Warrior News November/December 2015✎Volume 9, No. 3

Fannie C. Williams Charter School•11755 Dwyer Road New Orleans, LA 70128

fcwcs.org

Inside this issue of Warrior News

World’s Fines Chocolate Sale 2 “Trunk or Treat” 2 Message from Our Principal 3 PBS Toy Giveaway 3 School IDs Here 4 January Blood Drive 4 Immunizations 4

Warriors Parade Schedule 5 Our School Holidays 5 Water Bottles on Campus 5 One App 6 Basketball Season 7 Students vs. Staff BB Game 9 BMX Bike Show 9 Warrior Photo Album 8-10 School Calendar 11

It’s All About READING!

Reading is the most vital skill that a student can learn in school. Imagine the things you could not do if you could not read!

Warriors are being encouraged to improve their reading skills through interventions like I-Ready, Achieve 3000, Bikes for Books, Book It!, the Bi-Annual Book Fairs, and use of the school’s library. Reading is important because words–written and spoken–are the building blocks of life (www.learn-to-read-prince-george.com).

Awards and recognition are plentiful after I-Ready Diagnostic 2 (above left and right).

The Original Dukes Club, Inc. have partnered with FCWCS with their Bikes for Books incentive program. Winners are 5th graders A. Jones and I. Gayton .Pictured with club members on hand for the presentation are : Wayne Ray Sr., Ron Wilkerson, Claude Wilkerson, Carl Clark, Reuben Detiege, and Renold Scott (not pictured Blayne Bondy). Thanks Original Dukes, Inc. ###

Fifth grader David spends the first five minutes of computer literacy class on the web site www.todayifoundout.com to enhance his reading skills. “Things you do most, are the things you do best.” –Author unknown. Therefore, practicing reading daily is important to enhance reading skills. School will be dismissed at 12 NOON on Fri., Dec18th. Classes resume on

Mon., Jan 4th!

Warrior News November/December 2015

Parents and Guardians There’s a lot of information stored in those backpacks!

Check those backpacks, especially on Wednesday nights. We’ve sent home important info and we want to be sure you get to see it! Stay on top of things! Be informed by reading the Warrior News, explore the school’s website and check your child’s school folder each Wednesday for news about our school and your child’s academic progress. ###

The numbers are in . . . The annual World’s Finest Chocolate Candy Sale is over! The following salespersons were recognized during the 12/11/15 Morning Meeting:

Top Sellers Grade Boxes Samaj White 3rd 8 Deshaun Batiste 5th 5 Istvan Gayton 5th 5 Kerrielle Hubbard 5th 5 Raymond Grant 3rd 4 Malia Williams 5th 3 Jerome Brown 5th 3 Avhija Mobley 3rd 3

Staff Members, Dean of Students B. Sisco and 3rd Grade Teacher Mr. Tony Washington, also were recognized for being Top Salespersons. Mr. Washington sold 20 boxes. Dean Sisco has lost count and can still be found selling the last of the candy as of press time!

Samaj won $100 cash for her efforts and a “box seat” at the BMX Bike Show. All students selling at least one box of candy were allowed to attend the bike show and take part in the afternoon pizza party. We still have a few boxes of candy left. Great stocking stuffers! Sales results will appear in the next issue of the WN. Thanks again to the parents who made this possible. ###

2016 Black History T-Shirt Logo Contest is underway for students in Grades 3-8 . . .

Theme: “Onward and Upward: Continuing The Journey for Freedom and Justice.” See Mr. Britt or CAO T. Williams for details. Deadline is December 17, 2015. ###

Our top seller with mom (left), Dean Sisco, and Principal Batiste in top photo. BMX stunt rider, hitting as high as our second floor! Wow! Don’t try this at home.

PTO Sponsors 1st “Trunk or Treat,” October 30th

The newly reorganized Parent Teacher Organization of FCWCS sponsored the school’s first “Trunk or Treat” for students in grades Pre-K through 5.

The parking lot in front of the school was filled with cars and trucks, all with their trunks decorated and stocked with goodies for our younger students. It was hard to assess who had the most fun, the students or the adults. We anticipate this becoming an annual event on the FCWCS calendar. ###-2-

Warrior News November/December 2015

Message From Our Principal/CEO

December 2015

Dear Warrior Parents,

Wow! We’ve already just about completed 1/2 of the school year. We hope to see you on Wed., January 6th, for our second Report Card Conference (4 - 6 p.m.). This is a great opportunity to talk to your child’s teacher(s) regarding their progress. Now is the time to correct any problems that are interrupting their growth.

Our entire family of educators–The Board of Directors, administration, and the faculty & staff– appreciate the confidence you have placed in us by entrusting your child(ren) with us. Wishing you and yours . . .

Happy Holidays with Peace & Prosperity to you and yours in the

New Year!

–Kelly S. Batiste, Principal/CEO

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Report Card Conferences (4 - 6 p.m.)

Wed., October 21

Wed., January 6

Wed., March 30

Thurs., May 26 (Time: TBA)

State Law requires that elementary and middle school students must be present at least 167 days of the 177 school days to be eligible for promotion to the next grade. ###

Parents who read the Warrior News are in the know! Are you? Carissa’s mother (grade 4) Carlise Cager read the last issue. Carissa was able to choose a prize from Mrs. Batiste’s treasure box. See page 5 after reading this issue to enter your son or daughter. ###

2015-2016 Progress Reports

September 16 November 18

January 25 April 18

(Progress Reports are sent home via students)

Uniforms are NOT optional at FCWCS

All Warriors are expected to arrive at school in full uniform each day– royal blue polo-styled shirt with school emblem on chest (gold for grades 6-8); khaki pants or skirt; black belt; white or black socks; black, white or white & black shoes. Outerwear (jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts) must be “Fannie” blue to be worn in the building. See handbook for additional info.

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday is Monday, January 18, 2016 There is no school!

Classes resume on Tues., Jan. 19th

PBS Team Annual Toy Giveaway . . . Santa and his “elves” (Mrs. Theard & Mrs. LeBlanc) have selected their toys to be given away today, Wed., December 16th in the Warrior Gym. Every student on campus will be given a gift to take home. Also . . . The US Marine Corps included the FCWCS in their annual Toys for Tots Giveaway on Saturday, December 12th. Thanks to Santa’s helpers–aka Dean Sisco and Instructional Coach Watts–for giving up part of their Saturday to facilitate this giveaway. ###

FCWCS Annual Holiday Program

will be held on Thursday,

December 17th 9 a.m.

Warrior Gym

Parents welcomed!

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Warrior News November/December 2015

PTO Meetings (6 - 7 p.m.)

Wed., September 23 Wed., November 18 Wed., February 17

Wed., May 4

Are your child’s Immunization Records Up-to-date?

Immunizations (shots) are important ways to make people, especially children, immune to infection and diseases.

Children receive series of immunizations from birth to 16 years. They are needed for enrollment in school.

Letters were recently sent out by our school nurse, Nurse Robichaux, indicating which immunizations were needed for students lacking current shots.

Free childhood immunizations for children 6 weeks through 18 years can be had at the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. The schedule for our area during December and January is listed below (don’t forget to bring their immunization records):

Wal-Mart (Bullard@ 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.) - 12/16, 12/29, 1/13/2016, 1/27/2016; Rouse’s (Gentilly, 6600 Franklin Ave.@10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) - 12/23. ###

School IDs are here . . .

Purchase your child’s picture ID card, complete with lanyard for wearing.

Perfect for field trips!

$5.00 (cash or money orders only, sorry no checks)

From the Desk of Nurse Cheryl Robichaux, R.N., B.S.N. December 2015

The Season of Giving . . . is upon us and we have a request for all the parents and guardians. Can we count on you to take part in the FCWCS Blood Drive on Wed., January 6, 2016 at 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.?

Report Card Conferences are scheduled for that day and time. While you are here, can we ask you to donate blood to this worthwhile cause? Doesn’t cost you anything (but a pint of your blood). We ask that you eat a good meal before donating and bring your ID. Members of The Blood Center will be on hand to

collect the donations. The process to give takes about 8-10 minutes on average. You will be asked to show identification and answer a few questions. Approximately one pint of blood will be collected from your arm. Your gift may help up to three people. Donated blood has a shelf life of about 42 days. Healthy adults may give blood every 56 days. The blood will be sent to a Red Cross lab for processing, where it will then be used to help someone in need! ###

Who can give blood? You should . . . *Be in good general health and feeling well

*Be at least 17-years-old in most states, or 16-years-old with parental consent if allowed by state law

*Weigh at least 110 lbs.

Additional info about immunizations and sites for the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile can be found at . . .

www.GNOshots4kids.com 504.733.3268

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Did you read this issue of Warrior News? It was prepared especially for parents and friends of FCWCS! We’ve got a monthly drawing for a prize for those Warriors whose parents send this coupon (within 2 school days of receiving the WN) back after

reading these pages for important information about our great school! Cut this part of the page, fill out the back side (pg. 6) and return it to school to enter the drawing. SAVE the rest of the WN.

Keep the Warrior News to stay abreast of FCW Charter’s activities for this Winter!

Warrior News November/December 2015

From the Office of Principal/CEO Batiste

Effective Immediately . . .

FCWCS students are no longer allowed to bring bottled water and/or reusable bottles to school. Thank you. ###

Did you know Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 9th & that the Marching Warriors will perform in five parades! You’re hearing it first from the pages of the Warrior News . . .

The Warrior Band and Auxiliary Marching Units are gearing up for a busy Carnival Parade Season. Saturday, December 12th, the Marching Warriors took part in a Battle of the Bands against the ReNew Batiste Cultural Arts Academy. According to our reporter, Principal Batiste, “the crowd was impressed by the sound and show of class by the Marching Warriors!”

Band Director Dedric Jones has informed the WN that the group will appear in 5 parades. Wow! Director Jones and his crew are working hard to get our students ready to perform.

Parents will be needed to help chaperone. Remember a background check will be needed. Check with Mr. Jones for additional information regarding this process.

Students and parents are reminded that all student participants must be in compliance with the school’s regulations regarding behavior and academics. Members of all marching units must maintain at least a 75 average on their responsibility tracker for each quarter.

To be academically eligible, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA after the first and second quarters. Failure to adhere to these requirements will result in the student not able to participate. ###

World’s Finest Chocolate Money is Past Due! We appreciate all of you who sold chocolate for FCWCS during our annual candy drive. We still have payments that are outstanding.

Each box is $60.00.

Please send cash or money order to clear up your debt. Thanks! ###

“True freedom is impossible without a mind made free by discipline.” –Writer Mortimer J. Adler

Upcoming School Holidays

Teacher PD (1/2 day, dismissal at NOON) - Dec 18 Winter Break - Dec 21 - Jan 3 MLK, Jr. B’Day - Jan 18 Mardi Gras - Feb 8 -12 Spring Break - Mar 21-28

Mark your calendars!

Hot off the press . . . Marching Warriors Announce Parade Schedule for 2016

You can see the award-winning Marching Warriors in the following parades this Carnival Season:

Krewe of Cleopatra Fri., 1/29 6:30 p

Knights of Sparta Sat., 1/30 6:00 p

Krewe of Alla Sun., 1/31 2:00 p

Krewe of Iris Sat., 2/6 11:00 a

Krewe of Proteus Mon., 2/8 5:15 p

Don’t forget to cheer the Marching Warriors on as they go by! ###

Warrior News November/December 2015

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Cut me out and send me back to school within 2 school days. Save this issue to keep abreast of all the good things happening at Fannie C. Williams Charter School.

I’ve read the November/December issue of Warrior News . . . please enter my child in this month’s drawing for the 2015-2016 school year!

Student’s Name _____________________________________________ Grade ______ Rm. No. _____ please write legibly

Parent’s Name _______________________________________ Parent’s Signature __________________________________

The yearly task of enrolling students for the upcoming (2016-2017) school year has already begun in New Orleans schools.

According to the website enrollnola.org, parents and guardians who are interested in applying for next school year should apply now. The Main Round is now open. This Main Round launched on November 2nd and will close on February 26th.

Students already enrolled at FCWCS and will be attending school here again next year, have a seat already allocated for them. Our current parents will be notified near the close of this current year, of the paperwork needed to complete the registration process for next year. Happy with FCWCS, there is nothing for you to do at this time!

This application process is most important for our current 8th graders and parents wishing to get a Kindergarten student here next year. Also, Pre-K spots are very limited. We have only 40 seats at FCWCS for Pre-K. Do you have a neighbor or relative trying to get a child into our school? Now is the time to tell them about the oneApp process.

Parents needing to begin registration for new students should go to one of three Family Resource

Centers to begin. The centers are as follows:

New Orleans East FRC @ GW Carver Prep Academy 7301 Dwyer Road, NOLA 70126

Westbank FRC @ OPSB Central Office 3520 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 1101 NOLA 70114

Uptown Location FRC @ Crocker Elementary 2300 Gen. Taylor St., NOLA 70115

All Centers are open Mon. - Thurs, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. - NOON on Fridays.

Parents will needed the following documents to register a child: • Guardian/Parent ID • Proof of residency • Final report card • Birth Certificate

Occasionally, the Centers will be closed on days not previously designated. It is a good idea to call ahead (877.343.4773).

Additional information can be found on the website

www.EnrollNOLA.org.

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Attention all 8th Grade Parents/Guardians . . .

Have you and your 8th Grade Warrior completed the oneApp for the 2016-2017 school year?

The time to do it is now! The MAIN Round has begun. Opening November 2nd, it will close on February 26th.

On February 26th, the Standard Window will end. During the week of April 4th, results will be issued by letter.

Students wishing to apply to schools with academic requirements must complete and submit their app by Friday, December 18th.

Parents should encourage their child to choose their top 8 choices for 9th grade (in order of their preference). This increases your chance of attending a school of your choice. Apply early while the seats are plentiful. Waiting to the last round can cause disappointment. ###

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Sports @ “Fannie” Warrior News November/December 2015

8th Grade Boys Byron Hall Jacob Livas Jousha Drakes Donnell Robertson

Raheem Graham Jamal Jones Lyric Williams Reginald Johnson Montrell Banks

Jahron Manning Kyren Bowman

Basketball Season Underway! Coaches Terry Green & Willie Gray lead 3 teams this season–something for everybody . . .

6th Grade Boys Terence Butler Jr. Dwayne Walker Deshaun Batiste Jahron Manning

Roderick Worley Malik Kendrick Tyree Strowder Ahmad Gaines Tahj Butler

Warrior Basketball Squads 2015-2016 8th Grade Girls Lynell Renard Octavia Jackson

Efenity McDonald Diamond Smith Jayla Williams Trinity Burgess Ja’Nya Sims

Joinika Brown Aaliyah Miller Mia Evans India Davis Zipporah Singleton

Rayon Pratt

Warriors 8th Grade Basketball Schedule (Boys & Girls) Time: 4 pm (unless otherwise noted) W/L Date Opponent Site B G 11/17/15 Andrew Jackson Away L L 12/2/15 Andrew Jackson Home W L 12/8/15 Belle Chasse Academy Home L L 12/9/15 Patrick Taylor Charter Home W W 12/10/15 St. Bernard Middle Home L W 12/15/15 Trist Middle Away 01/06/16 St. Bernard Middle Away 01/11/16 Hynes Charter Away (Boys Only) 01/14/16 Country Day Tourney Away Time: TBA 01/19/16 Hynes Charter Home (Boys Only) 01/20/16 Belle Chasse Academy Away

(Boys Only) 6th Grade Boys Basketball W/L 12/04/15 Morris Jeff Community Home* W 12/17/15 Kenner Discovery Home* 01/11/16 Hynes Charter Away 01/14/16 Audubon Charter Home 01/19/16 Hynes Charter Home 01/21/16 Bishop McManus Away

* 4:30 p.m. Game; all others 4:00 p.m. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Playoffs Girls Jan. 12-15 Trist Middle School Boys Feb. 2-5 Trist Middle School Trist Middle School is located at 2061 Olivia St., Meraux, LA 70075 6th Grade Boys Jan. 26-29 Hynes Charter School 900 Harrison Ave., New Orleans, LA 70124

FCWCS Photo Album Warrior News November/December 2015

In loving memory of our Vernell Morgan

The Pennies for Patients Campaign will be held from January 4 -22, 2016. This is our third year working with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by collecting pennies from staff and students. Last year, FCWCS collected $1,832.79, topping the previous year’s effort of $1,228.65. Competition was keen

last year among homerooms and we are expecting the same enthusiasm this year. Chairperson, Mrs. S. Theard has announced that the winning homeroom will receive a prize that she has yet to announce.

We do this loving memory of our 5th grade student Vernell Morgan, who passed away with this disease several years ago. ###

Girl Power Tea sponsored by Counselor J. Edmond and Social Worker M. Aziz. Cookies, sandwiches, tea and conversation were served to the lucky guests on November 18th.

Sundaes on Thursday (below) were the prize of the day for students showing progress on I-Ready assessments in Reading and Math on Thursday, December 3rd.

“Chocolate” Santa in the House! It’s not Christmas in New Orleans until you are photographed with THIS Santa. First graders gladly have their pictures taken with Kris Kringle on December 10th.

Season for Giving is apparent at FCWCS. In lieu of Secret Santa, the staff was asked to participate in a toy drive to help needy kids. Ms. P. Reed (on right in picture on left) partnered with a local agency to help kids during the holiday season. The rep for the organization (middle) is pictured with the toys and Principal Batiste.

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FCWCS Photo Album Warrior News November/December 2015

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Annual Students vs. Staff Basketball Game serves as a fundraiser for the athletic department–helping to absorb the cost of flag football, basketball, and cross country teams. It always ends in a packed gym and a victory by the staff, although the students put on a gallant effort. This year’s game was held on December 4th.

BMX Bike Show was held December 11th on campus for all students who sold at least one box of World’s Finest Chocolate. There were more than 50 students in attendance. Thanks to all the parents who helped to make this annual fundraiser successful.

Why are these people so happy in the pic on left? They’ve just won their first game of the season against Taylor Charter of Jefferson Parish on December 9th. The 8th grade boy's team was also victorious against Taylor on the same day. Way to go Warriors!

FCWCS Photo Album Warrior News November/December 2015

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High School Night is time to make a decision or two for Lyric and his family (above). Reading Interventionist D. Barnett conducts small group instruction using tablets.

Fall Fest is always a great time for the entire student body (top photo). 1st Q Awards Day winners are photo bombed by CAO Williams.

Warrior News November/December 2015

Pencils for Sale! (never send your Warrior to school without two)

The 4Ps include being prepared, productive, polite and prompt. Having the needed supplies for class are important–that includes having paper and pencils for assignments.

Send your Warrior to school with all they need. But in case you run out of pencils, the school’s library sells them every morning (before class) in the gym. They are .25 each. Ms. LeBlanc or Ms. Theard will have them on hand. ###

Upcoming Campus Happenings

December 2015 4 Staff vs. Students Basketball Game 7-9 ANET Interim Assessment (A2) 10 Pictures with Santa 14-18 2nd Quarter Exams 14-18 Starbase (5th Grade) 17 Holiday Program/Class Parties 18 1/2 day for Students 18 2nd Quarter Ends (43.5 days) 21-31 Winter Break, NO SCHOOL January 2016 1 Winter Break, NO SCHOOL 4 Staff & Students Return from Winter Break 4 3rd Quarter Begins 4-8 Starbase (5th Grade) 6 2nd Quarter Report Card Conferences, 4 - 6 p.m. 8 2nd Q Awards Day 8 PBIS Experience (2nd Q) 18 MLK, Jr. Birthday, NO SCHOOL 21 SMARS (Student Mentor Academic Review Sessions) 25 3rd Q Progress Reports Issued 29 Warrior Store Open February 2016 1-5 iReady Diagnostic 3 5 Black History Quiz Bowl, Grades 3-8 8-12 Mardi Gras Break, NO SCHOOL 17 PTO Meeting, 6-7 p.m. 18 SMARS (Student Mentor Academic Review Sessions) 19 iReady Celebration 19 HBCU (Historical Black Black Colleges & Universities) Step Show 22-24 ANET Interim Assessment (A3) 26 Annual Black History Prog. 26 Warrior Store Open

Show your Warrior Pride . . .

FCWCS T-Shirts $10. Sweatshirts $15.00 (Youth) $20.00 (Adult) Car Magnets $5. Small Car Magnets $2.

ID Pictures $5. (with lanyard) Agendas $5. FCW Folders $1.

Parents of Car Riders, Please Note . . .

Students will NOT be allowed to leave the campus to walk to a parked vehicle on Bullard or Dwyer. Additionally, students will NOT be able to leave the carpool area to get into a car that pulls up next to the car pool lane.

Student safety is our #1 priority! By keeping students inside the gate, we can ensure they are loaded safely into your cars. The carpool line moves quickly. We appreciate your assistance in assuring the safety of all students. ###

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Afterschool Program is in session

Monday through

Thursday 3:30 p.m.

to 5:30 p.m.

There is no Afterschool Session on

Friday– All students are

dismissed at 3:15 p.m. SHARP!

Warriors are always . . .

PROMPT POLITE PREPARED and PRODUCTIVE!

We follow the 4Ps each and every day!!!

Love the convenience of your child riding the bus . . . make sure they behave on the school bus to preserve their ride to and from school. Unruly students can lose their seats. You will be responsible for getting them to and from school. –Deans Sisco & Daigle

Mission Statement of Fannie C. Williams Charter School

The mission of Fannie C. Williams School is to achieve the highest academic success through collaboration of staff, parents, and community. ###

Warrior News November/December 2015

504.469.1277 Do you have questions or concerns about transportation?

Wells Transportation

Warrior News Fannie C. Williams Charter

School 11755 Dwyer Road

New Orleans, LA 70128 504.373.6228

www.fcwcs.org

Warrior News is published monthly (sometimes bi-monthly) during the academic

school year by the Faculty & Staff of the school, under the

auspices of Community Leaders Advocating Student Success

Candice Richards-Forest, President Board Members - Al Edwards, Brenda Flint-Minor, Debra Dean,

Donnyette Love, Emily Roubion, & Duane Stelly

Kelly S. Batiste, CEO/Principal Tarynesa “Terri” Williams, CAO

Terry M. Smith, Photographer & Editor FCWCS Faculty & Staff, Contributors

Buying a computer or tablet for the holidays? Cox Offering Discounted Internet for families with children receiving free school lunch!

Eligible customers will receive: • Fast, affordable High Speed

Internet service for only $9.95 a month

• No deposit required • No contracts to sign • No installation or modem

rental fees.

To see if you’re eligible, visit Connect2Compete.org/Cox or call 1-855-222-3252 today. ###

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Quarter Exams

1st Q October 5-7

2nd Q December 14 -16

3rd Q March 7 - 9

4th Q May 9 - 10 (Grade 8)

May 16-17

Great schools always have a great

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION

(PTO)

Join FCWCS’s PTO Next meeting is

Wed., February 17th at 6 p.m. in the Warrior Café

Free Smoke Detectors Available from NOFD

To get a free smoke detector call

504.685.4714

Need homework assistance, preparing for a test, or help finding a job? Online Tutoring, Job Search Assistance and Academic & Career Resources can be found at HomeworkLouisiana

HomeworkLA.org

We love Box Tops. Send us all you got. We appreciate it!