FHTMS Weekly Newsletter #1
2026-2027 Newsletter #1 August 7, 2026
Note from Principal Suzanne Gruendling
2026-2027
Dear FHTMS Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We hope you have had a wonderful summer filled with time to relax, recharge, and enjoy moments together.
Middle school is an important time for students as they develop independence, discover their strengths, build relationships, and learn to navigate new challenges. We are looking forward to welcoming back our returning students and meeting our new students and families. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Feel free to reach out to me if you need anything.
Enjoy the remainder of summer, and we look forward to seeing everyone soon!
Your Principal,
Suzanne Gruendling
Important Dates and Information
Monday August 24th Open Building 3:00 - 6:00 pm (Schedules and Lockers)!
Tuesday August 25th First Day of 6th Grade and new students! 8:30 - 11:30 am (bus transportation provided)
Wednesday August 26th: First Day of 7th and 8th Grade 8:30 - 3:30 pm
No School Friday September 4th: Labor Day Weekend
No School Monday September 1st: Labor Day Weekend
September 3rd: School Photo Day (Ordering information below)
September 22nd: Open House 5:30 - 7:00 pm
When is School Closed? 2026-2027
Friday-Monday, September 4-7, 2026 (Labor Day)
Monday, September 21, 2026 (Yom Kippur)
Thursday-Friday, October 22-23, 2026 (Family/Teacher Conferences, no school for students)
Wednesday, November 11 (Diwali)
Wednesday-Friday, November 25-27, 2026 (Thanksgiving Break)
Wednesday, December 24, 2026 - Friday, January 1, 2027 (Early Winter Break)
Monday, January 18, 2027 (MLK Day)
Monday, February 22 - Monday, March 1 , 2027 (Winter Break)
Tuesday, March 2, 2027 (Teacher Inservice)
Wednesday, March 10, 2027 (Eid)
Friday, March 26, 2027 (Teacher Inservice)
Thursday-Friday, April 1-2, 2027 (Family/Teacher Conferences, half days)
Monday - Friday, April 19-23, 2027 (Spring Break)
Monday, May 31, 2027 (Memorial Day)
Team placement letters will be sent out electronically the week of August 10th
Open Building Monday August 24th 3:00 - 6:00 pm!
Open Building! We are ready for you on Monday August 24th 3:00 - 6:00 pm!
Open Building is a drop-in opportunity for students and families to visit the school before the first day of classes. Students can walk through the hallways, find their classrooms, practice their locker combinations, locate important spaces, and become familiar with the school layout in a relaxed setting. Families are welcome to attend, ask questions, and help students feel prepared and comfortable for the start of the school year.
This is a drop-in event; families can arrive at any time during the scheduled window. We recommend planning to spend approximately 15–30 minutes exploring the building and helping students feel ready for the first day. Open Building is designed to reduce first-day stress, build confidence, and help students begin the year feeling ready and connected.
What if you are unable to attend Open Building? Not a problem we will have a copy of every student's schedule available for students on the first day of school.
Thank you Peer Leaders for your help with Open Building!
Tuesday August 25th First Day of 6th Grade and New Students! 8:30 - 11:30 am
Tuesday, August 25th – First Day of 6th Grade and New Students!
8:30–11:30 AM (Bus transportation provided)
This morning provides a quieter entry into the building where students can become familiar with their new surroundings, learn more about their core classes, exploratories, and world language programs, and begin building connections with staff and classmates.
Students will have opportunities to tour the school and practice following their schedules. They will also be introduced to essential student services, including our nursing office and school counselors, and learn more about opportunities to get involved through FHTMS activities and athletics.
Bus transportation will be provided for all students.
All students have a full day on Wednesday August 26th. 8:30 - 3:30 pm
School Picture Day Information September 3rd
Here is the information for ordering FHTMS Fall Pictures:https://bsnap.hhimagehost.com/V2/Home/LoginConsumer?EK=332248
Access code: FHTMS526 - case sensitive
SBFD Keeping Our Community Safe!
Our local fire department visits when students are away to tour the building, review safety systems, and familiarize themselves with the layout. School administrators and our facilities staff partner with firefighters during these visits to share building knowledge, answer questions, and plan for emergency access and responses. Thank you to the South Burlington Fire Department for taking the time to keep our school community safe!
FALL ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES
2026 FHTMS Fall Sports Registration
Registration for fall sports is OPEN!
Click here to go to our registration page for more information.
Middle School Sports Practices will begin on 8/27/26. 6th grade soccer practices will begin on 8/31/26.
FHTMS will offer the following sports this fall:
Boys and Girls Soccer
Field Hockey
Cross Country
Padded Flag Football
FALL COACHES NEEDED!
The athletic department is looking for personnel to fill the following fall coaching positions:
6th grade girls' soccer coach
6th grade boys' soccer coach
'B' team girls' soccer coach
For additional information or if you are interested in one of the positions, please contact Glen Button at (gbutton@sbschools.net) or call 802-652-7171.
* If we are unable to fill these positions, it may result in a delay of the season for these teams.