Hello MMS Families -

Welcome back from Spring break!  We hope you and your students had a nice week and are ready to return back to finish up the year. The rest of the year will be busy -- there is a lot to keep track of and we will have requests for help. We will do our best to gather and get you the the information, so please try to read each week.

Spring has sprung and so has the pollen. Yep, it’s Allergy season which brings running noses and sneezing. Please consider sending in more tissues! Your teachers will thank you.

Middle School math packets were sent out before break. Click here for online form and read below for more details.

You should have received an email from the district on NJSLA testing, see below. Click here for details as well as an email from Dr. Ficarra. Click here for Dr. Ficarra letter

Spring YouthNet for most classes should begin this week, announcements will be made at school.

Best,

Sara & Deb

A Few Key Dates:

April 25th - Math INFO Night at the Middle School

Wednesday, May 15th - 7th Grade Field Trip to Turtle Back Zoo

Thursday, May 16 - School in Action - Save the date

8th Grade Dates

Wednesday, May 8    8th Grade Night at CHS, 6:30-8:30pm  (Info to follow)

Thursday, May 23    Field trip to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ - Permission slips coming home soon

Tuesday, June 18    8th Grade Dinner Dance at Maplewood Country Club

Friday, June 21    8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, 9am

Monday, June 24    8th Grade Certificates handed out, last day of school for 8th grade (tentative, pending emergency days)

7th Grade Update

The 7th Grade field trip to Turtleback Zoo!  We need chaperones. A great opportunity to check out the zoo animals and hang with your middle schooler.

When: May 15th
What:  We are looking for 15 chaperones for the trip.  
Details:  Chaperones are asked to arrive at Maplewood Middle School between 9 and 9:15 am and will ride on the buses with students to and from the zoo.  The buses will arrive back at Maplewood Middle School by 2:30 pm.

Please sign up if you are interested and able (you may have to pay for your admission to the Zoo unless of course you have a family membership).

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084AA5A82DA46-7thgrade1

Math Packets and NJSLA Testing

Middle School math packets were sent out before break. Click here for online form

SOMSD Middle School Math Course Selection
You will select a math course for your child for the 2019-2020 school year.  The chart in the link shows the courses available at each grade level. The letter mailed home contains information about each course and your child's math performance.

Additionally, You should have received an email from the district on NJSLA testing, see below, Click here for details as well as an email from Dr. Ficarra. Click here for Dr. Ficarra letter

Join the Columbia High School Marching Band!

For the first time ever, 8th grade students will have the opportunity to experience the band while still in Middle School!  Please see the attached flyer for more information and details. It’s a great opportunity!

Master Class Dance Day with CHS Dancers

Have your dancer join in the Special Dance Company for a day of dance.  Your K-8th grader will experience first-hand what it’s like to be a part of this amazing group.  Please see attached flyer for info!

Spring YouthNet

Spring YouthNet begins! Some classes may still have availability. Click HERE for more information.

YouthNet  - Curls on the Move

Still Room! Special Wednesday Offering Curls on the Move with Ms. Graham. Curls on the Move (COTM) is a hair, health, and self-care curriculum specifically for adolescent girls of African Descent, but all are welcome. Hands-on learning opportunities, self-esteem building, physical activities and more... See Ms. Graham in Room 153 for more information and registration. Cost is $40 for the spring session.

A Note from Nurse Porter

Please see the attached sheet for important information regarding seasonal allergies. Click HERE for the flyer.

School Supplies - Kids in Need!

Pencils or notebooks lying around? PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN! As we enter the final semester of the year, teachers and students could use some extra supplies. Please drop off extra notebooks, paper and folders to the grade team leaders or Ms. Miller.

Fundraising

Spring Match Fundraiser!
8th grade activities can get expensive -- that’s why we have a Spring Match program for the 8th grade.  For every dollar you donate, a group of 8th grade parents will match it up to $500! Please click HERE for a “no frills 8th grade donation” that could raise at least $1,000 for our 8th graders in need!

ALSO, If anyone would like to host an 8th grade fundraiser, we would be most grateful. Last year some families raised significant funds with a small event.

No Frills / Still Time to Donate!
MMS HSA raises funds through an ongoing No Frills fundraiser, Money Maker (Host your own, seed your own) initiatives, Adults only Trivia Night, and other grade specific events during the school year. Without the support of families, we would not be able to provide the supplemental support to the students and staff. To donate now Click Here

Special Ed Update

For 8th grade families to keep in mind for future AP, ACT & SAT testing:

“Kids who get testing accommodations through an IEP or a 504 plan can often get the same accommodations on the ACT & SAT.    
Your child’s high school can be helpful in the application process.”

For 8th grade families to keep in mind for future AP, ACT & SAT testing. 9th graders who want to take the AP World History test next year & will need accommodations, should start the process early next Fall because it can take a few months to set up: at CHS, contact Mr Matt Endlich  (mendlich@somsd.k12.nj.us)  for assistance with obtaining testing accommodations.

Students with an IEP or 504 Plan may receive test accommodations if they have been approved by the College Board for  SAT, SAT Subject tests, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 & AP Exams .  See more details on requirements at the College Board website: https://www.collegeboard.org/students-with-disabilities.

The ACT test requires a separate process, see the ACT site for details: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html

More details can be found at UNDERSTOOD.ORG: https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/tests-standards/how-to-apply-for-sat-and-act-accommodations?fbclid=IwAR0Swnrv2hR4XdcQDXp5gV1RmWEco9-k6L6Y1-VS7xS9k0CITWm4-txOf1c

https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf

At the Parenting Center in April:

• April 23: Raising Children to be Emotionally Healthy Eaters With : Suzanne Rubinetti, L.C.S.W, Eating Disorder Specialist 7:30 @ Tuscan School

Also coming up in April at the BOE Building:

April 3  2E (Twice Exceptional) Parent Support Group 9:30 AM

April 8 Special Siblings 4:00-5:30 PM Youth led support group, with Laura Reichgut LCW, for siblings (Grades 5-8) of people with special needs, drop off, snacks provided.

April 8 Screen Smart Kids 7PM

April 10 ADD/ADHD Parent Group 7:30-9PM (change of day due to Spring Break)

April 16 Selective Mutism Parent Group 7-8:30 PM

Next SEPAC MEETING: May 22 - General support for all families / end of year wrap up

More information for all of these can be found here: https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf

Teacher Updates

Tissues, please.

Digital Backpack

Please click HERE for April’s Digital Backpack featuring information from around our two towns!

Gratefully yours,

Deb Holt & Sara Knutsen
MMS HSA Co-Presidents 2018-2019
mmshsainfo@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com
szknutsen@gmail.com

Hello MMS Families -

We have had another busy week at MMS with author visits and assemblies. Please ask your MMS students about the special things they experienced at school this week!  A special thank you to our Cultural Arts Chairs Tracey Clark and Rachel Fisher, and Library Media Specialist Evyn Degnan for planning these amazing events for our kids!

A reminder that this is the last full week of school before Spring Break -- there is no school the week of April 15 - 19.  We’ll see you back at MMS on Monday, April 22!

Spring YouthNet brochures and permission slips are now available! 

We have updated key dates along with the new, confirmed date for the MOVING UP CEREMONY for 8th grade families - please take a read. We would love to see you at the community events!

Best,
Sara & Deb
A Few Key Dates:

Monday, April 15 - Yearbook orders due
April 15 - 19 - SPRING BREAK
April 25th - Math INFO Night at the Middle School
Wednesday, May 15th - 7th Grade Field Trip to Turtle Back Zoo
Thursday, May 16 - School in Action - Save the date

8th Grade Dates

Monday, April 15.     Yearbook orders due
Wednesday, May 8  8th Grade Night at CHS, 6:30-8:30pm  (Info to follow)
Thursday, May 23    Field trip to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ - Permission slips coming home soon
Tuesday, June 18    8th Grade Dinner Dance at Maplewood Country Club
Friday, June 21        8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, 9am
Monday, June 24     8th Grade Certificates handed out, last day of school for 8th grade (tentative, pending emergency days)

Join the Columbia High School Marching Band!

For the first time ever, 8th grade students will have the opportunity to experience the band while still in Middle School!  Please see the attached flyer for more information and details. It’s a great opportunity!Master Class Dance Day with CHS Dancers

Have your dancer join in the Special Dance Company for a day of dance.  Your K-8th grader will experience first-hand what it’s like to be a part of this amazing group.  Please see attached flyer for info!
Spring YouthNet Sign Ups

Spring YouthNet is here!  Please take a look at what is on offer for Spring and take a moment to sign up -- lots of fun opportunities!  Click HERE for more information.YouthNet  - Curls on the Move

Still Room! Special Wednesday Offering Curls on the Move with Ms. Graham. Curls on the Move (COTM) is a hair, health, and self-care curriculum specifically for adolescent girls of African Descent, but all are welcome. Hands-on learning opportunities, self-esteem building, physical activities and more... See Ms. Graham in Room 153 for more information and registration. Cost is $40 for the spring session.
A Note from Nurse Porter

Please see the attached sheet for important information regarding seasonal allergies. Click HERE for the flyer.

Yearbook Order Information
Yearbooks: Order your yearbooks now, orders end on April 15, 2019. Details here:  Yearbook Order Form

School Supplies - Kids in Need!

Pencils or notebooks lying around? PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN! As we enter the final semester of the year, teachers and students could use some extra supplies. Please drop off extra notebooks, paper and folders to the grade team leaders or Ms. Miller.

Fundraising

Spring Match Fundraiser!

8th grade activities can get expensive -- that’s why we have a Spring Match program for the 8th grade.  For every dollar you donate, a group of 8th grade parents will match it up to $500! Please click HERE for a “no frills 8th grade donation” that could raise at least $1,000 for our 8th graders in need!

ALSO, If anyone would like to host an 8th grade fundraiser, we would be most grateful. Last year some families raised significant funds with a small event.

No Frills / Still Time to Donate!

MMS HSA raises funds through an ongoing No Frills fundraiser, Money Maker (Host your own, seed your own) initiatives, Adults only Trivia Night, and other grade specific events during the school year. Without the support of families, we would not be able to provide the supplemental support to the students and staff. To donate now Click Here

Special Ed Update

For 8th grade families to keep in mind for future AP, ACT & SAT testing:

“Kids who get testing accommodations through an IEP or a 504 plan can often get the same accommodations on the ACT & SAT.

Your child’s high school can be helpful in the application process.”

For 8th grade families to keep in mind for future AP, ACT & SAT testing. 9th graders who want to take the AP World History test next year & will need accommodations, should start the process early next Fall because it can take a few months to set up: at CHS, contact Mr Matt Endlich  (mendlich@somsd.k12.nj.us)  for assistance with obtaining testing accommodations.

Students with an IEP or 504 Plan may receive test accommodations if they have been approved by the College Board for  SAT, SAT Subject tests, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 & AP Exams .  See more details on requirements at the College Board website: https://www.collegeboard.org/students-with-disabilities.

The ACT test requires a separate process, see the ACT site for details: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html

More details can be found at UNDERSTOOD.ORG: https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/tests-standards/how-to-apply-for-sat-and-act-accommodations?fbclid=IwAR0Swnrv2hR4XdcQDXp5gV1RmWEco9-k6L6Y1-VS7xS9k0CITWm4-txOf1c

https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf

At the Parenting Center in April:
• April 23: Raising Children to be Emotionally Healthy Eaters With : Suzanne Rubinetti, L.C.S.W, Eating Disorder Specialist 7:30 @ Tuscan School

Also coming up in April at the BOE Building:

April 3  2E (Twice Exceptional) Parent Support Group 9:30 AM

April 8 Special Siblings 4:00-5:30 PM Youth led support group, with Laura Reichgut LCW, for siblings (Grades 5-8) of people with special needs, drop off, snacks provided.

April 8 Screen Smart Kids 7PM

April 10 ADD/ADHD Parent Group 7:30-9PM (change of day due to Spring Break)

April 16 Selective Mutism Parent Group 7-8:30 PM

Next SEPAC MEETING: May 22 - General support for all families / end of year wrap up

More information for all of these can be found here: https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf

MMS Library Volunteers needed!

I know you all are wondering what goes not over in the mysterious land of MMS...well here is your chance to get a little sneak peek into middle school.  You will not be working in your child's class like in the elementary schools but just helping out in the library in general. Mr. Degnan needs the most help during his MMS investigates class (highlighted in blue on the schedule).  This is a cool class that he teaches and would love a parent to be there to do some projects, filing, man the desk and just be an extra set of eyes and hands. He would love whatever time whenever you can give it but if you can make the MMS Investigates class time that would even be better!  Just type in your name in the spot that you can volunteer. Please do not delete anyone's name that is already there. Library signup https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/170PmsHyDvQG9S2c0e0YJB1y4IMTWJmWplKnPRzvcSV8/edit#gid=1195897959

Visiting Mentor Program

Thanks to everyone who has been in touch with Rachel Fisher!  The MMS HSA is compiling a list of Visiting Mentors: individuals who will talk to middle school students about their work and/or how they apply math, science, language arts and fine arts skills in their professions. We are creating a list that will be available to MMS teachers so they can invite community members into their classrooms to share their stories and expertise. If your work involves math, science, language arts skills and/or the arts – or an interesting combination of these areas - and you can imagine turning that work into a lesson or speaking with middle schoolers about it, please contact us at MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com!

Let us know your name, profession or skill, what classes you see yourself working with (math, science, social studies, music, etc), cell phone number and email.  We will add you to the spreadsheet and then you may hear from an MMS teacher! This is a first-time effort, so let’s make ourselves available to our community’s kids and see what happens! Thank you MMS Families.

Teacher Updates

From Mr. Kessler:  New YouthNet Club in the Spring - Challenge 24 is a fun math game where students compete against each other to find a way to add, subtract, multiply or divide 4 given numbers to get to 24.  The game builds terrific number sense in a fun and challenging environment. Members of the club will be selected to go on a field trip to Millburn Middle School in June, where we will compete against other Essex County schools at a Challenge 24 tournament.  A bunch of kids competing against each other showing off their math skills... what could be better? I would like to invite students of all abilities to come out and join the fun and learn something too.

From Ms. Amaral:  Ms. Amaral is running a Donors Choose campaign for flexible seating in her classroom. Any contributions would be much appreciated! To donate, visit https://www.donorschoose.org/ and enter our zip code - 07040. Find the campaign led by "Ms. A" and contribute as you see fit!

Digital Backpack

Please click HERE for April’s Digital Backpack featuring information from around our two towns!

Gratefully yours,
 Deb Holt & Sara Knutsen
MMS HSA Co-Presidents 2018-2019
mmshsainfo@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com
szknutsen@gmail.com
​

Hello MMS Families -
On Thursday MMS hosted current 5th graders who will join MMS next year as the new class of 6th graders!  It was a great night and I know that the parents and kids are excited to join our MMS community. Thanks to everyone who made them feel so welcome!
A very special thank you to the many MMS parents who have volunteered to be a part of the MMS HSA for the 2019-2020 school year -- the Board is full and we are thrilled with the great group of parents who are going to lead the MMS HSA next year. You’ll be in great hands!
Spring YouthNet brochures and permission slips are now available!  Please see the link below to sign up.
We have updated key dates along with the new, confirmed date for the MOVING UP CEREMONY for 8th grade families - please take a read. We would love to see you at the community events!
Best,
Sara & Deb
A Few Key Dates:

• Monday, April 1 -  Well-wishers orders for yearbook due!!
  
• April 4 - Author visit to MMS - Kwame Alexander!
  
• Monday, April 15 - Yearbook orders due
  
• April 15 - 19 - SPRING BREAK
  
• April 25th - Math INFO Night at the Middle School
  
• Wednesday, May 15th - 7th Grade Field Trip to Turtle Back Zoo
  
• Thursday, May 16 - School in Action - Save the date
  

8th Grade Dates

• Monday, April 1    Well-wishers orders for yearbook due - last day!
  
• Monday, April 15    Yearbook orders due
  
• Wednesday, May 8    8th Grade Night at CHS, 6:30-8:30pm  (Info to follow)
  
• Thursday, May 23    Field trip to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ - Permission slips coming home soon
  
• Tuesday, June 18    8th Grade Dinner Dance at Maplewood Country Club
  
• Friday, June 21    8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, 9am
  
• Monday, June 24    8th Grade Certificates handed out, last day of school for 8th grade (tentative, pending emergency days)
  

Author Visits to MMS - Get Excited!!!
On Thursday, April 4, Newberry Award-winning author Kwame Alexander is coming to MMS!  This is a very special opportunity for our kids. Books are available for sale so please take a moment to purchase one and get an autograph from Kwame!
On April 4, Newberry Award-winning author Kwame Alexander will be visiting MMS with Kip Wilson as a part of his Versify Tour!  A special thanks to Library Media Specialist Evyn Degnan for organizing. Please click HERE to purchase their latest books and for more information!
Spring YouthNet Sign Ups
Spring YouthNet is here!  Please take a look at what is on offer for Spring and take a moment to sign up -- lots of fun opportunities!  Click HERE for more information.
YouthNet  - Curls on the Move
Still Room! Special Wednesday Offering Curls on the Move with Ms. Graham. Curls on the Move (COTM) is a hair, health, and self-care curriculum specifically for adolescent girls of African Descent, but all are welcome. Hands-on learning opportunities, self-esteem building, physical activities and more... See Ms. Graham in Room 153 for more information and registration. Cost is $40 for the spring session.
A Note from Nurse Porter
Please see the attached sheet for important information regarding seasonal allergies. Click HERE for the flyer.
Yearbooks and Well Wisher Ads Order Information
Well Wishers Ads DUE MONDAY APRIL 1 --  If you’d like to place an ad for your child, orders are due on April 1, 2019. Details here:  Well Wishers Info
Yearbooks: Order your yearbooks now, orders end on April 15, 2019. Details here:  Yearbook Order Form
Kids & Screen Time
April 1 - Back by popular demand...Screenagers!  This film looks at the dangers of too much screen use and the need for families to discuss its place in their lives.  This movie is great for grades 3 and up, so please parents, grandparents, caregivers, and kids come and view... guaranteed to open a great dialogue. Please see flyer HERE
School Supplies
Kids in Need!
Pencils or notebooks lying around? PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN! As we enter the final semester of the year, teachers and students could use some extra supplies. Please drop off extra notebooks, paper and folders to the grade team leaders or Ms. Miller.
Fundraising

• 8th Grade
  
  March Match Fundraiser! 8th grade activities can get expensive -- that’s why we have a March Match program for the 8th grade.  For every dollar you donate, a group of 8th grade parents will match it up to $500! Please click HERE for a “no frills 8th grade donation” that could raise at least $1,000 for our 8th graders in need!
  
  ALSO, If anyone would like to host an 8th grade fundraiser, we would be most grateful. Last year some families raised significant funds with a small event. OR - you can donate directly to the 8th grade fund HERE.
  
  No Frills / Still Time to Donate! MMS HSA raises funds through an ongoing No Frills fundraiser, Money Maker (Host your own, seed your own) initiatives, Adults only Trivia Night, and other grade specific events during the school year. Without the support of families, we would not be able to provide the supplemental support to the students and staff. To donate now Click Here
  

Special Ed Update
At the Parenting Center in April:
• April 1: Navigating the Middle School Years- Cliques, Squads , Bullying & More-  7-9:30 PM, BOE Building, 525 Academy
Parents will discuss and practice with the School Social Worker and School Nurse how to take care of their children, themselves, and each other as they parent teens in Middle School. We’ll explore strategies on how to support, guide, and direct children to succeed in Middle School - to be ready to face the day and have enough resilience to get through it. Questions? Please contact Eric Stoudemire, MMS School Social Worker (estoudem@somsd.k12.nj.us) or Julie Porter, MMS School Nurse (jporter@somsd.k12.nj.us)
• April 23: Raising Children to be Emotionally Healthy Eaters With : Suzanne Rubinetti, L.C.S.W, Eating Disorder Specialist 7:30 @ Tuscan School
Also coming up in April at the BOE Building:

• April 3  2E (Twice Exceptional) Parent Support Group 9:30 AM
  
• April 8 Special Siblings 4:00-5:30 PM Youth led support group, with Laura Reichgut LCW, for siblings (Grades 5-8) of people with special needs, drop off, snacks provided.
  
• April 8 Screen Smart Kids 7PM
  
• April 10 ADD/ADHD Parent Group 7:30-9PM (change of day due to Spring Break)
  
• April 16 Selective Mutism Parent Group 7-8:30 PM
  

Next SEPAC MEETING: May 22 - General support for all families / end of year wrap up
More information for all of these can be found here: https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf
MMS Library Volunteers needed!
I know you all are wondering what goes not over in the mysterious land of MMS...well here is your chance to get a little sneak peek into middle school.  You will not be working in your child's class like in the elementary schools but just helping out in the library in general. Mr. Degnan needs the most help during his MMS investigates class (highlighted in blue on the schedule).  This is a cool class that he teaches and would love a parent to be there to do some projects, filing, man the desk and just be an extra set of eyes and hands. He would love whatever time whenever you can give it but if you can make the MMS Investigates class time that would even be better!  Just type in your name in the spot that you can volunteer. Please do not delete anyone's name that is already there. Library signup https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/170PmsHyDvQG9S2c0e0YJB1y4IMTWJmWplKnPRzvcSV8/edit#gid=1195897959
Visiting Mentor Program
Thanks to everyone who has been in touch with Rachel Fisher!  The MMS HSA is compiling a list of Visiting Mentors: individuals who will talk to middle school students about their work and/or how they apply math, science, language arts and fine arts skills in their professions. We are creating a list that will be available to MMS teachers so they can invite community members into their classrooms to share their stories and expertise. If your work involves math, science, language arts skills and/or the arts – or an interesting combination of these areas - and you can imagine turning that work into a lesson or speaking with middle schoolers about it, please contact us at MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com!
Let us know your name, profession or skill, what classes you see yourself working with (math, science, social studies, music, etc), cell phone number and email.  We will add you to the spreadsheet and then you may hear from an MMS teacher! This is a first-time effort, so let’s make ourselves available to our community’s kids and see what happens! Thank you MMS Families.
Teacher Updates
From Mr. Kessler:  New YouthNet Club in the Spring - Challenge 24 is a fun math game where students compete against each other to find a way to add, subtract, multiply or divide 4 given numbers to get to 24.  The game builds terrific number sense in a fun and challenging environment. Members of the club will be selected to go on a field trip to Millburn Middle School in June, where we will compete against other Essex County schools at a Challenge 24 tournament.  A bunch of kids competing against each other showing off their math skills... what could be better? I would like to invite students of all abilities to come out and join the fun and learn something too.
From Ms. Amaral:  Ms. Amaral is running a Donors Choose campaign for flexible seating in her classroom. Any contributions would be much appreciated! To donate, visit https://www.donorschoose.org/ and enter our zip code - 07040. Find the campaign led by "Ms. A" and contribute as you see fit!

Digital Backpack

Please click below for links to this month’s Digital Backpack -- lots of great information and resources on what’s happening for kids in our community!

Cougar Baseball Camp
Code the Future
Jaguar Outdoor Track Season
Summer Rocket Camp
Tae Kwon Do Spring

South Orange Activities
Please see the links below to the many activities that South Orange offers to residents of both South Orange and Maplewood.

• South Orange 2019 Pickleball Spring & Summer
• South Orange Baseball 2019
• South Orange 2019 Tennis Spring & Summer
• South Orange 2019 Spring and Summer  Sports USSI

Gratefully yours,
 Deb Holt & Sara Knutsen
MMS HSA Co-Presidents 2018-2019

mmshsainfo@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com
szknutsen@gmail.com

Hello MMS Families -
Spring has Sprung and we hope all our MMS families are enjoying the longer and slightly warmer days.

Please remember Tuesday 3/26 is a 4-hour day for Professional Development for District Staff. Breakfast program will be offered, but our lunch service is not.
We are hosting a Family movie night at MMS on Friday, March 29th please join us for a fun and free community event.  Watch for more details but PLEASE Join us.

Please be on the lookout - Spring YouthNet brochures and permissions slips are coming this week!
We have updated key dates along with the new, confirmed date for the MOVING UP CEREMONY for 8th grade families - please take a read. We would love to see you at the community events!

Best,
Sara & Deb

A Few Key Dates:

• Tuesday, March 26 - 4 hr day
• Wednesday, March 27 - 8th grade band concert & Honors wind ensemble (details HERE)
• Thursday, March 28 - Welcome to Middle School (Incoming 6th)
• Friday, March 29th -  Movie Night for Families of MMS (Community Building, save the date)
• Monday, April 1 -  Well-wishers orders for yearbook due
• April 4 - Author visit to MMS - Kwame Alexander!
• Monday, April 15 - Yearbook orders due
• April 15 - 19 - SPRING BREAK
• April 25th - Math INFO Night at the Middle School
• Wednesday, May 15th - 7th Grade Field Trip to Turtle Back Zoo
• Thursday, May 16 - School in Action - Save the date

8th Grade Dates

• Monday, March 18 Half of 8th grade class to visit CHS from 9:30-11:30
• Thursday, March 21 Second Half of 8th grade class to visit CHS from 9:30-11:30
• Monday, April 1 Well-wishers orders for yearbook due
• Monday, April 15 Yearbook orders due
• Wednesday, May 8 8th Grade Night at CHS, 6:30-8:30pm  (Info to follow)
• Thursday, May 23 Field trip to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ - Permission slips coming home soon
• Tuesday, June 18 8th Grade Dinner Dance at Maplewood Country Club
• Friday, June 21 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, 9am, 
• Monday, June 24 8th Grade Certificates handed out, last day of school for 8th grade (tentative, pending emergency days)

Author Visits to MMS
**Books are available for purchase**
On April 4, Newberry Award-winning author Kwame Alexander will be visiting MMS with Kip Wilson as a part of his Versify Tour!  A special thanks to Library Media Specialist Evyn Degnan for organizing.  Please click HERE to purchase their latest books and for more information!

Fundraising

• 8th Grade
  March Match Fundraiser! 8th grade activities can get expensive -- that’s why we have a March Match program for the 8th grade.  For every dollar you donate, a group of 8th grade parents will match it up to $500! Please click HERE for a “no frills 8th grade donation” that could raise at least $1,000 for our 8th graders in need!
  
  ALSO, If anyone would like to host an 8th grade fundraiser, we would be most grateful. Last year some families raised significant funds with a small event. OR - you can donate directly to the 8th grade fund HERE.
  
  No Frills / Still Time to Donate! MMS HSA raises funds through an ongoing No Frills fundraiser, Money Maker (Host your own, seed your own) initiatives, Adults only Trivia Night, and other grade specific events during the school year. Without the support of families, we would not be able to provide the supplemental support to the students and staff. To donate now Click Here

Kids & Screen Time
April 1 - Back by popular demand...Screenagers!  This film looks at the dangers of too much screen use and the need for families to discuss its place in their lives.  This movie is great for grades 3 and up, so please parents, grandparents, caregivers, and kids come and view... guaranteed to open a great dialogue. Please see flyer HERE
15 On the Road to Freedom presented by The Parenting Center
On March 25, The Parenting Center presents an incredible musical experience at Columbia High School.  15 On the Road to Freedom tells the story of the Selma Voting Rights March from 15 year old Lynda Blackmon Lowry’s perspective.  There will be a Q&A with the cast after the performance. For more information please see flyer HERE.
8th Grade Band and Honors Wind Ensemble Concert
Wednesday, March 27.  Please join us at 7:30 for a joint concert with the 8th Grade Band, Honors Wind Ensemble and the Maplewood Concert Band.  For more information, please click HERE.

Yearbooks and Well Wisher Ads Order Information
Yearbooks: Order your yearbooks now, orders end on April 15, 2019. Details here:  Yearbook Order Form
Well Wishers Ads:  If you’d like to place an ad for your child, orders are due on April 1, 2019. Details here:  Well Wishers Info
Bathroom Beautification
Bathroom beautification has been postponed. Please check back for a new date!
School Supplies
Pencils or notebooks lying around? PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN! As we enter the final semester of the year, teachers and students could use some extra supplies. Please drop off extra notebooks, paper and folders to the grade teamleaders or Ms. Miller.
Special Ed Update
Next SEPAC meeting: March 27, 7:30-9PM, BOE Building, 525 Academy St:
The main focus of the March meeting is support for Out of District families, more details to follow. All are welcome.
Also coming up in March at the BOE Building:

• March 25 Screen Smart Kids 7-8:30

More information for all of these can be found here: https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf
MMS Library Volunteers needed!
I know you all are wondering what goes not over in the mysterious land of MMS...well here is your chance to get a little sneak peek into middle school.  You will not be working in your child's class like in the elementary schools but just helping out in the library in general. Mr. Degnan needs the most help during his MMS investigates class (highlighted in blue on the schedule).  This is a cool class that he teaches and would love a parent to be there to do some projects, filing, man the desk and just be an extra set of eyes and hands. He would love whatever time whenever you can give it but if you can make the MMS Investigates class time that would even be better!  Just type in your name in the spot that you can volunteer. Please do not delete anyone's name that is already there. Library signup https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/170PmsHyDvQG9S2c0e0YJB1y4IMTWJmWplKnPRzvcSV8/edit#gid=1195897959
Visiting Mentor Program
Thanks to everyone who has been in touch with Rachel Fisher!  The MMS HSA is compiling a list of Visiting Mentors: individuals who will talk to middle school students about their work and/or how they apply math, science, language arts and fine arts skills in their professions. We are creating a list that will be available to MMS teachers so they can invite community members into their classrooms to share their stories and expertise. If your work involves math, science, language arts skills and/or the arts – or an interesting combination of these areas - and you can imagine turning that work into a lesson or speaking with middle schoolers about it, please contact us at MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com!
Let us know your name, profession or skill, what classes you see yourself working with (math, science, social studies, music, etc), cell phone number and email.  We will add you to the spreadsheet and then you may hear from an MMS teacher! This is a first-time effort, so let’s make ourselves available to our community’s kids and see what happens! Thank you MMS Families.
Teacher Updates
From Mr. Kessler:  New YouthNet Club in the Spring - Challenge 24 is a fun math game where students compete against each other to find a way to add, subtract, multiply or divide 4 given numbers to get to 24.  The game builds terrific number sense in a fun and challenging environment. Members of the club will be selected to go on a field trip to Millburn Middle School in June, where we will compete against other Essex County schools at a Challenge 24 tournament.  A bunch of kids competing against each other showing off their math skills... what could be better? I would like to invite students of all abilities to come out and join the fun and learn something too.
From Ms. Reisman:  Every year, for the past 21 years, the Essex County Education Association hosts an art exhibition at the Livingston Mall. This evening, Ms. Reisman brought over 13 sculptures created by some of our 6th and 8th grade students.  They join artwork from several other schools in our district, as well as other Essex County districts. If you are in the area, our tables are directly outside Kids Foot Locker and Zumiez on the 2nd floor. 
From Ms. Amaral:  Ms. Amaral is running a Donors Choose campaign for flexible seating in her classroom. Any contributions would be much appreciated! To donate, visit https://www.donorschoose.org/ and enter our zip code - 07040. Find the campaign led by "Ms. A" and contribute as you see fit!
Digital Backpack

Please click below for links to this month’s Digital Backpack -- lots of great information and resources on what’s happening for kids in our community!

Cougar Baseball Camp
Code the Future
Jaguar Outdoor Track Season
Summer Rocket Camp
Tae Kwon Do Spring

South Orange Activities
Please see the links below to the many activities that South Orange offers to residents of both South Orange and Maplewood.

• South Orange 2019 Pickleball Spring & Summer
• South Orange Baseball 2019
• South Orange 2019 Tennis Spring & Summer
• South Orange 2019 Spring and Summer  Sports USSI

Gratefully yours,
 Deb Holt & Sara Knutsen
MMS HSA Co-Presidents 2018-2019

mmshsainfo@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com
szknutsen@gmail.com

**As of now: Delayed Opening - Monday, March 4, 2019 - Start Time 10:15 am**

Hello MMS Families -
Happy March! We hope you are enjoying the snow this weekend!  Even though we are getting winter weather, your HSA is gearing up for several spring events for you and your kids!
Calling All Volunteers!
The MMS HSA is a great way to get involved in the school and know what’s happening.  Our HSA is a great group of parents and the commitment is not overwhelming! If you or anyone else you know wants to get involved, please reach out! debcatholt@gmail.com or szknutsen@gmail.com.
We have updated key dates and a few new ones for 8th grade families - please take a read. We would love to see you at the community events!

A Few Key Dates:

• Thursday, March 7 - MMS/SOMS 8th Grade Mixer (Send permission slips and $5 in this week!)
• Tuesday, March 26 - 4 hr day
• Wednesday, March 27 - 8th grade band concert & Honors wind ensemble (details HERE)
• Monday, April 1 -  Well-wishers orders for yearbook due
• Monday, April 15 - Yearbook orders due
• April 15 - 19 - SPRING BREAK
• Thursday, May 16 - School in Action - Save the date

8th Grade Dates

• Thursday, March 7 MMS/SOMS 8th Grade Mixer in the CHS Cafeteria, 7-9pm
  Volunteer for food items or to Chaperone HERE.  The Permission Slip is HERE. (Please send in your 5$ and permission slip to turn in at lunch this week)Tuesday, March 12 CHS Counselors come to MMS to speak to students - More information on this coming soon
• Monday, March 18 Half of 8th grade class to visit CHS from 9:30-11:30
• Thursday, March 21 Second Half of 8th grade class to visit CHS from 9:30-11:30
• Monday, April 1 Well-wishers orders for yearbook due
• Monday, April 15 Yearbook orders due
• Wednesday, May 8 8th Grade Night at CHS, 6:30-8:30pm
• Thursday, May 23 Field trip to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ - Permission slips coming home soon
• Tuesday, June 18 8th Grade Dinner Dance at Maplewood Country Club
• Friday, June 21- Last Day of School, pending snow days. 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, 9am* (This date subject to change based on last day of school and snow days)

Attention 8th grade families: The CHS HSA needs you! The CHS HSA is beginning the process of filling out our slate of executive board and committee positions for the 2019-20 school year.  If you would like to volunteer to serve on the board, please contact us at hsa@columbiahsa.org.  Volunteering is a great way to be involved and learn more about CHS happenings.  Click here to view the list of board positions. Thank you!
Bathroom Beautification
Bathroom beautification has been postponed. Please check back for a new date!
Fundraising

• 8th Grade
  March Match Fundraiser! 8th grade activities can get expensive -- that’s why we have a March Match program for the 8th grade.  For every dollar you donate, a group of 8th grade parents will match it up to $500! Please click HERE for a “no frills 8th grade donation” that could raise at least $1,000 for our 8th graders in need!                                                                                                             
  ALSO, If anyone would like to host an 8th grade fundraiser, we would be most grateful. Last year some families raised significant funds with a small event. OR - you can donate directly to the 8th grade fund HERE.

• No Frills / Still Time to Donate! MMS HSA raises funds through an ongoing No Frills fundraiser, Money Maker (Host your own, seed your own) initiatives, Adults only Trivia Night, and other grade specific events during the school year. Without the support of families, we would not be able to provide the supplemental support to the students and staff. To donate now Click Here

Kids & Screen Time - Two Important Events
March 4 - Back by popular demand...Screenagers!  This film looks at the dangers of too much screen use and the need for families to discuss its place in their lives.  This movie is great for grades 3 and up, so please parents, grandparents, caregivers, and kids come and view... guaranteed to open a great dialogue. Please see flyer HERE
March 11 - The Impact of Social Media on Kids, a conversation with Lauren Muriello.  Find out what research says about the impact of social media on kids’ brains and tips on how to parent in today’s social media world. Please see flyer HERE
Eating Disorders Event
Monday, March 4th at 7 p.m. Please see the invitation to an event at Oak Knoll School, please share with your respective pediatricians and other parents who may learn from this event.  It’s intent is to help inform everyone on Eating Disorders which are much more common and severe than many understand. With it having the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses, we all have a lot to learn to protect our children.
8th Grade Band and Honors Wind Ensemble Concert
Wednesday, March 27.  Please join us at 7:30 for a joint concert with the 8th Grade Band, Honors Wind Ensemble and the Maplewood Concert Band.  For more information, please click HERE.
Teacher Updates
From Ms. Graham:
"Special Wednesday Club Offering: Curls on the Move, run by Ms. Graham (**Starts March 6th**). Curls on the Move (COTM) is a hair, health, and self-care curriculum specifically for adolescent girls of African Descent. The club focuses on hands on learning opportunities, self-esteem building, physical activities and more! See Ms. Graham in Room 153 if you are interested in joining. Cost is a separate fee of $60 total for the winter and spring session (12 weeks). More information forthcoming in February!"

Yearbooks and Well Wisher Ads Order Information
Yearbooks: Order your yearbooks now, orders end on April 15, 2019. Details here:  Yearbook Order Form
Well Wishers Ads:  If you’d like to place an ad for your child, orders are due on April 1, 2019. Details here:  Well Wishers Info
Tissues and School Store Need Supplies
PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN! I know I said we have enough, but we never have enough. Tissues are always in demand! Please consider sending your sniffling child back to school in the new year with a new box for their homeroom. Also, The student council also runs a school store and accepts donations, please make sure to send in food allergy compliant snacks. They even have an Amazon Wishlist if getting to the store is too hectic. Click Here for MMS School Store’s Amazon Wishlist
Special Ed Update
At the Parenting Center in March:
• March 4: Navigating the Middle School Years- Cliques, Squads , Bullying & More- , 7-9:30 PM, BOE Building, 525 Academy
Parents will discuss and practice with the School Social Worker and School Nurse how to take care of their children, themselves, and each other as they parent teens in Middle School. We’ll explore strategies on how to support, guide, and direct children to succeed in Middle School - to be ready to face the day and have enough resilience to get through it. Questions? Please contact Eric Stoudemire, MMS School Social Worker (estoudem@somsd.k12.nj.us) or Julie Porter, MMS School Nurse (jporter@somsd.k12.nj.us)
Also coming up in March at the BOE Building:

• March 18 Special Siblings 4:00-5:30 PM Youth led support group, with Laura Reichgut LCW, for siblings (Grades 5-8) of people with special needs, drop off, snacks provided.
• March 19 Selective Mutism Parent Group 7-8:30 PM
• March 20 ADD/ADHD Parent Group 7:30-9PM
• March 25 Screen Smart Kids 7-8:30

More information for all of these can be found here: https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf
MMS Library Volunteers needed!
I know you all are wondering what goes not over in the mysterious land of MMS...well here is your chance to get a little sneak peek into middle school.  You will not be working in your child's class like in the elementary schools but just helping out in the library in general. Mr. Degnan needs the most help during his MMS investigates class (highlighted in blue on the schedule).  This is a cool class that he teaches and would love a parent to be there to do some projects, filing, man the desk and just be an extra set of eyes and hands. He would love whatever time whenever you can give it but if you can make the MMS Investigates class time that would even be better!  Just type in your name in the spot that you can volunteer. Please do not delete anyone's name that is already there. Library signup https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/170PmsHyDvQG9S2c0e0YJB1y4IMTWJmWplKnPRzvcSV8/edit#gid=1195897959
Visiting Mentor Program
Thanks to everyone who has been in touch with Rachel Fisher!  The MMS HSA is compiling a list of Visiting Mentors: individuals who will talk to middle school students about their work and/or how they apply math, science, language arts and fine arts skills in their professions. We are creating a list that will be available to MMS teachers so they can invite community members into their classrooms to share their stories and expertise. If your work involves math, science, language arts skills and/or the arts – or an interesting combination of these areas - and you can imagine turning that work into a lesson or speaking with middle schoolers about it, please contact us at MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com!
Let us know your name, profession or skill, what classes you see yourself working with (math, science, social studies, music, etc), cell phone number and email.  We will add you to the spreadsheet and then you may hear from an MMS teacher! This is a first-time effort, so let’s make ourselves available to our community’s kids and see what happens! Thank you MMS Families.
Digital Backpack

Please click here for a link to this month’s Digital Backpack -- lots of great information and resources on what’s happening for kids in our community!

South Orange Activities
Please see the links below to the many activities that South Orange offers to residents of both South Orange and Maplewood.

• South Orange 2019 Pickleball Spring & Summer
• South Orange Baseball 2019
• South Orange 2019 Tennis Spring & Summer
• South Orange 2019 Spring and Summer  Sports USSI

Gratefully yours,
 Deb Holt & Sara Knutsen
MMS HSA Co-Presidents 2018-2019

mmshsainfo@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com
szknutsen@gmail.com

Hello MMS Families -

Congratulations to the amazing cast and crew of the MMS Musical, “The Wizard of Oz!” for a performance packed weekend. We could not be more proud of everyone and thank those who attended and showed their support. Speaking of proud, Principal Gronau wants to know if your student is a standout outside of school! Each month building administrators can nominate students from their school for acknowledgement of achievement at the monthly BOE meetings. We know there must be MMS Students worthy of praise. Please email Principal Gronau dgronau@somsd.k12.nj.us directly if you have something to share.

The MMS HSA Needs you next year! We are forming the nominating committee now for the board nominations of the 2019/2020 MMS HSA PTA. Please consider helping out. If you know any new families entering MMS next year, the MMS HSA is a great way to get comfortable with the school. As we all know well, our students still really need us in Middle School. If you have any questions about the President roles, or the other roles available, please reach out to us! debcatholt@gmail.com or szknutsen@gmail.com.

We have updated key dates and a few new ones for 8th grade families - please take a read. We would love to see you at the community events!

A Few Key Dates:

• Saturday, March 2 - MMS Bathroom Beautification Day
• Thursday, March 7 - MMS/SOMS 8th Grade Mixer
• Tuesday, March 26 - 4 hr day
• Monday, April 1 -  Well-wishers orders for yearbook due
• Monday, April 15 - Yearbook orders due
• Thursday, May 16 - School in Action - Save the date

8th Grade Dates

You should have received an email last week with key dates. If you did not receive, it please check your inboxes or SPAM.

• Thursday, March 7 MMS/SOMS 8th Grade Mixer in the CHS Cafeteria, 7-9pm  
  Volunteer for food items or to Chaperone HERE.  The Permission Slip is HERE. Please email Adrianna or Thea if you are interested in helping sell tickets during lunch March 4-7.
• Tuesday, March 12 CHS Counselors come to MMS to speak to students - More information on this coming soon
• Monday, March 18 Half of 8th grade class to visit CHS from 9:30-11:30
• Thursday, March 21 Second Half of 8th grade class to visit CHS from 9:30-11:30
• Monday, April 1 Well-wishers orders for yearbook due
• Monday, April 15 Yearbook orders due
• Wednesday, May 8 8th Grade Night at CHS, 6:30-8:30pm
• Thursday, May 23 Field trip to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ - Permission slips coming home soon
• Tuesday, June 18 8th Grade Dinner Dance at Maplewood Country Club
• Friday, June 21- Last Day of School, pending snow days. 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, 9am* (This date subject to change based on last day of school and snow days)

Attention 8th grade families: The CHS HSA needs you! The CHS HSA is beginning the process of filling out our slate of executive board and committee positions for the 2019-20 school year.  If you would like to volunteer to serve on the board, please contact us at hsa@columbiahsa.org.  Volunteering is a great way to be involved and learn more about CHS happenings.  Click here to view the list of board positions. Thank you!

Bathroom Beautification

We are so excited that our plans to beautify the MMS bathrooms are finally going to get underway!  On Saturday, March 2nd, a group of staff from MMS will be painting and beautifying many of the bathrooms in the school. If you or your kids are interested in volunteering, please let us know. More details to come.  Thank you!
szknutsen@gmail.com debcatholt@gmail.com
Fundraising

• 8th Grade If anyone would like to host an 8th grade fundraiser, we would be most grateful. Last year some families raised significant funds with a small event. OR - you can donate directly to the 8th grade fund HERE.

 

• No Frills / Still Time to Donate! MMS HSA raises funds through an ongoing No Frills fundraiser, Money Maker (Host your own, seed your own) initiatives, Adults only Trivia Night, and other grade specific events during the school year. Without the support of families, we would not be able to provide the supplemental support to the students and staff. To donate now Click Here

Teacher Updates

From Ms. Graham:
"Special Wednesday Club Offering: Curls on the Move, run by Ms. Graham (**Starts March 6th**). Curls on the Move (COTM) is a hair, health, and self-care curriculum specifically for adolescent girls of African Descent. The club focuses on hands on learning opportunities, self-esteem building, physical activities and more! See Ms. Graham in Room 153 if you are interested in joining. Cost is a separate fee of $60 total for the winter and spring session (12 weeks). More information forthcoming in February!"

Yearbooks and Well Wisher Ads Order Information

Yearbooks: Order your yearbooks now, orders end on April 15, 2019. Details here:  Yearbook Order Form

Well Wishers Ads:  If you’d like to place an ad for your child, orders are due on April 1, 2019. Details here:  Well Wishers Info

Tissues and School Store Need Supplies

PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN! I know I said we have enough, but we never have enough. Tissues are always in demand! Please consider sending your sniffling child back to school in the new year with a new box for their homeroom. Also, The student council also runs a school store and accepts donations, please make sure to send in food allergy compliant snacks. They even have an Amazon Wishlist if getting to the store is too hectic. Click Here for MMS School Store’s Amazon Wishlist

Achieve - Calling all Hosts! 

It's not too early to think about hosting a party in March for the Achieve Foundation's largest annual fundraiser, Nights of 100 Dinners. You create the guest list, and Achieve sends invitations on your behalf. Instead of bringing a hostess gift or bottle of wine, guests make a donation to the organization. Since its inception in 2005, the Nights of 100 Dinners has raised more than $500,000 to fund Achieve’s programs and benefit all ten schools in the district. Register as a host at tinyurl.com/nhd2019 or email 100dinners@achievefoundation.org to learn more.

Achieve - Mardi Gras in SOMA! 

Please join our community members as we kick off Achieve Fundraising and celebrate our public schools! Join us for a Mardi Gras soiree hosted by the Achieve Foundation - Friday, March 1 from 7 - 11 pm at The Woodland.  Please click here for more information and to purchase tickets. Hope to see you there!

Special Ed Update

SEPAC’s next monthly meeting is for you!
The topic: Special Education Experience: The Secondary Years!
Date: Tuesday, February 26, 7:30-9 pm
Location: BOE building, 525 Academy, Maplewood

• Moderated discussion lead by SEPAC’s veteran secondary liaisons.
• Insights from the administration of the Special Services Department.
• Topics to be addressed: transition from elementary school to middle school and middle school to high school, academic programs, reading interventions, executive function supports, and more.
• Update on SEPAC advocacy.
• General sharing, support and networking.

SEPAC strives to bring together members of the special education community with similar questions, issues and concerns in the same room at the same time.

Also Feb 26, Rescheduled date for How to Have Difficult Conversations with Kids with Dr. Adam Price, 7:30 PM, Jefferson School, 518 Ridgewood Rd

Difficult conversations about potentially scary and anxiety-provoking subjects can be uncomfortable. We want to keep our children protected and innocent for as long as we can, but sometimes the world interrupts that innocence. Our children are exposed to news about school shootings, natural disasters, and stories of violence and abuse. At school they participate in fire drills as well as code red and yellow drills. Research has shown that a failure to talk about such important issues can leave children unprepared and unsupported as they try to understand and cope with these difficult topics. Join us for this important workshop. Learn how to create an environment where no topic is off limits – even if your kid’s questions leave you speechless. (https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/cms/lib/NJ01001050/Centricity/Domain/1/Difficult%20Coversations%204.pdf)

At the Parenting Center in March:
• March 4: Navigating the Middle School Years- Cliques, Squads , Bullying & More- , 7-9:30 PM, BOE Building, 525 Academy
Parents will discuss and practice with the School Social Worker and School Nurse how to take care of their children, themselves, and each other as they parent teens in Middle School. We’ll explore strategies on how to support, guide, and direct children to succeed in Middle School - to be ready to face the day and have enough resilience to get through it. Questions? Please contact Eric Stoudemire, MMS School Social Worker (estoudem@somsd.k12.nj.us) or Julie Porter, MMS School Nurse (jporter@somsd.k12.nj.us)

Also coming up in March at the BOE Building:

• March 18 Special Siblings 4:00-5:30 PM Youth led support group, with Laura Reichgut LCW, for siblings (Grades 5-8) of people with special needs, drop off, snacks provided.
• March 19 Selective Mutism Parent Group 7-8:30 PM
• March 20 ADD/ADHD Parent Group 7:30-9 PM
• March 25 Screen Smart Kids 7-8:30

More information for all of these can be found here: https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf

MMS Library Volunteers needed!

I know you all are wondering what goes not over in the mysterious land of MMS...well here is your chance to get a little sneak peek into middle school.  You will not be working in your child's class like in the elementary schools but just helping out in the library in general. Mr. Degnan needs the most help during his MMS investigates class (highlighted in blue on the schedule).  This is a cool class that he teaches and would love a parent to be there to do some projects, filing, man the desk and just be an extra set of eyes and hands. He would love whatever time whenever you can give it but if you can make the MMS Investigates class time that would even be better!  Just type in your name in the spot that you can volunteer. Please do not delete anyone's name that is already there. Library signup https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/170PmsHyDvQG9S2c0e0YJB1y4IMTWJmWplKnPRzvcSV8/edit#gid=1195897959

Visiting Mentor Program

Thanks to everyone who has been in touch with Rachel Fisher!  The MMS HSA is compiling a list of Visiting Mentors: individuals who will talk to middle school students about their work and/or how they apply math, science, language arts and fine arts skills in their professions. We are creating a list that will be available to MMS teachers so they can invite community members into their classrooms to share their stories and expertise. If your work involves math, science, language arts skills and/or the arts – or an interesting combination of these areas - and you can imagine turning that work into a lesson or speaking with middle schoolers about it, please contact us at MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com!

Let us know your name, profession or skill, what classes you see yourself working with (math, science, social studies, music, etc), cell phone number and email.  We will add you to the spreadsheet and then you may hear from an MMS teacher! This is a first-time effort, so let’s make ourselves available to our community’s kids and see what happens! Thank you MMS Families.

Eating Disorders Event

Monday, March 4th at 7 p.m. Please see the invitation HERE to an event at Oak Knoll School, please share with your respective pediatricians and other parents who may learn from this event.  It’s intent is to help inform everyone on Eating Disorders which are much more common and severe than many understand. With it having the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses, we all have a lot to learn to protect our children.

Digital Backpack

Please click here for a link to this month’s Digital Backpack -- lots of great information and resources on what’s happening for kids in our community!

South Orange Activities
Please see the links below to the many activities that South Orange offers to residents of both South Orange and Maplewood.

• South Orange 2019 Pickleball Spring & Summer
• South Orange Baseball 2019
• South Orange 2019 Tennis Spring & Summer
• South Orange 2019 Spring and Summer  Sports USSI

Gratefully yours,
​
Deb Holt & Sara Knutsen
MMS HSA Co-Presidents 2018-2019

mmshsainfo@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com
szknutsen@gmail.com

Hello MMS Families -

We hope that you are enjoying your long weekend!  A reminder that there will be no school this Monday and Tuesday in observance of Presidents’ Day.

This blast has a lot of information so please take a look and contact us with any questions!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road!  This weekend sees the premiere of the much-anticipated MMS Musical, “Wizard of Oz!” Tickets are still available so please click on the link below to purchase.  It’s sure to be a wonderful time!

*We definitely need volunteers interested in serving on the MMS HSA PTA next year.  We have had a great time serving as your MMS co-Presidents the last two years but our by-laws mandate that we move on. Please consider helping out. Our students still need us in Middle School. If you have any questions about the President roles, or the other roles available, please reach out to us! debcatholt@gmail.com or szknutsen@gmail.com.

We have updated key dates and a few new ones for 8th grade families - please take a read. We would love to see you at the community events!

A Few Key Dates:

• Monday February 18 - No School, Winter Break
• Tuesday, February 19 - No School, Winter Break
• February 22nd- 24th - The Wizard of Oz
  • Friday, February 22nd - 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, February 23rd - 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, February 24th - 2:00 PM

***Follow the Yellow Brick Road - MMS presents The Wizard of Oz!***

• Friday, February 22nd - 7:30 PM
• Saturday, February 23rd - 7:30 PM
• Sunday, February 24th - 2:00 PM   

Buy Your Tickets NOW!
*The shows will sell out, so don't wait!
1) Purchase your tickets online via the MMS Musical Website!
1a) Send your student to pick up an order form from the MMS Main Office!
Cast and Crew
All information is updated on the --> MMS Musical Website

8th Grade Dates

You should have received an email last week with key dates. If you did not receive, it please check your inboxes or SPAM.

• Thursday, March 7 MMS/SOMS 8th Grade Mixer in the CHS Cafeteria, 7-9 pm  Volunteer for food items or to Chaperone HERE.  The Permission Slip is HERE. Please email Adrianna or Thea if you are interested in helping sell tickets during lunch March 4-7.
• Tuesday, March 12 CHS Counselors come to MMS to speak to students - More information on this coming soon
• Monday, March 18 Half of 8th grade class to visit CHS from 9:30-11:30
• Thursday, March 21 Second Half of 8th grade class to visit CHS from 9:30-11:30
• Monday, April 1 Well-wishers orders for yearbook due
• Monday, April 15 Yearbook orders due
• Wednesday, May 8 8th Grade Night at CHS, 6:30-8:30pm
• Thursday, May 23 Field trip to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ - Permission slips coming home soon
• Tuesday, June 18 8th Grade Dinner Dance at Maplewood Country Club
• Friday, June 21- Last Day of School, pending snow days. 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, 9am* (This date subject to change based on last day of school and snow days)

Attention 8th grade families: The CHS HSA needs you!

The CHS HSA is beginning the process of filling out our slate of executive board and committee positions for the 2019-20 school year.  If you would like to volunteer to serve on the board, please contact us at hsa@columbiahsa.org. Volunteering is a great way to be involved and learn more about CHS happenings. Click here to view the list of board positions. Thank you!

Bathroom Beautification

We are so excited that our plans to beautify the MMS bathrooms are finally going to get underway!

On Saturday , March 2 a group of staff from MMS a will be painting and beautifying many of the bathrooms in the school. If you or your kids are interested in volunteering, please let us know.

More details to come.  Thank you!
szknutsen@gmail.com debcatholt@gmail.com

Fundraising

• 8th Grade
  If anyone would like to host an 8th grade fundraiser, we would be most grateful. Last year some families raised significant funds with a small event. OR - you can donate directly to the 8th grade fund HERE.
• No Frills / Still Time to Donate! MMS HSA raises funds through an ongoing No Frills fundraiser, Money Maker (Host your own, seed your own) initiatives, Adults only Trivia Night, and other grade specific events during the school year. Without the support of families, we would not be able to provide the supplemental support to the students and staff. To donate now Click Here

Teacher Updates
From Ms. Graham:
"Special Wednesday Club Offering: Curls on the Move, run by Ms. Graham (**Starts March 6th**). Curls on the Move (COTM) is a hair, health, and self-care curriculum specifically for adolescent girls of African Descent. The club focuses on hands on learning opportunities, self-esteem building, physical activities and more! See Ms. Graham in Room 153 if you are interested in joining. Cost is a separate fee of $60 total for the winter and spring session (12 weeks). More information forthcoming in February!"

Yearbooks and Well Wisher Ads Order Information
Yearbooks: Order your yearbooks now, orders end on April 15, 2019. Details here:  Yearbook Order Form
Well Wishers Ads:  If you’d like to place an ad for your child, orders are due on April 1, 2019. Details here:  Well Wishers Info

Tissues and School Store Need Supplies

PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN! I know I said we have enough, but we never have enough. Tissues are always in demand! Please consider sending your sniffling child back to school in the new year with a new box for their homeroom. Also, The student council also runs a school store and accepts donations, please make sure to send in food allergy compliant snacks. They even have an Amazon Wishlist if getting to the store is too hectic. Click Here for MMS School Store’s Amazon Wishlist

Achieve - Calling all Hosts! 

It's not too early to think about hosting a party in March for the Achieve Foundation's largest annual fundraiser, Nights of 100 Dinners. You create the guest list, and Achieve sends invitations on your behalf. Instead of bringing a hostess gift or bottle of wine, guests make a donation to the organization. Since its inception in 2005, the Nights of 100 Dinners has raised more than $500,000 to fund Achieve’s programs and benefit all ten schools in the district. Register as a host at tinyurl.com/nhd2019 or email 100dinners@achievefoundation.org to learn more.

Achieve - Mardi Gras in SOMA!

Please join our community members as we kick off Achieve Fundraising and celebrate our public schools!

Join us for a Mardi Gras soiree hosted by the Achieve Foundation - Friday, March 1 from 7 - 11 pm at The Woodland. Please click here for more information and to purchase tickets. Hope to see you there!

Special Ed Update

ATTN: Middle School and High School parents and guardians (and any 5th grade  parents who are thinking ahead):

SEPAC’s next monthly meeting is for you!

The topic: Special Education Experience: The Secondary Years!
Date: Tuesday, February 26, 7:30-9 pm
Location: BOE building, 525 Academy, Maplewood

• Moderated discussion lead by SEPAC’s veteran secondary liaisons.
• Insights from the administration of the Special Services Department.
• Topics to be addressed: transition from elementary school to middle school and middle school to high school, academic programs, reading interventions, executive function supports, and more.
• Update on SEPAC advocacy.
• General sharing, support and networking.

SEPAC strives to bring together members of the special education community with similar questions, issues and concerns in the same room at the same time.

ALL ARE WELCOME. Please join us.

Also in February at the BOE Building:

Feb 20 ADD/ADHD Support Group 7:30-9:00 PM

More information for all of these can be found here: https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf

Also in February at The Parenting Center (BOE Building 525 Academy):

Feb 11 Special Siblings 4:00-5:30 PM (Grades 5-8, drop off with snacks, for siblings of people with special needs)

Feb 19 Selective Mutism Support Group 7:00-8:30 PM

MMS Library Volunteers needed!

I know you all are wondering what goes not over in the mysterious land of MMS...well here is your chance to get a little sneak peek into middle school.  You will not be working in your child's class like in the elementary schools but just helping out in the library in general. Mr. Degnan needs the most help during his MMS investigates class (highlighted in blue on the schedule).  This is a cool class that he teaches and would love a parent to be there to do some projects, filing, man the desk and just be an extra set of eyes and hands. He would love whatever time whenever you can give it but if you can make the MMS Investigates class time that would even be better!  Just type in your name in the spot that you can volunteer. Please do not delete anyone's name that is already there. Library signup https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/170PmsHyDvQG9S2c0e0YJB1y4IMTWJmWplKnPRzvcSV8/edit#gid=1195897959

Visiting Mentor Program

Thanks to everyone who has been in touch with Rachel Fisher!  The MMS HSA is compiling a list of Visiting Mentors: individuals who will talk to middle school students about their work and/or how they apply math, science, language arts and fine arts skills in their professions. We are creating a list that will be available to MMS teachers so they can invite community members into their classrooms to share their stories and expertise. If your work involves math, science, language arts skills and/or the arts – or an interesting combination of these areas - and you can imagine turning that work into a lesson or speaking with middle schoolers about it, please contact us at MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com!

Let us know your name, profession or skill, what classes you see yourself working with (math, science, social studies, music, etc), cell phone number and email.  We will add you to the spreadsheet and then you may hear from an MMS teacher! This is a first-time effort, so let’s make ourselves available to our community’s kids and see what happens! Thank you MMS Families.

Digital Backpack

Please click here for a link to this month’s Digital Backpack -- lots of great information and resources on what’s happening for kids in our community!

South Orange Activities

Please see the links below to the many activities that South Orange offers to residents of both South Orange and Maplewood.

• South Orange 2019 Pickleball Spring & Summer
• South Orange Baseball 2019
• South Orange 2019 Tennis Spring & Summer
• South Orange 2019 Spring and Summer  Sports USSI

Gratefully yours,

Deb Holt & Sara Knutsen
MMS HSA Co-Presidents 2018-2019

mmshsainfo@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com
szknutsen@gmail.com

Please click here for a message from Principal Gronau 

Hello MMS Families -

Thank you to organizer Dana Cavanaugh and all the families who donated Tissues and Healthy Kid Supplies over the last few weeks. There are enough tissues in the building, for now, and the students and staff can hopefully fight those germs with some real impact. It was wonderful to see the quickness of a grassroots drive. It certainly takes a village.

We would like to also highlight that this Friday at MMS, the 3rd Annual Table Tennis Tournament will take place in the afternoon. In honor of Black History Month, the MMS MLKA is performing a step show and Ms. Bradshaw and the select chorus and all choral students will sing "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing."  It should be beautiful. The 8th grade sells pretzels and drinks as a fundraiser for the 8th grade activities. If you would like to help, please contact Your MMS HSA 8th Grade Coordinators, Adrianna Donat  adrianna.donat@gmail.com, Thea Cogan-Drew  theacogandrew@gmail.com.   

We definitely need volunteers interested in serving on the MMS HSA PTA next year.  We have had a great time serving as your MMS co-Presidents the last two years but our by-laws mandate that we move on. Please consider helping out. Our students still need us in Middle School. If you have any questions about the President roles, or the other roles available, please reach out to us! debcatholt@gmail.com or szknutsen@gmail.com.

We have updated key dates and a few new ones for 8th grade families - please take a read. We would love to see you at the community events!

A Few Key Dates:

• Friday, February 15 Table Tennis Competition - Pretzels for Sale!
• Monday February 18 - No School, Winter Break
• Tuesday, February 19 - No School, Winter Break
• February 22nd- 24th - The Wizard of Oz
  • Friday, February 22nd - 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, February 23rd - 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, February 24th - 2:00 PM

8th Grade Dates
​
You should have received an email last week with key dates. If you did not receive, it please check your inboxes or SPAM.

• Thursday, March 7 MMS/SOMS 8th Grade Mixer in the CHS Cafeteria, 7-9pm  

Volunteer for food items or to Chaperone HERE.  The Permission Slip isHERE. Please email Adrianna or Thea if you
are interested in helping sell tickets during lunch March 4-7.

• Tuesday, March 12 CHS Counselors come to MMS to speak to students - More information on this coming soon
• Monday, March 18 Half of 8th grade class to visit CHS from 9:30-11:30
• Thursday, March 21 Second Half of 8th grade class to visit CHS from 9:30-11:30
• Monday, April 1 Well-wishers orders for yearbook due
• Monday, April 15 Yearbook orders due
• Wednesday, May 8 8th Grade Night at CHS, 6:30-8:30pm
• Thursday, May 23 Field trip to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ - Permission slips coming home soon
• Tuesday, June 18 8th Grade Dinner Dance at Maplewood Country Club
• Wednesday, June 19 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, 9 am*

(This date subject to change based on last day of school and snow days)

Fundraising

• 8th Grade                                                                                                                                                                 If anyone would like to host an 8th grade fundraiser, we would be most grateful. Last year some families raised significant funds with a small event. OR - you can donate directly to the 8th grade fund HERE. 
• No Frills / Still Time to Donate! MMS HSA raises funds through an ongoing No Frills fundraiser, Money Maker (Host your own, seed your own) initiatives, Adults only Trivia Night, and other grade specific events during the school year. Without the support of families, we would not be able to provide the supplemental support to the students and staff. To donate now Click Here

Follow the Yellow Brick Road - Maplewood Middle School presents The Wizard of Oz!

• Friday, February 22nd - 7:30 PM
• Saturday, February 23rd - 7:30 PM
• Sunday, February 24th - 2:00 PM

   Buy Your Tickets NOW!
*The shows will sell out, so don't wait!
1) Purchase your tickets online via the MMS Musical Website!
1a) Send your student to pick up an order form from the MMS Main Office!
 Building Volunteers Needed!
1) Are you a talented builder who could help us finish up our projects?
1a) If so, please reach out to Mr. Palmgren at rpalmgre@somsd.k12.nj.us

Cast and Crew Members - Please check your emails!
1) Cast and crew member families should have received "MMS Musical - Reminders #2" on Sunday, 1/27 via email with the emails used to sign up for the musical.
1a) If you did NOT receive the email, please reach out to Ms. O'Sullivan mosulliv@somsd.k12.nj.us ASAP as we are sending out crucial information for the start of full cast and crew rehearsals!
All information is updated on the --> MMS Musical Website

Teacher Updates

From Ms. Graham:
"Special Wednesday Club Offering: Curls on the Move, run by Ms. Graham (**Starts March 6th**). Curls on the Move (COTM) is a hair, health, and self-care curriculum specifically for adolescent girls of African Descent. The club focuses on hands on learning opportunities, self-esteem building, physical activities and more! See Ms. Graham in Room 153 if you are interested in joining. Cost is a separate fee of $60 total for the winter and spring session (12 weeks). More information forthcoming in February!"

Yearbooks and Well Wisher Ads Order Information

Yearbooks: Order your yearbooks now, orders end on April 15, 2019. Details here:  Yearbook Order Form

Well Wishers Ads:  If you’d like to place an ad for your child, orders are due on April 1, 2019. Details here:  Well Wishers Info

Tissues and School Store Need Supplies

PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN! I know I said we have enough, but we never have enough. Tissues are always in demand! Please consider sending your sniffling child back to school in the new year with a new box for their homeroom. Also, The student council also runs a school store and accepts donations, please make sure to send in food allergy compliant snacks. They even have an Amazon Wishlist if getting to the store is too hectic. Click Here for MMS School Store’s Amazon Wishlist

Achieve - Calling all Hosts! 

It's not too early to think about hosting a party in March for the Achieve Foundation's largest annual fundraiser, Nights of 100 Dinners. You create the guest list, and Achieve sends invitations on your behalf. Instead of bringing a hostess gift or bottle of wine, guests make a donation to the organization. Since its inception in 2005, the Nights of 100 Dinners has raised more than $500,000 to fund Achieve’s programs and benefit all ten schools in the district. Register as a host at tinyurl.com/nhd2019 or email 100dinners@achievefoundation.org to learn more.

Special Ed Update

FEBRUARY SEPAC MEETING: Special Education Experience: The Secondary Years!

Middle School and High School parents and guardians (and any 5th grade parents who are thinking ahead) SEPAC’s next monthly meeting is for you!

Tuesday, February 26,  7:30-9 pm, BOE building, 525 Academy, Maplewood

• How to Have Difficult Conversations with Kids With: Dr. Adam Price, Psychologist, Lecturer & Parenting Book Author Feb12, 7:30pm at Jefferson School

Also in February at The Parenting Center (BOE Building 525 Academy):

Feb 11 Special Siblings 4:00-5:30 PM (Grades 5-8, drop off with snacks, for siblings of people with special needs)

Feb 19 Selective Mutism Support Group 7:00-8:30 PM

Feb 20 ADD/ADHD Support Group 7:30-9:00 PM

More information for all of these can be found here: https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf

MMS Library Volunteers needed!

I know you all are wondering what goes not over in the mysterious land of MMS...well here is your chance to get a little sneak peek into middle school.  You will not be working in your child's class like in the elementary schools but just helping out in the library in general. Mr. Degnan needs the most help during his MMS investigates class (highlighted in blue on the schedule).  This is a cool class that he teaches and would love a parent to be there to do some projects, filing, man the desk and just be an extra set of eyes and hands. He would love whatever time whenever you can give it but if you can make the MMS Investigates class time that would even be better!  Just type in your name in the spot that you can volunteer. Please do not delete anyone's name that is already there. Library signup https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/170PmsHyDvQG9S2c0e0YJB1y4IMTWJmWplKnPRzvcSV8/edit#gid=1195897959

Visiting Mentor Program

Thanks to everyone who has been in touch with Rachel Fisher!  The MMS HSA is compiling a list of Visiting Mentors: individuals who will talk to middle school students about their work and/or how they apply math, science, language arts and fine arts skills in their professions. We are creating a list that will be available to MMS teachers so they can invite community members into their classrooms to share their stories and expertise. If your work involves math, science, language arts skills and/or the arts – or an interesting combination of these areas - and you can imagine turning that work into a lesson or speaking with middle schoolers about it, please contact us at MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com!

Let us know your name, profession or skill, what classes you see yourself working with (math, science, social studies, music, etc), cell phone number and email.  We will add you to the spreadsheet and then you may hear from an MMS teacher! This is a first-time effort, so let’s make ourselves available to our community’s kids and see what happens! Thank you MMS Families.

Gratefully yours,

Deb Holt & Sara Knutsen
MMS HSA Co-Presidents 2018-2019

mmshsainfo@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com
szknutsen@gmail.com