health
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Physical health and overall student well-being
At FMMS, our Stronger Connections team is using the Student Support Framework (SSF) (pictured in the flyer) to assess current systems and programming. We’re committed to ensuring every Charger feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue this important work!
Dr. Burt, Principal
Nominate a Teacher for September Teacher of the Month!
Parents, we want to hear from YOU! Help us celebrate the incredible work our FMMS teachers are doing each day by nominating a teacher for September Teacher of the Month.
This is your chance to recognize the impact our teachers have on your students.
Thank you for partnering with us to shine a spotlight on our outstanding teachers!
There is still time to Join Market in the Meadow!
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
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Friday, Nov. 7 – Vendor Setup, 6pm
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Saturday, Nov. 8 – VIP Shopping at 9am | Open 10am–5pm
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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
Western Day at FMMS! 🤠💜🐺
FMMS showed off some serious Charger spirit on Western Day as students and teachers dressed in their best cowboy hats, boots, and denim!
The halls were full of western pride as we got ready to cheer on our Lady Chargers as they prepared to Wrangle the Wolves.
What a fun way to celebrate school spirit and support our athletes!
Declaration of Independence comes to Life!
Today in 8th grade Social Studies, students explored the Declaration of Independence in a fun and engaging way! Ms. Dickey and Ms. Lenihan brought history to life by dressing up as Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin.
Students loved it while diving into the significance of the document and its powerful message about our unalienable rights.
1st Clash of the Houses Rally 🎉💜
FMMS hosted our very first Clash of the Houses Rally, and the energy was electric! Students cheered loudly for their houses as they competed in games and challenges, all hoping to take home the spirit stick. The gym was filled with Charger PRIDE as we celebrated teamwork, competition, and community.
To top it off, we even challenged Lake Highlands MS to a spirit showdown—bringing our Charger spirit to the next level!
6th Grade Howdy Party 🤠✨
Our 6th graders had an absolute blast at the Howdy Party! From dancing and playing games to simply enjoying time together, it was a fun-filled night of smiles and memories. What a great way to celebrate the start of middle school and build Charger pride! 💜
7th & 8th Grade Howdy Dance 🤠🎶
Our 7th and 8th graders showed up in style for the Howdy Dance! Students played corn hole, two-stepped, and danced the night away—or at least until 9:00 PM.
It was a great evening of music, laughter, and Charger pride!
Lady Chargers of the Game – Week 1 🏐💜
Congratulations to our Volleyball Lady Chargers of the Game for Week 1:
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Murphy Larberg
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Yani Richardson
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Salome Bello
These athletes stood out with their effort, teamwork, and Charger spirit on the court. We are proud of their dedication and can’t wait to see all they accomplish this season.
Way to go, Lady Chargers! ⚡
7th Grade Lady Chargers Dominate! 🏐💜
Thursday night was all about Charger PRIDE as our 7th Grade Lady Chargers faced off against Westwood JH on our home court. From the first serve to the final point, our athletes showed grit, teamwork, and determination. Their energy never let up as they hustled for every ball, communicated with each other, and kept the momentum strong throughout the match.
The stands were packed with Charger fans, and the gym echoed with cheers as the Lady Chargers dominated the court and brought home another big win! We are so proud of their effort, sportsmanship, and the way they represent FMMS.
Lady Chargers Volleyball Players of the Week – Week 2 🏐💜
A big Charger congratulations to our 8th Grade Volleyball Players of the Week, Game 1:
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Sloan Patterson
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Ellie Cox
These athletes demonstrated outstanding effort, teamwork, and leadership on the court. We’re so proud of their hard work and Charger spirit! ⚡
Lady Chargers of the Game – Game 2 🏐💜⚡
Shoutout to our Lady Chargers of the Game for Game 2:
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Frankie Barrett
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Rosalind Sudbury
These athletes brought energy, determination, and leadership to the court. Congratulations on representing FMMS with true Charger pride!
Defensive Player of the Game 🏈💜⚡
Congratulations to Walker Day, named Defensive Player of the Game in the 8th Grade Chargers’ 30–0 victory over North JH! Walker’s grit and determination on the field helped lead the team to a dominant win.
Way to go, Chargers!
Week of September 22nd
Monday, September 22nd
- A-Day
Tuesday, September 23rd
- B-Day
Wednesday, September 24th
- A-Day
Thursday, September 25th
- B-Day
- Camo Day
- FMMS Volleyball vs. Richardson West JH
- 7th Grade @ FMMS
- 8th Grade @ WJH
Friday, September 26th
- A-Day
- Wyldlife, 4:00-5:00, FMMS Cafe
- 4:00pm, Band Fundraiser Kick Off, Large Gym
Looking Ahead - Mark your Calendars
October 10-13 - Fall Break, No School
October 28th - Battle of the Boneyard Rally & Football Game
Camo Day - 9/25
It’s Bronco Hunting season! Join STUCO this THURSDAY 9/25 and rock your best camo gear as we cheer on the Lady Chargers!
Support our Volleyball girls as we claim our victory against Richardson West JH. 🦅🌲🎯🏐🔥
Attention 6th Grade - Announcement
Our 6th graders have officially launched their 9 Weeks Independent Reading Project! Each student has checked out a fiction book from the library, and this project will count as a major grade for the grading period.
Students will have some class time for silent reading as well as several checkpoints along the way to help them stay on track. The final project will include:
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A one-pager
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A plot diagram
📅 Due Date: Friday, October 3rd
Please encourage your child to read a little bit each day at home to ensure steady progress. Daily reading not only helps students succeed on this project but also builds lifelong habits and confidence as readers.
Thank you for your partnership in supporting your child’s reading growth!
IMPORTANT DATES
- November 12- Opera Field Trip 9-2pm
- November 20- Dallas Holocaust Museum Field Trip 9-2pm
Building Healthy Friendships
Middle school is a time when friendships become especially important. Healthy friendships help students feel supported, respected, and confident.
This week, we’re sharing simple tips to encourage positive connections and to help students recognize what it means to be a good friend.
Stay up to date with the latest news, announcements, and events from Forest Meadow Middle School—your hub for all things Charger Nation!
Support FMMS Choir—Popcorn or Donations (Sept. 8–30)!
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!
Charger Darlings Interest Meeting 💜✨
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.
FMMS 2025–2026 Spelling Bee 🐝
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.
🍧 Kona Ice is Coming to FMMS!
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:
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Kiddie – $3.00
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Klassic – $4.00
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King – $5.00
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Color Changing – $6.00 (+ $4 refills)
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Kowabunga – $7.00 (+ $4 refills)
Plus, enjoy the Flavorwave with all your favorite flavors! Don’t miss this sweet way to support FMMS!
🎨 FMMS Reflections: Calling the Creators of Tomorrow!
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!
STUCO's Spirit Days
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. ⚡🐎
📸 Join the Yearbook Club!
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.
💜 Join the Forest Meadow Middle School PTA! 💜
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.
Oktoberfest Dallas – Just Over a Week Away! 🎉🍂
Mark your calendars! Oktoberfest Dallas is happening on Saturday, September 27th at Flag Pole Hill. This community celebration is more than just rides, performances, shopping, and music—it’s also our biggest fundraiser of the year.
Funds raised from Oktoberfest allow us to:
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Honor students and teachers
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Provide classroom grants
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Award scholarships to the Lake Highlands community
We’d love to see you and your family join in the fun while supporting a cause that directly benefits our students and schools.
👉 Tickets are available now at oktoberfestdallas.com or at the gate.
Join Us for Dyslexia Parent Night – October 7
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:
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Information about the dyslexia program curriculum
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A mini “Experience Dyslexia” simulation to help families better understand what students may experience
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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!