Orientation
The Middle School offers an open house for students enrolled in grades 5-8 prior to the start of the school year. New students are able to meet their ambassadors and all students meet their teachers, receive their textbooks, and set up their lockers. Parents and students in fifth grade also have the opportunity to learn more about the Fifth Grade Academy during this time.
The Upper School has two new student orientations before the start of school: one for ninth graders and one for all new tenth through twelfth grade students. During these orientations, students receive their schedules, meet their ambassadors, walk around campus, engage with faculty and staff, and learn relevant FCDS information.
Ambassadors (MS/US) - The Ambassador program is made up of current FCDS students who welcome new students into the community by connecting with students before the year begins, assisting with orientation events, and easing the transition to a new school. Ambassadors also host visiting students on prospective student visit days, serve on student panels, and help with wayfinding and greeting at community events.
Tutorial for Middle and Upper School Students - All Middle and Upper School teachers offer tutorial at no extra cost Monday through Thursday from 3:20 p.m.-3:45 p.m. Teachers will be in their classrooms during this time for students to make up missed work, ask questions, and receive individual explanation, enrichment, or extra help.
School counselors
Our team of College Counselors supports our Upper School students from ninth grade through graduation. They provide each student with the guidance, support, encouragement, and information necessary to make appropriate choices for future opportunities. They counsel students on self-advocacy, setting realistic goals, and academic planning, and we strive to create a school-wide atmosphere that celebrates students and their future plans across a broad range of options.
Our Middle School and Upper School Counselors, Jen Gornik and Liz Ahern, are available for individual, small group, and family support. The counseling program is designed to meet the changing personal and academic needs of students at each developmental stage of their school lives.
New student meetings/lunches - Throughout the year, the Upper School will have special new student lunches and meetings to provide support, build community, and gather feedback from our newest Furies! These structured events include faculty and staff and are designed with fun, care, and support in mind!
Fall and spring conferences with homeroom teachers/advisors - In both the Middle and Upper Schools, conferences are held twice a year in order for advisors to continue to build relationships with families. During the conferences, strengths and areas for improvement are discussed. They also talk about how students are involved in both the FCDS and the greater community. At the spring conference, time is set aside for discussing the next school year. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers for additional conferences if needed.
Homeroom teacher/advisor - Each student in the Middle and Upper School has a designated homeroom teacher or advisor. This faculty member is the main point of contact for communication between home and school related to an individual student’s needs. Parents are encouraged to use this faculty member as the first line of contact with the school. Our homeroom teachers and advisors oversee the academic and non-academic progress of their assigned students. This faculty member knows the student best and can most effectively gather information for school/family discussions.
Progress reports - For Middle and Upper School, the school year is divided into two semesters and progress reports are sent home following each of these. Written comments accompany all progress reports at the mid-semester point. Throughout the year, unsatisfactory performances (below a C in any subject) are communicated to parents by the teacher.
