We had the pleasure of chatting with the tech-savvy quartet behind Farmington High School's “Server Central,” a student-produced podcast on all things tech. Austin Bechdol, Ronald Boushee, Dakota Thompson, and North Sloat shared their experiences creating the show, admitting that their first episode was a bit of a challenge. But you wouldn't know it from their fifth episode, where they worked seamlessly together, researching topics before diving into discussions. They even brought in a special guest, FHS Assistant Principal Mr. Christopher Argotsinger, to weigh in on the topic of Analog versus Digital.
This 30-minute student-produced podcast started as an idea at the start of the school year. The students pitched it to their Teacher and Athletic & Activities Coordinator, Johnny Curry, and the brainstorming began. The result is a thought-provoking and entertaining show. And the best part? It will continue even after the seniors graduate next month, ensuring that “Server Central” remains a staple of FHS Live.
Ready to tune in? Head over to https://www.fhslive.com to check out “Server Central” for yourself!
During our last Equity Council Meeting, the team tackled the important initiative of boosting attendance rates and showing students the immense value of regular school attendance. They came up with some great ideas, like providing transportation and assisting with clothing and hygiene needs that may be keeping kids away from class. Currently, around 800 students miss school every day, bringing the attendance rate down to 91 percent. But the team is determined to raise that number to at least 94 percent by the end of the school year.
During the second part of the meeting, special guests Genevieve Hiltebrand and Michele Yazzie spoke to the team about Navajo Math Circles and how incorporating cultural strategies can help Native American students make meaningful connections to math. In the photo, you can see Ms. Hiltebrand (left) and Ms. Yazzie brainstorming with the group about ways to engage students with exciting events and activities.
If you're curious about Navajo Math Circles, you won't want to miss this fantastic video: https://vimeo.com/207857116. To learn more about the Equity Council, which includes students, parents, community members, and district leaders working together to support underserved student groups, check out our website: https://www.farmingtonschools.us/page/fms-equity-council.
April 10, 2023: Earlier this month, Mario Acosta conducted training with our principals and assistant principals on high-functioning collaborative teams. The training lasted two days and included thoughtful discussions on the changes students experience going from middle to high school, how to help students underperforming, concentrate on the mastery of content, create a plan for recovery, inform parents on how to monitor their student’s progress, and making sure teachers receive the help they need to support students struggling in their classrooms.
We are always working to make sure our students get the best education possible, and we have professionals like Dr. Acosta to help us with this important work. Dr. Acosta is an expert in making sure schools have an effective culture, aiding teachers improve their skills, and making sure all students have the support they need to succeed. More to come.
FMS In The News: Diné Spelling Bee winners announced. The Cortez Journal. Eleven Farmington Municipal School District schools participated in the 13th annual Diné Spelling Bee on April 2 at Piedra Vista High School’s Turano Chrisman Performing Arts Theatre. Read more: https://www.the-journal.com/articles/dine-spelling-bee-winners-announced/
FMS In The News: Law enforcement weighs in on social media influence and school threats. By Scarlett Lisjak, KOB. There are more and more of these cases turning up on law enforcement desks but for a reason you might not expect. “We are investigating more of them, but I don’t know if there is more threats there is just a higher volume and a different method of reporting them than there have been in the past,” Dowdy said. Read more: https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/law-enforcement-weighs-in-on-social-media-influence-and-school-threats/
Mark your calendars, FMS. The first 40 students will receive a book!
FMS In The News: Farmington HS robotics club helps students get interested in math and science. By Scarlett Lisjak, KOB. You may remember building birdhouses in high school, well now students are learning how to build robots and fly drones. Welcome to the Farmington High School’s Robotics Club. Read more: https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/farmington-hs-robotics-club-helps-students-get-interested-in-math-and-science/
Looking for our proposed 2023-24 FMS Budget Breakdown and Expenditures? You can find that information and the budget timeline on our Financial Transparency page. Visit https://www.farmingtonschools.us/page/finance for more information.
March 16-18, 2023: Here are some pictures of this weekend’s baseball action at Ricketts Park, which featured teams from the Four Corners, as well as Utah and Colorado. The Piedra Vista High School Varsity Baseball Team won the Scorpion Invitational beating Uintah (Utah) 6-2. The PVHS C-Team won the Bloomfield Invitational by beating the Bloomfield Bobcats 6-3. In the photos: PVHS Varsity during the championship game and PVHS C-Team during their game against Aztec HS.
FMS families of students in grades K-5, you are invited to a Community Open House for the Social Studies materials. You will be able to review materials we are considering for adoption and provide feedback via a quick survey. This process will help the FMS Teacher Team decide the scale of the materials adoption next year. Materials will be available on tables outside of the Animas room for people to take a closer look. This event will take place on 👉 March 9, from 3:30-5:00 p.m., at Central Office (3401 E. 30th Street) on the 4th floor. See you then!
We celebrate National School Social Work week from March 5-11, 2023. Thank you for supporting our students, families, and school communities! #RisingToExcellenceInEveryPursuit #WeAreFMS
FMS, our featured “Fresh Picks” in March is Brussel Sprouts! We will feature them on our menu during the month. Take a look at what we are serving students this month. Find our menus at https://www.farmingtonschools.us
FMS, we celebrate National School Breakfast Week from March 6 – 10. Our Student Nutrition Department will have yummy new hot breakfast options for students all week. Don't worry if your student's school is not offering a hot breakfast item, they are still getting a delicious and nutritious grab-and-go breakfast to enjoy in their classroom! Looking for our menus? Find them at https://www.farmingtonschools.us.
FMS, due to bad weather conditions, THERE IS A 2-HOUR DELAY TODAY, March 2, 2023. Thank you. Stay safe.
Familias de Farmington, debido al mal clima de hoy, tendremos un RETRASO DE DOS HORAS en todas las clases. Tengan cuidado. Gracias.
Tł'óó'óh óhoot'éhígíí biniinaa, naaki ahéé'ílkidgo íinda, ólta hahodoolzhizh. Ahéhee'. Ádaa áhólyą́.