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Contact Us
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Editor:
Daryn Schwartz
Volunteer Coordinator:
Angela Hayes
PTA President:
Leslie Crouch
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Grade Level and
Related Arts Updates:
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Thank you...
to all of the volunteers, teachers and staff for a rockin' start to Boosterthon and a great Eat to the Beat night! A special thanks to the following people for "plugging in to serve" on Monday night. These people donated food, time and many talents to make the night a huge success:
- Matthew Allen
- Brian & Laura Moriarty
- Tammy & Chloe Clark
- Don & Christi King
- Susanne Yesse
- Erinn Gordon
- Angela, Chase & Juliet Eckton
- Amelia Ellis
- Nick & Karinna Gannascoli
- Jim, Angela & James Hayes
- Sylvia Daniel
- Arabesque Malosky
- Brianna Byrnes
- Christine Shreiber
- Robin Lienhardt
- Leslie Crouch
- Kimmy Piggott
- Jenn Breheny
- Ruth Petrillo
- Kelly Ellis
to Scott Mayer for designing the amazing "track our progress" banner on our fence, and for his creative talents designing the special t-shirts for the 4th and 5th grade Fun Run!
And, a HUGE round of applause to our Boosterthon Chairs Jac McManus and Cathy Ellis! Your energy and leadership amazes us!
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The Boosterthon "Felix 5"
There are some unique team ("band") names for Boosterthon. Ask you child what his or her class team name is! Have you seen the Felix 5? (pictured above!)
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Yearbook Cover Winner
Congratulations to 5th grader
Marley Osep, who designed the winning cover art for this year's yearbook!
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Yearbook Back Cover Winner
 Congratulations to 5th grader Elizabeth Lienhardt for winning second place in the yearbook art contest. Her entry will be on the back cover.
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Yearbook Title Page Winner
 Congratulations to 5th grader Grace Bauer for her 3rd place Title Page winning entry.
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School Advisory Council Meeting 10/6 at 5:30 p.m.
While we ask that voting members of our School Advisory Council (SAC) commit to six of our eight meetings. All FAWE parents, teachers and community members are welcome to attend any of our SAC meetings. The meetings are typically held on the first Monday evening of the month at 5:30 p.m. Contact SAC Chair Karla Preissman if you have questions.
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Boosterthon
FUN Run October 8
If this is your child's first year participating in a Fun Run, your family is in for a treat! It's going to be a GREAT morning as the FAWE community comes together to cheer on our runners! Parents and special friends are welcome and encouraged to join us! We hope to see you there!Race times
K & 1: 7:50 to 8:50 a.m.
2 & 3 : 9:05 to 10:05 a.m.
4 & 5: 10:20 to 11:30 a.m.
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Daily Bedtime Math Email
Bedtime Math is a free math resource for families. You can sign up for a free daily email with a math problem to discuss at dinner (that has different versions of the question based on your child's age.) Go to
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How to Access Standards via Pinnacle
To read instructions about how to access standards grades in the Pinnacle Internet View (PIV) click here.
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Oct. 6 Picture Day
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Don't forget that Monday, October 6 is Fall Picture Day! You can send in your order form with your child, or order online at mylifetouch.com.
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SUGGESTIONS
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Felix A. Williams Elementary PTA has a new Facebook page. "Like" our page to receive timely reminders about FAWE events and activities.
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F.A.W.E. Splash Flash
October 3, 2014
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The FAWE Community ROCKS!
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Mrs. Riley and Mr. Marder know how to ROCK and have fun with the FAWE community.
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Boosterthon's Rock'n Town Live fundraiser campaign is here, and it's all about community! FAWE showed community spirit when it hosted a food truck and music festival on Monday at Eat to the Beat. What FUN! On-campus decorations, pep rallies and the "Eat the the Beat" kickoff were made possible by many creative and devoted volunteers! The FAWE community ROCKS! To see more photos, click here.Keep those pledges coming! Let's make the 6th year, the best year yet!
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Mark Your Calendar!
|  10/6 - Fall Picture Day (K-5)
10/6 -- SAC Meeting - 5:30 p.m. in media center. (entire FAWE community welcome!) 10/8 - Boosterthon FUN RUN Day!10/8 - Early Release Day (11:50 a.m. dismissal) 10/24 - Freaky Friday Parents Night out and Related Arts Fundraiser - 5 to 9 p.m. see flyer |
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Mr. Marder's Musings
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Several new initiatives are already in place that affect your child's learning at school. First, is the state's implementation of the new Florida Standards, now Kindergarten through Fifth grade. These are of higher rigor and with a deliberate intention of better preparing our students for our global society. It require teachers to "dig deeper" into their strategies and seek a variety of instructional materials to engage students. Some of the needed materials (i.e. classroom libraries, web-based computer software) are posted on the Education Foundation website for your consideration in helping to fund. You may browse the different Fund - A- Projects by going to www.fawe.martinschools.org and click on the bottom icon of Get on the Bus. FAWE already has over $5,000 in class adoptions and funding of projects.
Other initiatives determined by last year's school climate survey include the "renovating" of our school playgrounds. A strong interest has already shown itself with the PTA and School Advisory Council in determining that among the improvements would be a variety of educational apparatuses which would be added to make for highly engaging activities. A committee is being formed to begin investigating what exactly the playground improvements would look like. Please contact Daryn Schwartz, a PTA VP, or Karla Preissman, our SAC Chair, or me if interested in joining the committee.
The Media Center has taken on a new look in moving to "Open Flex" scheduling. Students are encouraged by their teacher (grades 2-5) to visit more frequently and are provided an opportunity to increase the number of books to check out. This has placed a higher demand on the Media personnel and I ask you to consider volunteering some time to help in the check in and out process.
We have seen a great improvement in our average daily attendance increasing to the highest percentage in five years for the first 20 days of school. This has a very positive trend in student achievement. Being at school, on time is a fundamental ingredient in learning.
Our staff members have already made a noticeable difference in engagement in learning. A special welcome and thanks to new staff members: Stacy Jole, Carissa Berkely, Marisette Burgess, Angie Roberts, LaRhonda Brown, Nichole Howard and Natasha Concepion-Muniz.
Finally, new initiatives, whatever they maybe become a reality with a partnership of District and our immediate FAWE community. Our primary fundraiser, Boosterthon's profits have been determined to support the above named initiatives and will only happen with your support. Other program implementations are not of financial nature, but of your time in volunteering to make them happen (i.e. Fall Festival, Watch D.O.G.S.). Please get directly get involved in the variety of school events.
I am proud of the accomplishments that we continue to make and am excited about meeting the challenges we face....together.
Hoooooorah!
Howard MarderPrincipal
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Mrs. Robinson FAWE Teacher of the Year
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 Congratulations to Mrs. Robinson (K/1 teacher) on being selected the Felix A Williams Elementary 2014-15 Teacher of the Year. We are proud to have you representing our school! To read the Mrs. Robinson's nomination letter, click here. |
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Mrs. Hawkins School Related Employee of Year
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 Congratulations to Jamie Hawkins the Felix A Williams Elementary 2014-15 School Related Employee of the Year. Mrs. Hawkins joined the FAWE staff last year and has made a very positive impact. Her loving and nurturing personality, along with a commitment in supporting students in the classroom, is one of her strongest characteristics. Mrs. Hawkins adapts to the ever-changing responsibilities associated with her position. She is a great asset in bringing her skills to the Felix A. Williams Elementary School staff. |
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Mrs. Gifford's Literacy Corner
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It's hard to believe that fall is here already! With the change of seasons, FAWE students are becoming comfortable with their established literacy practices and routines. Your child should be more confident in choosing "just right" books, and you should be seeing an increase in their independent reading time at home. These practices are essential for our growing readers!
You might also be noticing that your child has been utilizing a Reader's Notebook. A Reader's Notebook is a useful tool that can be used by readers to collect their thinking and record it in a variety of types or forms. For younger children (grades K-1), the notebook will map their literacy journey throughout the year. For older children (grades 2-5), it is a link to writing and helps them become more aware of their own learning. According to Fountas and Pinnell, "The notebook expresses a collection of thinking that reflects a student's reading life. It houses a variety of authentic responses to reading and the teacher's responses to thinking expressed by students" (P. 443).
Reading and writing really go hand in hand. Writing and responding to reading in ways that support comprehension and encourage student engagement is critical to help foster meaning, to talk more deeply, and to move their thinking from one place to another.
FAWE teachers are creating opportunities for students to learn a variety of ways and reasons readers may write about and respond to their reading. Additionally, teachers are affording multiple opportunities throughout the day to read and respond to texts in writing. In primary grades (K-1) this can be done through pictures/illustrations and words and sentences. As students' literacy skills progress, the written expression may come in the form of quick "jots" or letter writing. Varied formats will be taught and fostered throughout the year.
Writing Workshop is a method of writing instruction that was developed by Lucy Calkins and educators involved in the Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University in New York City, New York. This method of instruction focuses on the goal of fostering lifelong writers. It is based upon four principles; students will write about their own lives, they will use a consistent writing process, they will work in authentic ways and it will foster independence.
FAWE teachers are continuing instruction for writing utilizing the Writing Workshop approach. This approach is designed for use in all grade levels. Each grade level has specific units of study tailored to meet developmental and curricular needs. Students receive a large amount of choice in their topic and style of writing. The teacher acts as a mentor author. The teacher models writing techniques and conferring with students as they move through the writing process. Direct writing instruction takes place in the form of a mini-lesson at the beginning of each workshop and is followed by active writing time. Each workshop ends with a sharing of student work. Be on the lookout for some of "your author's" most recent published work!
Here are a couple of my favorite children's books with a writing theme:
"If you Were A Writer" by John Lowery Nixon "You Have to Write" by Janet S. Wong "A Writer's Notebook" by Ralph Fletcher
As always, my door is always open as a resource for teachers, students, and parents. Please feel free to contact me or visit my web page for additional resources.
Lauren Gifford
Literacy Coach, Grades K-5
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Freaky Friday - October 24 (5 to 9 p.m.)
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 Parents...need a night out without your little "hobgoblins?" We have something just for you!
FREAKY FRIDAY! The Related Arts Team is hosting a fun night for FAWE students featuring stories, art, music, science, computer, and PE activities. Freaky Friday will include pizza, drinks, popcorn and a movie! Pre-registration runs October 10th - October 20th. The cost is $25 for the first FAWE student/$15 for each additional child in your family. The cost will increase to $35/$20 October 21st-24th, so sign up early and SAVE! An informational flyer and registration form will be coming soon! 100% of the funds raised will go directly back to our Related Arts programs for equipment and supplies! To learn more, see the FREAKY FRIDAY flyer.
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Boosterthon Volunteer Opportunities
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 Thanks to our FAWE community for demonstrating what can happen when you PLUG IN TO SERVE! There are more opportunities to "plug in" next week! We could use quite a few hands on October 8th during our Fun Runs (3 runs between 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. that day); water station, wet cloth distribution, parking, misting bottles, among other things. If you are interested, please send an e-mail to Jac McManus or Cathy Ellis.
Let's ROCK! See you at the Fun Run!
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FAWE Live with Grace - Kids4 Kids Food Drive
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 On behalf of Live with Grace - Kids 4Kids, the Powell family and our dear Angel, Gracie, THANK YOU for the amazing outpouring of donations to the TC Food Bank School Pantry Program. The program provides food to families in need with children. The concept of feeding a family with children is significant in that Grace and the entire Powell family, have always felt a part of the FAWE family. Gracie loved volunteering back at Felix once she graduated because she felt like she was "going HOME". Over 500 lbs of food was donated to this great cause from the FAWE family and added to the total of over 1,000 lbs. of food loaded into Gracie's Little Bus. The generous and compassionate hearts of all at Felix A Williams Elementary School is a gift. We love all and thank you for choosing to Live with Grace and provide opportunities for the young people of our community to serve other young people to help make the world a little more amazing.
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Square One Art Projects due 10/15
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 Once again, we are participating in the Square One art project. All students will create a bold and beautiful drawing using marker, crayon, oil pastels and/or watercolor paint which will then be sent to Square One for printing. Each student will receive a sheet of stickers with their featured art work. Parents have the option of purchasing that image on a variety of projects to have as a keepsake or in time for holiday gift-giving. Square One is always adding new items to their product catalog and there is something for everyone! A portion of the proceeds goes to fund the art department and helps to replenish many consumable materials during the school year. Ms. Kernan directed each class to create a picture, however, if you choose, your child can work on something at home that is personally more meaningful and relevant to you and your family! Do you have a pet? A favorite vacation spot? Would you prefer a family portrait, or specific holiday design? If you prefer to have your child complete a picture at home, extra paper (forms) are available in their classroom as well as in the front office. Follow the directions and complete the information at the top, then create the artwork in the space below. Use black sharpie to outline as pencil will not print well. All work must be returned to Ms. Kernan by Wednesday, October 15th at the latest in order to be sent to Square One. The stickers and order forms will arrive October 31st. For ease and convenience, you are able to place your order directly on line with the company! We hope you enjoy this unique way of preserving and sharing your child's art. Thank you for all your support of the FAWE arts.
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Kiwanis K-Kids Club Forming Soon
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Kiwanis K-Kids is starting soon for any 5th grader who like like to do community citizenship-based projects at school. If your student is interested, please have them pick up an application from their 5th grade teacher or contact Guidance Counselor Mrs. Weber. The meeting are on Fridays during recess.
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Erinn Gordon Named Volunteer VIP!
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 Have you met Erinn Gordon, a FAWE parent and PTA volunteer & board member? Well if you have, you won't forget her! Erinn has energy that she should bottle and and an enormous heart. When considering FAWE projects and initiatives, Erinn is everywhere! Erinn is our PTA membership chair, she is a Felix Farm VIP, she is working on a team to get shade added to our playgrounds, she helps with the Elks Grace Packs, she never misses a school event and is always available to help out. And she is so positive and A LOT of FUN! We sincerely appreciate all that Erinn does for the FAWE community. Please join us in congratulating Erinn as our FAWE Volunteer of the Month! Enjoy your parking space, Erinn!
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"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
- Leo Buscaglia
How can YOU make a Splash in someone's life?
Until next time...
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