FAPS #WeAreFenton August Update

Dear Parents, Staff and Community Members,

It is a privilege to introduce myself as the Superintendent of Fenton Area Public Schools. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and work alongside our dedicated educators, staff, families and students. In 1998 I began my career as a teacher at Fenton High School and hold the same excitement and optimism for our district today as I did as a new staff member twenty seven years ago.

This fall may mark your child’s first entrance into our district as a member of our Kindergarten Class of 2038 or preparing for the final year as a member of the Class of 2026. Our dedicated and caring staff are excited to welcome your student to our classrooms on August 19, 2025.

The summer of 2025 has been marked by major infrastructure changes at Fenton Area Public Schools. In 2023 the community supported a ten year, $122 million dollar bond initiative that will upgrade and modernize facilities throughout the district. During a compressed summer construction schedule, work was completed at the Ellen Street Campus, all elementary buildings and AGS Middle School. Due to the construction over the summer, some staff members have had very limited access to set up their rooms and prepare for the school year. Our committed staff will ensure that your student has a great experience throughout the year, but please pardon our dust and allow for some flexibility during the first weeks of school as we begin the year.

On our website, you’ll find helpful information to support a smooth transition from summer break to the start of the new school year. Our focus remains to ensure every student has a safe, supportive and enriching educational experience. We are committed to our mission in providing educational excellence, in collaboration with our community and developing innovative leaders for a global society.

Sincerely,

Dr. Douglas Busch

Superintendent

We are excited to kick off the new school year with students on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. As the first day approaches, your student's building administrators will be sharing important information specific to their school within Fenton. Please check our FAPS website & social media for additional details and updates regarding the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

2025-26 Open House Dates & Times

• Y5/K-5 State Road, North Road, Tomek, & FVA- August 18, 2025, from 5:00-6:30 p.m.
• World of Wonder Early Childhood - August 18, 2025 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Fenton High School - August 26, 2025 6:00-7:30 p.m.
• AGS Middle School - August 27, 2025 6:00-7:30 p.m.
• Fenton Horizon Academy In-Person- August 19 & 21, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and August 20, 2025, 12:00p.m. -5:00 p.m.
• Fenton Horizon Academy Virtual Open House- August 20, 2025, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

FAPS Athletics and Fall Sports kicks off on August 11, 2025.

Please contact Ed Uhrik, FAPS Athletic Director or Renee Dailey, FHS Athletic Assistant

Calendar for 2025-26 is linked directly below!

We’re thrilled to share the incredible progress made on our bond projects over the summer! These improvements are already making a positive impact across our buildings, with upgrades focused on safety, learning environments, and modernized facilities. Many of these projects were completed during the break, and others will continue into the school year as part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the student experience.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as our teams have been working diligently throughout the summer. As a result, some areas of our buildings may not be completely picture-perfect on the first day but rest assured, the work is meaningful, and the results will benefit our students for years to come.

Thank you for your continued support as we build a better future for FAPS!

For more information please visit the link below.

We are pleased to welcome many new staff members to FAPS this fall. Please join me in formally welcoming and congratulating the following individuals as they join or take on new roles within the #WeAreFenton family.

It's not just an award; it's a heartfelt celebration of the extraordinary dedication that sets Fenton Area Public Schools (FAPS) staff apart. Get ready to ignite the spotlight on the exceptional heroes among us! The ABCD (Above and Beyond the Call of Duty) Award is your chance to recognize the remarkable contributions of FAPS employees who consistently defy expectations.

This award directly aligns with the Fenton Area Public Schools' mission to foster a supportive and enriching environment where every student can thrive, and where staff are empowered to achieve excellence. It highlights those who embody our vision of community partnership and unwavering commitment to student success.

Every year, or even each semester, the stage is set for this grand recognition. There's no limit to the number of awards we can give out – the more, the merrier!

Calling all students, parents, and staff: here's your golden opportunity to share a remarkable tale of a superhuman feat performed by a FAPS staff member. Fill out our ABCD Award nomination form so we can give our dedicated staff the special recognition they deserve.

Individuals receiving this ABCD Award may be recognized at public Board of Education meetings and/or in District communications.

Join us in honoring the FAPS stars who truly go the extra mile and leave us all in amazement! Bookmark our ABCD Award page for future nominations.

Do you want the world to know how a wonderful FAPS staff member goes Above and Beyond the Call of Duty to support you, other students, staff and/or our community? Please - tell us about that person by submitting them for an ABCD Award. Students, parents and colleagues are ALL encouraged to nominate an FAPS staff member for this award!

How does it work? Students, staff or parents may complete and submit this form detailing something truly Above and Beyond the Call of Duty by a FAPS staff member. Submissions are received by the district and will be reviewed for award consideration. Recognition may include presentation at public Board of Education meetings and/or inclusion in District communications.

Preparations are in full swing for the new school year as we approach the first day of school on August 19th. Part of that preparation is completing the 2025-26 CURRENT Student Information Update task in the Online Registration feature of the ParentVue portal for each of your students.

Confirming/updating your student’s information is REQUIRED by the start of the new school year for ALL students attending Fenton. Using the ParentVue portal, parents and guardians have the ability to electronically sign handbook acknowledgements, acceptable use and chromebook policies; as well as update student demographic information, emergency contact information, medical and health information, and transportation needs. This process takes about 10 minutes per student. It is important that we have current information for each student enrolled, especially for planning bus routes.

Our building principals and office staff are working diligently to process student enrollments and enter them into Synergy. Please note that 2025-2026 student placements will not be finalized until Friday, August 15th at 4:00 p.m. While you may see information appear in Synergy before this time, we encourage you to check back after the finalization date to confirm your student’s placement, as adjustments may occur as enrollments are completed.

The Michigan School Aid Budget hasn't been finalized yet for this school year, which means it's still unclear whether school meals will remain free for all students this school year.

Meals are free through September 30th as finalized in last years State of Michigan fiscal budget.

Please see the information below:

Please let our transportation department (Dean Transportation) know if you have moved or have an address change. For more detailed transportation information, you can go to the link below.

Please join us for the annual back to school pancake breakfast hosted by the Fenton Education Foundation.