We thought we would review a few things before school starts. First and foremost, Marion County Schools are currently under a mask mandate. This means that masks must be worn inside Marion County School facilities at all times unless an individual is eating, drinking, or participating in an athletic competition. This will be reviewed again this coming week and a decision will be made based on the current numbers in our county. Second, there have been a lot of questions about water bottles. East Fairmont Middle's rule on water bottles is that they must be clear, plastic, and when closed are spill proof. That does not exclude water bottles that are tinted or have a design of some kind. Students are only allowed to have plain water in the classroom. Disposable 25 cent water bottles are also acceptable and can be filled utilizing the touchless water stations. Another big question from parents has been the use of backpacks. Students may use their personal backpacks to carry materials to and from school. Those backpacks must be kept in the locker throughout the school day. They are not allowed to carry these to class. The county provided chromebook bags may be carried during the course of the day to transport their chromebooks. Students should not put more than the chromebook, a pencil box or bag, and maybe a folder and/or notebook inside this bag. These bags were not made to carry several books. Each student will be given a locker with a lock that has been preinstalled. Teachers will be working with students to make sure they are able to work these locks. Students should never give their combination to another student. Cell phones and other electronic communication devices are to be turned off and placed in a student's locker throughout the course of the day. Students are not allowed to use these while in the school building. This includes bus room, cafeteria, hallways, bathrooms, and classrooms. If parents need to reach their children during the day, they should call the main office. Many policies including the dress code are contained in the first several pages of the handbook that is contained in the front of the planner. Please be sure to review these with your students.
Don't forget that East Fairmont Middle School's NEW student orientation is Monday at 10 am. This is only for incoming fifth grade or students who have enrolled over the summer. The student and one parent (two parent absolute max) may enter through the entrance closest to the parking lot and then enter the gymnasium. Please remember that masks are mandated right now in Marion County Schools so come with one for each person attending and work to maintain as much social distancing as possible. Can't wait to see everyone!
Our boys' and girls' cross country team will be participating in their first race of the year this weekend. They will be running in the Autumn Classic Invitational at St Mary’s High School on Saturday with 21 other middle school teams!
An exciting, BIG race to begin our season!
Exposing MCS to the arts with Fairmont State University Academy for the Arts: Future activities in the works for theatre camps, scholarships, WV Folklife Center field trips, school performances, and a $10,000 George W. Bowers grant. See https://5il.co/x626 #MCSgetbackinthegame
To read about some of the supplies and preventative measures in place for 2021-22 in MCS through the Maintenance/Facilities Department, please see https://5il.co/x9u4 #MCSgetbackinthegame
In an on-going effort to keep families up-to-date on mitigation strategies in place, MCS provides information about various departments' protocols in place as we welcome our students in grades 1-12 back on Aug. 24. See Transportation: https://5il.co/x9q0 #MCSgetbackinthegame
In coming days, a QR code sticker like this will be at the entrance of MCS facilities with centralized air units. Codes for stand alone units will also appear in the future. Once scanned, the GPS website tells how the building has improvements to the air quality at the school.
Congratulations to Desiree Hardaway, secretary at Fairmont Senior High School, who is the 2022 MCS Service Personnel of the Year. Ms. Hardaway will be honored among other WV county Service Personnel of the Year during a virtual ceremony in September. #MCSgetbackinthegame
Welcome back Hornets!!!! Please view our video reminding everyone of our current morning drop off and afternoon dismissal procedures.
https://wvk12-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/hsnodgra_k12_wv_us/EcsNsVFlgEZBsdVzUcfLGbcBJXJpuClN6YKYweXgzgwDjw?e=lE8Ctw
Fall Picture Day will be handled by Lifetouch Studios. This will occur on Thursday, September 9th during school hours. Students will be receiving picture information the first few days of school.
Renowned community servant, Executive Vice President of Davis & Elkins College and 1986 graduate of East Fairmont High School Rosemary Thomas reminds students and staff to “not sit on the sidelines” and “leave it all on the field” at https://5il.co/x62u #MCSgetbackinthegame
All 7th graders must show proof of immunizations before school starts. Mandatory immunizations for 7th graders are the Tdap and the MCV4 vaccines. Students will not be allowed to be in school until these are completed but will continue to be counted absent. It is very important to get these completed. Marion County Schools have worked with the Marion County Health Department and MVA Clinic to make sure families can access these vaccines. Families may go to the health department any day between Monday and Friday from 9 to 3 to receive these. The MVA clinic is also accepting walk-ins for these vaccinations as well. They ask that you call and let them know you are coming but appointments are not necessary. Please be sure to have these taken care of before August 24th!
Our new student orientation will be on Monday, August 23rd starting at 10 am. This is only for students who are enrolled for the first time as a student at East Fairmont Middle. Due to current guidance from the Marion County Health Department, we are limiting the number of people that may attend. We are asking that each new student only bring one parent with a maximum of two. No siblings may attend this event. While we know this may be difficult for some families, we continue to strive to make the safety of our Hornet Family a priority. The health department also recommends masks be worn indoors in larger group settings. We are notifying families now so that they can make appropriate arrangements.
Please go to the following link to view the breakfast and lunch menus for East Fairmont Middle School. https://marionboe.nutrislice.com/menu/east-fairmont-middle
Homeschool, virtual, homebound, or child age 1-4 years old who lives in MC in 2021-22 school year? Complete the form to have a 5-day shelf-stable meal box delivered to your door step, free of charge. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=S7AZ4AwzekaLrgn7FzdNap_zqJTflyJPoEptddhfLbhUNExaMkVWU0I5UDRSTVdCRzRCVTc1RjhUWS4u
Our water fountains have been converted to Water Bottle Fill Up Stations. Please bring a clear water bottle with you on Day 1. All fountains at EFMS are now bottle fill up stations.
"Patient Endurance!" From the hardwood of gyms in MCS to UNC player, grad, and member of the coaching staff, North Marion grad Jessica Sell talks encouragement, perseverance, support systems, and fresh start as we "get back in the game" https://5il.co/wy1f #MCSgetbackinthegame
"COVID-19 is here. How long it stays is up to us." In coming days, Marion County Health Department Administrator Lloyd White will be speaking with MCS student-athletes and staff about what we all can do to prevent the spread: https://5il.co/wy1p #MCSgetbackinthegame
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” As we think back on the past 18 months of the pandemic, one of the most pronounced reflections is we cannot increase student achievement alone. See https://5il.co/wvxl.
Please go to the following link to view the bus schedules for the 2021-2022 school year. https://www.marionboe.com/page/bus-schedules