Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters of Fulton Science Academy:

It's hard to believe that we are now entering our fourth week of a wonderful new school year! While academics remain a top priority at FSAPS, we also care very much about developing students who have a strong sense of character and who give back to their community. It is for this reason that we have built monthly character development themes into our curriculum. 

The FSAPS themes for September are caring and kindness.September is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Sadly, cancer remains a leading cause of death among children, yet less than four percent of funding is allocated towards finding a cure. We are told that many childhood cancer treatments have not changed since the mid 1970s. With many of our students considering careers in medicine and medical research, this issue matters to us.

To honor our monthly character development theme and support a local nonprofit charity, CURE, that focuses on childhood cancer research, FSAPS will launch a brand new "COINS FOR A CURE" fundraising initiative throughout the month of September.

Students will be encouraged to please bring in spare change between September 1-September 28. Collection jars will be on display, by grade, in the school. 

Our goal is to raise at least $1,000 to support children's cancer research.

To incorporate practical math into this school wide campaign, different elementary classes will be tasked with counting the coins that are collected weekly. Tallies will be kept and announced. At the end of the month, whichever grade has raised the most money will earn rewards for their efforts. 

We will conclude the campaign with a school-wide pep rally on September 29. During the rally, we will invite local media, watch a short video, present CURE with a check, and reflect on the changes that are made possible when children show kindness and caring towards others. 

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived...this is to have succeeded.”

Sincerely,

Kenan Sener

Principal

AP Night at Fulton Science Academy

PARENTS LEARN MORE ABOUT AP COURSES DURING CURRICULUM NIGHT 

Both curriculum nights last week went extremely well. We'd like to thank our families and dedicated teachers for attending. Regardless of age or classroom, there was an excitement buzzing throughout our school. Several parents (photographed here) met with FSAPS Guidance Counselor, Lindsay Kelly, and Assistant Principal, Yasin Parlak, to discuss our new AP courses. 

As our school continues to grow and evolve, we ask for ongoing feedback. If you have curriculum related questions, please email yparlak@fultonscienceacdemy.org. Thank you.

THIRD GRADERS APPLY THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD TO "HELP SAVE FRED!"

FULTON SCIENCE ACADEMY THIRD GRADERS APPLY THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD 

TO "HELP SAVE FRED!"

It was a fantastic week in third grade as students worked collaboratively to solve a problem. You see, Fred has been spending his summer boating on the Great Lakes. But he’s not too bright (after all, the brains of worms are pretty small!) He’s never learned how to swim and he never wears his life preserver. Sadly, the worst has happened! His boat has capsized and he’s stuck! Fortunately, his life preserver is in the boat, but unfortunately he does not know how to reach it without falling off and drowning.

Not to worry, Ms. Ramsey's third graders came to the rescue and helped save Fred!

THE PROBLEM

"How can you and your partner save Fred using only 4 paper clips? You may not touch Fred, the boat, or the life preserver directly with your hands! "

THE MATERIALS

Gummy Worm

Gummy life preserver

1 plastic cup

4 Paper Clips

THE RESULT

Using the rules mentioned above, students created a flowchart with diagrams showing, step by step, how the group completed the challenge. Instead of a stressful experiment, students smiled as they worked together emphasizing critical life skills such as critical problem solving, flexibility, and teamwork.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT - MEET AKSHAY M!

Fulton Science Academy Private School would like to welcome Akshay M, a new seventh grade student here at FSAPS. This past summer, Akshay competed in the US Open International Martial Arts Tournament in Orlando. The tournament gathered competitors from around the world. After years of hard work and practice, Akshay placed in weapons after competing with his second level weapon, sais, (he has mastered the bow staff) and was a finalist in traditional forms and point sparring (fighting).



Akshay trains in youndo ju jitsu at Cumming Martial Arts. This includes a mix of Japanese ju jitsu , judo, karate, shotokan. After six years of intense training, he is now a purple black belt with a pending promotion to brown once he passes his brown belt test. Once he obtains his brown belt, he will be only three degrees away from earning his black belt!

In addition to his academic studies and martial arts training, Akshay also plays the piano, enjoying both classic composers and contemporary pop. His last recital choices included a performance of Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a prayer," which was met with great applause from the audience.

Welcome, Akshay! We are thrilled to have you as a student at Fulton Science Academy Private School!

(If you would like to have your child featured in an upcoming, "Student Spotlight," please email information about your child and a photo to mbowman@fultonscienceacademy.org. Thank you!)

FULTON SCIENCE ACADEMY NOMINATED FOR SEVERAL PRESTIGIOUS STEM AWARDS

FULTON SCIENCE ACADEMY NOMINATED FOR SEVERAL PRESTIGIOUS GEORGIA STEM EDUCATION AWARDS!

Fulton Science Academy Private School has been nominated for several prestigious STEM Education Awards. This competitive awards program is sponsored by the Technology Association of Georgia. The program honors Georgia schools, programs and companies for outstanding efforts and achievements in supporting and promoting science, technology, engineering and math education. Fulton Science was nominated for its efforts in TWO separate categories.

Middle School - This category recognizes innovative STEM curriculum and programs in Middle Schools that promote STEM Education in the classroom and expand STEM skills while helping to point students towards productive technology related careers.

Extracurricular Program - This category recognizes extracurricular programs who provide innovative STEM opportunities for students in order to expand STEM skills and workforce readiness.

Award winners will be announced at an awards gala held at the Loudermilk Center on Friday, November 4. Congratulations to the students and faculty who have worked so hard to gain this incredible recognition!

GENEROUS FSA FAMILY MAKES $10,000 DONATION

GENEROUS FSA FAMILY MAKES $10,000 DONATION TO PURCHASE BRAND NEW MICROSCOPES 

Thanks to an anonymous donation of $10,000 made by an incredible family at Fulton Science Academy, students will now be able to enjoy state-of-the art, brand new microscopes in their science classes. This gift, which was allocated specifically towards the investment in new microscopes for the students, is already making a positive impact.

During a microscopy lab last week, and using just a phone camera and one of the new scopes, one FSA student took this AMAZING picture of a plant cell. In the photo, you can see the green chloroplasts, cells walls, etc. What a beautiful image!

Financial donations from caring families like this one are an important part of what makes Fulton Science Academy a standout school in the region. Tuition rates have been kept as reasonable as possible in the hopes that families, companies, and community supporters would embrace a philanthropic spirit and donate generously to help FSAPS purchase materials that are not covered by tuition alone.

To the incredible family who made such a generous and impactful donation, THANK YOU. As Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give."

To learn about other funding needs at Fulton Science Academy, and how your family or company can make a tax deductible donation to benefit our school and the incredible children who study here, please contact Advancement Director, Megan Bowman, at mbowman@fultonscienceacademy.org.

Fulton Science Academy Mission and Vision Review

FSAPS MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT REVIEW

Each year, FSAPS reviews both the mission and vision statements for our school. This year, we have several goals for our review process.

1. To ensure both statements embody our students and what is happening within our school walls.

2. To condense the statements into shorter versions. (Wouldn't it be great to create statements where everyone, most especially our students, knew them by heart?)

3. To adopt statements that have reach and reflect all that is possible for our school and our students.

3. To honor our core values of innovation, excellence, and character. 

CURRENT MISSION/VISION STATEMENTS UNDER REVIEW

FSAPS MISSION: 

"To engineer an educational framework designed for the highest academic results and enduring strength of character utilizing an innovative STEAM curriculum for college preparedness and lifelong student success."

FSAPS VISION: 

"Fulton Science Academy Private School envisions a pre-K through 12th grade nationally ranked and recognized school serving advanced and gifted student populations committed to academic success, civic responsibility, and high ethical values within a safe environment that celebrates diversity and is supported by the collaborative efforts of its stakeholders and the broader community."

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Successful mission/vision statements are built collaboratively by students, faculty, families and the community.

This is where you come in...

This week, we kindly ask FSAPS students and their families to please discuss this subject together and provide feedback and suggestions using the online form listed below.

Parents of elementary-aged students can speak directly with your children about how they envision their school's mission statement should read. Listen carefully to their thoughts. Work together to form their creative thoughts into possible mission/vision statements. Please share your suggestions using the form listed below. Enjoy this process and converse with your children. Engage their creative minds. Reward them for demonstrating out of the box thinking. Enjoy typing their ideas into the online form together.

Students and parents in Grades 6-10 are also encouraged to please submit their feedback, and can do so collectively or independently. While we support collaborative discussions in all families, we believe students in grades six and higher are capable of independently reviewing the mission and vision statements and providing individual feedback.

At the end of this review and revision process, we plan to showcase both our mission and vision statements prominently in our front lobby. They will be added to the walls above our trophy cases and will be visible to anyone and everyone who enters our school.

TO SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK ABOUT OUR MISSION/VISION, PLEASE USE THIS LINK. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckmEbARVG8sMSwU-k3LtNDv_aYEm9dAQ7KAlc_9odFd2VIdw/viewform

NEW FSAPS WRITING CURRICULUM

Fulton Science Academy Private School utilizes a standardized, school-wide approach to writing. Our goal is to ensure we are producing successful writers across all subject areas. This curriculum begins as early as Kindergarten and will continue throughout high school grades. 

Reading and language arts teachers are utilizing the Write Source curriculum, one that supports Common Core writing standards. Through this curriculum, students will learn to master the writing process, understand key writing forms, and be able to identify valuable traits of a successful writer. Emphasis will also be placed on grammar, usage, and mechanics.

Our long-term vision at FSAPS is one where, as our students evolve, each successive grade will deepen their knowledge, understanding, and practical usage of the writing process. Higher standards will be expected from students as they reach upper grades and their knowledge and understanding of the writing process expands. These same key writing concepts will be addressed in all school-wide subject areas, including math, science, art, music, connections classes, etc. 

Elementary students will be introduced to the Write Source curriculum during their reading and language arts instruction time. Much like our middle and high school students, elementary students will also be asked to write and apply their understanding of the writing process in subjects other than merely language arts. In doing so, children will have an opportunity to embrace the value of how writing applies to all of their subjects. Our goal is to establish high writing standards from an early age and provide a strong foundation for the children to build upon as they grow.

When students enter middle school, each of their teachers—math, science, as well as connection classes—will use Write Source resources to present and assess all of their written work. This includes research papers, Science Fair essays, lab reports, etc. Examples of Write Source in action at the middle school level includes drafting, peer conferencing, revising/editing checklists, and common rubrics. Common rubrics allow teachers to assess student work based on the quality of their ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. These standardized expectations train students to consider these traits in many different types of writing and continuously produce the best work possible.

In addition to learning the writing process (and benefitting from common assessments), middle school students will be expected to adhere to MLA (Modern Language Association) standards in any of their formal writing assignments. They will begin to learn the basics of MLA in fifth grade and, by seventh grade, will be expected to turn in all of their major essays using this format.

While our school is known for its excellence in math and science, our goal is to graduate well-rounded, articulate students who also possess strong writing skills. We want to ensure that all of our students can communicate effectively in a 21st century world. It is their right, and our privilege to do so.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT - MEET ELLIE P!

Fulton Science Academy Private School would like to welcome Ellie P., a new fourth grade student who shares not only a passion for learning, but also a love for the performing arts. Ellie has been dancing and performing since the age of five.

After her school day concludes, Ellie heads straight over to RISPA, the Renaissance Institute School for the Performing Arts, also in Alpharetta, for hours of intensive training in seven different competitive companies! Ellie trains daily in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, Acrobatics, Acting, Musical Theater and also takes private voice lessons. Wow!

Clearly, Ellie's hard work and dedication is paying off. Recently, she won the title of “Best All Star Dancer” at the 2016 Access Broadway Competition held in Atlanta. She also won a “Broadway Star” at the National Access Broadway Competition for a Hip Hop duet last year. Ellie has had acting experience in a commercial and in educational instruction videos shown around the world. 

When asked about her future goals, Ellie's answers were grand, just like her joyful personality. 

1. To become the President of the United States;

2. To become a Chemist' and

3. To become an Actress in film and on Broadway

Welcome to Fulton Science Academy Private School, Ellie! We hope we can count on seeing you this year in our Talent Show and are so happy that you are now a Mustang!

(If you would like to have your child featured in an upcoming, "Student Spotlight," please email information about your child and a photo to mbowman@fultonscienceacademy.org. Thank you!)

Apply Now for Your 2017 Tax Credit

Dear Parents,

We are pleased to announce details surrounding the GA Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Applications to participate are being accepted now, and we hope you will choose to participate.

This program provides an opportunity for taxpayers to redirect Georgia tax dollars and, in turn, provide financial aid assistance to FSA students. We would greatly appreciate it if you would please apply and choose Fulton Science Academy Private School as your designated school. 

Please also inform your friends, co-workers, and relatives who live in Georgia; they can also participate and help support our school.

How can this tax credit benefit both Fulton Science Academy Private School and myself? 

Under this law, you can redirect a portion of your Georgia income tax to provide financial aid assistance to FSA students based upon need. You will receive a tax credit on your state income taxes and a charitable deduction on your federal incomes taxes for the amount of your contribution. For married couples filing jointly, the maximum tax credit-eligible contribution is $2,500 ($1,000 as an individual).

Click here to apply

How do I participate in the program?

It’s easy. All you have to do is complete our easy paperless process, and Apogee will submit the paperwork on your behalf. Apogee will process your approval notice within 30 days. Once the approval notice is received, please send your payment by check or pay online within 60 days of your approval date.

Is there a limit regarding how much I can give each year?

Yes, the amount you can give is limited by your tax filing status:

· Married Filing Jointly: Maximum of $2,500

· Individual Filer: Maximum of $1,000

· Married Filing Separately: Maximum of $1,250

· Individuals who receive pass-through income can contribute up to $10k  

· C-Corporation: Up to 75% of GA tax liability

Can I direct my contribution to help a specific student?

Although we understand why it would be ideal to designate specific recipients, this is not possible. Apogee does not accept donations that are allocated for specific individuals. Donors would lose their ability to receive a charitable contribution, as well as the Georgia tax credit. 

Apogee is a 501c3 non-profit organization and, as such, is bound first and foremost by the rules and regulations governing this special status. As a 501c3, Apogee is not permitted to accept any donations directed to a specific individual. To do so would put Apogee’s non-profit status in jeopardy and, in turn, its SSO status in jeopardy.

Who or what is Apogee?

Apogee Scholarship Fund is a state registered SSO (Student Scholarship Organization) as well as a 501c3 non-profit organization whose primary functions are to facilitate the process of distributing tax credits in exchange for donations and to disburse those funds for private school tuition scholarships. 

"Apogee" (ap-uh-jee) is defined as the highest point (typically of an arc). To this end, Apogee strives to help children reach their highest educational potential.

How do I know what my GA tax liability is?

Your GA tax liability is typically 6% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). You can also look at Line 18 of your GA tax return (Form 500) to learn your GA tax liability.

Why should I give now?

The State has placed a yearly cap on the amount of credit available. That amount is $58 million. That means that every school, every taxpayer, and every corporation in GA is drawing from the exact same pool of credits. 

Once the funds are distributed, interested agencies must wait until the following year to participate in the program. Once funds are deposited, they are immediately available to assist families who want the best educational choice for their children.  

Please note: The yearly cap is generally met on the very first day of January; we expect this trend to continue until the cap is raised beyond the $58 million. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged that you please submit your application as soon as possible to be considered for approval.

Can I reduce my quarterly estimated tax payments by the amount I donate?

This is a great opportunity to write the check to support education instead of paying that portion of estimated taxes. Please ask your accountant to reduce your quarterly estimated tax payment by the amount of your contribution. This will reduce each of your quarterly payments by 25% of the amount you intend to contribute.

What happens if my donation exceeds my tax liability?

The tax credit is a “non-refundable” credit. This means you cannot receive a refund for any more than your GA tax liability. Any excess credit beyond your tax liability can be carried forward for up to five years.

Do I have to include my check with my donation package when mailing to Apogee?

No. Apogee cannot accept payments prior to January 1. Since the vast majority of applications received are early applications, payment should be made after approval has been secured. Payment must be madewithin 60 days of approval.

What is Apogee's Tax ID Number?

FEIN: 26-2693572 

Is this donation a charitable deduction on my Federal return in addition to the credit?

Yes. Because of the 501c3 status, you are eligible to receive a Federal Charitable Deduction for the amount of your contribution. The law does require that you increase your State income by the amount of your Charitable Deduction on your Federal return (donation amount). 

Can Apogee help me understand how this credit will affect my specific tax situation?

Yes. Apogee is well versed in the specifics of how this credit affects most tax scenarios and is happy to offer guidance regarding how this credit is related to your specific tax situation. 

As always, we also suggest that you please consult your personal tax advisor, as they will have the best understanding of your specific tax situation.

How do I get started?

Simply log onto http://www.apogee123.org.

Click here to apply

1st Day of School at Fulton Science Academy Private School

Dear FSA Families,

It was very nice to see all of you during orientation day on Thursday. 

We would like to share some important information regarding the first day of school. Please go over this information carefully and let us know if you have any questions.

CLASS SCHEDULES

Students will be given their class, connection and CERP (College Enrichment, Readiness and Preparation) schedules one more time this Monday morning. Please do not worry if you somehow do not have a printed copy of of your child’s schedule. We will be here to assist all students Monday morning. 

SCHOOL ARRIVAL

School arrival begins as early as 7:30 a.m. Our arrival process is pretty simple. We will be welcoming students every morning at the front of school. Please see the instructions below:

• Students will use the main door to enter the school building during morning arrival.
• Our faculty members will greet you and will help the children out of the car. All children will be taken to the cafeteria to wait for the beginning of first period
• If you need to park your car, please use only designated parking areas. No car should park in the morning arrival area to keep traffic running smoothly.
• Please be reminded that the speed limit is 15 mph on campus. Please never go above 15 mph on campus. 

Please be informed that parking in the circular area in front of the school is not allowed during the day. When you bring your child late or come to pick up your child early, please park at the designated parking areas, not in front of the main door. That area should always be kept empty during the day.

SCHOOL DISMISSAL

We have a barcoded school dismissal system. Please make sure that you have your barcode card available. If you don’t have a barcode card, you may always receive a copy from our front office. The barcoded system will make our dismissal process more efficient.

Please read following instructions carefully:

• Please note the difference in the traffic flow between drop off and pick up. There will be staff members available to guide you during the process.
• Please see dismissal hours here:
  • First dismissal is at 3:30 p.m.
  • Second dismissal is at 4:20 p.m.
• Dismissal for Pre-K and Kindergarten students will be at the door on the left side of the building. 
• The second dismissal will continue till carpool is over. After that time, students will be taken to cafeteria for after school care.
• After the second dismissal period, families should use main door to pick up their children.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS BEGIN ON MONDAY, AUGUST 15

Please be informed that there will be no after school clubs during the first week of school therefore all students will be dismissed during first dismissal at 3:30 p.m.

We encourage all families to please pick up their students at 3:30pm. Since there are no after school clubs during 1st week, we will provide free after school care till 4:30 p.m. The after school care charge will begin at 4:30pm for those who stay later than 4:30 p.m. 

Please CLICK HERE for detailed information about after school clubs. The deadline to make online selections is Thursday, August 11, and clubs will begin on Monday, August 15. 

3RD GRADE & UP ACADEMIC TEAM PRESENTATIONS IN SCHOOL CAFETERIA

Please see a list of academic teams presentations below:

Monday, August 8th

3:45PM – Elementary Science Olympiad

4:15PM – Middle/High School Science Olympiad

Tuesday, August 9th

3:45PM – Technology Fair / Media Festival

4:15PM – Robotics FLL & FTC

Wednesday, August 10th

3:45PM – Middle & High School Model UN 

4:15PM – Elementary, Middle & High Destination Imagination

Thursday, August 11th

3:45PM – Elementary & Middle Math Olympiad

4:15PM – Middle School Future City

STUDENT PICK-UP

Please be informed that student pick-up is not allowed from front office between 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. All families are required to follow dismissal instructions  to pick up their children. If you miss our 3:30 p.m. dismissal,please wait till 4:20 p.m. dismissal to pick up your child. Any families with doctor appointments or other pre-planned commitments should plan to come to the front lobby and pick up their child before 3:00 p.m. 

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

We are pleased to announce some changes to our before and after school care, including a new discounted monthly payment plan that we think may interest you!

As you know, fees for our regular before and after school care are as follows:

• Before School Care is available every weekday between 7:00am and 7:30am for $5 per day
• After School Care is available every weekday between 3:30pm and 6:00pm for $15 per day 

We will have after school club options for each weekday this year. Those who do not attend a club can stay in after school care beginning at 3:30pm for$15 per day. For those who are enrolled in a club, the after school care program will begin at 4:30pm. 

This year, we are pleased to announce new discounted fees that are associated with payment plan. Those fees are as follows:

• Monthly Payment Plan for Before School Care – $50 per student (A savings of about $50 per month)
• Monthly Payment Plan for After School Care – $200 per student (A savings of about $100 per month) 
• Additionally, there will be 10% before and after school care discount for the siblings when they register for the monthly payment plan. 

For those students who regularly use before or after school care, we recommend the monthly payment plan to save money. Once you register, you will be sent invoices at the end of each month between the months of August and May. If interested, please REGISTER HERE. If not interested in a monthly registration, you do not need to do anything. You will be charged per day as you use these services.

STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK AND SYLLABUS

Please go over the handbook. The handbook’s first three pages should be signed and returned your homeroom teacher by Friday, August 12, 2016. Student/Parent handbook can be seen in the student agendas or on our school website. Our class syllabus will come home on Monday with your child and should also be signed and returned by Friday, August 12, 2016.  

FSACONNECT

FSAConnect is a wonderful online communications portal where you can locate academic progress, daily homework, class documents, attendance, discipline notes, and other important information online. Individual username and password will be shared via e-mail in the coming week.

LOST & FOUND

Students should put their names in permanent marker on all of their belongings. If items become lost, they can then be easily retrieved from the school’s Lost and Found area in cafeteria. 

LUNCH PROGRAM

We would like to remind you of our lunch program. Smart Lunches will be catering lunch to our students. Please CLICK HERE for more information about Smart Lunches.

NUT ALLERGY

Please be aware that we do have very severe nut allergies throughout our school. We kindly ask that you refrain from sending any items with nuts for your child's snacks or lunches. If for some reason this is an issue, please let us know.

BELL SCHEDULE

Please CLICK HERE to see the bell schedule.

LOCKER DECORATIONS

The school is open between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. this weekend on Saturday and Sunday for those students who wish to do locker decorations. 

SCHOOL UNIFORMS

Please CLICK HERE for detailed information about school uniforms.Students are expected to arrive on Monday in uniform.

REPORTING ABSENCES

When your student will be absent from school for the entire day, contact FSAPS each day in any of the following ways:

1. E-mail your child’s teacher

2. Send an email to attendance@fultonscienceacademy.org

 OR

1. Send in a note to the front office when your child returns to school OR

2. Call the front office on the day your child is absent at (678) 366-2555 ext. 0

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE IMPORTANT DATES

August 8, 2016 -> First Day of School

August 11, 2016 - > After School Club selections deadline

August 13, 2016 -> Welcome picnic Pre-K - 4^th grade 

August 14, 2016 -> Welcome picnic 5^th grade and up

August 15, 2016 -> First day of After School Clubs

August 24, 2016 -> Curriculum Night Pre-K thru 4^th Grade

August 25, 2016 -> Curriculum Night 5^th thru 10^th Grade

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

If you have not yet delivered your school supplies, please bring them on Monday. Please CLICK HERE to see this year’s supply list by grade.

Please let me know if you have any questions.