Guest Reader in PK4!

Many thanks to Parent University president, Lisa Clumsky, for reading to pk4 today!


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Fifth Grade Begins Student-led Conferences

A new and growing trend in education involves student-led conferences, replacing the traditional parent-teacher conferences. Education World states: "... the advantages, say most teachers who have participated in student-led conferences, outweigh the downside. Student accountability is mentioned again and again by educators as a plus for student-led conferences. Another plus is the way even a struggling student can produce something positive for a conference, an art project or an essay, perhaps, that wouldn't show up in a report card grade. Overall, talks with educators indicate, student-led conferences are a growing trend."

Mrs. Crouch, our fifth grade teacher, and her class just completed their first round of student-led conferences and states: "From my perspective, they went very well! I think there are a lot of benefits to letting the child take ownership for their work. The best part was the goal setting that they made with their parents at the end. Each student set goals..... to raise their math grade, make the AR party for next quarter, better behavior etc. and then the parent and I sign the page saying that we will encourage and assist the child to meet that goal."



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7th grade Letters of Encouragement Reach South Africa

To all Fort Myers 7th grade students,

It was so cool to get all your letters the other day in the post. We so appreciate your enthusiasm, encouragement and scriptures which have spurred us on to continue to reach our city, Cape Town and beyond our borders, for Jesus!

We started the church, Joshua Generation Church, nearly 10 years ago and have seen it grow and flourish over the years as more and more people come to Jesus. We are made up of many people who love extreme sport as well as many young, old, creative, married, single and artistic people! Such an amazing bunch… you need to come visit!!!

Thanks so much for all your prayers. Continue to seek the things God is doing all across the world. It has enormously encouraged us.

Keep smiling and God Bless

Love Andrew and Emsie SelleyCape Town, South Africa

Second Grade Missions: Senior Friendship Center

One of our school's Mission 25:40 outreaches involves the 2nd grade going to the Senior Friendship Center in Fort Myers. They have a great time sharing, reading, singing and doing projects together. You can;t help but go there and be blessed!

D.C. Kids Coming Back to FMCS

Day 5 at JrNYLC: Voices of Change

Dear Mr. Mitchell, JrNYLC has been a week filled with adventure and learning. It is hard to believe that your students will return home tomorrow! Of course, we are keeping them busy on their journey of leadership until the end. Throughout the day, the scholars polished their newfound leadership skills with a presentation and discussion of their social project. In the evening, they watched Shackleton's Antarctic Adventures, an IMAX movie about Sir Ernest Shackleton's trans-Antarctic journey. Your students will end the night with a sleepover at the Maryland Science Center. To view today's slideshow, please visit www.cylc.org/jrnylc/pictures. Over just a few short days, your students have seen national monuments, experienced the story of John Brown at Harper's Ferry, participated in historical reenactments and delved into key leadership concepts. When you see them next, please ask them about their time at JrNYLC. I am certain that you will see young leaders who have gained maturity, depth of character and newfound practical leadership skills. Thank you for your contribution to your students' leadership adventure. I know that they appreciate the role you have played in providing them with this opportunity. Please consider nominating other young scholars so that they too may experience all that JrNYLC has to offer!

Sincerely, Marguerite C. Regan, Ph.D. Dean of Academic Affairs

Day 4 at JrNYLC: Voices of Courage

Dear Mr. Mitchell,

Today, your students continued their investigation of Washington, D.C.'s rich history with an exploration of some of our most important historical monuments, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Afterwards, they were then able to visit the re-opened National Portrait Gallery, which houses nearly 20,000 works of art featuring men and women who have made significant contributions to the history, development and culture of the United States. The scholars also stopped for a photo opportunity at the White House. At each of these sites, your students learned how leaders use their "voice" to take a stand and make a difference. In the evening, they worked with their LFG members to create a social organization to serve as their own "voice of courage" for a special topic that impacts local communities. This final project tasked your students with using the new leadership skills they have developed at JrNYLC this week. Be sure to check in with them to hear about their LFG's project! To view a photo slideshow of today's activities, please visit www.cylc.org/jrnylc/pictures.

Special Chapel Leaders Today

Alexandra (2nd grade) and Nicky Chlumsky (pk4) were guest chapel leaders today! The Chlumsky's won the opportunity at the Silent Auction this year. Special thanks to Pastor Dave Richards for this opportunity! They led the entire chapel with songs, worship, and an illustrated message on the Good Samaritan with the assistance of other students.

Special Speakers at School Today!

FMCS was treated to two very special speakers today: in our first assembly of the day, Lt. Governor of the state of Florida, Jeff Kottcamp, and Captain John Schultz spoke to PK-1st grade about what they do and about safety (stranger danger); in the second assembly, grades 2-8 heard more information on what a Lt. Governor's responsibilities are and more information on law enforcement and internet safety. Both speakers took questions from the students. We are very blessed to have this opportunity at our school and very thankful for both of our speakers today.

Middle School Debate

Mrs. Mitchell gave the middle school students a taste of the election process today with a live debate. The mock election featured two FMCS presidential candidates: Jordan Gulbronson and Quade Marinell; and two vice-presidential candidates: Courtney Schopke and Cory Erickson. Many thanks to Mr. Ryba for setting up the debate and being the moderator. After lunch, the 6th and 7th grade students voted on the candidates they felt best presented the issues at the debate. In the end, the winners were: Jordan Gulbronson and Courtney Schopke.

The Finshed Product!

The fifth grade completed their world globe pumpkins!


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Washington DC Kids, Day Three

Day 3 at JrNYLC: Voices of Struggle

Dear Mr. Mitchell,

Today, your students traveled to Harpers Ferry, which is located at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Now considered a national park, this beautiful area was the site of abolitionist John Brown's daring, and ultimately unsuccessful, raid on a federal armory in 1859. Along with park rangers dressed in historical garb, the scholars engaged in a variety of simulations that mimicked life in the United States during the years leading up to the Civil War. They scrubbed laundry on a wash board, participated in military drills and learned some fun folk dances. Your students also examined Brown's life story and discussed his leadership characteristics. Following that, they studied the challenges Brown faced and then debated his actions.To view a photo slideshow of your students at Harpers Ferry, please visit http://email.cylc.org/c.html?rtr=on&s=m3e,59f2,ebm,5jrl,5eic,7xq9,ef1s.

Awards Day

We had a great time this morning honoring our students for all their hard work during the first quarter of the school year. Students in grades K-5 received special awards, A and A/B honor roll certificates!

Day 2 at JrNYLC: Voices of Freedom

Dear Mr. Mitchell, It has been a busy day! Your students and the other scholars started their educational journey in Washington, D.C. by experiencing five centuries of news at the high-tech Newseum. Here, they learned about the history of the news and the role it plays in our society, while exploring hands-on exhibits and up-to-the-second technology. In the afternoon, they went on a walking exploration of our country's legislative branch on Capitol Hill.In the evening, the scholars re-convened with their LFG to engage in a First Amendment simulation. In this fictional scenario, your students took one of two sides in preparation for an impending debate. They had the option of either supporting the right of students to wear "peace patches" in school or advocating for increased community policing against the distraction that the patches would cause. Employing their communication skills, the scholars debated and negotiated with their fellow scholars, citing relevant support for their side. Be sure to ask each of your students which side they took!

To view a photo slideshow from the second day of JrNYLC, please visit www.cylc.org/jrnylc/pictures.

Students promote FMCS at First Assembly West

Many thanks to Pastor Jim Arnold and First Assembly West in Cape Coral for allowing us time to promote our school. Mrs. Gulbronson, who is also worship leader at West, led the choir to sing a song and minster with their black light presentation - awesome job! Play the video - students Brooke Schafe (7th grade) and Lindsey Mabrey (8th) did a great job talking about the school!

Day One - Our Three Students Arrive in DC

Dear Mr. Mitchell,

Earlier this year you nominated your high-achieving students to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC). I'm happy to inform you that the following nominees arrived today: Hunter Rollings, Maria Swiersz & Brian Richards.
When you nominated these young scholars, you set them on their first steps in a lifelong leadership adventure. Over the coming days, they will participate in many experiential activities, site explorations and meetings with established leaders, each designed to enhance and nourish their existing leadership skills while challenging them to acquire new ones. Each scholar has been assigned to a Leadership Focus Group (LFG) led by a faculty advisor who will work with the scholars for the duration of the Conference. This group of students will work closely with one another as they experience the program curriculum. In each LFG's first meeting, your nominees engaged in icebreakers with the other scholars and received an introduction to the different leadership concepts that will be covered throughout JrNYLC: character, communication, goal setting, problem solving, respect and teamwork. The scholars also set group goals for the week and wrote a group constitution.

To view a photo slideshow from the first day of JrNYLC, please visit http://email.cylc.org/c.html?rtr=on&s=m3e,59f0,ebm,5jrl,5eic,7xq9,ef1s.

Putting Pumpkins To Good Use

Fifth graders are turning pumpkins into globes!





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PK3 Scavenger Hunt

PK3 students and volunteers went on a alphabet scavenger hunt today!


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Middle School Sally Foster Winners Celebrate!

The following students had a great time today at King Richards Fun Park in Naples: Celine Gulbronson, Thomas Colbert, Zachary Cole, Mallory Dillon, Janine O'Reilly, Jared Horowitz, Taylor, Lowrey, Robin Mitchell, Haley Morig, Amy Romstadt, Sarah Mathis, Robert Rose, Abby King, Jessica Miller, Kiersten Royal, Jordan Gulbronson and Sarah McLaughlin. Because they (and their parents) sold over $200 of Sally Foster merchandise in our first fundraiser, they were able to enjoy rides, laser tag, video games, food, miniature golf, go carts - LOTS OF FUN! Many thanks to Mr. Lowrey for helping me today. The kids were great! (I even had a chance to feed baby gators)

1st grade cookies!

First grade was busy today making pumpkin cookies! Students worked with parent volunteers on the ingredients and measurements of each part of the recipe.

Accelerated Reader Party

We may have had the most elementary students today at the first quarter AR party! There were 50 students from grades 1-5 who reached their AR goal first quarter and enjoyed our ice cream party. Our top student right now is Ana Laura Floriano, 5th grade, with 100 pts.! A full list of winners can be found on our website click here.

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Wink With the Weather

Today, weather anchor Amanda McDonald from Wink-TV was a special speaker to grades 2-4. She not only taught about weather but showed a video on how she does the weather report on TV.


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Special Praise Report

Dear parents,

One quarter down and three to go. Sorry, but ever since I was five years old and started school, I have lived by a school calendar - I don't know any different. My blog is filled with the "good news" of what God is doing in our school so far this year. Thank you for helping us get off to a great start.

One praise report that I would like to bring to your attention is the story of our Public Relations Director, Mr. John Ryba. Several years ago, Mr. Ryba showed up here and interviewed to be a substitute teacher for us. He came all the way up from Naples, shared his heart, his past teaching experiences, and love for the kids. I remember his first day - I went to see how he was doing in the 5th/6th grade classes. The kids were changing classes, leaving the room talking about how "cool" he was - quite a compliment from middle school boys! His wife had remarked to him how "different" he was when he would come home from subbing at our school compared to other schools. As many of you know, the opportunity came up for him to teach 5/6 grade history full-time last year and he would tell you that it was a "wonderful experience." However, back in May when our enrollment was low and we had to make changes in our faculty for 08-09, I had to talk with him about the school not having a teaching position for him unless the enrollment increased. Immediately, as the saying goes, "some people, when dealt a lemon in life either get sour or they make lemonade." Mr. Ryba talked to me about the need we had for more public relations, getting our name out into the community, and letting people know about the great things that are going on at FMCS.

Over the summer he presented a proposal for our school board that was an answer to prayer. I want you to know that Mr. Ryba does not have a salary position at FMCS. We help him with gas money from Naples - yes, he comes all the way up from Naples and does not get a salary. Right now, with business budgets EVERYWHERE being tight, you can imagine what an answer to prayer this really is! Mr. Ryba's desire, and our desire, is to increase the community's awareness of FMCS so that we can build enrollment back to the 300-400 students we had several years ago. (We do have a modest incentive built into his contract if he can help us build up the enrollment - I would think he deserves it.) He has been attending area business events, meetings, parent groups, meeting with our parents, placing information in the newspapers, working on commercials, talking with local businesses, potential families that could enroll, etc. Mr. John Ryba believes in what the Lord is doing at FMCS!

What a great testimony! I want you to know this was Pastor Finger and my idea to send this out, and I appreciate Mr. Ryba allowing me to do that. We understood from the wonderful rumor mill (that I pray would not exist), has spread a statement that his salary cost some teachers their jobs - I guess I just shot that one down. I would ask you to please feel free to talk with Pastor Finger or myself when you have those question or concerns.

If anything, Mr. Ryba is working so that we can have more students here to help us create more jobs for teachers and support staff to look after all the new students we will have! Mr. Ryba is blessed by his wonderful wife Peggy and they are known in Naples for the Ryba Team. (real estate - https://mail.fmcs-fl.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=97e4112c4d3341f5aeb1351be16b857a&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.therybateam.com) If you would like to assist him in anyway or connect him with people that could help our school, please call him at 939-4642.

God Bless,

Mel Mitchell
Principal

Three Cheers for NJHS!

Many thanks to our National Junior Honor Society! Under the leadership of Mrs. Jennifer Crouch, on Tuesday October 21st the NJHS members of Ft. Myers Christian School invited the teachers and staff to the teacher's lounge for a special breakfast: coffee, juice, muffins, bagels, donuts, fruit...and possibly a chocolate or two.... "to show our appreciation for your hard work during this first quarter of the school year." Thank you NJHS!

First Grade's Bible Presentation

First graders helped make the Bible come alive to their parents and special guests!

Fifth Grade Peanut Butter Cuisine

Ffith grade takes their shot at the Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest. Students had to create an original recipe and write it out for a Language Arts grade. Can someone follow their directions and make it at home? For more pictures, visit our fifth grade teacher's blog!

Corn is Growing in Third Grade

"I am constantly challenging my students to read more. So, I tried to come up with something that would be exciting for them. After they read a book (it has to be read in 3rd grade), they fill out the corn cob and husk. I start a corn stalk for them. Once they have filled it with corn, they will begin a new stalk. My goal is to fill the wall between the two third grade doors. Reading is important and you need to make it fun for the students." - Miss McLaughlin, Third Grade


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First Grade and Sweet Potato Pancakes

First grade enjoys morning treat courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Shell!

Third Grade Projects Are Very Creative

See our book reports - very creative cereal-box looking presentations and the group pumpkin decorating contest entries from the class:

Going Blue...and Green!

Every Wednesday you'll see these containers outside the Children's Center. The 4th grade has taken on the recycling responsibilities for our elementary! Each afternoon, students are assigned to go to a classroom and pick-up the recyclable items and dump them into our special bins. Many thanks to the city for working with us and providing the containers. We will be educating our students about the importance of recycling and the 4th grade will get to go on a field trip to see how all of that works. Thanks Mrs. Sanders and the 4th grade.





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The Lord is our Supply!

Thanks to very generous donors and grant money, we have computers and monitors for the Resource Room! This will help students with accelerated reader test and tutorial program and games.


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Art Wall of Fame

Come and see - 2nd floor of the Children's Center!


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Winning Class Basket

The result of the winning class basket: Mrs. Richard's class basket closed at $600. They win the ice cream party. Thank you to Kristen Zullo, room parent, and all the parents and Mrs. Richards for contributing to the winning class basket.

Great Night - Annual Banquet '08

FMCS would like to thank EVERYONE who helped to make the banquet and auction a great success (early number on the auction - $13,000!). For the Annual Fund offering: Cash and checks received totaled $ 3,576; faith promises came to $12,530! I can't thank you all enough - God is faithful! Enjoy the video highlights of our kids singing, David Betzer singing with the kids and Jeff Taylor from WAY-FM!

Salvation Army Ceremony

Many thanks to the Salvation Army for honoring schools today for over 97,000 items turned in by 72 area schools. Thank you to our first grade for a great missions outreach and for all of you that were able to participate! Also a excellent job by first graders: Kaitlyn Nicolosi, Evan Johnston, and Erin Reeves (see below) - and their moms for coming today and leading this drive.

Thank you for 3606 items! 14.1 items per student-A SCHOOL RECORD! FMCS IS ONCE AGAIN - FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW - the number one giving private school!They had a total of 737 cans which averaged out to 30.7 cans per student. WAY TO GO SEVENTH GRADERS AND PARENTS!





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Knights of Light Chess Club

One of the good stories, of many. this year at FMCS - Knights of Light Chess Club, normally 28 elementary students after-school playing chess! Many thanks to Frank Jean and Mr. Sanabria!

6th /7th grade drama skit in Chapel

Video of Mrs. Mitchell's drama class's skit on October 6, 2008
(You'll need to turn the sound up)

Nominate an FMCS Teacher for the Golden Halo

Click here for an application.

Go the Christian Chamber for more infomation on the Golden Halo Awards! Prayerfully consider nominating an FMCS teacher.

Thank you

Come Out To The Games!

Check the sports schedules on Infodirect and come out and support our 5/6 volleyball, 7/8 volleyball and boys soccer team!

Preparing For The Election

Thank you to one of our parents, Mrs. Schopke, with Lee County Elections, for coming out to help people register for the November election.


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