FJSHS Cardinal Corner
October 2025
Message from Administration
Dear Caregivers & Families,
We just wrapped up a wonderful Homecoming week filled with school spirit, fun, and lasting memories for our students. Thank you to everyone who helped make the week a success. Looking ahead, we are excited for our upcoming Community Service Day where students will give back to our community in meaningful ways. Our 8th graders will also participate in their annual retreat, a time for connection and growth. In addition, high school students will take the PSAT as part of their academic journey. We are proud of the many opportunities our students have to learn, lead, and grow together.
In Cardinal Pride,
Principals Brusky and Schultz
Study Table
We have after school study table from 3:15-3:45 daily in E127.
D
PSAT
11th Grade Families:
Fairmont High School will be offering the PSAT to our juniors on Oct. 21st from 8:00 am to approximately 11:30am. This test measures the students’ verbal, math and writing abilities.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THE TEST?
Juniors should consider taking the PSAT who:
Have cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher in high school AND
Plan to attend a four year college.
Students planning to apply for scholarships which require the PSAT. Several local scholarships have a PSAT requirement. Please check with your place of employment if they offer scholarships requiring the PSAT.
The test fee is paid by our school district. There will be a pre-registration session that students must attend on Wednesday Oct. 15th at 8:10am in Room E240. Pre-registration will take the entire period. Students should make arrangements with their first hour teacher for any work they may miss.
8th Grade Retreat
The annual 8th grade retreat is coming on October 29. This is hosted by Youth Frontiers. It is always a memorable day filled with laughs, team building, and reflection for our students. More information will come from Team 8.
Spotlight on a FJSHS Staff Member
Access to the document has been restored for our Staff Recognition Form. This form can be used to help let a staff member at Fairmont Jr./Sr. High School know that they have had a positive impact on you or your child(ren). A change to google forms caused some people to not have access temporarily. Thanks to the feedback from parents trying to use this link, the issue had been identified and fixed.
Again, please consider recognizing one of our staff members whenever you hear the impact they have had on your student by completing the Staff Recognition Form.
Cardinal Day
On October 10, we have our first Cardinal Day. Students have the opportunity to come to school to complete their work or complete their course work from home. All course work will be in Google Classroom. It is expected that students complete the learning task for each course for their daily attendance.
Introducing CARE: A New Approach to In-School Suspension
At Fairmont High School, we’re committed to helping all students learn, grow, and make positive choices. As part of this commitment, we’re excited to share that our In-School Suspension (ISS) program has been redesigned and renamed CARE — which stands for Creating Accountability, Reflection, and Empowerment.
CARE is more than just a new name. It represents a shift in how we support students who have experienced behavioral challenges. While in CARE, students will engage in meaningful learning opportunities using our new Compass Navigate360 curriculum. This program helps students understand their behaviors, develop replacement strategies, and build the social-emotional skills necessary for long-term success.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to work with one of our school social workers on activities that promote self-awareness, reflection, and emotional regulation. Together, these learning experiences are designed to help students return to class better prepared and more confident.
Each student will complete an Exit Ticket before returning to their regular classes. This reflection includes lessons learned, goals for the future, and positive statements from teachers and staff—helping to strengthen relationships and reinforce a supportive school community.
Through CARE, we aim to help students take responsibility, learn from their experiences, and move forward with the tools they need to succeed—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Activities Director's Message
Activities Update
As we enter into October we have a few things going on.
1. We will have our first academic check on Monday, October 20th.
2. Play-off Time!!! Girls Tennis started play-offs last week, Boys and girls Soccer this week.
3. Winter Activities Starting up: Dance and Girls Hockey
4. School Musical- Mamma Mia reherasals are in full swing.
Below is a link to the Multiple Activities for Fairmont.
Click here for the latest schedule
Mahoney
Fight On!
A Message from our Social Workers
Operation Parent
We wanted to share with you a wonderful resource that is incredibly helpful in navigating any challenges that come up while parenting.
Operation Parent offers a series of free, expert-led webinars on topics like mental health, social media, substance use, and more. These sessions are designed to equip parents with the tools and knowledge they need to support their children through every stage of development.
Whether you are looking for guidance, support or just want to stay informed, these webinars are a great place to start: Webinars
Counselor's Message
Counselor Update
📢 College Knowledge Month – October 2025
Hello Students & Families!
Fairmont Junior Senior High School is excited to participate in College Knowledge Month this October, an initiative sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education! Students in grades 7–12 will have fun activities and events to explore colleges, careers, and life after high school.
Seniors & Families of the Class of 2026:
We have extra resources just for you to help with planning your next steps—college, career, or other pathways.
👉 All students: See the full list of events in the 2025 College Knowledge Flyer
👉 Seniors: Check senior-specific info here: October 2025 CKM Message to Seniors
We encourage everyone to join in and take advantage of these opportunities!
🎓 Senior Events – October
💻 Virtual Senior Night
Educational Talent Search (ETS) is offering a virtual senior night. Senior students & families are invited to attend to learn more about the college planning process, timelines, tips, and planning for the future.
📅 Wednesday, October 8th @ 6:00 PM
🔗 Click Here to Join the Meeting-Link is included in this flyer
👉 If you can’t attend, we may offer another Senior Night later in October. We will share more information when we finalize details.
💻 Virtual Financial Aid Nights
Fairmont seniors and families are invited to attend two virtual Financial Aid Nights presented by Mankato State University’s Financial Aid Assistant Director. This event is open to all students & families, not just those planning to attend MSU~Mankato.
📅 Wednesday, October 22 @ 6:00 PM
🔗 Click Here to Join the Meeting
👉 If you can’t attend, another Financial Aid presentation will be offered on Tuesday, December 2nd. More details will be shared closer to that date.
Reminders
As we begin the school year, I would like to share two important reminders to support student health and learning:
Breakfast matters. A balanced breakfast provides the energy and focus students need to be successful throughout the day. Please encourage your child to eat before school or take advantage of the school breakfast.
Over-the-counter medications. Many common concerns, such as headaches, cramps, or allergy symptoms, can be relieved with appropriate over the counter medication. Please note that I am not permitted to keep a general supply in the health center. Families may either send medication for their student to keep in their locker or provide a properly labeled supply for safe storage in the health center.
Thank you for partnering with me to help ensure your child is healthy, comfortable, and ready to learn!
Community and Family Feedback
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING FORM
Use the See Something, Say Something form to report Bullying, Discrimination, Threats or other Concerns that are associated with Fairmont Jr./Sr. High School.