• Friday Folder Materials for Families to Review 

    WCPSS Coronavirus Site 

    Food Resources for Students and Families

    FWES Twitter- @fwesibpyp   (if you are not on Twitter- you can follow FWES Twitter messaging at FWES Website

    FWES PTA Twitter- @fwespta

    FWES Student and Family Handbook for 2020-21- The handbook has been updated to reflect items related to the return of students to campus. As information is updated or changed, it will also be updated in the handbook for families. Update dates will be noted on the first page of the Handbook. 

    FWES Handbook Highlights and Updates for F2F Families

    Spanish Version              Arabic Version 

     

    11-20-2020

    Mrs. Pierce's Message (6 minutes:)

    FWES This Week: 

    IB Learner Profile- Thinker

    P2- Gratitude- FWES Shows Gratitude

    • Monday, November 23  State required Remote Learning Day- No students at FWES- asynchronous learning and attendance taken based on completion of assignments
    • Tuesday, November 24  State required Remote Learning Day- No students at FWES- asynchronous learning and attendance taken based on completion of assignments
    • November 25-27- Thanksgiving Holiday Break

    Looking ahead to the next week: 

    • Monday, November 30- Welcome Cohort 2 of 4th/5th Graders! PreK, ECS and K-3 attend daily! 
    • Tuesday, December 1- Picture Day for Cohort 2 students K-5; VA Students Sign up for picture times (see links below)
    • Wednesday, December 2- Asynchronous Learning Day- no students at FWES- attendance taken on completion of assignments; Portal to Choose Learning Setting for 2nd Semester Opens for Elementary Families (open through December 9th) 
    • Thursday, December 3- PTA Q&A with Mrs. Pierce 6pm- see below for entering questions
    • Friday, December 4- Interim Reports for Q2 home with all students

    FWES Friday Folder Messages: 

    Happy Retirement to Susan Moore, FWES receptionist extraordinaire! We want to wish Mrs. Moore well as she prepares to retire from WCPSS after giving 25 years of service to schools, with the last 8 years at Farmington Woods as our amazing receptionist! She knows all of our students and families and will miss helping everyone! She is looking forward to spending much more time with her family and her 4 grandchildren! December 18th will be her last day at Farmington Woods. Please feel free to drop of a card/note, mail it to the school (1413 Hampton Valley Road, Cary, NC 27511) or enter your thoughts here (by December 11th) and we will make sure they get shared with her! Mrs. Moore Retirement Well Wishes, December 2020

    Food Distribution During Thanksgiving Week

    Curbside pick up locations and Big Bus Food Truck sites will distribute two lunches and two breakfasts on Fri., Nov. 20 to also cover meals for Mon. Nov. 23 as all curbside pick up locations and Big Bus Food Truck locations will be closed on this date. On Tuesday, Nov. 24, our CNS team will distribute a four-day holiday pack at our curbside pick-up locations and Big Bus Food Truck sites as long as supplies last. Food distribution services will not be occurring Nov. 25-27.

    Reminder- ID Required for Student check out or pick up at FWES! As we have more students attending school in person, there are times when students need to be checked out or picked up by families. Since families are not allowed to enter the building and we have a variety of staff (some of them new) responsible for check out of students- adults presenting at FWES to sign students out will be asked to show Photo ID so it can be compared with the student's record and we can continue to insure the safety of our students before releasing them from school, even if school staff know you:) Thank you for photo ID your cooperation to keep all students safe! 

    This process is in place during the school day, when students have to go home sick and when a family does not arrive on time for the dismissal process*. 

    *Please note: Due to not being able to congregate students in a central location, if you are not on time to pick up your student as a carpooler (arrival after 4:00pm) or walker (arrival after 3:40pm); your child will be sent back to their classroom to be supervised by their homeroom teacher. Thank you for your cooperation! 

    Families unable to arrive during our required dismissal windows may choose to enroll students in the YMCA after school program on site at FWES. 

    Classroom Setting for Spring Semester, 2021- (January 20-June 11)- Elementary Families Choose December 2-9: Please make a note of the WCPSS communication about choosing a classroom setting for your student for the Spring Semester. ALL families are able to make a choice during this time frame. Please note that at FWES, there are likely to be some teacher and classroom changes based on the choices made for the Spring semester. 

    FWES Shows Gratitude in November! Although there are many challenges that we are all facing each day, it is important to continue to focus on those things that are positive, as we all have many people and things that we can recognize with gratitude. Students, families and staff will be invited to share their thoughts. Please help us fill our Gratitude Tree with your thoughts and wishes of Gratitude throughout the month of November. Enter your thoughts on the link and we will add your gratitude to a leaf to add to our tree- help us fill the tree by November 24th! Students participating in Face to Face instruction are also invited to add their own statements while at school to put on our tree. 

    Fall Pictures are Coming!!  FWES will offer Fall pictures through Lifetouch Photography.  Students enrolled in face to face instruction will have individual photos on  12/1 for Cohort 2/B, and 12/8 for Cohort 3/C with some exceptions shared by classroom teacher.  Fall Picture Details

    We still need volunteers for picture day! Use the following link to signup:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0449A9A62CA57-picture

     

    FWES PTA Updates: 

    Room Parent and Virtual Volunteers

    We are finalizing the details and will be reaching out soon, if you have not already signed up and are interested, please reach out to Ushma Shukla, our volunteer coordinator at ushukla.pta@gmail.com 

    Q&A with Mrs.Pierce

    Mark your calendars for December 3rd at 6pm for another Q&A with Mrs. Pierce

    Please return Question Forms (Link) by November 27th

    11-13-2020

    Mrs. Pierce's Message (12 minutes)

    FWES This Week: 

    IB Learner Profile- Thinker

    P2- Gratitude- FWES Shows Gratitude

    Next Week Notes: 

    • Monday, November 23  State required Remote Learning Day- No students at FWES- asynchronous learning and attendance taken based on completion of assignments
    • Tuesday, November 24  State required Remote Learning Day- No students at FWES- asynchronous learning and attendance taken based on completion of assignments
    • November 25-27- Thanksgiving Holiday Break

     

    FWES Friday Folder Messages: 

    FWES Shows Gratitude in November! Although there are many challenges that we are all facing each day, it is important to continue to focus on those things that are positive, as we all have many people and things that we can recognize with gratitude. Students, families and staff will be invited to share their thoughts. Please help us fill our Gratitude Tree with your thoughts and wishes of Gratitude throughout the month of November. Enter your thoughts on the link and we will add your gratitude to a leaf to add to our tree- help us fill the tree by November 24th! Students participating in Face to Face instruction are also invited to add their own statements while at school to put on our tree. 

    FWES Honors Veterans in our School Community 2020- Thank you to our families and staff members for helping us honor our FWES Community veterans last week and thank you for your service! 

    Library Book Pick-up - Updates Beginning November 16th

    • Monday - Friday  10:00am - 2:00pm in the front carpool loop
    • Beginning Monday, Nov 16th  - Books will be delivered to classrooms for students who are in the building
    • REMEMBER to wait until you get the email from Mrs. Grice to come get your books

    All Bus Riders- Important Information: Bus Attestation Forms stating that parents and children will abide by health and safety protocols for bus ridership.  These forms are required for students to be transported by school bus. Families, if you plan on riding school bus, please reference this link and complete the on-line attestation form- Students are not permitted to ride the bus until this form has been submitted. You will need to submit a form for all of your children who plan to ride the bus during the 2020-21 school year.
    Submit form online | Español

    Fall Pictures are Coming!!  FWES will offer Fall pictures through Lifetouch Photography.  Students enrolled in face to face instruction will have individual photos on Tuesdays 11/17 for Cohort 1/A, 12/1 for Cohort 2/B, and 12/8 for Cohort 3/C with some exceptions shared by classroom teacher.  Fall Picture Details

    We still need volunteers for picture day! Use the following link to signup:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0449A9A62CA57-picture

    Sick Students (important updated information): A reminder that students with ANY symptom of COVID-19 will be sent home immediately and is unable to return to campus for 10 days or until a medical professional provides information that the symptoms are NOT related to COVID-19 through a negative COVID test. This policy has been updated to indicate that if a student shows symptoms at school, the student's siblings must also go home at the same time and follow the procedure of remaining home for 10 days unless a medical professional has additional information for the school. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe environment for ALL members of our FWES community! 

    •  Update your contact phone numbers! Please make sure if you update your phone number that you email your child's teacher the new contact # AND email Mrs. Tracy-Dale, data manager (mtracy-dale@wcpss.net) so your child's records can be updated, too, and we are able to contact you in the event of an emergency. 

    FWES PTA Updates: 

    Virtual Book Fair continues ….be sure to join our google meets on Thursdays at 6:00pm for a special staff “guest“ reader 

    Have you started buying for the holidays yet? Books might be the perfect option and you will be helping our school in the process! Visit our virtual book fair, hosted by the FWES PTA, to get started!

    www.bedfordfallsusa.com    School Code: FWES1

    Don't forget to join us on Thursday nights at 6pm during the book fair to hear guest readers!

    https://meet.google.com/dam-xxvg-tes     11/19 Ms. Binns

    Email bookfair@fwespta.org if you have any questions.

    PTA Reflections Contest: The National PTA organization sponors a contest each year to showcase student creativity and talent in the arts through Reflections. Entries are in various arts categories and around the theme: "I matter because...." Entries are due by November 16th- information on how to submit virtual entries is included on the flyer linked above. 

                         PTA Reflections Contest- Espanol

     

    FWES Face to Face (F2F) Families:  Mrs. Pierce's Message to F2F Families (13 minutes)

    Returning to FWES Slide Show with Photos

    WCPSS Return to Campus Guide for Families    WCPSS Health Safety Videos- English and Spanish to watch with your student! 

    FWES Student and Family Handbook for 2020-21- 

    FWES Handbook Highlights and Updates for F2F Families

    Spanish Version              Arabic Version 

     

    Cohort Assignments and Calendar for Returning Students

    ALL PreK, ECS and K-3 students return on Monday, November 16th! Whole classrooms will be attending daily instruction beginning next week. 

    Cohorts 1 of 4th and 5th grade students will return on Monday, November 16th! Cohorts 2 and 3 of 4th and 5th grade students will remain in virtual learning the week of November 16-20th. 

     

    Getting Ready to Return to FWES!  Returning to FWES Family Checklist

    Review the checklist provided to make sure you are ready to return to the classroom. 

    There will be many things that are the same, but many that will be different as our students return, especially as it relates to the Safety Protocols in place. Please take time to watch the videos provided by WCPSS WITH your student and help them understand the expectations when they are in any school building this year. We will also be highlighting these videos on our FWES News this week, so tune in to see them again:) 

    WCPSS Health Safety Protocol Videos- In English and Spanish!!!!

    Medication Drop Off: Thank you the families who dropped of medication on Thursday and Friday. If you have medication to drop off at school- it can only be accepted between 9:30am-3:00pm due to the requirements of staff to support health screenings, arrival and dismissal processes. If you arrive during the arrival process, you will need to wait outside, social distancing in a mask until 9:30am. Thank you!

    Reminder that all medication requires the signed doctor's order (Rx medications and any required over the counter medications). 

    WCPSS Medication Information and required 1702 Form

    Student Dismissal Transportation Information Thank you for filling out this form or for responding to phone calls and messages last week. We want to make sure we know how your student will be going home on their first day. If you are Cohort 2 or 3 and have not yet filled out this form- please fill it out ASAP.

    Please take time to review the information linked above and watch the video to review the bus arrival and dismissal process with your child. 

    All riders must present to the driver or complete on line- the Parent Attestation Form that provides your assurance that your child's temperature will be taken at home each morning and that he/she will not get on a bus if they are not feeling well. 

    Bus attestation form

    More WCPSS Bus Info and paper Bus Attestation Form

    Bus Routes for FWES- Routes for 2020-21 

    Here Comes the Bus App- Use this link to download and connect to the Here Comes the Bus app to track your child's bus daily

    Carpool and Walker Information:

    Expect delays due to increased number of students and health screening process. Thank you for your cooperation.

    Walkers must be picked up by 3:40pm Daily

    Carpool ends at 4:05pm Daily

    Please take time to review the documents linked and watch the videos about the procedures for both processes. 

    No adults will be allowed to move beyond the screening stations set up- only students allowed on the front porch to enter the school. Please make sure your child is aware that you cannot walk with them. If your child may struggle to separate from you if you are standing beside them as a "walker", it is recommended that you consider using carpool drop off, as staff may not have contact with students to hold a hand or give a hug to help them walk to their classroom. 

    All individuals on campus must wear masks (including adults with students) and maintain 6 ft social distancing. Please be mindful of younger siblings and keep them with your family at all times. 

    Supply Lists for F2F Families: It will be important that due to Remote/Asynchronous learning days, that F2F students have supplies at school AND at home for learning. If you are able, updated supply lists are linked here for getting your child the things they need at school. Due to safety, supplies cannot be shared in the classroom so if you want to send extra supplies for teachers to have on hand for students who may forget to bring supplies or run out during the day, that's great, too. 

    **The one addition for all students K-5th is a pool/beach towel for school. We are going to try to eat outside on as many days as possible and to help students maintain social distancing and provide them a nice spot for eating, we are asking each to bring a large towel to use during the week. It will be sent home with students each Friday for washing and returning the following week. If you have an extra for students who may not bring them, thank you for sharing! 

    Technology Guidance for Families: All students returning to the FWES campus are expected to bring their WCPSS Chromebook- CHARGED- each day. It will return home with the student daily for access to homework and on remote learning days. 

    *At FWES, students without a WCPSS Chromebook checked out to them at home- will be assigned a FWES Chromebook that will be used only by that student while on campus. While the WCPSS document references, bring your own device, we have found that WCPSS systems and other resources sometimes do now work well on non-WCPSS devices- so we are not going to sponsor BYOD when students return. 

    Kindergartner Arrival and Pom Pom Pathway to your Classroom: Our kindergartners did a great job the last three weeks, but not to worry, we will maintain our Pom Pom Pathway for a few more days as a reminder to Cohort 1 and 2 students! Watch the video linked here and your child will just follow the Pom Pom pathway to get to the purple kindergarten hall to find their teacher and their classroom! We can't wait to see them! 

    Sick or Symptomatic Student Information for F2F Families: The information below can be found in the FWES Handbook but is important information for families to review and understand- as the process this year will be VERY different. 

    Students showing ANY signs or symptoms listed- MUST go home IMMEDIATELY. Please make sure you have a plan for how to pick up your child quickly if he/she is ill during the school day. School staff are not trained medical personnel and their first responsibility is to insure the safety of our school community. Students who complain of illness will be treated as if there were an illness present to keep our school safe. Your understanding and cooperation is paramount to maintaining a safe school for students and staff. 

    Update: Siblings of any student showing or complaining of symptoms are also required to go home when the student leaves campus and to follow the same 10 day guidance for remaining at home. This WCPSS updated information was shared with families in an email the week of November 6th. 

    We are experiencing a Global Pandemic and there are no exceptions, except for those listed in the information below that require medical professional documentation. Families are asked to closely monitor students each morning and keep them home if they show ANY signs of illness or not feeling well. The best news is that if a child is at home, but able to learn- we are able to connect them to a Virtual Academy classroom so they do not miss learning or assignments, until they can return to campus! 

    Classrooms of students who have been sent to the Care Center with symptoms will be quickly relocated so the room can be cleaned and sanitized- as soon as all required sanitation procedures are completed, students will return to the classroom. The Care Center will also be sanitized after each student has been picked up. 

    New for 2020-21

    All WCPSS schools will have a Care Center set up in a classroom for sick students to be supervised and socially distanced

    • Students exhibiting illness during the school day will be immediately escorted to the FWES Care Center (not the health room)
      • FWES Care Center is on the Green Hall in a room facing the Green Top
      • Family members pick up students will park in the bus lot and bring Photo ID to the back door of this classroom to sign out and pick up a sick student. Signs will indicate the location of the Care Center as you walk up the ramp from the bus log.  
    • Students exhibiting ANY contagious illness symptom or symptoms of COVID according to the DHHS guide (see below) MUST be immediately picked up from school. 
    • Students who leave school sick must remain home for 10 calendar days unless confirmation of an alternative diagnosis from a health care provider that would explain the COVID-19-like symptom(s) is provided. 

    Students who are not feeling well in the morning should not report to school. Students who do not pass health screenings will not be allowed to enter the school building. With the many safeguards in place, it is still possible that students may get sick during the school day. Students exhibiting any illness symptoms connected to COVID or other communicable illness will be immediately escorted from the classroom to the school’s Care Center. 

    Sample illness symptoms from the CDC in children under 19 years of age may include: 

    headache, 

    fever, 

    chills, 

    shortness of breath (not related to asthma), 

    sore,  throat, 

    cough, 

    runny nose, 

    gastrointestinal issues (stomach ache, diarrhea, nausea), 

    discharge from eyes,

    ear aches, 

    loss of taste or smell, etc.

    Students in the Care Center will be socially distanced and monitored by trained school staff members and/or our School Nurse. The family and/or emergency contacts will be contacted by office for immediate pick up of the student from school. 

    Families must immediately pick up sick students from the school’s Care Center. FWES Care Center is located on the Playground side of the school. Parents picking up students from our Care Center will park in the bus parking lot and follow signs to the outside door of the care center for signing out of the student. 


    11-6-2020

    Mrs. Pierce's Message (9 Minutes)

    FWES This Week: 

    IB Learner Profile- Thinker          P2 Character Strength- Bravery

    Library Book Pick up Monday-Friday 10:00am-2:00pm in the front carpool loop; Beginning November 16th- Books for Face to Face students will be delivered to their classrooms and Virtual Academy students can continue to pick up in the carpool loop.

    FWES Virtual Book Fair Continues

    Saturday, November 7th- 5th Grade Families- Note- WCPSS Virtual Magnet Fair 9:00-12:00- explore Magnet Middle School options! 

    Monday, November 9th-  First Day for Cohort 3 students in ECS, Pre K and K-3 classroom; Cohorts 2 and 3; along with ALL 4th and 5th graders remain at home this week for Virtual Learning

    Tuesday, November 10th- 10:45am FWES Virtual Magnet Tour Event 

    Wednesday, November 11th- Veteran's Day Holiday- No School for Students or Staff

    Thursday, November 12th- 9:30am BOG- Reading for 3rd Graders; FWES Book Fair Guest Reader Ms. Madden- 6:00pm 

    Friday, November 13th- 8:30am PTA Coffee Chat- check PTA website or email/member hub for access link

     

    FWES Calendar Notes for Next Week (11/16-20): 

    Monday, November 16th- ALL PreK, ECS and K-3 students return to FWES for daily instruction; Students in COHORTS 1 in 4th and 5th Grades arrivat at FWES; 4th/5th Cohorts 2 and 3 Stay Home for Remote Learning

    Wednesday, November 18th- Asynchronous Learning Day- no regular live meets; student complete assignments in Google Classroom to be marked present; Library Book Pick Up and 2nd/3rd Materials Pick Up 3-4pm

     

    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    FWES Honors Bravery and Gratitude for Veterans Day: Please help our school family honor the Veterans in our school community. Add a slide about an FWES Community Veteran to our slide deck. The slide deck will be posted for all families to view the week of November 9th.

    FWES Shows Gratitude in November! Although there are many challenges that we are all facing each day, it is important to continue to focus on those things that are positive, as we all have many people and things that we can recognize with gratitude. Students, families and staff will be invited to share their thoughts. Please help us fill our Gratitude Tree with your thoughts and wishes of Gratitude throughout the month of November. Enter your thoughts on the link and we will add your gratitude to a leaf to add to our tree- help us fill the tree by November 24th! Students participating in Face to Face instruction are also invited to add their own statements while at school to put on our tree. 

    Fall Pictures are Coming!!  FWES will offer Fall pictures through Lifetouch Photography.  Students enrolled in face to face instruction will have individual photos on Tuesdays 11/17 for Cohort 1/A, 12/1 for Cohort 2/B, and 12/8 for Cohort 3/C with some exceptions shared by classroom teacher.  Fall Picture Details

    WCPSS Elementary Health Screening Questions: If you have any questions about whether or not your student should attend school, please review the current WCPSS Elementary Health Screening Questions- as long as you can answer no to all of them AND your child does not have a fever above 100.4, your child may attend school. 

    Sick Students (see returning to school section): A reminder that students with ANY symptom of COVID-19 will be sent home immediately and is unable to return to campus for 10 days or until a medical professional provides information that the symptoms are NOT related to COVID-19 through a negative COVID test. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe environment for ALL members of our FWES community! 

    Taylor YMCA Before and After School Program: Families may access program information at this link. Students registered by Sunday nights may attend for the week. Note- YMCA program is housed at FWES but is not endorsed or staffed by FWES staff and the YMCA maintains it's own liability for the program, program participants and program employees. 

    Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22: What? Yes? You read that correctly- it it time to begin registration of students for the 2021-22 school year. If you have a rising kindergartner or know someone who does, let them know it is not too early to register:) The Virtual Magnet Fair on November 7th will kick off the Magnet Application process with final applications due by January 28, 2021. A reminder that magnet siblings entering kindergarten need to register at your assigned base school AND complete a magnet application to secure a seat for 2021-22. 

    Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22

    Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22- Spanish 

    Learning at FWES with Cohorts, Tracked Out and Virtual Academy Enviornments: All students will maintain the same pace of instructional content and curriculum each week, no matter which learning environment. For F2F students who track out- learning will continue, as it has in the virtual setting, when they are tracked out- so participation in live sessions and completing all daily lessons are essential even when your student is not F2F at school.

    Virtual Academy Lessons with F2F Tracked out Students: As was shared with families since the beginning of planning for this school year, teachers on teams are partnering to best support each other and our students. As our F2F students begin to return to school, teams will begin utilizing this partnership in various ways to maintain the same level of instruction for ALL students. 

    F2F teachers cannot obviously serve the students in front of them all day and still provide 2.5 hours of instruction and support to the students who are tracked out- but as a school we want to maintain learning at the highest level for all students. This structure is new to all of us and as all teams have designed an initial plan, it is possible that plans will need to be tweaked and adjusted as we move along. I thank you for your patience and understanding as these changes may occur, remembering that our focus is on student learning for ALL students. 

    What you might see:

    • F2F Students and Families
      • Face to Face Student learning in cohorts
        • Due to the low classroom sizes of 3-7 students, some classrooms may combine during the day to provide teachers with time to reach out to tracked out students for lessons, follow up learning and/or small group work
      • Tracked Out Students
        • Your teacher will be responsible for grading and reviewing your work while tracked out and providing you support you may need with learning
        • In some grade levels, tracked out students may be joining a VA classroom on the grade level to access the live lessons during the day
        • In some grade levels, tracked out students will be taught some lessons by VA classroom teachers or IAs and some lessons by their homeroom teacher
        • Tracked out students will also have times where their teacher will reach out to engage them in follow up small group lessons while tracked out
    • Virtual Academy Students and Families
      • You may notice extra students in your student's live lessons so that students tracked out continue to get the full level of instruction possible
      • We hope you might see a friend you've not seen since last year, too:) 

      

    FWES PTA Updates: 

    Virtual Book Fair continues ….be sure to join our google meets on Thursdays at 6:00pm for a special staff “guest“ reader 

    Link for book fair : befordfallsusa.com

    *This Thursday, November 12th guest reader is Ms. Madden   6:00pm Link for guest reader meet: Meet

    PTA Reflections Contest: The National PTA organization sponors a contest each year to showcase student creativity and talent in the arts through Reflections. Entries are in various arts categories and around the theme: "I matter because...." Entries are due by November 13th- information on how to submit virtual entries is included on the flyer linked above. 

                         PTA Reflections Contest- Espanol

    Yubbler is back with updated school lists!      https://www.yubbler.com/Yub/Details/20659

    FWES Pet Photos! Share your pictures of your favorite family pet!  Email to yearbook@fwespta.org or upload directly to https://images.jostens.com/415464928?fbclid=IwAR3RjtRCNI1-XFwHIIAAbhykh0zwv1AlLW6207XxGpCP7Yatvlllrja9hC4

     

    FWES Face to Face (F2F) Families: 

    Returning to FWES Family Checklist    

    Returning to FWES Slide Show with Photos

    WCPSS Return to Campus Guide for Families    WCPSS Health Safety Videos- English and Spanish to watch with your student! 

    FWES Student and Family Handbook for 2020-21- 

    FWES Handbook Highlights and Updates for F2F Families

    Spanish Version              Arabic Version 

     

    Cohort Assignments and Calendar for Returning Students

    All 4th and 5th Graders will continue to remain at home and access virtual learning. 

    Cohorts 1 and 2 students PreK, ECS, K-3 will remain at home and access virtual learning November 9-13. 

     

    Welcome Cohort 3 PreK, ECS and K-3 Students to FWES for November 9-13! 

    Getting Ready to Return to FWES! There will be many things that are the same, but many that will be different as our students return, especially as it relates to the Safety Protocols in place. Please take time to watch the videos provided by WCPSS WITH your student and help them understand the expectations when they are in any school building this year. We will also be highlighting these videos on our FWES News this week, so tune in to see them again:) 

    WCPSS Health Safety Protocol Videos- In English and Spanish!!!!

    Medication Drop Off: Thank you the families who dropped of medication on Thursday and Friday. If you have medication to drop off at school- it can only be accepted between 9:30am-3:00pm due to the requirements of staff to support health screenings, arrival and dismissal processes. If you arrive during the arrival process, you will need to wait outside, social distancing in a mask until 9:30am. Thank you!

    Reminder that all medication requires the signed doctor's order (Rx medications and any required over the counter medications). 

    WCPSS Medication Information and required 1702 Form

    Student Dismissal Transportation Information Thank you for filling out this form or for responding to phone calls and messages last week. We want to make sure we know how your student will be going home on their first day. If you are Cohort 2 or 3 and have not yet filled out this form- please fill it out ASAP.

    Please take time to review the information linked above and watch the video to review the bus arrival and dismissal process with your child. 

    All riders must present to the driver or complete on line- the Parent Attestation Form that provides your assurance that your child's temperature will be taken at home each morning and that he/she will not get on a bus if they are not feeling well. 

    Bus attestation form

     More WCPSS Bus Info and paper Bus Attestation Form

    Bus Routes for FWES- Routes for 2020-21 

    Here Comes the Bus App- Use this link to download and connect to the Here Comes the Bus app to track your child's bus daily

    Please take time to review the documents linked and watch the videos about the procedures for both processes. 

    No adults will be allowed to move beyond the screening stations set up- only students allowed on the front porch to enter the school. Please make sure your child is aware that you cannot walk with them. If your child may struggle to separate from you if you are standing beside them as a "walker", it is recommended that you consider using carpool drop off, as staff may not have contact with students to hold a hand or give a hug to help them walk to their classroom. 

    All individuals on campus must wear masks and maintain 6 ft social distancing. Please be mindful of younger siblings and keep them with your family at all times. 

    Supply Lists for F2F Families: It will be important that due to Remote/Asynchronous learning days, that F2F students have supplies at school AND at home for learning. If you are able, updated supply lists are linked here for getting your child the things they need at school. Due to safety, supplies cannot be shared in the classroom so if you want to send extra supplies for teachers to have on hand for students who may forget to bring supplies or run out during the day, that's great, too. 

    **The one addition for all students K-5th is a pool/beach towel for school. We are going to try to eat outside on as many days as possible and to help students maintain social distancing and provide them a nice spot for eating, we are asking each to bring a large towel to use during the week. It will be sent home with students each Friday for washing and returning the following week. If you have an extra for students who may not bring them, thank you for sharing! 

    Technology Guidance for Families: All students returning to the FWES campus are expected to bring their WCPSS Chromebook- CHARGED- each day. It will return home with the student daily for access to homework and on remote learning days. 

    *At FWES, students without a WCPSS Chromebook checked out to them at home- will be assigned a FWES Chromebook that will be used only by that student while on campus. While the WCPSS document references, bring your own device, we have found that WCPSS systems and other resources sometimes do now work well on non-WCPSS devices- so we are not going to sponsor BYOD when students return. 

    Kindergartner Arrival and Pom Pom Pathway to your Classroom: Kindergartners are new to the FWES campus and we know families may be worried about how they will find their classroom and teacher- no worries! Watch the video linked here and your child will just follow the Pom Pom pathway to get to the purple kindergarten hall to find their teacher and their classroom! We can't wait to see them! 

    Sick or Symptomatic Student Information for F2F Families: The information below can be found in the FWES Handbook but is important information for families to review and understand- as the process this year will be VERY different. 

    Students showing ANY signs or symptoms listed- MUST go home IMMEDIATELY. Please make sure you have a plan for how to pick up your child quickly if he/she is ill during the school day. School staff are not trained medical personnel and their first responsibility is to insure the safety of our school community. Students who complain of illness will be treated as if there were an illness present to keep our school safe. Your understanding and cooperation is paramount to maintaining a safe school for students and staff. 

    We are experiencing a Global Pandemic and there are no exceptions, except for those listed in the information below that require medical professional documentation. Families are asked to closely monitor students each morning and keep them home if they show ANY signs of illness or not feeling well. The best news is that if a child is at home, but able to learn- we are able to connect them to a Virtual Academy classroom so they do not miss learning or assignments, until they can return to campus! 

    Classrooms of students who have been sent to the Care Center with symptoms will be quickly relocated so the room can be cleaned and sanitized- as soon as all required sanitation procedures are completed, students will return to the classroom. The Care Center will also be sanitized after each student has been picked up. 

    New for 2020-21

    All WCPSS schools will have a Care Center set up in a classroom for sick students to be supervised and socially distanced

    • Students exhibiting illness during the school day will be immediately escorted to the FWES Care Center (not the health room)
      • FWES Care Center is on the Green Hall in a room facing the Green Top
      • Family members pick up students will park in the bus lot and bring Photo ID to the back door of this classroom to sign out and pick up a sick student. Signs will indicate the location of the Care Center as you walk up the ramp from the bus log.  
    • Students exhibiting ANY contagious illness symptom or symptoms of COVID according to the DHHS guide (see below) MUST be immediately picked up from school. 
    • Students who leave school sick must remain home for 10 calendar days unless confirmation of an alternative diagnosis from a health care provider that would explain the COVID-19-like symptom(s) is provided. 

    Students who are not feeling well in the morning should not report to school. Students who do not pass health screenings will not be allowed to enter the school building. With the many safeguards in place, it is still possible that students may get sick during the school day. Students exhibiting any illness symptoms connected to COVID or other communicable illness will be immediately escorted from the classroom to the school’s Care Center. 

    Sample illness symptoms from the CDC in children under 19 years of age may include: 

    headache, 

    fever, 

    chills, 

    shortness of breath (not related to asthma), 

    sore,  throat, 

    cough, 

    runny nose, 

    gastrointestinal issues (stomach ache, diarrhea, nausea), 

    discharge from eyes,

    ear aches, 

    loss of taste or smell, etc.

    Students in the Care Center will be socially distanced and monitored by trained school staff members and/or our School Nurse. The family and/or emergency contacts will be contacted by office for immediate pick up of the student from school. 

    Families must immediately pick up sick students from the school’s Care Center. FWES Care Center is located on the Playground side of the school. Parents picking up students from our Care Center will park in the bus parking lot and follow signs to the outside door of the care center for signing out of the student. 

     

    10-30-2020

    Mrs. Pierce's Video Message ( 7 minutes)

    FWES This Week: 

    IB Learner Profile- Thinker          P2 Character Strength- Perspective

    Library Book Pick up Monday-Friday 10:00am-2:00pm in the front carpool loop; Beginning November 16th- Books for Face to Face students will be delivered to their classrooms and Virtual Academy students can continue to pick up in the carpool loop.

    FWES Virtual Book Fair Begins

    Monday, November 2nd-  First Day for Cohort 2 students in ECS, Pre K and K-3 classroom; Cohorts 1 and 3; along with 4th and 5th graders remain at home this week for Virtual Learning

    Tuesday, November 3rd- Teacher Workday- No School (no live or Google Classroom) for students; Election Day; FWES is polling site- Office will be closed. 

    Wednesday, November 4th- FWES PTA Spirit Day at City BBQ- order online with Fund A code or show the Flyer at the store to support FWES PTA

    Thursday, November 5th- 7:35am School Improvement Team Quarterly Review Meeting;  ESL Family Academy Event- en Espanol- 6-7pm ; FWES Book Fair Guest Reader Ms. Radichi- 6:00pm 

    Friday, November 6th

    Saturday, November 7th- 5th Grade Families- Note- WCPSS Virtual Magnet Fair 9:00-12:00- explore Magnet Middle School options! 

     

    FWES Notes for Next Week: 

    Monday, November 9th- PreK, ECS and K-3 students in COHORT 3 ONLY- return to FWES; Students in COHORTS 1, 2 and 4th and 5th Grades Stay Home for Remote Learning

    Wednesday, November 11th- Veteran's Day Holiday- No School; School Closed

     

    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    Taylor YMCA Before and After School Program: Families may access program information at this link. Students registered by Sunday nights may attend for the week. Note- YMCA program is housed at FWES but is not endorsed or staffed by FWES staff and the YMCA maintains it's own liability for the program, program participants and program employees. 

    FWES Honors Bravery and Gratitude for Veterans Day: Please help our school family honor the Veterans in our school community. Add a slide about an FWES Community Veteran to our slide deck. The slide deck will be posted for all families to view the week of November 9th. 

    FWES Shows Gratitude in November! Although there are many challenges that we are all facing each day, it is important to continue to focus on those things that are positive, as we all have many people and things that we can recognize with gratitude. Students, families and staff will be invited to share their thoughts. Please help us fill our Gratitude Tree with your thoughts and wishes of Gratitude throughout the month of November. Enter your thoughts on the link and we will add your gratitude to a leaf to add to our tree- help us fill the tree by November 24th! Students participating in Face to Face instruction are also invited to add their own statements while at school to put on our tree. 

    Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22: What? Yes? You read that correctly- it it time to begin registration of students for the 2021-22 school year. If you have a rising kindergartner or know someone who does, let them know it is not too early to register:) The Virtual Magnet Fair on November 7th will kick off the Magnet Application process with final applications due by January 28, 2021. A reminder that magnet siblings entering kindergarten need to register at your assigned base school AND complete a magnet application to secure a seat for 2021-22. 

    Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22

    Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22- Spanish 

    Learning at FWES with Cohorts, Tracked Out and Virtual Academy Enviornments: All students will maintain the same pace of instructional content and curriculum each week, no matter which learning environment. For F2F students who track out- learning will continue, as it has in the virtual setting, when they are tracked out- so participation in live sessions and completing all daily lessons are essential even when your student is not F2F at school.

    Virtual Academy Lessons with F2F Tracked out Students: As was shared with families since the beginning of planning for this school year, teachers on teams are partnering to best support each other and our students. As our F2F students begin to return to school, teams will begin utilizing this partnership in various ways to maintain the same level of instruction for ALL students. 

    F2F teachers cannot obviously serve the students in front of them all day and still provide 2.5 hours of instruction and support to the students who are tracked out- but as a school we want to maintain learning at the highest level for all students. This structure is new to all of us and as all teams have designed an initial plan, it is possible that plans will need to be tweaked and adjusted as we move along. I thank you for your patience and understanding as these changes may occur, remembering that our focus is on student learning for ALL students. 

    What you might see:

    • F2F Students and Families
      • Face to Face Student learning in cohorts
        • Due to the low classroom sizes of 3-7 students, some classrooms may combine during the day to provide teachers with time to reach out to tracked out students for lessons, follow up learning and/or small group work
      • Tracked Out Students
        • Your teacher will be responsible for grading and reviewing your work while tracked out and providing you support you may need with learning
        • In some grade levels, tracked out students may be joining a VA classroom on the grade level to access the live lessons during the day
        • In some grade levels, tracked out students will be taught some lessons by VA classroom teachers or IAs and some lessons by their homeroom teacher
        • Tracked out students will also have times where their teacher will reach out to engage them in follow up small group lessons while tracked out
    • Virtual Academy Students and Families
      • You may notice extra students in your student's live lessons so that students tracked out continue to get the full level of instruction possible
      • We hope you might see a friend you've not seen since last year, too:) 

      

    FWES PTA Updates: 

    Virtual Book Fair begins on November 2nd ….be sure to join our google meets on Thursdays at 6:00pm for a special staff “guest“ reader 

    Link for book fair : befordfallsusa.com

    *This Thursday, November 5th guest reader is Ms. Radichi   6:00pm Link for guest reader meet: Meet

    FWES Spirit Day at City BBQ- Wednesday, November 4th: FWES PTA Spirit Day at City BBQ- order online with Fund A code or show the Flyer at the store to support FWES PTA

    PTA Reflections Contest: The National PTA organization sponors a contest each year to showcase student creativity and talent in the arts through Reflections. Entries are in various arts categories and around the theme: "I matter because...." Entries are due by November 13th- information on how to submit virtual entries is included on the flyer linked above. 

                         PTA Reflections Contest- Espanol

    Yubbler is back with updated school lists!      https://www.yubbler.com/Yub/Details/20659

    Virtual Volunteers Needed: Please complete the Family Communication form to share with us your interest in being a Virtual Room Parent, Virtual Hook a Book Parent or other interests you might have as a virtual support for FWES and our programming. 

    FWES Pet Photos! Share your pictures of your favorite family pet!  Email to yearbook@fwespta.org or upload directly to https://images.jostens.com/415464928?fbclid=IwAR3RjtRCNI1-XFwHIIAAbhykh0zwv1AlLW6207XxGpCP7Yatvlllrja9hC4

    FWES News- What does FWES PTA do for our school? 

    School Supply Drive: Thank you for all of your support, each F2F teacher at FWES now has a box of supplies that can be shared with students as needed to keep everyone safe!!! 

    FWES PTA has distributed teacher start up funds to FWES Staff who are PTA members- teachers submit receipts for the start up materials they have personally purchased for reimbursement up to $100 each. It is a great way to help all of our teachers get the items for their classroom (virtual and F2F) that they need without having to spend their own funds. 

    FWES PTA is excited to have been able to continue our work in providing Cultural Arts experiences for ALL students through PTA and some grant funding from the United Arts Council of Wake County. Black Box Dance Theater will be shared with all students the week of November 9th! Stay Tuned

    Check out our Twitter feed for Ice Cream Truck Fun on Thursday 10/22 with the FWES Staff! 

     

     

     

    10-23-2020

    Mrs. Pierce's Friday Message (10 minutes)

    Happy Long Weekend to everyone! We hope you have found time away from screens and enjoying the chance to be outside with an extra day on Friday! We had a very busy week at FWES last week as we continued and finished the preparations for the return of our Face to Face students to campus on Monday! 

    Below you will find information for ALL FWES families and a separate section for Face to Face families. While all of our students are part of our FWES school community, as you can imagine there are many details to be shared with Face to Face families in this period of transition- so your support and understanding with the somewhat lopsided information is appreciated! 

    I send heartfelt thank yous to our families for the support you have shown to your child's learning and to our incredIBle staff through this journey. The next phase begins on Monday and your continued support will be needed, too. 

    With love to all- Winston Pierce

    FWES This Week: 

    IB Learner Profile- Open Minded          P2 Character Strength- Creativity

    Library Book Pick up Monday-Friday 10:00am-2:00pm in the front carpool loop; Beginning November 16th- Books for Face to Face students will be delivered to their classrooms and Virtual Academy students can continue to pick up in the carpool loop.

    Monday, October 26- First Day for Cohort 1 students in ECS, Pre K and K-3 classroom; Cohorts 2 and 3; along with 4th and 5th graders remain at home this week for Virtual Learning

    Tuesday, October 27

    Wednesday, October 28- ASYNCHRONOUS DAY- ALL students remain at home and access learning virtually- attendance taken

    Thursday, October 29- 3rd Graders Take Beginning of Grade State Reading Test (BOG) 9:30am-12:30pm

    Friday, October 30- Report Cards for Quarter 1 emailed to all families

     

    FWES Notes for Next Week: 

    Monday, November 2nd- PreK, ECS and K-3 students in COHORT 2 ONLY- return to FWES; Students in COHORTS 1, 3 and 4th and 5th Grades Stay Home for Remote Learning

     

    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    Schedule Changes for All Students: To best align our Virtual Academy and F2F schedules and provide all teachers on a grade level with a common planning time each day, there are some slight changes to the instructional schedules. Please review any information shared with you by your child's teacher for the updates. 

    School wide, the specials start times have been adjusted for all grade levels:

    9:35-10:15- 5th Grade

    10:25-11:10 - 4th Grade

    11:20-12:00- 2nd Grade

    1:05-1:45- 3rd Grade

    1:55-2:35- Kindergarten

    2:45-3:25- 1st Grade

     

    Learning at FWES with Cohorts, Tracked Out and Virtual Academy Enviornments: All students will maintain the same pace of instructional content and curriculum each week, no matter which learning environment. For F2F students who track out- learning will continue, as it has in the virtual setting, when they are tracked out- so participation in live sessions and completing all daily lessons are essential even when your student is not F2F at school.

    Virtual Academy Lessons with F2F Tracked out Students: As was shared with families since the beginning of planning for this school year, teachers on teams are partnering to best support each other and our students. As our F2F students begin to return to school, teams will begin utilizing this partnership in various ways to maintain the same level of instruction for ALL students. 

    F2F teachers cannot obviously serve the students in front of them all day and still provide 2.5 hours of instruction and support to the students who are tracked out- but as a school we want to maintain learning at the highest level for all students. This structure is new to all of us and as all teams have designed an initial plan, it is possible that plans will need to be tweaked and adjusted as we move along. I thank you for your patience and understanding as these changes may occur, remembering that our focus is on student learning for ALL students. 

    What you might see:

    • F2F Students and Families
      • Face to Face Student learning in cohorts
        • Due to the low classroom sizes of 3-7 students, some classrooms may combine during the day to provide teachers with time to reach out to tracked out students for lessons, follow up learning and/or small group work
      • Tracked Out Students
        • Your teacher will be responsible for grading and reviewing your work while tracked out and providing you support you may need with learning
        • In some grade levels, tracked out students may be joining a VA classroom on the grade level to access the live lessons during the day
        • In some grade levels, tracked out students will be taught some lessons by VA classroom teachers or IAs and some lessons by their homeroom teacher
        • Tracked out students will also have times where their teacher will reach out to engage them in follow up small group lessons while tracked out
    • Virtual Academy Students and Families
      • You may notice extra students in your student's live lessons so that students tracked out continue to get the full level of instruction possible
      • We hope you might see a friend you've not seen since last year, too:) 

    FWES Student and Family Handbook for 2020-21- The handbook has been updated to reflect items related to the return of students to campus. As information is updated or changed, it will also be updated in the handbook for families. Update dates will be noted on the first page of the Handbook. 

    FWES Handbook Highlights and Updates for F2F Families

    Spanish Version              Arabic Version 

    Free and Reduced Lunch Applications- Families who received free/reduced lunch last year or who believe they are eligible this year are asked to complete this form. If the form is on file for F2F or Virtual Acacemy students if the student returns to school, it is not needed. 

    Asynchronous Day Added- October 28th- WCPSS had added an additional asychronous day on Wednesday, October 28th. Please add this date to your calendar. 

    Reminder that Asynchronous Days are days that there are regularly scheduled live instruction for BOTH Face to Face Students (they do not come to school on Asynchronous Day) and Virtual Academy Students (no live sessions)- however, assignments will be posted for both in Google Classroom and completion of those assignments will be used to take attendance on Asynchronous Days. 

    Student and Family Information, Volunteer and Cultural Heritage Info Needed: We are making sure that all lines of communication are open with all of our families.  Please complete this form for EACH of your FWES students to let us know your current communication  information, your interest in volunteering and your family's cultural heritage. Thank you to the 220 families who have completed the form- 450 more to go! 

    Holiday Gifts Needed for your Family? We are so appreciative of our community partners and thank St. Michael's Church for their partnership to assist families in need with Holiday Gifts. Requests must be made at the link on they flyer no later than October 30th. 

    Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22: What? Yes? You read that correctly- it it time to begin registration of students for the 2021-22 school year. If you have a rising kindergartner or know someone who does, let them know it is not too early to register:) The Virtual Magnet Fair on November 7th will kick off the Magnet Application process with final applications due by January 28, 2021. A reminder that magnet siblings entering kindergarten need to register at your assigned base school AND complete a magnet application to secure a seat for 2021-22. 

    Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22

    Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22- Spanish 

    FWES PTA Updates: 

    PTA Reflections Contest: The National PTA organization sponors a contest each year to showcase student creativity and talent in the arts through Reflections. Entries are in various arts categories and around the theme: "I matter because...." Entries are due by November 13th- information on how to submit virtual entries is included on the flyer linked above. 

                         PTA Reflections Contest- Espanol

    Virtual Volunteers Needed: Please complete the Family Communication form to share with us your interest in being a Virtual Room Parent, Virtual Hook a Book Parent or other interests you might have as a virtual support for FWES and our programming. 

    FWES Pet Photos! Share your pictures of your favorite family pet!  Email to yearbook@fwespta.org or upload directly to https://images.jostens.com/415464928?fbclid=IwAR3RjtRCNI1-XFwHIIAAbhykh0zwv1AlLW6207XxGpCP7Yatvlllrja9hC4

    Virtual Book Fair  November 2-24th! Order and have books delivered to your home! 

    FWES News- What does FWES PTA do for our school? 

    School Supply Drive: Thank you for all of your support, each F2F teacher at FWES now has a box of supplies that can be shared with students as needed to keep everyone safe!!! 

    FWES PTA has distributed teacher start up funds to FWES Staff who are PTA members- teachers submit receipts for the start up materials they have personally purchased for reimbursement up to $100 each. It is a great way to help all of our teachers get the items for their classroom (virtual and F2F) that they need without having to spend their own funds. 

    FWES PTA is excited to have been able to continue our work in providing Cultural Arts experiences for ALL students through PTA and some grant funding from the United Arts Council of Wake County. Black Box Dance Theater will be shared with all students the week of November 9th! Stay Tuned

    Check out our Twitter feed for Ice Cream Truck Fun on Thursday 10/22 with the FWES Staff! 

     

    FWES Face to Face (F2F) Families: 

    Mrs. Pierce's Message for F2F Families ( 19 minutes) 

    Returning to FWES Family Checklist    Returning to FWES Slide Show with Photos

    WCPSS Return to Campus Guide for Families    WCPSS Health Safety Videos- English and Spanish to watch with your student! 

    FWES Student and Family Handbook for 2020-21- 

    FWES Handbook Highlights and Updates for F2F Families

    Spanish Version              Arabic Version 

    FWES PTA Q&A with Mrs. Pierce from 10-14-2020

    Cohort Assignments and Calendar for Returning Students

    Getting Ready to Return to FWES! There will be many things that are the same, but many that will be different as our students return, especially as it relates to the Safety Protocols in place. Please take time to watch the videos provided by WCPSS WITH your student and help them understand the expectations when they are in any school building this year. We will also be highlighting these videos on our FWES News this week, so tune in to see them again:) 

    WCPSS Health Safety Protocol Videos- In English and Spanish!!!!

    Medication Drop Off: Thank you the families who dropped of medication on Thursday and Friday. If you have medication to drop off at school- it can only be accepted between 9:30am-3:00pm due to the requirements of staff to support health screenings, arrival and dismissal processes. If you arrive during the arrival process, you will need to wait outside, social distancing in a mask until 9:30am. Thank you!

    Reminder that all medication requires the signed doctor's order (Rx medications and any required over the counter medications). 

    WCPSS Medication Information and required 1702 Form

    Student Dismissal Transportation Information Thank you for filling out this form or for responding to phone calls and messages last week. We want to make sure we know how your student will be going home on their first day. If you are Cohort 2 or 3 and have not yet filled out this form- please fill it out ASAP.

    Please take time to review the information linked above and watch the video to review the bus arrival and dismissal process with your child. 

    All riders must present to the driver or complete on line- the Parent Attestation Form that provides your assurance that your child's temperature will be taken at home each morning and that he/she will not get on a bus if they are not feeling well. 

    Bus attestation form

     More WCPSS Bus Info and paper Bus Attestation Form

    Bus Routes for FWES- Routes for 2020-21 

    Here Comes the Bus App- Use this link to download and connect to the Here Comes the Bus app to track your child's bus daily

    Please take time to review the documents linked and watch the videos about the procedures for both processes. 

    No adults will be allowed to move beyond the screening stations set up- only students allowed on the front porch to enter the school. Please make sure your child is aware that you cannot walk with them. If your child may struggle to separate from you if you are standing beside them as a "walker", it is recommended that you consider using carpool drop off, as staff may not have contact with students to hold a hand or give a hug to help them walk to their classroom. 

    All individuals on campus must wear masks and maintain 6 ft social distancing. Please be mindful of younger siblings and keep them with your family at all times. 

    Supply Lists for F2F Families: It will be important that due to Remote/Asynchronous learning days, that F2F students have supplies at school AND at home for learning. If you are able, updated supply lists are linked here for getting your child the things they need at school. Due to safety, supplies cannot be shared in the classroom so if you want to send extra supplies for teachers to have on hand for students who may forget to bring supplies or run out during the day, that's great, too. 

    **The one addition for all students K-5th is a pool/beach towel for school. We are going to try to eat outside on as many days as possible and to help students maintain social distancing and provide them a nice spot for eating, we are asking each to bring a large towel to use during the week. It will be sent home with students each Friday for washing and returning the following week. If you have an extra for students who may not bring them, thank you for sharing! 

    Technology Guidance for Families: All students returning to the FWES campus are expected to bring their WCPSS Chromebook- CHARGED- each day. It will return home with the student daily for access to homework and on remote learning days. 

    *At FWES, students without a WCPSS Chromebook checked out to them at home- will be assigned a FWES Chromebook that will be used only by that student while on campus. While the WCPSS document references, bring your own device, we have found that WCPSS systems and other resources sometimes do now work well on non-WCPSS devices- so we are not going to sponsor BYOD when students return. 

    Kindergartner Arrival and Pom Pom Pathway to your Classroom: Kindergartners are new to the FWES campus and we know families may be worried about how they will find their classroom and teacher- no worries! Watch the video linked here and your child will just follow the Pom Pom pathway to get to the purple kindergarten hall to find their teacher and their classroom! We can't wait to see them! 

    Sick or Symptomatic Student Information for F2F Families: The information below can be found in the FWES Handbook but is important information for families to review and understand- as the process this year will be VERY different. 

    Students showing ANY signs or symptoms listed- MUST go home IMMEDIATELY. Please make sure you have a plan for how to pick up your child quickly if he/she is ill during the school day. School staff are not trained medical personnel and their first responsibility is to insure the safety of our school community. Students who complain of illness will be treated as if there were an illness present to keep our school safe. Your understanding and cooperation is paramount to maintaining a safe school for students and staff. 

    We are experiencing a Global Pandemic and there are no exceptions, except for those listed in the information below that require medical professional documentation. Families are asked to closely monitor students each morning and keep them home if they show ANY signs of illness or not feeling well. The best news is that if a child is at home, but able to learn- we are able to connect them to a Virtual Academy classroom so they do not miss learning or assignments, until they can return to campus! 

    Classrooms of students who have been sent to the Care Center with symptoms will be quickly relocated so the room can be cleaned and sanitized- as soon as all required sanitation procedures are completed, students will return to the classroom. The Care Center will also be sanitized after each student has been picked up. 

    New for 2020-21

    All WCPSS schools will have a Care Center set up in a classroom for sick students to be supervised and socially distanced

    • Students exhibiting illness during the school day will be immediately escorted to the FWES Care Center (not the health room)
      • FWES Care Center is on the Green Hall in a room facing the Green Top
      • Family members pick up students will park in the bus lot and bring Photo ID to the back door of this classroom to sign out and pick up a sick student. Signs will indicate the location of the Care Center as you walk up the ramp from the bus log.  
    • Students exhibiting ANY contagious illness symptom or symptoms of COVID according to the DHHS guide (see below) MUST be immediately picked up from school. 
    • Students who leave school sick must remain home for 10 calendar days unless confirmation of an alternative diagnosis from a health care provider that would explain the COVID-19-like symptom(s) is provided. 

    Students who are not feeling well in the morning should not report to school. Students who do not pass health screenings will not be allowed to enter the school building. With the many safeguards in place, it is still possible that students may get sick during the school day. Students exhibiting any illness symptoms connected to COVID or other communicable illness will be immediately escorted from the classroom to the school’s Care Center. 

    Sample illness symptoms from the CDC in children under 19 years of age may include: 

    headache, 

    fever, 

    chills, 

    shortness of breath (not related to asthma), 

    sore,  throat, 

    cough, 

    runny nose, 

    gastrointestinal issues (stomach ache, diarrhea, nausea), 

    discharge from eyes,

    ear aches, 

    loss of taste or smell, etc.

    Students in the Care Center will be socially distanced and monitored by trained school staff members and/or our School Nurse. The family and/or emergency contacts will be contacted by office for immediate pick up of the student from school. 

    Families must immediately pick up sick students from the school’s Care Center. FWES Care Center is located on the Playground side of the school. Parents picking up students from our Care Center will park in the bus parking lot and follow signs to the outside door of the care center for signing out of the student. 

     

     

     

    10-16-2020 

    Mrs. Pierce's Friday Message (11 minutes)

    Happy Fall to our FWES Families! It has been an extremely busy week at FWES as we in the home stretch of preparations for the return of our Face to Face students. Thank you to those families who joined me on Wednesday night for Q & A with the FWES PTA. The questions and summary answers are included below for your reference. As complicated as the prep for F2F students has been, we are all still focused on learning and student growth as IB Learners at FWES... and with that comes special events and projects to share with our families. There is a lot of information below for all families and a separate section for our Face to Face (F2F) families. Grab your hoodies with this weekend's fall temps and read through it all to stay informed. 

    Note to F2F families- there will be more updates sent throughout the week as some of the WCPSS additional information is made available for sharing with families. 

    FWES would like to welcome our two new specialists to the FWES Specialists Team! Daniel Jones, Music, began with students last week and has been enjoying all of them! Haili Crenshaw (pronounced "Highly" as in highly likely) started on Friday and will begin seeing students on Wednesday, October 21st with the new specials rotation. We are happy to have both of them in our FWES family! Thanks for helping to welcome them to our team! 

    Take Care, Winston Pierce, principal 

     

    FWES This Week: 

    IB Learner Profile- Open Minded          P2 Character Strength- Forgiveness

    Library Book Pick up 8am-4pm M, T, W on Front Porch

    Monday, October 19

    Tuesday, October 20

    Wednesday, October 21

    Thursday, October 22- Last official day of Quarter 1- Asynchronous Day- learning assignments in Google Classroom and attendance taken; PTA Sponsored Bruster’s Ice Cream Truck for Teachers! 

          *Medication Drop off for F2F Families 9:00am-3:00pm

    Friday, October 23- Teacher Workday- no learning assigned

            *Medication Drop of for F2F Families 9:00am-3:00pm 

    FWES Notes for Next Week: 

    Monday, October 26th- PreK, ECS and K-3 students in COHORT 1 ONLY- return to FWES; Students in COHORTS 2, 3 and 4th and 5th Grades Stay Home for Remote Learning

    Wednesday, October 28th- Asynchronous Remote Learning Day- No students at school or live on line- but assignments posted and attendance taken based on assignments submitted

    Friday, October 30th- Report Cards for Q1 emailed to all families 

    FWES Friday Folder Information: 

    FWES Student and Family Handbook for 2020-21- The handbook has been updated to reflect items related to the return of students to campus. As information is updated or changed, it will also be updated in the handbook for families. Update dates will be noted on the first page of the Handbook. 

    Free and Reduced Lunch Applications- Families who received free/reduced lunch last year or who believe they are eligible this year are asked to complete this form. If the form is on file for F2F or Virtual Acacemy students if the student returns to school, it is not needed. 

    Asynchronous Day Added- October 28th- WCPSS had added an additional asychronous day on Wednesday, October 28th. Please add this date to your calendar. 

    Reminder that Asynchronous Days are days that there are regularly scheduled live instruction for BOTH Face to Face Students (they do not come to school on Asynchronous Day) and Virtual Academy Students (no live sessions)- however, assignments will be posted for both in Google Classroom and completion of those assignments will be used to take attendance on Asynchronous Days. 

    Student and Family Information, Volunteer and Cultural Heritage Info Needed: We are making sure that all lines of communication are open with all of our families.  Please complete this form for EACH of your FWES students to let us know your current communication  information, your interest in volunteering and your family's cultural heritage. Please complete by Tuesday, October 20th. Thank you if you are one of 157 student families who have already completed the form- only 510 more to go! 

    Holiday Gifts Needed for your Family? We are so appreciative of our community partners and thank St. Michael's Church for their partnership to assist families in need with Holiday Gifts. Requests must be made at the link on they flyer no later than October 30th. 

    PTA Reflections Contest: The National PTA organization sponors a contest each year to showcase student creativity and talent in the arts through Reflections. Entries are in various arts categories and around the theme: "I matter because...." Entries are due by November 13th- information on how to submit virtual entries is included on the flyer linked above. 

                         PTA Reflections Contest- Espanol

    Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22: What? Yes? You read that correctly- it it time to begin registration of students for the 2021-22 school year. If you have a rising kindergartner or know someone who does, let them know it is not too early to register:) The Virtual Magnet Fair on November 7th will kick off the Magnet Application process with final applications due by January 28, 2021. A reminder that magnet siblings entering kindergarten need to register at your assigned base school AND complete a magnet application to secure a seat for 2021-22. 

    Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22

    Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22- Spanish 

    FWES PTA Updates: 

    School Supply Drive: The FWES PTA is supporting ALL FWES students returning to campus by making sure there are plenty of extra supplies that can be given to students as they might need them for learning. Supplies can be ordered from the FWES PTA Amazon Wish list and shipped directly to the school or dropped off on the front porch on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.  

    Virtual Volunteers Needed: Please complete the Family Communication form to share with us your interest in being a Virtual Room Parent, Virtual Hook a Book Parent or other interests you might have as a virtual support for FWES and our programming. 

    Virtual Book Fair is Coming: More information later, but there will be a Virtual Book Fair throughout the month of November, sponsored by the FWES PTA

    FWES News- What does FWES PTA do for our school? 

    FWES PTA has distributed teacher start up funds to FWES Staff who are PTA members- teachers submit receipts for the start up materials they have personally purchased for reimbursement up to $100 each. It is a great way to help all of our teachers get the items for their classroom (virtual and F2F) that they need without having to spend their own funds. 

    FWES PTA is excited to have been able to continue our work in providing Cultural Arts experiences for ALL students through PTA and some grant funding from the United Arts Council of Wake County. We are planning our first Cultural Arts experience in early November- stay tuned! 

    FWES PTA will also be celebrating our fantastic staff by bringing Bruster's Ice Cream Truck to FWES Campus at lunch on Thursday's asynchronous day for a special treat! 

     

    FWES Face to Face (F2F) Families: 

    Mrs. Pierce's Message for F2F Families (10 minutes) 

    WCPSS Return to Campus Guide for Families

    FWES Student and Family Handbook for 2020-21- 

    FWES Handbook Highlights and School Procedures for Face to Face Families

    FWES PTA Q&A with Mrs. Pierce from 10-14-2020

    Cohort Assignments and Calendar for Returning Students

    Information on Cohort assignments for all students was sent to families on Tuesday, October 6th. Please review the calendar to plan for your student’s rotation dates.

    Getting Ready to Return to FWES! There will be many things that are the same, but many that will be different as our students return, especially as it relates to the Safety Protocols in place. Please take time to watch the videos provided by WCPSS WITH your student and help them understand the expectations when they are in any school building this year. We will also be highlighting these videos on our FWES News this week, so tune in to see them again:) 

    WCPSS Health Safety Protocol Videos

    Medication Drop Off: The FWES Office staff will be available from 9:00am-3:00pm on Thursday, October 22nd and Friday, October 23rd for families to complete the medication drop off process for your child returning to the FWES Campus. All visitors must complete a full health screen, wear masks and social distance when on campus. Only one family at a time may complete the process, so if you have to wait, your patience is appreciated. 

    Reminder that all medication requires the signed doctor's order (Rx medications and any required over the counter medications). 

    WCPSS Medication Information and required 1702 Form

    Student Dismissal Transportation Information needed ASAP!!! We are so very excited to welcome students back to the FWES Campus, but we also need to collect information on how they will go home each day, so we can insure their safe return home after school. Please complete the form no later than Tuesday, October 20th- we will begin calling families this week to insure we have dismissal information on all students who will be returning to campus. 

    Bus Routes for FWES- Routes for 2020-21 will be posted at this link by Monday afternoon, October 19th. 

    Supply Lists for F2F Families: It will be important that due to Remote/Asynchronous learning days, that F2F students have supplies at school AND at home for learning. If you are able, updated supply lists are linked here for getting your child the things they need at school. Due to safety, supplies cannot be shared in the classroom so if you want to send extra supplies for teachers to have on hand for students who may forget to bring supplies or run out during the day, that's great, too. 

    **The one addition for all students K-5th is a pool/beach towel for school. We are going to try to eat outside on as many days as possible and to help students maintain social distancing and provide them a nice spot for eating, we are asking each to bring a large towel to use during the week. It will be sent home with students each Friday for washing and returning the following week. If you have an extra for students who may not bring them, thank you for sharing! 

    Technology Guidance for Families: All students returning to the FWES campus are expected to bring their WCPSS Chromebook- CHARGED- each day. It will return home with the student daily for access to homework and on remote learning days. 

    *At FWES, students without a WCPSS Chromebook checked out to them at home- will be assigned a FWES Chromebook that will be used only by that student while on campus. While the WCPSS document references, bring your own device, we have found that WCPSS systems and other resources sometimes do now work well on non-WCPSS devices- so we are not going to sponsor BYOD when students return. 

     

     

     

     

     

    10-9-2020 (delivered 10-11-2020)

    Mrs. Pierce’s Friday Message (7 minutes)

    Hi Families! We have been continuing to plan for the return of students to our campus while also working diligently to align learning for all students. When our students return we want to insure that all students- F2F, Tracked Out and Virtual Academy have the same standards alignment and are making appropriate progress toward understanding and mastery. We are also working hard to insure that all of the important safety protocols and procedures are clearly spelled out for FWES when students return. Our staff will spend the morning on Thursday's asynchronous learning day role playing and practicing our procedures to take them from paper and drawings to how it works with live people and work out any changes that may need to be made. I am so blessed to get to work with these amazing educators who demonstrate a commitment to students and creating a safe environment for EVERYONE by spending extra time problem solving and insuring we make the best decisions possible. As we all understand with the current pandemic, situations can change from one day to the next and we will continue to make adjustments as they are needed. 

    Thank you for all of your support for your student and for our wonderful staff!  

    IB Learner Profile- Open Minded

    P2 Character Strength- Being Present and Giving Others My Attention

     

    Library Book Pick up 8am-4pm M, T, W and F on Front Porch

    Monday, October 12- Indigious Peoples Day; 6:30 PTA Board Meeting

    Tuesday, October 13

    Wednesday, October 14- FWES PTA Q&A with Mrs. Pierce 6:30pm

    Thursday, October 15- Asynchronous Remote Learning Day- no regular live sessions; Bullying Prevention Mask Designs Due

    Friday, October 16

     

    For All FWES Families: 

    FWES Family Communication, Virtual Volunteers and Cultural Heritage Info Needed- Thank you for helping us gather information that we typically collect during our Meet the Teacher event, to help us make sure you are informed and able to engage in our school community this year. ALL families should complete this form. We would appreciate it if you complete it by October 16th. Thanks! 

    Specials Schedule Change- Due to the addition of Remote Learning days to all WCPSS calendars, we have made the change to our specials schedule from a M-F schedule to a rotation Day 1-5 so that students do not ever have to miss a special class. Please see your Google Classroom for updated information on the impact of the rotation on your student. 

    Note- Additional changes may be needed once students return on October 26th, too- and that information will also be shared with families. 

     

    Decorate Mask Contest- for October Anti Bullying Month- Due by Thursday this week

     

    FWES PTA- don't forget to become a member! 

    FWES PTA Board Meeting- Monday, October 12th 6:30-7:30pm 

    Question and Answers with Mrs. Pierce- Wednesday, October 14th 6:30-7:30pm

     

    For Face to Face (F2F) returning Families: 

    Important Information for F2F Families: Please review this document for important information for F2F families. Mrs. Pierce’s Video about this document is linked in the document. 

    Cohort Assignments and Calendar for Returning Students

    Information on Cohort assignments for all students was sent to families on Tuesday, October 6th. Please review the calendar to plan for your student’s rotation dates. 

    Face Covering Information for Families of Face to Face Students- WCPSS has sent guidance on Face Covering requirements for ALL students, along with videos to support students who may struggle to wear a face covering all day. 

    Families of F2F students are encouraged to begin working with your child to wear a mask for incremental periods of time the next two weeks- until they are up to 6.5-7 consecutive hours- so they are used to wearing a mask the whole school day. We will be talking about it on the news the next few weeks, too. 

    Before and After School Information

    • Taylor YMCA at FWES for Before and After School
      • Before School- all year- Taylor YMCA
      • After School- Taylor YMCA-will offer for 2nd Quarter- FWES may take over for 2nd semester if staffing available
      • YMCA registration information will be available on the website soon- as soon as it is available F2F families will be notified
      • Programs will be staffed by Taylor YMCA and not considered part of FWES- so processes and procedures may vary from prior program participation. 
      • All WCPSS requirements for health screen, face coverings and social distancing will be followed by YMCA programs
    • Several local childcare centers offer before and/or after school care to students at FWES for families who need care when students return to school. Note, families are responsible for contacting and arranging child care and verifying transportation when needed for students.

    Note- This week F2F Families will receive another survey to collect information on how your student will be going home in the afternoons when they are attending school. Thank you for being on the look out for this information and filling in the form as soon as possible. 

    10-2-2020

    Mrs. Pierce's Message (15 minutes)

    Happy October! Wow, how did we get here- seems like it was just March:) I think we all welcome the fall weather and watching the leaves begin to change colors is such a gift in the fall, too. This week has been very busy with the updated decision from the WCPSS Board of Education for the return of K-5 students to schools. FWES had already done much planning this summer and is now finalizing all of those plans and procedures based on the most updated requirements and guidance so that we are prepared for our students in Plan B to return safely to campus. I look forward to sharing more and more details as we move forward.... stay tuned! 

    Have a wonderful fall weekend! 

    On a side note, I will need to be away from the building next week several days and will be unable to respond to email or phone calls. If you have an urgent need, please reach out to Mark Beamish our assistant principal for assistance. If it can wait, I will respond as soon as I am able:)

    Thank you for partnering with us to create our #fwesstrong School Community!

    Respectfully, Winston Pierce

     

    FWES Calendar October 5-9

    IB Learner Profile Attribute: Open-Minded   P2- Open Mindedness

    Library Book Pick up M-W, F from 8-4 at FRONT PORCH

    Monday, October 5

    Tuesday, October 6

    • 1st Grade Long/Holland Family Session 8:15-8:45am
    • 1st Grade Byrd/Edwards Family Session 8:30-9:00am
    • 3rd Grade Crow/Dula/Thomson Family Session 4:00-4:30pm
    • 1st Grade Long/Holland Family Session 6:00-6:30pm
    • 1st Grade Byrd/Edwards Family Session 6:30-7:00pm

    Wednesday, October 7

    Thursday, October 8

    • Asynchronous Learning Day- No Live Sessions- but complete assignments in Google Classroom to be recorded as being in attendance
    • Teachers will share additional information as needed

    Friday, October 9

    • 8:30am PTA Coffee Chat

    Friday Folder Items: 

    Decorate Mask Contest- Stand Up to Bullying Month- October; Contest sponsored by our counseling team. Check out the flyer and more information in your counseling Google Classroom! Entries due October 15th. 

    Welcome Mr. Jones! Welcome Mr. Daniel Jones to Farmington Woods as our new music teacher! We found out last night that Mr. Jones could start today and I was excited to introduce him on the news this morning!  Mr. Jones comes to us after serving students last spring in Chapel Hill, NC. He has a passion for music and experience with Face to Face and virtual learning to serve all of our students. In addition, he has personal handbell experience and is excited, when it is safe, to continue our long tradition of handbell learning for our students. Due to regulations, today was Mr. Jones first day in our building and to see his classroom. In order to provide him with time to organize the classroom and plan lessons, there will not be music lessons during your specials next week but he looks forward to seeing students the following week. He may also join other specialists throughout the week to meet some students and learn more about FWES and IB learning. 

    We will miss Mrs. Jiang! We wish Mrs. Jiang all the best as next week will be her last week at Farmington Woods Elementary. In these challenging times and with the recent decision for students to return to the school building, Mrs. Jiang has had to make the difficult decision to leave FWES for her family. She has provided our students and our school with strong Mandarin instruction and our students have learned so much. Thank you Mrs. Jiang! 

    I am in the process of hiring a new teacher for our Chinese program and as soon as the Human Resources approval process is completed, will look forward to sharing the candidate’s information with you. It is likely we may have a few weeks where Chinese is not available but we hope to have things ready to go when our K-3 students begin to return. 

    Asynchronous Instructional Days: The adopted plan of the Board of Education on Tuesday included the provision to include Asynchronous Learning Days within the school week from the week of October 26 through January 15. Until October 26th, schools may select one day a week as an asynchronous learning day. 

    Farmington Woods Elementary Asynchronous Days: 

    Thursday, October 8th

    Thursday, October 15th

    NEW- Thursday, October 22nd (*Note Friday, October 23rd is a Teacher Workday)

    Asynchronous days will NOT have regular live instructional times for students but the opportunity for students to complete asynchronous work assignments given by the teacher in the Google Classroom. Attendance will be taken, so students should be sure to submit assignments to be counted present on Asynchronous learning days. 

    We appreciate your cooperation as our teachers work hard to prepare for the many changes in our building when students begin to return and continue to provide strong instruction for our students. 

    More information on WCPSS Asynchronous learning days will be shared when it is available and confirmed. 

    Calendar for students Returning to FWES

    More detailed calendar information will be shared as it is available with WCPSS families. Student cohort information will be shared with families next week, as soon as it is all confirmed. 

    Showcase your IB learning! 

    Families, we need your help to fill our showcase with incredIBle ways you are taking action and being remote learners! You can submit a picture, poem, poster, or other creative representation to demonstrate how you have tackled remote learning as an IB learner. You may drop off your representation during your grade level materials drop off on Sept. 30 or Oct. 1st OR  CLICK HERE to submit your learning virtually. NOTE: All items must be smaller than 12x18. We look forward to seeing your learning in action! 

    FWES Pledge Leaders still wanted- upload your video to the link! 

    UPDATE !!  LIBRARY BOOK “BAGS” UPDATE !!

    Are you ready for some new library books? It is easy to get them…

    1. Place your choices on hold by following the video Mrs. Grice made (your teacher has shared it with you).
    2. Mrs. Grice will collect your books and send your parents an email when the books are ready to be picked up. DO NOT COME UNLESS YOU HAVE RECEIVED AN EMAIL !!!
    3. You can come pick the books up Monday - Thursday   between 8:00am -4:00pm  at the front of the school in the CARPOOL LANE!!  (note change of location)
    4. Book pick up will be self-serve.
    5. The books will be in bags and marked with your name.
    6. Not all of your requests may be filled at the same time - remember our library “rules” and that Mrs. Grice wants you to read a variety of genres.
    7. Bring back any books you want to return and place them in the green boxes labeled for Book Return.

    Any Questions : email Mrs. Grice         egrice@wcpss.net

    Carpool Tag Registration Form- Form completed prior to pick up this week was sent in bag with Instructional Materials. For new forms, a time will be arranged for pick up prior to the return of students. Draft Carpool Procedures

    Walker Permission- 2nd- 5th Grade Students who may have permission to walk away from the front porch without an adult. K-1 students may not leave the porch without an adult or older sibling.

    *Important to note that older siblings in 4th/5th grade will be attending on a 3 week rotation and unable to walk daily with K-1 students. Families will need to use carpool or plan to be available at 3:45pm at the front of the school. Draft Walker Procedures

    FWES PTA: 

    PTA Memberships can be found here:  https://fwespta.new.memberhub.store/store

    PTA Yearbook- Order your 2020-21 yearbook for the lowest price of the year! 

    Mrs. Pierce Q & A- Wednesday, October 14th 6:30pm- link to come later:)

     

    9-25-2020

    Mrs. Pierce's Message  (12 minutes)

    Happy Friday heading into a long weekend- Reminder that Monday, September 28th is a Teacher Workday- there are no live meets or assignments for Monday! 

    This week has been a great one in our classrooms as our students continue to amaze me in their engagement and assignment completion... with the guidance of our incredIBle teachers and staff, too! Please note that due to the Instructional Materials Pick Up next week- there are some schedule changes noted below for each grade level. Each family will be emailed a copy of their student(s) Interim Report as we are at the mid point of the 1st quarter. Please take time to review the teacher's comments about your child's progress and reach out if you have questions. We realize the start of this year has been different for each student and each family and will continue to work together with our families to meet our students' learning needs the best we can! 

    The WCPSS Board of Education will be hearing updated information and making a decision on Tuesday, September 29th about the plan for Plan B students and their upcoming return to campus. The district will be sharing information with you and I will also share FWES specifics as they are ready to be shared. We did much prep this summer but will need to review the new or updated requirements and make a few updates with the help of our SIP parent representatives before we can share. I appreciate your patience in knowing that we want to be thorough in our school based decision making. 

    Have a great weekend! We'll see you Tuesday! 

     

    FWES Calendar for September 28-October 2

    IB Learner Profile Attribute- Inquirer         Positivity Focus- Teamwork     

    Monday, September 28th- Teacher Workday- No School for Students- FWES Office Closed

    Tuesday, September 29th- Regular Schedules

    • Reserve Library Books by 12:00noon in order to have them in your materials  pick up bag

    Wednesday, September 30th- Instructional Materials Pick Up

    • Kindergarten- No AM Live Sessions; Pick up 10-11am
    • 1st Grade- No PM Live Sessions; Pick up 1-2pm
    • 3rd Grade- No PM Live Session; Pick up 2-3pm

    Thursday, October 1- Instructional Materials Pick Up

    • 2nd Grade- No AM Live Sessions; Pick up 10-11am
    • 5th Grade- No PM Live Sessions; Pick up 1-2pm
    • 4th Grade- No PM Live Sessions; Pick up 2-3pm 

    Friday, October 2- Custodian Appreciation Day! 

                 No Library Book Pick Up- if ordered by noon on Tuesday- they will be with instructional materials for pick up

     

    FWES Friday Folder Items: 

    • Asynchronous Learning Days at FWES: Superintendent Cathy Moore has allowed each school to designate one day a week as an asynchronous learning day for the school in the month of October. On this day, there would be no regular live sessions, but there would be work that students could access in Google Classroom to complete- or catch up on work that has not yet been completed. This day will provide families with time away from the rigorous schedule of live meets and teams of teachers time to complete more long range planning and provide students with feedback on assignments. Teachers on the asynchronous day may also invite a student or small group of students to meet to receive extra assistance or support. Please make a note of our upcoming asynchronous days and we will continue to share more as we get closer to the dates. Thanks! 
      • FWES Asynchronous Learning Days
        • Thursday, October 8th
        • Thursday, October 15th
    • FWES Family Feedback- September: As we approach the end of the first month of school, we are asking our FWES families to provide us with some feedback to help us best serve you and your students. Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete the survey linked above so that we can hear your voice:) 

    • Showcase your IB learning! 

      Families, we need your help to fill our showcase with incredIBle ways you are taking action and being remote learners! You can submit a picture, poem, poster, or other creative representation to demonstrate how you have tackled remote learning as an IB learner. You may drop off your representation during your grade level materials drop off on Sept. 30 or Oct. 1st OR  CLICK HERE to submit your learning virtually. NOTE: All items must be smaller than 12x18. We look forward to seeing your learning in action!

    • UPDATE !!  LIBRARY BOOK “BAGS” UPDATE !!

      Are you ready for some new library books? It is easy to get them…

        1. Place your choices on hold by following the video Mrs. Grice made (your teacher has shared it with you).
        2. Mrs. Grice will collect your books and send your parents an email when the books are ready to be picked up. DO NOT COME UNLESS YOU HAVE RECEIVED AN EMAIL !!!
        3. You can come pick the books up Monday - Thursday   between 8:00am -4:00pm  at the front of the school in the CARPOOL LANE!!  (note change of location)
      • Book pick up will be self-serve.
        • The books will be in bags and marked with your name.
        • Not all of your requests may be filled at the same time - remember our library “rules” and that Mrs. Grice wants you to read a variety of genres.
        • Bring back any books you want to return and place them in the green boxes labeled for Book Return.

    •       Any Questions : email Mrs. Grice         egrice@wcpss.net

     FWES PTA

    • Membership Challenge: Please help us reach our membership goals so we can get Mrs. Pierce and Mr. Beamish to have some fun on our behalf! 
    • FWES Yearbook for 2020-21: We are offering this year's yearbook (it will be a keeper for historical reference :) purchase at the lowest price for early shoppers. Student photos will be set up for later into November for ALL students using safety protocols- so all students, including Virtual Academy will be featured. The flyer is linked above with all of the information to place an order. 

     

    9-18-2020

    Mrs. Pierce's Message (10 minutes)

    Happy Friday! 

    I hope that this message finds you dry and ready for a weekend with some much cooler temps- and maybe some sports on TV or great outdoor activities nearby! I know I may sound like a broken record (or scratched CD) but we are so very thankful for the hard work of our families in engaging students each day in learning. We could not do this virtual learning without you and how fortunate are we at FWES to have such a strong family presence and commitment to student learning! Please know that we appreciate you and YOUR HARD WORK to help us ensure our students are learning and growing! 

    Mr. Beamish and I have had a great time popping into Google Classrooms and what we see that our teachers have prepared and your students' engagement is really amazing to imagine. While no one thinks this situation is ideal for students, families or teachers- there are some skills our students as young as Kinder and 1st grade have gained that as of last March- I was not yet able to manage myself (like mic off/adding to the chat/manuevering google classroom assignments and so on). I think it is always important to seek the silver lining and much like our positivity project make sure we look for the good in all situations and focus our attention on the positive:) while we work to solve those things that need improvement. We also know we can continue to improve and grow as a school for our students and families and trust me in knowing you have the BEST educators in WCPSS ready and willing to be learners and to do what they can to address as much as humanly possible. 

    All of that said, there were two pretty big announcements this week that will guide our future planning and work in WCPSS and at FWES. There are no specifics yet for any plan or timeframe for the return of our Plan B students to the building, but please monitor the WCPSS Board of Education for discussions and details- along with your email for updates from the district. The next Board of Education work session meeting is on Wednesday, September 23rd at 2:00pm and can be viewed on You Tube- search WCPSS to find the Board broadcast channel. 

    We are excited to have posted photos of all of our 1st-5th graders in our halls so that we "see" our students each day! Thanks to our kindergarten parents for sending a photo to your teacher that we can use for our kindergarten hall, too! We miss you all! 

    Love, Mrs. Pierce

     

    FWES Friday Folder Announcements and Documents: 

    FWES and WCPSS Family Academy Event for FWES Families Only- Offered in Spanish Only! Tuesday, September 22nd 6-7pm

    FWES Morning News Fix: Please note that the glitch in accessing the FWES Morning News has been fixed, however, the ONLY way to view the news is by first logging in through the students' Wake ID Portal. Thank you for your flexibility and for watching each morning to hear announcements and the all important birthdays! 

    Pledge of Allegiance Student Leaders Needed! We will begin next week ending the morning news broadcast as it ends with our student anchors when we are in session- "Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance". We are asking for student pledge leaders to make a video that can be accessed on the website for families to engage in the Pledge of Allegiance daily at home. Reciting the pledge daily is part of NC State law and WCPSS board policy. We look forward to having our students continue to lead our school community each morning. Use the form linked here to complete your student's information and attach a short video clip of the pledge. Note- videos will be posted on the school's website so please only send if your child has photo and video permission for posting- thank you! 

    Book Collection Drive with FWES PTA and FWES Literacy Team: If you have extra books to share with students who may need more access to books at home- please drop them off at the school from Wednesday- Friday during school hours- 8:45am-3:45pm on the front porch. The books will be collected and then shared with our students who need access to additional reading materials on their reading level at home. The drop off is touchless- there is a box to put them in on the front porch each day. 

    Need to get a book ? 

    Rescheduled Book Pick Up- Monday, September 21st from 8:00-9:00am and 11:30am-12:30pm- Book pick up was cancelled due to weather on Friday so those books will be available on Monday at the same times. 

    Students need to go to the library site and place a “hold” for the books they wish to checkout. Mrs. Grice will pull any available titles and notify students and parents by email when the books are ready. Book pickup will be on FRIDAYs from 8:00am - 9:00am and 11:30am - 12:30pm in the Bus Loop. Books may be returned at this same time. Please place returned books in the labeled boxes.

     

    FWES PTA Updates: 

    FWES PTA Membership: We are excited to have 178 members and to have had 2 winners so far for our weekly spiritwear prize! Our goal is 300 members- so please take time this weekend to show your support for our school by joining the FWES PTA. Join the FWES PTA

    RCityRocks Easy Fund Raiser! One of our community, easy fund raisers is the RCityRocks program. Local businesses will give back a percentage of what you spend and then it is matched by corporate sponsors and the return to the FWES PTA can be awesome the more participants we have. It is easy because all you need to do is shop at the local business and then text a copy of your receipt- DONE- and FWES PTA gets a check. Get all the details along with our community partners at the link above. 

    There is currently an rcityrocks special at Papa Murphy's running next week where all receipts sent in will generate 25% to the FWES PTA. 

    Papa Murphy's Rocks Week is next week 9/21-9/27!  They are donating 25% of purchases all week to all R City Rocks Nonprofits!  There is also a daily Gift Card Giveaway; people are automatically entered when they text a receipt. 

     

    9-11-2020

    Mrs. Pierce's Message (6 minutes)

    Happy end of Week 2 to all of you! 

    We are so appreciative of the engagement of our families in supporting student learning. Thank you for the hard work of managing the task- with all of the other things you are also managing! I am so impressed with the extraordinary work of our teachers as they are teaching in a format the last 10 days that they have never had to use before and their hard work shows.... in the energetic on line presence and in the extra coffee they bring to school with them! #FWESSTRONG and we will get through this if we work together and continue to work hard but to also provide flexibility and grace in both directions:) 

    There are several updates included below to keep you informed as we continue to progress through the school year. The most important information for K-5 families is related to iStation and directions to prepare your device for your child to participate in this required beginning of the year benchmark for literacy. 

    Have a wonderful weekend refreshing and relaxing getting ready for Week 3! 

    FWES Friday Folder Updates: 

    • Families - Action Needed for Non-WCPSS Devices!!! 

      Familias - Si su hijo está usando un dispositivo que no es WCPSS, siga estas instrucciones!!!

      All K-5 students will be taking the Istation reading assessment between September 14th - 30th. 

      If your student uses a non-WCPSS device for remote learning, we need you to download the Istation software. Please click on the directions below in the letters. 

      For students with WCPSS devices, detailed informatoin and access directions are also included in the letters below. 

      Click HERE  for the Istation Family Letter in English (written directions and videos are included)

      HAGA CLIC AQUÍ para leer la Carta a la familia de Istation en español (se incluyen instrucciones escritas y video)

       

      For any questions- please contact Elizabeth Plotkin at eplotkin@wcpss.net

    • Recognition Today of September 11th- As per WCPSS board policy, our school recognized September 11, 2001 with a moment of silence this morning. On the news and/or in morning meetings the following information was shared: September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of efforts originally launched in 2002 that promotes community service on 9/11 as an annual and forward-looking tribute to the 9/11 victims, survivors, and those who rose up in service in response to the attacks. September 11, 2020 is the 19th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center Towers, New York City, the Pentagon, Washington, DC and Flight 93 resulting in the deaths of over 3000 people representing 93 countries.  Today’s moment of silence serves as an important way in which to remember and honor their lives.
    • Pledge of Allegiance Student Leaders Needed! We will begin next week ending the morning news broadcast as it ends with our student anchors when we are in session- "Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance". We are asking for student pledge leaders to make a video that can be accessed on the website for families to engage in the Pledge of Allegiance daily at home. Reciting the pledge daily is part of NC State law and WCPSS board policy. We look forward to having our students continue to lead our school community each morning. Use the form linked here to complete your student's information and attach a short video clip of the pledge. Note- videos will be posted on the school's website so please only send if your child has photo and video permission for posting- thank you! 
    • 3rd Grade Explorers Program- 3rd Grade Families- please read this document to learn more about the 3rd Grade Explorers program that will begin next week for all 3rd Graders. 
    • Need to get a book ? 
      Students need to go to the library site and place a “hold” for the books they wish to checkout. Mrs. Grice will pull any available titles and notify students and parents by email when the books are ready. Book pickup will be on FRIDAYs from 8:00am - 9:00am and 11:30am - 12:30pm in the Bus Loop. Books may be returned at this same time. Please place returned books in the labeled boxes.
    • Free Meals for ALL WCPSS Students: Through December 31, all Wake County students may receive breakfast and lunch via Curbside Service at no cost. Meals will not be available on holidays designated on the student’s calendar. WCPSS Food Distribution Sites

    FWES PTA Updates:

    Thank you to the families who particpated in the 1st General Membership Meeting on Thursday evening. We are excited to have families join the PTA and to welcome you to our school community. Please reach out with any questions or to get involved- we are glad you are here! 

    Join the FWES PTA

    Go Play Save Fall Fundraiser- virtual coupon book sale!!! Through September 17th! 

    • FWES PTA still has projects to complete and fund for the school community in 2020-21. To provide the support to the school, fund raising in the virtual school community will remain an important way that families can support the PTA and the school.  
    • Go Play Save Link

    Fall Spiritwear Sale- order through September 14th! 

    PTA Advocacy- Voter's Election Forum for WCPSS Board of Education: 

    On September 23rd, the Wake County PTA Council will be hosting a virtual candidate forum for all those running for School Board in the November election. If you would like to submit a question for the candidates, they are being accepted until September 15 via this link

     
    Look for information on joining the live forum coming soon!
     
    Here’s a list of who is running. An (i) next to the name stands for incumbent (they are currently in office). We at FWES are in District 9 (along with several other schools like Reedy Creek, Kingswood, Northwoods, Cary High, Green Hope High, Laurel Park, Salem Elementary, West Cary Middle and more).
     
    District 1
    Heather Scott (i)
    Deborah Prickett
     
    District 2
    Monika Johnson-Hostler (i)
    Gregory Hahn
    Dorian Hamilton
     
    District 3
    Roxie Cash (i)
     
    District 4
    Keith Sutton (i)
     
    District 5
    Jim Martin (i)
     
    District 6
    Christine Kushner (i)
     
    District 7
    Chris Heagarty (i)
    Rachel Mills
     
    District 8
    Lindsay Mahaffey (i)
    Steve Bergstrom
     
    District 9
    Bill Fletcher (i)
    Karen Carter
    Daniel Madding

     

     

    9-4-2020

    Mrs. Pierce's Message (5 minutes- yes you read that correctly:)

    Happy Friday before a long weekend to our FWES families! 

    We made it through week 1.... great, good, okay, or awful.... we made it! It is a long weekend without screen time- and temps below 100- so enjoy the time outside to regroup and refresh! Thank you all for your support and partnership in helping us reach our students for learning the very best we can. We also thank you for your patience and understanding as our incredIBle staff have NEVER had to teach in this format before and they are learning as they go, too. There is no model virtual school delivery system for a global pandemic, but based on what I have been able to see this week- we are well on our way to modeling some awesome strategies from the staff AND families at FWES! 

    We are FWES STRONG and can get through this challenge together.... with our focus on supporting each other (adults and students, alike) and with flexibiity, understanding and grace! 

    Have a wonderful holiday weekend! Mrs. Pierce

    FWES Friday Folder Information:

    • Staff Introductions- Be sure to "meet" all of our FWES staff this year by visiting our website and in the announcement bar you will find a link to a document were you can have a virtual introduction to all of our incredIBle staff! 
    • Library Book Bags!
      • Place your choices on hold by following the video Mrs. Grice made (your teacher has shared it with you).
      • Mrs. Grice will collect your books and send you (and your parents) an email when the books are ready to be picked up.
      • All book holds must be placed by the end of the day on Tuesday to be ready for Friday pickup.
      • You can come pick the books up on FRIDAYs between 8:00am- 9:00am or  between 11:30am-12:30pm in the BUS LOOP.
      • The books will be in bags and marked with your name.
      • Not all of your requests may be filled at the same time - remember our library “rules” and that Mrs. Grice wants you to read a variety of genres.
      • Bring back any books you want to return and place them in the boxes labeled for Book Return.
    • Are you ready for some new library books? It is easy to get them…
    • Any Questions : email Mrs. Grice         egrice@wcpss.net
    • Student Childcare and Learning Support: WakeEd Partnership, WCPSS and community organizations have partnered to work to meet the needs of families and students. The FAST (Families and Schools Together) programs are now availble throughout the community to provide childcare to families during school hours that also provide structures for learning time, too. While no program is endorsed by WCPSS or by FWES, information on programs avaialble to families can be found at the link below. 
    • WCPSS is offering much family support through the WCPSS Family Academy Virtual Events. Please check out the many sessions to support family learning needs. 
    • WCPSS Food Distribution Sites: All students may receive lunch and breakfast daily at the food distribution sites listed at the website linked here. Due to an extension made by the USDA, there is no cost to ANY family for this resource. Locations may change as we move into the school year and all updates can be found at this website and in the community emails sent to families throughout the week. 
    • Hope Church Food Pantry
      • Hope Community Church is a FWES partner. They support our school with volunteers for projects and supplies for students. In addition they offer a Food Pantry to our families who may be in need of food support during this challenging time. 

    FWES PTA Updates: 

    PTA General Membership Meeting: On Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 6:30pm we will have our first General Body Meeting where we pass our budget and elect new officers. It's a great chance to get an overview of what all your PTA does. Here is the virtual link: https://meet.google.com/hyd-euvw-oap

    PTA Coffee Chats: These will be twice a month with our next one on Friday, September 11, 2020. This one is just for our kindergarten families. We know how fast and furious the information comes and how many questions you don't even know you have...this is a chance to get some answers, meet some other PTA members, and see some other kindergarten parents. It starts at 8:30am and we try to wrap up around 9 so that we can all get our kiddos day started. I hope to see some of you there!

    Coffee Chat Link: https://meet.google.com/xuk-cpij-cqd

    The PTA is looking for:

    • Vice President of Services: A member of the PTA executive board. Responsible for inclusion initiatives, outreach opportunities, and PTA participation in health and wellness programs. Oversees teams that run teacher appreciation and hospitality events. Works with the Teacher Task Team, Project Parents and Campus Clean Up who provide specific support to our FWES campus. 
      • Commitment: Must be available during school hours a few times a month for meetings and to oversee programs. A few busy times of the year will require more hours and most work may be done from home. This position has team support!
    • Webmaster: Update content on the PTA website and help with maintaining web data. Coordinate work with the VP of Communications as needed.
      • Commitment: A few hours a month

    Please email Stevie Martino at President@fwespta.org if interested

    Go Play Save Fall Fundraiser- virtual coupon book sale!!! Through September 17th! 

    • FWES PTA still has projects to complete and fund for the school community in 2020-21. To provide the support to the school, fund raising in the virtual school community will remain an important way that families can support the PTA and the school.  
    • Go Play Save Link

    Fall Spiritwear Sale- order through September 14th! 

     

     

    8-28-2020

    FWES Friday Folder! 

    Mrs. Pierce's Video Message (13 minutes)

    Happy Friday to our awesome FWES Families!

    It was so great to see so many of you this week when you came by to pick up your instructional supplies. We have had almost all families get their supplies this week.... yeah..... now we are ready for the full days of school to begin next week! In addition, those families who need chromebooks are beginning to be notified about picking up chromebooks at the identified high schools next week- please note that we DO NOT have chromebooks at FWES for our students. We are looking forward to getting this large hurdle behind us as we focus our attention to academic standards and IB Learning. 

    Monday, August 31st- Full School Day Schedule Begins

    Full School Day Scheule by Grade Level

    Please carefully review this schedule- and any additional schedule information sent from your child's teacher this week to plan for how and when your child(ren) will be interacting with the teacher on line and when they will be completing assignments independently. Small group times will be shared with students and parents, too. A reminder that independent work is a time when most 2nd-5th graders will be ready to finish or move without too much assistance with what the teacher got started during the live instruction. K-1 students will need much more supervision throughout their day to remain focused and to complete the tasks assigned- much like the support and reminders they get all day when they are in the school building:) There are even some of our 2nd-5th graders who might also need that same level of support. It is important that students finish assignments each day-on that day- so they are ready for the next day's learning. 

    Take a breath- you got this- and if not, Tuesday will be another day- and so will Wednesday and beyond! Reach out to your child's teacher if you need support

    Parent involvement in Google Meet lessons- We welcome parent engagement but a quick reminder that parents are asked not to interupt a Meet, contribute to or ask questions of the teacher when the teacher is working with students- much the same as if we were in the building. If you have a question or need to contact the teacher, please send an email and our staff will be happy to set up a time to talk with you when they are not working directly with students. Thank you for your cooperation. 

    Other FWES News: 

    • Library Book Bags!
      • Are you ready for some new library books? It is easy to get them…
        • Place your choices on hold by following the video Mrs. Grice made (your teacher has shared it with you).
        • Mrs. Grice will collect your books and send you (and your parents) an email when the books are ready to be picked up.
        • All book holds must be placed by the end of the day on Tuesday to be ready for Friday pickup.
        • You can come pick the books up on FRIDAYs between 8:00am- 9:00am or  between 11:30am-12:30pm in the BUS LOOP.
        • The books will be in bags and marked with your name.
        • Not all of your requests may be filled at the same time - remember our library “rules” and that Mrs. Grice wants you to read a variety of genres.
        • Bring back any books you want to return and place them in the boxes labeled for Book Return.
      • Any Questions : email Mrs. Grice         egrice@wcpss.net

     

    FWES PTA Updates: 

    • Go Play Save Fall Fundraiser- virtual coupon book sale!!!
      • FWES PTA still has projects to complete and fund for the school community in 2020-21. To provide the support to the school, fund raising in the virtual school community will remain an important way that families can support the PTA and the school. 
      • Sales for prizes will end on September 8th! 
      • Go Play Save Link
    • Fall Spiritwear Sale- order through September 14th! 

     

    8-21-2020

    FWES Friday Folder:) 

    Mrs. Pierce's Video Message (13 minutes)

    Hi FWES Families! 

    Without families or students coming to the building each day, it is no surprise to think that communication with famlies will need to move to a much more digital format, too. Please make sure you are getting the weekly emails from the school and communication from teachers and that you check email regularly for important school related information. If you sign up for text messaging, too, you will get links directly to the information via text messages on your phone. 

    School Messenger- School Messenger is the system that WCPSS uses to communicate with large groups of families and schools also use it for communication, too. Please review the document linked here to learn how to update your contact information and make changes as to how you want to receive communication from WCPSS and FWES. 

    We made it! One week of accessing FWES on line is completed. Thank you for all of your support and patience as we learn more about the challenges of a virtual learning environment and seek to overcome those challenges we have control over. We are excited to continue connecting and engaging our students this week as we move from grade level and school connections to teacher connections. 

    Teacher/Classroom Assignments on Monday: Teachers will begin reaching out via email to our families on Monday to share classroom placement information for 2020-21. In almost all grades, your child's teacher will be partnered with another or two other teachers on the grade level so they can support each other with virtual learning and if someone has to be absent. Your student will occasionally see lessons or other content from any of the teacher partners and may even see some lessons from any teacher on the team, especially as we move into our full day virtual learning to start the year. Teams at FWES plan together, so it only makes sense that they also would work together to prepare resources, rather than all of them doing the same asynchronous lesson recording. Our work this first week provided students with the opportunity to meet all teachers on the team in order to provide context if they were to see another teacher teaching a lesson during the year, too:) 

    Orientation Week 2 August 24-28, 2020: We will continue with our Orientation schedule as most WCPSS elementary students have not yet gotten the requested Chromebook devices. Those pick ups should happen this week. All students will have an AM and PM meeting each day of the week- starting Tuesday it will be with their assigned teacher. Please review the document linked above for additional schedule information for this week- August 24-28th! 

    IB Learners Take Action: We have Action Wednesday on the FWES News each week. Please use this link to share action your IB students have taken so they can be highlighted on the FWES news. Videos and photos are welcome! See Spring 2020 Action highlights here. 

    Instructional Materials Pick Up and Meet your Teacher: As we are going to begin a full day of instruction on August 31st, we want our students to have the materials they need for learning. Your teacher will be here at the times listed below to give you the materials you will need for learning. It will be a drive thru process, so access to the materials and teacher will be on the passenger side of the vehicle, much like the spring pick up process. Teachers cannot wait to see you in person, but will maintain social distancing and wear masks during these times, too. The materials are very important and should be kept in a safe spot or in a child's back pack near/with the Chromebook so that students can access them each day as directed by the teacher. Materials will include books, daily workbooks and activities, as well as,  additional hands on materials that will be needed for learning. For social distancing, we have to spread out the grade levels, however, if families do not want to come back through more than once, you may request all students' materials at any one of the times. Note, however, that only the grade level teachers for the grade level time will be available to meet the student. 

    Wednesday, August 26th

    10:15-11:15am 5th Grade

    1:00-2:00pm 4th Grade and ECS

    2:00-3:00pm 3rd Grade

    Thursday, August 27th

    10:15-11:15am Kindergarten and Pre K

    1:00-2:00pm 1st Grade

    2:00-3:00pm 2nd Grade 

    Got Questions??? Our Got Questions sessions will continue on Monday and Tuesday of this week. We love seeing and hearing from our families and want to be here to help you with your questions. The links to join these sessions can be found on the front page of the website in the Google Calendar bar on the left side of the screen at the bottom. 

    Monday and Tuesday

    8:30-9:30am Got Tech Questions

    9:30-10:30am Got FWES Questions

    10:30-11:30am Got Counselor Questions

     

    Sneak Preview for August 31st! 

    We will begin our full school day schedule on Monday, August 31st. During the day students at all grade levels will have 2.5-3 hours of scheduled live instruction with their teacher each day; along with 2 -2.5 hours of independent assignment completion- based on the live learning sessions. The link above outlines the live times that each grade level will be using to start the week of August 31st. Please review and determine how to best plan for making sure your child accesses his/her live learning. For privacy, live sessions with students are not allowed to be recorded, so it will not be repeated, but reach out to the teacher if you miss (much like if you miss instruction at school, ask the teacher for help). 

    Before each live session, students will likely need to have appropriate learning materials with them and review any reminders from teachers for extra supplies that may also be needed- such as cube counters for math live session; paper and crayons for Science/Social Studies session, etc. 

    It will be a busy day for all students and families and we will all work together to make sure students are maximizing learning each day! 

    Other FWES News: 

    • Single Subject Acceleration Updates for Fall 2020
      • Nomination window will open again due to Spring school closures- August 17-28, 2020. Parents may follow the information linked above to make a nomination.
        Testing of SSA nominated students will occur in the 30 days following this nomination period. More information will be coming to families who have submitted nominations- expect it the week of August 31st. 
    • AIG and 3rd Grade Explorers Information Sessions 
      • Learn more from Mrs. Rowe about our AIG program and the 3rd Grade Explorers program by attending one of the Google Meet sessions she is offering this week for families.
    • In addition, WCPSS is offering much family support through the WCPSS Family Academy Virtual Events. Please check out the many sessions to support family learning needs. 
    • Hope Church Food Pantry
      • Hope Community Church is a FWES partner. They support our school with volunteers for projects and supplies for students. In addition they offer a Food Pantry to our families who may be in need of food support during this challenging time. 

    FWES PTA News: 

     

     

    8-14-2020

    It's Friday Folder Time at FWES!

    In order to help families plan for the virtual learning schedules best- we have moved our Monday "Folders" and Newsletters to Fridays for the 2020-21 school year. So Happy Friday to all of you! 

    Note: The next several weeks we will do Friday updates but also send additional information on Sunday afternoons as we transition and support access to learning for all students and families. Don't worry, that will not continue after the first few weeks:) 

    Mrs. Pierce's Video Message (20 minutes)

    Countdown is on!!! First day of school is just 3 days away- and we are excited to get to see you soon! 

    Start today by driving through our Pep Rally event in the FWES Parking Lots- Find your FWES shirts and your school spirit and come see all of the FWES staff so we can officially welcome you back to school!

    Remember- right turn only (so enter Hampton Valley Road from Cary Parkway)and we will be ready to start at 3:00pm and then right turn out only to exit- Staff will be in both parking lots looking for you!! Check out the Pep Rally Map for details! 

    Monday is our first day of school- but remember our first two weeks are Orientation for students. 

    This document gives families a little more information about our schedules the first two weeks- FWES Orientation for Families 2020- here is how most days will look during Week 1: 

    • The FWES Morning News will be live each morning at 9:05am- find the FWES News icon- on the website or in Google Classroom for those who have their Wake ID. 
    • Then at 9:15 every morning the next two weeks, each 1st-5th grade student will log on for a live meet with teachers to get their day started. Students with their Wake ID will use it to log on- students without a Wake ID can still participate- but the link to join the “meet” will be emailed to the parent on Sunday. Meet links cannot be put on the website so that we can maintain a secure experience for our students each day. The live meet will be how teachers will take attendance each day of Orientation:) 
      • If your child does not have access to a phone or other device to use to join the meet- do not worry, devices and hot spots are coming soon! However, do expect some follow up from the school due to the live meets being used to take daily attendance:) 
    • All students will then have several activities and assignments to complete after the live meet concludes. Those with Wake ID will find them in the Google Classroom- others will receive links to the activities and assignments in the grade level email that will be sent to parents on Sunday. In addition, assignment links will be posted on the FWES Website for easy access, too. 
    • On a rotating basis- our specialists will meet with our 1st-5th graders at 2:30 each afternoon- during week 1- check the schedule for your grade level meeting time. 
    • All students will then return for an end of the day Google Meet to give the students time to share the assignments they completed and prepare for the next day with teachers. 
    • Reminder, there are not yet teacher assignments K-5 so your student will meet with all teachers on the team at some point during the week next week as we wait on the completion of the assignment of students to cohorts so we can complete classroom assignments. Your patience is appreciated! 

    For Families who need help: 

    • Got Tech Questions??? Live Google Meet with Anna Goodrum and Emilia Radichi (Spanish) every morning August 17-25 from 8:30-9:30am to answer tech need questions for families. Use the link on the Google Calendar on our website to pop in to ask your question and get help. 
    • Got FWES Questions??? Live Google Meet with Winston Pierce and Rosario Gravino (Spanish) every morning August 17-25 from 9:30-10:30am to answer general school questions- note- we will not be able to help with tech questions:) Use the link on the Google Calendar on our website to pop in to ask your question and get help. 
    • Got Questions for the Counselor???? Live Google Meet with Jennifer Thakur and Mark Beamish every morning from August 17-25 from 10:30-11:30am to answer questions or set up times for individual support as it relates to your child’s transition back to school, setting up a learning station at home, friendships, etc. 

    Of course you can also call the school to leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible, but we know the year will be different and want you to be able to get help as quickly as possible and hope these sessions will assist and support all of you while you support all our teachers are doing at school! 

    In addition, WCPSS is offering much family support through the WCPSS Family Academy Virtual Events. Please check out the many sessions to support family learning needs. 

    WCPSS Family Academy Virtual Events Fall 2020

    WCPSS Academia Familiar 2020- Spanish

    Homework for Students and Families

    If you are a returning WCPSS student in 1st-5th Grade, practice logging in to your Wake ID Portal and go to Google Classroom so that you are ready to get started on Monday morning. 

    Directions are below in English and Spanish. In addition, if you need help with your student in particular there is a link to send for help- the earlier you ask for that help, the sooner you can get it…. If you wait until Monday morning, you may not get that support before the first Google Meet of the day:) 

    Single Subject Acceleration Updates for Fall 2020

    Nomination window will open again due to Spring school closures- August 17-28, 2020. Parents may follow the information linked above to make a nomination.
    Testing of SSA nominated students will occur in the 30 days following this nomination period. More information will be coming to families who have submitted nominations- expect it the week of August 31st. 

    FWES PTA 2020

    Thanks to FWES PTA for have a Las Gringas food truck to serve lunch to staff yesterday on their first day back! Please make sure you take time to support our school community by becoming a member of the FWES PTA. 

    Welcome Letter from FWES PTA President

    FWES Back to School Information 2020