MMS HSA News - Week of Oct. 19

10/19/2020

MMS HSA News - Week of Oct. 19
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

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

Looking for holiday gift ideas?! New Spirit Wear is available to purchase!
Order your Spiritwear online today! https://mmscougars.itemorder.com/
The MMS Cougars Online Store is now open for business until NOVEMBER 6th. All orders will be processed and printed at that time. Items will be delivered directly to your home in about 3-4 weeks. Please note shipping charges will apply to each order. Any families faced with an economic hardship should reach out directly to Dara Gronau to discuss options.
If you have any questions, please reach out via email to us at: spiritwearmms@gmail.com

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.