THE CHARGER CONNECTION

Happy Sunday Chargers!

We are proud to announce that the Forest Meadow Middle School Counseling Team has been recognized as a 2025 Lone Star Silver Award Winner by the Lone Star State School Counselor Association (LSSSCA)!

The LSSSCA Awards honor exemplary school counseling programs that are data-driven, goal-focused, and aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model. This recognition reflects our counselors’ ongoing commitment to meeting the academic, social-emotional, and college-career needs of all Chargers.

To earn this distinction, our FMMS counselors demonstrated excellence across 10 rigorous program areas, including vision and mission, annual student outcome goals, classroom and small-group results, advisory council, and closing-the-gap action plans. Each application is evaluated using a detailed rubric aligned with the national ASCA Recognized Model Program (RAMP) standards.

This Silver Award is a testament to the FMMS Counseling Team’s dedication to building a comprehensive, student-centered counseling program that empowers every Charger to thrive.

Congratulations to our incredible counselors — your hard work and heart make a lasting difference every single day!

Just a friendly reminder that Fall Break is October 10–13. There will be no school on Friday or Monday, and classes will resume on Tuesday, October 14th.

We hope you all enjoy a relaxing and much-deserved long weekend filled with rest, family, and fun!

Battle of the Boneyard Community Tailgate

7th grade 4:45PM | 8th grade 6:00PM

LHHS Building H Lot

Just a reminder that Sunday, October 12 is the last day to purchase Battle of the Boneyard Shirts! The game against Lake Highlands Middle School is a Purple Out, so don't miss this opportunity to show your Charger pride!

There will not be shirts for sale at the game. Purchase Here!

With performances by our band and cheerleaders, it’s like middle school homecoming! Fun for the whole family, all grades are welcome.

Our 6th grade choir has been hard at work preparing for their upcoming Fall Concert, and the excitement is building! Under the direction of Mrs.Velez, students have been practicing with energy, teamwork, and beautiful harmonies that are sure to impress.

Their dedication and enthusiasm in rehearsals truly shine — we can’t wait to see them take the stage and share their hard work with families and friends. Stay tuned for performance details and come out to support our talented Charger singers!

Our FMMS Band has been hard at work perfecting their sound, and the progress is music to our ears! Under the direction of Ms, Brue, students have been fine-tuning their tone, timing, and teamwork — showing incredible growth each day.

From early morning rehearsals to after-school practice sessions, our Charger musicians are demonstrating commitment, focus, and passion for their craft. We can’t wait to see (and hear!) all their hard work come to life in upcoming performances!

Our talented FMMS Orchestra students are busy preparing for their upcoming concert, and the sounds coming from the orchestra room are nothing short of inspiring! Under the direction of Ms. Taeger, students are refining their technique, strengthening ensemble balance, and working together to create beautiful, cohesive performances.

Their dedication, focus, and love of music shine through each rehearsal. We can’t wait to see them take the stage and share the results of their hard work and passion for music!

Our Chargers brought the creativity and the laughs for Anything But a Backpack Day! From laundry baskets and shopping carts to coolers, strollers, and even toy wagons — our students found the most imaginative ways to carry their supplies for the day.

The hallways were full of smiles, school spirit, and plenty of Charger pride as everyone showed off their clever “backpacks.” We love seeing our students’ personalities shine through in fun traditions like this — what a great reminder that learning (and laughter!) go hand in hand at FMMS!

Our Quarter 1 Glow Rally was a bright success! ⚡💙 Students and staff filled the gym with energy, laughter, and school spirit as we celebrated a great start to the year under the glow of neon lights and Charger pride!

From glowing outfits to spirited cheers, our Chargers brought the fun and showed what it means to work hard, play hard, and shine together. It was the perfect way to wrap up the first nine weeks and head into Fall Break on a high note!

We’re so proud of our students and staff for making FMMS such a fun and vibrant place to learn and grow! ✨

Our Lady Chargers Cross Country Team hit the trails at Huffines Park this week and represented FMMS with incredible determination and Charger pride! Each runner showed grit, teamwork, and perseverance as they powered through the course and supported one another every step of the way.

We are so proud of their hard work, sportsmanship, and the way they continue to grow stronger each race. Way to go, Lady Chargers — you make us proud!

What a game! Our Charger Football Team brought the energy and teamwork in this week’s matchup against Liberty Junior High, earning an impressive 44–0 victory! 💪⚡

Both offense and defense came ready to play, showcasing discipline, grit, and Charger pride from the first whistle to the last. A huge congratulations to our players and coaches for their hard work, preparation, and sportsmanship on and off the field.

Way to go, Chargers — you continue to make FMMS proud!

Congratulations to Will Oswalt, named Defensive Player of the Game, and Brock Grundy, named Offensive Player of the Game, for their outstanding performances in the 8th grade boys’ 44–0 victory over Liberty Junior High! 🏈💪

Week of October 13th

Monday, October 13th

• No School - Fall Break

Tuesday, October 14th

• A-Day
• FMMS Football vs. Richarson West @ Eagle Mustang Stadium
• 5:30 - 7th Grade
• 7:00 - 8th Grade
• 7:00 pm, LH Area Fall Choir Concert, LHHS L-Auditorium

Wednesday, October 15th

• B-Day
• 6:00 pm, FMMS Fall Hauntcert, FM Large Gym
• 7:00 pm - FMMS 7th Grade B-Team Game vs. LHMS Red @ BHS

Thursday, October 16th

• A-Day
• Minion Day
• 5:30, FMMS Volleyball vs. Parkhill JH
• 7th @ PHJH
• 8th @ FMMS

Friday, October 17th

• B-Day
• 4:00 pm - Wyldlife in the Cafe

Saturday, October 18th

• 9:00-12:00, Saturday School
• 6-8 Reading and Math

Looking Ahead - Mark your Calendars

October 28th - Battle of the Boneyard Rally & Football Game

November 3rd - Student Holiday

November 4th - Student Holiday

November 8-9, Market in the Meadow

November 12th - 6th Grade to the Dallas Opera

November 15th - Saturday School

November 24-28, Thanksgiving Break

Reminder....all 6th grade students will participate in two field trips this year:

• November 12th - Dallas Opera Field Trip Cost: $2.00/student (blue permission slip)
• November 20th- Dallas Holocaust Field Trip at no cost (yellow permission slip)
• For this field trip, please select a Sack Lunch if needed

Unity Day, started by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in October 2011, is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month.

This is a day when we can come together to send a visible message of building commUNITY through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. The call to action is simple: wear and share the color orange.

This vibrant statement becomes a conversation starter, showing support for students who have been bullied and for bullying prevention.

We’re excited to celebrate Red Ribbon Week together from October 27–31! This week is all about making healthy choices, standing strong against drug use, and showing school spirit with fun dress-up days.

Why Red Ribbon Week?
It’s a nationwide campaign that encourages students to make positive, drug-free choices and focus on mental and physical health.

Dress-Up Days:
Each day will have a special theme to remind us about making good choices—check out the attached schedule!

Stay up to date with the latest news, announcements, and events from Forest Meadow Middle School—your hub for all things Charger Nation!

ACT (Artists of Christian Talent) is excited to present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! and is looking for students in grades 7–12 who are interested in being part of the cast.

• Registration Opens: October 1

• Auditions: November 9, 3–7 p.m.

• Callbacks: November 11, 6–9 p.m.

• Rehearsals: Begin in January

• Performances: 5 shows in early February

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to showcase your talent and be part of a classic musical production where our very own Theatre Director, Ms. Williams will be the director!

👉 Visit ACTLHUMC.com for more information.

Come shop and join the fun with the Highlandettes on Monday, October 13th from 1:00–3:00 PM in the LHHS Hub!

Enjoy delicious Chicken Salad Chick pre-orders (order by Oct 12) and treat yourself to fresh popcorn from Pop Pop Popcorn Truck after the Show-Offs performance.

Shop local vendors, grab lunch, and support the Highlandettes—all in one stop!

Order Chicken Salad Chick here »

Join us for a night of music and community at the Lake Highlands Area Fall Concert on Tuesday, October 14th at 7:00 PM in the Lake Highlands High School Auditorium (9449 Church Road).

This special evening will feature the choirs from FMMS, LHMS, and LHHS coming together to showcase their incredible talent and teamwork. Admission is free, so bring your family and friends to enjoy the beautiful harmonies of our Lake Highlands singers!

Let’s show our Charger pride and support our amazing choir students as they take the stage! 🎵💙

It’s time for our Chargers to showcase their creativity through the Reflections Program! Students can submit entries in dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts.

This year’s theme is “I Belong!”

📅 All entries are due October 17th.
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer for rules, entry forms, and the link to submit entries digitally.

Encourage your Charger to get creative and share their talents!

All FMMS young ladies are invited to join us for the Charger Darlings interest meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in B112. This will be a chance to meet new mentors and learn more about the exciting plans for the year, all grounded in faith-based values.

For more information, students can see Ms. Verdun in B112. Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved! 💜

Are you a 6th, 7th, or 8th grade boy looking to join a winning Charger team?

Come be part of the Fellowship of Christian Students & Athletes! Enjoy food, fun, sports, and fellowship while learning about Jesus alongside your teammates.

📅 Parent & Student Interest Meeting
Wednesday, October 15th at 5:30 p.m.
📍 Room D107

See Coach Smith (H107) if you have any questions .

Charger Nation! Join STUCO as we cheer on Charger Football and Lady Chargers Volleyball this season with themed spirit days!

Dress up, bring the energy, and let’s pack the stands with Charger spirit. ⚡🐎

6th Grade Families,

Permission slips have been distributed for two upcoming 6th grade field trips:

• Dallas Opera – Tuesday, November 12
  Cost: $2.00

• Dallas Holocaust Museum – Wednesday, November 20
  Students will need to request a sack lunch if one is needed.

Please be sure to review, sign, and return the permission slips with any required payment by the due dates indicated on the forms.

Thank you for your support in providing these valuable learning experiences for our students!

We’d love to welcome you to our PTA family! The PTA plays a crucial role in supporting our students, staff, and campus through events, volunteer opportunities, and funding for essential programs and supplies.

By becoming a member, you’re not just staying connected—you’re helping to build a stronger Charger community. Whether you’re ready to volunteer or simply want to stay in the loop, every membership matters and makes an impact.

Let’s make this a fantastic year—together!

Here is where you’ll find the latest news and announcements from Richardson ISD.

Stay connected with important updates, events, and information that matter to our students, families, and community.

Join the LHHS Student Council on Thursday, October 17th at 5:15 PM on Circle Drive for our annual Tailgate celebration!

Enjoy an evening of community spirit with performances by LH Wrestling, The Highlandettes, Folklorico, Wranglers, Lake Highlands Community Cheer, and the Step Team.

🍴 Dinner includes 3 Chick-fil-A chicken strips, chips, and water for just $10 (cash or SchoolPay).

This event is proudly sponsored by Ted R. Hume III, DDS, Chick-fil-A, Lake Highlands Public Improvement District, and the Wildcat Club.

Come early, cheer loud, and get ready to support our Wildcats! 🐾

RISD takes underage substance use, bullying, and violence seriously. The heartbreaking outcomes produced by substance use, bullying, and violence can change the trajectory of a young person’s life in the blink of an eye.

Throughout October, students will receive lessons on substance abuse and bullying prevention. Red Ribbon week will be held the week of October 22-31. The theme for this year is “Life is a Puzzle: Solve it Drug Free.” During this week, HS Peer Helpers and PALS will be going out to some elementary campuses to lead presentations on peer refusal skills (4-5) or present a puppet show for K-3 students.

Secondary students will be receiving substance abuse prevention lessons during Red Ribbon Week, and throughout the year. For more information and to learn ways that you can support your own children in having important conversations about bullying and substance prevention, below are some helpful resources.

• Fentanyl Awareness and Naloxone

• Parent and Community Prevention Toolkit

• This toolkit is a way for parents to learn more about the vaping epidemic, gauge their child’s risk of trying e-cigarettes, and find the best strategy to talk to their child about e-cigarettes.

• RISD Bullying Prevention and Intervention Webpage

• Tips for Parents/Caregivers on Talking to Students about Bullying

• RISD Drug Prevention and Intervention Webpage

• Partnership to End Addiction

Tips for Talking to Students about Substance Use – English

Tips for Talking to Students about Substance Use – Spanish

Have questions about the upcoming RISD Bond 2025? Want to learn more about what a bond is, how bond dollars can be used, and which projects are being proposed?

Visit www.risd.org/bond2025 to get the facts and join us at one of the upcoming community information sessions:

• Oct. 14 – 6:30 p.m. | RISD Administration Building Auditorium

• Oct. 16 – 6:30 p.m. | Westwood Junior High

These sessions are a great way to hear details, ask questions, and learn how the bond could impact our schools. All parents, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend!

‘Tis the season to make a difference! From November 17 – December 2, Forest Meadow is supporting the Richardson ISD Angel Tree. We’re collecting new toys and winter clothing items to help spread joy to families in need across our district.

Items most needed include:

• Toys for toddlers and children under 12

• Winter coats (children’s, men’s, and women’s sizes)

• Scarves, hats, and gloves

• New socks and underwear

Donations can be dropped off at any RISD campus. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for local families through the Richardson Council of PTA’s Clothes Closet and the Network of Community Ministries.