The Falcon Zone Flyer

November 9th, 2026

This Veterans Day, we pause to recognize and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. We are grateful for their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting the freedoms we enjoy. We also extend our appreciation to the families who support them. From all of us in the Falcon Zone, thank you for your service and commitment to our nation. We are proud to honor you!

2nd Quarter's Falcon Zone PIE (SAC) meeting will be on Thursday, November 12th at Woodmen Hills Elementary. Dinner will be served at 5 with the meeting following at 5:30. Please RSVP below so we know how many to expect. Hope to see you there!

The holiday season brings opportunities to both give and receive support within our community. Whether you need assistance with a Thanksgiving meal, holiday gifts for children, or would like to donate a Thanksgiving basket to help another family, please see the linked Holiday Support Opportunities Newsletter. Our goal is to help every family enjoy a warm, joyful holiday season!

Thanks for being part of our village,

Cari Muresan

FZ Community Liaison

Nov. 12th Meeting - RSVP

Empowering Moments

From Superintendent Smith...

This past Friday was a great reminder that some of our best opportunities for learning come from one another! Our Falcon Zone staff came together for our annual EdCamp, dedicating the day to professional growth, collaboration, and strengthening the instructional practices that make a difference for our students.

One of the best parts of EdCamp is that the learning is driven by our own educators. Teachers and instructional leaders from across the zone shared their knowledge, experiences, strategies, and ideas through a variety of learning opportunities designed to meet the professional needs and interests of our staff. It was a day to ask questions, explore new approaches, share successes, and walk away with ideas that can make an immediate impact in our classrooms.

This is what it means to Earn our WINGS! We build Wisdom by continually learning and expanding our knowledge, Networking by connecting and sharing with colleagues, and Self-Confidence by growing our skills and strengthening our practice. It takes Grit to reflect, embrace new ideas, and continually work to improve, while Integrity reminds us of our responsibility to give our students our very best each day.

Our professional growth is directly connected to student success. As we continue strengthening Tier I Instruction and building collective efficacy across the Falcon Zone, our professional learning days help us sharpen our craft, learn from one another, and elevate the learning experiences we provide for every student.

A huge thank-you to everyone who facilitated sessions, shared their expertise, participated, and helped make Friday's EdCamp such a valuable experience. Thank you also goes to our FHS NHS and FMS NJHS for coordinating a childcare option for our staff! And, we are grateful for the support from Dunkin Donuts, Einstein Bagels, and Renaissance Learning, in contributing coffee and breakfast goodies for our staff! When we invest in growing together, our students benefit together!

Through Engaging Environments, Enhanced Opportunities, and Elevated Instruction, we continue to Empower all Learners to Earn their WINGS. Keep soaring, Falcon Zone!

Through Engaging Environments, Enhanced Opportunities, and Elevated Instruction, we Empower all Learners to Earn their WINGS!

Falcon Zone Staff Recognition

In the Falcon Zone we pride ourselves on having the most incredible staff! We want to give our community a chance to recognize those people that make a difference in our schools and for our students every day! Please let us know who is making a positive impact for your student. Let us know who has gone above and beyond to enhance your experience in our zone. Let us know who is doing an outstanding job!

Every staff member that is recognized will receive a note of recognition and a shoutout in our community newsletter. Staff members include not only teachers but secretaries, administrators, custodial & kitchen staff, paras, etc.

We want to know who is making a difference! Thank you for taking the time to fill out this quick form!

Falcon Zone Staff Recognition - Submit HERE

Tami Burns (WHES) - Tami is an amazing 2nd grade teacher! Her classroom is always so calm and inviting. It is evident that her students feel safe and comfortable in the environment she has fostered and created. She always goes above and beyond for her students, often completing many (so, so, many) rating forms to help get a student more support at school, and takes time out of her day to consult with staff about the best approaches. She is a very collaborative teacher, always addressing problems with an open mind and creativity. I love working with her!

Bethany Camplin (FMS) - During my daughter's 504 meeting, I discovered this teacher has been protecting and looking after my daughter for all three years she's attended Falcon Middle School. Knowing someone like Bethany is there in my stead, someone who genuinely cares about my child's growth and well-being, someone who is there to catch her if she falls... that is more valuable than all the gold on the planet. Thank you, Bethany Champlin. You're my hero.

Joy Kovanda (FMS) - I would like to nominate Dr. Joy Kovanda for the outstanding support, dedication, and genuine care she consistently shows toward the students and families of Falcon Middle School. I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Kovanda throughout the years, and most recently, she has been a tremendous support to my sixth grader. She truly has the students' best interests at heart, and they are always at the forefront of everything she does. What I appreciate most is her willingness to listen, understand concerns, and actively look for solutions. She works alongside parents and teachers, communicates exceptionally well, and makes an effort to turn concerns into positive outcomes for students. As a parent, knowing you have someone who genuinely listens and is willing to advocate for your child means so much. I am incredibly grateful that Dr. Kovanda has been part of FMS for as long as she has. Her commitment to students, partnership with families, and dedication to making a difference deserve recognition. FMS is fortunate to have her!