Fostoria Intermediate

1202 H.L. Ford Drive

Phone: 419-436-4125
Fax: 419-436-4169
Fostoria City Schools
Inside this issue
Principals Message .....................1
Asst. Principals Message ............2
Project MORE ..............................2
Guidance News ...........................3
P.E. News ....................................3
Winter Weather ..........................3
Reading for Education .................4
Picture Retakes ...........................4
Leaders of the Month ..................4/5
Band Concert ...............................5
Waiver Days ................................6
Literacy Specialist ........................6
A Note from the Nurse ................7
Curriculum Night .........................7
Dates to Remember
Nov. 3 - Reading for Education
Kick off
Nov. 6 - Picture Retakes
Nov. 10 & 11 - NO SCHOOL
Waiver Days
Nov. 17 - BOE Meeting 6:00 pm
Nov. 17 - PTO Meeting 7:00 pm
Nov. 18 - Curriculum Night
5:30-7:30 pm
Nov. 20 - 5th/6th Grade Band
Concert 7:00 pm
Nov. 21 - Midterms sent home
Nov. 25 - 5th/6th Grade Dance
3:00-4:00 pm
Nov. 26 - NO SCHOOL -BANK DAY
Nov. 27 & 28 - NO SCHOOL -
Thanksgiving Break
From the Desk of Mrs. Matz
Thank you for attending your childs parent teacher conferenceyour
involvement in your childs education is one of the best gifts you can
give them! Because we strive for 100% participation in conferences, if
you were unable to attend a conference during the evenings we had
set aside, you are encouraged to contact your childs teacher to sched-
ule a time that is more convenient for you.
Fall is upon us!!! While we bid goodbye to warm, sunny days, we wel-
come the coming of Fall and all it has to offer. The crunching of leaves
beneath our feet, cool, crisp mornings, and the beautiful foliage are a
few of the offerings that we enjoy. While there are many things I enjoy
about the Fall, one of my favorite activities we do here at Fostoria City
Schools happens in the month of November! If you have not joined us
in previous years for our Annual Community Dinner, I would encour-
age you to do so this year. This amazing event features a wonderful
menu including all of the trimmings for a traditional holiday meal and
is a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season, while enjoying time
with family and friends from throughout the Fostoria community. I
hope to see you and your family there on November 26
th
!

A big thank you to all who attended our
Annual Trick or Treat BINGO Night!
We had a fantastic turnout and as al-
ways a great time was had by all. We ap-
preciate your support of our PTO. All
money raised will go towards supporting
activities at your child's school. Please
consider joining us at our next PTO
meeting on November 17th at 7pm in the
Board Room at the FJSHS!
November Newsletter
Volume 2, Issue 3
FROM THE DESK OF MR. RENZ
Show Your Child How to Deal with Failure in Positive Ways
Sooner or later, your child will experience failure. The way you both
deal with failure can help shape your childs character.
Here are ways to help you and your child deal with failure in a
positive way:



Think about the positives. Mistakes are really opportunities for
learning. What can your child learn from these experiences?
Praise what you can. Your team lost, but you made a great catch
in the 3
rd
inning.
Always let your child know you love them unconditionally.
Be realistic. If your child is doing their best, do not let them think
you are disappointed.
Be a role model! Handle your own mistakes and failures in positive
ways.
Dont solve every problem for your child. Let them learn the proc-
ess of problem solving.






Ive missed more than 9000 shots in my career. Ive lost almost 300
games. Twenty-Six times I have been trusted to take the game win-
ning shot and missed. Ive failed over and over and over again in my
life. And that is why I succeed. Michael Jordan
Source: D. Walsh, No: Why Kids of All Ages Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It, Free Press.
2
Project MORE is
a tutoring program at
FIES. It is a one-on-
one structured reading
mentoring program for
students who have been
identified as not reading
on grade level. Students
are mentored four times
a week for 30 minutes.
If you are willing
to volunteer 30 minutes
at least once a week
working with a child,
please contact Mrs. Pam
Berrier at 419-436-
4125 or email her
at pberrier@fostoriasch
ools.org
Project
MORE
needs
your
help!!


During the last few weeks, I have been talking with students about re-
sponsibility. We defined responsibility, read stories, talked about respon-
sible people in our lives, discussed how we are responsible, and decided
how we can be more responsible. I also challenged students to show re-
sponsibility at school as well as at home. I encouraged students to talk
with their parents about their roles at home regarding chores.
Beginning in November, I will be talking with students about respect,
and we will be focusing on self-respect, respecting others, respecting
property, and respecting authority.
Anger Management Groups will be finishing up in the next few weeks.
We are identifying appropriate ways to handle anger, and we will be
playing games (Stop, Relax, & Think and The Anger Solution Game). If
students expressed an interest in participating in a Social Skills Group, a
permission slip will be going home in the next few weeks. If you would
like your child to participate in a Social Skills Group, please sign the per-
mission slip and return it by the date listed on the slip.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate
to contact me by phone at 419-436-4125 ext. 3203 or by email at bsan-
[email protected].
Enjoy this time of the year with your family and friends!

Bethany Zambori-Sanford, Guidance Counselor
FROM THE
GUIDANCECOUNSELOR

3

Where has the first grading period gone? It is difficult to believe that we are in the month of November al-
ready.
The physical education classes have just finished up SLO testing, and we have participated in several fun ac-
tivities such as capture the flag, 4 goal soccer, and home run or none. The younger students have also been
working on their throwing skills. Coach Kidwell may have a tough decision on which one of my students his
quarterback might be in the future!
As your child may or may not have told you, the meeting times of our specials has been altered this year. We
are on a six day rotation, for 45 minutes each class. Because of this, I have a special task that I would like
the parents to help me with.
Due to less exposure to physical education this year, and the demands of the Ohio Physical Education Assess-
ments not getting any lighter, I have asked my students to do, Phys. Ed. Homework. I would like the stu-
dents perform 20 pushups, 20 sit-ups, and do stretching exercises daily. I would like to see if you can chal-
lenge your children to do this. The US government recommends that children get 60 minutes of exercise
every day, and unfortunately, we are unable to meet these demands with our physical education classes.
Every bit that we can encourage our children to do is a positive step towards healthy and physically fit chil-
dren.
Thank you in advance for your help, and look for tips to be sent home with your kids to help them become
their physical best.
Mr. Pessell
WINTER
WEATHER
As colder weather
approaches, students
need to be sure they
have coats, hats and
gloves. Without
these items, it is very
uncomfortable when
waiting at a bus stop,
walking to school, or
on the playground
for recess. If your
child does not have
these items and you
are unable to pur-
chase them, please
contact the school
office. We may be
able to assist you.
P. E. NEWS



4
LEADERS OF THE MONTH

Brentin Clabaugh shows leadership in the classroom by putting his best effort on every
assignment and always being willing to take on other roles to help his fellow class-
mates. Miss Binkley

Laura Cook exhibits leadership qualities by always lending a helping hand to students
and teachers. Miss Golamb

Jordan Ferguson participates in class discussions, and he is always willing to help oth-
ers with directions or tasks in the classroom. Mrs. Noel

Matthew Balderama demonstrates responsibility by completing assignments on time in
class. He does a great job returning homework, too! He is very dependable when asked
to help other students in class. This accountability deserves recognition for student of
the month. Mrs. Reino

Makalynn McCumber is always smiling and shares her cheerful attitude with everyone
in our class. Mrs. Ross

Machi Johnson is very conscientious, always doing his very best and expecting the best
from others as well; he works very hard and can be relied on to complete all of his third
grade responsibilities. Mrs. Schermer

Mary Collins always goes above and beyond to help others in the classroom. Mrs.
Schreiner

Arielle Scott is responsible and organized and is proactive in doing things that need
done without being asked. Mrs. Armstrong

Elonzo Sanchez is a true leader. He is a friend to all his classmates, responsible, hard
working, and caring. He had all his homework assignments turned in on time during
the first quarter! Miss Bartz

Jocelin Jordan is very kind and helpful to everyone and tries to do her best on all of her
work. Mrs. Linhart

Antonio Bernal is a good leader because he always thinks about what is the right thing
to do in every situation, even if it may not be a popular decision. Mrs. Riedlinger








READING FOR
EDUCATION
We will kick off our
Reading for Education
program on Nov. 3.
Each student will bring
home a booklet to com-
plete. Please fill the
booklet out with names
and addresses of family
members, friends, and
neighbors. Our school
receives money for each
completed mailable
card. Students can win
prizes for turning in
completed booklets.
Please help our school
with this easy fund-
raiser!

PICTURE
RETAKES
Our picture retakes
will be done on
Nov. 6 in the
morning. Students
who are unhappy
with their original
photo should bring
their package with
them when they go
to the photogra-
pher. Any students
who were absent
on our original
picture day will be
photographed on
our retake day.
5


5th/6th GRADE
BAND CONCERT

The 5th and 6th
grade Fall Band Concert
will be held on Thursday,
November 20 at
7:00pm in the FIES Gym-
nasium. Please make it a
point to come out and
support our beginning
band students! For many,
this will be their first time
performing music in
front of an audience. Mrs.
Kleba and the students
are very excited to pre-
sent this performance.
The students have been
working hard on a variety
of familiar songs.
Students perform-
ing in the concert should
dress in campus wear and
have all of their necessary
materials at school. The
band room will be open
at 6:30 pm. Parents
should sit in the stands in
the big gym.
LEADERS OF THE MONTHCONT.

Bryce Brookman is an awesome class leader! He shows this by taking initiative when
he's aware that something needs to be done, and he is never afraid to speak up or hold true
to his convictions. - Mrs. Sharkey

Princesa Villanueva is willing to help others around her that need a little bit of extra help;
she is always willing to give others a helping hand. Mrs. Terres

Shay Olin models excellent behavior in all that she does and is motivated to learn as much
as she can. Mrs. Click

Brandon Legg is a leader because he models positive behavior and academic excellence; he
works carefully to perform well on all of his assignments. Mrs. Hossler

Braelynn Morton completes her school work on time and is always on task, she volunteers
to help other students and the teacher after school, and she is a role model for her peers.
Mrs. Hushour

Gaven Taylor sets an example for other students to follow; he works hard and is always a
pleasure in class. Miss Jennison

Nautiah Shoulders is always respectful and helpful, she is self-motivated and takes initia-
tive, and she works ahead in order to challenge herself. Mrs. Lewis

Mattaya Fuller exhibits several leadership qualities. First, she is a very respectful young
lady. Second, she is disciplined and organized. Mattaya comes in during lunch to get help
or to complete assignments, and while waiting on the bus she uses that time to work on
homework. She does both without having to be asked or told. Mrs. Costello

Skylar Drake shows leadership skills by giving his best effort, demonstrating outstanding
behavior, and working well with others. Mr. Kramer

Jolie Counts is an excellent role model for those around her, and she works very hard for her
grades. Mrs. Miller

Ariana Wonder has a positive attitude and works very hard on her school work; she is kind
to her peers and does an excellent job in class. Mrs. Riley

Alexis Sands is a terrific student that I enjoy having in class because she takes responsibility
when her work is not done and makes it up without being asked; she is also fun to teach,
and she is a role model for all her classmates. Mr. Smith

David Nye is a responsible student who exhibits positive behaviors. He is willing to help
out other students when needed. Mrs. Stone

Victoria Potridge knows right from wrong, and she is always willing to stand up for what is
the right thing to do. Mrs. Ward

SPIRIT WEAR SALE

Spirit Wear Sale is going on now! The Fostoria PTO is working with Connexionsink
to offer Spirit Wear for our elementary students. These items are intended to meet
Campus Wear requirements and are permitted to be worn on Fridays. The sale
runs through November 7th and all orders and money may be turned in to the
school office. Items will be available after November 7th, but must be purchased
directly through Connexionsink's downtown location.
Complex Text

What It Is: Complex Text is a combination of three different
areas (Qualitative, Quantitative, and Matching Reader to Text).
The first area deals with the developmental/age appropriateness,
reading difficulty, and purpose of the text. The second area ad-
dresses how frequently different levels of words are used and
sentence length. The third area takes into account the readers
previous knowledge, motivation, and interests.

Why We Focus on It: While reading demands in higher education
and the work place (technical jobs and military) have not de-
creased over the years, the complexity of texts in K-12 has. This
decrease has created a large gap between the complexity of texts
that students read in high school and what they experience in col-
lege and in their career. This requires many college students to
enroll in remedial reading classes and/or have difficulty perform-
ing in their job.

What We Can Do To Help As Parents:

1- Read to your child. While this is often recommended for
younger children to build language and vocabulary, its also impor-
tant for older children. As parents we can read text that would
typically be too difficult for our child to read on their own. This
gives the opportunity to talk about what was read, discuss more
complex topics, and help our kids find deeper meaning in what is
being read. It also continues to build language and vocabulary, but
at a higher level.

2- Increase the amount of reading your child does. Its recom-
mended that children read 20 minutes every day. Just like with
sports or video games, the more they practice the better their
reading will become.

3- Find and support their passion. Children that enjoy reading
are naturally more likely to read. Finding and supporting their in-
terests is an easy way for parents to develop good readers.



Happy Reading,
Mrs. Dawn Skornicka
FROM THE LITERACY SPECIALIST
6

WAIVER DAYS
Fostoria City Schools will be
conducting in-services for all
teachers PreK-12 on Mon-
day, November 10 and Tues-
day, November 11. School
will not be in session for
students on November 10
and 11, 2014.
Thanksgiving has become the lost holiday,
overshadowed by the Christmas retail ma-
chine. Stores are open enticing us to skip
the family time in order to get the latest
gadget at a price too good to pass up. Typi-
cally, even after waiting hours in line, the
items you wanted are sold out before you
even enter the store. Was the sacrifice of
family time really worth it? Our time to-
gether as a family is so limited already.
Many of us work in the service industry
that requires us to work most weekends
and holidays. Many families require both
parents to work, and some work more than
one job to make ends meet in this difficult economy. All the more reason to
take the time to enjoy each other and really celebrate the blessings, however
big or small, our family has received over the past year.

One activity that would make this Thanksgiving a special one is to have the chil-
dren create a Blessings Jar or Box. It doesnt have to be fancy. Let the children
use their imaginations. Put the container in a central location with paper and
pencils next to it, and all throughout the month of November have family mem-
bers write down blessings they have received on slips of the paper and put
them in the container. Younger children can draw a picture representing a
blessing from that day or week. Then during your Thanksgiving meal, pull out
these blessings and share them. Talk about them. See how rich your lives
truly are. You may be surprised.

Include your extended family in creating their own blessings jars and have them
bring them to your meal if you are lucky enough to have them attend. Invite
your friends who will be alone for the holiday to share in your meal. Take some
time to volunteer at a food pantry or soup kitchen to give back to others less
fortunate. You are a blessing to those people, and you are blessed because you
are able to give selflessly of your time and kindness.

Remember, Thanksgiving is not about the turkey and all the trimmings. It is
about family, friends, peace and love. It is a time to relax, and rejuvenate your
mind and spirit. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. At
times it may even be more important as it is such a strong part of our wellbeing.
Take time for yourselves and others.

Have a very blessed November, and Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Sheryl St. Clair, RN, BSN
School Nurse

A Note From the Nurse:
7
FIES CURRICULUM
NIGHT
November 18, 2014
FIES Cafeteria
5:30-7:30 P.M.
Dinner provided

Learn about the new PARCC
assessments and explore
Reading and Math websites.
Take home Reading and
Math games. Reservations
are REQUIRED by Nov. 7.
More information will be
sent home soon. Please mark
your calendars and return
the reservation slip on time!