The boys' basketball teams are hitting the hardwood in style! In fact, the varsity and junior varsity squads defeated Daniel Academy on January 14. Some of the highlihgts from the varsity match up include the phenomenal performance of sophomore Eric Rodgers. He scored 29 points, had 10 rebounds, five steals, and two blocks! Seniors Vincent Clark, Jalin Carrick, and Steven Anderson also contributed another 29 points. The final score for the varsity game was 63-37. The JV team also showed their prowess on the court. Sophomore Jaden Jones led the team with 15 points and four steals. 8th grader Phillip Johnson drew some fouls and contributed 11 points; Sophomore Abdi Jeylani added 10 points; Freshman Jalen Tivis hit the net for six; and Junior Terrance Morris helped secure the win with five rebounds. The final score of the JV game was 44-9. The next home game is Friday, January 17 against Hogan Prep. Tip off is at 4:30.

The Falcons Basketball teams have a busy schedule this season. Here's a quick look at all the games still left to play. Friday, January 13: Home against Hogan Prep, Boys Varsity @ 4:30 Tuesday, January 21: Home against Christ Prep, JV and Varsity Boys @ 4:30 Thursday, January 23 Away against STEM, Girls and Boys Varsity @ 4:30 Tuesday, January 28 Home against Ozanam, Varsity Boys @ 4:30. This is the last HOME game of the season! Thursday, January 30 Away against Alta Vista, Girls and Boys Varsity @ 4:30 Tuesday, February 4 Away against Daniel Academy, JV and Varsity Boys @ 5:00 Thursday, February 6 Away against Hyman Brand, Girls and Boys Varsity @ 4:30 Wednesday, February 7 Away against Independence, All Teams @ 4:30 Tuesday, February 11 Away against Ozanam, Varsity Boys @ 4:30

FSE wants to raise money to help all its students pay for various school activities -- including the senior trip. To do that we have partnered with funds2orgs.com in a shoe donation drive. If you have some gently worn shoes, bring them to school and drop them in the bins that are located near the front office or Mr. Murat's office. We hope to gather 2600 pairs which will net FSE $2000! The drive starts now and runs through the end of the quarter. If you donate shoes, you will earn PRS points and help out someone in need! Any kind of shoe including mens, womens, childrens, and athletic are accepted.

As of now, $1,365,978.00 in scholarship funds have been awarded to FSE seniors. And our top earner is Kimberly C.! With her most recent scholarship of $108,000 to Wartburg College, she has earned $422,048. She said her competitive nature is driving her tally. "I'm in a competition with Anahi R. to see who can get the most scholarships," she said. Kimberly is also working hard to win the award for top earner because that person will be recognized at this year's graduation ceremony. While this 100k would come in handy at Wartburg, Kimberly has decided to go to MU and use her $50,000 KC Scholars Scholarship to help with tuition. Congratulations, Kimberly and all our FSE Seniors!

Several juniors may find out what it's like to visit some of the most prestigious universities in the nation. This March, they will go on the annual "Ivy League Trip" with Mr. Murat. They are headed to Chicago where they visit the University of Chicago and Washington University in St. Louis. While there, they will tour the campuses, learn about local culture, and see if they're a good fit for these universities. The trip is March 6-8. If you're interested in going, stop by Mr. Murat's office.

The month of December may be over, but some are still celebrating -- especially the newly named Teachers of the Month. Ms. Bates and Mr. Holmes were named Teacher of the Month for December by the adminstration and staff. Mr. Holmes teaches 9th grade and middle school science; Ms. Bates is the English III and journalism teacher. Mr. Holmes said, "I'm honesty surprised! I do the best that I can do and I like to try out new things." Ms. Bates was also surprised. "It was the last thing I expected, but it's awesome to be recognized!" The admin hopes Mr. Holmes and Ms. Bates enjoy their new title … and their free jeans day. Congrats!

HEY FALCONSSS! This year FSE will make it easier for you to buy your yearbook. If you want to get your hands on a yearbook, you have the opportunity to make payments instead of paying for it all at once. You have the chance to pay a $10 down payment, $10 before the semester ends, and $10 at the end of 3rd quarter -- for a total of $30. “This is a good idea because it allows all students ... to have a chance to buy a yearbook,” said Michael E. (6). And for seniors -- if you order your senior shout out and yearbook at the same time, you will get a $5 discount! You can purchase your yearbook with cash, check, or a credit card. For more information contact Ms.Bates. --by Jimena Elizalde