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MS Families,
March is a marathon month in Middle Schools! It’s a long, steady stretch where the holiday breaks are a distant memory and our next break is something we can barely see on the horizon. This is the time of year when we hope to see our students’ character and academic endurance shine through.
However, as the days wear on, I’ve noticed some challenging behaviors creeping in. We’re seeing more friction in student-to-student relationships and, unfortunately, a lack of respect toward our lunchroom aides who work hard to keep things running smoothly for everyone. This is a perfect time to revisit the first R of our PBIS framework: Respect. Whether it’s how we speak to a peer or how we treat the staff supporting us during lunch, respect is the foundation of our school community. I’d appreciate your help in reinforcing this message at home as we push through the rest of the year.
I encourage you to sit down with your student and check for any missing assignments and help them to stay focused on their goals so they can finish this quarter strong. March is a big month for us as we prepare for two major things:
PSSA Readiness: Our teachers are beginning to weave more specific review and test-taking strategies into their lessons to ensure students feel confident and prepared for the state assessments in late April. -
Scheduling for Next Year: It’s hard to believe, but we are already beginning the process of looking toward the 2026-2027 school year! Please keep in mind that we evaluate a variety of factors during scheduling, looking far beyond just final grades and PSSA scores. The work students are doing right now truly matters. We consider benchmark scores, academic performance, and behavioral history, alongside the daily growth and effort we observe in our classrooms every day.
Our last set of parent teacher conferences are March 26th. If you have concerns about your child’s academic progress, be sure to schedule a conference. 8th graders, be on the lookout for information regarding course selections and transitions as we help our students plan their next steps.
Thank you for helping your child stay the course during this busy month. Let’s make every day count!
Justin Hoffacker
MS Principal
Check out the State Parent Advisory Council’s March Newsletter: Helping Student Learn
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🏆 Knights of the Month 🏆
The Knights of the Month are selected by their teachers for best representing
the qualities of a Knight, by being Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to Learn!
🎉 Congratulations to the following students! 🏰
These outstanding students were chosen by their teachers for consistently demonstrating what it means to be a Knight — by being Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to Learn each and every day.
👏 Keep up the great work, and thank you for being shining examples for your peers!
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Azari Gilchrest |
Azari exhibits the qualities of a Fairfield knight by being consistently respectful, responsible, and ready to learn. Azari always tries her best with every assignment. She will often take things home to complete when she doesn't feel as though she will get it completed on time. She takes her academics very seriously and wants to always do her very best;. She is respectful of other students when working in groups and is always willing to help her classmates. Azari does not give up when faced with obstacles. She will push through and try even difficult tasks. She is prepared for class with her assignments and materials. She demonstrates readiness to learn by always striving to do her best, and she will ask questions for clarification. She is an excellent role model for other students. We are very proud of Azari and her hard work this month. |
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Bobby (Alek) Smith |
Alek exhibits the qualities of a knight by being consistently respectful, responsible, and ready to learn. He is always prepared for class with materials and completed assignments. He asks questions, works well in a groups as well as individually. He is an excellent role model for other students both behaviorally and academically. We are very proud of Alek for being chosen as our Knight of the Month. |
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Andrew Hamm |
Andrew, you have made incredible gains this month! You’ve shown respect, responsibility, and leadership in the classroom, setting a great example for both your teachers and your peers. Thank you for being such an amazing Knight—we are proud of you! Keep up the great work! |
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Claire Gibbon |
Claire demonstrates the qualities of a knight by being respectful, responsible, and ready to learn. She shows respect in her communications with classmates and all staff members she encounters. She is a very polite young lady and a good friend to others. She demonstrates responsibility by arriving to class on time and prepared with her materials. She shows she is ready to learn by participating in small group discussions and being prepared to answer when called upon, even if it takes her a bit out of her comfort zone. She also takes advantage of additional help when it's offered, like completing study guide pages before the upcoming science test to receive feedback from her teacher. We are very proud of Claire and her hard work this month! |
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Colton Wolf |
Colton demonstrates the qualities of a knight by being respectful, responsible, and ready to learn. Colton shows respect for the teacher by obeying quiet signals and listening respectfully during lessons. He shows respect for his classmates by his kind words and actions. He shows responsibility by arriving promptly to class, ready to go with his materials. He shows he is ready to learn with his increased participation this month in both math and science class, and also going the extra mile to complete his optional study guide pages.
He has also impressed Ms. Gibbons
with his focus in class and ability to tune out distractions around him.
We are very proud of Colton and the example he sets for his peers.
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Gage Creager |
It’s hard to find a student who balances a great sense of humor with genuine leadership as well as Gage does. He has a real knack for reading people and knowing exactly when a classmate needs a hand. Whether he’s cracking a well-timed joke or participating in a class discussion, Gage sets a standard for what a 7th grader should be. He’s the kind of student who just makes the classroom environment better for everyone. |
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Hailey Fisher |
If you’re looking for someone who truly puts others first, look no further than Hailey. Hailey is one of our most reliable volunteers in class and brings a level of thoughtfulness to our grade that we really appreciate. She’s got a huge heart, and it shows in her work and her friendships every day. |
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Savannah Munsee |
Savi is the type of student who combines excellent academic credentials with maturity, an engaging personality, and respect for others. She is always prepared and willing to try new things. Savi’s ability to collaborate with other students facilitates the learning process for the entire class. She takes her responsibilities seriously, showing dedication to performing to the best of her ability. Therefore, Savi is the definition of a Fairfield Knight of the Month. |
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Porter Holmes |
Porter is the type of student who brings life to the classroom in the best possible way. He is always willing to volunteer and exhibits genuine curiosity combined with his ambition to learn. Porter is an excellent student who works well with others, showing respect, empathy, and kindness in all of his interactions. Combined with a sense of humor and a responsible attitude, these attributes make Porter a Fairfield Knight of the Month. |
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Important Dates for March & April
March 13 – No School (Teacher In-Service)
March 26 – Parent-Teacher Conferences (3:30 PM – 7:00 PM) March 27 – End of the Marking Period
April 2 & April 3 – No School (Spring Break) April 6 – Snow Make-Up Day (School in Session)
PSSA Testing - April 20th - 24th
PSSA Testing April 27th - May 1st
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English Language Arts
We have had a busy year so far . . . The start of 2026 saw us wrapping up Unit 3, Places We Call Home, the essential question of which was, "What are the places that shape who you are?" We explored how people develop and change according to their surroundings and the other people around them. Our next unit was The Fight for Freedom, reading texts relating to the essential question: What will people risk to be free? Students read and analyzed writings by Frederick Douglass as well as an excerpt from Harriet Tubman’s biography, culminating in a Socratic Seminar where students led the discussion on how these writings help us understand the abolitionist movement. At the end of March, we are anticipating a collaborative research project with Mrs. Mickley, our school librarian, who received a grant from the Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education Foundation for this purpose. The Tangible Past: Human Stories of the Holocaust ties directly into our HMH unit, The Legacy of Anne Frank, in which students delve into the essential question: What can we learn from Anne Frank? As always, the students have continued to bring life into everything about which we are reading, writing about, and discussing, providing a sense of anticipation for what they will achieve next!
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Social Studies
During this month we started to cover Westward Expansion in the United States from post War of 1812 to all the way after the Civil War. The students learned about the Mexican-American War during this unit as well. Students were given the opportunity to explore and play the game the Oregon Trail which allows them to see what life was like for many people that were moving west and the dangers that they faced. Students also learned about the completion of the transcontinental railroad and the lasting impact that it had on the United States and westward expansion. During this unit we also covered the Battle of the Alamo and its impact on Texas independence and eventually Texas joining the United States. Students were able to take a virtual tour of what is left of the Alamo and learn about its significance in American history.
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Science
This past month we wrapped up our Movie Magic! Unit. This unit dealt with Electromagnetism, force, gravity, and many other topics. We have just started our Are They Among Us? Unit which opens with labs dealing with fossils, the Earth’s strata, and using those to better understand biological evolution. We will be learning about the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations, driven by mechanisms like natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation.
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Math
It has been a productive month in our classroom. We have just finished up our chapter on slope-intercept form, y=mx+b, standard form, Ax+By=C, and point-slope form, y−y1=m(x−x1). Students practiced finding slope both from a line on the graph and from two given points, and many showed improved accuracy and confidence. We explored the difference between a slope of zero (a horizontal line) and an undefined slope (a vertical line), and students enjoyed the visual comparisons and real-world examples that helped solidify their understanding. Class discussions clarified parallel lines (same slope) versus perpendicular lines (inverse reciprocal slopes), and several groups correctly identified and explained these relationships. Through partner work and independent practice, students graphed and wrote linear equations from various forms; I was proud to see collaborative problem solving and respectful peer support. Thank you for your ongoing support in encouraging your child to participate and practice—your involvement makes a meaningful difference!
Tutoring Opportunity: Miss Yealy will offer after-school tutoring from 2:45pm to 3:30pm most Tuesdays and Thursdays for students who would like extra support with class material. Tutoring sessions are a great chance for small-group instruction, targeted practice, and quick checks on any questions from class or homework. If your student would like to attend (either regularly or for a single session) please email Miss Yealy at yealye@fairfield.k12.pa.us to schedule. If transportation to get your student home after is an issue please reach out.
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Algebra
In Algebra, students have continued to excel in class, demonstrating strong leadership, collaboration with their peers, and problem‑solving skills. Over the past month we have focused on functions, and students have made fantastic progress in their understanding of the material. They have been identifying functions from sets of relations, using the vertical line test to determine whether a graph represents a function, working with input and output, domain and range, and distinguishing independent vs dependent variables. Students have also learned to tell the difference between discrete and continuous domains and ranges, and have practiced function notation. We are now moving into standard form, slope–intercept form, and exploring absolute value functions and their graphs. Students have been very supportive of one another as they worked in groups to find solutions to various problems. Thank you for your ongoing support in encouraging your child to participate and practice—your involvement makes a meaningful difference!
Tutoring Opportunity: Miss Yealy will offer after-school tutoring from 2:45pm to 3:30pm most Tuesdays and Thursdays for students who would like extra support with class material. Tutoring sessions are a great chance for small-group instruction, targeted practice, and quick checks on any questions from class or homework. If your student would like to attend (either regularly or for a single session) please email Miss Yealy at yealye@fairfield.k12.pa.us to schedule. If transportation to get your student home after is an issue please reach out.
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ELA
Lately, we’ve been looking toward the stars with a unit on Space Exploration. It’s been a neat mix of genres—the kids are digging into the "how-to" of life in orbit through informational texts, but then we’re also seeing how those same ideas play out in science fiction. It’s sparked some great debates about what’s actually possible versus what's just a good story, and it's been fun to see them start to bridge the gap between hard science and creative writing. Alongside our space unit, we’ve also spent a lot of time in the 1600s with The Witch of Blackbird Pond. It’s a classic for a reason, and the students are really connecting with Kit’s journey. We’re having some great conversations in class, and I’d love for those to continue at home! If you’re looking for a way to chat with your child about what we’re learning, try tossing this out at dinner tonight: "If you were living in a community like the one in The Witch of Blackbird Pond, do you think it’s harder to stand up for a friend when everyone else is against them, or to be the person who has to ask for help in the first place?"
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ELA
Students continue to work on reading and writing skills. They have just completed a research project focused on different exhibits in the Natural History Museum. Students picked their topic, researched it, wrote about it, then presented their own version of an “exhibit” to the class. “Exhibits” included projects like 3D printed artifacts, informational posters, timelines, and news articles. With the help of Mrs. Mickley in the library, students learned different research techniques and how to correctly cite information! Students continue to work on their book report projects where during this month, they read a book of their choice and create a report and project about it.
Math
In 6th grade math, we are currently working on expressions. Students have been revisiting the order of operations to strengthen and apply their previous understanding to new concepts. We are focusing on writing, evaluating, and simplifying numerical expressions with confidence and accuracy. This work helps build a strong foundation for future topics like algebraic expressions and equations. Students are learning to show their thinking clearly and check their work carefully.
Science
Students have enjoyed getting competitive in their quest for earth science knowledge while competing in The Great Air Race against their peers in other blocks. They have taken on the role of pilots trying to interpret weather and atmospheric conditions to chart the safest and fastest course across the U.S.
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ELA
We have been busy in ELA. The students just completed a book trailer project that they worked on in the library with Mrs. Shaffer and Mrs. Mickley. They used Canva in order to produce their book trailers, and they came out very well. Please have your student share his/her book trailer with you! We are continuing to read Because of Winn Dixie and we are learning about numerous literary elements through the book as well as exploring themes and main ideas of the text. When we are finished reading the novel, the fifth graders will compare and contrast the book with the movie. This is always a big hit!
Students are getting ready to construct multi paragraph responses to literature. When completing such a piece of writing, students will be using the acronym RACES. Please have your child explain this concept to you.
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As we are now deep into the third quarter, I was recently discussing with my students how far we have come and all that we have accomplished during the first half of the school year. I am incredibly proud of how hard the students work both in and out of our classroom. They persevere through every task that is given to them, and it truly shows.
We are beginning to move into more challenging areas in ELA and Math as we prepare for the upcoming PSSA testing. The content will become more rigorous, and students will need to give their best effort on each and every assignment. As Knights, I have no doubt they will rise to the occasion and conquer any difficult tasks that come their way.
ELA
In ELA, we have started our Writing Unit. Students have been introduced to the hamburger paragraph template and rubric. They are using this graphic organizer as a checklist to ensure their writing includes a strong topic sentence, detailed supporting sentences, and a clear concluding sentence.We are focusing on strengthening supporting details with descriptive adjectives and a variety of vocabulary words. Next, students will begin the editing process, concentrating on writing mechanics such as capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. As they continue to build their writing skills, students will be introduced to the RACES strategy, which will help them analyze text and use text evidence to support their responses in a structured and thoughtful way.
Math
In Math, students are multiplying two-digit numbers by two- and three-digit numbers and have begun tackling long division. Understanding place value and mastering basic multiplication and division facts will greatly support students as they work through these new and more complex skills. We will continue to analyze the steps and processes we use to solve math problems, which will help build confidence and accuracy as students prepare for the PSSA Math standardized test.Field Trip News
In May, we will be taking a field trip in which students will be 100 percent involved in scheduling, planning, and working out the details of the day. This experience will help reinforce important social, vocational, and transitional skills. Stay tuned—more details about this exciting opportunity will be shared in next month’s newsletter!Stay warm and start thinking Spring!
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Our 8th-grade students recently reached a milestone by completing their middle school SmartFutures online curriculum and transitioning into experiential learning. During a first responder presentation, students explored the application processes and essential skills for careers in public safety, gaining an inside look at the grit and training required to become a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic. A field trip to the Adams County Technical Institute further broadened their horizons, offering a firsthand look at high school program pathways. At the same time, students in grades 5-7 successfully concluded their units on entrepreneurship and strategic goal setting.
Did you know you can view your child’s career interest profiles on SmartFutures? We encourage you to log in with your student via Clever to review the career exploration badges they’ve earned, to see which careers they’ve set as potential “favorites,” and to review their progress in their K-12 Career Plan. It’s a fantastic way to see how their unique strengths align with future opportunities.
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Responder presentation |
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Responder presentation |
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Adams County Technical Institute |
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7th Grade students in Mr. Garza’s class recently explored the library’s new technology to bring the Middle Ages to life.
Under Mrs. Mickley’s guidance, students used the One Button Studio to record creative commercials "selling" time machines capable of traveling back to the Middle Ages.
Others used Tinkercad to design medieval artifacts and to be 3-D printed, such as the example shown below.
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5/6 KnightTime Calendar Link
7/8 KnightTime Calendar Link
7/8 Middle School Music Department Adjudication Information.
A letter was sent home with students regarding our adjudication and Hershey Park field trip on May 15. Money and forms are due Wednesday, April 1st. All checks made payable to FASD Music.
March is Music in our Schools Month
For more than 40 years, March has been officially designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools and communities across the nation.
We appreciate the support of our school board, administrators, students, parents and community members. The inclusion of music in our schools is vital and helps our students achieve the qualities featured in the Profile of a Graduate.
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5/6 Musician of the Month |
Congratulations to Haley Calore for being the 5/6 Musician of the Month! Haley is a dedicated member of the chorus, band, and chimes. She is consistently focused during rehearsal and serves as a positive role model for her peers. |
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7/8 Musician of the Month |
Congratulations to Gabriella Vega-Fritts for being the 7/8 Musician of the Month! Gabby has shown amazing growth in leadership, musicianship and overall talent. Her hard work and dedication is a true role model for her peers. |
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This winter, the middle school cheerleaders volunteered in elementary school classrooms each day after school until practice started. Thank you to Lilah, Keegan, Kinley, Kaity, Emma G, Gracelynn, Ella Y, Ella P, Penelope, Amelia, Emma K, Atley, Leah, and Helena for giving back to our school community and serving as role models for the elementary students. We are proud of you!
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Medication at School
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Have you seen the snow, or maybe the news? No school yesterday, and some snow this morning! Seems like the weather isn’t letting it go anytime soon. I just hope the sun decides it's time to take back its spotlight soon enough and finally let us change to spring. After all, I'm not sure about you, but I'm ready for spring break. Hope everyone stays warm, gets some nice blankets, and enjoys the change from winter to spring! - Qianna Chendikum
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Our district has amazing faculty and staff that deserve to be celebrated! 🎉
Please take a moment to nominate an outstanding Fairfield Area School District employee!
Do you know a teacher, staff member, or colleague who goes above and beyond? Whether you're a coworker inspired by a fellow employee, a parent impressed by your child's teacher, or a student impacted by a dedicated staff member, we want to hear about them!Nominate someone today for the Shining Knight recognition and help us celebrate those who make a difference every day! ✨
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Please use the tab above for nomination form to nominate any FASD employee.
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📣 Meet Our New Attendance Coordinator – Miss Sites!
We’re thrilled to welcome Miss Sites as our new Attendance Coordinator for Middle School and High School! She will be your primary point of contact for all things attendance-related.
Whether you’re:
Miss Sites is here to help!
Welcome to the team, Miss Sites — we’re so glad to have you!
📝 Need to Send a Note? It’s Easy!
Option 1: Go old-school
Handwrite a note and send it in with your student. ✍🏻
Option 2: Send an email
📩 Email Miss Sites directly at: sitesc@fairfield.k12.pa.us
👉 Be sure to include the reason your student was absent or late.
⏰ A Few Friendly Reminders:
Thank you for helping us keep attendance on track. We’re looking forward to a great school year!
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Going out of town? A Family Vacation?
You'll need to complete an Educational Journey Form. Students are allowed 5 educational journey days per year. Please submit your Educational Journey Form online or send in with your student. Please try and get it in at least 10 days prior to your trip.
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