Hello MMS Families -
Yep, it is us again, asking you to join the MMS HSA. We have been busy trying to fill the slate of positions for next year’s board, but still need some volunteers. If you’ve been on the fence, please reach out - we are happy to answer any questions you may have.The MMS HSA is a great way to get involved in the school and know what’s happening. Middle School is different, but the kids and school still need our support. It’s a great group of parents and the commitment is not overwhelming! If you or anyone else you know wants to get involved, please reach out! debcatholt@gmail.com or szknutsen@gmail.com.
Last week we saw the hard work of MMS HSA support in action with two wonderful events. A spectacular performance for our 6th and 8th graders from the Nai-Ni Chen dance company performed Red Firecrackers: The Legend of the First Chinese New Year. Check out MMS 6th graders defeating Nian the monster in dance! (click here to watch 3 min video). The Village Green also covered the Grand Opening of the Maplewood Middle School Maker Space. Thanks to the hard work of parent volunteer Richard Marks, Media Specialist Evyn Degnan, Principal Dara Gronau, the Achieve Foundation and your MMS HSA. Click here to read more about how parent and schools can work together for the benefit of our school community.
We have updated key dates and a few new ones for 8th grade families - please take a read. We would love to see you at the community events!
A Few Key Dates:
On March 20, Maplewood resident Mark Aronson will be visiting MMS to speak to our 7th graders about his book Rising Water: The Story of the Thai Cave Rescue.
On April 4, Newberry Award-winning author will be visiting MMS with Kip Wilson as a part of his Versify Tour! A special thanks to Library Media Specialist Evyn Degnan for organizing. Please click HERE for more information and to purchase BOOKS!
Fundraising
April 1 - Back by popular demand...Screenagers! This film looks at the dangers of too much screen use and the need for families to discuss its place in their lives. This movie is great for grades 3 and up, so please parents, grandparents, caregivers, and kids come and view... guaranteed to open a great dialogue. Please see flyer HERE
15 On the Road to Freedom presented by The Parenting Center
On March 25, The Parenting Center presents an incredible musical experience at Columbia High School. 15 On the Road to Freedom tells the story of the Selma Voting Rights March from 15 year old Lynda Blackmon Lowry’s perspective. There will be a Q&A with the cast after the performance. For more information please see flyer HERE.
8th Grade Band and Honors Wind Ensemble Concert
Wednesday, March 27. Please join us at 7:30 for a joint concert with the 8th Grade Band, Honors Wind Ensemble and the Maplewood Concert Band. For more information, please click HERE.
Yearbooks and Well Wisher Ads Order Information
Yearbooks: Order your yearbooks now, orders end on April 15, 2019. Details here: Yearbook Order Form
Well Wishers Ads: If you’d like to place an ad for your child, orders are due on April 1, 2019. Details here: Well Wishers Info
Bathroom Beautification
Bathroom beautification has been postponed. Please check back for a new date!
School Supplies
Pencils or notebooks lying around? PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN! As we enter the final semester of the year, teachers and students could use some extra supplies. Please drop off extra notebooks, paper and folders to the grade teamleaders.
Special Ed Update
We are looking for an HSA Special Ed Representative for next year’s board. If you are interested, please contact Kiersten Carlson-Williams at lissenden@verizon.net.
Next SEPAC meeting: March 27, 7:30-9PM, BOE Building, 525 Academy St:
The main focus of the March meeting is support for Out of District families, more details to follow. All are welcome.
Also coming up in March at the BOE Building:
MMS Library Volunteers needed!
I know you all are wondering what goes not over in the mysterious land of MMS...well here is your chance to get a little sneak peek into middle school. You will not be working in your child's class like in the elementary schools but just helping out in the library in general. Mr. Degnan needs the most help during his MMS investigates class (highlighted in blue on the schedule). This is a cool class that he teaches and would love a parent to be there to do some projects, filing, man the desk and just be an extra set of eyes and hands. He would love whatever time whenever you can give it but if you can make the MMS Investigates class time that would even be better! Just type in your name in the spot that you can volunteer. Please do not delete anyone's name that is already there. Library signup https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/170PmsHyDvQG9S2c0e0YJB1y4IMTWJmWplKnPRzvcSV8/edit#gid=1195897959
Visiting Mentor Program
Thanks to everyone who has been in touch with Rachel Fisher! The MMS HSA is compiling a list of Visiting Mentors: individuals who will talk to middle school students about their work and/or how they apply math, science, language arts and fine arts skills in their professions. We are creating a list that will be available to MMS teachers so they can invite community members into their classrooms to share their stories and expertise. If your work involves math, science, language arts skills and/or the arts – or an interesting combination of these areas - and you can imagine turning that work into a lesson or speaking with middle schoolers about it, please contact us at MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com!
Let us know your name, profession or skill, what classes you see yourself working with (math, science, social studies, music, etc), cell phone number and email. We will add you to the spreadsheet and then you may hear from an MMS teacher! This is a first-time effort, so let’s make ourselves available to our community’s kids and see what happens! Thank you MMS Families.
Teacher Updates
From Mr. Kessler: New YouthNet Club in the Spring - Challenge 24 is a fun math game where students compete against each other to find a way to add, subtract, multiply or divide 4 given numbers to get to 24. The game builds terrific number sense in a fun and challenging environment. Members of the club will be selected to go on a field trip to Millburn Middle School in June, where we will compete against other Essex County schools at a Challenge 24 tournament. A bunch of kids competing against each other showing off their math skills... what could be better? I would like to invite students of all abilities to come out and join the fun and learn something too.
From Ms. Reisman: Every year, for the past 21 years, the Essex County Education Association hosts an art exhibition at the Livingston Mall. This evening, Ms. Reisman brought over 13 sculptures created by some of our 6th and 8th grade students. They join artwork from several other schools in our district, as well as other Essex County districts. If you are in the area, our tables are directly outside Kids Foot Locker and Zumiez on the 2nd floor.
From Ms. Amaral: Ms. Amaral is running a Donors Choose campaign for flexible seating in her classroom. Any contributions would be much appreciated! To donate, visit https://www.donorschoose.org/ and enter our zip code - 07040. Find the campaign led by "Ms. A" and contribute as you see fit!
NJ Makers Day
Mark your calendar for Saturday March 23rd for the NJ Makers Day at the Hilton Library Branch from 10am - 1pm. Click here for more information.
Digital Backpack
Please click below for links to this month’s Digital Backpack -- lots of great information and resources on what’s happening for kids in our community!
Cougar Baseball Camp
Code the Future
Jaguar Outdoor Track Season
Summer Rocket Camp
Tae Kwon Do Spring
South Orange Activities
Please see the links below to the many activities that South Orange offers to residents of both South Orange and Maplewood.
Gratefully yours,
Deb Holt & Sara Knutsen
MMS HSA Co-Presidents 2018-2019
mmshsainfo@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com
szknutsen@gmail.com
Yep, it is us again, asking you to join the MMS HSA. We have been busy trying to fill the slate of positions for next year’s board, but still need some volunteers. If you’ve been on the fence, please reach out - we are happy to answer any questions you may have.The MMS HSA is a great way to get involved in the school and know what’s happening. Middle School is different, but the kids and school still need our support. It’s a great group of parents and the commitment is not overwhelming! If you or anyone else you know wants to get involved, please reach out! debcatholt@gmail.com or szknutsen@gmail.com.
Last week we saw the hard work of MMS HSA support in action with two wonderful events. A spectacular performance for our 6th and 8th graders from the Nai-Ni Chen dance company performed Red Firecrackers: The Legend of the First Chinese New Year. Check out MMS 6th graders defeating Nian the monster in dance! (click here to watch 3 min video). The Village Green also covered the Grand Opening of the Maplewood Middle School Maker Space. Thanks to the hard work of parent volunteer Richard Marks, Media Specialist Evyn Degnan, Principal Dara Gronau, the Achieve Foundation and your MMS HSA. Click here to read more about how parent and schools can work together for the benefit of our school community.
We have updated key dates and a few new ones for 8th grade families - please take a read. We would love to see you at the community events!
A Few Key Dates:
- Wednesday, March 20 - Author Visit to MMS - Mark Aronson!
- Saturday, March 23 - NJ Makers Day
- Tuesday, March 26 - 4 hr day
- Wednesday, March 27 - 8th grade band concert & Honors wind ensemble (details HERE)
- Thursday, March 28 - Welcome to Middle School (Incoming 6th)
- Friday, March 29th - Movie Night for Families of MMS (Community Building, save the date)
- Monday, April 1 - Well-wishers orders for yearbook due
- April 4 - Author visit to MMS - Kwame Alexander!
- Monday, April 15 - Yearbook orders due
- April 15 - 19 - SPRING BREAK
- April 25th - Math INFO Night at the Middle School
- Wednesday, May 15th - 7th Grade Field Trip to Turtle Back Zoo
- Thursday, May 16 - School in Action - Save the date
- Monday, March 18 Half of 8th grade class to visit CHS from 9:30-11:30
- Thursday, March 21 Second Half of 8th grade class to visit CHS from 9:30-11:30
- Monday, April 1 Well-wishers orders for yearbook due
- Monday, April 15 Yearbook orders due
- Wednesday, May 8 8th Grade Night at CHS, 6:30-8:30pm (Info to follow)
- Thursday, May 23 Field trip to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ - Permission slips coming home soon
- Tuesday, June 18 8th Grade Dinner Dance at Maplewood Country Club
- Friday, June 21 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, 9am,
- Monday, June 24 8th Grade Certificates handed out, last day of school for 8th grade (tentative, pending emergency days)
On March 20, Maplewood resident Mark Aronson will be visiting MMS to speak to our 7th graders about his book Rising Water: The Story of the Thai Cave Rescue.
On April 4, Newberry Award-winning author will be visiting MMS with Kip Wilson as a part of his Versify Tour! A special thanks to Library Media Specialist Evyn Degnan for organizing. Please click HERE for more information and to purchase BOOKS!
Fundraising
- 8th Grade
March Match Fundraiser! 8th grade activities can get expensive -- that’s why we have a March Match program for the 8th grade. For every dollar you donate, a group of 8th grade parents will match it up to $500! Please click HERE for a “no frills 8th grade donation” that could raise at least $1,000 for our 8th graders in need!
ALSO, If anyone would like to host an 8th grade fundraiser, we would be most grateful. Last year some families raised significant funds with a small event. OR - you can donate directly to the 8th grade fund
No Frills / Still Time to Donate! MMS HSA raises funds through an ongoing No Frills fundraiser, Money Maker (Host your own, seed your own) initiatives, Adults only Trivia Night, and other grade specific events during the school year. Without the support of families, we would not be able to provide the supplemental support to the students and staff. To donate now Click Here
April 1 - Back by popular demand...Screenagers! This film looks at the dangers of too much screen use and the need for families to discuss its place in their lives. This movie is great for grades 3 and up, so please parents, grandparents, caregivers, and kids come and view... guaranteed to open a great dialogue. Please see flyer HERE
15 On the Road to Freedom presented by The Parenting Center
On March 25, The Parenting Center presents an incredible musical experience at Columbia High School. 15 On the Road to Freedom tells the story of the Selma Voting Rights March from 15 year old Lynda Blackmon Lowry’s perspective. There will be a Q&A with the cast after the performance. For more information please see flyer HERE.
8th Grade Band and Honors Wind Ensemble Concert
Wednesday, March 27. Please join us at 7:30 for a joint concert with the 8th Grade Band, Honors Wind Ensemble and the Maplewood Concert Band. For more information, please click HERE.
Yearbooks and Well Wisher Ads Order Information
Yearbooks: Order your yearbooks now, orders end on April 15, 2019. Details here: Yearbook Order Form
Well Wishers Ads: If you’d like to place an ad for your child, orders are due on April 1, 2019. Details here: Well Wishers Info
Bathroom Beautification
Bathroom beautification has been postponed. Please check back for a new date!
School Supplies
Pencils or notebooks lying around? PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN! As we enter the final semester of the year, teachers and students could use some extra supplies. Please drop off extra notebooks, paper and folders to the grade teamleaders.
Special Ed Update
We are looking for an HSA Special Ed Representative for next year’s board. If you are interested, please contact Kiersten Carlson-Williams at lissenden@verizon.net.
Next SEPAC meeting: March 27, 7:30-9PM, BOE Building, 525 Academy St:
The main focus of the March meeting is support for Out of District families, more details to follow. All are welcome.
Also coming up in March at the BOE Building:
- March 18 Special Siblings 4:00-5:30 PM Youth led support group, with Laura Reichgut LCW, for siblings (Grades 5-8) of people with special needs, drop off, snacks provided.
- March 19 Selective Mutism Parent Group 7-8:30 PM
- March 20 ADD/ADHD Parent Group 7:30-9PM
- March 25 Screen Smart Kids 7-8:30
MMS Library Volunteers needed!
I know you all are wondering what goes not over in the mysterious land of MMS...well here is your chance to get a little sneak peek into middle school. You will not be working in your child's class like in the elementary schools but just helping out in the library in general. Mr. Degnan needs the most help during his MMS investigates class (highlighted in blue on the schedule). This is a cool class that he teaches and would love a parent to be there to do some projects, filing, man the desk and just be an extra set of eyes and hands. He would love whatever time whenever you can give it but if you can make the MMS Investigates class time that would even be better! Just type in your name in the spot that you can volunteer. Please do not delete anyone's name that is already there. Library signup https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/170PmsHyDvQG9S2c0e0YJB1y4IMTWJmWplKnPRzvcSV8/edit#gid=1195897959
Visiting Mentor Program
Thanks to everyone who has been in touch with Rachel Fisher! The MMS HSA is compiling a list of Visiting Mentors: individuals who will talk to middle school students about their work and/or how they apply math, science, language arts and fine arts skills in their professions. We are creating a list that will be available to MMS teachers so they can invite community members into their classrooms to share their stories and expertise. If your work involves math, science, language arts skills and/or the arts – or an interesting combination of these areas - and you can imagine turning that work into a lesson or speaking with middle schoolers about it, please contact us at MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com!
Let us know your name, profession or skill, what classes you see yourself working with (math, science, social studies, music, etc), cell phone number and email. We will add you to the spreadsheet and then you may hear from an MMS teacher! This is a first-time effort, so let’s make ourselves available to our community’s kids and see what happens! Thank you MMS Families.
Teacher Updates
From Mr. Kessler: New YouthNet Club in the Spring - Challenge 24 is a fun math game where students compete against each other to find a way to add, subtract, multiply or divide 4 given numbers to get to 24. The game builds terrific number sense in a fun and challenging environment. Members of the club will be selected to go on a field trip to Millburn Middle School in June, where we will compete against other Essex County schools at a Challenge 24 tournament. A bunch of kids competing against each other showing off their math skills... what could be better? I would like to invite students of all abilities to come out and join the fun and learn something too.
From Ms. Reisman: Every year, for the past 21 years, the Essex County Education Association hosts an art exhibition at the Livingston Mall. This evening, Ms. Reisman brought over 13 sculptures created by some of our 6th and 8th grade students. They join artwork from several other schools in our district, as well as other Essex County districts. If you are in the area, our tables are directly outside Kids Foot Locker and Zumiez on the 2nd floor.
From Ms. Amaral: Ms. Amaral is running a Donors Choose campaign for flexible seating in her classroom. Any contributions would be much appreciated! To donate, visit https://www.donorschoose.org/ and enter our zip code - 07040. Find the campaign led by "Ms. A" and contribute as you see fit!
NJ Makers Day
Mark your calendar for Saturday March 23rd for the NJ Makers Day at the Hilton Library Branch from 10am - 1pm. Click here for more information.
Digital Backpack
Please click below for links to this month’s Digital Backpack -- lots of great information and resources on what’s happening for kids in our community!
Cougar Baseball Camp
Code the Future
Jaguar Outdoor Track Season
Summer Rocket Camp
Tae Kwon Do Spring
South Orange Activities
Please see the links below to the many activities that South Orange offers to residents of both South Orange and Maplewood.
- South Orange 2019 Pickleball Spring & Summer
- South Orange Baseball 2019
- South Orange 2019 Tennis Spring & Summer
- South Orange 2019 Spring and Summer Sports USSI
Gratefully yours,
Deb Holt & Sara Knutsen
MMS HSA Co-Presidents 2018-2019
mmshsainfo@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com
szknutsen@gmail.com
RSS Feed