Information for Parents

Parent Association Chairs 2011-2012

Please help us welcome this year's Parents Association Chairs, Kelly and Dee Strauss. Their son, Kordell, is a senior at FUMA and also attended as a junior. Mr. Kelly Strauss is an Auctioneer with Nicholls Auction Marketing Group in Fredericksburg, VA. Mrs. Dee Strauss is the Marketing teacher and DECA Advisor at King George High School in King George, VA. The family is very involved with the community of King George and they have lived in the area since 1995.

If you have any questions or concerns you are welcome to contact Kelly or Dee Strauss at 540/226-1279 or 540/903-0573, respectively, or email: kd.strauss@verizon.net. In addition, Jana Vaughan, Development Coordinator, is the contact at FUMA at vaughanj@fuma.org or 434/842-4370.


Policy on Electronic Media/Communication Devices

Technology is an integral part of our personal and professional lives.  At FUMA, we are committed to providing an environment that enables our students and staff to acquire and maintain the technological skills necessary for a successful 21st century school community, and also the preparation for college and career options.  This commitment is defined within the parameters of our Mission Statement, which reads:

                                             
The Mission of Fork Union Military Academy is to provide young men a college preparatory education in a residential, Christian environment.  Using the best aspects of the military system, the Academy teaches its cadets responsibility, leadership, discipline, and pride by providing an atmosphere in which spiritual, mental, and physical growth can flourish.
 
Accordingly, the Academy’s position regarding Cadet daily access to various personal electronic media and communication devices is designed to support the FUMA Mission to provide a living and learning environment conducive to positive individual growth in body, mind, and spirit.  To the extent that we believe these devices can distract youngsters from their academic pursuits and responsibilities, our policy clearly defines their acceptable availability and use.
 
FUMA provides our Cadets:
E-mail accounts
Limited Internet access  
Desktop computer & personal laptop access
Limited telephone access
Cable television access
 
FUMA prohibits:
Possession of cell phones
Possession of personal electronic media devices such as MP3 or DVD players
Access to social networking Web sites
Access to video games in the Upper School & Summer School
Possession of cameras or video equipment
 
The pervasiveness of technology has increased exponentially over the past decade.  The Academy’s adaptive efforts have established our campus as a unique, relatively distraction-free living and learning environment wherein Cadets gain knowledge of academic course content while acquiring life-skills such as accountability, responsibility, and leadership.  Our technology policy is in fact one of the cornerstones of the Academy’s effectiveness in accomplishing the FUMA Mission. 
 
While much uncertainty exists surrounding the negative impact that misuse of personal electronic devices may have on today’s teenagers, below is a summary of the reasoning and experience that has led to the establishment of the Academy’s current position:

 

  • Limited access to personal electronic devices supports the environment of structure and discipline that the Academy holds as necessary to educate effectively.
  • Text messaging among teens is pervasive and can constantly divert attention from the educational environment of a school.
  • Text messaging is impersonal and can lead to the lack of development of oral and interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with others.
  • Theft or loss of technology devices is problematic.
  • Many current models of personal electronic devices contain camera and video features.  Misuse of these devices has led, in some instances, to teens taking inappropriate pictures or videos of themselves or others.
  • Personal electronic devices may be used to enable cheating.
  • Telecommunication devices are sometimes used for bullying and harassment.
  • Teenagers’ developing world view and social behavior can become negatively affected by bombardment of electronic stimuli that, in many instances, are contrary to the Christian message the Academy seeks to convey.

 

A primary reason for attendance at Fork Union is to minimize distractions that many teens face today.  Personal electronic media and communication devices in many instances are at the heart of these and can lead to a student’s inability to perform academically and in other activities to his potential.  FUMA’s policy guidelines in this area are structured to provide our cadets with a safe, secure, and structured program intended to challenge young men to grow in Body, Mind and Spirit.

 

FUMA411 - Our Community Forum

Be sure to visit our FUMA411 page in our Forums section and contribute your thoughts, ideas, and questions by posting them on our electronic bulletin board set up for prospective students, parents, and alumni.

This forum can be useful for parent networking for current and prospective parents:

  • Finding car pool partners
  • Getting practical answers and advice from others
  • Sharing experiences with fellow FUMA families
  • Connect with other parents who are considering Fork Union Military Academy
  • Get past cadet prospectives on the Academy from FUMA alumni
  • Keep abreast of what is happening at FUMA

 

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