MMS HSA News - Week 3

9/20/2020

MMS HSA News - Week 3
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

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

MMS Spiritwear
New MMS Spiritwear coming soon! Purchase online & ship directly to your home. Stay tuned for more details!

SOMA Shares is in full swing, distributing at the school lunch pickup locations for all district families! They have set up a large network of drop off locations throughout both towns. Please email sbnews@sethboyden.com or message us for a list and a google map with all the locations!
Thank you for your continued support!

Amazon Smile
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: https://smile.amazon.com/

New Teacher Spotlight: Helen Cagide

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.

YouthNet
YouthNet Virtual Club Offerings for Fall 2020 are open for registration until tomorrow! We hope your child will take advantage of the chance to have some fun and interact with our wonderful staff members in a club setting. To register, click here. If you have any questions about YouthNet at MMS, contact Ms. Laing-Rogers.