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Fairfield Area Middle School

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In The Middle of Fairfield June Newsletter

Posted Date: 06/08/26 (08:51 AM)


In the Middle of Fairfield

In the Middle of Fairfield FAMS - June 2026 End of the Year ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
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In the Middle of Fairfield


  📣 Principal's Post


 

We have officially reached the finish line of the 2025-2026 school year! It is incredible to look back at August and see just how much our students have grown: academically, socially, and personally. We closed out the year with so much positive energy through our Knight-a-Thon and end-of-year celebrations, and I want to congratulate all of our students on their hard work and achievements.


To our departing 8th graders, we wish you the absolute best as you make the exciting transition to high school; you are ready for this next chapter. To our rising 7th and 8th graders, we look forward to seeing you step up as the new leaders of our building. I hope everyone takes the summer months to relax, have fun, and truly reenergize so we can hit the ground running next year.


Thank you, families, for your incredible partnership and support all year long. Have a wonderful, safe, and happy summer!


Thank you,

Justin Hoffacker


MS Principal


Check out the State Parent Advisory Council’s May Newsletter

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

🏆 Knights of the Month 🏆

The Knights of the Month are selected by their teachers for best representing

the qualities of a Knight, by being RespectfulResponsible, 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! 

 

 🏆 Fairfield Knights of the Month 🏆   May


5th Grade

🌟 Fairfield Knight Recognition 🌟


Avriel Stahl 👏

Avriel we are so proud of you and your accomplishments during quarter 4! You’ve displayed the qualities of a Knight many times and are a great role model! 

 

6th Grade

🌟 Fairfield Knight Recognition 🌟


Owen Sherman 👏

Owen Sherman is a strong candidate for Knight of the Month because he has come very far over the school year and continues to grow in his motivation and effort. He is helpful to others and is always willing to support his classmates and teachers when needed. Owen also shows great character by making good choices, even in difficult situations, and setting a positive example for those around him. 

 

Presley Reading 👏

Presley Reading is a wonderful candidate for Knight of the Month because she is very polite, respectful, and consistently helpful to both her classmates and teachers. She always follows directions the first time they are given and sets a positive example for others in the classroom. Presley can be counted on to do her best in all situations and shows great responsibility in her schoolwork and behavior.

 

8th Grade

🌟 Fairfield Knight Recognition 🌟


Gracelynn McClain 👏

Gracelynn epitomizes what it means to be a Fairfield Knight of the Month. She is always prepared for class and willing to volunteer. Gracelynn conducts herself with respect for herself and others, modeling mature behavior while still bringing energy to the classroom. She exudes confidence and positivity as well as kindness and empathy. All of these attributes combined with academic dedication make Gracelynn a Fairfield Knight of the Month.

 

Aaron Benner  👏

Aaron is the type of student who brings lively intelligence and energy to the classroom. He is willing to volunteer and take academic chances, providing a positive example of how a successful student engages with learning unfamiliar concepts. Aaron is respectful and cooperative, taking his responsibilities seriously, and is therefore a Fairfield Knight of the Month.

 

Kaity Gibbon 👏

Kaity is a student who is unfailingly polite and conscientious. Her commitment to fulfilling her responsibilities shows her respect for the learning process, and her quiet cooperativeness is beneficial for the entire class, especially when working with her classmates. Kaity’s preparedness and intelligence, resulting in academic success, exemplifies what it means to be a Fairfield Knight of the Month.

 

First Day of 2026-2027 School Year - 8/19/26

Middle School Back to School Night - 8/18/26 from 5:00-6:30

 

📢 What's Happening in our Classrooms


8th Grade Classrooms


To the 8th Grade Students soon to be 9th Grade Students,

Congratulations and thank you for a wonderful school year. You've made it and we are so very proud of you! Good luck next year in high school with all of your adventures (not that you'll need it). Don't forget to come visit!


To the parents, 

Thank you for entrusting your children to us and for your constant support this year. It meant so much to our team! Good students are a reflection of good parents and good parenting. Thank you for all that you've done to help your student(s) and us this year!


The 8th Grade Team

 

Above is a picture of the Class of 2030's handprint tile that will hang in Miss Yealy's classroom (Room 106). It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to teach each of your students this year! They will be missed next year! Have a great summer!


Miss Yealy

 

6th Grade Classrooms


ELA

As we wrap up an exciting year in 6th grade ELA, I am so proud of the growth students have shown as readers, writers, and thinkers. One of our final highlights was a narrative writing project in which students researched notable people from history and today, then stepped into their shoes to write a “Day in the Life” narrative from a first-person perspective. This project allowed students to combine research skills with creativity as they brought their chosen figures to life through vivid storytelling and voice. It has been wonderful watching them develop confidence in their writing and take pride in their work as we end the school year. Baby Drew and I would like to thank all of the students and parents for being very patient with me as this was a whirlwind of a year in ELA. I thank you all for your care and support! I wish everyone a safe and exciting summer! 

 

Math

I am so excited to celebrate the end of a successful 6th grade year! We accomplished so much in math this year. The students showed incredible growth, especially since I, Ms. Gibbons started in December. I am so proud to see the progress each student has made. Our students also did an amazing job at 6th grade camp! Although I am sad my journey is at an end for this group of students, I am looking forward to watching them flourish in 7th grade!

 

Congratulations

Huge congratulations to Ms. Sanders on being selected to receive the 

New Teacher Grant from AC/PASR!

 

The selection committee noted how impressed they were with her creative approach to engaging students while simultaneously finding ways to reach out into our community.


Ms. Sanders already has several exciting projects lined up for next school year that will utilize these funds to enrich our students' learning experiences. We are incredibly proud to have her on our team and look forward to seeing these projects come to life! 👏

 

Counselor’s Office


Keeping the Edge: Balanced Summer Learning

As we head into the summer break, it is important to remember that while our classrooms are closed, learning doesn't have to stop. Research shows that students can lose a significant amount of their academic progress over the summer months. To help prevent this "summer slide" and ensure our students hit the ground running in August, we highly encourage families to build a balanced summer routine that combines digital practice, reading, and outdoor exploration.

A great summer routine doesn't need to take up the whole day. Setting aside just 15 to 20 minutes, three times a week, can make a massive difference. We recommend focusing on three impactful areas:

  • Stay Sharp with IXL: A quick session on IXL will help students retain what they learned this year and build confidence for their next grade level. Students can log in using their usual school credentials to work on personalized recommendations or practice core math and language arts skills.

  • Visit the Local Library: Reading is one of the best ways to keep the mind active. Make regular trips to the library a family habit. Beyond grabbing a great book or participating in a summer reading challenge, exploring the library teaches students how to research topics they are genuinely interested in.

  • Explore Nature: Learning happens everywhere, especially outdoors. Use the warmer weather to explore local parks, hike trails, or study backyard wildlife. Unplugging and getting outside encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a hands-on appreciation for science and the environment.

Whether it is practicing math first thing in the morning, reading a library book during a quiet afternoon window, or exploring a local trail in the evening, these small habits keep the mind engaged. Keep our students sharp, curious, and prepared for success!

 

Mrs. Bechtel’s Classroom


Mrs.Bechtel, Ms.Robin, and all the students in Mrs. Bechtel’s classes would like to wish everyone a safe and relaxing summer. We would also like to wish our Eighth graders well wishes as they venture to their next journey-High School. We wish them good luck with all that they do.

I want to thank all of my parents for their continued support throughout this school year . It was an amazing first year. I am looking forward to being back next year where I can continue to watch our students blossom and grow! 

Happy Summer!

 

Ms. Ott's Room


Congratulations on making it to summer break! You should be so proud of the effort and hard work put into this school year. I have seen so much growth in all of you. Good luck to 8th grade on their journey to high school! I am looking forward to hearing about how well you continue to perform. My current 7th graders - I have a wonderful summer. I will see you next year. My upcoming 7th graders - I cannot wait to meet you all. 


A huge thank you to the parents and guardians of the students I had this year. You all helped me survive my first year teaching. The constant communication and updates really helped me to get to know your students. I appreciate everything you have done to help your child to be successful!


Relax these next three months, you all deserve it!

 

Library


What a year of growth and discovery we had in the middle and high school library this year! The library’s new 3d printers, laser engraver, and one button studio supported many engaging learning experiences for students and teachers.


Mrs. Mickley challenges students to keep discovering! Here are three ways to learn (while still having fun) over the summer:


  1. Complete tutorials on Tinkercad to learn how to 3d design. Students can go to the resources tab of the Middle School Library Users group in Schoology to join Mrs. Mickley’s Tinkercad class, if they are not already in a class.

  2. Read our library’s ebook collection.  Go to www.mycapstonelibrary.com and use the username: fairms and the password: school 

  3. Explore all the public library has to offer! Check out some books from the public library and attend some of their exciting free programs. Go to www.adamslibrary.org for more information.

 

Music Department

🎶 Middle School Music Department Updates 🎶


Mrs. Mills - 7th Grade just finished up learning to play basics of guitar such as note reading, tablature and chord charts. Hopefully, there are some aspiring guitar heroes out there after our class. 


Mrs. Mills - 6th Grade just finished up the quarter learning to play chords on the ukulele. They did a great job and I hope they had fun learning a new instrument. 

 

Congratulations to our 7th and 8th grade band and chorus for their adjudication on May 15th at High Note Festivals. The band received a good rating and the chorus received an excellent rating. The students then enjoyed the day at Hersheypark.

 

⅞ Chorus High Note Festivals at Hershey Free Church

 

⅞ Band High Note Festival at Hershey Free Church

 

7th & 8th Grade Band & Chorus, Hershey

 

Show choir

Congratulations to all who made show choir for the 2026-27 School year:

Clara Behr, Lily Behr, Qianna Chendikum, Adele Hess, Charlotte Holmes, Ysabella Japzon, Keri McGlaughlin, Raelynn McKenrick, Savi Munsee, Ayla Murphy, Selena Rumph, Tori Snyder, and Gabby Vega-Fritts. 

 

Athletics

Congratulations to the MS Girls Soccer Team on an undefeated season!

Autumn S., Felicity P., Samantha J., Natalee W., Gracelynn M., Zoe Y., Laura B., Aubrey H., Paisley G., Molly R., Layla P. 

(Missing from the picture is Mia G., Hadley H., Riley K., Coach Owen and Coach Mandy)

 

Fun In the Middle School


Celebrating Our Seniors: Senior Walk 2026

Cheering on our Seniors

Knight - A - Thon


Staff Fun

⚾ 1st Annual Staff Softball Game! ⚾


Math 24 School Tournament

We had a wonderful day 'Mathing' by completing Math 24 cards, tournament style. Our FASD Middle School's Math 24 Tournament hosted 56 total students and proctored by 15 high school student volunteers. The groups were separated into 5th/6th grade and 7th/8th grade. All students participated in rounds one and two. Students who were in the top 12 entered the semi finals and students who were in the top four entered the finals. Our winners are as follows:


5/6th grade:

1st: Sean Moxley

2nd: Caroline Kump

3rd: Olivia Hess


7/8th grade:

1st: Emry Ebaugh

2nd: Cody McGlaughlin

3rd: Tanner Packard


All the students did fantastic and we are so proud of their hard work! 

 

📣 📆  Attention to Attendance  📝📩


Miss Sites is our Attendance Secretary for Middle School and High School! She will be your primary point of contact for all things attendance-related.

Whether you’re:

  • Reporting an absence

  • Following up on a tardy

  • Or have questions about attendance policies...

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:

  • Students are allowed 10 parent notes per school year for absences.

  • Doctor’s notes are best whenever possible — they help ensure absences are excused properly!


Thank you for helping us keep attendance on track. We’re looking forward to a great school year!

 


Going out of town? A Family Vacation?

You'll need to complete an Educational Journey FormStudents 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.

 

Important Documents and Links

Student Handbook
Educational Journey Form
Middle School Web Page
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