Recent ActivityThe Merlin Wing of Fulton High School, found on the 2nd floor, comprises half of Fulton's ninth and tenth grades. Our small learning community (SLC) prides itself on providing the support students need to succeed in their high school careers.
Announcements Ninth Grade Newsletter #3Welcome to the Merlin
9th Grade Newsletter #3! THE MERLIN WING
Principal: Ms. Ara Rickman
Dean: Ms. Emily Dalton
Counselor: Mrs. Kim Christodoulou
Advocate: Ms. JaNay' Bryant
Grading Period: The third grading period ends this week on Wednesday before Fall Break! Encourage students to catch up on their work and do well on any assessments before the break. Be looking for the progress reports next week.
The NEST: The NEST is working. We have seen a number of students who have improved their grades with the work that they are doing in the NEST! Keep it up!
Tardies: We have seen a slight drop in the number of tardies in the Merlin Wing. Please continue to help us encourage your student to get to class on time, with all materials, and in proper attire.
Project GRAD Update by JaNay’ Bryant Last month, I visited the freshmen and sophomore English classrooms to talk about ProjectGRAD and the ProjectGRAD scholarship. Students were sent home with a scholarship contract to have signed by parents and returned. This month, the focus of classroom presentations will be on increased academic achievement. Students will have to answer this question “there is strength in numbers…..who is on your support team?” Also, on October 25th, ProjectGRAD will host their annual Parent Conference. The theme of this year’s conference is “Mission Possible: Achieving Academic Excellence.” It will be held at the downtown Marriott, 500 Hill Avenue. The conference starts at 8:30am. For more information please see the link below.
See Conference Registration Link: http://conferenceforparentsguardians.eventbrite.com/
See Below Guest Speakers Link: http://www.docspeaks.com/
I look forward to seeing you at the conference!!!! – JaNay’ Bryant
Student Advisory Council
(sophomore leadership opportunity – representation for 9th and 10th grade Merlins) The Merlin Student Advisory Council will commence after Fall Break. The Advisory Council will be comprised of several Sophomore Merlin students who will serve as a student voice for the Merlin Wing. These students will be advocates for their fellow Merlins and will meet with Principal Rickman once every 3 weeks to discuss issues, concerns, and ideas for high school success. Any Merlin Sophomore who is interested in being a part of this Advisory Council should see Ms. Christodoulou or any Merlin teacher. We need your help to make the Merlin Wing the place to be!
The Advisory Council will also be heading up the Community Service project that will be presented to the students after Fall Break.
FALCON 360 SPOTLIGHT: Contribution
All Merlin students will be expected to take part in a “contribution” where we “give back” to the school and the surrounding community.
A little clue as to this year’s Community Service Project: Get your running shoes out and get practicing!
Next newsletter, we’ll focus on INVOLVEMENT.
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Teacher and Class News:
Mrs. Frazier: Biology
For the month of September, we have been working on the "Chemistry of Life". Explore topics like the periodic table and why opposites attract. We are rapping the standard up with an exciting lab that have your child testing for carbohydrates, lipids, and protein using different chemicals. There has been some really exciting times and your child has done a wonderful job being a scientist. Coming up in October we will being studying cells!!! Ms. McGee: English I
Happy Fall Everyone! The year is on its way and many things are happening in English I. Your children have written two persuasive essays, one of which you should have read, they have written several poems, read several poems, presented themselves as a god or goddess of Greek Mythology, and now we are developing our understanding of Greek Literature by reading Hercules and The Odyssey. There is much more to come this year, and I hope that you will not hesitate to call or e-mail with any questions you may have. Also, remember that you can check School Fusion for assignments and grades.
Mr. Negendank and Mr. Coffelt: World History
Hopefully you have seen some evidence of our study of the Black Death and the Renaissance through two recent “mini-projects,” where students had to creatively apply their knowledge of the High Middle Ages and the Renaissance in their choice of creative presentation. Students also just completed their 2nd binder check – hopefully with a high grade! This week, we are tacking the Protestant Reformation and Counter-Reformation; after fall break, we’ll be exploring the world through the eyes of conquerors, scientists, pirates, conquistadors, slaves and emerging colonial empires. The test on Unit 3 – Renaissance, Reformation and Exploration – should take place on October 25th.
Mr. Vowell: ACT Prep English Workshop
Following fall break we will be continuing our 10-day learning cycle in which we explore a topic in depth while learning necessary and applicable skills. The following is a tentative calendar for all units ( subject to change at teacher discretion): Day 1 - Introduction to Topic and Brainstorming Day 2 - Questions for Consideration and Vocabulary Day 3 - Reading Comprehension Practice Day 4 - Library or Computer Lab Research Day 5 - Writing Practice Day 6 - Novel Reading/Listening Party Day 7 - Novel Analysis Day 8 - English and Grammar Skills Day 9 - Test-Taking Practice Day 10 - English Quiz and Additional Readings Mrs. Young: Algebra 1
In class, we have been working on Unit 3 which is Inequalities. Next week, we will be finishing Unit 3. The test has been scheduled for Tuesday 10/18. We will then be moving to Unit 4 which is an introduction to Functions. In the unit, we will be identifying patterns that describe both nonlinear and linear functions.
Ms. Young: Algebra IA
This week, we will be finishing Unit 5 which consists of equations, proportions, and percents. The Unit 5 Test has been scheduled for Wednesday 10/12. Then, we will move into Unit 6 which deals with graphing inequalities and absolute values.
Ninth Grade Newsletter #2Welcome to the
Merlin 9th Grade Newsletter! Principal: Ms. Ara Rickman
Dean: Ms. Emily Dalton
Counselor: Mrs. Kim Christodoulou
Advocate: Ms. JaNay' Bryant
The Merlin Wing is off to a great start!
Some upcoming things that parents and students need to be aware of:
1. Parent/Teacher Conferences are Tuesday, 20 September. Come talk to your student's teachers and get to meet them and ask questions about their classes.
2. The end of the 2nd grading period is Thursday, 22 September. Progress reports will go home early the following week.
3. Access to the School Fusion wevsite is available to all parents and students. You can access all of your student's teachers' class pages, where the teachers update the happenings in their classrooms.
4. Parent Portal is a valuable resource for you to use to keep up with your student's grades. If you do not have your log-in information, please come to the school and pick up that information. Tuesday night for Parent/Teacher conferences would be a great time to pick it up if you have not already done so.
THE NEST
We have officially begun the Nest. The purpose of the Nest is to allow students who are struggling in a core class to have some extra practice in that class. The students use the computer program Odyssey to practice and make-up work from the core class. This will help the student improve his/her grade in the core class.
Homecoming Week is 9/19-9/22
Monday: Tacky Day
Tuesday: Nerd Day
Wednesday: Crazy Hair Day
Thursday: Falcon Pride Day
Students must remain in professional attire (polos) except on Thursday, when they may wear a Fulton t-shirt.
Parents:
We need your help and encouragement!
We are still struggling with tardies in the Merlin wing. We have too many students not getting to class on time.
The students serve an hour of detention during Power Hour for each tardy they receive.
If the student skips detention then they are placed in In School Suspension (ISS) for entire school day.
After two occurrences of all-day In School Suspension, they begin receiving Out of School Suspension (OSS).
Please encourage your student to get to class on time, in dress code, and with all materials every day!
Ninth Grade NewsletterWelcome to the Merlin Wing - Ninth Grade Newsletter!
Merlin Principal: Ara Rickman
Merlin Dean: Emily Dalton
Merlin Advocate: Janay' Bryant
Merlin Counselor: Kim Christodoulou
This is the first newsletter of the year for the Merlin Wing Ninth Grade. We hope to use this newsletter to keep parents and guardians informed of the happenings in the Merlin Wing and at Fulton High School. In this newsletter, we have a little information about some of the 9th grade teachers and courses.
We are looking forward to a great year in the Merlin Wing! To help have a great year we have implemented some new initiatives such as Falcon 360.
Falcon 360:
Ø Students have 360 days to:
Ø Earn 17 credits
Ø Develop 3 competencies
Ø Make 1 choice
Ø Become involved in 1 organization/team/club/project
Ø Contribute to a service project
There will be more to come about Falcon 360 in the following newsletter.
Remember to check School Fusion for updates to your student's course and Parent Portal for updates to class grades*.Please note that if you have specific questions for any teacher, please email them directly.
Teacher, staff and class introductions
(A - Z order by staff member's last name) JaNay’ Bryant jbryant@projectgradknoxville.org
Hello! My name is JaNay’ Bryant and I am the ProjectGRAD academic advocate for Merlin. I am a graduate of The University of Tennessee with a degree in Psychology, Africana Studies and a minor in Sociology. My role in the Merlin wing is to provide extra academic support outside the classroom while helping to educate students on the opportunities available to them after graduation. ProjectGRAD also aims to provide other things to students such as school supplies, polos and belts for those who are not able to afford them. I am looking forward to getting to know the Class of 2015!! Please feel free to contact me through the main office (865-594-1240) at extension 1282 if you have an further questions about ProjectGRAD. Stefanie Crawford stefanie.crawford@knoxschools.org
My name is Stefanie Crawford and I teach Wellness and P.E., and this is my fourth year at Fulton. In Wellness, we spend a lot of time learning about lots of interesting topics from nutrition to drugs to mental illnesses. In P.E., we stay very active, spending time outside on the track to work on cardio and inside in the gym playing various games, including the Wii!
Kim Christodoulou kim.christodoulou@knoxschools.org
My name is Kim Christodoulou and I am the School Counselor for the Merlin Wing. I earned my Masters in Education through Lincoln Memorial University and am currently pursuing my ED.S degree. I work with students to help them meet their academic, social/emotional, and career goals. I have an open door policy, so please come in and see me if you want to talk, discuss a problem, share good news, etc. I love when my students pop in and just say hi! You are the reason I do my job!
Parents, please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns regarding your child. I can be reached by phone at 594.1240 x1230 or email.
LaToya Frazier latoya.frazier@knoxschools.org
My name is LaToya Frazier. I am a graduate of the University of Tennessee where I received my Bachelor of Science and Master of Education. At Fulton, I am the 9th grade biology teacher on the Merlin floor. In my biology class, I encourage my students to think outside the box and become responsible for their education. My class welcomes all learning styles and ideas. This year your child will have the opportunity to conduct many experiments in a lab and in nature. If you have any comments, concerns, or questions please feel free to e-mail or call me.
Keith Leonard keith.leonard@knoxschools.org
My name is Mr. Leonard, and I have a few Merlin Falcons in my ACT Prep English class. The ACT Prep class is designed to introduce freshmen at Fulton High School to the ACT as well as assisting them in preparing for the TCAP writing test and English End of Course exam. Fulton has placed most students in an ACT Prep class in their freshmen year to assist them in scoring 21 or above on the exam, taken in their junior year. A score of 21 or higher is a criteria for receiving the HOPE scholarship, a 4-year scholarship good at any Tennessee university or college. I am looking forward to working with your student to improve his or her English, reading and writing skills to reach this very attainable goal. Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding the test or class. Natalie McGee natalie.mcgee@knoxschools.org
Hello, and welcome to Fulton High School. My name is Natalie McGee and I teach 9th grade, English I on the Merlin Wing. English I is an introduction to the genres and themes your children will be studying over the next four years. I have taught all levels of High School English, and I have an understanding of what my students will be expected to know. My goal is to prepare all of my students in order for them to be successful! This year we will be studying poetry, mythology, short stories, Shakespeare, grammar, persuasion and rhetoric. I am so looking forward to the year ahead, and I hope you will let me know if you have any questions.
Charles W. Negendank charles.negendank@knoxschools.org
My name is Mr. Negendank but most students call me Mr. N. I teach World History, Honors World History and Falcon 360 with 9th graders in the Merlin Wing. World History is a challenging course in which students are expected to examine hundreds (and even thousands) years of human history to learn the important patterns and lessons from the past. I hope for students to be able to connect ancient and not-so-ancient events and people to current issues in our modern society. I ensure that every one of my students is reminded regularly that I have high expectations for their success in my class, in high school, and in life - but that it is ultimately their responsibility to make this success happen. I am available before or after school on almost any day to assist students in practicing their skills, making up work, and generally in meeting their goals to finish out a great freshman year.
Megan (Camill) Schneider megan.schneider@knoxschools.org
This is my second year teaching at Fulton. I teach Social Studies and English in the Special Education department. My passion is English, as I have always loved to read. Hopefully that love of reading rubs off on my students. Communication skills, verbal or written, are key whether students are furthering their education or embarking on the work world. My hope is that my class gives students the skills to be successful in wherever their future may lead them. For freshman I am teaching English 1 this semester and World History next semester.
Ryan Vowell ryan.vowell@knoxschools.org
My name is Ryan Vowell and this is my first year at Fulton High School serving as an ACT Prep teacher. I am ecstatic to have this opportunity to work in such an innovative school, especially one so focused on student achievement and advancement. My ultimate goal is not only to meet the new goals set by Knox County Schools of increasing graduation rates and raising ACT scores, but also to make a difference in the lives of my students. This is in keeping with my desire to effect change on an individual and social level, exert positive influence within the community and help future generations realize their full potential. The ACT Prep English Workshop is designed to assist freshmen in acquiring the skills necessary for success in testing, high school, college acceptance, career planning and real world scenarios which require critical thinking and problem solving. The course content primarily focuses on preparedness for the three English areas of the ACT as well as the English I end of course (EOC) exam. Students will participate in writing assignments, classroom simulations, online discussions, practice exams, etc.
Ashley Walther ashley.walther@knoxschools.org
I am the 9th grade Algebra I and Algebra IA teacher on the Peregrine Wing (but I do teach some Merlin students). If your student is in Algebra I they will see me for 45 minutes a day for the entire year. If your student is in Algebra IA they will see me for 90 minutes a day for the entire year. I have been very impressed with the brain power of this year's 9th grade class. We are off to a great start and I expect it will only get better! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via email. I'd love to chat with you about your student. Kimberly Young kimberly.young@knoxschools.org
My name is Kimberly Young. I am an Algebra I teacher this year at Fulton High School. This is my first year at Fulton High and I am really excited to be here. I just received my masters in Math Education from University of Tennessee and I have my bachelors from the University of Tennessee in Mathematics with a minor in Secondary Education. My classes consist of Algebra 1 and Algebra 1A. We will be exploring exponents, inequalities, radicals, solving equations, and graphing equations and parabolas. I really look forward to teaching Algebra and sharing my passion for mathematics with the students here at Fulton.
Tenth Grade NewsletterWelcome to the Merlin Newsletter!
Principal: Ms.Ara Rickman
Dean: Ms. Emily Dalton
Counselor: Mrs. Kim Christodoulou
Advocate: Ms. JaNay' Bryant
The Merlin Wing is off to a great start!
Some upcoming things that parents and students need to be aware of:
1. Parent/Teacher Conferences are Tuesday, 20 September. Come talk to your student's
teachers and get to meet them and ask questions about their classes.
2. PLAN TEST: All Sophomores will take the ACT Plan Test on Wednesday, 21 September. The testing will begin promptly at 8:25, so please make certain that your student is here on time.
3. The end of the 2nd grading period is Thursday, 22 September. Progress reports will go home early the following week.
4. Access to the Fusion Page is available to all parents and students. You can access all of your student's teachers' class pages, where the teachers update the happenings in their classrooms.
5. Parent Portal, is a valuable resource for you to use to keep up with your student's
grades. If you do not have your log-in information, please come to the school and pick up that information. Tuesday night for Parent/Teacher conferences would be a great time to pick it up if you have not already done so.
We have officially begun the Nest. The purpose of the Nest is to allow students who are struggling
in a core class to have some extra practice in that class. The students use the computer program
Odyssey to practice and make-up work from the core class. This will help the student improve his/her
grade in the core class.
Homecoming Week is 9/19-9/22
Monday: Tacky Day
Tuesday: Nerd Day
Wednesday: Crazy Hair Day
Thursday: Falcon Pride Day
Students must remain in professional attire (polos) except on Thursday, they may wear a Fulton t-shirt.
Parents: We need your help and encouragement!
We are still struggling with tardies in the Merlin wing. We have too many students not getting to class on time. The students serve an hour of detention during Power Hour for each tardy they receive. If the student skips detention then they are placed in In School Suspension and after three occurances of In School Suspension then they begin receiving Out of School Suspension.
Please encourage your student to get to class on time, in dress code, and with all materials every day!
Parent/Teacher ConferencesFulton High School is holding Parent/Teacher Conferences on September 20, 2011, from 5:00-7:00 pm. We hope you will all be able to attend.
 Freshman OrientationFreshmen and families:
All members of the Class of 2015 and their families should plan to attend Freshman Orientation on Friday, Aug. 12, from 8 a.m.-noon. Peregrine and Merlin freshmen should be in professional Fulton attire for this 1/2 day of school. Buses will run. (To find bus routes, times, and pick-up places, go to http://96.4.96.136/edulog/webquery/). Freshmen will be the only students at Fulton on this day, and this is a great opportunity to get acclimated to the building. Come and pick up your schedule, meet your teachers, and walk through your classes. Staff will be available to help and answer questions. Please join us as you get ready for your first day of high school! Agenda 8-8:30 a.m. ……………………………………….Location: 3rd Floor Lobby Ø Get class schedule 8:30-10 a.m. ………………...Location: Auditorium (Entrance on 2nd Floor) Ø 8:30-8:45 – Welcome (Ara Rickman, Merlin principal) Ø 8:45-9:00 – Falcon 360 overview (Brooke Hartman, Peregrine principal) Ø 9:00-9:20 – Student schedules (Ms. White and Ms. Christodoulou, guidance counselors) Ø 9:20-9:35 – Project G.R.A.D. introductions (Ms. Nicole Chandler) Ø 9:35-9:45 – Materials and supplies (Ms. Dalton, Merlin dean) Ø 9:45-9:55 – Building introduction (Ms. Kuhens, Peregrine 9th grade team leader) 9:55 a.m. …………………………………………Release from auditorium Ø 10:00-11:30 – Walk through class schedule
Ø Conclude -- snacks and Club Fair (Get involved!)  2011-12 School SuppliesAll freshmen and sophomores:
Your required school supplies for the 2011-12 school year are listed below. These are the basic supplies you should bring to school at the start of the year to be prepared for each day. All of your teachers will expect you to have these items and will use them in each of their classrooms. If you or your family cannot purchase these items, please see your small learning community Project G.R.A.D. advocate. There are many ways Fulton can provide assistance, but you must speak up so we know to help. To ensure that your year starts off well and continues successfully, please have: 3 2-inch, 3-ring binders (each a different color) for classes
1 1/2-inch binder, any color, for Enrichment 6 sets of dividers Pencils
Pens
Notebook paper
Highlighters
Bookbag
Lock
Individual teachers may ask you to provide other supplies throughout the year (notecards, colored pencils, additional binder dividers), but in general, please arrive with the above items at the beginning of the year. Welcome!To the returning Falcons, we welcome you for another year of hard work and success. To our new Falcons, we are excited to welcome you into our school and know that you will continue the progress demonstrated by our upperclassmen. The expectation is for challenge, learning, and success. As we begin the school year, we encourage each student to begin making goals and setting standards that lead to graduation from Fulton High School. Here we go!
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