MMS HSA - Weekly Updates

MMS HSA News - Week of Jan. 18

1/17/2021

MMS HSA News - Week of Jan. 18
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Join your neighbors for SOMA's 20th annual observance of MLK Day. This year it will be virtual. You can also observe the day by participating in the SOMA tradition of displaying luminaries. Click here for more details, including where to purchase luminary kits ($10 for four bags and candles).

REMINDER: In-school learning begins Tuesday for 6th graders who opted for the hybrid choice. Check PowerSchool for your child's cohort. Everyone else will be virtual. For more information on the district's back-to-school plan, click here.

6th Grade: Don't Forget To Buy Your Sign!
You can still purchase a sign for the 6th grade sign project. Sixth grade students will work with teachers and each other to design lawn signs to celebrate joining the MMS community. Date TBA. Click here to get your sign. Please support another student if you can.

Social Justice Committee 2021 Programming
Dr. Anica Camela Mulzac will host a three-part virtual series on racial and social justice. The content of each session is tailored for the specific audience groups. Session 1 is for teachers and administrators. Session 2 (Jan. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.) is for all students. Event Number: 179 854 0424 Event Password: 2021Forward! Session 3 (Jan. 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.) is for the MMS/SOMA Community. Event number: 179 371 2650 Event password: MMS2021! (66720210 from phones)

Order Your Yearbook Today!
Yearbooks are on sale for the 2020-2021 school year! Don't miss out. Buy your yearbook today!

You can also place a Well Wisher for your student. Click here for more information.

On the Calendar

Jan 18 - School Closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan 20 - SEPAC Meeting: New Year, New Goals: SMART goals for IEPs
Jan 21 - MMS HSA Meeting
Jan 22 - 7th Grade picture day
Jan 27 - Social Justice parent meeting.
Jan 29 - 6th Grade picture day

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MMS HSA News - Week of Jan. 11

1/17/2021

MMS HSA News - Week of Jan. 11
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Join your neighbors for SOMA's 20th annual observance of MLK Day. This year it will be virtual. You can also observe the day by participating in the SOMA tradition of displaying luminaries. Click here for more details, including where to purchase luminary kits ($10 for four bags and candles).

MMS Yearbook Club is looking for photos of you saying farewell to 2020 and hello to 2021! Take a selfie and include a sign with hopes for the new year to come. Whether you are dressed to impress or in your pajamas, we want to capture your voice and this moment in time. As always, please no hand gestures or super silly faces. Check out our flyer and use this link to submit photos.

Order Your Yearbook Today!
Yearbooks are on sale for the 2020-2021 school year! Don't miss out. Buy your yearbook today!

You can also place a Well Wisher for your student. Click here for more information.

On the Calendar

Jan 11 - YouthNet After School Club Winter Season begins
Jan 18 - School Closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan 20 - SEPAC Meeting: New Year, New Goals: SMART goals for IEPs
Jan 21 - MMS HSA Meeting

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MMS HSA News - Week of Jan. 4

1/17/2021

MMS HSA News - Week of Jan. 4
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

For more information, click here.

Questions about MMS pandemic response planning? Too much homework? Not enough homework? Synchronous vs asynchronous? Ask Principal Gronau during MMS Family office hours! Jan 7th @ 3:30pm. Students are welcome!
Webex link. Event number: 179 319 7391 Event password: 5ucM4HEbbx8
Phone Info Dial In: 408-418-9388 Event number: 179 319 7391 Password: 58264432

Yearbook Club is looking for photographs for the 2020-2021 yearbook. Do you have pictures of MMS students enjoying the snow day, participating in Spirit Week or celebrating the beginning of 2021? We would love to add them to the yearbook this year! Click here to submit photos.

Order Your Yearbook Today!
Yearbooks are on sale for the 2020-2021 school year! Don't miss out. Buy your yearbook today!

You can also place a Well Wisher for your student. Click here for more information.

On the Calendar

Jan 4 - Return to School Survey Due
Jan 7 - Principal Gronau Office Hours, 3:30 pm
Jan 8 - MMS Asynchronous Day
Jan 11 - YouthNet After School Club Winter Season begins
Jan 18 - School Closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan 20 - SEPAC Meeting: New Year, New Goals: SMART goals for IEPs
Jan 21 - MMS HSA Meeting

Join The MMS HSA

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MMS HSA News - Week of Dec. 21

1/17/2021

MMS HSA News - Week of Dec. 21
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

LIVE Q&A ON MONDAY
There will be a Live Q&A on Monday at 7:30 pm on the district's Return to School plan. Click here to join. If you missed last week's recorded video on the plan, you can watch it here. In addition, the Return to School Preference form has be sent to families via email/SMS. Final submissions will be due by Monday, January 4.

This holiday season, consider supporting Maplewood and South Orange's businesses by shopping local.

Yearbook Club is looking for photographs for the 2020-2021 yearbook. Do you have pictures of MMS students enjoying the snow day, participating in Spirit Week or celebrating the beginning of 2021? We would love to add them to the yearbook this year! Click here to submit photos.

Questions about MMS pandemic response planning? Too much homework? Not enough homework? Synchronous vs asynchronous? Ask Principal Gronau during MMS Family office hours! Jan 7th @ 3:30pm

Order Your Yearbook Today!
Yearbooks are on sale for the 2020-2021 school year! Don't miss out. Buy your yearbook today!

You can also place a Well Wisher for your student. Click here for more information.

On the Calendar

Dec. 21: Town Hall Follow-up: Live Q&A WebEx/YouTube, 7:30-9:30 pm
Dec. 23: Half Day
Dec. 24-Jan. 1: Holiday Recess
Jan. 7: Office hours with Principal Gronau, 3:30pm

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MMS HSA News - week of dec. 14

12/14/2020

MMS HSA News - Week of Dec. 14
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

TOWN HALL THIS THURSDAY
A pre-recorded, December 17 Town Hall event will provide updates on COVID-related health & safety measures, technology, instruction models, scheduling, special services, and other important topics. There will be a Live Q&A on Monday, Dec 21, at 7:30 pm. In addition, the Return to School Preference form will be sent to families via email/SMS text in mid-December, and final submissions will be due to the District by Monday, January 4. More details can be found here.

Help keep SOMA kids warm this winter! Accepting new and lightly used winter items: - coats, snow pants, snow boots, hats, gloves, wool/snow socks, scarves, cold-weather clothes (accepting adult sizes *only if* the styles appeal to teens aged 15-18 years old). Drop off at 153 Oakland Road in Maplewood.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS!
There is still time to register your student for an afterschool club! The Winter season will run January 11 to February 19. Clubs meet from 3:15pm- 4:15pm. Click here to register! Questions? Email youthnetplus@gmail.com.

There is still time to volunteer OR pick up books at the SOMA Shares Book Days! If you are interested in volunteering, choose one or more shifts from the link here. SOMA Shares Book Day, Dec 20th @ 9:00am - 3:00pm, St. Joseph's Church parking lot, 767 Prospect Street, Maplewood, NJ 07040.

FLAG and SOMA Shares have organized a livestream fundraiser for local organizations! Tune in and spread the word to friends who might like to join and donate to support families with groceries, books, art/ and school supplies, toiletries and other personal items.

Questions about MMS pandemic response planning? Too much homework? Not enough homework? Synchronous vs asynchronous? Ask Principal Gronau during MMS Family office hours! Jan 7th @ 3:30pm

Order Your Yearbook Today!
Yearbooks are on sale for the 2020-2021 school year! Don't miss out. Buy your yearbook today!

You can also place a Well Wisher for your student. Click here for more information.

The MMS Yearbook is looking for photo submissions for the 2020-2021 yearbook. You can submit here until the end of December. A few ideas for photo submissions include: Winter Wear ❖ Winter Wonderland ❖ Snow ❖ Winter Food/Drink ❖ Winter Sports. Please make sure your photos are school appropriate! Contact Meredith Hansen for more information.

On the Calendar

Dec. 14: SOMSD BOE meeting, 7:30 pm
Dec. 17: MMS HSA Meeting, 7 pm
Dec. 17: District Return to School Virtual Town Hall (pre-recorded), 7:30 pm
Dec. 18: MMS-Asynchronous Day
Dec. 20: SOMA Shares Book Day, 9:00am - 3:00pm, St. Joseph's Church parking lot, 767 Prospect Street, Maplewood, NJ 07040.
Dec. 21: Town Hall Follow-up: Live Q&A WebEx/YouTube, 7:30-9:30 pm
Dec. 23: Half Day
Dec. 24-Jan. 1: Holiday Recess
Jan. 7: Office hours with Principal Gronau, 3:30pm

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MMS HSA News - Week of Dec. 7

12/7/2020

MMS HSA News - Week of Dec. 7
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Help keep SOMA kids warm this winter! Accepting new and lightly used winter items: - coats, snow pants, snow boots, hats, gloves, wool/snow socks, scarves, cold-weather clothes (accepting adult sizes *only if* the styles appeal to teens aged 15-18 years old). Drop off at 153 Oakland Road in Maplewood.

Order Your Yearbook Today!
Yearbooks are on sale for the 2020-2021 school year! Don't miss out. Buy your yearbook today!

You can also place a Well Wisher for your student. Click here for more information.

On the Calendar

Dec. 17: MMS HSA Meeting
Dec. 23: Half Day
Dec. 24-Jan. 1: Holiday Recess

Join The MMS HSA

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MMS HSA News - Week of Nov. 30

11/30/2020

MMS HSA News - Week of Nov. 30
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

GIVING TUESDAY! Donate to the MMS Community!
Did you know that the MMS HSA spends $30 per student each year? On Giving Tuesday consider donating to our No Frills Campaign. All funds go toward supporting programs such as Virtual Field Trips, Social Justice Committee activities, 8th Grade Move Up activities, and vulnerable students in need. The HSA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donate now!

Help keep SOMA kids warm this winter! Accepting new and lightly used winter items: - coats, snow pants, snow boots, hats, gloves, wool/snow socks, scarves, cold-weather clothes (accepting adult sizes *only if* the styles appeal to teens aged 15-18 years old). Drop off at 153 Oakland Road in Maplewood.

Send Us Your Photographs For the Yearbook!
MMS Yearbook is looking for photo submissions for the 2020-2021 yearbook. All November we will be asking for fall-themed photo submissions. Check out our flyer for more information about sending in your photos and use the link. Please make sure your photos are school appropriate.

Order Your Yearbook Today!
Yearbooks are on sale for the 2020-2021 school year! Don't miss out. Buy your yearbook today!

You can also place a Well Wisher for your student. Click here for more information.

SciFest 2021 Presented Digitally
The MMS SciFest students are working hard on their virtual science projects and are excited to present them in January in our first Virtual Science Fair Presentation. Date TBA. We hope you will attend!

For more information, click here.

Mary Alice Zavocki, STEM Teacher

Where I taught last: Saint James School
Why I decided to become a teacher: I became a teacher because I wanted to impact the world in a positive way by making a difference in the lives of children. I have a unique way of connecting with students through establishing genuine connections, investing in their needs and believing in their abilities.Since my confidence in them never wavers, it allows students to accomplish things they never thought possible. It brings me great joy to watch children develop into confident, young adults who believe that no challenge or obstacle is too much to overcome.
Favorite Book: Where the Crawdads Sing
Favorite Activity: Hiking
If I could interview anyone, it would be: Martin Luther King Jr. because he is my personal hero and someone that I've always looked up to and admired. I traveled to Memphis, Tennessee a few years ago to visit the National Civil Rights Museum that was built onto the Lorraine Motel where he was assassinated and it was one of the most powerful experiences of my life.
My favorite thing about middle school is: My favorite part about teaching at the middle school level is the creativity that children in this age group bring to their learning. In a subject like STEM, I get the opportunity to encourage the students to tap into their creative genius when engineering design projects or creating animations or videos.
A little bit more about me: I grew up in Maplewood and I graduated from Columbia High School, so I am very excited about having the opportunity to teach in my hometown. Fun fact: I love to travel, and I've visited all 50 states in the United States.
My best virtual learning tip for parents: When possible, have your child turn on their camera during synchronous learning. It really helps teachers to build personal connections with students and get to know them better.

On the Calendar

Dec. 1: SEPAC meeting
Dec. 17: MMS HSA Meeting
Dec. 23: Half Day
Dec. 24-Jan. 1: Holiday Recess

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MMS HSA News - Week of Nov. 23

11/24/2020

MMS HSA News - Week of Nov. 23
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Thanksgiving Break
School is closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holiday!

Send Us Your Photographs For the Yearbook!
MMS Yearbook is looking for photo submissions for the 2020-2021 yearbook. All November we will be asking for fall-themed photo submissions. Check out our flyer for more information about sending in your photos and use the link. Please make sure your photos are school appropriate.

Order Your Yearbook Today!
Yearbooks are on sale for the 2020-2021 school year! Don't miss out. Buy your yearbook today!

You can also place a Well Wisher for your student. Click here for more information.

SOMA Shares Book Day #2
The first SOMA Shares Book Day was a great success thanks to the event's volunteers. Sign up for the next SOMA Shares Book Event on Sunday, Nov. 29 at St. Joseph's Church,767 Prospect St., Maplewood.

Amazon Smile
You can make an impact while you shop for Black Friday deals. Simply use this link to shop on Amazon and AmazonSmile will donate to Maplewood Middle School Home & School Association at no cost to you.

NO FRILLS CAMPAIGN - HALFWAY THERE!
We are almost halfway to our goal for the HSA's No Frills Campaign. This fundraising effort allows us to support activities such as Virtual Field Trips, Social Justice Committee activities, 8th Grade Move Up activities, and vulnerable students in need. ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND ELIGIBLE FOR CORPORATE MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS.

SciFest 2021 Presented Digitally
The MMS SciFest students are working hard on their virtual science projects and are excited to present them in January in our first Virtual Science Fair Presentation. Date TBA. We hope you will attend!

For more information, click here.

Meryl Vansickle, Health and Physical Education

Where I taught last: This is my first year teaching!
Why I decided to become a teacher: My grandmother was a teacher for almost 40 years before retiring and made such an impact on so many students. I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps and have the same impact.
Favorite Book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Favorite Activity: Weightlifting
If I could interview anyone, it would be _______ because: Michelle Obama because she was so interested in health and encouraging people to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle.
My favorite thing about middle school is: It is a time of so much physical, educational and emotional growth.
A little bit more about me: I was previously a police officer and believe that it is never too late to make a change and reinvent yourself.
My best virtual learning tip for parents: Help your child/children to create a routine that they can stick to and follow each day.

Social Justice Committee 2021 Programming
The Social Justice Committee will host a series of discussions to be guided by Dr. Anica Camela Mulzac, a licensed clinical psychologist and an expert in human behavior and group dynamics. Dr. Anica combines her passion for race and diversity with years of clinical training, research, and experience to facilitate welcoming and supportive talks about racism, prejudice, and bias. Stay tuned for details.

On the Calendar

Nov. 25: Half Day
Nov. 26-27: School Closed for Thanksgiving
Dec. 1: SEPAC meeting
Dec. 17: MMS HSA Meeting
Dec. 23: Half Day
Dec. 24-Jan. 1: Holiday Recess

Join The MMS HSA

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MMS HSA News - Week of Nov. 16

11/16/2020

MMS HSA News - Week of Nov. 16
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Social Justice Committee 2021 Programming
The HSA looks forward to starting the new year with a renewed prioritization and fresh perspective on racial and social justice. The newly established Social Justice Committee will host a series of discussions to be guided by Dr. Anica Camela Mulzac, a licensed clinical psychologist and an expert in human behavior and group dynamics. Dr. Anica combines her passion for race and diversity with years of clinical training, research, and experience to facilitate welcoming and supportive talks about racism, prejudice, and bias. Stay tuned for details about the upcoming workshops.

NO FRILLS CAMPAIGN
This year requires the HSA to be creative in providing support and experiences to students, teachers, and families. We are asking for contributions to our “No Frills Campaign” so we can support activities such as Virtual Field Trips, Social Justice Committee activities, 8th Grade Move Up activities, and vulnerable students in need. Without your help, we would not be able to provide ANY supplemental support to HSA students and staff. ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND THE HSA IS A 501(c)3 ORGANIZATION THAT IS ELIGIBLE FOR CORPORATE MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS.

Support students & school activities at MMS with every Amazon Purchase! Make sure to add Maplewood Middle School Home & School Association to your Amazon Smile list here.

On the Calendar

Nov. 25: Half Day
Nov. 26-27: School. Closed for Thanksgiving
Dec. 23: Half Day
Dec. 24-Jan. 1: Holiday Recess

Join The MMS HSA

HSA News Submission Form

No Frills Fundraiser

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MMS HSA News - Week Of Nov. 9

11/11/2020

MMS HSA News - Week of Nov. 9
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Welcome "Back"
Last week, in a year categorized by uncertainty, held true to form. We will begin this newsletter with the statement "thank goodness it is over!" and leave the subject at that.

Students and Teachers return to full remote instruction this week after Fall break.

Veterans Day is this Wednesday and we want to recognize those who served our country, whether it be in a time of conflict or keeping a period of peace. We are grateful for your service.

Spirit Wear Sales Extended
The Spirit Wear sale has been extended until Nov. 13. Click here to order and have your items shipped directly to your home.

NO FRILLS CAMPAIGN
This year requires the HSA to be creative in providing support and experiences to students, teachers, and families. We are asking for contributions to our “No Frills Campaign” so we can support activities such as Virtual Field Trips, Social Justice Committee activities, 8th Grade Move Up activities, and vulnerable students in need. Without your help, we would not be able to provide ANY supplemental support to HSA students and staff. ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND THE HSA IS A 501(c)3 ORGANIZATION THAT IS ELIGIBLE FOR CORPORATE MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS.

Support students & school activities at MMS with every Amazon Purchase! Make sure to add Maplewood Middle School Home & School Association to your Amazon Smile list here.

Kevin Philemon, 6th grade school counselor

Where I worked last: John L Costley Middle School
Why I decided to become a school counselor: It’s never easy living in a single family household, or in some cases, no family at all, and I noticed how much of a difference it made in my life to have extra support. I was able to be loved by two mentors that impacted my life forever. My passion stands for uplifting students on an academic, and social emotional level.
Favorite Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Favorite Activity: Any Physical fitness activity
If I could interview anyone, it would be Kanye West because he is a creative genius.
My favorite thing about middle school is: Learning from my students.
A little bit more about me: Haitian
College Athlete
Basketball Coach
Enjoy traveling the world
My best virtual learning tip for parents: Daily check–ins with your child. Also, follow up with a pleasurable reward activity at the end of their school day that does not involve technology.

On the Calendar

Nov. 25: Half Day
Nov. 26-27: School. Closed for Thanksgiving
Dec. 23: Half Day
Dec. 24-Jan. 1: Holiday Recess

Join The MMS HSA

HSA News Submission Form

No Frills Fundraiser

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