FJC Updates 3/28/2025

Posted Date: 3/28/25 (9:00 PM)

Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School

"The Place to be is Always FJC!"

Advertisement for STEAM Night on APril 8th from 6-8 pm

Join Us for STEAM Dream Factory Night!

Attention FJC Students and Families!

We are excited to invite you to our STEAM Dream Factory Night on April 8th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM! This hands-on evening is an opportunity for students and their families to unleash their creativity, tackle engaging challenges, explore exciting technology, and discover the wonders of math and science.

In past years, students have had the chance to design and test their paper airplanes, explore 3D virtual worlds, try their hands at coding, and so much more! Who knows what fun activities this year will bring?

This event is perfect for sparking curiosity, promoting teamwork, and igniting a love for learning in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). So bring your creativity, your problem-solving skills, and your sense of adventure – we can't wait to see you there!

Date: April 8th

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Rocky Point High School

Come ready to explore, experiment, and dream big!

We hope to see you there!

Strategic Plan Spotlight: Student Centered Learning

As part of our district’s strategic plan, one of our key goals is Student-Centered Learning—an approach that places the student at the heart of the learning experience. This innovative method not only shifts the focus from the teacher to the student but also empowers learners to take an active role in shaping their educational journey.

To help bring this vision to life, Ms. Meschi and Ms. Proffit, FJC’s representatives on the Student-Centered Learning subgroup, recently led a professional development session for our teachers. This session was designed to highlight effective student-centered learning practices and how they can be incorporated into everyday classroom activities.

One teacher who is putting this new approach into action is Ms. Edmonds, a first-grade teacher here at FJC. Ms. Edmonds has implemented a dynamic system of Student-Centered Learning Centers that encourages more student choice and autonomy in the classroom.

The centers are organized into four distinct categories, each with a unique purpose:

MUSTARD: This is the “must-do” center where students focus on required tasks they need to complete before moving on to other activities.
PICKLE: Students get to choose the order in which they complete the centers, allowing for collaboration with peers and a personalized pace.
MAYO: This center gives students the opportunity to select which activity they would like to engage in, fostering creativity and independence.
KETCHUP: This designated time allows students to “catch up” on any missing assignments, ensuring that no student falls behind.

By incorporating these student-centered practices, Ms. Edmonds has created an environment where students have more control over their learning, making it a more meaningful and engaging experience.

We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Edmonds and all of our teachers who continue to embrace innovative strategies that provide students with amazing learning opportunities. It’s exciting to see how this approach is helping our students thrive and take ownership of their education!

Keep an eye on how this powerful method continues to evolve across our school!

Students participating in Student Centered Learning

March Book Madness: A Reading Adventure in 2nd Grade!

March is here, and so is one of our favorite traditions—March Book Madness! This exciting, bracket-style reading tournament has become a beloved event for our second graders, and this year marks the fourth year of this incredible activity.

During March Book Madness, students will enjoy two read-alouds each day, with each book "competing" against another in a fun and friendly matchup. After hearing the stories, the students will vote on which book they think should move on to the next round. As the tournament progresses, the books will be narrowed down until one book becomes the March Book Madness Champion!

This fun, interactive event is not only about celebrating reading but also about fostering a love for books and encouraging friendly competition. Our amazing second grade teachers work collaboratively to get students excited about reading, introduce them to a variety of books, and cheer on the books they love together.

Ms. Youngs has spearheaded this initiative, and we are incredibly grateful for her dedication in organizing this annual event. Her leadership, along with the teamwork of the entire second grade team, ensures that March Book Madness is an experience our students look forward to year after year.

It’s more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of stories, creativity, and the joy of reading. We can’t wait to see which book will claim the title of March Book Madness Champion this year!

Happy reading, everyone! 📚

Upcoming Events

4/2- Skydome Assembly (gradesK-2)

4/7-4/10- Kindergarten Screening (by appointment)

4/8- STEAM Celebration, RP High School, 6-8pm

4/9- FJC Shared Decision Making Mtg., 3:30pm

4/14-4/18- Spring Recess (School Closed)

4/23- Budget Forum, RP High School, 6pm

4/23- Board of Education Mtg, RP High School, 7pm