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.