Fischer News

As we start the last week of October, we also start the second week of the second quarter of the school year. As it relates to education, October can be a tough month as we climb "The Fall Wall." The initial "honeymoon phase" is over, academic rigor picks up, behavioral boundaries are tested, the end of the quarter means grades along with parent/teacher conferences, and seasonal sickness spreads. Fischer Falcons are built tough!

What keeps me going is an "Attitude of Gratitude." I am grateful for our students, our staff, our families, and our community. It is that short, simple list that inspires me to be my best and do my best. It's the same list that makes me beyond proud to serve as your principal. We have the world's greatest kids and adults!

October appreciations and celebrations include but are not limited to:

• Book Fair. Read on!
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pink Fridays.
• National Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebration of culture never ends at Fischer.
• Soccer team undefeated record, regular season champions, and conference tournament champions. What a season! What a TEAM!
• The list is endless but for the sake of time and to keep you reading...

We are now into Band, Choir, and Orchestra season as well as winter sports, specifically, boys basketball and wrestling. I look forward to watching our students perform and compete. I also look forward to seeing our families at these events. Fischer's got talent!

Last but not least, I would like to sincerely thank our parents/guardians for immersing yourself this month in supporting your child's education by taking advantage of home/school partnership opportunities such as:

• Coffee and Conversation 10/9
• Loteri'a Night 10/14
• Parent/Teacher Conferences 10/22
• Falcon Family "Blitz" Week 10/26-30

Thanks for reading. Thanks for partnering. Thanks for your support. Thanks for working together between home and school. Like kindness, Falcon Pride is contagious; catch it and pass it on!

Be Fischer,

Mr. Schnable

Monday - Midnight Monday, wear PJs or comfy clothes

Tuesday - Crazy hair or crazy hats

Wednesday - 80s Day

Thursday - Fall Colors

Friday - Pink Out

Boys Basketball and Wrestling start up this week!

Monday, October 26th

Winter Sports Pictures, 3:15 pm in Community Room and Main Gym

Tuesday, October 27th

7th Boys Basketball at HOME - 4:00 pm game start - Fischer vs. Crone

8th Boys Basketball at Crone - 4:00 pm game start - Fischer at Crone

Wednesday, October 28th

Wrestling at Lincoln - matches begin at 4:00 pm - Fischer vs. Lincoln

Thursday, October 29th

7th Boys Basketball at HOME - 4:00 pm game start - Fischer vs. Lincoln

8th Boys Basketball at Lincoln - 4:00 pm game start - Fischer at Lincoln

Friday, October 30th

2nd Annual Maroon and Gold Alumni Basketball Game - Main Gym - 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Winter Sports are Starting!! If students are coming to cheer on our Fabulous Falcon basketball teams and wrestlers, these are the expectations for all students in attendance:

1. Pickup for basketball games is 6 pm. Please be at Fischer to pick up your student if they are not walking home.

2. Pickup for wrestling matches is 5:30 pm. Please be at Fischer to pick up your student if they are not walking home.

3. If your child leaves the building, there will be no re-entry. Please emphasize with your child that if they leave the building, they will not be allowed to come back into the building.

4. Show Falcon Pride when cheering for our team. All school rules continue to apply at school events.

Monday, 11/2 - Parent Teacher Conferences, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm , 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Monday, 11/3 - NO SCHOOL - Election Day

Friday, 11/6 - Fall Dance, 3:15 pm to 4:45 pm

Wednesday, 11/18 - PTSA Meeting at 6:00 - 7:00 pm in LMC

Monday, 11/23 - Friday, 11/27 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of people around the world and is a time for light, joy, family, and new beginnings.

We would love to learn how our Fischer families celebrate Diwali! If your family celebrates, we invite you to complete our short Google Form to share your traditions, special foods, decorations, activities, or other meaningful ways you celebrate this special holiday.

By sharing our traditions and experiences, we help our students learn about and appreciate the many cultures that make our school community unique. We look forward to celebrating and learning from our Falcon families!

Thank you for sharing a little piece of your family’s story with us!

Google Form: https://forms.gle/PMqUK8AH5QcVD4YcA

Due: Nov 2, 2026

Power of Choice will be here during Parent Teacher Conferences on Monday, November 2, from 9:00 - 10:00am. The Power of Choice coordinator will be here with various handouts about the Middle School Campaign and will have a table near Door #1 . We will also have some handouts available during the evening conference on October 22nd and throughout the day on November 2nd. The coordinator and other staff will be at Fischer Middle School at various times during the school year. Here is some information on Power of Choice, in case you are unfamiliar with the program.

Power of Choice is a substance use prevention program that works with District 203 and 204 students, parents, and schools with 360 Youth Services. Through posters, social media posts, parent handouts, classroom presentations, and more, the student and parent campaigns aim to increase the percentage of students making healthy choices regarding substance use. The middle school campaign focuses on underage vaping prevention and the high school campaign focuses on underage alcohol use prevention.

Our Parent Teacher Conferences are a wonderful opportunity to connect and support our students, families, and dedicated staff. We invite our Falcon families to contribute a donation to help the PTSA provide refreshments and show appreciation for the teachers and staff who work so hard for our children. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference and is truly appreciated. Thank you for being part of our Falcon family and for helping us make our school community stronger!

Food Donations can be dropped off at Fischer:

Thursday, October 29th: 8:15a-10:30a

Friday, October 30th: 2pm - 4:30pm

Click on the link below to donate!

NEW PROJECT ALERT, FISCHER FAMILIES!

Fischer Cares: Candy for Troops!

From now through November 13, Fischer Cares Builders Club is collecting candy donations in support of Operation Support Our Troops – Illinois (OSOT) to show appreciation for our brave service members!

How can you help?

• Donate candy to support our troops!

• Encourage your student to participate.

• Help your grade level win our friendly competition!

THE PRIZE: The grade level that donates the most pounds of candy will win Andy’s Frozen Custard during lunch!

Every donation makes a difference! Let’s come together as Fischer families to spread kindness, show gratitude, and remind our troops that we care.

Thank you for helping Fischer Cares make a difference!

Collection ends November 13!

We are rolling out our new and improved parent volunteer program "Falcon Families". There will be a one week Blitz each month that parents can sign up to volunteer to help with specific tasks that are needed to support our classrooms, staff, and students. The first deadline is October 20th for the Blitz week of October 26-30th. Please fill out this form to communicate your interest in this program. The required district paperwork is linked at the end of the form, as well. The deadline to sign up is one week prior to that month's Blitz. Specific jobs will be communicated closer to your selected week.

See the flier below for more information! 👇👇

Episode 5: Homework, Hustle, and Keeping Your Brain From Melting ... Basically Less Stress

Check it out! 👇👇

Please read the following link regarding Attendance from your District Attendance Committee 👇

See the flier for Thanksgiving Meals provided by Meson Sabika

We want to make you aware of our morning arrival and tardy procedures to help make the start of the school day consistent and smooth for everyone now that we are all getting in to a routine.

Before 8:00 a.m.:
Students who arrive at Fischer before 8:00 a.m. will go directly to their first-period classroom. They will not receive a pass from the front office. Their first-period teacher will mark them tardy if they arrive after the start of class.

8:00 a.m. or later:
Students who arrive at Fischer at 8:00 a.m. or later must check in at the front office. The office will provide them with a pass, and they will then head directly to class.

Late Arrival Follow-Up:
We will also be monitoring late arrivals to school. The following steps will be used:

• 3rd late arrival: Reminder email to family

• 5th late arrival: Final reminder to family

• 6th late arrival: Detention assigned by the front office

Our goal is to help students develop consistent morning routines and ensure they are in class and ready to learn each day.

Thank you for helping your student arrive on time and start the school day ready to Be Fischer!

We will no longer be allowing items to be dropped off once the school day has started. Over the past several years, the volume of items, including chromebooks and lunches, that are being dropped off on a daily basis has exceeded our capacity to ensure that students get these items in a timely fashion. Additionally, the number of classroom disruptions due to trying to get students these items has negatively impacted instruction. Therefore, we will only be accepting items that are of a medical nature (glasses, prescriptions, etc.) which should be dropped off in the main office. Please note that this change is being implemented at all Indian Prairie middle schools. This decision protects valuable instructional time while encouraging students to build essential executive functioning skills and personal accountability as they prepare for high school. We appreciate your support and understanding in this change of practice.

Effective immediately: Only water is allowed in classrooms. If students come to school with Dunkin, Starbucks, or anything other than water, students must finish the drink prior to entering a classroom.

Ronald McDonald Charities

When the pop tabs are recycled, the money generated from recycling the pop tabs are invested towards general operating needs, which ensures that the Ronald McDonald House remains open for families of sick or injured children who need the help.

Little things like pop tabs can make a difference! Pull the pop tabs off of your pop or soup can and drop them off at a participating teacher's container or in the Main Office!

E-Bike and E-Scooter Information for Families (updated August 2026)

As we work together to ensure a safe environment for all of our students, staff, and families, we want to provide some important reminders regarding the use of electric bikes (e-bikes) and scooters (e-scooters).

With an increasing number of students riding e-bikes and e-scooters to and from school, we are seeing a higher frequency of safety incidents on campus. While these devices may seem convenient, they present safety concerns for both riders and pedestrians, especially during busy arrival and dismissal times. For that reason, e-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on school property.

We also want to make families aware of local regulations. E-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks and must follow the same traffic laws as bicycles. In most municipalities, Class 3 e-bikes require riders to be at least 16 years old, and state law prohibits operating low-speed e-scooters unless the rider is at least 18. Riders are required to use bike lanes or remain near the curb, and at night must have proper lights and reflectors.

We encourage parents to talk with their children about these rules and remind them to walk, ride traditional bicycles, or use other safe methods when traveling to and from school. If unsafe or illegal use is observed in the community, parents are encouraged to contact their local police department.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students and school safe.

For more information on the specific laws in your community, please visit the following links:

Naperville Police Department: E-Bikes, E-Scooters and Other Electric Mobility Devices

Aurora Police Department: E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and Bicycles: Know the Law

Village of Bolingbrook: Guide to the E-bike and Electric scooter Ordinance

Plainfield Police Department: Let’s Talk E-Bikes & E-Scooters

As part of our ongoing safety and security improvements, including our new secure vestibule, a strobe light has been installed outside Door 1 to communicate the building’s current safety status to visitors:

• Red – ALICE Activated: Please return to your vehicle and leave campus immediately.
• Yellow – Hold in Place or Secure the Building: No visitors will be permitted to enter the building.
• Green / No Light – All Clear: Business as usual.

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

• Breakfast: Cafeteria doors (rear of the building) open at 7:35 AM for students eating breakfast. Parents dropping off students for breakfast should enter through the West Lot entrance. All vehicles entering the West Lot must turn right and follow the designated directional lanes to the cafeteria drop-off area.
• Building Opens: All students may enter the building beginning at 7:45 AM through Door 1, Door 2, or Door 23.
• School Begins: The late bell rings at 8:00 AM.
• Door 1 Drop-Off: Parents may not drop students off at Door 1 before 7:55 AM, as this lane is reserved for school buses. Parent drop-off at Door 1 may begin after 7:55 AM.

Wednesdays - Late Start Day

• Breakfast: Cafeteria doors (rear of the building) open at 7:55 AM for students eating breakfast. Parents dropping off students for breakfast should enter through the West Lot entrance. All vehicles entering the West Lot must turn right and follow the designated directional lanes to the cafeteria drop-off area.
• Building Opens: All students may enter the building beginning at 8:05 AM through Door 1, Door 2, or Door 23.
• School Begins: The late bell rings at 8:20 AM.
• Door 1 Drop-Off: Parents may not drop students off at Door 1 before 8:15 AM, as this lane is reserved for school buses. Parent drop-off at Door 1 may begin after 8:15 AM.

• Bus Riders: Buses depart from the front of the school at 3:10 PM. Staff members will be outside assisting students with locating and boarding the correct bus.
• Car Riders: Enter through the West Lot entrance and turn right. Families have two pickup options:
  • Continue along the outermost right lane to pick up your student at the cafeteria doors. After pickup, you may exit via Fox Hill Road.
  • Park in the West Lot and have your student walk to your vehicle. When exiting, follow the directional arrows through the parking lot toward Long Grove Drive.
• Parking Lot Traffic: Please follow all directional arrows, lane markings, traffic cones, and the accompanying traffic map. Cones will be placed in the center lane to maintain safe traffic flow and prevent vehicles from using that lane as an exit.

We have recently observed an increase in students crossing Eola Road toward McDonald’s, Starbucks, and BP without using the designated crosswalk before and after dismissal. Although it may seem quicker, choosing not to use the crosswalk creates an unsafe situation.

At Fischer, Be Safe is our number one core value. Student safety remains our top priority, and we are asking families to please reinforce the importance of using the designated crosswalk and following all traffic expectations each day.

Together, we can ensure every Falcon arrives home safely.

🌟🌟PTSA 2026-2027 BOARD MEMBERS! 🌟🌟

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PTSA does so many amazing things for students and staff, and your membership supports the following activities:

- Field Trips

- Fundraisers

- 8th Grade Picnic & 8th Grade Yard Signs

- End of year grade level treats

- Conference dinner for staff

- Teacher Appreciation Week

- Birthday Celebration Lockers

-Spirit Wear

Domino’s Slice the Price

Pizza night just got better! Grab a Domino’s Slice the Price card, score delicious pizza deals, and help Fischer Middle School PTSA raise dough for our Falcons! Every card purchased helps support the programs, activities, and resources that make our school community stronger.

Paper order forms will be provided during Achieve periods or you can register online at the link below

Registration Link: https://register.dominos.cards/55718

Good News Shout Outs from Staff to our Students - keep an eye out in the mail for some deliveries

Kyrylo V. from Mrs. Bitsky

Daharee B. from Mr. Yager

Emma K. from Mr. Yager

Jaylene P. from Mr. Yager

Charlie H. from Mrs. Haas

Ivana B. from Mrs. Haas

Sahila S. from Mrs. Lugay

Raeanne P. from Ms. Marino

Ava P. from Ms. Marino

Mikey A. from Ms. Johnson

King B. from Ms. Johnson

Noah G. from Mrs. Bartelmey

Hayden M. from Mrs. Bartelmey

Janiya J. from Mrs. Bartelmey

Phoebe A. from Mr. Yench

Ridhi K. from Mr. Yench

Emma L. from Mrs. Meldrum

Mikael H. from Mrs. Meldrum

Giovanni G. from Mrs. Hirner

Enoch F. from Mrs. Hirner

Xavier S. from Mrs. Lawhead

Dori S. from Mrs. Lawhead

Aria P. from Mr. Robb

Gwen D. from Mr. Robb

Audrey B. from Mr. Robb

Jack C. from Ms. Peach

Yashika R. from Ms. Peach

Kieran F. from Mr. Stockey

Joel F. from Mr. Stockey

Nakyra C. from Ms. DiBona

Kayson C. from Miss. DiBona

NJ from Ms. Terrano

Elisha A. from Mrs. Myers