Principal’s Page

August 4, 2021

 

FCMS Students and Parents, 

 

As always, we are working to provide a safe environment in all aspects of our school community.  At the end of last school year and over the summer FCMS administrators met with the FCCSC transportation department to evaluate possible changes to the procedures for students who are picked up after school.  In order to reduce congestion at the exit and provide a safer loading area for our students we are making changes to the pick up procedures at the end of the day.

 

  • As in the past, parents will form a line around the outside of the parking lot, starting just east of the entrance to the circle drive.
  • Students who are being picked up after school will wait at the entrance to the school building until all buses have left the circle drive.
  • After all buses have left the circle drive we will release students to the first two vehicles at the front of the line on the north side of the circle.  
  • After those vehicles are loaded and have pulled away the students for the next two vehicles will be released to their rides.
  • This procedure will be repeated until all students have loaded and the cars have left the parking area. 

 

These changes are being implemented to reduce congestion at the exit to the circle drive and provide a safer loading area for our students.  Thank you for your cooperation!  Let’s have a safe and productive school year!

 

Sincerely,

 

Chris Bundy, Principal

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July 14, 2021

 

FCMS Students and Parents, 

 

I hope everyone has had a safe and enjoyable summer.  Your remaining summer break days are disappearing quickly and school will be starting school before we know it. 

 

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION AND FEE PAYMENT TIMES:

Monday, August 2nd – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Tuesday, August 3rd – Noon to 7:00 PM

Wednesday, August 4th – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Thursday, August 5th – Noon to 7:00 PM

Friday, August 6th – 8:00 AM to Noon

 

The office will be open for you come in to pay school fees. Students are welcome to decorate their lockers and tour the building with parents to become familiar with classroom locations.  The first day of school for students is August 9th. 

 

MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT:  FCMS will hold “Meet the Teacher Night” on Thursday, August 5th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  We will start with a quick welcome and introduction of teachers in the gym.  Parents and students will then be able to explore the school and meet many of the teachers. Students may bring in school supplies and decorate their lockers during this time.  This is a great opportunity for parents and teachers to open lines of communication and learn about the expectations of the teachers. 

 

SCHOOL START AND ENDING TIMESThe school day begins for students at 8:25.  Students are expected to be in their seats with all of their materials at that time. Students who arrive after that time are required to sign-in tardy to school.  Students are dismissed form school at 3:30.  Since there are three schools in close proximity traffic may not move as quickly as you would like.  Please demonstrate patience for the safety of everyone. 

 

SCHEDULED eLEARNING DAYS FOR TEACHER TRAININGTeachers will participate in training sessions and students will participate in eLearning activities on the following dates:

Wednesday, September 15th

Wednesday, November 10th

Wednesday, February 9th

Wednesday, April 15th

 

ATTENDANCE:  When a student is absent from school a parent is required to contact the school to verify the excused absence.  If an absence is not verified as excused by parent contact with the school, the absence will be considered unexcused. 

 

CONTROLLED ENTRY PROCEDURES:  Individuals will be required to scan their State issued identification card prior to entering Franklin County Middle School.  The ID scan will initiate a quick scan for specific criminal offenses.  School administration will then proceed with appropriate safety procedures for the situation.  Individuals without scheduled appointments may not be granted access to the building.  Parents who wish to meet with school administration, counselors, or teachers are encouraged to schedule appointments ahead of time.  Parents needing to drop-off items to students will be able to leave the item with the controlled entry attendant.  We hope any inconvenience these procedures may create are outweighed by the increased security for our students and staff.  

 

COVID-19 PROCEDURES:  The FCCSC Board of School Trustees are following the guidance of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Indiana Health Department, and Franklin County Health Department by adopting new COVID-19 safety guidelines for the 2021-2022 school year.  

SCHOOL BUS REQUIREMENTS:  Face coverings are still required on school buses regardless of vaccination status according to the current federal CDC order.  When this federal order is rescinded, students will no longer be required to wear face coverings on school buses. 

VACCINATED K-12 STUDENTS AND STAFF:  Face coverings are not necessary;  use good judgement regarding social distancing; and no quarantine is needed if identified as a clase contact as long as they remain asymptomatic.  Parents, students, and staff will be notified if they have been identified as a close contact. 

UNVACCINATED K-12 STUDENTS AND STAFF:  Face coverings are highly recommended (except when eating) and social distancing of at least 3 feet when possible.  Parents, students, and staff will be notified if they are a close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and may choose to quarantine for 10 days.  An asymptomatic close contact may return on day 8 with a negative COVID-19 test.  COVID-19 testing will be available at each individual school for students and staff members. 

POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST FOR K-12 STUDENTS AND STAFF:  Students and Staff who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status, will be required to quarantine for 10 days. 

 

We are looking forward to a great year from our students and teachers.  If you have and questions or concerns please contact us so we may resolve the situation.  We understand that education works best when the school, teachers, parents, and students work together to achieve the best outcomes. 

 

Enjoy the rest of your summer! 

 

Chris Bundy, Principal