🎉 Happy New Year, Trojan Families!
I hope you and your student had a wonderful holiday break. We are excited to welcome everyone back as we begin a new semester together.
📚 Second Semester – Time to Lock In
Report cards were distributed last Thursday, and now it is time to lock in. This semester will move quickly, and we want to ensure that both you and your student are focused, working hard, and committed to finishing strong. Your continued support at home makes a tremendous difference in student success.
🏀 Basketball Updates
Basketball season is in full swing. We had a great game on Saturday against Weaver. Our girls were victorious, and our boys fought hard but fell just a few points short of the win. Congratulations to both teams on your hard work, effort, and sportsmanship.
Today, we are on the road playing Cirrus Academy at 5:30 p.m. at Central Georgia Technical College in Macon. On Wednesday, we will be home against Weaver at 5:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you at each game and appreciate your support.
📝 Georgia School Climate Survey
All Peach County schools will administer the Georgia School Climate Survey through the Georgia Department of Education this school year to gather feedback from students, parents, and staff. This information helps us analyze our strengths and identify areas for growth.
Parents, please complete the family survey for Fort Valley Middle School using the following link: https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=6D7FE006
Students will take the survey on Friday, January 16, 2026. Student survey information can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S3mld8XW3glRPY6qoP0Y8gsIqEmF3JVn/edit
Families may use the link above for additional information or to opt their student out.
You may also review the student survey questions at this link, https://lor2.gadoe.org/gadoe/file/49ff0902-9c82-42e5-a12e-6ef254f80b58/2/Georgia%20School%20Climate%20Survey_Students%206-12.pdf .
📱 Cell Phone & Electronic Device Reminder
As a reminder, Peach County School District policy and state law require that cell phones and electronic devices (including smart watches, wireless headphones, and smart glasses) be kept in students’ bookbags during the school day. Failure to follow this expectation will result in disciplinary consequences. Thank you for your support in reinforcing this policy.
📖 STAR Reading Testing
STAR Reading testing will take place this week on Tuesday and Wednesday. STAR assessments are an important tool that help us better understand each student’s individual reading strengths and areas for growth. The results allow teachers to tailor instruction, provide targeted interventions, and monitor academic progress over time. STAR also helps us ensure that students are receiving the appropriate level of support and challenge in the classroom.
When students take STAR seriously and give their best effort, it provides more accurate data, which ultimately helps us make informed decisions that support their academic success. Please encourage your student to do their best and take time to ask them about their performance.
🔤 District Spelling Bee
The district spelling bee will be held this Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the Peach County Board of Education Office. Last year, Fort Valley Middle School took top honors—let’s run it back this year!! Please join me in cheering on our contestants, Tylan Williams and Kasstin Ezell, as they represent FVMS with Trojan Pride.
🕊️ No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
There will be no school on Monday, January 19, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. As a school with a diverse student population, it is important that we recognize and celebrate our differences while reflecting on Dr. King’s legacy of growth, perseverance, and unity.
I will leave you with one of my favorite Dr. King quotes:
“If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl, but by all means, keep moving forward.”
Dr. King’s quote reminds us that progress does not always look the same for everyone. We may move at different speeds, face different challenges, or take different paths, but what matters most is that we do not give up. Whether progress feels big or small, continuing to move forward with purpose, resilience, and determination is what leads to growth and success.
Have a great week, Trojans.
Sincerely,
Principal Johnson
Fort Valley Middle School
Trojan Strong