All students got a slip showing what bus they would be riding starting this Wednesday. Check with your child! Make sure your child is out and waiting early like you would the first day of school. Some students will be picked up earlier, some students will be picked up later. There are students from each current bus route that have been moved to a new bus route. This should create shorter route times for our students, so expect your current times to change. Please get your child out there EARLY and then wait until 8am before calling the school.
*YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE A DIFFERENT BUS NUMBER*
NOVEMBER
11/5 ELECTION DAY - GO VOTE! NO SCHOOL TODAY
11/7 *CHANGED: HOMECOMING Football vs Wake Prep 5:30 pm at Franklinton High School $7 Homecoming Court will be announced at Half-Time.
11/8 FALL HOMECOMING DANCE (Regular clothes - dress code applies) 6-8 PM AT THE GYM $5 CASH AT THE DOOR
11/11 NO SCHOOL - VETERAN'S DAY
11/13 AWAY Football @ Vance MS 5:30 pm *Date changed from 11/12 to 11/13
11/18 Fall Picture Retakes today
11/19 Vision Screening through Social Studies classes
11/20 MATH GRADE 6 & 7 NC CHECK-IN #1 (testing schedule)
11/20 HOME Football vs Butner Stem 5:30 pm *8th Grade Recognition Night
11/27 - 11/29 THANKSGIVING NO SCHOOL
DECEMBER
12/4 MATH I CHECK-IN #1
12/4 HOME Wrestling Match
12/9-13 GRADE ALERT EMAILS GO OUT THIS WEEK
12/10 MATH GRADE 8 CHECK-IN #1
12/10 WINTER CELEBRATION (BAND CONCERT, ART & DRAMA SHOW) COME AND CELEBRATE!!
12/11 HOME Basketball (boys & girls play on the same dates) vs Terrell Lane MS 4:30 pm
12/11 AWAY Wrestling Match @ Terrell Lane MS 4:30 pm
12/12 EARLY RELEASE - STUDENTS LEAVE AT 12:30 PM
12/17 AWAY Basketball @ Bunn MS 4:30 pm
12/17 AWAY Wrestling Match @ Wake Prep MS 5:00 pm
12/19 AWAY Basketball @ Cedar Creek MS 4:30 pm
12/21-1/5 HOLIDAY BREAK - ENJOY YOUR VACATION!
JANUARY
1/6 WELCOME BACK - FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
1/7 Exact Path Diagnostic Testing for READING
1/7 HOME Basketball vs Wake Prep MS 4:30 pm
1/9 Exact Path Diagnostic Testing for MATH
1/9 HOME Basketball vs Bunn MS 4:30 pm
1/9 AWAY Wrestling Match @ Bunn MS 4:30 pm
1/14 READING CHECK-IN #2 GRADES 6-8 (testing schedule)
1/14 HOME Basketball vs Hawley MS 4:30 pm
1/15 HOME Wrestling Match 4:30 pm
1/17 END OF SECOND QUARTER & END OF SEMESTER ONE (Athletic Eligibility will be checked)
1/20 NO SCHOOL
1/21 NO SCHOOL
1/22 AWAY Wrestling Match @ Hawley MS 4:30 pm
1/23 AWAY Basketball @ Vance MS 4:30 pm
1/27 REPORT CARD PICK-UP IN CAFETERIA 3:30-4:30 PM
1/28 Report cards sent home if not picked up on 1/27
1/28 AWAY Basketball @ N. Granville MS 4:30 pm
1/29 HOME Basketball vs Cedar Creek MS 4:30 pm
1/30 SCIENCE 8 CHECK-IN #2
1/30 HOME Wrestling Match 4:30 pm
FEBRUARY
2/3-2/7 School Counselor Appreciation Week
2/4 AWAY @ Butner Stem MS 4:30 pm
2/13 EARLY RELEASE - STUDENTS LEAVE AT 12:30 PM
2/14 NO SCHOOL - HAPPY VALENTINES DAY
2/17 Random Kindness Day :) Be kind to someone for no reason!
2/18 MATH GRADE 6-8 CHECK-IN #2
2/19-2/20 ALL COUNTY BAND
2/24-2/28 GRADE ALERT EMAILS GO OUT THIS WEEK
2/24 Dr. Schuhler visiting FMS students for Lunch Buddies
2/26 5TH GRADE VISIT TO FMS TODAY (FES & LOMES)
Regulation Code: 4316-R Student Dress Code
PURPOSE: To establish provisions for student dress and appearance.
The board believes that the dress and personal appearance of students greatly affect their academic performance and their interaction with other students. The board requests that parents outfit their children in clothing that is conducive to learning. Generally, dress and grooming standards as determined by the student and his or her parents will be deemed acceptable.
Principals will maintain guidelines to assist students in determining appropriate dress and appearance for school, copies of which will be made available to parents and students. Items listed below shall be included in all school guidelines and shall apply to all students at school or during a school sponsored activity. Reasonable accommodations will be made by the school principal or designee for those students who, because of religious belief, cultural heritage, or medical reason, request a waiver of a particular guideline for dress or appearance.
🔅Student Spotlight For October🔅
Each month, teachers select students for the Student Spotlight recognition. Students are selected based on showing kindness, consideration, and helping others, without being told to do so. Students will be receiving a certificate and special treat.
For the month of October, the Student Spotlight shines on:
Genesis P, Jayden A, Jonathan H, Sofia C, Ariel P, Baeli H, Sarah A, and Nahri O.
Thank you to these students for being such a good example to others!!
SOCIAL STUDIES with MR. CALDERON:
Lesson Standards
6.C&G.1.5 - Summarize the beliefs and practices that shaped power and authority in various civilizations, empires, and societies in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
6.G.1.1 - Explain how human and physical characteristics impacted migration and settlement in various regions in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
6-8.I.1.7 - Construct arguments consisting of multiple claims with evidence from sources and attention to disciplinary detail.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This is what we have been doing in Social Studies:
FirstI want to Congratulate our Students for all the time and effort they put on Discovery Education. Last week we were told we are the group who uses it the most in the whole State, that is so cool, so the kids should feel proud of that. Teamwork makes the dream work.
📚 Last Week: Egypt
Last week, our students delved into the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt. They explored:
Geography and Climate: How the Nile River shaped their civilization.
Pharaohs and Daily Life: Understanding the role of pharaohs, social structure, and the daily lives of Ancient Egyptians.
Religion and Mythology: An introduction to Egyptian gods, the afterlife, and burial practices, including mummification.
Students participated in engaging activities, including a creative project where they designed and made their own Mummy.
MATH with MS. JENKINS:
Happy November!
We made it to the second quarter grading period. Quarter 1 grades will be finalized tomorrow. This week in math we are learning to use percentages to solve real-world problems involving discounts, commissions, markups, taxes, and tips. Students have been exploring the many different ways they have encountered these types of math situations outside of school. We are learning to calculate simple interest and create formulas to solve problems involving interest. We will take the Unit 1 test this Thursday and Friday.
Things to remember:
Be on your best behavior. Remember the school and classroom rules.
Bring your materials (Chromebooks(charged), notebooks, and pencils) to class daily.
Get a good night's rest and come to class prepared to work.
Remember to ask questions if there is something that you need help understanding.
Believe in yourself, you can do it!
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at litishajenkins@fcschools.net.
SOCIAL STUDIES with MR. JONES:
Hello Parents and Guardians!
We are currently in our Age of Exploration and Conquest unit in class this week and will continue through next week. We are discussing the impact of European conquest on African, Asian, and American native populations through this time amidst competition for resources. Following this unit, we will move to the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment period in Europe. We will learn of the studies of Galileo as well as the philosophies of John Locke, Voltaire, and others.
Please remind your students to come prepared every day with their school materials. It is important when using Discovery Education that students have charged chromebooks and bring their own chargers in case their battery gets low throughout the day.
SCIENCE with MS. BRACKETT:
Welcome to another exciting week in Ms. Brackett’s Seventh Grade Science class! 🌟 We had a fantastic time diving into the world of Weather and Climate last quarter. Let’s keep the momentum going as we transition into our next adventure!
Last week We wrapped up our unit on Weather and Climate! 🌦️ The students explored various weather patterns, learned about climate zones, and other related weather and climate topics. It was a whirlwind of knowledge, and I’m so proud of their hard work and enthusiasm!
Get ready for an exciting month ahead as we shift our focus to Earth and Human Activity! 🌍 We’ll be examining how human actions impact our planet, discussing sustainability, and exploring ways we can all contribute to a healthier Earth. I can’t wait to see the students’ creativity and critical thinking shine through in this unit!
Things to remember As we embark on this new topic, please remind your students to bring their curiosity and questions! 🧐 Also, keep an eye out for any upcoming projects or assignments related to our Earth studies. Communication is key, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification on anything.
Until next time! Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child’s education! Together, we’re making science fun and engaging. Let’s keep exploring and learning together! ✨
ELA with MS. BAECHLE:
Good evening students and families. Quarter one has come to a close and we have recently begun Q2. It remains critical that we remind our students to stay up to date with their work in class and located on Canvas, as well as their grades updated regularly on Powerschool. As a result, we continue to hold them accountable for their work and growth academically.
Growth and Accountability Agreement:
I will complete daily work (assigned in class)
I will finish any work that was not completed in class for homework
I will come to class prepared (work completed and a charged chromebook)
I will not disrupt the learning environment, or others
I will check Canvas daily for updated assignments and due dates
I will check Powerschool regularly for grades and missing assignments
I will always try my best
I will ask for further support from my teacher is I don't understand an assignment
I will maintain a growth mind-set for my academic and personal growth and goals!!
Expectations:
Students are to come to class on time, prepared and ready to work. If they are not following the non-negotiables, they will receive a warning to correct their chosen behavior before they are sent to ALC with a write-up and a parent contact.
Remember that each quarter every student begins with a 100% in their classes. What they decide to do with their grades and achievements are up to them.
Sports and Grades: Please ensure your student is keeping up with their work and on their best behavior. Good grades and exemplifying positive behavior is key to being able to play sports throughout the school year.
New Curriculum: We have begun a new ELA Curriculum this year called: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Literature. The material is scaffolded in a way that is easy to understand while including detailed lessons/units including: anticipatory sets, clear standards, relatable topics, a variety of genres and activities, as well as various reading and writing activities with vocabulary throughout and plenty of application (practice) of content in order to master numerous skill-sets.
Note: A digital copy of the text can be located on students' Classlink (ED with a yellow smiley face app) and include each passage we read in class, as well as several comprehension checks (assignments), and several resources.
Please encourage your students to use this resource at home to compete and classwork that was not finished, or any homework that may be assigned. It is very beneficial for students to not only take accountability for their work, but to practice skills regularly in order to master academic goals.
Standards:
🎯Target Standards
RI.7.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text …
analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.
RI.7.3 Analyze the interaction between individuals, events, and ideas in a text, or
how individuals influence ideas and events.
RL.7.4 Analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds on a specific
verse or stanza of a poem or section or section of a story or drama.
RL.7.1 Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text
says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RL7 Compare and Contrast a poem analyzing the effects of techniques used.
🧱 Supporting Standards
L.7.4 Determine and/or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials.
L.7.5 Demonstrate an understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and word nuances in word meanings.
-figures of speech
-synonym/antonym
-connotation/denotation
✏️Writing Standards
W.7.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content
Last Week:
Last week we began our Q2 unit entitled “Reality Check,” where students read a short story (F) and an article (NF) about varying perspectives and POV. We kept our focus on annotating strategies, key content vocabulary, and including supporting textual evidence with their written responses.
This Week:
This week, students will be reading two different Poems and learning a Poetry formula to help them understand and analyze several poems. We continue to have a strong focus on in-context questions, in-context vocabulary, and utilizing textual evidence to support their claims.
Report Cards:
Report card pick up will be held this Thursday, 11/7 from 3:30 - 4:30 in the cafeteria. If parents, or guardians are unable to pick up their students' report cards, they will be handed out Friday, 11/8 to students.
Homework:
Students should expect homework two to three times weekly in order to continue to develop their skill-sets and to see growth. Please ask your child what work they have for homework, or have not completed on a regular basis to help keep them on track. Work is updated regularly for access on Canvas. Grades are also updated weekly and viewable on Powerschool. Students should expect classwork (homework if not completed) in order to maintain an understanding of reading both inside and outside of class on a weekly basis. The application process is so critical to close gaps in comprehension and to apply to later content**
Grades:
Student grades are present (updated regularly) on Canvas, and are now viewable to students and guardians on Powerschool. Students are expected to check their grades on a regular basis and reach out to their teacher for make-up work, or additional time to complete an assignment if they have been absent, as well as, emailing them a reminder once completed. I allow a one week timeframe to make up work before an assignment becomes a zero.
Thank you parents and guardians for your continued support throughout the school year with what promises to be a successful year full of growth and achievements.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any further questions or concerns at:
MATH with MS. CUNNINGHAM:
Wow! The start of the second quarter is underway. It is a great time for a restart. The students and I spoke today about starting fresh these nine weeks and making improvements with behavior, attitude and work ethic. I encouraged each one to set a goal to do better this quarter with completing assignments, turning in work, and studying for every and all quizzes and assessments, not only in math, but each subject. Most students reflected that they know they could have done better than what they did the first quarter with their behavior, work ethic and grades. I explained that they are the ones that can turn that around and it starts right now. Please discuss these same things with your student.
We are continuing our learning on transformations of a figure on the coordinate plane. We have already learned about translations and reflections. We started rotations last week and started dilations today. Rotations and dilations are a bit tricky so we are doing quite a bit of practice with this skill. Your student needs to make sure to utilize the anchor charts in the classroom as well as the handouts that I have provided them to refer to when solving any type of transformation. I am expecting to complete this unit and give the assessment either Thursday, Nov. 14th or Fri. Nov. 15th.
Looking ahead, the first math NC Check-in will happen on Tuesday, December 10th.
Please feel free to contact me at michellecunningham@fcschools.net.
WE HAVE THE GREEN LIGHT FOR A FRESH START (QUARTER 2)!
ELA WITH MS. FROST:
Parent (Guardian) / Child Communication:
Parents, it is so important to engage with your child in conversation after each school day. Two-way communication about learning and social interactions during the school day will help your child navigate daily struggles, celebrate successes, and make personal learning goals periodically to improve academic improvement.
Sample Questions To Spark Meaningful Discussion… (Each question should be followed by probing questions) “Tell me more”…
What’s something you learned that you didn’t already know?
What is the best thing that happened at school today?
What is the worst thing that happened at school today?
Did you show kindness to someone today?
What is something you were really good at today?
Is there anything you regret saying or doing at school today?
Did something make you feel frustrated today?
Tell me something you know today that you didn’t know yesterday!
What was the hardest rule to follow today?
Which task was the most difficult for you today?
If you could get a do-over, what would you change about your school day today?
What makes you happiest at school?
What makes you the most nervous about school?
What makes you the most frustrated at school?
Who do you partner with to do group work in class?
What made you feel the most proud today?
Tell me about a time you asked for help today.
How would you rate your day on a scale of 1 to 10?
What questions did you ask your teacher today?
What’s one thing you wish you could erase from your day?
Grades:
PowerSchool is Updated and Quarter One Grades are Closed…
Report card pick-up is available in the cafeteria on Thursday, November 11th (3:30-4:30).
Remaining report cards will go home with your child on Friday, November 12th.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please check PowerSchool frequently to ensure your child is up-to-date on assignments as we enter the second nine weeks.
Friendly Reminder:
Check PowerSchool frequently to ensure your child is up-to-date on assignments. The protocol for submission of late assignments is to send an email to me with the titles of the late assignments completed. Please encourage your child to check PowerSchool for missing assignments.
Note: assignments close after two weeks and students cannot make up work after the assignment closes. Students are not penalized for submitting late assignments within this two week period. Again, it is the responsibility of your child to email me with the title(s) of completed work after the due date.
NC Check-In Reading Benchmark 1 Results
NC Check-Ins are interim assessments developed by the NC Department of Public Instruction that students take three times throughout the school year. These assessments are aligned to the NC grade-level content standards. Please note, the English assessment includes both informational and fiction texts that students read independently and the texts students read increase in difficulty with each question given.
This is in alignment with Reading Standard 10 (Our Ultimate Reading Goal): By the end of grade 8, students read and understand literature and informational texts independently for increasingly sustained periods of time.
The main purpose of NC Check-Ins is to provide students, teachers, and parents with immediate, in-depth data and a reliable estimate of students’ current performance on grade level standards for ELA.
During the next two weeks, I will meet individually with your child to conduct data talks and set goals for the second mid year NC Check-In.
Growth, Growth, Growth is the ultimate goal!
HMH Curriculum: Our second unit ends November 12th
Learning Goals (November 4 - November 12th)
Cite evidence to support the identification of a theme.
Recognize the use of and purpose of foreshadowing.
Write personal responses to parts of the story.
Language Analyze how the author uses present-tense verbs in dialogue but past tense in narration.
I Can Statements / Standards for ELA: Student Goals!
(RL 1)
I can cite textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly.
I can cite textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of inferences drawn from
the text.
(RL 2)
I can determine the central messages (theme) of a text.
I can objectively summarize a text.
I can discuss how characters' actions determine the theme.
I can discuss how characters determine the theme.
I can discuss how characters' speech determines the theme.
(RL 3)
I can analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.
(RL 4)
I can determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
Please contact me at annafrost@fcschools.net
BAND with MS. RIPPE:
What a week we had! Our Fundraiser has ended and we raised a total of $6,860! 8th grade raised $3,510, 7th grade raised $1,235, and 6th grade raised $1,845! Great job done by all!! Thank you so much for all your support of the FMS Band Program! I am so proud of this accomplishment!
8th Grade: Nine 8th graders traveled to Franklinton High School and performed with the High School Marching Band! I couldn’t be prouder of them! They were able to have a meet and greet with the high school students, practice with the full band, march on to the football field and perform the Star Spangled Banner and then perform pep tunes in the stands for the 1st half of the game! They all did an outstanding job! Check out the pictures below! This will become a standard performance for 8th grade for years to come!
Next up is Homecoming! The 7th and 8th graders have been working hard on all the Bleacher Cheers and Pep Tunes to be ready for the Pep Rally and to play in the stands for our Football Game! This will take place on Thursday November 7th starting at 5:30! This year the game has been moved to the High School Field! What an opportunity for all the band students to perform there! The students will stay after school, travel over to the high school by a bus, and then all families will need to pick up their student from the high school after the game is over. This should be around 7:00 pm. A small snack will be provided before we leave, however pack an extra snack and water bottle for the event! If possible some extra money would be good for concessions too!
We received our band t-shirts! Let’s show our school spirit! This week all students will be coming home with them! Please have your band student wear their t-shirt on Thursday along with black pants/jeans! We are going to look amazing for homecoming all in a uniform! I am so excited!
6th Grade: Have been working really hard on getting ready for the Winter Concert that will be held on December 10th starting at 6:00pm! They already have 3 songs to showcase for this event! Each section will be featured, they will play a piece as a duet, and they are hard at work on their first full ensemble piece! Their reading of the pitches and rhythms have been extraordinary! I see so many great things for all the 6th grade band students as we move through the years in middle school!
7th Grade: - Their reading of the pitches and rhythms have come a long way from the start of the year. Many are able to sight read through exercises easily, and have more confidence while playing their parts. Along with the music for Homecoming, they have also started on 1 piece for the Winter Concert. I am very proud of their progress!
8th Grade: Reviewing the beginning notes and concepts has been a great help to all 8th graders! They are really progressing well and their range of pitches are extending! This week we will start on their first piece for the Winter Concert. I cannot wait to hear what they will be able to do!
The Winter Concert will be held on December 10th starting at 6:00pm in our auditorium! This is a more formal event. The students are asked to be dressed in concert black and white attire. If possible; white dress tops/shirts, black pants/skirts, black socks and shoes. And if possible boys are in a tie. Red if you have one to show school spirit!
All students please keep practicing at home! 5-10 minutes a night will go a long way with remembering and keeping up with your music! Practice logs go home every week! Notate what you practiced / studied while you are at home! This is your homework for Band class. Please be sure to turn it in on your first class of the week!
ART with MS. CLIFTON
Our Photographers are finishing their lesson on portrait photography. They learned how to take a portrait both in a studio and outside. 8th grade took their portraits and weaved 2 pictures together. 7th grade took their portrait and colored them and then hand sewed designs on them. 6th grade used their portraits to create collages.
Coming up we will be starting our new lesson on Family Heritage. Students will know how to use their observation skills and personal experience to create original art that highlights their family heritage. I look forward to seeing what they photograph.
