FAPS #WeAreFenton Community Update

Dear Fenton Community and Families,

October has been filled with excitement across Fenton Area Public Schools! With clubs and athletics in full swing, marching band competitions, theatre performances, and robotics activities, our students have been busy learning, performing, competing, and showcasing their talents. We also took time to recognize and celebrate our dedicated staff and honor our principals during National Principals Month. It has been a wonderful month of school spirit, achievement, and community, and we are proud of all the ways our Fenton Tiger family continues to shine!

Sincerely,

Dr. Douglas Busch

Superintendent

October is National Principals Month, and we want to recognize and thank our incredible principals for the leadership, dedication, and care they bring to our schools each day. From supporting students and staff to partnering with families and strengthening our school communities, their impact reaches far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart they invest in making Fenton Area Public Schools a place where students and staff can thrive. Thank you for all you do for our Fenton Tiger family!

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Mechelle Clarke, our 2026-27 Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Clarke teaches at State Road Elementary and has taught in our district for nineteen years. Mrs. Clarke goes above and beyond not only for her own students but for the whole school community. The care she has for all of her students is inspiring and we are proud to have her as our Teacher of the Year.

We would also like to congratulate the rest of our nominees. Being nominated is a reflection of the dedication, passion, and positive impact you make on our students and school community each day. Thank you for being such an important part of our Fenton Tiger family. We are proud to celebrate you all!

Lastly, we sincerely want to thank the LaFontaine Automotive Group for their continued commitment of recognizing outstanding educators through the Fenton Spark of Inspiration Teacher of the Year Award. Their generosity provides a $5,000 grand prize for our Teacher of the Year and $300 awards for each runner-up, celebrating the dedication and impact of our exceptional educators.

Congratulations Mrs. Daly & Mrs. Jackson for receiving the October 2026 Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award. Thank you for your dedication and hard work!

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.

Thank you for supporting Fenton Athletics!

Students must take a complete reimbursable breakfast meal for it to be free.

A breakfast meal = 3 of the 4 items offered, with one being a fruit or vegetable.

We offer grains, protein, fruit, ( sometimes vegetables) and milk daily. Students will be reminded of what consists of a meal or how to make their tray a FREE breakfast.

With the colder weather season upon us, it's that time of year when we start preparing for possible inclement weather and the possibility of school cancellation. Please take time to plan for what you and your family will do in the event we have to cancel school.

The process used to consider weather cancellations is below:

• The district, in conjunction with the transportation department, operations department, law enforcement and local road commissions monitor the weather.
• Fenton collaborates with other area superintendents to make decisions based on the road conditions for our area currently and/or in the near future.
• The district will notify designated individuals in the event of a school closure to then disseminate information as quickly as possible.
• Families can check: the district website, messaging through our FAPS app to phones in the form of voice, text message, email message, district Facebook, and news stations (ABC 12, WNEM 5, NBC 25, Detroit Fox2).

When the weather breaks and road conditions are in question, remember to leave early and drive slowly. Ensure your contact information is updated with your school office so the district can provide the most efficient communication and download our Fenton Area Public Schools App from your app store. Please note that during a Saturday in November we expect to conduct a test of our alert system. When the test occurs, there is nothing needed on your part as a recipient.

Don’t forget to visit our website and download the “Fenton Area PS” Mobile App. This will be our primary way of keeping you informed, both with regular updates and in the event of an emergency.

Website: www.fentonschools.org

Mobile App: www.fentonschools.org/o/fps/page/mobile-app