7315 SMITH STATION ROAD

FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22407

TIGER TIMES FREEDOM MIDDLE

Greetings Tigers! Welcome to the 2017 - 2018 school year at FMS! I am honored to be the new Principal and it is my privilege to lead such an amazing school as Freedom Middle. Despite being only 14 years old, FMS is an accomplished school and has many reasons to celebrate. Students have an opportunity to participate in a rigorous academic program with great teachers, a terrific fine arts program, many after school opportunities, a Blue Ribbon music program and an incredible student athletic program. Alongside the amazing programs students can be involved in here at FMS are the core characteristics of being Respectful, Responsible, and Productive. These are the key Positive Behavior Intervention Supports, known as “Freedom Pride”, that we believe make successful students and a positive school climate. At the beginning of the year we will discuss and take note of what each of these look like in the classroom, hallway, lunchroom and restroom. By displaying these characteristics, students can earn pride cards to win fun and exciting prizes at lunch. It is my wish that each student finds his/her niche and engage with the activity that matches their interest and passion. If I can further assist in making your child’s middle school experience exceptional, please feel free to call, email or stop by. Sincerely, Eric Wright Ed.D.

From the Principal’s Office

Business Day/Open House

Please join us August 31,2017

6th grade 3:00– 4:45

CLUBS & ORGANIZATION SIGN UP 4:45—5:15(WITH SPECIAL HALF-TIME SHOW)

7TH & 8TH GRADE 5:15 –7:00

Meet your teachers, find your locker, get your schedule, join the PTSA ($6.00), purchase your gym uniform

($15) and visit with your friends

*IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND, SCHEDULES WILL BE RECEIVED THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.

TDAP REQUIREMENT MUST BE MET TO ATTEND SCHOOL ON SEPT 5TH

Required vaccine for

rising 6th grade students:

Effective July 1, 2014, the Virginia General Assembly modified the law and requirements for rising sixth grade students. All students entering the sixth grade must have a booster dose of the Tdap vaccine. Students without documentation of the vaccine on the first day of school will have to be picked up by a parent. The Tdap vaccine and any other immunizations mandated by law can be obtained free of charge at the Spotsylvania County Health Department, 2nd floor of the Holbert Building located at 9104 Courthouse Road in Spotsylvania. The Health Department number is 540-507-7400. Immunization clinics are held every Monday 8:00 a.m. until noon. An appointment is not needed. You may also contact a private physician or healthcare provider to obtain the vaccine.

Freedom Pride

~Respectful~

~Responsible~

~Productive~

August 2017

Page 2 TIGER TIMES

Welcome Tigers! The new school year is right around the corner and our PTSA would like to welcome and encourage you to be a part of our FMS family. We have several volunteer opportunities as well as other committees you can be a part of! We also have some awesome programs that your Tiger can participate in this year! One of the programs is titled Reflections and the theme this year is “Within Reach.” The National PTA’s “Reflections” program encourages students to explore the arts and express themselves. Students in this program create theme-based artwork in dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts. Look for more information regarding submissions to this program. Be sure to stop by at our table at “Back-to-School Business Day” on August 31st and join the PTSA or sign up to volunteer! We would love to have you as part of our TEAM!

P.T.S.A.—Parent Teacher Student Association

Greetings from the Spotsylvania County Schools Office of

Transportation Services!

Please be advised that your child’s bus stop information will be mailed to your home the week prior to the opening of school. Information will also be available at www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us by clicking on “Departments” and then “Transportation.” Direct or specific questions should be directed to 540-582-5125. Students are to arrive at their assigned bus stop ten minutes prior to the scheduled stop time. If you need to make any changes to your child’s home address or alternate pickup/drop off location for the upcoming school year, please contact Mrs. Sutton at Freedom Middle School as soon as possible. If changes are made to your address after information is mailed home, transportation may not be available until the second week of school.

Important Dates

School Pictures: September 20, 2017

during Elective Clas-ses.

Report Cards November 9, 2017 February 1, 2018

April 19, 2018 June 15, 2018(mailed)

Interims October 5, 2017

December 14, 2017

March 1, 2018

May 17, 2018

Parent-Teacher Conference

Nights

October 12, 2017, 6-:00-8:00 p.m.

January 11, 2018, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

March 8, 2018, 6:00--8:00 p.m.

May 24, 2018 6:00-8:00 p.m.

First Day of School

September 5, 2017

Back-to-School Business Day August 31, 2018

Early Release Days

Students Dismissed at 11:45 October 6, 2017

December 1, 2017 January 26, 2018

February 16, 2018 March 16, 2018 April 27, 2018

June 13, 14, 15 , 2018

Last Day of School June 15, 2018

FREEDOM MIDDLE

Parents and students should note that attendance is a high priority at Freedom Middle School.

Students should be here on time and in class ready to learn. Students are considered tardy if they are

not in homeroom by 8:00 a.m. Parents of students who miss school for illness or family emergency will

need to call the main office send their child back to school with a note to be given to their home

room teacher. It is also very important that students refrain from leaving school early.

We appreciate your cooperation with this matter.

Attendance: A Priority at FMS

Freedom Middle School

7315 Smith Station Road

Phone: (540) 548-1030

Fax: (540) 786-0782

Principal: Eric Wright Ed. D.

Assistant Principal: Dwan Barnes-Gaines

Instructional Coordinator: Susan Thrift

Secretary: Peggy Imler

Bookkeeper: Debbie Heckman

Nurse: Rebecca Newton

Counseling Director: Cheryl Galllello

Counselor: Paula Flamm

Counseling Secretary: Noelle Sutton

We are on the Web!

http://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/Domain/27

School Colors: Red and Black School Mascot: The Tiger

Opening Date: 2003

Insurance Forms Available Your child will be bringing home a health insurance form in his/her initial packet.

This form is made available to you for your convenience. If you choose to purchase

this insurance you need to deal directly with the insurance company. The address

for mailing payment is on the form.

Arrival to School Parents please note that students should not arrive at school before 7:15 a.m. We ask that you note this time because there will not be adult supervision of students before that time. Students arriving before 7:40 need to report directly to the cafeteria until the 7:40 homeroom bell.

Students must be in homeroom at 8:00 a.m. Any arrivals after 7:55 a.m. must sign in at the main office to obtain a tardy pass. A note is required and must be received within 5 days for tardies.

To ensure students are not marked absent when attendance is taken during homeroom, students are to check in with their homeroom teacher before going anywhere in the building. (ie. library, breakfast, counseling, locker issues, etc.)

Page 3

Page 4 TIGER TIMES

Girl’s Soccer

First practice bring: practice clothes, cleats, and water bottle.

September 25 BMS Home September 27 BYE BYE October 2 TMS Away October 4 NRMS Home October 5 CMS Away October 9 POMS Away October 11 SMS Home October 18 NRMS Away October 23 BYE BYE October 25 TMS Home

Football

First practice bring: practice clothes, molded mouth guard, cleats, and water bottle.

September 28 BMS Away October 5 BYE BYE October 12 TMS Home October 16 NRMS Away October 19 POMS Home October 26 SMS Away November 2 CMS Home

Girl’s Basketball

First practice bring: practice clothes, sneakers, and water bottle.

September 25 BMS Home September 27 BYE BYE October 2 TMS Away October 4 NRMS Home October 5 CMS Away October 9 POMS Away October 11 SMS Home October 18 NRMS Away October 23 BYE BYE October 25 TMS Home

Required: Physical, insurance, concussion training, and a note

A Fall Sports orientation for parents and athletes will be held on August 16, 2017 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The first day of practice for all fall sports is September 5, 2017. Students must have a physical form, insurance form, doc-umentation of concussion training, and a note to stay for try outs with them on that date in order to begin practice. Forms are available from the main office during regular hours, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Only students in seventh and eighth grades are eligible to participate in football. Sixth graders are eligible to participate in all other middle school athletic sports. All practices end at 5:00 p.m. Students should be picked up no later than 5:15 p.m.

Fall Sports Schedule (All events begin at 4:00)

Fall Sports

Athletic Fee for all Middle School Sports

Spotsylvania County Public Schools require each student to pay

a non-refundable athletic fee of $50 for each sport in which he

or she is a confirmed member. Athletes who try out and

become an official team member will be required to pay the

athletic fee prior to the first official contest in order to be

eligible to compete. Fees collected will contribute to the

Spotsylvania County Schools’ budget to assist with coaching

stipends and transportation costs. The assessment of fees has

been implemented at the direction of the School Board. There

is no relationship between athletic fees and a guarantee of

student playing time. The decision for playing time by athletes

is the sole decision of the head coach and his/her staff.

Prices for all ATHLETIC EVENTS are as follows: Adults/Students = $3.00 Pre-school/elementary students (10 years old

younger) = Free Senior citizens (60 years old or older) = Free Spotsylvania County Public School staff and

one guest are admitted FREE with ID badge

Page 5 FREEDOM MIDDLE

Cafeteria News Breakfast

Elementary $1.20

Secondary $1.55

Reduced Price $.30

Adults $2.05

Add money to your student account

Sign up and create your account by going to myschoolbucks.com

Application for free or reduced lunch prices

http://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/domain/275

Student Phone Calls

Please help us keep interruptions in the classroom to a minimum.

We will deliver messages to students ONLY in the case of an

emergency. Please make every effort to make arrangements with your

child about doctor’s appointments, transportation issues, etc. before

they leave for school in the mornings. Students are not permitted to

use the school phone (or their cell phones) for these purposes

or to call for assignments or PE uniforms left at home. We

appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

Electronic Devices Please encourage students to leave their electronic

devices at home. While parents find comfort in

their child having cell phones for emergency situ-

ations, there is really no reason for students to

use them during the school day. Students may

NOT use their cell phones to call, text message,

or take pictures during school hours. (7:15-3:00)

Cell phones must be turned off and not visible at

all times. If a staff member sees or hears a cell

phone, the cell phone will be confiscated and

turned into the office. It will be stored under

lock and key in the front office until parent pick

up.

The school will not be held responsible

for the loss or theft of an electronic

PE Uniforms

$10.00 shorts and $5.00 shirts

At the middle school level, the following guidelines apply to managing student meal accounts: Middle school students will be permitted a lunch meal charge (up to five [5] debt transactions or the equivalent dollar amount of a middle school price

times five [5]). Any debt to the student’s account will carry the expectation that the parent is responsible for full payment.. After the first debt transaction, the student will receive a note to take home informing the parent that a debt transaction has occurred for which the

parent will be responsible for payment. After $10 of debt transactions (approximately one (1) week), the Food Service Department will call the parent and send a reminder letter to the

household copied to guidance. After $20 of debt transactions (approximately two (2) weeks), the Food Service Department will send a letter of warning with a copy to guidance

inviting the parent to a meeting during which the parent is to provide lunch for the child and set up a payment plan, or make payment in full. If the parent refuses to meet, the Food Service Department may dispatch a letter with the School Resource Officer to inform the parents of impending action by the County Treasurer’s Office. If the parent refuses to provide lunch for the child or make payment, the Food Service Department will send the name to the County Treasurer’s Office.

After five (5) debt transactions or the equivalent dollar amount of a middle school lunch times five (5), the school food service program. will continue to provide an “alternative,” if the parent neglects to provide lunch for the child. Should Social Services be contacted for potential child neglect investigation (other factors) information about parental lack of meal support may be added. Even though the child received lunches by the school Food Service Department the parent will be expected to pay for all lunch expenses.

Lunch

Main Entrée ‐ Elementary $ 2.55

Main Entrée ‐ Secondary $ 2.65

Reduced Price $.40

Adults $3.45

Meal

Prices

Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications

All students, except those that are Directly Certified and who received a letter by September 2, 2017 must complete a meal application to receive free or reduced lunch prices for this school year. A student’s eligibility status from the 2017-2018 school year will only be good for the first few days of school. This also includes McKinney-Vento students. YOU MUST SEND IN A NEW APPLICATION FOR EACH SCHOOL YEAR. Only one application needs to be turned in per family.

BACKPACKS

Students may bring their backpacks to school but they must store them in

their locker. Students are NOT permitted to carry their backpack with them

throughout the school day. Only school related materials are permitted.

Students are reminded that lockers are school property and searches may be

conducted as needed.

PAGE 6 TIGER TIMES

MEET OUR NEW STAFF

Eric Wright—Principal

Stefannie Asselanis—8th Grade Math

Jessica Buono—BSP

Erlynn Kirsch—7th Grade Civics

Carol Lewchanin—Reading Specialist

Halley Martin—SPED

Dominac Miele—7th Grade Math

Brandy Pritchett—Paraeducator

Brian Pulis—8th Grade Math

Kathleen Taylor—Latin

Natalie Thomas—Paraeducator

Britany Truslow—Paraeducator

Karen Turner—7th Grade Math

Lindsey Williams—German/World Language

Welcome New Tigers!

Student Agendas: Key to Organization Each student is provided a student agenda/planner designed especially for our school.

The agenda provides space to write daily assignments and is an excellent tool for home/school

communication. Our special agenda provides handbook information and important details for all

students and parents to read.

Students will receive their agenda during the first week of school and will be asked to use them in

every class.

We hope to teach organizational skills through use of our student agenda and increase

communication between home and school. Organization and success go hand in hand. Should your

child misplace their agenda, a replacement agenda can be purchased for $5 in the main office.

ParentVue:

ParentVue is a secure website which offers parents real-time access to this information and much more.

Assignments, grades, attendance, credits earned, school contact, teacher contact, calendar information, and

course schedules are additional types of school and student information available online. If you did not

activate your parent account last year, please contact your school to obtain your 7 digit activation code.

4-SAFE-VA

It’s Your School-

Keep it Safe

Report safety concerns confidentially to protect you, your friends, and your school.

Call Toll Free:

1-877-4-SAFE-VA

CLUBS

NJHS

SCA

LITERARY MAGAZINE

STEM

DEBATE

FCCLA

CREATIVE WRITING

BEAU GESTE/ BELLE MUSIQUE

READING/BOOK CLUBS

Medication

All medication must be kept with our

school nurse for safekeeping and

administration. Medication will ONLY be

administered if the appropriate forms are

on file with the school nurse. Please

follow all guidelines to help us guarantee

your child’s safety. If you have any

questions or concerns please feel free to

contact our school nurse, Ms. Newton.

Please Read Carefully

Page 7 FREEDOM MIDDLE

National Junior

Honor Society

The first meeting for those who were

inducted will be held September 11, 2018

from 3:00-4:00 in room 224 with

Ms. Duggins.

The criteria for selection of eligible

candidates are scholarship, citizenship,

service, leadership, and character.

Candidates must have been present the

semester prior to selection.

If you are new to FMS and were inducted

at another school, please attend the

meeting.

Policy Regarding School Visitors/Student Pick-Up The Spotsylvania County School Board requires that a state/government issued ID be presented

when visitors and volunteers check-in or parents come to pick up students early.

We are pleased to offer a consistent check-in and check-out method that will be utilized division-

wide and one that offers another level of reassurance for our parents. The visitor management

system is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance overall safety. No notes may be hand carried in for

those not on the pick up list. All notes must be emailed, faxed or brought in by the student.

Walkers and Parent Pick-Up

AT FREEDOM MIDDLE THE SAFETY OF OUR STUDENTS IS MOST IMPORTANT. PARENTS, PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL NEED TO WRITE A NOTE IF YOUR CHILD REQUESTS AN

ALTERNATE WAY HOME. STUDENTS THAT LIVE WITHIN OUR SPECIFIED WALKING PERIMETER MUST FILL OUT A “PERMISSION TO WALK FORM”. PERMISSION TO WALK FORMS ARE

AVAILABLE IN THE MAIN OFFICE AND A NEW FORM MUST BE COMPLETED EACH SCHOOL YEAR. CAR RIDERS MUST BE PROMPTLY PICKED UP BY 3:00 P.M. UNLESS THEY ARE STAYING

AFTER FOR A SPECIFIED CLUB OR EVENT.

IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A TEMPORARY CHANGE IN THE WAY YOUR CHILD IS TO GO HOME, A WRITTEN REQUEST WITH THE STUDENT’S NAME AND SPECIFIED DATES, LOCATION/NAME

OF STUDENT THAT THEY WISH TO GO HOME WITH MUST BE PRESENTED TO THE MAIN OFFICE. PERMANENT REQUESTS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED TO MRS. SUTTON IN THE COUNSELING

OFFICE.

STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE WITH ANYONE UNLESS IT IS SPECIFIED IN WRITING

BY A LEGAL GUARDIAN OR NOTED ON THEIR EMERGENCY CARD.

The Freedom Middle School Dress Code

There is a definite correlation between dress, attitude, and achievement in school. If a faculty member feels a student’s attire does not conform to the school’s dress code, the student will be addressed. Continual violators of the dress code will face disciplinary action. An individual whose appearance is considered disruptive, distracting, and/or a hazard to his/her safety will be asked to change, which may require that a change of clothes be brought to school. Since we consider Freedom Middle a place of business, the following STANDARDS OF STUDENT DRESS will be enforced: 1.) Shorts, dresses, and skirts must be of appropriate length and fit as determined by the administration on an individual case basis. Fingertip length will be used as a guide.

2.) Leggings may be worn underneath skirts or dresses; however, dresses, skirts, and shorts must STILL be fingertip length on ALL sides of the garment. Leggings may not be worn as pants. Pants/jeans with large rips, holes, etc. above the knee (in the thigh ar‐ea) are NOT allowed without leggings underneath.

3.) Messages on clothing, jewelry, and personal belongings that pertain to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex, violence, or vulgarity are prohibited.

4.) Bare midriffs, tank tops, shirts with large arm holes, low-cut revealing tops, halter tops, tube tops, spaghetti strap tops, and cut-off shirts are not permitted unless an appropriate shirt is worn over or under these garments.

5.) Sunglasses, hats, bandanas, scarves, hoods, or other headgear may not be worn inside the building at any time. Failure to promptly comply with this expectation may result in the item being confiscated and returned to a parent or legal guardian. Items of this nature taken from students a second time will be held until the end of the school year.

6.) Oversized trousers or shorts worn below the waist, (i.e. sagging pants) undershirts, pajamas and other lounge/sleepwear are not permitted. Clothing must cover undergarments at all times.

7.) Shoes are required. Slippers are not to be worn.

8.) Large chains are not permitted for safety reasons.

9.) Oversized coats/vests are not allowed to be worn in the building. Hooded sweatshirt or lightweight jackets are permitted.

10.) Gang related attire displaying insignia which indicate to another person that such student is affiliated with a gang are not permitted to be worn/displayed (i.e.,rosary beads, bandanas, handkerchiefs, and any other gang related paraphernalia). Students who fail to comply will be subject to disciplinary action. Repeated violation of dress code policies will result in disciplinary action.

School staff and administration may exercise discretion in determining the appropriateness of student apparel. SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER THESE POLICIES SHOULD THE NEED ARISE.

FREEDOM MIDDLE Page 8

Picture source: http://www.dbdes.com