Falcon Flyer

Important Events & Dates from F.AVE

September 8, 2020

Ms. Newton's Notes

Happy Tuesday F.AVE Families!

I hope that you all enjoyed the extended weekend. The weather was great to be outdoors, so I took advantage of that and got away from the screen shortly after school ended Friday. I again am so thankful that we have a community that pulls together and keeps us all lifted up. We have received several school supply donations and would love for anyone in need to have them. You can email me and I will arrange a day and time that you can come by and pick them up. Just let us know!

School Leadership Team Elections

We are also holding our SLT elections beginning tomorrow. We have two seats to fill and two candidates who have shown interest. Please take time today to read over their bios and cast your vote. Voting will close at 6 PM Friday, September 11, 2020. You may be wondering, if we have two candidates and two positions why do we have to do elections. We have not amended our bylaws to state that we will suspend elections when this instance happens, so we will still hold elections and we hope that you will still participate to show your support of our candidates and this process.

Please read about our candidates and the role of our School Leadership Team here.

Vote here!

iReady Assessment Begins Tomorrow

Time Correction for 5th Grade (see below)

iReady testing begins tomorrow! In order to prepare for what this will look like at home, we have provided information for your review. The schedule for the assessment is also below, please let your teacher know if there are needs that may require scheduling during a different time. We will work with the teachers to find the best solution.

This assessment is used to:

Analyze student strengths and areas for growth
Provide additional information to support the design of instruction that addresses student needs
Set goals with students and engage them in their learning
Engage families in their students’ progress

This assessment is not used to:

Qualify students for any special services or supports (EIP, Gifted, Special Education, 504, etc.)
Assign grades to students in subject areas
Penalize students for where they are in their learning

Learn about iReady Here

Recorded iReady Zoom Information Session

iReady Parent Session Slide Show

Testing Window September 9- September 23

All students will have the opportunity extended time for testing as needed.

Every day F.AVE Falcons Rise UP to be:

Risk Takers who

Inquire about global issues.

Striving to be open minded.

Excellent and

Unique in every way. F.AVE students are

Powerful young minds who lead the way!

Have a fantastic week!

CSD Important Information

Annual Data Update:

We have moved the typical beginning of the school year household data update, medical forms, opt-out forms, and handbook sign-offs to the parent portal. On Tuesday, September 1, parents will receive an email with a link to access the update in the parent portal.

It is important for parents or guardians to complete these forms and sign-offs by September 15. Please note, only parents and guardians in the primary household will have access to fill out the information for the annual data update. Please review the 2020-2021 K-12 District Handbook and Code of Conduct and Restorative Practices Handbook prior to completing the update.

Directions for accessing the data update can be found in the graphic below.

For more detailed information, please watch this video.

The CSD Black Alliance welcomes new parents to F.AVE! If you are a parent to a student who identifies as black, please contact us at CSDBPA@gmail.com to join. Our mission is to provide a safe space for our parents to share issues, concerns, highlight ideas, and formulate action plans regarding the health, safety, and success of our children. we also welcome the opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded organizations and committees.

Extra- Curricular Opportunities at F.AVE

Orchestra

Intermediate orchestra classes start next week!

Intermediate Orchestra is open to all students (3rd, 4th, and 5th) with 6+ months of playing experience. Classes will meet on Monday and Wednesday afternoons each week at 2:45p. Start date is September 14th. NEW THIS YEAR - an extra class day for students with 2+ years of playing experience and who are highly motivated with their practicing. You may register your child here: Orchestra Registration.

Beginning Orchestra is open to all students (3rd, 4th, and 5th) who wish to learn to play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Classes will meet twice per week BEFORE the school day from 7:15 - 7:45a. (Day of the week depends on the instrument your child chooses.) Start date is October 5th.

The fee for the full year of orchestra classes is $200. Need-based scholarships and/or instrument rentals are available.

For more information about classes, instrument rentals, or to register your child for orchestra, please visit www.DecaturStrings.com.

If you have further questions, please contact the Program Coordinator (Nia.Schooler@DecaturStrings.com).

PTO News

Passive Fundraising Reminder

In just a few clicks, you can set up your Amazon, Kroger, Publix and Box Tops digital accounts to automatically give back to F.Ave! It won’t cost a penny extra and is a super easy way to support our school with your everyday purchases.

Box Tops - Box Tops have gone digital!! Download the App, Box Tops for Education. Enter your information, select “Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary”, scan receipts and done.
AmazonSmile - Go to smile.amazon.com and, using your existing Amazon account, select The Academy at 5th Avenue PTO* as your charitable organization.
Publix - No more keychain! Select The Academy at 5th Avenue PTO* as your charitable organization. https://corporate.publix.com/community/corporate-campaigns/publix-partners
Kroger - Register your Kroger Plus Card online and click on "enroll." Select The Academy at 5th Avenue PTO* as your organization https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards

*A note about Amazon, Publix and Kroger… last year, our school name was updated to "The Academy at 5th Avenue PTO". To ensure funds are being properly directed, please take a quick moment to log into your respective shopping accounts and look for our updated school name.

DEF News

Sept 15 at 7 pm: Raise Your Voice - a Young Adult Panel brings together five YA authors to discuss how to make yourself heard and to find your place in the world. Panelists include Elizabeth Acevedo, Becky Albertalli, Aisha Saeed, Renee Watson, Brendan Kiely. To register for this presentation, click here.

The Madison Ave. Soapbox Derby’s Ramp to Success Fundraiser benefitting DEF continues through September! If you would like to help students and families face the virtual learning challenges ahead, consider donating at https://madisonavesoapboxderby.org/donate -- there’s a gift from Oakhurst Market for every donation level!