Dear FMA Families,
As we dive into preparing for the year ahead, it may at times feel like an uphill battle with so many unknowns and more questions than answers. But regardless of how difficult the task or the complexity of the challenge, we can and will solve it one layer at a time. Be encouraged and know that, together, we got this!
Entry Plan Survey
As a part of my Entry Plan, I want to know about your child's experiences at FMA if you are a returning family. Please complete the Entry Surveys below by Sept. 15th to let me know about your child's experience at FMA:
Getting Reading for School
Uniforms
As a mandatory uniform school, FMA scholars are expected to wear school uniforms every day. FMA uniforms consist of white, light blue, or navy collared shirts with navy or khaki pants or skirts. Families can purchase uniforms at many stores including: Target, Old Navy, Sears, Children's Place, JCPenney, and Wal-Mart. More info can be found here. View Collegiate House Uniforms Website >>
Masks are also required this year. CPS will provide masks for all students and staff. If you need help with uniforms or back-to-school supplies for your child, please reach out to our family liaison, Daniel Skeritt at [email protected].
Chromebooks
CPS students will receive touch screen computers this year, tentatively scheduled in October. In the meantime, if your student needs a Chromebook to begin remote learning on Sept. 16th, please call the school at 617.349.6588 or Daniel Skeritt, Family Liaison, or Deborah Hood-Brown, Assistant Principal, at your earliest convenience so we can make sure your child has what s/he/they need to start strong.
Materials Pick-Up
Below are a few dates for parents to stop by FMA to pick up materials. Tables will be set up on the playground and we are asking you to socially distance as they come to collect marked items according to students' names and grade. Student belongings that were not picked up at the end of last year will also be available at this time.
September 10th | 8AM - 12Noon | Grade 4 - 5
September 11th | 8AM - 12Noon | Grades 1, 2, 3
September 14th | 11AM - 2PM | Scholar College/JK/K
September 15th | 11AM - 2PM | Anyone who could not attend the previous pick-up days
School Hours
Remote School Hours: 8AM - 4PM
In-Person Hours (beginning Oct. 13th): 7:45AM - 3:45PM
Master Schedule
To assist families with planning your school day at home, you may use the following guide. You will receive your child's class schedule from his/her/their in the days and weeks to come.
During "Choice Time," students will have the opportunity to select courses of interest that will be offered by FMA staff and community partners.
D.E.A.R.
Drop Everything and Read! Students will end each school day on a fun note by independently reading (or looking at picture books for SC/JK/K) any book of interest on their reading level during "D.E.A.R." time. Encourage your child to pursue their passions by getting lost in a good book!
Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) Updates
The purpose of the Instructional Leadership Team during SY20-21 is to catalyze instruction schoolwide for improved student outcomes by engaging in data inquiry to support data-driven instruction. To that end, the ILT is being aligned with Professional Development (PD) for teachers and grade level cluster meetings so that every staff member can participate in ILT this year. This work will be reflected in the School Improvement Plan (SIP). The first meeting occurred this week and will take place on alternating Wednesdays from 1 - 2PM. Families are welcome to review the ILT rolling agenda and slide deck as updates are provided and provide input
Leadership Team Updates
The Leadership Team met this morning to discuss the state of the school and school reopening. Longitudinal MCAS data was reviewed from 2017-2019 and ILT updates were discussed. We celebrated some big wins and discussed opportunities for growth. Parent/caregiver perspectives on school reopening were also shared and questions answered. Click here to read the meeting notes.
We look forward to an exciting year of learning that lies ahead!
Student Enrichment Opportunities
See below from Brookline Codes:
Our names are Yuen Ler Chow and Elena Su, and we are two seniors at Brookline High School. We co-founded Brookline Codes, a STEM enrichment program that delivers free introductory computer science and mathematics courses to elementary and middle school students in the Greater Boston area. Because of the program’s success and popularity during our spring 2020 semester, we are now offering a fall semester of Brookline Codes to Fletcher Maynard Academy students, which will run from September 14th to December 13th 2020!
The deadline to register by is September 11th, 2020.
Through this program, elementary and middle school students take courses in computer science and mathematics, taught remotely by talented high school and college students through Zoom.
Read more information and access the registration form >>
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Ms. Rounds in the Media
Here's a link to the "Equity in Education" segment by the Pat Tillman Foundation featuring yours truly.
I'm looking forward to an exciting year of teaching and learning ahead!
Sincerely,
Maisha Rounds, Proud Principal