March Newsletter

Volume 2, Issue 7

Fostoria City Schools

Fostoria Intermediate
1202 H.L. Ford Drive
Phone: 419-436-4125
Fax: 419-436-4169

From the Desk of Mrs. Matz

With the recent frigid temperatures, it is hard to believe March is upon us and spring is
just weeks away. At this point all grade levels have participated in their first round of the
new PARCC assessments.
With all of our snow days and delays over the last two weeks we have had to adjust our
testing schedule. Below is information regarding our updated schedule for the Performance-Based Assessments (PBA). Please note that in the event of a closing we will simply
push our testing back by a full day. In the event of a delay we will begin testing as soon as
we arrive at school.
Below is the updated testing schedule, please look to see when your child/children will be
taking tests, and plan appointments, etc. accordingly. It is very important that all students
are here on testing days. Students who are in advanced math courses will test on the days
of the grade level of the math they are placed in (i.e. a third grade student in advanced
math will test on the dates of the fourth grade test, etc). **Make-up testing will take
place as testing labs are available throughout the next two weeks.

Inside this issue

Principals Message..................... 1
Asst. Principals Message ............ 2
McDonalds Peelers .................... 2
6th Grade Leaders....................... 3
P.E. News .................................... 3
Teacher Requests........................ 4
P-T Conferences .......................... 4
Leaders of the Month ................. 4/5
Guidance News ........................... 5
Literacy Specialist ....................... 6
Waiver Days ................................ 6

Grade 4 Math

Grade 4 Social Studies

3/2
3/3

3/10

Grade 5 Math

Grade 5 Science

3/4
3/5

3/11

Grade 6/7 Math

Grade 6 Social Studies

3/6
3/9

3/12

PTO Carnival ............................... 7

Dates to Remember
March 2 - Spring Picture Day
March 13 - End of 3rd grading
period
March 26 - BOE Meeting 6:00
March 19 & 24 - Parent-Teacher
Conferences 3:30-7:30 pm
March 30 - Bank Day NO SCHOOL
March 31 - April 3 - Spring
Break - NO SCHOOL

TARDY TO SCHOOL
We have had an excessive amount of students arriving tardy to school recently. Please remember that classes start at 8:30 and a student is considered tardy if they are not in their classroom by that time. Please ensure
your student arrives early enough to have time to go to their locker or take
care of other needs and still be in class before 8:30.

April 6 & 7 - Waiver Days - NO

SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
April 8 - School resumes

FROM THE DESK OF MR. RENZ

Thank You for
Supporting the
McDonalds
Peeler
Fundraiser!
.

Our McDonalds Peeler

fundraiser was once again a
huge success here at FIES.
Our students sold 767
peeler cards to their family
and friends. Not only was
this a great fundraiser for
our school, but was an awesome service project as well
allowing us to donate
$767 to Ronald McDonald
House Charities.
We had 58 students sell 5
or more cards, 30 sell 10 or
more cards, 16 sell 15 or
more, and 13 sell more than
20 cards. All profits sold
went directly towards students sixth grade camp
trip.
The following students
were the top three sellers in
the building, receiving cash
prizes for their hard work!
First Place Keilani Maragne,
30 cards; and then a 3 way
tie between Jacob Durst,
Anthony Elliott, and Uriah
Miller with 27 cards each!

5 Simple Homework Strategies to Help Your Child

Just as your children have schedules and expectations each day at
school, it is important to have them at home as well. This is especially important for helping to get homework done with the fewest
possible frustrations for both you and your child. While establishing a
routine may be time consuming in the beginning, it does become
routine, and thus easier with each passing day. Homework expectations will become just one more part of their and your busy lives.
The following 5 simple, yet effective, homework strategies can help
your child stay on track:
Plan study time with a schedule
Look ahead to see what needs to be accomplished in the next
day, week, and month.
Be realistic when estimating the time it will take to complete an
assignment or project.
Prioritize with a to-do list
Write out a to-do list each day.
The list should include homework assignments, activities, chores,
and plans with friends.
Organize each day
Make sure backpacks are packed with the appropriate books,
binders and school supplies.
Help your child pack the backpack the night before and unpack it
as soon as they come home from school.
Each subject binder should have two labeled sections: one for
work to be finished and one for completed work.
Set up a positive workspace to facilitate good study habits
Make sure the space has good lighting, a clutter-free table top,
and a comfortable chair. There should be little or no noise. Avoid
distractions such as loud music, instant messaging, phone calls,
text messages, television, and electronic games.
Encourage your child to talk with his teacher
Help your child ask questions when he doesn't understand
something or needs help with classwork or homework.
Rehearse with your child what to say when she needs help
http://www.ldonline.org/article/42715

6th Grade Leaders Need Your Help!

Back in October, a group of FIES 6th grade students decided they wanted to
make a positive difference in our school. The students started having classroom
lunchtime meetings to begin to plan activities, and they decided on the name The
Leaders of Justice. After those first meetings, the students invited the rest of the 6 th
graders at FIES to join the group. Now, we meet for a half hour each week in the
auxiliary gym, and over 85 students attend each meeting. So far, the Leaders
group members have discussed ways to be good role models; we made cards for
the adults in our building for Thanksgiving and Christmas; we have made posters to
put up in the halls to remind everyone to show good behavior; and some of our
members served as helpers and greeters for the 6th grade sponsored Health Fair in
January.
Now, the Leaders group has decided to make a positive difference by reaching out to the community to help organizations that do good things for others. The
first group we are adopting is TEDDY'S RESCUE, which is a non-profit organization that is an all-breed dog rescue shelter which also houses and finds homes for
cats. Most of Teddys Rescues animals come to them: instead of being put to
sleep at humane societies or shelters, from pounds as strays or abused or neglected animals, from situations when guardians pass away or go into nursing
homes, or are surrendered by owners who cannot take care of their pets any longer.
A representative from Teddys Rescue, which is located on County Road 99
just outside of Findlay, will be coming to one of the Leaders meetings to share more
about their mission to provide shelter, network with other rescue groups, provide
necessary medical care, and find forever homes for animals.
The Leaders group is asking for help from our FIES students and families as we collect items that will help Teddys Rescue continue to help animals survive and find loving homes. Here is a list of items that we are asking
students to bring in:
Garbage Bags (large black and regular white)
Paper Towels
Dish Soap
Laundry Detergent
Bleach
Cat/Kitten food
Leashes
(dry or canned)
Towels
Dog Toys
Treats (dog/cat)
Blankets
Beginning on March 2 and continuing throughout the month of March, there
will be large boxes in the FIES cafeteria for students to put donations of the items
listed above. Any money donations should be turned directly into the office in an
envelope marked Teddys Rescue. All students who bring in a donation will be
able to write their names on a large sign, which will be presented to Teddys Rescue
along with all of our donations at the end of March.
Thank you for supporting the 6th grade Leaders of Justice group and Teddys
Rescue!

FROM MR. PESSELL

As I am writing this, March is
closing in quickly. We are to the
point where assessments for
physical education will be administered. For classes that are
part of an SLO, the testing window is the third week of April.
All fifth graders are assessed by
the Ohio Physical Education
Assessment; these observations
will be made starting in April,
and will continue through the
end of the school year.
We have encountered another
tough winter this year. We have
not had an uninterrupted week
since we have come back from
the Christmas break. Unfortunately, this means that your
childs physical education
classes have been interrupted in
a negative fashion. I request all
parents to encourage their children to get as much physical
activity as they can outside of
school. If you are a member of
the YMCA, try to get your children there as much as possible.
In the case that you are not a
member, your child can participate in strength and flexibility
exercises at home. Running in
place while watching the television can even be of benefit. If
the temperatures permit, have
your child go sledding. You can
get one heck of a workout hauling a sled up the sides of the
reservoir.
Hopefully spring will be here
soon, and a return to playing
outdoors weather. Think warm
thoughts!

TEACHER REQUESTS
It is never too early to begin
planning for the next school
year. As we look ahead to the
2015- 2016 school year we will
begin the process of placing
students in homerooms and
developing class rosters. If you
would like to request your
childs teacher for the upcoming school year and have a valid
academic reason, please stop by
the school and complete the
teacher request form in the office. These forms need to be
completed by Friday, April
17th. We will do our best to
honor all requests, but it is important that we balance our
classes.

LEADERS OF THE MONTH

Layla Desbin shows great leadership qualities by following directions and taking it upon
herself to help other classmates and teachers. Great job Layla! - Miss Binkley
Karma Williams always goes out of her way to help other students; she also works hard
to complete her homework and work in class. - Miss Golamb
Skylar Sherman is a very responsible leader in our classroom by completing tasks and
helping others.- Mrs. Noel

PARENTTEACHER
CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held
on March 19 & March
24 from 3:30-7:30 p.m.
An appointment sheet
will be sent home soon
with your child with a
day and time for your
conference. Please be
sure to sign it and return it to your childs
teacher. We hope to
meet with all of you!

Chloe Salisbury has demonstrated good leadership by showing respect and helpfulness in
the classroom. During class discussions, she keeps her eye on the speaker and listens attentively. She has offered her assistance to help other classmates and the teachers when
something needs done. Chloe's great efforts have shown continued improvements in her
math fluency assignments, too. We are proud of her confidence, leadership, and improved
progress with her class work. - Mrs. Reino
Ally Lewis was new to Fostoria Schools this year and has done a fantastic job of being a
leader in our classroom. She is a great role model as she always follows directions, helps
others, and leads by example. - Mrs. Ross
Landon Dunn has been working very hard in class! He always follows the classroom rules
and works to do his best every day. - Mrs. Schermer
David Diaz always completes his class assignments and homework assignments on time;
he is helpful in the classroom, and he helps other students . - Mrs. Schreiner
Noah Augsburger always participates in class, and he is a kind and thoughtful classmate
to others. - Mrs. Armstrong
Belinda Burkett is an all around leader. She has turned in every homework assignment
this year on time. She has a contagious positive attitude and is a great friend to all her
classmates. She takes her studies very seriously and is determined to succeed in each subject. She is a perfect example of how to behave in class. She always tries her best and is
more than willing to help out other students in need. I cannot express what a positive
impact Belinda has on anyone she comes in contact with! - Miss Bartz
Mia Botton is kind and helpful to everyone in class. Her work is always completed, and
she tries to do her best.- Mrs. Linhart

Andres Sanchez always has good manners and is kind to his classmates and shows good
sportsmanship. - Mrs. Riedlinger

LEADERS OF THE MONTHCONT.

Anthony Taylor is a great leader because he consistently completes his homework; does his best on a daily basis, and
is always willing to help his classmates and teachers. - Mrs. Sharkey
Elizabeth Welly always strives for excellence and is willing to lend a helping hand to others who need help. - Mrs.
Terres
Wyatt Cobb is a dependable motivated student. He can always be counted on to give his best effort on all his work
and is always a supportive and involved member of the class. - Mrs. Click
Constance Nye is very respectful and caring. She is always prepared for class and participated in all of our activities. - Mrs. Hossler
Anya Moore always completes her work on time and never uses the words "I can't". Anya willingly participates during class and helps other students anytime that she is asked. - Hushour
Freedom Aspell is an excellent leader for other students to follow. She works hard on everything she does and takes
pride in her work! She is kind to her classmates and is always willing to help them. I am lucky to have Freedom in
my classroom. - Miss Jennison
Kaitlynn Desbin is a hard worker and always tries her best; she is kind to others and treats everyone with fairness. Mrs. Lewis
Makayla Owens always puts forth her best effort in class. - Mrs. Costello
Dylan Young works very hard, gives his best effort, has shown a lot of improvement, and demonstrates very good
conduct. - Mr. Kramer
Logan Weidner is a very responsible student and a great kid. He has a wonderful future ahead of him. - Mrs. Miller
Hannah Mathias does a great job on her assignments and is kind and respectful to her classmates. - Mrs. Riley
Emrys Botton is a very bubbly student who does her best on all her assignments. I enjoy having her in my class!- Mr.
Smith
Wyatt Russell shows leadership and responsibility each and every day. He works well with other students and
shows kindness to everyone. - Mrs. Stone
Maddy Davis works hard to keep up on work she misses and to do a good job, and she is friendly and gets along well
with everyone. - Mrs. Ward

FROM THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

In the next several weeks, I will be talking with students about cooperation, and we will practice cooperating
by completing group activities. Each 3rd grade class will be working together to get across a pretend pit of hot
lava using paper plates as their stepping stones. Each 4th grader is creating a self-portrait and then cutting it
into four equal parts to combine it with other students pieces of their self-portraits to create a new group
portrait. Each 4th grader is also identifying ways that he/she can be more cooperative. Each 5th grade class is
working in a construction team, using only paper and tape, to build something creatively. The difficult part is
that they must work in silence. Each 6th grade class is working in groups, using string to create letters and
shapes, initially they can discuss their strategies; however, they must try to create the letters and shapes without talking as well.
Due to the weather, Social Skills Groups are still finishing up this month. Throughout the next couple weeks,
we will be focusing on Expressing Ourselves Positively, and Making Good Choices.
If your son/daughter expressed an interest in participating in a Family Support Group, more information, including a permission slip, will be sent home at the end of March.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 419-4364125 ext. 3203 or by email at bsanford@fostoriaschools.org.
Stay Warm!
Bethany Zambori-Sanford, Guidance Counselor

FROM THE LITERACY SPECIALIST

WAIVER DAYS
Fostoria City
Schools will be conducting in-services
for all teachers
PreK-12 on Monday,
April 6 and Tuesday, April 7. There
will be no school
for students on
those two days.

Syllables
As students read increasingly complex texts, they will encounter many multisyllabic words. To decode these words, students must be able to divide the
words into recognizable chunks, not just individual letter sounds. There are
six syllable patterns that make up most of the syllables in English words.
Students can use this strategy to help them read more complex text.

6 Syllable Types
Closed-These syllables end in a consonant. The vowel sound is typically short.
The vowel is closed in by the consonants. (rab/bit, nap/kin)
Open-These syllable send in a vowel. The vowel sound is typically long. The
vowel is open and free to say its name. (ti/ger, pi/lot)
Consonant + le-Usually when le appears at the end of a word and a consonant
comes before it, the consonant + le form the final syllable. (ta/ble, lit/tle)
This is also true for words ending in ion.
Vowel Team-Many vowel sounds are spelled with vowel digraphs, or teams,
such as ai, ay, ee, ea, oa, ow, oo, oy, oi, ie, and ei. The vowel teams must stay
together and appear in the same syllable. (ex/plain/ing, team/mate)
r-Controlled-When a vowel is followed by the letter r, the vowel and the r
must appear in the same syllable. They act as a team that cannot be broken
up. (tur/tle, mar/ket)
Final (Silent) e-When a word has a vowel-consonant-e (VCe) spelling pattern,
the vowel and the final silent e must stay in the same syllable. (con/pete, de/
cide)

What you can do at home to help:

1-Have your child read daily. It is recommended that children read 20 minutes every day.
2-Encourage your child to use the information above to decode unknown
words. Theyll be amazed at the words they can read when they know the
rules for decoding text.
Happy Reading,
Mrs. Dawn Skornicka
Information taken from McGraw-Hill Reading Wonders