FVMS UP and Coming EVENTS
Greetings Bengal Family,
As we enter the 4th quarter and approach the end of another school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have embarked upon together. This year, in particular, holds special significance as it marks the culmination of our time in this cherished school building before we transition to a new chapter in our school’s history.
For over a century, this building has been more than just a place where we come to learn and grow; it has been a home away from home, filled with countless memories, friendships, and experiences that have shaped who we are today. As we prepare to bid farewell to these familiar halls and classrooms, let us take this opportunity to celebrate and honor the legacy of excellence and community that we have built together by finishing the year strong.
Closing out the school year well is not only about academic achievement but also about embracing and living out the Bengal PRIDE that defines our school community. As you begin to navigate the final weeks of classes, exams, and projects, I challenge you to remain focused on your academics by studying and preparing for your tests/quizzes, completing all of your assignments, and asking questions when you don’t understand something in class. In addition, take some time to express your gratitude and appreciation to the teachers and staff members who have worked tirelessly to ensure your success and well-being throughout the school year.
Let’s make the most of our remaining time together in this beloved school building that has served Fuquay-Varina for over 100 years, cherishing every moment and creating lasting memories that we will carry with us into the next chapter of our journey. Make it a great 4th quarter and Go Bengals!!
Proud Principal of FVMS,
Kris Clark
A BIG reminder to students that YOU CAN, and are expected to do work at HOME if they don't finish in school or are ABSENT!
Finish Quarter 4 STRONG
Talent on Display
By Jennah Jalloh-Jamboria
The first-ever FVMS staff & student talent show is happening on May 2, 2024, from 6:00-7:00 pm and it will capture all the talent of our FVMS family. This will be our final large-scale production on this campus. With theater, dance, music and so much more! It’s produced by Ms. Lundberg, our theatre teacher, and her Advanced Dramatics students. They’ve been working on this project for a while, and now it’s brought to life! Each student serves as a mentor and supporter because theater is a family and core support source. The talent show will showcase what our students and staff are here to show and there’s a lot of talent at FVMS! Everyone is welcome to come. General admission is $3, and concessions will be available. We hope to see you there and all the cool stars will be in the auditorium.
Yours truly Jennah Jalloh-Jamboria 8th grade.
Upcoming Broadway Bengal Shows:
5/2/24: SPOTLIGHT! Staff & Student Talent Show, 6 pm
Band Concert on May 16th:
6th grade at 5:30 PM and 7th/8th grade at 7:00 PM
Fuquay Varina Middle School, FVHS, and Willow Spring will have our Track and Field Special Olympics events at s on May 3 at FVHS.
JOIN US & SUPPORT!
“Life is very interesting…in the end, some of your greatest pains become your greatest strengths.”
Drew Barrymore
7th & 8th grade Chorus students went to WCPSS All County Chorus on February 1st and 2nd. They rehearsed with other Middle School chorus students from across Wake County and presented a concert after 1.5 days of rehearsal!
7th & 8th-grade Chorus students went to MiddleFest, another Honor Choir event, on February 9th & 10th. They rehearsed with other middle school chorus students from across the state and presented a concert after 1.5 days of rehearsal!
8th Grade Concert Choir took on Carowinds Festival of Music on April 6 and they received a Superior Rating for their performance.
7th & 8th Grade Chorus students went to NCMEA All-State Chorus on April 19th & 20th. These students memorized five pieces of music before attending the event to sing with other talented musicians from across North Carolina. I am so proud of the hard work that they did.
The Bengals Scribblers Club had a visit from a former FVMS student Christopher Williams a UNC Journalism student.
He spoke about his experiences with writing and his aspiring journalism career.
“Men hate each other because they fear each other, and they fear each other because they don’t know each other, and they don’t know each other because they are often separated from each other.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thanks for All Your Hard Work
The pictures taken by Mrs. VanVield
The picture above Taken by Piper Smith
“Not all classrooms have four walls.” – Unknown
"Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together." –Scott Hayden
Health and PE
I have been teaching for 4 years. Before becoming a teacher, I worked for a year within the athletic department at the University of Connecticut! I worked with the football and basketball teams. I love having a positive impact on my students and being able to mix sports/athletics in with my full-time job.
Amanda Fox
6th Grade Science
I love teaching because every day is a new challenge, you never know what you are going to get and how you may help someone each day!
I graduated from Ohio State University in 2007 with my Master's of Education. I moved to North Carolina that same year to begin my teaching career in middle school science! I am married, have two wonderful children and one crazy dog! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family; reading, crafting, and Duck Donuts!
"The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called 'truth.'" –Dan Rather
I have been teaching for 27 years. I got into educations by watching a fellow college roommate and it peaked my interest. I also just love the learning process. I love teaching for the satisfaction of helping kids grow.
Melissa Gibson
ELA/SS 6th
I decided to go into teaching due to my desire to help young people to become well-rounded, productive citizens in society. I started my career here at FVMS and have been teaching for 21 years. I first started teaching special education then took an opportunity to teach English Language Arts.
Pamela Elkins
Career and Technical Education Grades 6-8
I was inspired to become a teacher in high school when we would travel to local elementary schools to read and help younger students with their classwork. We were a very small community so seeing the students I worked with thrive and grow would make me so happy!
I was born and raised in the small town of Van, West Virginia. It was an amazing place to grow up! I come from a generational coal mining family who showed me the importance of working hard. I went to college at Mountain State University and then got my Master's Degree to teach from Marshall University. I'm married to my high school sweetheart and we have one daughter. I love fishing, traveling, and anything that involves water!
6th, 7th, and 8th grade
Intro to Theatre, Dramatics & Advanced Dramatics
I'm completing my 17th year as a theatre teacher and have taught every grade from K through College!
Performing and Teaching have always been the peanut butter to jelly for me --> they go hand in hand. I love being creative and watching my students use their creativity to see what they can make with it. Whether it's design or a moody lighting choice, to make someone smile or to find connections in the play text with their peers on the stage. Watching as students discover their passion and light to use their creativity for good is so inspiring to me.
Laura McCracken
Chorus, Grades 6-8
I love teaching music to kids. Nothing makes me happier than spending the day with my students and making beautiful music with them.
I had some amazing teachers growing up in all different subject areas- not just music. However, two that stick out the most are my high school band director and choir director: Matt Edwards (Fuquay Varina HS) and Ruth McCoy (retired from Fuquay Varina HS).
"Educators are the only people who lose sleep over other people's kids." –Nicholas A. Ferroni
How is this school year going? Great! My students are working hard and learning a great amount of math skills.
What was best about this school year? I have enjoyed teaching some of the same students from 5th grade through 8th grade.
What was your best school experience? The best thing about teaching is when I run into former students out in public and they run up to hug me.
What was the best thing about teaching at this school? The family atmosphere we have at FVMS is unbeatable!
What was the worst thing about teaching at this school? Nothing!
How long have you taught at this school? This is my 3rd year at FVMS and my 23rd year of teaching.
What do you think about the new school? It is so exciting to have a brand new building with all new technology and materials.
BENGALS SPORTS TAKE
Come support Your FVMS Bengals!
Go Bengals!
Spring Sports is in Full Effect!
You might have heard of the FVMS Track team, but you might not know much about them. You might have questions. So, I plan to interview one of the Track Team’s coaches to answer those questions. I decided to interview the coach of the boys’ track team, Mr. Oates. As I began the interview, I had four burning questions.
What are the expectations of the Track Team?
Mr. Oates told me that he is hoping that the track team will be able to get to and win the conference for this year.
Define what success looks like for someone on the Track Team.
He said that success is when someone is showing up prepared for the practices, willing to try new events, and always trying their best.
What skills are important to utilize for Track?
He said that it is important to be determined, have good team spirit, and the ability to show great sportsmanship on the team.
How do you intend to help improve these skills for your students?
Mr. Oates said that he intends to help improve these skills with good organization and getting players on lots of events.
Written by Jacob Martin
You Will Be Missed...
Retiring Spring 2024
I Started at FVMS September 29, 1995
I was born and raised in New York, growing up on Long Island. I attended school at Syracuse University.
I started my teaching career as a substitute teacher at the high school I graduated from.
I moved to Raleigh in 1994 and have been teaching at FVMS since 1995. This is the only school in Wake County and NC that I have ever taught at.
I taught 6th grade math for 21 years and this is my 8th year teaching 8th grade!
After 28 years of teaching, I still enjoy teaching, interacting with students, and seeing how they grow over the years.
I started at FVMS in 1994
I am proud to say that I have been a part of the Bengal family for 37 years! I am originally from Wilmington, NC, and graduated many years ago, from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW). My major was in Special Education and added on Middle School Language Arts several years ago. I started teaching at Vance Elementary and then after 7 years started at FVMS.
My family includes my husband, Kevin, two grown sons, Tyler and Jeremy, their wives, and four grandchildren! I spend a great deal of time with the grandchildren, and enjoy the outdoors, gardening, beach, and boating. I also enjoy visiting my sisters in Wilmington.
"Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again." – Nelson Mandela
https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-quotes/310-no-matter-what-people-tell
FVMS Student Council
“Good leaders must first become good servants.” – Robert Greenleaf
FVMS Bengal Roars Created by
Mrs. VanVield
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher & Student Council Advisor
I taught for 28 years in New York, Florida, and North Carolina.
I love teaching students History; it allows students to learn history, and apply it to the present. Students can then decide on their role in society and yes hopefully they can make a positive impact in the world.