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