• 3/15 - Popcorn Friday for $1.00 - get orders in before 8:30am
• 3/15 - Girls Soccer Tryouts and Second Coed Cross Country Practice 3:45-5:00pm
• 3/18 - Reading Month Spirit Week Starts!
• 3/18 - Coffee with the Principal - Continuous Improvement Goals and ESSER Funding Input 8:15-9:15am
• 3/19 - Grades 6-8 SOM/ECA/Trimester 2 Honors Assembly 8:05am
• 3/20 - Grades 3-5 SOM/ECA/Trimester 2 Honors Assembly 8:05am
• 3/21 - Grades K-2 SOM/ECA/Trimester 2 Honors Assembly 8:05am
• 3/22 - Spirit Day for Students for $1.00 - Students may wear blue jeans and a Fortis or college t-shirt or sweatshirt!
• 3/22 - DEADLINE FOR SIGNING UP FOR APRIL GROCERY DELIVERY - SEE BELOW FOR LINK!
• 3/25-29 - NO SCHOOL (Spring Break)
• 4/1 - School Resumes @ 8:00am
• 4/3-4/9 - Vision and Hearing Testing
• 4/5 - Spirit Day for Students for $1.00 - Students may wear blue jeans and a Fortis or college t-shirt or sweatshirt!
• 4/5 - Food Gatherers Grocery Distribution at Dismissal
• 4/12 - Popcorn Day for $1.00 - get orders in before 8:30am!
• 4/12 - Kindergarten Donuts with Dudes 1:30-2:00pm
• 4/15 - Spring Sports Pictures 3:45pm
• 4/16 - 8th Grade PSAT Test - more details in standalone testing newsletter: https://www.smore.com/n/g4rkh
• 4/17 - 3rd and 4th Grade M-STEP ELA Testing
• 4/18 - 5th and 6th Grade M-STEP ELA Testing
• 4/19 - Spirit Day for Students for $1.00 - Students may wear blue jeans and a Fortis or college t-shirt or sweatshirt!
• 4/22 - Office Appreciation Week - show Ms. Zoe and Ms. Kellie some love!
• 4/22 - 3rd and 4th Grade M-STEP Math Testing
• 4/23 - 6-8 Student of the Month/Effort Creates Ability Assembly 8:05am
• 4/23 - 8th Grade PSAT Make-ups
• 4/24 - K-2 Student of the Month/Effort Creates Ability Assembly 8:05am
• 4/24 - 5th and 6th Grade M-STEP Math Testing
• 4/24 - 8th Grade Cap and Gown Pictures 1:00-2:00pm
• 4/25 - K-2 Student of the Month/Effort Creates Ability Assembly 8:05am
• 4/25 - 7th Grade M-STEP ELA Testing
• 4/25 - 8th Grade M-STEP Science Testing
• 4/26 - Popcorn Day for $1.00 - get orders in before 8:30am!
• 4/30 - Lost and Found Donated to Goodwill
• 4/30 - 5th Grade M-STEP Science Testing
• 5/1 - 7th Grade M-STEP Math Testing
• 5/1 - 8th Grade M-STEP Social Studies Testing
• 5/3 - Spirit Day for Students for $1.00 - Students may wear blue jeans and a Fortis or college t-shirt or sweatshirt!
• 5/3 - Progress Letters for Trimester 3 Sent Home
• 5/3 - Food Gatherers Grocery Distribution at Dismissal
• 5/6 - 2nd Grade NWEA ELA Testing
• 5/7 - 3rd, 7th, and 8th Grade NWEA ELA Testing
• 5/8 - 4th and 6th Grade NWEA ELA Testing
• 5/9 - 5th Grade M-STEP Social Studies Testing
• 5/13 - 2nd Grade NWEA Math Testing
• 5/14 - 3rd, 7th, and 8th Grade NWEA Math Testing
• 5/15 - 4th and 6th Grade NWEA Math Testing
• 5/16 - 5th Grade NWEA ELA Testing
• 5/21 - 5th Grade NWEA Math Testing

Spring Testing Season with PSAT, M-STEP, and NWEA testing is fast approaching for grades 3-8! 2nd Grade will also be taking NWEA tests in the spring. Please see the standalone testing newsletter here for details and how your student can best prepare for success on these tests!

Quick reminder that leggings are NOT allowed per our dress code. The following three lines are directly from our dress code in the Parent/Student Handbook. Please make sure your students are not wearing leggings!

• Athletic, spandex and denim materials, yoga-style pants, carpenter loops, and decorative embroidery are not permitted.
  
• Pajama pants are not permitted without administrative permission.
  
• Revealing clothing is prohibited. All clothing must fit appropriately and must not be excessively tight or loose. Such clothing includes all sheer, low-cut, or otherwise revealing garments.
  

Please send in any uniforms your student has outgrown - our uniform bank is running low!

We are half-way through our Kids Heart Challenge Adventure, and if you haven’t already, the time is now to join the celebration! Click: http://www2.heart.org/goto/fca to sign up!

Once you are signed up, become a LIFESAVER, and help your student complete Finn’s Mission.

In doing so, you and your family will learn Hands-Only CPR and the warning signs of a stroke. Then, you’ll earn your very own Finn’s Lifesaver Award!

Check out Phil’s story where he shares how completing Finn’s Mission helped him save a life!

Did you know that last year we trained 241,270 Michigan residents in the lifesaving skill of CPR AND 683 CPR In School kits have been placed in Michigan thanks in-part to your fundraising efforts?

Thank you for your support of our school and the American Heart Association!

We are excited to announce that ALL Fortis Students will be receiving five free books to take home and keep as part of March is Reading Month! These books were selected by our grade level lead teachers and will span the reading levels of various students within the grade. All students in each grade will receive the same five books. Watch for these books to come home in your student's backpack between now and Spring Break!

It's time to fill out the form for groceries in April if you are interested! The April Grocery Distribution is Friday, April 5th during dismissal. If you would like to sign up for groceries, you MUST complete the form by Friday, March 22nd @ 12:00pm. Thank you!

We love our parent partnerships and your feedback! Come join Mrs. Dixon on Monday, March 18th from 8:15-9:15am to discuss our annual goals, proficiency and literacy progress, and time for discussion on topics of your choice! We will also discuss what ESSER funds are as well as sharing some recommendations of how we may spend our funds through September 2024 when ESSER funds end. Coffee will be provided.

Please RSVP by commenting on this post or messaging Mrs. Dixon in SchoolConnect so we can determine our meeting space capacity. We look forward to seeing you!

If you cannot join us and would still like to provide your feedback, please do by accessing these two surveys and completing them BEFORE March 19th, 2024. Thank you!

Continuous Improvement Goals: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=bJRHKgLGkkqgP_c5IYah2O1FveCBwUNHkE9AWwqnstZUOVpNWEI5UExPTjJROUYySzdSWlNGM0hESS4u

ESSER Fund Usage: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=bJRHKgLGkkqgP_c5IYah2I0dzYGIr1NDn8pvY5xFVL1UQkw2OUZQNDkxNElOWjBWUEwwVkQ2NEZSUC4u

This survey is a great way to gauge parent overall satisfaction and identify ways to continue to meet the needs of our parents throughout this school year. Please be aware that we strive for "TOP-BOX" or Highly Satisfied responses. This is also the data that NHA looks at for how parents are rating Fortis. Please consider marking the top box whenever you feel it is appropriate!

Just a few reminders about this survey:

• It started Monday 3/4 and the survey window will end on 3/15. ALL HOUSEHOLDS WHO COMPLETE THE SURVEY DURING THIS WINDOW WILL BE ENTERED INTO A RAFFLE FOR ONE OF THREE AMAZING PRIZES - SEE FLYER BELOW!
• You can access this survey two ways:
• Parent Links in NHA Parent Portal: Parents can now find their unique Voice of the Parent link within the NHA Parent Portal.
• General Survey Link: Each parent will be able to answer the survey through a general link, www.voiceofparent.com or the QR code below.
• Parents will then be asked to authenticate their information by selecting the school's name from a drop-down menu, entering the birthdate of one of their enrolled children, then selecting their email or phone number from a list. From there, parents will click on the link next to their contact information to receive an email or text invitations. Invitations can only be sent to the email address or phone number on file in myNHA.

Spring sports for grades 5-8 are Girls Soccer and Coed Cross Country. All sports will start Thursday 3/14 and Friday 3/15 with girls soccer tryouts and the first two practice days for cross country. Students must have a physical on file by the first game/meet and should bring practice clothes and a water bottle to change into after school. Please contact our athletic director, Mr. Kelley, at 55.skelley@nhaschools.com if you have any questions!

Kindergarten

• Lucas A, Reyan A, Max D, Loghan H, Sona K, Dominic K, Alandra M, Zyanah M, Elsa M, Adam N, Ekene N, Malena N, Beily R, George S, Blandine U, Tryston W, Damion W

First Grade

• Camila A, Allison A, Carlos A, Leyla C, Scarlette D, Esthefany E, Max G, Adriel H, Arken H, Delilah M, Pearl O, Jarques R, Vanessa R, Royal R, Emely T, Myla W

Second Grade

• Nicole A, Ahmir B, Zaya B, Hadiyah C, Orianna C, Samara D, Yanis D, Josiah D, Xoie E, Amir F, Roudaina H, Isiah H, Hansel I, Enzo L, Isaac M, Ashly P, Daniella R, Anton R, Enia S, Dallas T, J'Onna W

Third Grade

• Yadiel A, Jonathan B, Monalaya B, Heidy C, Adama D, Ayden H, Mason H, Oluwatishe L, Amanda M, Arche M, Aryani M, Ashtyn M, Alex P, Fernando R, Francisco R, AnaElise R, Matias S, Drake S, Dylann S, Billy T, Jayden T, Keiki T, Jacob W, Ski W

Fourth Grade

• Adam A, Kenana A, Deyber A, Alana B, Christian B, Aaron C, Gia G, Ja'Vion J, Sasha M, Messiah M, Debora M, Jared S, Ben S, Jah'Lon S, La'Mir W

Fifth Grade

• Ibrahim A, Caleb A, Jeremy D, CAyden H, Rafif H, Javion H, Laouratou K, Jean K, Laila M, Godswill O, Alexia O, Amy P, Cameron P, Caydance P, Rosa S, Dylan V, Emily V

Sixth Grade

• Mauro A, Kenan B, Mariah D, RaynAiden H, Jayla J, Sophia J, Louise K, Adriel M, Eydan P, Saniyah R, Aridai S, Amelia S, Jayden T, Oscar T, Derek V, Waylon W, La'Najah W

Seventh Grade

• Ali A, DaShaeah A, Erlin A, Chisom B, Elaine B, Jayden C, Derek C, D'Shae C, Jameer D, Alexa D, Jace D, Rameen F, Kashton G, Lamees I, Aria J, Jordan M, ZaNiah M, Daphne O, Ayo S

Eighth Grade

• Israa A, Rima A, Maalik B, Gustavo C, Josue M, Mohammed O, Lilly P, Lindsay P, Elaine S, Yelly S, Mandyou T, Gavin T, Elana W, Solana W

When you are carpooling at dismissal, PLEASE make sure to show Mrs. Shackelford ALL of the Driveline numbers for the students you need. If you don't, we will have to park you until the additional students come out. Please share this with whoever picks up your student!

Fortis is hiring! We have two 10-20 hour/week lunch and recess aide positions available. This is a great part time role for parents who would like to be part of the Fortis team! Staff in this position help to monitor students while they are eating lunch, monitor hallways, supervise recess along with the classroom teachers, and various other tasks. If you are interested, please consider applying here: https://fa-eotc-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/55760/?utm_medium=jobshare

It is exciting to see our school community back in the rhythm of teaching and learning at Fortis Academy. We had a goal to start the year strong, and I am pleased to share we’ve hit that mark! As we use the momentum of a strong start to the 2023-24 school year, I am writing to share how we’re expanding our efforts to support student safety online. We know that in order to learn, students need to feel welcomed and safe. By expanding our online safety efforts, our goal is to ensure that every Fortis student is encouraged to achieve academic success.

Online Safety

We are introducing a tool called Bark that will support school staff in identifying inappropriate content, self-harm, and threats of violence online more quickly. Our current process of encouraging students and parents to be proactive with a “hear something, see something, say something" strategy will remain in place. The Bark tool will simply add an additional layer to our safety practices.

Parent Partnerships

Parents play a vital role in helping us educate students and promote online safety. We encourage you to have open and honest conversations with your child about appropriate online behavior. I have found InternetMatters.org provides a wide range of age-appropriate resources for parents – from Internet safety checklists to creating boundaries to parental controls, among others.

Remember, everything you do online leaves a digital footprint. These efforts are to keep students safe and create a teaching and learning environment that is welcoming for everyone.

Together, we can encourage our students to make safe and smart choices. Thank you for your continued support of Fortis Academy. For questions, please contact the school office at 734-572-3623.

Please see our annual education report. A hard copy can also be obtained in the office. Please see Mrs. Dixon with any questions that you may have.

It’s tax time! The Housing Bureau for Seniors (HBS), in partnership with the University of Michigan is offering FREE tax services. (Translation Available: Includes Dari & Pashto). Please see information below for income limits/requirements.

AARP Tax Aide: Full Federal/State Returns (No Income Limit)

There is no age or income limit for participation in this tax preparation program. Since these services are offered through the University of Michigan, translation is available if this is requested while making an appointment. Families may need assistance making the appointment, but the tax preparation will be delivered in their native language.

Appointments can be made from February to April on:

Wednesdays @ the HBS Office – 3621 S State St – Ann Arbor

Fridays @ Turner Resource Center – 2401 Plymouth Rd, Ste C.

Call: 734-998-9341 to schedule an appointment.

United Way Vita: Full Federal/State Returns (Household Income less than $64,000/yr)

Appointments can be made from February through April. Call 734-998-9341

Tuesdays @ HBS Office – 3621 S State St – Ann Arbor

Services can be offered all year long with some block out times they have available.

Property Tax Assistance: Michigan Tax Credits (Non-taxable income only)

Service offered all year long through the HBS office 3621 S State St – Ann Arbor during tax season (February through April). Call for an appointment: 734-998-9341

Students currently in grades 4th-8th are able to apply for scholarships to summer camp! Scholarships are for 1 or 2 week OVERNIGHT camps throughout Michigan, and any needed supplies and transportation are provided by Washtenaw Camp Placement. If you are interested in more information, email Ms. Rawls at 55.arawls@nhaschools.com

Please do not park on Golfside Rd during arrival or dismissal. There are several signs stating that this is not allowed and you can be ticketed or towed by the sheriff's department if you do so. It also makes our arrival and dismissal run slower because it makes it harder for cars leaving the parking lot to see clearly to make the turn onto Golfside. Thank you!

I just wanted to send a reminder to families that Fortis Academy is a moral focus school. As parents, scholars, and staff, we have all committed to demonstrating moral focus virtues while interacting with one another.

All interactions with school staff members should be kind and respectful. We are here to support and educate your children. While we understand that morning drop off and dismissal can be frustrating at times, it is never appropriate to refuse to comply with staff directions nor to yell at or swear at school staff members or other parents. Our staff members, just as our parents and scholars, are respected members of our school community. Treating them with kindness and professionalism is important, especially because you are modeling this for your children.

As a reminder, all students, staff, and parents agreed to our Commitment to Excellence. Here is the parent commitment. The second and last bullets are especially appropriate reminders.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:

We, as parents, will support our children’s learning in the following ways:

• I understand that my child is enrolled in this school, so he/she has opportunities to achieve.

• I realize that the expectations and standards at this school are high and agree to support them.

• I understand and agree to be bound by all provisions outlined in the Parent and Student Handbook and acknowledge receipt of the Parent and Student Handbook by signing below.

• I will monitor my child’s attendance and homework completion.

• I will participate in parent-teacher conferences and volunteer for school activities when possible.

• I will stay informed about my child’s education and communicate with the school by promptly reading all notices from the school either received by my child or by mail and responding, as appropriate.

• I will serve, to the extent possible, on policy advisory groups, such as being a Title I, Part A parent representative on the school’s School Improvement Team, or other school advisory or policy groups.

• I understand that my child must behave respectfully and responsibly to protect the safety, interest, and rights of others in the school. I will model appropriate behavior while in the school.

Thank you for helping to ensure Fortis Academy is a great school to be a part of!

Students are getting dropped off very early some mornings - some before 6:45am! Do not drop your child off before 7:30am. Students are NOT SUPERVISED by school staff until 7:30am. If you need to drop them off that early, they should be enrolled into M&M Before Care.

We are so excited to officially launch the College Readiness Dashboard today! To access your child’s dashboard, please log into the Parent Portal. On the bottom, you will see an icon that says “College Readiness”. Click on this icon to go to the dashboard.

Please take a few minutes to go through the videos, which will help you understand the data better, and how to navigate through the information.

Training Video 1

Training Video 2

Training Video 3

Can my child see this information?

Yes, students can see the same information as you by logging into the Student Portal.

I need the information explained to me further. Who should I reach out to?

Please reach out to your child’s teacher. They will be able to help you understand the information available for your child.

Who can I reach out to with questions?

If you have any questions about the dashboard, please contact your child’s teacher. You can also review the attached FAQ to see if your question has already been answered!

We are thrilled to partner with you on your child’s college readiness journey and utilize this new dashboard!

We know there may be times when you may need to pick up your child before the school day ends. Early dismissal will take place prior to 2:30 p.m. After that time, we do not allow students to exit the building until dismissal at 3:00 p.m. This is designed as a safety measure to ensure all students are accounted for at dismissal.

From 2:30-3:00pm each day, the office will be closed to allow for end of day procedures, such as attendance verification and dismissal preparation.

If you need to change the means your child will leave school, whether riding the bus or walking, please call the school office prior to 2:00 p.m. This helps keep the dismissal process running smoothly and ensures safety for all students.

Please contact Mrs. Dixon at 55.edixon@nhaschools.com or call the office if you have questions or concerns about this policy.

Please remember not to drop off fast food for student lunches or have it delivered to the school. Students should either bring their lunch with them from home or eat hot lunch. Lunches getting delivered throughout the morning cause lots of disruptions to the office and to classrooms to have students come up and get them. Thank you!

Chromebooks are used in most classrooms on a daily basis to encourage our students' progress on Lexia and Dreambox. The higher the grade level, the more likely the chromebook is also used for classwork, activities, and homework.

Students must bring their chromebooks to school every day. We do not have a supply of loaner chromebooks this year.

Thank you for your help and diligence with this!

Here is a calendar that lists several food pantries in the community. These are listed by day. Check it out! https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=studentadvocacycenter.org_seu6oip8e7apao1vkktv9mb7nk@group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York&pli=1

We are excited to share our new communication tool, NHA School Connect! This will replace the other communication tools currently used by your child’s school for emailing and texting (School messenger, Class Dojo, etc.). This tool has many other features that will make things more convenient for you! To ensure you stay up to date with school and teacher communication, login to the Parent Portal to activate your account!
Activate your Account:

• Log into the Parent Portal and click on NHA School Connect in the left navigation bar.

How do I navigate through the tool?

• View the videos and guides in the links below to learn more about how to use NHA School Connect!
• Getting Started
• Notification Settings - TIP: Set your notifications to "instant" so there is no delay on seeing posts from teachers and administration!
• Direct Messaging
• Posts, Polls, and Online Payments

Can I access this from an app?

• Yes! Once you have logged in through the Parent Portal, you can visit your App Store and download the NHA School Connect App.
• Please note, you’ll want to ensure your Parent Portal App is updated to ensure a successful login experience.

Who do I contact if I need support?

• Please call the school office with any questions on this tool.

We are so excited to use this tool with our families, making it easier for you to receive and find the information you’re looking for all in one spot!

Once the school year gets started, checking in on the Parent Portal is key to stay informed on your student's grades and progress. You can also complete ALMOST ALL of the mandatory paperwork on this online portal.

There are THREE easy ways to access the Parent Portal:

• Follow the QR Code below.
• Go to www.fortisacademy.org and click on Parent Portal in the top right corner.
• Search "NHAParentPortal" in the App Store or Google store for the app!

Make sure you are screening your students every day for COVID symptoms. The Fortis Symptoms checker shown here is a comprehensive list to use. Thank you!