MMS HSA
Maplewood Middle School Home and School Association
  • HOME
  • MMS HSA
    • Membership
    • HSA News Submission Form
    • Request for HSA Funds
  • Weekly Updates
  • Staff and School Info
    • Special Services
    • Who Does What
  • Fundraising
  • Calendar + Events
    • Youthnet

MMS HSA Weekly Update #29

3/17/2019

 
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:
  • 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
8th Grade Dates
  • 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)
Author Visits to MMS
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
Kids & Screen Time
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
More information for all of these can be found here: https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf
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

MMS HSA Weekly Update #28

3/10/2019

 
Hello MMS Families -
We hope you had a lovely weekend! Thank you so much to our parents and volunteers who made the 8th grade mixer with SOMS such a success - especially our 8th grade coordinators Thea Cogan-Drew and Adrianna Donat!  A great time was had by all!
Calling All Volunteers!
Thank you so much to all of you who’ve reached out and volunteered to be a part of the 2019-2020 MMS HSA!  We are still looking to fill some roles, so 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.  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.comor szknutsen@gmail.com.
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:
  • Tuesday, March 26 - 4 hr day
  • Wednesday, March 27 - 8th grade band concert & Honors wind ensemble (details HERE)
  • 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
  • Thursday, May 16 - School in Action - Save the date
8th Grade Dates
  • Tuesday, March 12 CHS Counselors come to MMS to speak to students
  • 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
  • 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- Last Day of School, pending snow days. 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, 9am* (This date subject to change based on last day of school and snow days)
A Special Visit to MMS from Kwame Alexander!
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 HERE.
  • 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
Kids & Screen Time - Two Important Events
March 11 - The Impact of Social Media on Kids, a conversation with Lauren Muriello.  Find out what research says about the impact of social media on kids’ brains and tips on how to parent in today’s social media world.  Please see flyer 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!
Tissues and School Store Need Supplies
PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN! I know I said we have enough, but we never have enough. Tissues are always in demand! Please consider sending your sniffling child back to school in the new year with a new box for their homeroom. Also, The student council also runs a school store and accepts donations, please make sure to send in food allergy compliant snacks. They even have an Amazon Wishlist if getting to the store is too hectic. Click Here for MMS School Store’s Amazon Wishlist

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
More information for all of these can be found here: https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf

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.
Digital Backpack

Please click here for a link to this month’s Digital Backpack -- lots of great information and resources on what’s happening for kids in our community!

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

MMS HSA Weekly Update #27

3/3/2019

 
**As of now: Delayed Opening - Monday, March 4, 2019 - Start Time 10:15 am**

Hello MMS Families -
Happy March! We hope you are enjoying the snow this weekend!  Even though we are getting winter weather, your HSA is gearing up for several spring events for you and your kids!
Calling All Volunteers!
The MMS HSA is a great way to get involved in the school and know what’s happening.  Our HSA is 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.
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:
  • Thursday, March 7 - MMS/SOMS 8th Grade Mixer (Send permission slips and $5 in this week!)
  • Tuesday, March 26 - 4 hr day
  • Wednesday, March 27 - 8th grade band concert & Honors wind ensemble (details HERE)
  • Monday, April 1 -  Well-wishers orders for yearbook due
  • Monday, April 15 - Yearbook orders due
  • April 15 - 19 - SPRING BREAK
  • Thursday, May 16 - School in Action - Save the date
8th Grade Dates
  • Thursday, March 7 MMS/SOMS 8th Grade Mixer in the CHS Cafeteria, 7-9pm
    Volunteer for food items or to Chaperone HERE.  The Permission Slip is HERE. (Please send in your 5$ and permission slip to turn in at lunch this week)Tuesday, March 12 CHS Counselors come to MMS to speak to students - More information on this coming soon
  • 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
  • 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- Last Day of School, pending snow days. 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, 9am* (This date subject to change based on last day of school and snow days)
Attention 8th grade families: The CHS HSA needs you! The CHS HSA is beginning the process of filling out our slate of executive board and committee positions for the 2019-20 school year.  If you would like to volunteer to serve on the board, please contact us at hsa@columbiahsa.org.  Volunteering is a great way to be involved and learn more about CHS happenings.  Click here to view the list of board positions. Thank you!
Bathroom Beautification
Bathroom beautification has been postponed. Please check back for a new date!
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 HERE.
  • 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
Kids & Screen Time - Two Important Events
March 4 - 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
March 11 - The Impact of Social Media on Kids, a conversation with Lauren Muriello.  Find out what research says about the impact of social media on kids’ brains and tips on how to parent in today’s social media world. Please see flyer HERE
Eating Disorders Event
Monday, March 4th at 7 p.m. Please see the invitation to an event at Oak Knoll School, please share with your respective pediatricians and other parents who may learn from this event.  It’s intent is to help inform everyone on Eating Disorders which are much more common and severe than many understand. With it having the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses, we all have a lot to learn to protect our children.
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.
Teacher Updates
From Ms. Graham:
"Special Wednesday Club Offering: Curls on the Move, run by Ms. Graham (**Starts March 6th**). Curls on the Move (COTM) is a hair, health, and self-care curriculum specifically for adolescent girls of African Descent. The club focuses on hands on learning opportunities, self-esteem building, physical activities and more! See Ms. Graham in Room 153 if you are interested in joining. Cost is a separate fee of $60 total for the winter and spring session (12 weeks). More information forthcoming in February!"

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
Tissues and School Store Need Supplies
PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN! I know I said we have enough, but we never have enough. Tissues are always in demand! Please consider sending your sniffling child back to school in the new year with a new box for their homeroom. Also, The student council also runs a school store and accepts donations, please make sure to send in food allergy compliant snacks. They even have an Amazon Wishlist if getting to the store is too hectic. Click Here for MMS School Store’s Amazon Wishlist
Special Ed Update
At the Parenting Center in March:
• March 4: Navigating the Middle School Years- Cliques, Squads , Bullying & More- , 7-9:30 PM, BOE Building, 525 Academy
Parents will discuss and practice with the School Social Worker and School Nurse how to take care of their children, themselves, and each other as they parent teens in Middle School. We’ll explore strategies on how to support, guide, and direct children to succeed in Middle School - to be ready to face the day and have enough resilience to get through it. Questions? Please contact Eric Stoudemire, MMS School Social Worker (estoudem@somsd.k12.nj.us) or Julie Porter, MMS School Nurse (jporter@somsd.k12.nj.us)
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
More information for all of these can be found here: https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf
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.
Digital Backpack

Please click here for a link to this month’s Digital Backpack -- lots of great information and resources on what’s happening for kids in our community!

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
    Sign up for Weekly EBlast
    QUICK LINKS
    Quick Links:
    • Power School
    ​

    •YouthNet 
    Website


    Archives

    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016

    RSS Feed

Maplewood Middle School Home and School Association  © 2021      973-378-7660        
Proudly powered by Weebly