Message from the Superintendent: October 11, 2024

Dear Fayette County Public Schools Families, Students and Staff,

I am excited to invite parents and community members to our upcoming Gifted Informational Meetings. These sessions will provide valuable insights into our district’s gifted program, which serves students whose intellectual abilities, creativity, and potential for achievement are so exceptional that they require specialized instruction and support services. “Intellectually Gifted” refers to any child whose advanced capabilities impact their educational performance and whose needs exceed the offerings of differentiated general education programming. Some gifted characteristics are listed here .

During our Gifted Informational Meetings, you will learn about our gifted identification process, understand the program’s goals more deeply, and be supported in completing necessary referral forms, including the Tennessee Parent Information Form (TnPIF). We aim to ensure every child who qualifies for gifted services is recognized and given the opportunities they need to thrive.

There will be two sessions available for your convenience. Both parents and community members are encouraged to attend. These meetings are designed to make the identification process clear, inclusive, and supportive, ensuring every child has access to the appropriate educational resources. Please take part in this important opportunity to learn more and help guide your child toward the best academic outcomes possible. I look forward to seeing you there.

As we approach Fall Break I want to encourage both our students and staff to take this time to rest and recharge. For our students, this break offers an opportunity to relax, engage in personal reading, catch up on assignments, and explore recreational activities. For our dedicated staff, I encourage you to reflect on the progress we have made so far, plan for the weeks ahead, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. This well-earned break will allow everyone to return refreshed and ready to continue our important work for the remainder of the semester. Enjoy your time off, and I look forward to seeing you all after Fall Break.

I am pleased to share exciting news about two exceptional Fayette-Ware students. At the Tennessee Governor’s School for Computational Physics, students can earn four hours of college credit in just three intensive weeks. This program provides a rigorous introduction to computational methods used by scientists and engineers, including key topics such as calculus and vector analysis, numerical differentiation and integration, and computational solutions to differential equations. Participants develop computational models of physical systems, conduct experimental tests, and explore introductory machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques. They also gain valuable insights into science and engineering career paths through discussions with professionals from esteemed institutions such as the National Space Science Technology Center and Oak Ridge National Laboratories. We are incredibly proud to announce that two of our very own, Kaitlyn Finnie and Wayne Woodard Jr., were selected to participate in the highly competitive Austin Peay State University Computational Physics Governor’s School for Summer 2024. These students were chosen from a talented pool of scholars based on their outstanding academic achievements. Not only did they participate, but they both excelled, completing the program with an A. This is a significant accomplishment, and we commend them for their hard work and dedication.

Applications for the Governor’s School are now open for the upcoming Summer Program. Fayette-Ware sophomores and juniors interested in applying are encouraged to contact?FWCHS Parent Coordinator, Ms. Chas Self, for more information.

I am incredibly proud to share that Wayne Woodard Jr., one of our exceptional Fayette-Ware students, attended the prestigious Engineering Innovation course at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, this July. During this rigorous program, Wayne delved into various engineering fields, including chemical, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering, while also studying coding, artificial intelligence, physics, and ethics. Wayne was part of a diverse cohort of 228 students representing 21 states and 23 countries. As part of the experience, he also participated in a challenging bridge engineering competition hosted by the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. His participation in such a competitive program is a testament to his talent and dedication. We are immensely proud of his accomplishments!

Please do not forget about our Fayette-Ware Wildcats Football Homecoming on Friday, October 25 at 7:00 PM as we take on MHS. I invite all Fayette-Ware alumni to join me before the game from 5:30-6:30 PM in the Fayette-Ware Cafeteria. We will be treated to performances from our Wildcat Cheer team and Drum Line. Remember to wear your Wildcat spirit gear!

Every school should have a full-time Registered Nurse (RN) on staff daily to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. School nurses play a critical role in managing chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and allergies, administering medication, responding to emergencies, and providing care for injuries or illnesses occurring during the school day. School nurses promote good health practices, help prevent the spread of contagious diseases, and support students' overall well-being, which is essential for academic success.

?Fayette County Public Schools RNs ensure that students receive professional medical care when needed and that a healthy, supportive learning environment is maintained for all.

Success in sports goes beyond talent; it requires dedication both on the field and in the classroom. Sports play a key role in education by fostering discipline, teamwork, and time management, which directly contributes to academic success. By balancing athletics and academics, students build leadership skills, resilience, and a strong work ethic—essential traits for success in both their future careers and personal lives.

?Dr. Versie R. Hamlett

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Dates to Remember

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·????? October 14-18:?Fall Break

·????? October 24:?Parent-Teacher Conference (Full Day for Students – Extended Day for Teachers)

·????? October 24:?School Board Workshop @ 6:00 PM CAB - Board Room

·????? October 25: Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

·????? October 25: Fayette-Ware Football Homecoming (Homecoming Court at 6:15 PM, game at 7 PM)

·????? November 4: Regular School Board Meeting @ 6:00 PM CAB - Board Room

·????? November 5: Staff Development Day (No School for Students)

·????? November 21: School Board Workshop @ 6:00 PM CAB - Board Room

·????? November 25-29: Thanksgiving Break (No School)