• FWES Friday Folder Materials for Families to Review

     

    Friday, December 8, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce's Video Message

    IB Learner Profile Attribute  Principled: We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

    Social Emotional Learning Competency- Self-Awareness

    Second Step Unit     Unit 2: Emotional Management

    CASEL Competency Self-Awareness: The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts.

     

    Next Week’s Calendar:   FWES Annual Gift of Reading Event Begins!!!!

    Monday, December 11

     

    Tuesday, December 12

     

    Wednesday, December 13

    • Gift of Reading: Bring a Stuffed animal for reading today

    • Share any Action your child or family has taken to make the world a better place

     

    Thursday, December 14

    • Gift of Reading: Wear rainbow colors 

    • 7:45am Handbells Rehearsal

     

    Friday, December 15 

    • Gift of Reading: Farmington Woods Spirit- Blue/Yellow or Spirit Wear

      • Read Together Day- Must have registered with the teacher prior!!

        • 10:30-11:15am- Pre K, Kindergarten and 3rd Grade Guest Readers

        • 11:00-11:45am- 5th Grade Guest Readers

        • 11:30am-12:15pm- 1st Grade Guest Readers

        • 12:45-1:25pm- 2nd Grade Guest Readers

        • 2:00-2:45pm- 4th Grade Guest Readers

    • 8:10am Yoga Club

     

    Last week of 2023…..

    Monday, December 18

    Tuesday, December 19 

    • Gift of Reading: Wear a hat today

    • 2:15-3:00pm 3rd Grade Family Learning Sharing Event

    Wednesday, December 20 

    • Gift of Reading: Pajama Day!!!!

    • IB Assemblies- K-2 9:30am and 3-5 10:20am 

     

    December 21, 2023- January 2, 2024- Winter Break- no school for students! 

    • Students return on Tuesday, January 3, 2024! 

     

    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    Welcome New K-5 Instructional Assistant! We are excited to welcome Julie Davis to our K-5 IA team at Farmington Woods. She joins us after many years of experience in the SAS Montessori program. She is very excited to work with our students and to get to know how she can help them be successful. Please welcome Mrs. Davis if you see her! Her photo will be added to our website soon:) 

    FWES Gift of Reading 2023- We look forward to our annual celebration of reading December 11-20, 2023. More information will be coming home after the break…. But, Friday, December 15th will be Guest Reader Day in our classrooms and we want you to have the information so you might plan to join us. 

    Registered and approved volunteers may come read in classrooms that day- teachers will need to know you are planning to come and they will send more info later…. However, please note the times for each grade level below so you can plan your schedule if you want to come read: 

    10:30-11:15am- Pre K, Kindergarten and 3rd Grade Guest Readers

    11:00-11:45am- 5th Grade Guest Readers

    11:30am-12:15pm- 1st Grade Guest Readers

    12:45-1:25pm- 2nd Grade Guest Readers

    2:00-2:45pm- 4th Grade Guest Readers

     

    Student Code of Conduct- WCPSS Dress Code Policy 4316

    As it gets colder there are more hats and hoodies being worn to school. Please make a note that staff will ask student to remove hats and hoods in the classroom based on WCPSS Student Code of Conduct. Thank you for reminding your student that hats and hoods should not be worn in the learning settings at school. Arrival, dismissal and playground are times when staff will not ask students to remove hoods or hats/sweatbands/bandanas, etc.  Your cooperation and support with district policy is appreciated. 

    Dress Code expectation for head coverings: 

    g) Head coverings (including hats, hoods, sweat bands, and bandanas) are generally prohibited in the school building.  However, students may wear head coverings in the school building as an expression of sincerely held religious belief (e.g., hijabs or yarmulkes) or cultural expression (e.g., geles) or to reasonably accommodate medical or disability-related issues (e.g., protective helmets).

     

    Lost and Found- The collected items have been on display this week and will remain on display for claiming. Please check as you walk in during the morning times and have your child check if there is a lost coat, sweatshirt, water bottle, etc. 

     

    For the Fridge:


                         Gift of Reading Themes and Reading Log

                          

    From FWES PTA


    FWES is looking to distribute necessities to our FWES families in need of a boost this holiday season. Please visit our Amazon Wish List here and purchase directly. The list is set up to send the items directly to the school (please confirm on your shipping address page that the order is directed to FWES). All items must be at the school by December 14th. Please email VicePresident@fwespta.org if you have any questions!  THANK YOU for your support of our community!

     

    Friday, December 1, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce’s Video Message

    Community Focus: 

    IB Learner Profile- Reflective

    IB Learner Profile Attribute  Principled: We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

     

    Social Emotional Learning Competency- Self-Awareness

    Second Step Unit     Unit 2: Emotional Management

    CASEL Competency Self-Awareness: The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts.

     

    Next Week’s Calendar:

    Monday, December 4 

     

    Tuesday, December 5

    • Cultural Arts Performances- thank you FWES PTA and United Arts Council of Wake Co.

      • K-2 Shakescenes 9:30am

      • 3-5 Poetry in Motion 10:30am

    • No Specials today- Collaboration Rotation for 1st Grade with Specialists

    Wednesday, December 6

    • 7:55am Nature Friends Club

    • Share any Action your child or family has taken to make the world a better place

    Thursday, December 7

    • 7:45am Handbells Rehearsal

    • 7:55am Run Club and Where in the World Club

    • 6:00pm Handbell Winter Concert and PTA General Membership Meeting- Cafeteria

    Friday, December 8

    • FWES Spirit Day- wear blue/yellow or FWES Spirit Wear

    • 9:45am Magnet Info Session and Tour

    • Quarter 2 Interims go Home

    • Gift of Reading- Reading Log begins this weekend (see below for more details)



    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    Handbell Concert- Thursday, December 7th after PTA meeting (please arrive by 6 pm)- ALL FAMILIES INVITED!!!

    Join Mr. Jones our music teacher and the FWES Ringers for their Winter Concert in the cafeteria. They have been working throughout the fall before school to learn and prepare to share their learning. While families of our ringers will be attending, all families and students are invited to attend. Please arrive by 6pm as there will be a very short PTA meeting and the concert will begin when that meeting is over- and it will prevent the distraction of late arrivals for our ringers:) 

    FWES Gift of Reading 2023- We look forward to our annual celebration of reading December 11-20, 2023. More information will be coming home after the break…. But, Friday, December 15th will be Guest Reader Day in our classrooms and we want you to have the information so you might plan to join us. *Paper copy of the flier linked above will go home next week for your fridge! 

    Registered and approved volunteers may come read in classrooms that day- teachers will need to know you are planning to come and they will send more info later…. However, please note the times for each grade level below so you can plan your schedule if you want to come read: 

    10:30-11:15am- Pre K, Kindergarten and 3rd Grade Guest Readers

    11:00-11:45am- 5th Grade Guest Readers

    11:30am-12:15pm- 1st Grade Guest Readers

    12:45-1:25pm- 2nd Grade Guest Readers

    2:00-2:45pm- 4th Grade Guest Readers

     

    If you want to join us but are not yet a registered volunteer- please use this link to register as soon as possible so you might be processed prior to the event! 

    WCPSS Volunteering



    For the Fridge:


    December Newsletter  




    FWES PTA Information

    • Our December Newsletter is here!

    • Priority Spirit Rock reservations:

      • Spirit Rock calendar opens for the rest of the year on Dec 1.

      • PTA members will be able to reserve the rock Dec 1 - Dec 8: so join now!

      • Everyone else can reserve after Dec 8.

      • Spirit Rock can be reserved at: fwespta.org/spiritrock 

    • It’s getting Chilly! Get your stuff from Lost and Found!

    • Spirit Day at Duck Donuts and Donuts w/PTA!

      • Spirit Day at Duck Donuts this Friday all day. Let them know you're with us!

      • PTA board will be available to chat 4-5PM.

    • Dec 7 @6:00PM: PTA General Body Meeting and Handbells Concert

      • We will have our General Body meeting right before the Handbells concert

      • We will vote on budget changes and review the year so far. It's important to have a quorum to pass the proposed budget changes, so please plan to be there at 6!

      • We will also have lost and found coat racks rolled out after school hours on this day as well!

    • Teacher Wishlists holiday guide is here.

    • Join the PTA: fwespta.memberhub.com

    PTA needs you! PTA has a few open positions. Please visit fwespta.org/home/volunteer/volunteer-now

     

    Friday, November 17, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce’s Video Message

    Community Focus: 

    IB Learner Profile- Reflective

    IB Learner Profile Attribute  Reflective: We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

     

    Social Emotional Learning Competency- Self-Awareness

    Second Step Unit     Unit 2: Emotional Management

    CASEL Competency Self-Awareness: The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts.

     

    Next Week’s Event Calendar: 

    Saturday, November 18

    Monday, November 20

    • Last day of book fair- until 12:00noon

    Tuesday, November 21

    • 7:35am School Improvement Team Quarterly Review

    Wednesday, November 22-Friday, November 24

    • Share any Action your child or family has taken to make the world a better place



    The Week AFTER Thanksgiving….

    Monday, November 27

    • 3rd Grade Trip to Historic Oak View- Flanigan, Dula and Thompson

      • Be on time so you don’t miss the bus!!!!

    Tuesday, November 28

     

    Wednesday, November 29

    • Share any Action your child or family has taken to make the world a better place

    Thursday, November 30

    • 7:45am Handbells Rehearsal

    • Kindergarten Dental Screenings during the day

    • 6:00-7:30pm- FWES PTA Sponsored Family Academy Event

      • 6:00-6:30pm Light Pizza Dinner provided

      • 6:30-7:15pm Presentation:  Identify Bullying and Protect Your Child Against It

      • Childcare from Cary Teen Council for elementary age students available

      • Information about middle school magnet application process will also be available for 5th grade families in attendance

    Friday, December 1 

    • College Shirt Day

    • 7:45am PTA Board Meeting

    • 8:30am FWES Walk to School Day- meet at Kildaire Plaza

     

    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    FWES Gift of Reading 2023- We look forward to our annual celebration of reading December 11-20, 2023. More information will be coming home after the break…. But, Friday, December 15th will be Guest Reader Day in our classrooms and we want you to have the information so you might plan to join us. 

    Registered and approved volunteers may come read in classrooms that day- teachers will need to know you are planning to come and they will send more info later…. However, please note the times for each grade level below so you can plan your schedule if you want to come read: 

    Friday, December 15, 2023

    10:30-11:15am- Pre K, Kindergarten and 3rd Grade Guest Readers

    11:00-11:45am- 5th Grade Guest Readers

    11:30am-12:15pm- 1st Grade Guest Readers

    12:45-1:25pm- 2nd Grade Guest Readers

    2:00-2:45pm- 4th Grade Guest Readers

     

    If you want to join us but are not yet a registered volunteer- please use this link to register as soon as possible so you might be processed prior to the event! 

    WCPSS Volunteering



    FWES PTA Information

    • Our November Newsletter is here!

    • Spirit Wear Presale going on: HEAD OVER HERE TO ORDER

    • Parent Workshop on Nov 30 (6:00PM onwards). Details here!

      • Topic: Identify Bullying and Protect Your Child Against It

      • Dinner and childcare for elementary age children will be provided

      • Assistance with Middle School Magnet application available.

      • RSVP here: bit.ly/fwesws

    • THANK YOU! For your support during FunRun. We raised over $35,000. All the stats are here!

     

     

    DEI & Advocacy (All updates here):

    DEI: 

    As Native American Heritage Month continues, learn more about Native Peoples living in North Carolina: https://www.doa.nc.gov/divisions/american-indian-affairs/nc-tribes

     

    Visit the 28th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 18th at the N.C. History Museum in downtown Raleigh.

    The AIHC Advisory Board emphasizes visibility: Indigenous people are still here!

    For more information about the event, visit: https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/events-and-programs/festivals/annual-american-indian-heritage-celebration

     

     

    Friday, November 10, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce’s Video Message

    Community Focus: 

    IB Learner Profile- Reflective

    IB Learner Profile Attribute  Reflective: We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

     

    Social Emotional Learning Competency- Self-Awareness

    Second Step Unit     Unit 2: Emotional Management

    CASEL Competency Self-Awareness: The ability to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts.

     

    Next Week’s Event Calendar: 

    Book Fair begins November 13th 

    Book Fair Family Night Shopping on November 14th and 16th 4:30pm-8:00pm!!!

    Monday, November 13

    • FWES Book Fair Begins in Inquiry Center

    Tuesday, November 14

    • 3rd Grade Field Trip to Oak View Historical Center (Crow, Madden, Quinn)

    • 4:30-8:00pm Family Night for Shopping at Book Fair

    Wednesday, November 15

    • Share any Action your child or family has taken to make the world a better place

    Thursday, November 16 

    • 7:45am Handbells

    • 7:55am Run Club and Where in the World Club

    • 4:30-8:00pm Family Night for Shopping at Book Fair

    • FWES PTA Spirit Night at Sassool (3-9PM). Flyer

    Friday, November 17 



    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    Report Cards Home Thursday: Please check your folder and backpack for your child’s 1st Quarter Report card. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher to set up a conference or send your questions to the teacher prior to the conference in an email or talking points. 

     

    Celebrating Veterans in the FWES Community 2023! Check out the military connections of families and staff at FWES! 

     

    Note: Mrs. Pierce will be completing a virtual PYP evaluation visit of another school on Wednesday-Friday next week. She will work to check email in the evenings but there may be a delay in a response. Thank you for your flexibility. Please reach out to Mr. Beamish if you have immediate needs at school. 

     

    FWES PTA Information

    • Our November Newsletter is here!

    • Fall Book Fair is coming November 13-20 : 

      • This will be our only book fair this year, with two family nights.

      • Volunteer to help! Book fair is not possible without volunteers!

      • Family Night on Nov 14 and 16 (4:30-8:00PM)

    • Spirit Night @ Sassool on Nov 16th (3-9PM): Details here!

    • Spirit Wear Presale going on: HEAD OVER HERE TO ORDER

    • Parent Workshop on Nov 30 (6:30PM onwards). Details here!

      • Topic: Identify Bullying and Protect Your Child Against It

      • Dinner and childcare will be provided

      • RSVP here: bit.ly/fwesws

     

     

    DEI & Advocacy (All updates here):

    DEI: 

    As Native American Heritage Month continues, learn more about Native Peoples living in North Carolina: https://www.doa.nc.gov/divisions/american-indian-affairs/nc-tribes

    Diwali, a major spiritual and cultural event in India, is on Sunday Nov 12th

    Advocacy: On Thursday November 16, please join the Wake Advocacy Committee as we host local sustainability advocate Marla Kasper at 1pm. 

    Together we will learn about the ways climate change impacts our health, and ways we as school communities can advocate around sustainability to ease those impacts. We hope to see you there! Thursday, November 16 at 1:00pm 

    Google Meet link: meet.google.com/dzv-xifs-uit

     

    Friday, November 3, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce's Video Message

    Next Week’s Event Calendar: 

    Community Focus: 

    IB Learner Profile- Reflective

    IB Learner Profile Attribute  Reflective: We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

    Social Emotional Learning Competency- Self-Awareness

    Second Step Unit     Unit 2: Emotional Management

    CASEL Competency Self-Awareness: The ability to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts.

     

    School Psychologist Appreciation Week- Thank you Dr. Megan Trapasso!!

    Monday, November 6

    • Make Up Pictures- if your child was absent or you don’t like your photos (return unwanted photos to have another photo taken)

    • 9:45am and 1:30pm Magnet Information Session and Tour

    Tuesday, November 7

    • Election Day

    • Teacher Workday- No School for Students

    Wednesday, November 8

    • Share any Action your child or family has taken to make the world a better place

    Thursday, November 9 

    • 7:45am PTA Board Meeting- Inquiry Center

    • Q1 Report Cards Go Home

    Friday, November 10

    • Veterans Day Holiday- School Closed 

     

    Book Fair begins November 13th 

    Book Fair Family Night Shopping on November 14th and 16th 4:30pm-8:00pm!!!



    FWES Friday Folder Information: 


    Congratulations to Mrs. Sweeney, FWES Assistant Principal Intern! Josephine “Josie” Elizabeth Sweeney was born on October 23rd and weighed 8lbs 11oz. We wish the Sweeney family well and look forward to Mrs. Sweeney’s return in January, 2024. 

    End of Quarter 1: Report card for the 1st Quarter will go home with students on Thursday, November 9th. Please review your child’s progress and discuss any questions you have with your child’s teacher at your Fall Conference. Teachers are currently scheduling conferences with all families- check your Talking Points messages or email for more information on how to sign up. 

     

    Honoring Veterans in the FWES Community: There is still time to honor a veteran in your family- please add a slide to our slide deck so we can share it with our school and on social media next week.


    For the Fridge (check for these paper copies in your folder today)



    FWES PTA Information

    • Our November Newsletter is here!

    • Fall Book Fair is coming November 13-20 : 

      • This will be our only book fair this year, with two family nights.

      • Volunteer to help! Book fair is not possible without volunteers!

      • Family Night on Nov 14 and 16 (4:30-8:00PM)

    • Spirit Night @ Sassool on Nov 16th (3-9PM): Details here!

    • Spirit Wear Presale starts on Nov 6th! Details

    • Those who joined the PTA by September 30th are receiving a logo drawstring bag. They have been distributed through classrooms this week. If you have not received your bag, please reach out to spiritwear@fwespta.org. 

    • It’s getting Chilly! Get your stuff from Lost and Found!

    • Join the PTA: fwespta.memberhub.com

    • PTA needs you! PTA has a few open positions. Please visit fwespta.org/home/volunteer/volunteer-now

     

    Thank you for your support during FunRun!

     

    Native American Heritage Month starts in November! 



    Announcing FWES PTA Reflections Winners & Runners Up

    Thank you FWES families and teachers for supporting your student's participation in the 2023-2024 PTA Reflections Contest! 

    This year, 21 students from Farmington Woods participated in the school level PTA Reflections contest. We are proud of each student who submitted their art!  

    Congratulations to the five students noted below who placed in this year's contest!  They will be moving on to the county level.

    Well done all!!

     

    Visual Arts Primary-Winner

    Tejas Manchikalapudi 

    PRIMARY (Pre-K - Grade 2) Bulla 

    Title:  Highs cannot exist without the lows!

    Artist Statement:  The leaves are all falling, and they're falling like they're falling in love with the ground. Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year. The leaves will fall, and new ones will return in a few months, but now is the time to admire its natural descent. This consciousness may make us all more inclined to make the most of our time. So welcome slow speeds, practice gratitude, and light a sensory candle. Choose to live in the present. I hope autumn brings a sense of calm, creativity and good ideas!

     



    Visual Arts Primary-Runner Up

    Faith Thomason

    PRIMARY (Pre-K - Grade 2) Siouville

    Title:  Anything is Possible

    Artist Statement: I am hopeful because of magic. This is a magical forest. This is where anything is possible. Even a puppy can dream of being a magical fox, even a girl can make a difference. Magic is important, there should be some magic because our world is being hurt by pollution and magic can stop that and make the world happy again. 

     

     

    Music Intermediate-Winner

    Niamh Romero

    INTERMEDIATE (Grades 3-5) Crow

    Title:  Falls 

    Artist Statement: Falls is a keyboard song. I named it Falls because I kind of fall into my own melody and I want others to feel like they are not alone.

     

    Music-Int-Romero-Niamh.mp3



    Visual Arts Intermediate-Winner

    Nayeli Percy

    INTERMEDIATE (Grades 3-5) Herrema

    Title:  Breaking Free

    Artist Statement:   “Breaking Free” symbolizes my hope for the future because I believe that nature is resilient. The environment is often treated like a chained servant, taken for granted and abused with pesticides and pollution. After a big storm, I found a piece of wood, spray painted the outside to make it look burnt and glued moss and flowers to the inside to show that it is thriving, alive and beautiful. My piece shows that nature is adaptable and strong, you can burn it down but a sapling will grow. Nature will persevere and because of that, I am hopeful.





    Visual Arts Intermediate-Runner Up

    Holden Nelson

    INTERMEDIATE (Grades 3-5) Packer

    Title:  The Friendship Hand

    Artist Statement:  I am hopeful for everyone to be friends.  

     

     

    Friday, October 27, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce’s Video Message

    Next Week’s Event Calendar: 

    Community Focus: IB Learner Profile- Risk Taker; SEL Competency- Self Management

     

    FWES PTA Apex Fun Run Big Event- November 2nd- THE RUN!!!

     

    Monday, October 30 

    • FWES PTA Sponsored Cultural Arts Performance- Carlota Santana- Flamenco Vivo

      • Adjusted lunch schedule due to performance- NO VISITORS FOR LUNCH

    • 3rd Grade Specialist Collaboration Rotation

    Tuesday, October 31

    • Last day of Quarter 1

    Wednesday, November 1

    • Teacher Workday- No School for Students

    • Fall Conference Window Opens thru December 1st

    • Share any Action your child or family has taken

    Thursday, November 2 

    • THE FUN RUN!!!!! (SignUp here to Volunteer) **See below if you want to come cheer on your student!

      • PreK/K/1st 9:40-10:30am

      • 2nd/3rd 10:30-11:20am

      • 4th/5th 11:20am-12:10pm

    Friday, November 3

    • Fun Run Rain Date if needed

    • 8:30am Walk to School Day

    • 9:15am PTA Coffee Chat on Front Porch

     

    Notes: 

    • Next Tuesday, November 7th is a Teacher Workday due to Election Day- there is no school for students

    • Friday, November 10th is the Veterans Day Holiday- School is closed 

     

    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    Code Red DRILL at FWES Today: As we work hard to ensure the safety of students and staff at FWES, we completed our Code Red Drill on campus this morning. Like with fire drills, staff are trained on the procedures and they work with students to know what to do in an emergency. The code red drill is no different- staff know what to do and instructed students what to do this morning. With the help of FWES staff and students, Cary Police and WCPSS Security Administrators, we had a successful drill. 

    During the drill, the visiting police and security personnel walk the campus to monitor where procedures have been followed and any items that are concerning that the school or WCPSS maintenance (like a door that won’t lock easily or latch) can address to support safety. Our drill was very successful today and we are incredibly happy with the response of our staff and our students during this 15 minute drill. 

     

    Family Participation in Fun Run- Volunteer or be a Cheerleader

    • Fun Run Volunteers- Day of the Run- Thursday, November 2nd

      • Volunteers must sign up using the volunteer link and must be an approved WCPSS to be a volunteer at the event. FWES PTA will check with the school to verify approval before allowing a volunteer to assist. 

      • Volunteers will sign it at the run and wear appropriate volunteer badges at all times when on campus. 

    • Fun Run Cheerleaders- Day of the Run! 

      • Any family is invited to come to the run time for your student and stand outside the track to cheer them on during their grade level run time. 

      • Cheerleaders should park and walk to the back of the school by the track and villas to observe and cheer on the students. 

        • Cheerleaders may not enter the school or go back to the classroom wit the class following the run event. 

        • Cheerleaders who need to sign out a student will need to go to the front of the school after the run and follow the building entry and sign out procedures- Photo ID is required. 

      • 9:35am-10:25am- Pre K, Kindergarten and 1st Grade Run

      • 10:30am-11:20am- 2nd and 3rd Grade Run

      • 11:25am-12:20pm- 4th and 5th Grade Run

    Honoring Veterans in the FWES Community 2023- We would like to honor the Veterans who are part of our FWES school community for Veterans Day 2023. If you have a veteran(s) in your family, please consider helping your student add a slide to our slide deck (linked above) in their honor. The FWES Staff have already been hard at work on their slides to get it started::) The slide deck will be shared on our news, the lobby TV screen and on social media during the week of Veterans Day 2023. Please complete your slide by Friday, November 3rd.

    • Note- If you made a slide last year and would like to have it copied from last year’s presentation and added- please email Sarah Naftel- snaftel@wcpss.net and we will be happy to add it again for 2023 (once it is added you can also make changes if you choose)

    FWES Staff Appreciation for Learning by Heart! The staff at FWES do everything each day with “heart” and the desire to see all students be successful. We invite families throughout the year (not just at appreciation weeks) to recognize FWES Staff members who made a difference for your student and/or your family. Please use the link above to share your appreciation. The information shared will be shared with the staff member recognized monthly at our staff meetings (without names shared) and then a printed copy with names will be given to the staff member recognized, too. 

     

    FWES Specialists Updates: 

    Physical Education @ FWES:  

    • We are currently wrapping up our individual fitness assessments for grades 1-5 and setting our realistic personal fitness goals.  Parents can access their child’s data, including past data, by visiting:  https://www.focusedfitness.net/ Use the student’s ID number as the Username and last name as the Password.  Let me know if you have any questions deller@wcpss.net

    • We finished our Unit on locomotor skills.  This builds us up to moving safely and efficiently with motor skills,  future sports and games.  We are moving into our Unit on throwing and catching.  Our units of study are progressive and developmental.  To be successful students need LOTS of practice.   K-1 underhand throw and catch.  Grades 2-5 overhand throw and catch.  Grade 4 always works to add in opposition to skill so they play 2v1 in small group setting while grade 5 prepares for team play in middle school by playing 2v2 in small group setting.

    • Upcoming Unit:  Soccer related skills:  dribble with feet, pass/trap, kick and punt.

     

    Music

    • Now that students have learned how notes and rhythms work, they are learning and practicing how to be expressive with those sounds. 

    • K-1 are learning about opposites in music; Loud and Quiet, Fast and Slow.  They are hearing how these sounds are contrasting and what meanings they can be used for in music

    • 2nd grade is learning about Dynamics, or musical volume.  They are practicing different dynamic levels, Forte, Piano, and Mezzo, and they are learning about where these terms came from and their history.

    • 3rd grade is expanding on Dynamics, learning Fortissimo, Mezzo Piano, Mezzo Forte, and Pianissimo.  They are also learning the musical words for different tempos, which are the speeds of music.

    • 4th and 5th graders are responding to gestures of a conductor and discerning what dynamics and tempos the conductor is showing with their motions.  They are also inferring what messages or meaning the music conveys with certain dynamics or tempos. 

     

    Español

    Kinder:  We’ve been practicing greetings, colors, numbers, reading simple stories, and commands. During HHM we learned about some of the Spanish-speaking countries.  We are currently working with Oso Pardo, Que ves ahi? Brown Bear, What Do You See?   

    Watch at home for extra practice HERE.

     1st:  Reviewing so far in class:  numbers (Counting by 10s.) , calendar, colors, commands.  We are starting to practice weather,  questions about name, age, birthday, origin, and family members. During HHM, we learned about some Spanish-speaking countries.

    2nd: Reviewing so far:  greetings, questions, calendar, colors, Counting by 10s and 5s.  During HHM, we learned about some Spanish-speaking countries.  We are now practicing questions about self, age, origin, where you live, eye and hair color, family.

    3rd:  So far we’ve been practicing calendar, numbers to 1,000, counting by 100s/10s/5s, and Spanish-speaking countries’ geography.  We are currently practicing the alphabet, questions, and learning about El Dia de los Muertos.

    4th:  So far we’ve been practicing numbers in context, asking questions, counting by 100s, 5s, 10s.  We’ve also learned about all Spanish-speaking countries and are currently starting to learn about El Dia de los Muertos.

    5th:  So far we’ve been practicing questions to ask for personal information, learning about Spanish-speaking countries and famous people who have contributed to our society.   We also practiced and memorized Spanish-speaking countries’ capitals and the continents.  We are currently learning about El Dia de los Muertos and practicing occupation/professions’ vocabulary.

    All grades

    Here is an idea to try if you like to bake!  Pan de Muerto is a staple at many Mexican celebrations this time of the year.  Here is an easy  Pan de Muerto recipe  to make with your child.

     

    Chinese:

    Kinder: We are learning numbers up to 12 and 6 colors. Also the facts on panda bears.

    1st and 2nd Grade: We just finished the days of the week and moved on to the names of each 12 months.

    3rd to 5th grade: Learn about Asian Games hosted in China as well as 12 sports names. Also the preferences for certain sports. 

    FWES PTA Information

    Week of October 23 - October 27

     

    Advocacy:

    WCPSS strategic plan release can be found at: wcpss.net/strategic-plan

    The Board Advisory Committee FWES hosted in October provided an overview of the plan. Parents should note there is a way to offer feedback and ask questions, at : my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/473295754/welcome

    Local elections on Tuesday, November 7, 2023: Please Vote! Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Morrisville, Wake Forest, Wendell & Zebulon Municipal Elections

    DEI:

    October is LGBTQ History Month, it is National Disability Awareness Month

     

     

     

    Friday, October 20, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce’s Video Message

    Next Week’s Event Calendar: 

    Community Lesson Focus Areas: 

    IB Learner Profile- Risk Taker

    IB Learner Profile Attribute  Risk-Taker: We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change

     

    Social Emotional Learning Competency- Self Management

    Second Step Unit     Unit 1: Growth Mindset & Goal Setting

    CASEL Competency Self-Management: The abilities to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations and to achieve goals and aspirations.



    FWES PTA Apex Fun Run Begins through November 3rd! 

    Monday, October 23 

    • Apex Fun Run begins at FWES! 

    Tuesday, October 24

    • 9:45am Magnet Info Session and School Tour 

    Wednesday, October 25

    • 9:30am 3rd Grade Cog At Testing

    • 2nd Grade Trip to Museum of Natural Sciences

    Thursday, October 26

    • 7:45am Handbell Rehearsal 

    • 9:30am 3rd Grade Cog At Testing

    Friday, October 27

    • 9:30am 3rd Grade Cog At Testing

    • Spirit Night at Panera- Kildaire Farm Rd- 4-8pm 25% goes to FWES PTA

    • FWES PTA Trunk or Treat- 6-7pm- FWES Parking Lot! 

    Note- Next Week- Wednesday, November 1st is a Teacher Workday- No School for Students



    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    FWES Staff Appreciation for Learning by Heart! The staff at FWES do everything each day with “heart” and the desire to see all students be successful. We invite families throughout the year (not just at appreciation weeks) to recognize FWES Staff members who made a difference for your student and/or your family. Please use the link above to share your appreciation. The information shared will be shared with the staff member recognized monthly at our staff meetings (without names shared) and then a printed copy with names will be given to the staff member recognized, too. 

     

    Honoring Veterans in the FWES Community 2023- We would like to honor the Veterans who are part of our FWES school community for Veterans Day 2023. If you have a veteran(s) in your family, please consider helping your student add a slide to our slide deck (linked above) in their honor. The FWES Staff have already been hard at work on their slides to get it started::) The slide deck will be shared on our news, the lobby TV screen and on social media during the week of Veterans Day 2023. Please complete your slide by Friday, November 3rd.

    • Note- If you made a slide last year and would like to have it copied from last year’s presentation and added- please email Sarah Naftel- snaftel@wcpss.net and we will be happy to add it again for 2023 (once it is added you can also make changes if you choose)

     

    Trunk or Treat- Treats: 

    FWES PTA is sponsoring Trunk or Treat and inviting families to donate treats (candy or prize box type items) to make sure there is plenty for everyone at the very well attended event. Your student can “feed the monster” at school with your donations- Thank you! 




     

     

     

    Read to Achieve NC Legislation (for K-3 families with a focus on 3rd grade

    Read to Achieve is the NC Law requiring students to be reading on grade level by the end of 3rd grade or face possible retention. Information about the legislation was shared on October 12th at Family Partnership Night and is linked below for your review if you were unable to attend the session. 

    Along with the presentation shared, there was a handout with information and QR codes to provide families with additional information. If you are looking for things to practice reading skills with your student at home- be sure to check out the mClass Home Connect website that will provide you with games and activities to do at home related to reading. 





    For the Fridge- paper documents included in your student’s folder





    FWES PTA Information

     

    Friday, October 13, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce’s Video Message

    Next Week’s Event Calendar: 

    Community Focus: IB Learner Profile- Risk Taker; SEL Competency- Self Management

     

    Bullying Prevention Month- Instead of being a bully, be a hero and be a BEAR at FWES! 

    Bullying Prevention Spirit Week- October 16-20th

     

    Monday, October 16 

    •  B- Be a friend- play with someone new at Recess

    Tuesday, October 17 

    • E-Everyone matters, Wear mix & match colors and patterns

    Wednesday, October 18 

    • A- All in it together- Unity Day Wear Orange

    Thursday, October 19 

    • R- Remember we are on the same team- wear your favorite sports jersey or sport gear

    • 7:45am Handbell Rehearsal 

    • 9:30am- Select 4th Graders take Read to Achieve Test

     

    Friday, October 20

    • S-Spread kindness, I am the “I” in Kind- wear FWES spirit wear or blue and yellow

    • 7:45am FWES PTA Board Meeting- Inquiry Center (All invited to attend, email inclusion@fwespta.org for a virtual link)




    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

     

    Feedback on Family Partnership Event In order to best serve families- please take 5 minutes to complete this survey- whether or not you attended- so we can best plan for engagement events this year! 

     

    FWES 20th Birthday Action- IB Mission: To develop inquiring, caring and knowledgeable young people who will help to make the world a better place through intercultural understanding and respect. 

    For those who were at FWES last year we celebrated our 20th birthday of being IB/PYP in April. As part of that celebration we took school wide action to share caring and hope with the IB/PYP school community in Turkey that was less than a mile from the epicenter of the earthquake on Feb. 6, 2023. While the school was safe, the entire community surrounding the school was not-staff and families were displaced and they did not return to school until late spring for only a few weeks. We made posters to share with the school…. And last week, the school sent a thank you with pictures of their students holding our posters! 

    The PYP coordinator of the school said in her email to Mrs. Pierce:This was a very good opportunity to show our  students that feelings are the same no matter where you are.. and how precious it is to be an international minded person..”

    Please check out the link to our Action Slide deck above to see our posters and our sister school students’ thank you! 



    October is Bullying Prevention Month- Instead of being a bully, be a hero and be a BEAR at FWES! 

    Our counselors will be sharing lessons and curriculum related to Bullying Prevention Month throughout October with a special spirit week coming October 16th- see below to start planning:) 

    Bullying Prevention Spirit Week- October 16-20th

    10/16- B- Be a friend- play with someone new at Recess

    10/17-E-Everyone matters, Wear mix & match colors and patterns

    10/18- A- All in it together- Unity Day Wear Orange

    10/19- R- Remember we are on the same team- wear your favorite sports jersey or sport gear

    10/20- S-Spread kindness, I am the “I” in Kind- wear FWES spirit wear or blue and yellow



    PTA Reflections Due Date Extended until October 18th! There is still time to share your creativity! 



    Holiday/Party Reminders for Families: Unless particular holidays are embedded into curriculum standards for students to learn more about cultures and traditions, the school does not engage in holiday celebrations or events during the school day. 

    As we approach the Halloween tradition for many families on October 31st- please note that there will be no costumes allowed or parties (candy distribution) in classrooms. All families are encouraged to celebrate Halloween on Friday, October 27th at Farmington Woods by attending the FWES PTA Trunk or Treat event- costumes and candy will be everywhere! 

    October Birthdays Reminder



    For the Fridge- paper documents included in your student’s folder





    FWES PTA Information

     

     

    Friday, October 6, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce's Video Message

    Next Week’s Event Calendar: 

    Community Focus: IB Learner Profile- Risk Taker; SEL Competency- Self Management

     

    Monday, October 9th

    • Teacher Workday- No School for Students

    • Indigenous Peoples Day

    Tuesday, October 10th

    • Election Day at FWES!!!!- NO VISITORS FOR LUNCH TODAY!!

    • After School Pick Up in the Lower Lot Bus Loop due to VOTING

    • District 9 (Tyler Swanson) Board Advisory Council Meeting at FWES 6:00pm

    Wednesday, October 11th

    Thursday, October 12th

    • 7:45 Handbells Rehearsal

    • 6:00-8:00pm Family Partnership Night!!

      • See below for the details about events happening in the building! 

    Friday, October 13th

    • IB Assemblies in the AM

    • 4th Grade Collaboration Day!!! Inquiry based activities with specialists all day!



    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    Family Partnership Night (Bring your Family to School Night)  is THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12th!! Join us for a family fun, event filled night to connect with school staff and learning! 

     

    Voting at FWES on Tuesday, October 10th

    The Board of Elections uses the cafeteria at FWES as a polling site. On Tuesday next week the Before and After School programs will be relocating and lunch will be in classrooms or outside on campus with the teacher. 

    On Tuesday: 

    • Before School will be in classrooms along the outside of the building along the drop off loop for easy access- just stop for drop off BEFORE the porch. 

    • No visitors will be allowed for lunch on Tuesday due to the relocation of lunch. 

    • After school pick up will be in the LOWER BUS LOOP near the playground. 



    Bullying Prevention Month- Instead of being a bully, be a hero and be a BEAR at FWES! Our counselors will be sharing lessons and curriculum related to Bullying Prevention Month throughout October with a special spirit week coming October 16th- see below to start planning:) 

    Bullying Prevention Spirit Week- October 16-20th

    10/16- B- Be a friend- play with someone new at Recess

    10/17-E-Everyone matters, Wear mix & match colors and patterns

    10/18- A- All in it together- Unity Day Wear Orange

    10/19- R- Remember we are on the same team- wear your favorite sports jersey or sport gear

    10/20- S-Spread kindness, I am the “I” in Kind- wear FWES spirit wear or blue and yellow

     

    FWES PTA Information

    DEI/Advocacy Updates: fwespta.org/pta-updates/deiadvocacy

     

     

     

    Friday, September 29, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce’s Video Message

     

    Next Week’s Event Calendar: 

    Community Focus: IB Learner Profile- Balanced; SEL Competency- Self Management

    Custodian Appreciation Week! Thank you to Ms. Anita Stewart for taking care of FWES!

     

    Sunday, October 1st

    • FWES Campus Clean up 1-4pm- Meet in Courtyard! 

    Monday, October 2nd

    Tuesday, October 3rd

    • Last day to share action for Action Wednesday on news tomorrow!

    Wednesday, October 4th

    Thursday, October 5th

    • 7:45 Handbells Rehearsal

    • Paper club applications due returned to FWES by 4:00pm!!!

    Friday, October 6th 

    • FWES Spirit Day! Wear your FWES spirit gear or blue and yellow! 

    • 8:30am FWES Walk to School Day- meet Mr. Eller at Kildaire Plaza

    • 9:15 AM: PTA Coffee Chat on the Front Porch

     

    NOTE- Monday, October 9th is a Teacher Workday- No School for Students



    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    • Note: Mrs. Pierce will be out of the school next week Monday-Wednesday. I support other IB/PYP schools by completing evaluation visits- the required fidelity check for programme implementation every 5 years. I will be on an evaluation team at Pan-American K-12 IB World School in San Jose, Costa Rica. Mr. Beamish, our assistant principal and Mrs. Sweeney, our assistant principal intern can assist while I am out of the office. Thank you! 

     

    • Interim Reports for Q1 (we are at the mid point) are going home today! 

     

    • FWES Homework and Grading Plan 2023-24 - WCPSS policy requires each school to develop and share their Homework/Grading plan with families. Please review our school’s updated plan for 2023-24 and reach out to Allison Williams (awilliams19@wcpss.net) our Instructional Facilitator with any questions. 

    • IB Learners Take Action: To align with the mission of all IB schools worldwide we encourage our IB Learners to take action to make the world a better place. Action can be seen in a variety of ways, but can be anything a student learns and then does because of that learning to improve themselves, their family/school, their community and the world. 

      • Please share with us times when your IB Learner takes action so we can celebrate it at school. Use the form link on the website or here. We have time reserved every Wednesday on our live morning news to highlight student action. To share- find the picture below on our website homepage and click on it to report about the action. 

    • Action Wednesday slide deck- We maintain a record of the many ways our IB learners are making the world a better place. Each time an action is submitted via the form above, the information is added to a slide and the slide is shared at FWES as part of the Wednesday news broadcast to celebrate action and to inspire others to take action. If you are not sure what you might consider reporting to us about your learner- check out the slide deck examples! 

     

    FWES Clubs for 2023-24

    We are thankful for our teacher and parent volunteers who are sponsoring clubs at FWES for the 2023-24 school year. Clubs are an opportunity for students to explore other inquiries that may not be part of the curriculum content covered during the school day. Club availability is based on the adults who can volunteer their time to serve students and varies from year to year. Find the documents below for your review electronically. Paper copies are also in your child’s yellow folder

    Club Descriptions, sponsors and meeting days/times- Please review this document to see the clubs being offered, the grade levels that can participate and the days/times when the club will occur at FWES. 

    Club Application- Participation in a club is by random lottery. If you see a club your child may be interested in, complete the PAPER club application and return it to school by Thursday, October 5th at 4:00pm. Due to limited spots in clubs, late club applications will NOT BE ACCEPTED. The club sponsors will participate in the lottery process and then those students who are “seated” in a club will be notified, along with those who may not get a seat in a club. Just like on an airplane and on a football team, there are a limited number of “seats” available- so it is important for families and their students to understand that they may not get a seat. Applications are saved in the event a student is unable to participate and an additional student might be served in that spot. Paper copy is in the yellow folder. 

     

    Family Partnership Night (Bring your Family to School Night)- October 12, 2023 6-8pm!!!

    Based on the positive feedback from families about this event last year, it is BACK! A night for your entire family to learn about learning at FWES, meet all the staff you want to and have a great time being an IB Learner family. Take a look at the information about the MANY sessions and activities available for your family that will celebrate learning and support your family’s partnership in that process for your student(s)! 

    Included in the packet this week is planning sheet for a family to make a plan for the activities you’d like to do so you don’t miss out that evening. We look forward to seeing EVERYONE for a great night! 

    For the Fridge- paper documents included in your student’s folder





    FWES PTA Information

     

    Thank you for supporting your school through GoPlaySave! We raised 4500$ (which was more than we were expecting). Winners of various challenges will be announced soon.

    Thank you for an amazing turn out at the Movie Night! We passed the budget during the General Body Meeting, details for which can be found here..


    Thank you to all the Picture Day volunteers for showing up on short notice, and helping out!

     

     

    Friday, September 22, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce’s Video Message

    Next Week’s Event Calendar: 

    Community Focus: IB Learner Profile- Balanced; SEL Competency- Self Management

     

    Monday, September 25th

    • Teacher Workday- No School for Students! 

    Tuesday, September 26th

    • 7:35am FWES SIP Meeting

    Wednesday, September 27th

    • Fall School Pictures Today! 

      • Order pictures on line- my.lifetouch.com   code: 

    Thursday, September 28th

    • 7:45 Handbells Rehearsal

    Friday, September 29th

    • Q1 Interim Reports Go Home

    • FWES Club information for 23-24 in Friday Folders  



    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    School Fall Picture Day- Wednesday, September 27th! 

    Bring your smile on Wednesday next week as all students and staff will have photos taken for the yearbook! 

    To order pictures- fill out and return the flyer that went home in last week’s folder or go to my.lifetouch.com and enter code: EVTPP8KTW to order pictures online. 

     

    Family Partnership Night: Mark your calendars for the Family Partnership Night on October 12, from 6-8 pm! Students are asked to bring their families to campus for an exciting evening of activities and learning. You will have the chance to hear from grade level teachers, make and take home materials to support learning at home, and attend special presentations by staff members. Next week we will send home a detailed schedule for you to start planning your night! Hope to see you then! (Link to digital flyer in English and Español)

     

    Campus Clean Up Day- Sunday, October 1st 1:00-4:00pm! Bring your family and assist in many campus outdoor projects- help in our gardens, trimming and weeding, mulch, stick pick up, planting and more. Our beautiful 22 acre campus stays a beautiful spot for our school thanks to volunteers! 

    Bring garden tools and gloves if you have them! 




    New Section in Friday Folder- 

    For the Fridge- a list of paper copied items that you can find in your child’s yellow folder today that you can put on the fridge as a reminders! 



    FWES PTA Information


    Thank you for supporting the school through GoPlaySave! 


    We passed our budget during the General PTA Board meeting. Please find details here.

     

     

    Friday, September 15, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce’s Video Message

    Next Week’s Event Calendar: 

    To stay up to date with school events- add our FWES Public Calendar to your Google Calendar using this link: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=ZmFybWluZ3Rvbndvb2RzZXNAd2Nwc3MubmV0

     

    FWES PTA Go Play Save Fund Raiser continues…..

    Community Focus: IB Learner Profile- Balanced; SEL Competency- Self Management

    Monday, September 18th

    • Kindergarten families may begin joining for lunch

      • Reminders

        • Families must have photo ID to sign in as a visitor in the new WCPSS visitor registration system- all visitors 18 and older must have photo ID to sign in for lunch

        • Families may only take their child to picnic tables outside or tables in the hall- no other students may go

        • Outside food items cannot be brought to share with other students in the classroom

        • Families must only go to the cafeteria area and may not accompany the class back to the room or to the playground after the lunch time is over. 

    Tuesday, September 19th

    Wednesday, September 20th

    • Last Day for Go Play Save Fund Raiser- send in all orders or books today! 

    Thursday, September 21st

    • 6;00pm FWES PTA General Membership Meeting- FWES Cafe

    • 6:30pm FWES PTA Family Movie Night: The Super Mario Bros Movie

    • Spirit Day at City BBQ

    Friday, September 22nd 

    *Note, Monday, September 25th is a Teacher Workday- No School for Students! 

     

    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    Families of Bus Riders- Beginning 9/18 FWES will no longer be using X (Twitter) to communicate bus departure times.  We will launch a trial to use Talking Points to send messages regarding departure times of Buses to each person who is assigned to school bus.  If you are not receiving these messages, please contact main office 919-460-3469 so we can update phone number. Families, please note that during dismissal times we are unable to monitor replies that you might send in Talking Points.  Please call the main office if there is a need to address.  

     

    Learn more about International Dot Day

    Farmington Woods School Progress Report 2022-23

     

    Parent Communication and Volunteer Interest- We are missing many of you in our database. Your teacher will be sending this form to you this weekend- please fill it out either here or for her.... but you do not need to fill out both! It will only take 5 minutes maximum and will help us connect you to the classroom and to our school. Thank you for your help! 

     

    Attention 4th & 5th grade Families! 

    Bus Leader Applications have been provided to 4th & 5th grade homerooms. 

    A Bus Leader is an important leadership opportunity being offered to 4th and 5th grade students at FWES beginning the fall semester of the 2023-2024 school year. Students must demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and social skills. A good bus leader sets an example, is caring, enjoys helping others, and understands that how you say something is just as important as what you say.

    Applications are due to the Counseling Department by Wednesday, Sept 20th. 

     

    FWES PTA Information

     

    Join us on September 21

    • Spirit Night: Get food at CityBBq, and CityBBq will donate 20% of the sales on Sept 21. CLICK HERE for details

    • PTA General body meeting (6-6:30PM, Cafeteria): we will vote for the PTA budget.

    • Movie night (6:30 PM onwards): bring your own dinner (take out from CityBBQ!), and enjoy the movie : The Super Mario Bros. Movie with your friends

     

    Friday, September 8, 2023

     

    Mrs. Pierce’s Video Message

    Next Week’s Event Calendar: 

    To stay up to date with school events- add our FWES Public Calendar to your Google Calendar using this link: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=ZmFybWluZ3Rvbndvb2RzZXNAd2Nwc3MubmV0

     

    FWES PTA Go Play Save Fund Raiser continues…..

    Community Focus: IB Learner Profile- Balanced; SEL Competency- Self Management

     

    Monday, September 11th

    • Lunch visitors for 1st-5th graders may begin today (not yet for Kinder please- we'll see you next week- Sept 18th!)

    Tuesday, September 12th

    • Pencil Box Open 8:45-9:05am

    Wednesday, September 13th

    Thursday, September 14th

    • Pencil Box Open 8:45-9:05am

    Friday, September 15th 

    • Hispanic Heritage Month Begins

    • 7:45am FWES PTA Board Meeting (Open to all)- in FWES Inquiry Center



    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    • Community Time focus on IB Learner Profile and SEL lessons begins September 11th

    Every day begins at FWES with 15-20 minutes for “Community”. This portion of the day includes lessons about the attributes of the IB Learner Profile and lessons related to Social Emotional Learning Competencies. These topics will be added to our Public Calendar and the Friday folder for your review. 

    • Late/Tardy Sign In/Early Dismissal Sign out begins MONDAY, September 11th! 

      • Visitor Kiosk will be used to sign students in and out: We will begin using the new Visitor sign in system to sign in and sign out students from school. **It is a new system that we will be using and there may be some glitches as we learn the best strategies- be patient! We have only one kiosk so you will need to remain patient while waiting your turn to complete the process for your student. You will need to know the student’s name and teacher to complete the form. In addition- a reminder that only those individuals on the child’s birth certificate or added to the yellow card have permission to sign out a student from school. All individuals with permission to sign out students must be at least 18 years old. 

      • Late Arrival/Tardy- We have not recorded late arrivals to school the first two weeks as families and bus routes are getting settled and creating routines. We will begin, however, on Monday, September 11th with the requirement that parents sign in students in the office when they arrive after the 9:15am bell. Please be prepared to come with your child into the building and wait in line to complete the process if you arrive late to school. This data will be monitored by our attendance committee and our school social worker, Sara Levine, will follow up where late arrivals are impacting a student’s learning at school. 

      • Early Dismissal- Students are not signed out from the front office between 3:15-4:00pm due to the high level of dismissal support needs during that time. Families who need to sign out a student must arrive before 3:15pm- or wait and have students exit as a walker at 3:40pm (preferred option for instructional purposes). Students will be signed out at the kiosk in the front office and Photo ID will be required for the front desk staff member to verify your name and the student’s file for appropriate permission to take the student. Again, with only one kiosk, there could be wait and your patience is appreciated. Early dismissal data will also be monitored by our attendance committee and our school social worker, Sara Levine, will follow up where early dismissals are impacting a student’s learning at school. 

    • Pencil Box opens next week! Our PTA sponsored Pencil Box will open next week. It is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays and students can line up to shop from 8:45am-9:05am. After 9:05am, students must go directly to the classroom and try again the next day it is open. The pencil box has small school supplies that cost between $.25 and $3.00 for students to purchase with cash only. Some students accidentally spend lunch $ in the pencil box- so please put lunch money in a sealed envelope and have the pencil box $ as extra:) Expect longer lines the first few weeks and then it evens out:) Students may have to wait until another day to shop due to the lines as we get started- we will work with them on disappointment as needed. 

     

    Friendly Reminder to complete the Student Needs Assessment from the Counseling Staff! 

    Hello Parents & Guardians! 

    Welcome back to Farmington Woods Elementary for the 23-24 School year! We are excited to partner with you and your student and look forward to making more memories and connections this year!  Below are Student Needs Assessments divided into 2 age groups which will help Counselor determine the best services to provide students based on parent and/or student input.  Please know the information you provide is completely confidential.  The Counseling Staff, Mrs. Naftel and Ms. Cochrane, invite you to complete the Student Needs Assessment on behalf and/or with your student within the first 2 weeks of the school year.  The Student Needs Assessment for Grades 3-5 will be shared with students at school as well. 

    K-2 Needs Assessment Link https://forms.gle/4PHNkdSddY83X1mSA

    3-5 Needs Assessment Link https://forms.gle/BRZPCAQQHHu1GWE59

    ¡Hola Padres y Tutores Legales!

    ¡Bienvenidos de regreso a la Escuela Primaria Farmington Woods para el año escolar 2023-2024! ¡Nos complace asociarnos con usted y su estudiante y esperamos crear más recuerdos y conexiones este año escolar!  A continuación, se encuentran las Evaluaciones de las Necesidades de los Estudiantes divididas en 2 grupos de edad que ayudarán a las consejeras a determinar los mejores servicios para brindar a los estudiantes en función de los comentarios de los padres y/ o estudiantes.  Por favor tenga la seguridad de que la información que proporciona es completamente confidencial.  El Personal de Consejería, la Sra. Naftel y la Sra. Cochrane, los invita a completar la Evaluación de Necesidades del Estudiante en nombre y/ o con su estudiante dentro de las primeras 2 semanas del año escolar.  La Evaluación de Necesidades del Estudiante para los Grados 3-5 también se compartirá con los estudiantes en la escuela.  

    K-2: La encuesta también está disponible en: https://forms.gle/Cahfvzk4BfMJzm9d7

    3-5: La encuesta también está disponible en: https://forms.gle/9UebpinSyXwugc877



    FWES PTA Information

     

    PTA first Board meeting (September 15, 7:45AM, Inquiry Center):

    We invite everyone for our PTA Board meetings. Ask inclusion@fwespta.org to send you a virtual link for the meeting by September 14.

     

    Save the date! September 21

    • Spirit Night at CityBBQ: CityBBQ will donate 20% of the sales. CLICK HERE for details

    • PTA General body meeting (6-6:30PM, Cafeteria): vote for PTA budget, learn what we do

    • Movie night (6:30 PM onwards): bring your own dinner (take out from CityBBQ!), and enjoy the movie with your friends (details coming soon!)

     

     

    Friday, September 1, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce’s Video Message

    Next Week’s Event Calendar: 

    To stay up to date with school events- add our FWES Public Calendar to your Google Calendar using this link: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=ZmFybWluZ3Rvbndvb2RzZXNAd2Nwc3MubmV0

     

    Monday, September 4th

    • Labor Day Holiday- No School

    Tuesday, September 5th

    • All Kinders report for 1st day! (Others- please expect some delays during arrival and dismissal- as we went from about 25 Ks a day last week to all 106 of them this day! Be patient- your child was once a kindergartner, too!)

    • 9:20am- Kindergarten Family Kick Off in Inquiry Center with Counselors

    • 9:15am- Kindergarten Family PTA Coffee Chat on Front Porch

    Wednesday, September 6th

    Thursday, September 7th

    • Go Play Save books and info home with K from FWES PTA! 

    Friday, September 8th 

    • FWES Spirit Day- Wear FWES Spirit Wear every Friday! 



    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

     

    Farmington Woods Magnet Elementary Named Certified Demonstration Magnet School 2023-2027! Farmington Woods IB/PYP Elementary Magnet School received notification on Thursday of this week, that while we had been previously been designated a Nationally Certified Magnet School, we have been raised to be recognized as a Nationally Certified-Demonstration Magnet School. The level of our school’s commitment to the National Magnet School Pillars of Diversity, Innovative Curriculum and Professional Development, Academic Excellence, Leadership and Family and Community Partnerships was determined to be evident in our school at the highest level- the demonstration level. As of Spring 2023 there were less than 100 school with these credentials nationally. 

    Our staff, including those new to our team, are committed to the implementation of IB/PYP at the highest level each day. This commitment to our program and the development of our students as IB Learners has fueled the continued growth of our PYP and our students! Please take time to share your appreciation to your child’s teachers- they are the BEST in WCPSS!!

    For our families, we thank you for being part of our work and our efforts to share the IB/PYP with the entire school community with you as our partners for our students! 



    Personal Electronic Devices at School (phones, watches, etc.): The personal electronic devices available now are great communication tools between students and families. We know that many families and students used these devices throughout the summer for communication. We also know that families rely on these devices to communicate before and after the school day about transportation and to share family updates. 

    However, the district policy does not allow use of personal devices during the school day unless with teacher permission to engage in an instructional strategy. Please review WCPSS Code of Conduct with regards to personal technology devices: 


    WCPSS Code of Conduct- Level 1; 

    I-6 Electronic Devices: Personal technology devices (including, but not limited to smart phones, tablets, and laptops) may be used by students for instructional purposes with the permission and under the supervision of the teachers in compliance with the Technology Responsible Use policy.  The use of personal technology devices to engage in misconduct (e.g., bullying, harassment, or threats) may result in consequences under rules in this Code.  Malicious or intentionally destructive use of technology devices or resources (e.g., hacking, password theft, or introduction of viruses) may result in consequences under Rule II-3. The school system assumes no responsibility for personal technology devices brought to school.

    FWES students may not use watches or phones during the school day unless the device is needed for instructional purposes and the student has permission from the teacher. Students should not use personal devices to call or text during the school day. Texting a safe arrival to school upon arrival and then after the dismissal bell texting that the student is getting on the bus, etc. is an appropriate use of devices and takes place outside the instructional day. No device should ever be audible (including vibrating) during the school day.

    Thank you for supporting our teachers when they require students to put devices away or power down when they have not had permission from the teacher to use the device for instruction. Your cooperation and support is appreciated! 

    September Birthday ReminderWe do not celebrate student birthdays with parties or treats during the instructional day. Please read the information at the link shared to learn more about how your student's birthday CAN be highlighted at FWES. 

     

    From FWES Student Support Services Dept: 

    Hello Parents & Guardians! 

    Welcome back to Farmington Woods Elementary for the 23-24 School year! We are excited to partner with you and your student and look forward to making more memories and connections this year!  Below are Student Needs Assessments divided into 2 age groups which will help Counselor determine the best services to provide students based on parent and/or student input.  Please know the information you provide is completely confidential.  The Counseling Staff, Mrs. Naftel and Ms. Cochrane, invite you to complete the Student Needs Assessment on behalf and/or with your student within the first 2 weeks of the school year.  The Student Needs Assessment for Grades 3-5 will be shared with students at school as well. 

    K-2 Needs Assessment Link https://forms.gle/4PHNkdSddY83X1mSA

    3-5 Needs Assessment Link https://forms.gle/BRZPCAQQHHu1GWE59

    ¡Hola Padres y Tutores Legales!

    ¡Bienvenidos de regreso a la Escuela Primaria Farmington Woods para el año escolar 2023-2024! ¡Nos complace asociarnos con usted y su estudiante y esperamos crear más recuerdos y conexiones este año escolar!  A continuación, se encuentran las Evaluaciones de las Necesidades de los Estudiantes divididas en 2 grupos de edad que ayudarán a las consejeras a determinar los mejores servicios para brindar a los estudiantes en función de los comentarios de los padres y/ o estudiantes.  Por favor tenga la seguridad de que la información que proporciona es completamente confidencial.  El Personal de Consejería, la Sra. Naftel y la Sra. Cochrane, los invita a completar la Evaluación de Necesidades del Estudiante en nombre y/ o con su estudiante dentro de las primeras 2 semanas del año escolar.  La Evaluación de Necesidades del Estudiante para los Grados 3-5 también se compartirá con los estudiantes en la escuela.  

    K-2: La encuesta también está disponible en: https://forms.gle/Cahfvzk4BfMJzm9d7

    3-5: La encuesta también está disponible en: https://forms.gle/9UebpinSyXwugc877



    Kinder Kick off for Parents & Guardians of new Kindergarten students: 

    Come and enjoy coffee & treats while making connections with 

    fellow Kindergarten families! 

    Please RSVP by clicking on the google form link https://forms.gle/89T6LwucxTd7bYhc8 OR 

    email the Counseling staff using one of the addresses below

    Sarah Naftel snaftel@wcpss.net or Selden Cochrane scochrane@wcpss.net

     

    Inicio de Kínder 2023

    ¡Venga y disfrute de café y refrigerios mientras conoce a otros padres del Kínder!

    Confirme su asistencia (RSVP) escaneando el código https://forms.gle/89T6LwucxTd7bYhc8 QR que se muestra a continuación o enviando un email al personal de Consejería usando una de las direcciones de correo proporcionadas

    Selden Cochrane scochrane@wcpss.net  or Sarah Naftel snaftel@wcps.net

     

    FWES School Improvement Team Member Interest: If you are interested in joining the Farmington Woods School Improvement Team as a parent representative, we would love to hear from you! 

    • The school improvement team (SIT) meets monthly to monitor school wide data and make decisions to positively impact the growth of all students. See a brief overview of our School Improvement Plan (SIP) here.

    • The team is comprised of members from all teaching teams in the building, our administrators, and parents.

    • The parent representatives are appointed by a vote of the PTA general body at the first general body meeting of each school year

    • Meeting Dates (7:35am): September 26, October 9, November 21, December 12, January 30, February 20, March 7, April 18, May 2

    If you are interested in joining the SIT or have any questions, please email Allison Williams (awilliams19@wcpss.net). We look forward to hearing from you!




    FWES PTA Updates: 

    Learn more about our work in person at our 1st FWES PTA Coffee Chat on Tuesday, September 5th from 9:15-10:00am on the FWES front porch after arrival! 

     

    Our First FWES PTA Newsletter is HERE!

    Bingo Card to get a headstart on all things PTA!

     

    Join the PTA: https://fwespta.memberhub.com

    • Join by Sept 10th for priority Spirit Rock reservations. (Calendar open till Dec 15)

    • Join by Sept 30th, to get an FWES bag as a Thank you! - while supplies last

     

    PTA needs you!

    • PTA has a few open positions. Please CLICK HERE for more information.

     

    Reflections Arts Contest (entries due on Oct 15)! :: 

    fwespta.org/programsevents/reflections 

     

    GoPlaySave is our first of the two fundraisers, runs till Sept 20th :: fwespta.org/programsevents/fundraising/goplaysave 

     

    Spirit Rock reservations open for PTA members now through September 10! fwespta.org/spiritrock 

     

    First PTA Board meeting on Sept 15th (7:45AM, Inquiry Center): PTA Board meetings are open to anyone who’s interested. Contact inclusion@fwespta.org for a virtual meeting link.

     

    Spirit Night at CityBBQ on September 21st: We will also have a PTA General Body meeting along with a Family event.

     

     

    Friday, August 18, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce’s Video Message- 6 minutes

    To stay up to date with school events- add our FWES Public Calendar to your Google Calendar using this link: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=ZmFybWluZ3Rvbndvb2RzZXNAd2Nwc3MubmV0

     

    Bus Routes for 2023-24 will be posted TODAY! 

    Please make note- there are many changes in bus route numbers- please review and make sure you know your student’s route number for THIS YEAR! 

    ¡Las rutas de autobús para 2023-24 se publican HOY!

    Tenga en cuenta que hay muchos cambios en los números de las rutas de los autobuses. ¡Revise y asegúrese de saber el número de ruta de su estudiante para ESTE AÑO!

     

    FWES Open House/Escuela Primaria Farmington Woods regreso a la escuela 2023

    Checklist to complete at Open House (1st to 5th Grade families preview here- you will get a paper copy at Open House to carry with you)

     

     

    Thursday, August 24, 2023

    4:30 pm: Rosters Posted

    1st-5th Grade teacher assignments will be posted at 4:30 pm on the front windows

    4:30-6:30 pm:  FWES PTA Family Playground Picnic for ALL K-5 FWES Families

     

     Friday, August 25, 2023  2:00-4:00 pm 

     

    • Kindergarten Open House

    Rising Kindergartners will visit all kinder classrooms and meet teachers but will NOT have a teacher assignment until the end of the Staggered Entry Week

    • 1st-5th Graders Meet Your Teacher

    Activities for FWES Meet the Teacher/Open House Include:

    Meet Teachers and Visit Classrooms

    • Complete required WCPSS and FWES start of year documents in classroom

    • Medication drop off in the front office

    • Pick Up/Sign up for Carpool Tag

    • Get Bus Route Information

    • Put $ on a lunch account

    • Receive important items needed for 1st Day of School

    • Meet FWES PTA Board Members, Order New Spiritwear and Get Involved

    • Safety Patrol Sign up for 4th and 5th Graders

    • and more...

     

    Family To Do List to prepare for Starting 23-24: 

    • Sign up for Carpool Tag before Open House/Meet the Teacher (pre registration for a carpool tag closes on Tuesday, August 22nd at 8:30am- if you have not yet registered, you will need to complete that process at Open House)

    • Complete permission for Walkers (2nd-5th only) to walk without an adult (closes at 4:00pm on August 25th for the first day of school- will reopen on Tuesday, August 26th and must be completed before noon daily to be active that day)

    • Drop of medication (don’t forget to get updated 1702 completed by doctor)

    • Register as a Volunteer- ALL MUST REGISTER for 23-24 (no approvals carry over from 22-23)



    Parent proposed Clubs Need YOU!  Several parent proposed clubs are looking for other parents to partner and assist before school (8:00-8:45am) 1 or 2 days a month. Please email Mrs. Pierce at awpierce@wcpss.net  if you would be interested in getting involved and helping so she can connect you with the other parents. It is best practice for clubs to have two adult sponsors. All sponsors must be registered and approved volunteers. Thanks! 

    • Dance and Drama Club 

    • Taiji and qigong club

    • Nature Friends



    FWES PTA Updates:

    • Back to school Picnic: https://www.fwespta.org/programsevents/back-to-school-picnic 

    • Gear up for Reflections!: https://www.fwespta.org/programsevents/reflections 

    • Still time for school supplies through Yubbler

    • Join the PTA: https://fwespta.memberhub.com/store?limit=21&live=true 

      • Join by Sept 30th, and get a bag as a Thank You! - while supplies last

    • PTA needs you! PTA is looking help for the following 3 roles/committees. Email services@fwespta.org

      • Campus Work Days and Beautification: A leadership role for this committee (can be shared) would include scheduling and promoting Campus Work Days throughout the year, mobilizing volunteers, and delegation of tasks. This role works closely with Community Garden committee leadership and VP Services. 

      • Teacher Task Team: The Teacher Task Team supports FWES teachers by completing a variety of tasks. They could prepare copies, cut out and prep project components, among other time consuming small jobs. 

    Project Parents: Respond to periodic requests from school staff for simple repairs and projects, some may involve light construction. Assist with the Campus Cleanup events.

     

     

    Friday, August 11, 2023

    Mrs. Pierce’s Video Message- 10 minutes

    To stay up to date with school events- add our FWES Public Calendar to your Google Calendar using this link: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=ZmFybWluZ3Rvbndvb2RzZXNAd2Nwc3MubmV0

     

    Getting Ready for Back to School at Farmington Woods Elementary! 

    FWES Back to School Welcome Letter

    WCPSS Traditional Calendar 2023-24

     

    FWES K-5 Supply List Printable 23-24   (online accessible by grade)

             FWES PTA Yubbler to purchase all supplies for your student's grade level. 

     

    FWES Birthday Celebration Reminder

     

    FWES Open House/Escuela Primaria Farmington Woods regreso a la escuela 2023

     

    Family To Do List to prepare for Starting 23-24: 

     

    Medication Early Drop Off- Tuesday, August 15 through Friday, August 18- Families may bring student medication to FWES for early drop off between 9:00am-3:00pm. This drop off early prevents lines or waiting at Open House/Meet the Teacher. 

     

    FWES Family Student Handbook 2023-24