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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does TELC stand for?

Technology Enhanced Learning Community

2. Is TELC a magnet school?

No, TELC is a program offered within Flagstaff Middle School, and is part of FUSD and FMS. It is not funded from outside sources. The kids are totally integrated with the rest of the school for activities, electives, and lunches. They are only separated for their 4 core classes (math, science, social studies, and language arts).

3. You teach the NASA curriculum, right?

There is no such thing as a NASA curriculum. We are a NASA Explorer School, which means we try to expose our students to more math, science, and technology when possible. We strive to integrate technology into our daily lessons. Our science program has a hands-on approach, and we sometimes conduct long term studies that involve authentic research and the scientific method. For example some classes recently studied the Frances Short pond. We wrote about it in English, created spreadsheets in Math, mapped it in Social Studies, and conducted a plant survey in Science.

4. How is TELC different from the traditional middle school program offered at FMS?

Your child will be on the TELC team for a period of 2 years. S/he will have the same 2 teachers for all core subjects (math, science, language arts, and social studies) during that 2 year period. The teachers will really get to know your child and your family on a personal level. The teachers in the program are committed to helping students until 8:30pm each evening by phone.  We accept “no excuses” from our students and have high expectations for behavior, attendance, and academic achievement. Also, our program is “integrated,” meaning we relate all subjects to the current unit of study. A project in one class may affect a student’s grade in another class.

5. Must my child must be very interested in math or science or academically advanced to participate?

Absolutely not. Our program is open to all students who are willing to fulfill the requirements of the contract. The students who will be most successful will be committed to working hard, to the best of their own ability. Because our classes are integrated, students must enjoy looking at the “big picture,” as we relate all subjects to the current unit of study. A project in one class may affect a student’s grade in another class. Therefore, a student must be fully able to attend all 4 core classes with their assigned team.

6. Can a student be “kicked out” of the program?

We work very hard to ensure success for all our students. We will work with a student and his or her parents to accomplish goals. If a student consistently fails to meet the terms of the contract, s/he will be placed on probation to determine whether the TELC program is right for him or her. After the probation period, there may be a situation in which the parents, teachers, and student determine that placement in the regular program would be in the best interest for all involved.

7. My child IS identified as gifted. Is the program right for him or her?

The program is NOT an advanced program, but all teachers differentiate their curriculum through tiered and individualized assignments, product choices, and open-ended assignments. Several identified gifted children have chosen to participate in the TELC program, and they are challenged. If you are looking for an accelerated program for your child, please consider the “Above and Beyond” TELC program.

8. Can my child go “off team” for one of their core classes?

No. Please see #5.

9. Can my child “switch” between TELC teams?

No. All the instructors in the TELC program are dedicated, hard working, quality teachers. They follow similar curriculum and teaching techniques and share materials. Allowing students to switch between teams would cause competition and friction between our teachers and we do not allow it.

10. I hear you take amazing field trips out of state.

The field trips your child takes are directly correlated with the amount of work the parents are willing to put into planning, organizing, and running fundraisers. There is no guarantee that your child will take a big field trip as a part of the TELC program.

11. May I request my child’s teachers?

Due to the number of students, we are unable to honor parent requests for specific teachers.

12. Is transportation available for my child who lives outside the FMS boundaries?

Yes. Contact the FUSD Transportation Department for more information