You are likely deep into Fall festivities now! Please make sure to continue social distancing and wearing masks now that it's getting colder outside. Also, please remind your student that they must wear a mask if heading to town. It is now legally enforced.
 
In other news, we are thrilled to share that our Spirit Wear store is OPEN for business!!! Join us in spreading excitement and order your Spiritwear and Masks online today!  https://mmscougars.itemorder.com/ 
 
Note that given COVID, spirit wear sales will close on 11/6 and all orders will be processed and printed at that time. Items will then be delivered directly to your home in about 3-4 weeks.  Shipping charges will apply to each order. 
 
Any family faced with an economic hardship should reach out directly to Principal Dara Gronau to discuss options. 
If you  have any questions, please reach out via email here:  spiritwearmms@gmail.com
 
Have a great week,
Veronica and Kelly
 
REMINDERS

• Virtual Assembly! There is a virtual assembly on Tuesday at 215pm. Please remind your student. Their teacher will help them access the assembly.
• SEPAC Meeting on 10/22 at 7:15pm (https://sepacsoma.org/)
• Parent Feedback! The District recently shared an update on returning to school along with this Return to School Preference Form: https://bit.ly/3lRg2dU. Please submit your response by Oct. 19th.
• Office Hours! Principal Gronau will be holding two office hour sessions this month, Oct 22nd and Oct 29th, to answer your burning questions, details were emailed to you. Let us know if you did not receive the details.
• School Closure! School is closed Nov. 2 - Nov. 6 (during Election Day)
• VOTING! If you are voting in the elections by mail, there is a box installed and administered by the Essex County Clerk on 1618 Springfield Avenue in Maplewood, in front of the police station. Be sure to drop it off by Nov. 3rd.

Photo by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash  
 

Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher will be speaking about SANCTUARY, a book that came out on Sept. 1 and tells the story of an undocumented teen named Vali who is living in a future America and must fight for her freedom. Book order details are here .

Vincent Leggio, 6th grade science teacher

Where I taught last: Jersey City
Why I decided to become a teacher: I always felt bored/not engaged in class. I used to daydream in school about how I would do things differently "When I'm in charge." 
Favorite Book: The Food Lab: Better Cooking Through Science by J.Kenji Lopez-Alt
Favorite Activity: Cooking, exercising, playing music.
If I could interview anyone, it would be J. Kenji Lopez-Alt because he thinks like me; he knows everything around us is subject to the laws of Science, including my favorite subject: Food.
My favorite thing about middle school is: I've been teaching for 10 years now, and I've taught every grade between K-8. I appreciate watching our 6th graders grow and mature over the years. Young-adolescence can be a tricky time for our students, but I enjoy watching them grow and navigate these challenges. 
A little bit more about me: I got married last year at Liberty Science Center. I've been teaching for 10 years. I also work as a researcher/presenter for the Center for Responsive Schools, a non-profit where I teach teachers classroom management and social-emotional learning techniques.
My best virtual learning tip for parents: Remember, this is new for everyone. Try not to get too frustrated when things don't work out. Make time for fun. Make time for family. Find some time away from a screen. 
 

 

On the Calendar

Did we catch your attention?
 
October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. If you watched the last presidential debates, you know this is quite an issue in our country. On this note, last week we celebrated Week of Respect and highlighted the critical role a positive school climate, free from harassment and bullying, has on student achievement. Sadly, most kids are not aware of the types of behaviors that reinforce in-group and out-group dynamics and so let's all do our part to encourage empathetic and inclusive norms! A few suggestions for your students by a group called "Stomp out Bullying" are: 1) Make a friend with someone you don't know at school and 2) Challenge others to be kind. For more suggestions for both you and your student, take a look here and here. 
 
REMINDERS:

• Half Day! Tuesday, October 13th is an early Dismissal Day. Virtual School will conclude at 12:15pm. 
• School Science Opportunity! Does your student love science and want to explore more topics in depth? Please join the SciFest (Science Fair) meetings at 3:15 on Mondays. Here is the link to join: https://meet.google.com/ttd-oaqm-qmv 
• School Newspaper Opportunity! Is your student interested in sharing their voice with a wide audience? There will be an MMS World Newspaper meeting Next Thursday at 3:15.  Here is the Google Classroom info: ahttps://classroom.google.com/c/NjM0OTI2NTc2MTFa?cjc=dhy43da
• Parent Feedback! Do you have suggestions on how to make this virtual time more engaging? Come to an HSA Meeting this Thursday at 7pm. Reach out to mmshsainfo@gmail.com to learn how to connect. 

Have a great week,
Veronica and Kelly
 
Photo Credits: Ilayza Macayan on Unsplash
 

Where I worked last: I began my career in school nursing at Stevens Cooperative School in Hoboken. I then became a nursing supervisor for Catapult Learning, working with schools in Bergen county. I am a member of the community and a SOMSD parent so I am thrilled to be at MMS in my home district!
 
Why I decided to become a school nurse: It is imperative that children are healthy in order to succeed in school. As I began working in schools, I really enjoyed teaching kids about their health and encouraging them to take an active role in staying healthy. When I was a child in school, the school nurses were always so loving and kind and were great role models for me.  As a high school student, I volunteered in the nurse's office, and I knew that school nursing could be the perfect fit for me. 
 
Favorite Book: A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle
 
Favorite Activity: Riding bikes with my son Collin
 
If I could interview anyone, it would be former First Lady Michelle Obama because she made a daily difference in the lives of people, especially our nation's children, while in the White House. She began the Let's Move initiative in schools to encourage children and their families to stay active. She promoted healthy eating habits and gained national attention for being the first woman since Eleanor Roosevelt to plant a vegetable garden at the White House. 
 
My favorite thing about middle school is: Middle school students are fun, spontaneous and energetic. They can also be serious, inquisitive and refreshingly honest.  As they find their way in the world, they think for themselves, form their own opinions and are hopeful about making a difference in the world around them. 
 
A little bit more about me: I grew up in Indiana and I met my husband Frank while in college there. I moved to NJ in 2002 and to South Orange in 2016. I absolutely love this community and how welcoming people are. We have a son named Collin, a fourth grader at Jefferson Elementary, and a very spoiled shiba inu named Ghost. 
 
My best virtual learning tip for parents: Teachers, families and children are all new to navigating the world of remote learning. With humor and patience, we will figure it out together.  
 

 

On the Calendar

As we sat down to write this week's HSA newsletter, we were reminded that this week is (along with about 5 other "Awareness" events) "Mental Health Awareness" week.  This topic, of course, has been top of mind and hits close to home.  

Last week the Parenting Center along with the PTAs held a seminar on "Emotional Support for Secondary Students during Covid" - and we think we speak for everyone -- administrators, teachers, students, parents, families - when we say that it is a tough time (#2020).  

For our students, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused schools around Maplewood/South Orange to close, it resulted in a plethora of different reactions.  

Kelly's daughter, Kate, for example, at first loved the online environment and finally felt confident enough to interact in class. But as time has gone on, Kate is now feeling the effects of social isolation and the forced physical distance between her, her friends and her teachers.  That stress, by itself, is enough - but combine that with the external environment and it almost is too much to handle (especially for middle schoolers).  This is all a long way of saying that our students and families are not alone in feeling stress and anxiety, and while it can be hard to ask for help, there are resources!   

For additional childcare support, the South Mountain Y has been running its School Age Child Care program successfully and safely for the last 4 weeks and now has additional spots available for full and half days.

The Y is there to help with virtual learning, enrichment, arts, sports and socialization in proven safe settings with fantastic staff mentors. If you are undecided or need more information, please email Leah at lgreene@metroymcas.org.

And, if there is other support that you believe would be helpful - please let us know. 

We hope that this Newsletter at the very least can help ensure that our community is getting important and timely information.  Thank you again to those that keep MMS and the HSA running! 

Kelly and Veronica

Where I taught last: West Orange Public Schools

Why I decided to become a teacher: Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions. I am passionate about helping my students tap into their full potential and sharing my love for math.

Favorite Book: Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate

Favorite Activity: baking

If I could interview anyone, it would be Katherine Johnson because: I would like to hear about her experience working for NASA as a mathematician and about her contributions to successful spaceflights. Her achievements were truly inspirational!
My favorite thing about middle school is: watching students begin to blossom into their own as individuals. Middle school marks the beginning of a world of possibilities!
A little bit more about me: I will always be a proud pirate of Seton Hall University! I enjoy yoga and recently added bike riding as a hobby.

My best virtual learning tip for parents: Making a “To Do” list can help with starting on track and staying on track. The feeling of being overwhelmed can come in many forms virtually, but if you stay on top of your assignments by making a daily list of what needs to get done, then you’ll be better off in the long run.    

 

On the Calendar

We survived week 3 of virtual learning and we hope it is getting easier! A few quick reminders for this short week:

• National Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off earlier this month on Sept 15th and runs to Oct 15th. It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. For more information see here.
• Register to Vote if you haven't yet. See here for details. You have until Oct 13th.

Enjoy the day off from virtual learning!
Veronica and Kelly
 

Where I taught last: SOMS

Why I decided to become a teacher: To inspire and motivate children to discover their true potential and prepare them for life. I am excited to share my passion for literature with my students and help them find what truly makes them happy. 

Favorite Book: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Favorite Activity: Anything outdoors!

If I could interview anyone, it would be: Maya Angelou because of the incredible variety of roles she took on throughout her life. She has had an inspiring impact on women and literature, and I would love to have the chance to discuss her experiences and viewpoints.  

My favorite thing about middle school is: Watching children grow into young adults as they explore and discuss new ideas, perspectives, and develop their own personalities

A little bit more about me: I went to Stockton University where I competed on the track and field team, I have four leopard geckos, and I love super spicy food! 

My best virtual learning tip for parents: Take breaks ( I love meditation and movement!) and understand that this is a learning process for everyone. When frustration arises, take a step back and revisit the situation when everyone has a clear head and is ready to go again. This learning style is new and strange, but we are all here to support each other and make the best of it. It really does take a village! My email is ALWAYS open if you have questions, concerns, or need guidance/resources! 

 

On the Calendar

We have completed our second week of virtual learning! First, and foremost, we want to say, “Thank You” to all of our families. This has been a trying time for all of us. Who knew we would be longing for the days when we were barking orders to “put on socks and shoes, grab your backpack - we don’t want to be late!” You are the true heroes during this pandemic. Please know that your efforts to keep our children safe and engaged are appreciated.  
 
Next, we certainly want to thank our wonderful teachers, many of whom are parents of school-aged children themselves. Thank you for the continued support of your students. We know you have entered uncharted teaching territory, and we so appreciate your efforts to make this happen.  

Also, thank you to our Administration who has never stopped working hard to make sure we are all safe and ensure that all MMS students have what they need to continue to learn and grow during this difficult time.  
 
Continuing on that note, we had our first ever "virtual" Back to School Night, which we can confidently call a success.  Shout out to Mrs. Gronau and the entire staff at MMS for making that happen.  
 
Here are some updates as we enter into week 3: 

• REMINDER!  Tomorrow starts "full day" remote learning.  The revised schedule (based upon feedback from students and families) allows for two 10-minute breaks during the day.  Please see the revised schedule here:  https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/mdocs-posts/elementary-and-middle-school-virtual-schedule-updates_9-18-20/
• The District has provided some best practices as you help your students navigate their virtual learning. experience. These best practices can be found here: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/headlines/2020/09/18/somsd-shares-parent-virtual-instruction-best-practices/   

Keep on keeping on! (And don't forget to REGISTER TO VOTE!) 
 
Veronica & Kelly 
 

Where I taught last:  My last position was as a Leave Replacement Teacher at Maplewood Middle School.

Why I decided to become a teacher:  Teaching is my life purpose.  I love working with young people and inspiring them to achieve their dreams. 

Favorite Book: “Limitless Mind”-Jo Boaler

Favorite Activity: My favorite activity is reading inspirational books.
If I could interview anyone, it would be Oprah Winfrey because she is someone that I admire.

Favorite Thing About Middle School: My favorite thing about middle school is having the opportunity to work with my students. I particularly enjoy working with the students at Maplewood Middle School.

A little bit more about me: I am an educator with experience working in Elementary School, Middle School and High School.  Also, I have two Masters in Education.

My best virtual learning tip for parents:   Please, stay in touch with your child’s teachers. We are here to help you during these difficult times.

 

On the Calendar

MMS Families!

Our MMS community is doing awesome at remote learning! Official data metrics show that we are leading across the district in student and teacher engagement at 98%! We have another week of half days before starting with full days so let's keep it up! 

Hopefully your student has figured out A/B days as well the "rotation" period. Our MMS Families Facebook page is full of tips and tricks, be sure to join if you haven't already. For more on what this year will bring, please be sure to tune into Back to School Night this Thursday, Sept. 17. Also, registration for YouthNet, the district's after school program for middle school, went live on Friday. This is a great way for your student to engage with others with similar interests. Be sure to check it out!

Finally, we have a sixth grade tradition of writing a letter to your future high school graduating self. This year, this experience was captured on film. Take a look at the "Dear Future Me" video if you haven't already.

Enjoy the week!
Veronica and Kelly

 

On the Calendar

Welcome to an exciting new school year at Maplewood Middle School! You are joining a remarkable community of teachers, parents and students. The MMS Home and School Association (HSA) helps keep our community informed about what is happening at MMS. 

 Although school will be opening this year on a distance learning platform, the HSA is just as committed to our students, families, teachers and community as we have been in the past. Our goal as an HSA is to work toward establishing programs and services to improve students' lives, regardless of where our students are engaged in learning.  Although many of our programs and events have been put on hold during the current health crisis, the HSA never stops planning and preparing new initiatives to enrich our students’ experiences. We look forward to a time when MMS can safely reopen for in-person instruction. Until then, we will continue to work with school, staff and parents as we navigate these challenging times together --- a pandemic, social unrest and an upcoming election!  

Whether in person or from home, the HSA can only support the variety of enrichment programs with the assistance of amazing volunteers and community funding. We hope you will join our efforts by visiting our website and joining as a member. You can also look for volunteer opportunities and fundraising efforts, donate, and receive up-to-date information on HSA and MMS activities as we share them. Please be sure to "like" the MMS Families and MMS HSA Facebook pages, so you can receive important information about school activities.

Here is what you need to know for the first week (good luck!): 

Please contact Veronica and/or Kelly (HSA Co Presidents), if you have any questions about MMS or the MMS HSA. Best wishes to our entire community for a fantastic school year. 
 
Your MMS HSA 

 

On the Calendar