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Home Page -- School News & Info.
Please be checking your child’s agenda and book bag for important notices they may be bringing home. We don’t want you to miss out on important events going on.
**The PTO has movie passes for sale. You may purchase them in the office for $10.00.
Please make plans to attend the PTO meeting on Thursday, May 8th. We will be discussing plans for next year and election of officers.
Super Kids Day and the annual Faris Cook Out is May 16th. If you would like to join us for a hamburger and fixings, we need to have your reservations by Wednesday, May 7th.
All students need tennis shoes in order to participate in PE classes and the Super Kids Day.
Sandals and flip flops aren’t safe to wear to school. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately and wears or brings the correct shoes for PE.
Faris received two Hutchinson Credit Union grants. Mrs. Thiessen received one for Leap Pads in the classroom, and Ms. Neighbors received one for graphic novels for the library.
BLUE DREAM BIG SHIRTS 4 SALE
7-Youth XS $5.00 Each
2-Youth S
4-Youth L
1-Youth EX. Large
5-Adult Small
2-Adult Medium
3-Yellow Dream (small)
Nurse's Notes:
• Medications will need to be picked up by an adult, no later than May 30th. Any medications left at school will be discarded.
• Summer is a good time to make appointments for eye and ear exams and other doctor appointments. If you received a referral, please schedule your child’s exam this summer.
• 2008-09 Kindergarten students MUST have on file immunization records, a birth certificate, and a copy of a physical (completed within 12 months of the first day of school) ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
Important May Events
1st : Pick up your Fund Raiser items from 3-5:30
7th: We need your Cookout reservations.
13th Battle of the Books
7th-11th Teacher Appreciation Week
11th: Mother’s Day
Summer Library
All Faris students visited the Hutchinson Public Library this fall. They each have their own library card. Please schedule times to visit the library to check out books. The students have worked hard this year increasing their reading skills and we don’t want to lose any ground over the summer.
Pop Tabs for Ronald
We will continue to collect pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. Please save your tabs during the summer and bring them to school with you in August.
A Round of Applause For...
Ready Readers: Josh Barber, Clayton Hess, Elijah Moore and Brendyn Ortiz.
Independent Readers: Madison Buehler, Alyssa Crawford, Chartell Grissom, Quentin Morris, Ben Stropes, Josh Tarbox, Sam Tarbox, and Morgan Young.
Rising Readers: Vicky Achilles, Brianna Acosta, Javeir Berends, Michael Coulter(2), Michael Dieker, Andrew Enslinger, Susan Esquivel, Ke’Von Ford, Huntter Friesen, Katie Friesen, Richard Gatewood, Jonathan Gillihan, Nicholas Glenn, Cedric Heidelberg, Niky Hernandez, Bob Hoffman, Leah Hopkins, Kyle Huddleston, Avandre’ Jones, Becca Kelly, Abigail Lemonds, Evelyn Leyva, Ariana MacArthur, Jasmine Mehl, Michael Mendoza(2), Destany Miller, Gilbert Montoya, Aurora Pound, Alex Ratzlaff, Zowie Riedel, Raven Schmidt, Jacob Smith, Sydnee Smith, Bailee Stewart(2), Josh Tarbox, Michael Taylor, Kelly Williams, and Peyton Zwickl.
Super Readers: Noah Addis, Vanessa Bussell(2), Taylan Hayes, Tyler Huddleston, Paige Jenks, Jacob Lemonds, Alex Ratzlaff(3), Morgan Rotramel, and Cheyenne Savage.
Advanced Readers: Courtney Hurst, Stony Stropes, Viri Trenado, and Austin Webb.
Star Readers: Shannon Bellamy, Shayla Bellamy, Dorothy Cook, Montanna Hayes, Chance McDaniel, Mohnique Morris, Kensley Pizzuto, and Abigail Prichard.
Classic Readers: Tristen Bussell, Jacelyn Chambers, and Lottie Petrie.
Be sure to stop in and see our Million Word Reader Hall of Fame.
Reading with Jack and Jill
There’s a reason we learn nursery rhymes as young children. They help us develop an ear for our language. Rhyme and rhythm highlight the sounds and syllables in words. And understanding sounds and syllables helps kids learn to read!
Activities for younger children
• Create word families. Use refrigerator magnets to spell a word ending (–ap). Have your
• In the Eyes of a Cat: Japanese Poetry, by Demi
• This Big Sky, by Pat Mora
• The Random House Book of Poetry for Children, edited by Jack Prelutsky
• A Child’s Garden of Verses, by Robert Louis Stevenson
• Any book by Dr. Seuss!
For more information on helping your kids succeed in school, visit:
www.ReadingRockets.org/families
As you can tell by the calendar inset at the bottom, we are approaching the end of the school year and that means a number of assessments have to be completed. Students in grades 3-6 have been taking the Reading Kansas State Assessment during March and will continue into April with the Math Kansas Assessment.
Also, in April, the 4th grade students will be taking a Science assessment. The 6th grade will be taking a Social Studies assessment.
The results from all this testing is used in our school improvement plan. The KCA assessments are required for meeting the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.
During this time, make sure your student(s) get plenty of rest at night, eat protein to help the brain work, and watch out for the sugar!
Counselor Notes:
Teach your children the difference between discipline and punishment. Punishment is negative consequences resulting from bad or wrong choices.
Discipline, however, is positive training resulting in strong character. Through discipline we train our children to be self-reliant. Effective discipline harvests a strong person who becomes prepared to meet the tests of life.
Important April Events
Apr. 17-May 10
District Writing CRTs
(Gr. 3, 4, and 6)
April 15-May 2
Bader Post Testing
(Grade 2)
April 21- May 9
Compass Post Testing (Gr. 2-6)
April 29-May 8
District Math CRTs
(Gr. 3-6)
We're PROUD of...
Ready Readers: Madison Buehler, Ofelia Carrillo, Skye Hartle, Emillio Mederos, Onyx Schmidt, Domenik Shrader, Ben Stropes, and Question Wade.
Independent Readers: Joseph Anderson, Ke’Von Ford, Betsy Hernandez, Jennifer Macias, Majezzti Martinez, Bradly Mayfield, Elijah Moore, Jaymes Shrader, and Shomika Taylor-Winfrey.
Rising Readers: Nathan Addis , Dannielle Byard, Desirae Coonce, Michael Coulter, Michael Dieker, Andrew Enslinger, Susan Esquivel, Brandon Glen, Leah Hopkins, Taylor Horton, Paige Jenks, Avandre’ Jones, Evelyn Leyva, Miguel Mendoza, Gilbert Montoya, Alex Ratzlaff, Zowie Riedel, Corbin Schwartz, Jacob Smith, Sydnee Smith, Victoria Vice, Jaden Whitaker, Dylan Zimmerman, Peyton Zwickl.
Super Readers: Tyler Alumbaugh, Jessica Cully, Allison Neuway, Kira Thompson.
Advanced Readers: Shayla Bellamy, Cintia Macias, Heather Taylor.
Star Readers: Shannon Bellamy, Emily Brend, Baylee Corpening, Chance McDaniel, Heidi Mehl, Mohnique Morris, and Kristi O’Gorman.
Classice Reader: Jacelyn Chambers
Million Word Readers: Shannon Bellamy, Jacelyn Chambers, Nathan Hale, Chance McDaniel, Reanna McPhillips, Lottie Petrie, Chelsea Savage.
Art Exhibitors: Emily Brend, Dorothy Cook, Alexandria Huddleston and Eduardo Martinez who have art projects on exhibit at the Hutchinson Art Center.
3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade and 6th Grade Students: for being CONFIDENT, UNAFRAID, and DOING THEIR BEST on their Kansas Reading Assessment. We BELIEVE they will ACHIEVE and SUCCEED on their upcoming Kansas Math Assessment, the 4th Grade Science Assessment and the 6th Grade Social Studies Assessment.
Remember to turn in your Fund Raiser packages by April 8. All profits are used for Faris Students (Field Trips, End-0f-Year DVD, T-shirts, and much, much more.)
Principal's News
Kansas State Assessments will be in full swing this month. Here are 8 ways to help get your student ready.
1. They need plenty of rest.
2. A good breakfast daily
3. Dress comfortably
4. Arrive to school on time
5. Be prepared
6. Show them how to relax
7. Tell them to read carefully
8. Tell them you believe in them and that you know they will do their best.
New Phone or Address?
During the past two weeks the nursing staff has made numerous phone calls to contact parents in regards to sick students. If your phone number or address has changed since August, please let the office know. Having the right information relieves a lot of stress for our students when we can contact you when they aren’t feeling well.
Bullying Policy
USD 308 recently adopted a bullying policy. Please be watching for that information. Here are a few tips for you, as a parent, if you think your child is being bullied.
If Your Child is Bullied...
www.BalanceEducation.net
Bullying: when a person or group uses power - such as physical, verbal or social - to hurt or intimidate someone or a group who has less power.
Listen & be empathetic - Be an active listener and let your child lead the conversation. Occasionally, rephrase the information your child gives you and repeat the information back to your child in your own words.
Listen for the '5 Ws' - Listen for the who, what, when, where, and why - but be aware, your child may be sensitive to being asked a lot of questions at one time. Plan on multiple conversations to get the information you need to help your child.
Make changes / Build skills - Based on the '5 W's", discuss ideas on how to safely and effectively stop the bullying. Role-play different approaches and responses with your child so that he or she will be prepared to stop the bullying but not get into a physical or verbal fight. Also, brainstorm ways to increase friendships by developing physical and social skills that are appreciated by other children.
Discuss emotional expression - Being bullied can create feelings of anger, frustration, sadness, depression or vengeance. Teach your child how to relieve these feelings without being violent to themselves or others. Ideas may include talking with other adults and trusted friends, writing in a journal, creating art, doing physical activities and deep-breathing.
Work with the school - If the bullying is happening at school, speak to your child's classroom teacher, counselor, or principal so they can help.
The '5 W's'
1. Who was involved? One person or a few? someone they don't know or people they hang with? Anyone else around?
2. What type of bullying - physical, verbal, relational, cyber, or a combination?
3. Where does the bullying happen? Online? In the neighborhood? The Mall? School?
4. When does it happen? At a certain time or is it random? Weekends? Before school? Or after?
5. Why does your child think that the bullying happens?
Were Proud Of...
Conner Branson and Giselle Graciano know all 40 of their sight words
Brianna Acosta, Abigail Lemonds and Michael Mendoza have received their Independant Certificate and dog tags.
Ben Stropes, Domenik Shrader and Brendyn Ortiz for making it to level L in Mastering Math Facts. All students for raising their reading levels.
Cedric Heidelberg for helping his technology challenged teacher, Kelly Williams for reading every book she can get her hands on, and Huntter Friesen for reading challenging chapter books.
Sierra Emery & Vanessa Bussel have made Principal’s Division club. They are now working on Mixed Messages. Becca Kelly has advanced to Super Reader. Victoria Vice has been a good friend to the class. She is always helping others.
Gaby Achilles, Anthony Baugh, Shannon Bellamy, Angela Bishop, Dylan Byard, Brent Cox, Jacob Cox, Austin Downing, Taylor Friesen, Dylan McArthur, Cintia Macias, Chance McDaniel, Abigail Prichard, Tiana Shields, Jeremiah Urbanek made their AR goal for this half of the trimester. Dylan Byard and Jeremiah Urbanek tripled their goals and Chance McDaniel doubled his goal.
Kyrstan Bishop's mosaic art which was chosen to represent her class at the district Administration Center for Youth Art Month in March.
Tyler Alumbaugh only missed 2 questions on the last Math CRT test. Tristen Bussell and Jacelyn Chambers doubled their AR goals. Cody Coonce, Chelsea Savage, and Jacelyn Chambers for truly being response-able to the success of our class by being peer tutors in math.
Onyx Schmidt has been hard at work sounding out words, reading a short story and comprehending it, rote counting to 20, writing numbers to 17, and adding with touch points. He is learning money now.
AR Certifications for February:
Ready Readers: Ofelia Carrillo, Feather Cully, Ke’Von Ford, Clayton Hess, Jayden Hooker, Stephen McFarland, Elijah Moore, Quentin Morris, Brendyn Ortiz, Jaymes Shrader, Shomika Taylor-Winfrey, Cruzito Vasquez, Kelly Williams.
Independent Reader: Brianna Acosta, Heidi Mehl, Michael Mendoza, Kelly Williams.
Rising Reader: Vicky Achilles, Javeir Berends, Breann Booze, Dannielle Byard, Michael Coulter, Michael Dieker, Andrew Enslinger (2) , Susan Esquivel, Huntter Friesen, Katie Friesen, Jonathan Gillihan, Sierra Gullett, Cedric Heidelberg, Niky Hernandez (2), Bob Hoffman, Leah Hopkins, Taylor Horton, Kyle Huddleston, Paige Jenks, Tre’Vaughn Jones, Rebecca Kelly, Evelyn Leyva, Ariana MacArthur (2), Gilbert Montoya, Daryk Page, Aurora Pound, Zowie Riedel, Jacob Smith, Bailee Stewart, Dylan Zimmerman, Peyton Zwickl.
Super Reader: Noah Addis, Tyler Alumbaugh, Sierra Emery, Dakota Justus, Jacob Lemonds, Allison Neuway, Dylon Patten, Rylee Rexford, Bailey Saffle, Jacob Wells.
Advanced Reader: Brent Cox, Jason Cox, Dylan MacArthur, Jeremiah Urbanek
Star Reader: Gaby Achilles, Tristen Bussell, Stephanie Carpenter, Shelby Cullison, Rachel Delgado, Joseph Goertzen, Chance McDaniel, Kyle Nisbeth, Kensley Pizzuto, Haley Smyres, Lacie Zahn-Zimmerman.
Classic Reader: Alisha Base, Chelsea Savage.
Jenny Stokely honored
No doubt when Jenny Stokely walked into Principal Denise Neighbors’ office at Faris Monday, she felt she was being set up. Neighbors, Superintendent David Flowers and a third administrator were sitting there, waiting to talk to her.
Stokely ended up surprised, but not necessarily for any surprise she thought she might be getting.
The phone rang. The principal picked up the phone and handed it to Stokely.
The second-year teacher started smiling. Dr. Alexa Posny, Kansas education commissioner, was on the line, telling Stokely she was a winner of the 2008 Horizon Award for new teachers.
Stokely is a 2006 graduate of Kansas State University. Because of a late resignation at Faris during the 2005-06 school year, Stokely was not hired until late June 2006, little more than a month before school started in for the 2006-07 school year.
The new teacher quickly adapted to a new school, including the little things – such as where to get basic supplies – to major district initiatives – such as Baldrige and Ruby Payne.
“All the teachers and administrators have been very helpful,” Stokely said. “They go out of their way to answer questions and make me feel at home.”
In her first year with the district, Stokely had 16 students in third grade and helped pilot a sound amplification system. This year, she has 16 students in second grade.
As with any new job, the second-year teacher said she learned many things that may not have been taught in college classes.
“There are a lot of needs not being met outside school,” she said. “It is important to help students focus on school work. You must make them feel comfortable and calm.”
Stokely is the second USD 308 teacher in a row to receive the Horizon Award. In 2007, Angela Cordell McDonald, third grade teacher at McCandless Elementary School, received the award. She and McDonald know each other well, having attended Buhler High School together.
PLEASE dress your child(ren) appropriately to keep them warm and healthy. Our building thermostats are set @ 72 in the classrooms. Sleeveless shirts will not keep students warm during the winter months. It may be warm going from your house to the car, but students go outside for recess, unless the weather is extremely cold. Please make sure that your student has a coat for school.
Mrs. Jones, our nurse, has also noticed many dry, cracked lips. Students should bring their own chapstick, with their name on it, and NOT share with other students. With the recent outbreaks of staff infections across the nation, it’s wise for students to prevent opportunities for infection.
Upcoming November Events
- 7th: Early Release
No PM Kindergarten
- 11th: Celebration of Learning 10 AM
- 18th: Band & Orchestra program 10:00am
Please come visit and see our new stained glass windows! They were designed and created by Faris students and Mrs. Horning.
COLD WEATHER CLOTHING GUIDELINES:
The National Weather Service has suggested the following recommendations for winter wear:
60 degrees and below: jacket
50 degrees and below: coat and long pants
32 degrees and below: warm coat, hat/head cover and gloves
15 degrees: dressed warmly, very short recess (less than 5 minutes)
Below 15 degrees: indoor recess
Unless the temperature/wind chill is below 15 degrees, students usually go outside. It’s important that students wear appropriate clothing. It would also help with our “Lost & Found” collection if you would put your child’s name on the tag or inside the pocket. We have quite a pile of unclaimed jackets.
We’re PROUD of…………
….. all Faris students who participated in the Kansas Reading Assessments. Faris has received a Building Standard of Excellence for Reading. The 1st time ever!!
….the 2006-07 3rd grade and 6th grade students received the Kansas Challenge Award for their performance on the 3rd grade Kansas Reading assessment and the 6th grade Kansas Math assessment.
…..Akayla Martinez, Cheyenne Savage, Alexandria Huddleston, Michael Hewitt, Dorothy Cook, Jason Cox, Emily Brend, Ciara Kroeker, Hollie Vaughen, Samantha Richardson, and Shelby Cullison who participated in the the District Vocal Music Choir.
…Lottie Petrie has doubled her AR points this period.
…..the 3rd grade class’s steady improvement on their 6 minute addition facts tests.
… Bailee Stewart, Katie Friesen, and Niky Hernandez who are members of the Principal's Addition Club. Many others are almost there!
…Ms. Stokely’s entire class made their AR goal for October.
…Twenty seven out of 37 kindergarten students can count past 20. Ten can count to 50 and 5 can count to 100. Keep counting!!
…Nathan Addis, Michael Dieker, Donovan Kelly, Brendyn Ortiz, Zowie Riedel, and Kira Thompson have met their AR goals for the trimester. Kira Thompson has earned her Indpendent Reader certification.
…. Jordan Flegler, Nathan Hale, Mitzi Martinez, Mohnique Morris, Kristi O'Gorman, Lottie Petrie, and Haley Smyres for making their AR goal for the first six weeks!
… Jordan Flegler, Mitzi Martinez, Markia Miller, Mohnique Morris, Kristi O'Gorman, Lottie Petrie, Viri Trenado, and Lacie Zimmerman have already earned their points for the second six weeks and it's not even over yet! They are now working to double and triple their points before November 8th!
…Gabby Achilles, Anthony Baugh, Shannon Bellamy, Cinthia Macias, Chance McDaniels and Faith Saylor for achieving their AR goal this six weeks period. Will they be able to double their points before November 8th?
…Katie Friesen, Bailee Stewart, and Kyllah Webster. They doubled their AR points.
New Year’s Resolution: Help your kids do great in School
Did you know? Kids whose parents are involved in their education have better grades, a better attitude toward school, and more appropriate school behavior than those with less involved parents. Consider trying a few of these tips—and make a big difference!
Tip 1: Get involved
• Visit your child’s classroom when you bring your child to school.
• See if your school offers any workshops for parents, and arrange to go!
Tip 2: Check on homework
• Talk to your child each day about homework.
• Help your child manage the workload by dividing assignments into smaller parts.
• Give your child a good place to study—away from TV, phone, or loud music.
• Do not use homework as a punishment; include it as part of the daily routine.
Tip 3: Make home a good place for learning
• Praise and encourage your child.
• Be a role model for getting work done before play.
• Establish a homework routine—same time, same place, every day.
• Most importantly, read to your child or have him read to you every day.
What should I do if my child isn’t doing well in school?
Contact your child’s teacher; don't wait for the school to contact you. Ask for specific activities you can do at home with your child. Meet with your child's teacher frequently until the problem is resolved.
What if my child doesn’t like school?
Try to find out why your child seems unhappy with school. Arrange for a conference with the teacher or school counselor. Listen carefully to your child before you offer any solutions.
Adapted from Liontos, L. How can I be involved in my child’s education? ERIC Parent Brochure.
For more information on helping your kids succeed in school, visit:
www.ReadingRockets.org/families
Reading Rockets, Colorín Colorado, and LD OnLine are services of public television station WETA, Washington, D.C. Reading Rockets is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. Colorín Colorado, a web service to help English language learners become better readers, receives major funding from the American Federation of Teachers. Additional funding is provided by the National Institute for Literacy and the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. LD OnLine is the world’s leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD, with major funding from Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes.
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