MMS HSA News - Week of Oct. 26

11/1/2020

MMS HSA News - Week of Oct. 26
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

MMS Families,
First and foremost, we are a week out, please remember to vote NOW given all the changes with in-person voting this year! If you need to request a new election form, call the Essex County Clerk today (see here for details).

We know it's a confusing time with all the back and forth on SOMSD return to school plans. Please note that they are still collecting responses through their return to school survey here through Wednesday, October 28th @ 6pm. Thanks to all the parents who flagged the wrong date we shared last week and glad to know you actually read our newsletter!!!!

Lastly, get your Spirit Wear and Masks NOW - the store will close on November 6th. Given we may have entered the second wave, safety is our main priority and it comes with a price (known as a shipping fee). Some families and pods are pooling their orders together to minimize the shipping fee. Thanks for your understanding!

A few reminders,

OFFICE HOURS! Principal Gronau postponed one of her office hour sessions this month due to the update from SOMSD. She is moving forward with Oct 29th session.Come with your burning questions (e.g. Homework, Canvas etc).
SCHOOL CLOSURE! School is closed next week, Nov. 2 - Nov. 6 (the week of the Elections.)
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.

Thank you,
Veronica and Kelly
Your Maplewood Middle School Home and School Association
www.mmshsa.org

Time is running out!
ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT TO PLACE YOUR ORDERS FOR AWESOME MMS MASK & SPIRITWEAR!!! We have over 30 sales to date. Don't wait - place your order ASAP to have your items shipped directly to your home. https://mmscougars.itemorder.com/sale

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/

Happy Halloween! Halloween lands on Saturday this year. We hope this will be a fun and enjoyable day for your families. Given the pandemic, the CDC recommends you practice social distancing and wear a mask while trick-or-treating. See here for more details.

Megan Linn, 7th Grade Math Teacher
Where I taught last: I started last year as a student teacher at MMS for 6th grade math. I took a maternity leave position in a 7th grade Algebra class immediately after that, for the winter. Then I was transferred to a 6th grade class in the spring.
Why I decided to become a teacher: I became a teacher because I love math, I love kids, and I love having a job that feels meaningful to me.
Favorite Book: Gone Girl
Favorite Activity: Exercising and Cooking
If I could interview anyone, it would be Michael Jordan because his drive and work ethic is unparalleled. To better understand the mentality he brings to his job every day would be life changing.
My favorite thing about middle school is: No place captures the incredibly awkward age between kid and teen like middle school does. These years are critical in developing the character and worth ethic a student will keep with them throughout their education.
A little bit more about me: Fun Facts - My first degree was in Business from GWU. I was born and raised in Corona, California (this fact has become quite comical in the midst of the current pandemic) but now live in Jersey City. I am currently planning my wedding for next June. I played softball in college and love anything sports related.
My best virtual learning tip for parents: Planners have never been more important. Information is thrown around everywhere. Have your kids write things down where they can keep it organized and all in one place so they don't forget anything!

Last week, the Achieve Foundation was thrilled to let 36 educators in our District know that their grant requests had been approved. We are so fortunate to have this organization support educators districtwide with awards this fall for professional development, materials, and programs totaling $43,623!