FHTMS Weekly Newsletter #12

Dear Families,

As we reach the end of October, the cooler temperatures and rainy days remind us that the seasons are changing quickly.

It has been a wonderful month of learning across all grade levels. From eighth graders exploring the properties of gases through hands-on experiments to sixth graders presenting on how plants get their energy, it has been great to see our students focused, curious, and engaged in their learning. Across the school, classrooms are filled with collaboration, inquiry, and enthusiasm as students dive into new concepts.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we move into the second quarter of the school year. While year-long and semester courses will share report cards in January, we will send home an exploratory quarterly update in mid-November. At that time, families will also receive VT CAP and Star Universal Screener results and additional information.

We are grateful for our school community’s ongoing engagement and commitment to our students.

Your Principal,
Suzanne Gruendling

Lost and Found Reminder:
Great job to everyone who has been finding and reclaiming lost items! Next week will be our “Up for Grabs Week.” Any remaining items will be donated on Friday, November 7.

As the government shutdown continues, we know that some of our families may be experiencing added stress or financial uncertainty. We want you to know that our school community is thinking of you and is here to help. If the shutdown has impacted your household, please know that there are local resources available to support families with food and essential needs. You can find information about community food shelves, meal programs, and other supports in our area through the link below. No one should have to navigate this alone, please reach out if you need assistance.

Monday November 10: 5:00 - 6:00 Title 1 Informational Meeting (come learn about Title 1 Funding)

Monday November 10: PTO Meeting 5:30 - 6:30 pm Special Guest Superintendent Dr. Clark

Wednesday November 12: Late Arrival 10:30 am Start Time

Friday November 14: VTCAP, 1st Grade Exploratory Update, Star Universal Screener results sent home.

Friday November 14: 6th grade Social 3:30 - 5:00 pm 7/8 Social 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Monday November 17: 6th grade Band Concert at FHTMS

Safety Drill: Options Based Response Thursday 11/13

Social Season starts Friday November 14th! Lots of help from parents needed! We will send out a Sign-Up Genius the week before. Permission slips are required, we will have them available in Advisory the week before.

Flu & Covid Vaccines 💉

As we head into the cooler months, we’re entering prime time for respiratory viruses. This includes not only the flu and COVID-19 but also viruses such as RSV, which can spread easily in school settings. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect your student, and keep our school community healthy and active.

The Vermont Department of Health recommends flu and COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older this season. Getting vaccinated is a simple step that helps protect your student, their classmates, and our entire school community.

Vaccines are available through your child’s doctor or many nearby pharmacies. It’s a good idea to call first to check which vaccines they have and whether appointments are required. Some pharmacies allow walk-ins and can vaccinate children ages 5+. Most insurance plans fully cover the cost of vaccines. For more information visit: VDH- Flu & COVID Vaccines

Families can use Schoology to stay informed about your child’s learning and progress. Through Schoology, you can access up-to-date information on grades, assignments, class materials, and teacher communications. It is a helpful tool to track your child’s academic progress, review upcoming assignments, and support their learning at home. We encourage all families to regularly check Schoology and reach out to teachers with any questions or for additional support.

• Sign up for Family Schoology access
• Complete Family Guide to Schoology
• Family Schoology Login page
• Student Schoology Login page

2025-2026 Winter Sports Registration is now OPEN! Please visit the athletics website to register. FHTMS will offer the following sports this winter: Nordic Skiing (Grades 6,7, & 8), Cheer (Grades 6, 7, & 8), Gymnastics (Grades 6, 7, & 8), Boys Basketball (Grades 7 & 8) and Girls Basketball (Grades 7 & 8). Please see Mr. Button with any questions.

Art Club meets Thursday Nov. 6th. If you plan to attend, you MUST sign up in advance with Mrs. Treston

Bolton Ski and Ride is on! There will be 2 sessions; trips will be on Tuesdays. Session 1 begins January 6th, Session 2 will begin in February. Bolton Ski and Ride registration will begin at a parent and participant meeting on November 20th. More information will be given as soon as details are set.

Lego First Robotics Club. Thank you for registering, this session is full. Lego robotics is held every Wednesday and Thursday that school is in session from 3:30–5:00 PM. For any questions, please contact balmassalkhi@sbschools.net

Tryouts for the FHTMS Mathcounts team will begin on Tuesday October 28. In room 174.

There will also be a question and answer part to begin with. If you love math and can make at least two practices per week (preferably 3) you are more than welcome. Practices start right after school and run to about 4:55.

QSA (Queer Straight Alliance) is an after-school group of students and adults who gather in support of the LGBTQ+ community. QSA meets every Thursday from 3:30-4:30. No sign up is needed and all are welcome to come for snacks and acceptance!

Skate Club will be taking its first trip to Talent Skatepark next Wednesday Nov. 5th after school. We will be going about twice a month all year. Students can only attend if they have handed in a signed Participation Form to Mr. Carlson.

Student Council is every Tuesday at 8:00am in room 257 (Ms. Meisenzahl room)

The seventh grade yearbook club meets on Tuesday in the library until 4:15.

• Sign up for Family Schoology access

• Complete Family Guide to Schoology
• Family Schoology Login page
• Student Schoology Login page