FORT SETTLEMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL December Issue Volume 13, Issue 3

Falcon Flyer Mrs. Julie Diaz, Principal

Table of Contents:

Mrs. Julie Diaz, Principal 1

COUNSELOR’S CORNER 2

FSMS LIBRARY 3

MIDDLE YEARS 4

MIDDLE YEARS 5

YEARBOOK 6

STUDENT COUNCIL 7

FSMS BAND 8

FSMS HOSPITALITY 10

SPIRIT NIGHT 11

FALCON FUNDRAISER 12

CAREER DAY 14

EIGHTH GRADE PARTY 15

BOX TOPS 16

FREE MONEY 17

SHARED DREAMS 18

DIRECTORY 19

Dear FSMS Parents and Guardians, Season’s Greetings! The FSMS family would like to wish your family a safe and joyous holiday. Our schools will be closing on Friday, December 20 at 12:45 pm and re-opening to a New Year on January 8, 2014.

As we prepare for the holiday break and look forward to some quality time with loved ones, we want to reassure parents and students that Fort Settlement Middle School is a safe and secure environment for students and staff. Our number one priority is the safety of your children, and we are dedicated to improving procedures already in place. Recently a safety audit was conducted here at FSMS to discuss and check for the best possible safety procedures to be in place in case of an emergency. You will see changes this spring in some procedures as we participate in table top exercises with members of our District’s Safe and Secure Schools department. Thank you for your cooperation as we put additional procedures in place.

As we near the holiday season I want to thank everyone for their continued support and dedication to our students, staff, and school. We are so blessed at Fort Settlement and I thoroughly enjoy working with and supporting our students as they continue on their journey of success and preparation for their future endeavors, high school and beyond.

This spring will hold many informational meetings for parents regarding course selections for next year, results of our 8th grade students’ ACT Explore testing, and requirements that the State Board of Education is putting in place for the Foundation Graduation Program in high school. Our current eighth grade students will be the first class to enter high school under the approved Foundation Graduation Program; however, ALL middle school parents need to hear this information. PLEASE stay tuned as we publish dates for meetings at www.fsmsnest.weebly.com We will also do callouts to parents. I would like to remind you that we have an after school homework lab in the library on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It runs from 4:00 – 4:45 and will open again on January 14, 2014. This is a GREAT place for students to work on homework quietly and also have access to computers. Please stress to your child to take advantage of this opportunity if it is needed. Our only request is that students are picked up promptly at 4:45 pm. We have a wonderful faculty and staff here at FSMS committed to ensuring every student is

academically successful. Please know that I am very thankful to be able to work with and

support our amazing students and I feel extremely privileged to be the principal of Fort

Settlement Middle School.

Happy Holidays!

Julie Diaz

Page 2 Falcon Flyer Counselor's Corner

For the Falcon Flyer from the Counselors:

FSMS students and counselors have had a busy and successful fall semester. Seventh grade students participated in

the testing for Iowa Test of Basic Skills and those results will be sent home before our Winter Break. The

information from these tests is helpful to both teachers and students as an instructional tool and also in looking at

growth over the years for the students.

Eighth grade students participated in the ACT EXPLORE test. Students and parents will be receiving those scores in

January. Teachers will be going over the information in class from the test with students as well as using the data

for instructional purposes. Parents will have an opportunity to learn more about the test through a Parent Night

prior to Career Day. Information from this test is invaluable to students, parents and counselors in planning for high

school and post high school course work.

The ACT website is a wonderful planning tool and we encourage all students and parents to explore this site:

www.act.org

Also, in January, all eighth graders will complete a Fort Bend ISD High School Four Year Plan for the Class of 2018.

Counselors will work with students in the classroom to complete these forms as to future courses and will help

students declare their Endorsement.

Counselors are closely monitoring and learning the criteria evolving form House Bill 5 in order to guide our students

successfully in their College and Career Readiness plans. The FBISD website has a link to all of the HB 5 information

on the front of the home page: http://fortbendisd.com/departments/academics/curriculum/new-laws-affecting-

our-students/

As a constant reminder of the importance of planning for the future, we all wear our College Spirit wear every

Wednesday!

The course selection process in January, completing Four Year Plans and our Career Day for all 8th graders will begin

our transitioning of our students smoothly to their high school.

All 7th and 8th graders participated in the Aim for Success program in November and parents were invited to a Parent

Preview Night. This program coordinates with our 7th grade Health curriculum.

We have had 3 fun New Kids Club meetings (everyone is welcome!) with games galore, fun people and refreshments

provided by our wonderfully generous PTO! Thanks to all of you for participating and we hope to see you again in

January! This is a stress free zone and time to just kick back, relax and have fun!

The Counselors Page of the FSMS Weebly website is great source of information as to ongoing programs as well as

helpful parent links and College and Career Readiness links. Please refer to this frequently to see what is happening

currently or if you need any resources. You can also directly email the counselors from this site by clicking on our

names: http://fsmscounselorscorner.weebly.com/

Page 3 December 2013 FSMS LIBRARY

FSMS Library Newsletter

December, 2013

The first semester has flown by with lots of activity. Can the first semester be close to

the end already? Research abounds in the FSMS Library! Sixth Grade classes were

introduced to Science Fair research, and study skills for Science vocabulary, as well as

working on a scavenger hunt, “Infoquest,” in their Social Studies classes.

Seventh graders researched the history of 1900 Galveston, the fads, fashions, life styles,

architecture, the hurricane, and much, much more. Simultaneously, they were busy

gathering facts about various diseases in their health classes.

Eighth graders have been busy exploring information for the National History Day

Contest in Social Studies, careers in ELA classes, and the Universe in science classes.

The Library Club is active with various events. Members were especially helpful in

promoting our Fall Book Fair. Other activities have included preparing for the district’s

competition, “MatchBook.” They recently finished creating book trailers using the

website, Animoto.

The Book Fair at Barnes and Noble was a success and all participation was deeply

appreciated, from purchases made, to the performances by our Choir and Orchestra!

Our other big event was the Read It Forward pizza party. Thirty-two students

completed reading the book, Circle of Blood, making them eligible to attend the

party.

All in all, this has been a very busy and productive first semester. I look forward to the

second semester as we continue to prepare for the “Matchbook” competition in May

and resume the research possibilities of the spring semester.

Page 4 Falcon Flyer Middle Years

Page 5 December 2013 Middle Years

Page 6 Falcon Flyer YEARBOOK

Prices for the Yearbook have gone up to $50 dollars and 8th grade ads are due. Deadline Date for Ads is De-

cember 13,2013. Please go to www.balfour.com to order online

or www.fsmsnest.weebly.com for more information click on the Year-

book tab.

Page 7 December 2013

STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS…

Hey Falcons! The FSMS Stu-Co has been working

really hard this semester. We have done a Red Ribbon

Week project, conducted water and snack sales at the

football games, and we are currently involved in our

holiday Shared Dreams gift drive. We are sponsoring a

Fort Bend family with four children and purchasing

gifts for the family from a list of wishes that the chil-

dren made. We are having a joint Christmas party

with NJHS , also sponsoring a family, to celebrate and

get to know each other better. We are also trying to set

up an additional fundraiser to raise money to help

with our plans for next semester. This will include our

annual Valentine carnation/candy sale. We’re looking

forward to another semester of projects and service

through our work in our committees!

STUDENT COUNCIL

Page 8 Falcon Flyer

FSMS Band News

FSMS Students Dominate Region Band Auditions

On Saturday, November 9th, the FSMS Band students competed at the Region 13 Band Auditions. There

were almost 600 students entered in the competition, and FSMS had 49 students selected to the All-

Region Bands, which was the most of any school in the competition. Over the past three months the

students have put in many hours of practice in preparation for this competition. Their outstanding work

ethic and musical ability are the reason for the Fort Settlement students’ success at this year’s region band

auditions. The students’ achievements include:

The most students (49) selected to the three region bands from any school in the competition

The most students (47) selected to the top two region bands that will perform next Saturday

The most students (31) selected to the Symphonic Band (the top region band)

The most students selected first chair (7) in the region on their instrument

Being selected to the All-Region Band is the highest individual honor that can be awarded to a middle

school band student. All of the students who participated in this competition, regardless of whether they

made the All-Region Band or not, are to be congratulated for the time, effort, hard work and dedication

they displayed in preparing for this event.

SYMPHONIC BAND

Flute

Wendi Z. – 1st

Chair

Hannah C. – 4th

Chair

Emily Z. – 6th

Chair

Melissa L. – 7th

Chair

Bassoon

Isabela F. – 1st

Chair

Jonathan Y. – 2nd

Chair

Clarinet

Christopher C. – 1st

Chair

Eric L. – 2nd

Chair

Eric H. - 5th

Chair

Jerry Y. – 6th

Chair

Sumedh Z. - 7th

Chair

Timothy G. – 8th

Chair

Gilbert F. – 11th

Chair

Bass Clarinet

Victoria G. – 1st

Chair

Alto Saxophone

Brendon M. - 2nd

Chair

John M. - 3rd

Chair

Tenor Saxophone

Don L. – 2nd

Chair

SYMPHONIC BAND (cont.)

Trumpet

Tristan B. – 4th

Chair

Dhruv G. – 8th

Chair

Lucas L. - 9th

Chair

Joshua K. – 10th

Chair

French Horn

Riya M. – 1st

Chair

Larry X. – 2nd

Chair

Codey S. – 4th

Chair

Trombone

Elvin Y. - 1st

Chair

Seth U. – 2nd

Chair

Caroline K. - 4th

Chair

Matthew R.- 5th

Chair

Euphonium

Trey M. – 1st

Chair

Vincent G. – 3rd

Chair

Tuba

Keshav R. – 2nd

Chair

CONCERT BAND

Savera S. – Flute

Kyle P. – Oboe

Ashley H. – Oboe

Reba G. – Clarinet

Warren W. – Bassoon

Delon S. – Alto Sax

Joshua M. – Baritone Sax

Christopher R. – Trumpet

Javier L. – Trumpet

Raj R. – French Horn

Daphne L. – Trombone

Tim G. – Trombone

Mario D. – Tuba

Joshua W. – Percussion

Kiph P. – Percussion

Paarth M. – Percussion

DISTRICT BAND

Chris H. – Alto Saxophone

Ethan S. – French Horn

FSMS BAND

Page 9 December 2013 FSMS BAND

December Events FSMS Band Holiday Concert – On Tuesday, December 10th, the FSMS Concert, Symphonic

and Honors Bands will present a Holiday Concert at 7:30 pm in the FSMS Commons.

Selections will include The Nutcracker Suite, Santa at the Symphony, Jingle Bells Upside

Down, And All The Bells Shall Ring!, Holiday March, Selections from The Polar Express and

Songs of Christmas Cheer. Immediately following the concert there will be a reception

with cookies and punch served. The entire FSMS community is invited to attend and we

hope this will be a great way to start your holiday season.

Holiday Party for the Concert, Symphonic and Honors Bands – On Friday, December 13th,

there will be a holiday party for the members of the Concert, Symphonic and Honors

Bands from 4:00-6:00 pm. The students will be served pizza and soft drinks and then

move to the gyms and outside to have fun for the remainder of the party. We do need

parent chaperones for this event and the direct link to volunteer on the Charms website is

https://www.charmsoffice.com/charms/volunteerR.asp?s=FtSettlmntMSB&v=1656936.

Beginning Band Recitals - On Monday, December 16th, the Beginning Band students will

present a Holiday Recital during the beginning band classes. These students have done an

excellent job during the fall semester and I know they are excited about their first

performance. Anyone is welcome to attend, so please feel free to invite family and

friends. Invitations will be sent home with your child that provides specific times for each

class’ performance on December 16th.

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to work with your children and we hope everyone has

a wonderful Holiday Season!

Greg Countryman & Theresa Baragas

Fort Settlement MS Band Directors

Page 10 Falcon Flyer FSMS HOSPITALITY

Scenes from the Hospitality

Gourmet Popcorn Bar & the Fabulous Fall Lunch The FSMS teachers & staff were TREATED to a gourmet popcorn bar on

Halloween. Many were dressed in fabulous costumes. Thanks to all the

Hospitality Helpers who contributed Yum Yum Popcorn for the event. In

November, PTO showed how thankful we are for their efforts by serving

a catered Thanksgiving meal complete with turkey & dressing, mashed

potatoes, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and dessert.

Page 11 December 2013 SPIRIT NIGHT

Save the Date

Spirit Nights:

December 20 Orange leaf 4-9 p.m.

January 16 Mission burrito 4-9 p.m.

February 13 Mission Burritto 4-9 p.m.

Page 12 Falcon Flyer

Hello Falcon Parents,

I wanted to provide an update on our fundraising activities.

The PTO has received over $23,000 year to date in donations

from parents and companies through corporate match. Thank

you to those who support our school and PTO through dona-

tions.

Your generous donations provide and fund programs, services

and technology gifts for our school that we would not be

able to fund with the basic district allotment of less than

$100 per student. The major fundraiser for these programs is

the Falcon Fundraiser. This allows each family to donate

money directly to the PTO through a tax deductible contribu-

tion. 100% of your donation goes directly to fund classroom

and school enhancements.

Our goal this year is to raise $31,000. Currently we are

$8,000 short. We would like to ask families who have not had

an opportunity to donate, to consider donating to the school

with an amount you are comfortable. Currently, 23% of our

families have given donations to support our students and

school.

In addition, if your company matches donations, please com-

plete the paperwork with your company. Our PTO is listed

with most companies.(Fort Settlement Middle School PTO) I

can also be emailed as the contact at Pert Mosley pass-

free@aol.com or 713-409-7065. I am happy to assist with cor-

porate matches in any way.

Thank you for all you do in support of our

school and students. Enjoy the holidays and

time spent with family and friends.

Perthelene Mosley

Falcon Fundraiser Chair

FALCON FUNDRAISER

Page 13 December 2013 FALCON FUNDRAISER

FALCON FUNDRAISER FORM

2013-2014 FSMS PTO

_____ $500 and above – donation includes school marquee recognition

_____ $250

_____ $100 (average donation per Falcon Family)

_____ $50

_____ $25

_____ Other $_____

_____ Corporate Matching $ _____; Company Name: ________________________________

Parent(s) Name: _____________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: ________________________

Check #__________; Cash $_________

Student(s) Information:

Name Grade Name Grade

____________________________ _____ _____________________________ _____

____________________________ _____ _____________________________ _____

Page 14 Falcon Flyer CAREER DAY

Dear Parents,

Fort Settlement Middle School is very excited to offer CAREER DAY on January 28, 2014

to its 8th grade students. This full day event will encourage students to take courses in high

school that will help them reach their educational and professional goals.

Over four hundred Fort Settlement 8th grade students will attend a CAREER FAIR, where

local companies, businesses and FBISD’s own Technical Education Center will personally

visit with students. In addition, SPEAKER SESSIONS will give students the chance to learn

about careers directly from presenters from various professions. The students are asked to

come to school in professional attire and awards are given to those who conduct themselves

in a professional manner.

We would truly appreciate your support of CAREER DAY with a donation. Money is needed

to purchase supplies, eight $10 gift cards for those students deemed “MOST

PROFESSIONAL”, and food items for the speaker breakfasts and lunches. We anticipate

approximately 100 community presenters.

A donation from your company will make the day a smashing success. Any donation is

greatly appreciated. For those families and/or businesses donating $250 or more, your name

will be used in all community press, on the school marquee, on speaker and student folders,

and in the school newsletter and community partnership report to the district. In addition,

your business logo will be displayed at the school event.

If you are able to help us, please make your check payable to FSMS PTO and bring it to the

FSMS front office, Attn: Joyce Kamla/Career Day or mail to Joyce Kamla, 4315 Oak Trail

Ct., Sugar Land, TX 77479. Please include contact information including name, phone

number and email address.

Thank you so very much for your interest! Our public schools would not be as great as

they are without involved parents like you!

Sincerely,

Joyce Kamla and the entire Career Day Committee

Page 15 December 2013 EIGHTH GRADE PARTY

Save The Date Eighth Grade Party

Friday May 30, 2014

Let's celebrate our Class of 2014.

Date: May 30th

Place: Main Event Stafford

Please support the 8th Grade Party

Committee.

We are looking for sponsors and

volunteers.

T-shirts and tickets coming soon.

For information please contact

Mónica Maza

tamasta@earthlink.net

Page 16 Falcon Flyer BOX TOPS

BOX TOPS:

Help earn cash for FSMS by clipping and saving Box Tops for Education from participating products. Each one is worth 10¢. Box Tops can be deposited in the large collection bin located in front of the FSMS library. Bring them in today!

Keep sending in your Box Tops!

Is your Kroger Plus Card linked to our

FSMS PTO?

For more ways to earn cash for FSMS, check out

our page on the Falcons' Nest Weebly page. Go to the PTO tab, then click on the tab marked Earn Cash for FSMS. Thanks!

Kroger Community Rewards®

Help earn cash for FSMS: The Kroger Plus

Card requires on-line registration. Simply go

to www.krogercommunityrewards.com to register

and activate your card to FSMS ID #80198.

Page 17 December 2013 FREE MONEY

Attention Shoppers!

Savings & Benefits for you Cash for FSMS…

Are you a REDcard holder?

Simply call 1-800-316-6142, option 1 and enroll your card to FSMS ID#121337. No cost to you and benefits for all: Target donates 1% of your purchases to FSMS, 5% discount to you on your Target purchases, free shipping, and an extra 30 days on returns!

Are you a Target shopper but don’t want another credit card? Consider the debit card option. It does not reflect on your credit report and is simply a debit card

linked to your checking account to be used only at Target. You still get all the benefits of 5% discount, free shipping and an extra 30 days on returns for all your Target purchases! Target will donate 1% of your total purchases to FSMS. Visit Target to apply for a Target Debit or Credit Card and then call 1-800-316-6142, option 1 and enroll your card to FSMS ID#121337.

Page 18 Falcon Flyer SHARED DREAMS

Page 19 December 2013 DIRECTORY

Erratum: Author Names of the Art Works Chosen for School Directory

In the FSMS Directory published, we printed the incorrect names for the two art works chosen as

illustrations. The author for the hand with phone is Nick Clancy, while the author for the eagle head

is Claire Zhou. We apologize for this mistake.

Artwork by: Claire Zhou (Wrong Name) The original author: Nick Clancy

Artwork by: Shalini Das (Wrong name) The original author: Claire Zhou

Page 20 Falcon Flyer

Fort Bend Independent School District

5440 Elkins Road

Sugar Land, Texas 77479

FORT SETTLEMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Sugar Land, Texas

Permit No. 27

Affix Mailing Label Here

Fort Settlement Middle School

Contact Information:

Office 281- 634 - 6440

Attendance 281- 634 - 6501

Clinic 281- 634 - 6508

FSMS WEBSITE

www.fortbendisd.com/campuses/fsms