Dear FCS families,

We hope that this letter finds you well and that you had a blessed Christmas Day with your family.  As we prepare for the start of second semester, there are a few adjustments to the school calendar that we would like to share with you. In an effort to curb potential exposures and consequent exclusions from school due to Christmas and New Year’s festivities, we are postponing the start of the second semester until Monday, January 11.  This will allow 10 days to pass (from New Year’s Day) and hopefully give us a better footing to begin the new semester.  We do encourage you to try and limit non-household contacts for the 10 days, giving everyone a chance to start school symptom-free.

To help offset the five additional days of Christmas break, we are amending the 2020-2021 school calendar.  The following Wednesdays will now be IN-SCHOOL days: January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, and May 19.  We apologize for any inconvenience that these changes may present; however, we feel that it is important to do whatever is possible to give us the best chance to be in-person, five days/week with limited student and staff exclusions from school.

Also, we would like to make you aware of updates to the “Faith Christian School COVID Flow Chart.”  The information on this chart was updated to reflect guidance given to us by the Ogle County Health Department. The changes come in the area of close contacts…reducing the number of isolation days.  Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the Flow Chart and information found on the document.

We continue to follow IDPH guidelines regarding face masks, social distancing, sanitizing and hand washing.  We remind students to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes.  As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay home if they develop symptoms.  We strongly encourage sick persons to contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed.  Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.  If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, please keep your child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, Faith Christian School, and your local health department.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we move forward into the second semester.  We will continue to monitor health department guidelines and will keep you informed of any changes in policies and procedures. We are committed at FCS to provide our students and staff with a safe, nurturing environment…a place where they can grow and learn, becoming who God created them to be!

Happy New Year and blessings to you all,

Pastor Jon Marx

Linda Foster

Carrie Worrell

An Unusual Can Food Drive

Submitted by Mr. Gesin

Instead of collecting cans this year for the CAN FOOD DRIVE.  We are asking families to donate to the Dixon food pantry. The Dixon Food Pantry told me that cash donations would be more beneficial for them. The pantry can use the cash to buy canned food from their outlets at a much better price per can than what we pay at the store.

As in the past, there is no requirement for our students to get involved in this activity. We have had great response to the can food drives in past years. We thank you for that.

There are two ways to donate:

1) Send the money directly to the food pantry instead of bringing it to school.

The address is:

Dixon Food Pantry
2001 West 4th Street
Dixon, Illinois

 2) Drop the money off at the food pantry. They are open mornings starting at 9:30.

Thank you for your participation!

What a blessing to have a week of beautiful fall weather in November.  It has been great that almost every day the students have been able to get outside and get some fresh air.

All grades will continue to go outside as many days as possible so we ask that you remind your students to wear the proper clothing.

Calendar Change

We appreciate your understanding in the adjustments we have made to the calendar this year. 

We were already scheduled to have Friday, November 20^th off
Calendar Change:  NO SCHOOL:  Monday, November 23 and Tuesday November 24

NO SCHOOL NOVEMBER 20 – NOVEMBER 27

As we look toward the next few weeks, we wanted to share with you the reasoning behind the calendar change for the week of Thanksgiving.  We met with Pastor Jon and discussed how best to proceed. Since we have next Friday, November 20, off, we felt that it would be in the best interest of both students and staff to take Monday, November 23, and Tuesday, November 24, off with the hopes of limiting exposure for those two days.   We see the toll that COVID is taking on school districts around us…many closing classrooms because of close contacts to positive COVID cases, others being forced to close  in-person learning because there aren’t enough subs to staff classrooms.  It has been our goal since the beginning of the year for students to be in school every day.  And yes, while we are adding two days off, we are hopeful that this calendar change will help us to be better prepared to finish the semester with in-person learning.

We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.  We know that this season isn’t easy for you either.  Please know that we do not make these decisions lightly but put much thought and prayer into how best to use the time that God has given us.  We are thankful that we have the opportunity to partner with you in the education of your child!

HOMEWORK/CLASSWORK

Daily assignments and classwork are being posted on the website.  Students should check their email, online learning, and Seesaw accounts each day.

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“The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

Psalms 28:7

Many Blessings,

Linda Foster
Principal

Calendar Items

Friday, October 30 – NO SCHOOL

December 18 – NO SCHOOL – This was previously a half day.

Note that all scheduled early dismissal days for the remainder of the year will be NO SCHOOL.

 

Retirement

I have recently submitted a letter to the Faith Assembly Board letting them know my intentions to retire at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. I have been blessed to work with so many great people over the years. It has been a joy to be involved in the lives of so many students and watch them grow and develop. God has confirmed in my heart that this decision Is right for the school and for me. I trust and believe that God has a plan for who will be the next principal. I know I will miss the staff, students and families, but it is time for me to invest in other areas of my life and have fewer responsibilities. I have been humbled and honored to be a part of this ministry for 30 years, 13 as principal.

We have much to accomplish yet this year and it is not time to say good-bye. Please continue to pray for the staff as we face the daily challenges of teaching and mentoring students.

 

Picture Information

Picture order forms went home Monday and Tuesday. The envelopes are due back by Friday, November 6^th. Feel free to view all of the photos online at www.hagephotography.zenfolio.com, password is FCS2021.

 

Mask

Two ways to help!

We have masks available at school for students who forget to wear a mask. Our supply is getting low due to many students forgetting.   Please try to remind them to bring a mask. If you know your student is prone to forget, you could donate some to the school to help replenish our supply.

 

Weather Cancellations

Since we have experienced our first snowfall on October 26, I wanted to remind you of our cancellation protocol. The best way to get the information is to sign up for our textcaster. If you need information to sign up, please call the office and ask for a form. The information will then come directly to your phone via a text. We will also post it on our school website and Facebook page. 

 

Parent Discretion on Snow Days

We are aware that our families travel from many different directions and some travel many miles. We understand that weather conditions and road conditions can be very different depending on where you live. Please use your own discretion. If you do not feel it is safe to travel…keep your students home.

 

Fundraising

Blue Freedom Farm Market

Our 2^nd quarter fundraiser is in progress. Orders are due by Wednesday, November 11. Contact Terri Heller with any questions. 815/677-1329 or theller@fcsfalcons.com.

 

REMINDER ABOUT SCHOOLWORK

If students are out of school due to quarantine and are able to do their work…we encourage them to keep up through the online learning tabs and the SEESAW app.

 

THANK YOU

Thank you for all your cooperation, encouragement, support and PRAYERS. We are so thankful for each of you. We are so thankful for God’s help, strength and blessing as we walk through the year, one day at a time.

Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. Isaiah 26:12

 

Linda Foster
Principal

 

Dear Parents,

We are so thankful for your help and support as we navigate the new procedures this year.  We appreciate you paying attention to symptoms and understanding the prudence in being extra careful regarding students attending school.  We are thankful that we have completed the first quarter. 

CALENDAR CHANGE

 Friday, October 30 will be a full day off school.  This was previously scheduled as a half day.

 

DROP OFF AT MAIN BUILDING

Drop off at the main building begins at 7:50. Please WAIT with your student until the staff (Mrs. Hage, Mrs. Foster) come out to start temperature checks and symptom checks.   Please form a line on the east side of the driveway and wait.  After we have done the temps/symptoms check you can pull up to the sidewalk for students to exit the car.

 

STUDIES

Homework

The staff is working very hard to keep all assignments on the learning tabs.

We are also using Seesaw to keep communication going.  If students are absent, they are able to get assignments and keep up with class work.  We especially encourage this if they are home due to quarantine or awaiting test results, BUT are not sick.  If students have questions regarding their work they can email the teacher.  Staff email are first initial, last name @fcsfalcons.com.  (lfoster@fcsfalcons.com).

 

Reminder About Study Hall

Due to the shortened school day, most students do not have a study hall.

They do have some time in the morning while waiting for first hour and during Activity time.  Students who are having difficulty with getting homework done should take advantage of these study opportunities to get work completed.  They also have that extra time at home to work on assignments.

 

FUNDRAISING

Walkathon

We are still accepting pledges for the walkathon. We have only received a few pictures.  If you have pictures of your family walking, please submit to cworrell@fcsfalcons.com.  We have a little gift for our favorites.

 

Blue Freedom Farm Market Fundraiser

In place of the Yankee Candle fundraiser (they are no longer in business), we will be doing the Blue Freedom Farm Market fundraiser.  Information is coming home soon.  This is a great time to purchase some yummy treats for parties and gifts.  Thank you for meeting your fundraising quota.

 

An Unusual Can Food Drive

Submitted by Mr. Gesin

Instead of collecting cans this year for the CAN FOOD DRIVE.  We are asking families to donate to the Dixon food pantry. The Dixon Food Pantry told me that cash donations would be more beneficial for them. The pantry can use the cash to buy canned food from their outlets at a much better price per can than what we pay at the store.

As in the past, there is no requirement for our students to get involved in this activity. We have had great response to the can food drives in past years. We thank you for that.

There are two ways to donate:

1) Send the money directly to the food pantry instead of bringing it to school.

The address is:

Dixon Food Pantry
2001 West 4th Street
Dixon, Illinois

 2) Drop the money off at the food pantry. They are open mornings starting at 9:30.

 

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Please continue to be diligent and keep us in your prayers.  As a team, with God’s help we go forward in confidence that He will provide everything we need for each day.

 

Sincerely,

Linda Foster, Principal

Greetings Parents!!!

I would like to update you on some important items.

 

Picture Day – October 5

Mrs. Hage will be doing pictures on Monday, October 5^th. We will NOT be doing class pictures at this time. Hopefully we will be able to do the class pictures later and include them in the yearbook. 

 

Fall Break – October 12-16

The week of October 12-16 there will be no school for students.

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences – October 15

Parent teacher conferences will be by request only. Parents or teachers can request a conference. To request a conference, you can send an email to bmorse@fcsfalcons.com or call the school office.

Volunteer Job

We have suspended most of the volunteer position this year due to COVID restrictions. We will reinstate these jobs ASAP in order to help the students and teachers. If we are not able to do so this year, they will certainly be a part of our procedure again next year.

 

Thank you for your support, encouragement, and prayers.

Mrs. Foster
FCS Principal

We are off and running…. we have had a few bumps and had to make a few adjustments, but we are thankful and blessed to be back in school with the students. Please be patient with us in any additional adjustments that will need to be made.

The extreme heat this past week has provided another challenge, but we have endured. The staff at the main building noticed that the building seemed cooler than it would have last year during the heat. We believe it is due to the new roof. What an added benefit to the blessing of a new roof. No more leaks and cooler classrooms.

Calendar/Falcon Connection

We are NOT sending home the Falcon Connection this year by hard copy. Please check the website (Falcon Connection) for new information.

Fun Lunch Online

Look for Fun Lunch Order Form and instructions for ordering online on the website. A pink hard copy was also sent home last week to explain the new procedure.

Study Hall

The early release time has not allowed students to have a study hall in their schedule. We want to focus on getting the instruction times covered while they are at school and have them use the extra time provided by early release as a study hall.

See Saw

See Saw is an online learning platform that we will be using this year. We will be using it to give assignments and communication with the students throughout the year. 5^th-12^th grade students will be getting their login codes on September 8.   Students must check their See Saw accounts for homework when they are absent from school.

Dress Code

Due to the extra procedure needed to start the school year, we did not discuss dress code until Monday, August 31. The dress code has not changed from last year. We will need to start addressing the dress code violations this week. We would appreciate your support. If you need any further guidance, we have a dress code brochure in the office.

Listed below are some GENERAL GUIDELINES for dress code.

Clothes should be neat, clean, and MODEST.

No holes in clothing

Sleeveless is allowed with at least a 2-1/2 inch width and tight around the arm and shoulder.

No clothes should be worn inside out

No skin showing at the waist

No under garments should be showing

No tattoos

No unnatural hair color and hair should be neat, clean, and well groomed.

No facial hair

Hats may not be worn during the school day.

Shorts must have at least a 6 inch inseam.

Skirts or dresses- No shorter than 3 inches above knee

Tops must be modest. To check if appropriate put thumbs under your underarm and imagine a line across. You top must be at that line or above.

Tights must have a top/dress that is 3 inches above the knee.

Leggings must have a loose fitting long blouse or shirt that covers both the front and back.

 

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Your prayers are appreciated as both students and staff continue to adjust to new procedures. We are thankful for your support!!

Psalm 91:1,2

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in HIM I trust.”

Trusting Him for strength and protection,

Linda Foster

 

 

School Schedule

Arrival time for students is 7:50- 8:10. Students temperatures will be taken by staff before they enter the building. Our current plan is to take them at the car. When students enter the building they will go directly to their lockers and then to their first hour class. First hour begins at 8:15. Students who arrive after 8:10 will have to go through the front door and wait in the foyer for their temperature check. Parents will be asked to stay until they see a green card in the window.

Dismissal time is 2:35 for 5^th and 6^th grade, and 2:40 for 7^th-12^th.

Checklist

We will NOT be asking a checklist of questions regarding the COVID 19 symptoms when your child arrives. We are believing that you are all very much aware of the symptoms to look for and will keep your child(ren) home if they are exhibiting any of them. If your child has a temperature of 100 degrees or more when we do morning checks, they will not be able to stay. We want school to stay in session, and the best way we can do that is to work as a team.

Website

We will be sharing much of our information this year on the school’s website – fcsfalcons.com. Our weekly Monday Note will be exclusively on the website. We will continue to do principal posts and updates to keep you informed. Please check it regularly for updates on school information.

Calendar changes – There is an updated calendar on the website.

September 3 and 4 will be NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS. We have added these days as staff in-service days.

Supplies

We are aware that some of the supplies on the supply list are very difficult to find right now. If you are unable to purchase them now, just bring them in when you can find them.

Lunch

We will be offering our hot lunch program this year. We will have 2 microwaves available during lunch. Mrs. Hauck will be monitoring them and wiping the buttons after use. Keep in mind it will take longer for students to get items heated. Please limit your items to things that heat quickly in order to reduce the waiting for others.

Social Distancing and Sanitation

We have taken many steps to keep our students and staff as safe as possible during the school day. It is our desire that we can make the day feel as “normal” as possible under current restrictions and protocols required by IDPH and State. Some of the measures we are taking include: limiting class size, distancing desks, directional arrows in the hallways, limited numbers in bathrooms, sanitizing between classes and after school. We will work with students to help them understand the value of following these protocol. Please help us by encouraging cooperation and positive attitude.

Athletics

Leslie Augenstine is our new athletic director. She will be posting information on the new sports schedule soon.

We are stepping into 2020-2021 school year with confidence that God is in control and He will lead us and guide us. We are facing different obstacles this year than other years, BUT God has always been faithful in helping us overcome the obstacles we face in ministry. He is FAITHFUL and HE will do it again.

 

Serving Him Together,

Linda Foster
Principal

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Main Campus – 5th-12th grade

We are excited to welcome your student back to school on Monday, August 17th.  The staff has worked hard to prepare for school this year.   An information sheet will be coming home on Monday with your students and will be posted on the website (www.fcsfalcons.com) to share a more complete list of new protocols in response to the COVID situation.

Drop off time: Students can be dropped off between 7:50 and 8:10. Please be patient with us as we adjust to the new procedures.

Procedure for Monday drop-off:   Please pull up to the drop off point as usual.   Staff will come to the car and take temperatures.   Students will be allowed to enter building if they have a temperature below 100 degrees.   Staff will also be available to tell the students what room they report to for first hour.   ALL STUDENTS MUST WEAR A MASK TO ENTER BUILDING!

When students enter the building they will:

1. Bring supplies (tissues, paper products, lunch supplies, etc.) to the gym. Tables will be set up for them to put their supplies.

2. Report to first hour class.

3. Locker assignments and schedules will be given during first hour.

New families – to drop off student, pull all the way down the driveway, and make a line along the field side.   Follow the line to end of driveway…make a wide turn at the North end of the driveway and stop by the sidewalk on the building side.   Follow same procedure for pick-up.

Dismissal:

5th-6th- 2:35
7th-12th- 2:40

As always, we are trusting God to give us everything we need.   We are seeking His wisdom through His word and prayer to help us navigate the changes we are having to make this year.   Our desire is to keep students safe while we provide a “normal” school day for them.   We covet your prayers and patience as we step into this school year.

Psalm 31:24 – Be STRONG and take heart, all you who HOPE in the LORD.

Trusting His leading and guiding,

Linda Foster