Welcome back, Fulton families! It has been wonderful to see students reconnecting with friends, meet their teachers, and settle into the school year.
This year, you’ll hear us use three words to describe what we want for every student: Belong. Think. Grow. We want students to feel known and connected at school, take part in learning that challenges them to explain their ideas and solve problems, and get the support they need to make progress. These ideas are at the heart of Fulton’s Strategic Coherence Plan, and we’ll use this newsletter to show you what they look like in our schools.
In this September issue, we’re sharing moments from the start of school, a look at student learning, and ways families can stay connected and involved. We’ll begin with one way we can work together all year: helping students get to school whenever they are healthy and able to attend.
|
Being at school helps students learn, build friendships, and feel connected. Missing about two days a month can add up to gaps in learning and time with classmates. We know that illness, housing changes, and other family challenges can make attendance difficult. Our goal is to work with families so students can be at school and on time whenever they are healthy and able to attend.
If you’re concerned about your child’s attendance, please reach out. A teacher, counselor, school-home liaison, principal, or another trusted adult at school can help you talk through what’s getting in the way and find support.
-
A small step for this month: Talk with your child about one person or activity they look forward to at school. Keeping that connection in mind can help as your family builds its school-day routine.
- Read Fulton Dragons, Your Presence Matters!
|
This year, we are focused on giving students meaningful work that asks them to reason, solve problems, and explain their ideas. You may hear your child talking through how they reached an answer, writing a complete sentence to support an opinion, or trying more than one way to solve a problem.
-
A question for home: “What did you have to figure out today? How did you figure it out?”
|
Students come to school with different strengths and needs. Teachers work together, look at student work and assessment information, and adjust instruction so students receive the right challenge and support. Throughout the year, we’ll share examples of what growth looks like in our classrooms. |
In recent weeks, FCSD families have had the opportunity to tour buildings and meet with staff in a series of open houses across the district. Still to come:
-
Lanigan Open House: Tuesday, Sept. 29 (5 p.m.)
-
Fairgrieve Open House: Wednesday, Sept. 30 (5 p.m.)
|
|
Volney Elementary began the new year with a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening their new playground after nearly a decade of preparation. Don't worry -- community favorites like the concrete dolphin are still there to enjoy! |
Students from the Junior High school recently traveled to the war memorial to enjoy an informative and hilarious living history performance detailing the history of Fulton. Great job to all the community members and organizations that made the event happen! |
This summer, eight GRB students were selected to attend the NY-ACDA Summer High School Honor Choir hosted at Siena University. Conducted by Dr. Julie Yu, students from all over New York were chosen for this experience and we are thrilled to have sent so many musicians to represent our community. Congratulations! |
Our well-loved and nationally-recognized Fulton School Champions Is getting ready for a fourth year! Be sure to submit your nominations for staff members you know have made a difference!
|
-
OCTOBER 5-6: GRB School Pictures
-
OCTOBER 9: Fairgrieve Pictures
-
OCTOBER 12: Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day - ALL BUILDINGS CLOSED
-
OCTOBER 16: FJHS Pictures
|
Families and students are important partners in Fulton’s schools. Our Shared Decision Making Team is an opportunity to share ideas and help shape our work together. The first meeting is September 28, from 5:00–6:00 p.m. in Room 101 at the Education Center. A virtual option -- available here -- is available if you cannot attend in person. |
ParentSquare is one way to keep up with school news, events and messages from your child’s teachers. Make sure your contact information is current and check for updates from your school.
If you’re unsure about a question, start with your child’s school office—we’ll help you find the right person.
|
Strong learning habits do not happen automatically—they need to be taught, modeled, practiced, and reinforced. Families can help students of all ages by creating simple, consistent routines for learning at home.
For younger children, this might mean reading together for 15–20 minutes, practicing math facts, packing a backpack together, or having your child explain something new they learned that day.
Older students may need help learning how to use a planner, break a larger assignment into smaller steps, study for a test over several days, review notes, or put their phone away during focused work time.
Rather than assuming students know how to study or manage their time, show them what it looks like and practice the routine together. Start by doing it with them, then gradually shift the responsibility to them as they become more independent. Even 20–30 minutes of focused practice and review can help reinforce new learning and build habits that support success in school and beyond.
|
FCSD students and staff will work together to SOAR in the classroom and beyond. Our Red Dragons will be able to show:
-
SELF CONTROL: Red Dragons show self-control by making thoughtful choices -- even when it’s hard. Whether it’s staying calm during a disagreement or waiting their turn, Fulton students rise above challenges with focus and maturity.
-
ON-TASK BEHAVIOR: Fulton Red Dragons stay on-task by staying focused and giving their best effort during learning time. They avoid distractions, follow directions, and keep their minds set on reaching their goals—showing the true determination of a Red Dragon.
-
ACHIEVEMENT: Achievement for a Red Dragon means setting goals and working hard to reach them. Whether it's mastering a new math skill or helping a classmate, Fulton students celebrate progress and push themselves to be their best.
-
RESPECT: Red Dragons lead with respect by treating everyone—classmates, teachers, and themselves—with kindness and dignity. In the Fulton City School District, respect fuels a positive, inclusive environment where all can thrive.
|
(315) 593-5500
167 South 4th Street
Fulton, NY 13069
|
|
|
|
