Principal's Press

Friends of FHES,

The theme for the month of November is to “Do Your Best!”  This individual challenge fits well with our school theme of Safe, Civil and Productive. This phrase does not lump us together as a group; it encourages individual self-reflection. To emphasize our growth as a safe and civil program we held a 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th grade student meeting this week. The discussion, which focused on maintaining a positive climate, addressed appropriate language and topics which can and can not be used at school. True, each of us has our own opinion of what is allowable and appropriate in our homes. At school a consistent level needs to be maintained. Probably we all agree on what the swear words are, but other inappropriate words and conversations have come to my attention. These include comments like, “This sucks”, “He/she is gay”, etc. These derogatory comments create unrest and discomfort at school. Furthermore, any discussion involving sex is clearly inappropriate in the school setting. Though this may be obvious to most of us, children who get their cues from television and the media have difficulty knowing where to draw the line. Trust that these situations will be dealt with at school, but, as you know, we will not hear every comment. Over the next couple of days visit with your children about playground talk. Offer them suggestions and options they can use if a subject is offensive. Another way you can help is to volunteer time at our recess breaks. Playground supervision is an ongoing need. With your assistance we will be able to maintain an emotionally safe and civil environment.

Live Your Dreams Art Contest: Soroptimist is pleased to announce its second annual Live Your Dream Art Contest. This year, Soroptimist invites boy and girl students, from ages 4 to 18, to draw an inspirational present-day woman. She can be someone the student knows personally or a prominent woman he or she admires. Cash prizes are available for the students and their school. The art work will be judged in the following categories: Ages 4-6, Ages 7-9, Ages 10-12, Ages 13-15, and Ages 16-18. Rules: Drawing must convey why students think this woman is inspirational. The work should be no larger than 11” by 14”. The art must be hand-drawn not computer generated. Finally, students must glue or staple the art contest entry form to the back of the artwork. Go to liveyourdreamcampaign.org for more information. Schools must collect all artwork from their students and send them in one package to Soroptimist International. Turn in your submission to Gail Leschine. Deadline December 17^th, 2009. 

Don’t miss out on a gorgeous poinsettia to add cheer to your home!  The PTA poinsettia pre-order sale continues through Thursday, November 12.  Use the attached order form to order yours.  All proceeds pay for programs and materials for our students.    

Upcoming Events:

11/6    Veterans’ Day Assembly--8:30 AM in the gym with Veterans and students.

11/11  Veterans’ Day Holiday No School

11/12  Poinsettia sale deadline

Thanks for all you do!

Gary Pflueger