"We discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being." 
— Maria Montessori

Please scroll down for the list of important dates.

NOTICE OF PESTICIDE TREATMENT

The school grounds were treated on Saturday, April 28th.  Classrooms will have recess at Rosies Park for the week.

Please note that future notices will be sent out at least one week prior to a scheduled lawn treatment.

M-STEP summative tests for grads 3-8 include:

English Language Arts (ELA):
English language arts (ELA) is assessed in grades 3–8. It covers four claims: reading, writing, listening, and research. The assessments are online computer adaptive tests.

Mathematics:
Mathematics is assessed in grades 3–8. It covers four claims: concepts and procedures, problem solving, communicating reasoning, and modeling and data analysis.

Science:
For Spring 2018, the new Michigan science standards are being assessed in a statewide field test in grades 5, and 8, with a fixed-form online assessment.  

Social Studies:
Social studies is assessed in grades 5 and 8 with a fixed-form online assessment.

Beginning THIS week the following grades will be testing:

Monday, April 30th-       3rd, 4th, 6th & 7th Grade (ELA)
Tuesday, May 1st-          3rd, 4th, 6th & 7th Grade (ELA)
Wednesday, May 2nd-   3rd, 4th, 6th & 7th Grade (Math)
Thursday, May 3rd-        3rd, 4th, 6th & 7th Grade (Math) 

How can I best help my child succeed?
• Try not to schedule any doctor appointments for them on the dates of testing.
• Ensure that they eat breakfast on the days they are testing.
• Try and get them to bed early the night before.
• Have them prepare by taking practice tests ahead of time.

How do we prepare?
The computer assessments have online practice tests that can be taken to prepare for the assessments.
1. Go to https://wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi/ (must be taken in Google Chrome).
2. Click on M-STEP Online Tools Training.
3. Click on Sample Item Sets.
4. Click on the grade level.
5. Click on the subject.
6. Sign in with the username and password supplied on the screen.
7. Once signed in, click continue and choose the practice test you want to take.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

We are really excited for the 8th Annual Art and Music Showcase on May 5th!  Please consider signing up to volunteer by clicking the button below.

Mark your calendars for FMCA’s 8th Annual Art and Music Showcase on Saturday, May 5th. 
The proceeds from this event not only help to supplement the school’s art and music programs,
but fund art/musical guests and field trips as well. 

We are looking for adult artists to donate one art piece for the silent auction
portion of the art show.  Please email Mr. Michael, FCMA's Visual Art Teacher at michaelchabot@choiceschools.com if you or someone you know is interested. 

The staff and students thank you for your continued support!    

Don't miss your chance to order pizza kits!  Only 1 week left!!

Friday- 5/4/2018 Order form and payment due.
Thursday- 5/10/2018 (2:45-3:45pm) Pick up of Pizza Kits.

Be sure your order form is correctly tallied!
Double check all rows and columns.
Late orders will NOT be accepted.

Accepting Credit or Debit card payments at www.pizzakit.com

•Click on -“Products” then “Shop”
• Select either- “Ship Order to the Group” or “Ship Order to Me” (via UPS for an additional fee)
• Use Fundraiser ID # 350611 to link your purchase to FCMA
 

The Parent Guild is pleased to announce a new addition to
our Native Garden and Habitat!

A Serviceberry tree was planted on Arbor Day last Friday to conserve habitat efforts for the Indiana Bat  (the student-voted winner of 2017 Endangered Species Sponsorship.). The tree is located at the Herbert entrance near the main doors.  The tree will flower in the spring and leave berries in early fall and  supports all native fauna.

Special thanks to Jennifer Bartleman, Native Garden and Habitat manager, Scott Pittman, owner of Garden Central, and Aaron Stokes, owner of Champion Tree Service, for the coordination of their services. Thanks also to the middle school staff and 7th graders who were able to lend a hand with the digging and planting!  

Beet, Carrot & Apple Salad

Cultivating Peace at Home

"How often I wished for some "peace and quiet" as a multi-tasking parent! Some moms say they retreat to the bathroom for time alone, only to find their children knocking or calling through the door. How can we keep our own inner composure and help our children learn to be thoughtful of others and content with themselves? In other words, what makes peace happen?"