MMS HSA
Maplewood Middle School Home and School Association
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MMS HSA Weekly Update #9

10/29/2017

 
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
************************************
Hello MMS! 

****THE PRINCIPAL’S CORNER**** 
Please click HERE for this week’s message from Ms. Gronau.
  
We hope you are as dry as you can possibly be on this rainy Sunday and as October and the marking period come to a close, we hope you agree with us -  It has been an amazing two months at MMS! The 6thgrade social was better than expected and we continue to have an amazing turnout of volunteer and fundraising support. Thank you to the many families who have donated. If you have not yet, don’t worry, we take any funds you want to give, when you want to give them.
 
Additionally, it is budget season in the district and MMS needs our active voices and involved parents to ensure our MMS students’ needs are met. We have many issues facing MMS and would love to have our parents and guardians take an active role in getting our voices heard at the District level. We need Guidance support and we need a STEM teacher, we also need Facilities support! Our school is beautiful but old. All it takes is a phone call or email, they listen to Parents! Please put this on your list to do this week, it will help.

School District of South Orange and Maplewood
525 Academy St., Maplewood, NJ 07040
Tel: 973-762-5600

Dr. Thomas Ficarra 
x1820   tficarra@somsd.k12.nj.us
Superintendent of Schools
 
Mr. Kevin Walston    
x1825   kwalston@somsd.k12.nj.us
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
 
Mr. Paul Roth   
x1801  proth@somsd.k12.nj.us
Assistant Superintendent for Administration
 
Thanks in advance for your support!

Dates to Remember

  • 11/7                No School – District Professional Development Day
  • 11/9 - 11/10   No School – NJEA Teacher Convention
  • 11/14              Club and 8th Grade Photo Picture Day
  • 11/15              Makeup Day for School Pictures
  • 11/19              Last Day to Order Spirit Wear

ONGOING NEWS

Spirit Wear is HERE!
We are thrilled to announce that the 2017-2018 Spirit Wear is here!  Choose from a variety of clothing options via our online store.  Please visit:
https://kixnstix.com/spirit/maplewood_middle_school_2017
to order!!!  The online store will remain open until November 19.  All purchases will be delivered 2-3 weeks after the close date.

News for 8th Graders

Frog Bridge Permission slips have been distributed!  Please click on the attached link for a copy of the Permission Slip.
 
Also, Ms. Dios and the Guidance department want to encourage parents to come to MMS in order to share their expertise with 8th graders who are exploring possible future careers. Please click on this link for their letter regarding the Career Explorations Program. 

Box Tops Collection
Want to help support MMS students and teachers through the collection of Box Tops for Education? Now there's an even easier way to put your Box Tops to work through the Box Tops Bonus App. It's as simple as buy, scan, and earn! See the attached flyer for more info on how you can start earning cash for MMS today! 
 
Flu Season Reminder
Nurse Porter sends along the reminder that the CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.
For more information, please refer to:
  • Your health care provider
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

​A Reminder:  Extended Enrichment Period (EEP) Available for MMS Students
EEP is an after-school tutoring program that runs throughout the entire school year.  Tutoring sessions are run by MMS teachers in the Library.  Tutoring ends at 6:00 pm, but children don’t have to stay the entire time.  All students enrolled receive a free snack and access to the gym for recreation also. 

Additionally, students who take part in the EEP can sign up for YouthNet Clubs at no cost!
 
For more information and registration forms, please visit somayouthnet.org, or get the forms in the main office and bring to Mr. Degnan (in the library).  If you have questions, please reach out to:youthnetplus@gmail.com.  (There is a fee for the program but scholarships are available if needed.)

District Digital Backpack
The District Office published its October backpack. Click Here to see what’s happening around the District.
The November Digital Backpack is coming soon! 


VOLUNTEER & HELP NEEDED!!
 
MMS Library Media Center
The Library Media Center needs parent volunteers to check out, stack books, and help students print out documents through-out the day. Note: All periods are open for parents to help out. But it would be most helpful to have a volunteer while MMS Investigates teacher, Evyn Diegnan, is leading classes.
Please visit the Google Sheet link for Sign-Up Schedule and consider signing up for a regular weekly time period(s) or any time you can spare. 
Feel free to contact Tracey Clarke (HSA Special Projects) with any questions: tlclarke226@gmail.com. 
 
HSA Committee Chairs STILL Needed!
We are still seeking chairs and committee members for School Store and Beautification. If you are interested please email MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com.   
 
We Need Supplies for the school store!
Student Council would like to get the MMS School Store up and running so students can spend their Cougar Cash and we need YOUR help!  Please consider donating snacks and other items (gift certificates, supplies, etc) to the MMS School Store.  $5-$10 gift cards to stores and restaurants in town are also great ideas!  Our MMS Students can use their Cougar Cash rewards at the school store.  You can donate directly from our Amazon Wishlist (https://amzn.com/w/2XWAR0OJ0D1H8) or pick up school supplies and extra snacks on your next trip to your favorite store!  All donations can be left in the main office to the attention of Ms. O'Sullivan and/or the MMS School Store.   Questions?  Contact Ms. O'Sullivan - mosulliv@somsd.k12.nj.us 


FUNDRAISING

MMS Money Makers!
Who will be the host of the next Money Maker? It could be you! There is still plenty of time to organize your own MMS Money Maker event.  To learn more, or to volunteer to host an event, please send Fundraising Chair Mel Rose a message at melrosenj@gmail.com. She can also help you come up with a great Fundraising idea!

No Frill$
Not interested in throwing a party, or attending one?  Is writing a check more your style? We will take your donations, any way you want to support us.  Click here, donate your $, it is that easy. Or send in a check or Ca$h, we will take it! (and Thanks!)
 
We are continuing our goal of supporting open lines of communication with the MMS Administration and the District. Check our website (www.mmshsa.org), sign up for our weekly e-blasts, and join the HSA and Maplewood Middle School Families Facebook pages to stay updated on everything going on around MMS!
 
Gratefully,

Your MMS HSA Co-Presidents,
Sara Knutsen & Deb Holt
mmshsainfo@gmail.com

szknutsen@gmail.com 
debcatholt@gmail.com


MMS HSA Weekly Update #8

10/22/2017

 
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
************************************
Hello MMS! 

****THE PRINCIPAL’S CORNER**** 
This week’s message from Ms. Gronau is coming tomorrow! 
 
Thanks to everyone who came to Principal Gronau’s Coffee and Conversations on Thursday! If you weren’t able to make the ones last week, Principal Gronau will be hosting these informal sessions regularly. Keep on the lookout for the next one!
 
Another reminder that Volunteer and Fundraising needs for the HSA are ongoing. Please take a look at the many ways you can get involved and help with important school programming at the bottom of this eblast!  For a quick link to donate --> Click here
 
Additionally, it is budget season and MMS needs our active voices and involved parents to ensure our MMS students’ needs are met. We have many issues facing MMS and would love to have our parents and guardians take an active role in getting our voices heard at the District level.  All it takes is a phone call or email.  Thanks in advance for your support!


Dates to Remember
  • 10/24  6th Grade Social 
  • 10/24 BOE Candidates Night at Marshall School
  • 10/24 Special Ed Back-to-School Night at the Columbia Cafeteria
  • 10/26 BOE Candidates Forum at the Maplewood Library
  • 10/28 Michael Healy Magic Show at MMS
 
Spirit Wear is HERE!
We are thrilled to announce that the 2017-2018 Spirit Wear is here!  Choose from a variety of clothing options via our online store.  Please visit:
https://kixnstix.com/spirit/maplewood_middle_school_2017
to order!!!  The online store will remain open until November 19.  All purchases will be delivered 2-3 weeks after the close date.
 
6th Grade Social 10/24
The 6th grade Fall Social is always the best-attended event of the MMS school year and your 6th grader won’t want to miss it!  
  • Tuesday, October 24th, at 3:15 PM, right after school in the gym & cafeteria. 
  • $5 for admission, pizza and a drink.  (NO student will be turned away for lack of funds; please make a note on your permission slip and see Ms. Giladi)
  • Tickets will be on sale during lunch this Monday and Tuesday, and at the door. Permission slip and all details attached.  
Parents/Families - see also the Signup Genius link to volunteer at the 6th Grade social! 

Please note all students must bring signed permission slip to attend. We will not be able to let any child in without this signed permission slip.  
 
News for 8th Graders
Frog Bridge Permission slips have been distributed!  Please click on the attached link for a copy of the Permission Slip.
 
Also, Ms. Dios and the Guidance department want to encourage parents to come to MMS in order to share their expertise with 8th graders who are exploring possible future careers. Please click on this link for their letter regarding the Career Explorations Program. 
 
Course Selection Survey
The School District of South Orange and Maplewood is seeking parent input on the course selection process and available academic supports. This survey is for parents/guardians of students attending any of these schools:
  • Maplewood Middle School
  • South Orange Middle School
  • Columbia High School
Please provide us your thoughts and suggestions by participating in this survey (linked below). This survey will remain open until Friday, October 27, 2017.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZRCKGQJ

Box Tops Collection
Want to help support MMS students and teachers through the collection of Box Tops for Education? Now there's an even easier way to put your Box Tops to work through the Box Tops Bonus App. It's as simple as buy, scan, and earn! See the attached flyer for more info on how you can start earning cash for MMS today! 
 
Tutoring Volunteer Opportunity For MMS Students
MMS Students can volunteer to help elementary or other middle school students with their school work! Volunteers can choose after school or weekend sessions. All tutoring takes place in our schools and is supervised by district staff. Additional information and online forms are available here. The next tutor training workshop is Wednesday, October 18th from 6:30-8 pm, please contact aforman@somsd.k12.nj.us for information and to RSVP. Thank you!
 
Magician Michael Healy 10/28
Onetime MMS Interim Assistant Principal (and longtime CHS Assistant Principal) will perform an amazing magic show at MMS on October 28 from 11am-1pm.  The most magical thing about his act is that it is a fundraiser for MMS!  Click here for more information.  (https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/cms/lib/NJ01001050/Centricity/Domain/261/Magic%20Flyer.pdf)
 
Flu Season Reminder
Nurse Porter sends along the reminder that the CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.
For more information, please refer to:
  • Your health care provider
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
  • The attached flyer 

​A Reminder:
  Extended Enrichment Period (EEP) Available for MMS Students

EEP is an after-school tutoring program that runs throughout the entire school year.  Tutoring sessions are run by MMS teachers in the Library.  Tutoring ends at 6:00 pm, but children don’t have to stay the entire time.  All students enrolled receive a free snack and access to the gym for recreation also. 

Additionally, students who take part in the EEP can sign up for YouthNet Clubs at no cost!
 
For more information and registration forms, please visit somayouthnet.org, or get the forms in the main office and bring to Mr. Degnan (in the library).  If you have questions, please reach out to:youthnetplus@gmail.com.  (There is a fee for the program but scholarships are available if needed.)

District’s October Digital Backpack
The District Office published its October backpack. Click Here to see what’s happening around the District.


VOLUNTEER & HELP NEEDED!!
 
MMS Library Media Center
The Library Media Center needs parent volunteers to check out, stack books, and help students print out documents through-out the day. Note: All periods are open for parents to help out. But it would be most helpful to have a volunteer while MMS Investigates teacher, Evyn Diegnan, is leading classes.
Please visit the Google Sheet link for Sign-Up Schedule and consider signing up for a regular weekly time period(s) or any time you can spare. 
Feel free to contact Tracey Clarke (HSA Special Projects) with any questions: tlclarke226@gmail.com. 
 
HSA Committee Chairs Needed!
We are still seeking chairs and committee members for School Store and Beautification. If you are interested please email MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com.   
 
We Still Need Supplies for the school store!
Student Council would like to get the MMS School Store up and running so students can spend their Cougar Cash and we need YOUR help!  Please consider donating snacks and other items (gift certificates, supplies, etc) to the MMS School Store.  $5-$10 gift cards to stores and restaurants in town are also great ideas!  Our MMS Students can use their Cougar Cash rewards at the school store.  You can donate directly from our Amazon Wishlist (https://amzn.com/w/2XWAR0OJ0D1H8) or pick up school supplies and extra snacks on your next trip to your favorite store!  All donations can be left in the main office to the attention of Ms. O'Sullivan and/or the MMS School Store.   Questions?  Contact Ms. O'Sullivan - mosulliv@somsd.k12.nj.us 


FUNDRAISING

MMS Money Makers!
The first Money Maker fundraiser event of 2017 on Saturday Sept. 30th was a success.  Now who will be the host of the next Money Maker?  There is still plenty of time to organize your own MMS Money Maker event.  To learn more, or to volunteer to host an event, please send Fundraising Chair Mel Rose a message at melrosenj@gmail.com. She can also help you come up with a great Fundraising idea!

No Frill$
Not interested in throwing a party, or attending one?  Is writing a check more your style? We will take your donations, any way you want to support us.  Click here, donate your $, it is that easy. Or send in a check or Ca$h, we will take it! (and Thanks!)
 
We are continuing our goal of supporting open lines of communication with the MMS Administration and the District. Check our website (www.mmshsa.org), sign up for our weekly e-blasts, and join the HSA and Maplewood Middle School Families Facebook pages to stay updated on everything going on around MMS!
 
Gratefully,

Your MMS HSA Co-Presidents,
Sara Knutsen & Deb Holt
mmshsainfo@gmail.com

szknutsen@gmail.com 
debcatholt@gmail.com

MMS HSA Weekly Update #7

10/15/2017

 
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
************************************
Dear MMS families, 

****THE PRINCIPAL’S CORNER**** 
Please click HERE for this week’s message from Ms. Gronau.

Hope you had a great week! Finally feels like Fall is here!
 
Thanks to everyone who came out to our General Session HSA Meeting on Thursday.  Also, thanks to Principal Gronau and Assistant Principal Brown for leading the highly informative session on the District’s HIB Policy.
 
A reminder that Volunteer and Fundraising needs for the HSA are ongoing.  Please take a look at the many ways you can get involved and help with important school programming at the bottom of this eblast!
 
Additionally, it is budget season and MMS needs our active voices and involved parents to ensure our MMS students’ needs are met. Thanks in advance for your support!

DATES TO REMEMBER
  • 10/16   District BOE Meeting
  • 10/19  Coffee and Conversation with Ms. Gronau 9:00 am & again at 3:30 pm - @ MMS Library Media Center
  • 10/24   6th Grade Social 
  • 10/24  Parenting Support Conference Call with Amillah Williamson
 
Spirit Wear is HERE!
We are thrilled to announce that the 2017-2018 Spirit Wear is here!  Choose from a variety of clothing options via our online store.  Please visit the Online-spirit-wear store to order!
https://kixnstix.com/spirit/maplewood_middle_school_2017
The online store will remain open until November 19.  All purchases will be delivered 2-3 weeks after the close date.
 
Point of View! Please ask your child about the Point of View! assembly that took place this past Friday.  It was a 40-minute multi-media experience from Camfel Productions that looked beyond the violence, racism, intolerance, harassment, and hate in this world, giving students a new perspective on the differences that separate them from their peers, their parents, and the others who are around them.
 
Tutoring Volunteer Opportunity For MMS Students
MMS Students can volunteer to help elementary or other middle school students with their school work! Volunteers can choose after school or weekend sessions. All tutoring takes place in our schools and is supervised by district staff. Additional information and online forms are available here. The next tutor training workshop is Wednesday, October 18th from 6:30-8 pm, please contact aforman@somsd.k12.nj.us for information and to RSVP. Thank you!
 
6th Grade Social 10/24
The 6th grade Fall Social is always the best-attended event of the MMS school year and your 6th grader won’t want to miss it! It’s the perfect way for your students to get to know their new classmates in a fun setting. Save the date Tuesday, October 24th. More info and permission slip to come.


Flu Season Reminder
Nurse Porter sends along the reminder that the CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.
For more information, please refer to:
  • Your health care provider
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
  • The attached flyer   (with Flu clinic dates 10/18 and 10/21)

A Reminder: Extended Enrichment Period (EEP) Available for MMS Students 
​
EEP is an after-school tutoring program that runs throughout the entire school year.  Tutoring sessions are run by MMS teachers in the Library.  Tutoring ends at 6:00 pm, but children don’t have to stay the entire time.  All students enrolled receive a free snack and access to the gym for recreation also.  
Additionally, students who take part in the EEP can sign up for YouthNet Clubs at no cost!
 
For more information and registration forms, please visit somayouthnet.org, or get the forms in the main office and bring to Mr. Degnan (in the library).  If you have questions, please reach out to:youthnetplus@gmail.com.  (There is a fee for the program but scholarships are available if needed.)

District’s October Digital Backpack
The District Office published its October backpack. Click Here to see what’s happening around the District.
 

VOLUNTEER & HELP NEEDED
 
MMS Library Media Center
The Library Media Center needs parent volunteers to check out, stack books, and help students print out documents through-out the day. Note: All periods are open for parents to help out. But it would be most helpful to have a volunteer while MMS Investigates teacher, Evyn Diegnan, is leading classes.
Please visit the Google Sheet link for Sign-Up Schedule and consider signing up for a regular weekly time period(s) or any time you can spare. 
Feel free to contact Tracey Clarke (HSA Special Projects) with any questions: tlclarke226@gmail.com. 
 
HSA Committee Chairs Needed!
We are still seeking chairs and committee members for School Store and Beautification. If you are interested please email MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com.   
 
We Still Need Supplies for the school store!
Student Council would like to get the MMS School Store up and running so students can spend their Cougar Cash and we need YOUR help!  Please consider donating snacks and other items (gift certificates, supplies, etc) to the MMS School Store.  $5-$10 gift cards to stores and restaurants in town are also great ideas!  Our MMS Students can use their Cougar Cash rewards at the school store.  You can donate directly from our Amazon Wishlist (https://amzn.com/w/2XWAR0OJ0D1H8) or pick up school supplies and extra snacks on your next trip to your favorite store!  All donations can be left in the main office to the attention of Ms. O'Sullivan and/or the MMS School Store. Questions?  Contact Ms. O'Sullivan - mosulliv@somsd.k12.nj.us 


FUNDRAISING

MMS Money Makers!
The first Money Maker fundraiser event of 2017 on Saturday Sept. 30th was a success.  Now who will be the host of the next Money Maker?  There is still plenty of time to organize your own MMS Money Maker event.  To learn more, or to volunteer to host an event, please send Fundraising Chair Mel Rose a message at melrosenj@gmail.com. She can also help you come up with a great Fundraising idea!

No Frill$
Not interested in throwing a party, or attending one?  Is writing a check more your style? We will take your donations, any way you want to support us.  Click here, donate your $, it is that easy. Or send in a check or Ca$h, we will take it! (and Thanks!)
 
We are continuing our goal of supporting open lines of communication with the MMS Administration and the District. Check our website (www.mmshsa.org), sign up for our weekly e-blasts, and join the HSA and Maplewood Middle School Families Facebook pages to stay updated on everything going on around MMS!
 
Gratefully,

Your MMS HSA Co-Presidents,
Sara Knutsen & Deb Holt
mmshsainfo@gmail.com

szknutsen@gmail.com 
debcatholt@gmail.com

MMS HSA Weekly Update #6

10/8/2017

 
Hello MMS! 

****THE PRINCIPAL’S CORNER**** 
Please click HERE for this week’s message from Ms. Gronau.
 
There is a lot going on this week in the district and at MMS! We wanted to remind you of a few important dates, updates and general happenings this week.
We also wanted to take a short moment to shine light on the past week at MMS, where the Week of Respect culminated in two assemblies titled The myFace Wonder Project, which is based on The New York Times bestseller, Wonder by R.J. Palacio. We worked in collaboration with the MMS administration and Youthnet, to bring The myFace Wonder Project team to the school. The goal of The myFace Wonder Project is to educate children and young adults on the importance of having compassion, celebrating uniqueness, and always choosing to be kind. Our students will also participate in an all grades assembly on Friday of this week, entitled POINT OF VIEW!, designed to help give students a new perspective on the differences that separate them from their peers, their parents, and the others who are around them.  
Lastly, if you are able to attend Middle School Curriculum Night and/or the OPEN HSA meeting this week, we strongly encourage you to come out and represent MMS families. It is budget season and MMS needs our active voices and involved parents to ensure our MMS students’ needs are met. Thanks in advance for your support!
 
Dates to Remember
  • 10/9    4 Hour Day, early Dismissal - 12:30pm
  • 10/10   District HIB Forum Night - 7:30 PM (HIB - Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying)
  • 10/11   Middle School Curriculum Night - 7 PM @SOMS
  • 10/12   Open HSA Meeting and HIB Info Night  - 7 PM @ MMS Library Media Center
  • 10/13   POINT OF VIEW! Cultural Arts Assembly, all Grades.
  • 10/16   District BOE Meeting 
  • 10/20   Coffee and Conversation with Ms. Gronau at 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM -
       @ MMS Library Media Center
  • 10/24   6th Grade Social  
 
REMINDERS & UPDATES
 
4-Hour Day Tomorrow!
Monday, October 9, 2017 is a 4 hour day for students in SOMSD.The day begins at the regular time and ends at 12:30pm.  Breakfast program service will occur at the regular time. There will not be lunch service.  Please make sure to check the SOMSD Calendar, as this day and three others were added to the district calendar in August as Professional Development dates for the staff. The other days added were December 11, February 5th and April 2nd.
Click here for calendar pdf!   or here for the District page.
 
Middle School Curriculum Night 10/11
Join the district supervisors for Middle School Curriculum night Wednesday, October 11th 7:00pm-8:30pm at South Orange Middle School (SOMS). This is for ALL middle school families, so please attend! You will have the opportunity to attend up to 3 content areas and receive an overview of curriculum goals & content for each area: Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts PE/Health, World Language, Fine & Performing Arts.
 
Open HSA MEETING – HIB Info Night 10/12: 
Please save the date Thursday, October 12th at 7:00pm in the MMS Library. Your HSA will be hosting a Meet & Greet with Ms. Gronau and Mr. Brown. Ms. Gronau will present HIB information to all families in attendance.  Learn about Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act and the HIB policy (HIB - short for Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying), this is also a terrific opportunity to mingle with fellow parents and chat with our incredible staff.  If you cannot make the open HSA meeting but interested in the District’s policy, please attend the 10/10 meeting at the 7:30pm at the Board of Ed District Meeting Office (see Flyer here). 
 
All Grade Cultural Arts Assembly 10/13
POINT OF VIEW! is a new 40 minute multi-media experience from Camfel Productions designed to look beyond the violence, racism, intolerance, harassment, and hate in this world, giving students a new perspective on the differences that separate them from their peers, their parents, and the others who are around them. While they gain a new sense of their own innate worth, they'll grow to appreciate the diversity of race, language, and culture that make up the community in which they live.
 
6th Grade Social 10/24
The 6th grade Fall Social is always the best-attended event of the MMS school year and your 6th grader won’t want to miss it! It’s the perfect way for your students to get to know their new classmates in a fun setting. Save the date Tuesday, October 24th. More info and permission slip to come.
 
Flu Season Reminder
Nurse Porter sends along the reminder that the CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.
For more information, please refer to:
  • Your health care provider
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
  • The attached flyer 
 
District’s October Digital Backpack
The District Office published its October backpack. Click Here to see what’s happening around the District.
 

VOLUNTEER & HELP NEEDED
 
MMS Library Media Center
The Library Media Center needs parent volunteers to check out, stack books, and help students print out documents through-out the day. Note: All periods are open for parents to help out. But it would be most helpful to have a volunteer while MMS Investigates teacher, Evyn Diegnan, is leading classes.
Please visit the Google Sheet link for Sign-Up Schedule and consider signing up for a regular weekly time period(s) or any time you can spare. 
Feel free to contact Tracey Clarke (HSA Special Projects) with any questions: tlclarke226@gmail.com. 
 
HSA Committee Chairs Needed!
We are still seeking chairs and committee members for School Store and Beautification. If you are interested please email MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com.   
 
We Still Need Supplies for the school store!
Student Council would like to get the MMS School Store up and running so students can spend their Cougar Cash and we need YOUR help!  Please consider donating snacks and other items (gift certificates, supplies, etc) to the MMS School Store.  $5-$10 gift cards to stores and restaurants in town are also great ideas!  Our MMS Students can use their Cougar Cash rewards at the school store.  You can donate directly from our Amazon Wishlist (https://amzn.com/w/2XWAR0OJ0D1H8) or pick up school supplies and extra snacks on your next trip to your favorite store!  All donations can be left in the main office to the attention of Ms. O'Sullivan and/or the MMS School Store.   Questions?  Contact Ms. O'Sullivan - mosulliv@somsd.k12.nj.us 


FUNDRAISING

MMS Money Makers Kicks off with $1,000 Raised!
The first Money Maker fundraiser event of 2017 on Saturday Sept. 30th was a success.  The yard sale organized by MMS parent and Co-Chair Mel Rose raised over $1,000 for MMS! 
There is still plenty of time to organize your own MMS Money Maker fundraising event.  To learn more about Money Makers or to volunteer to host an event, please send Fundraising Chair Mel Rose a message at melrosenj@gmail.com. 

No Frill$
Not interested in throwing a party, or attending one?  Is writing a check more your style? We will take your donations, any way you want to support us.  Click here, donate your $, it is that easy. Or send in a check or Ca$h, we will take it! (and Thanks!)
 
We are continuing our goal of supporting open lines of communication with the MMS Administration and the District. Check our website (www.mmshsa.org), sign up for our weekly e-blasts, and join the HSA and Maplewood Middle School Families Facebook pages to stay updated on everything going on around MMS!
 ​
Gratefully,

Your MMS HSA Co-Presidents,
Sara Knutsen & Deb Holt
mmshsainfo@gmail.com

szknutsen@gmail.com 
debcatholt@gmail.com

MMS HSA Weekly Update #5

10/1/2017

 
Dear MMS Families: 

****THE PRINCIPAL’S CORNER**** 
Please click HERE for this week’s message from Ms. Gronau.

Thank you to all the parent volunteers that helped with Picture Day on Friday this past week. It was great to see all the smiling students and we truly appreciate the suggestions for improvement moving forward, we can’t wait to recruit more support next year. We continue to be amazed by the families willing to donate their time and we welcome anyone who wants to help out going forward. We understand volunteering during the day can be hard with schedules, so we will look for more ways to get involved, day and night!

This week kicks off the Week of Respect at MMS from October 2-6. The theme this year is "Be an Upstander." Please see more details in Ms. Gronau's weekly message.  


There is a lot of information this week. We are working on a new calendar format to track all the dates, as we realize that there is so much information to keep track of. For now, please see below for some quick dates.
 

Dates to Remember
  • 10/2   YouthNet Clubs start this week
  • 10/3    8th Grade Spain Trip Info Session
  • 10/6    Wonder Project Assembly All Grades
  • 10/11   Middle School Curriculum Night - 7 PM @SOMS
  • 10/12   Open HSA Meeting and HIB Info Night - 7 PM @ MMS Library Media Center
  • 10/20   Coffee and Conversation with Ms. Gronau 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM - @ MMS Library Media Center
 
 
Updates
HSA Committee Chairs Needed!
We are seeking a chairs for School Store and Beautification. If you are interested please email MMSHSAinfo@gmail.com.      
 
We need Supplies for the school store!
Student Council would like to get the MMS School Store up and running so students can spend their Cougar Cash and we need YOUR help!  Please consider donating snacks and other items (gift certificates, supplies, etc) to the MMS School Store.  You can donate directly from our Amazon Wishlist (https://amzn.com/w/2XWAR0OJ0D1H8) or pick up extra snacks on your next trip to your favorite store!  All donations can be left in the main office to the attention of Ms. O'Sullivan and/or the MMS School Store. Questions?  Contact Ms. O'Sullivan - mosulliv@somsd.k12.nj.us 
 
YouthNet Clubs start this week!
Clubs start this week and there is still an opportunity to sign up for clubs, have your students bring in the permission slips this week.
 
6th GRADE IMMUNIZATION AND HEALTH FORMS
Reminder to parents/guardians of 6th grade students, Immunization and pre-adolescent forms are due for all 6th grade students. Misplaced the forms?  Click Here  for the forms that were sent in March, 2017.  One is for the required 6th grade/11-year-old immunizations.  The other is for the pre-adolescent physical. If you have not already completed the forms, please mail or FAX or scan completed forms to your child’s school nurse as listed below. If possible, please keep a copy for your records.  If you have any questions, please call Mrs. Porter. 
Julianne Porter, CSN
MMS School Nurse
7 Burnet Street
Maplewood, NJ  07040
Phone: 973-378-7660 x2 or FAX: 973-378-5247       
EmaiL:  jporter@somsd.k12.nj.us
 
Thank you for your support in providing a safe and healthy learning environment.
 
Spain Trip Informational Meeting - 10/3.  There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday October 3rd at 6:30pm library at Maplewood middle school, for parents and 8th grade students interested in the trip to Spain. Click Here for Flyer. 
 
OPEN HSA MEETING – HIB Information NIGHT 10/12: 
Please save the date Thursday, October 12th at 7:00pm in the MMS Library. Your HSA will be hosting a Meet & Greet with Ms. Gronau and Mr. Brown. Ms. Gronau will present HIB information to all families in attendance. This is also a terrific opportunity to mingle with fellow parents and chat with our incredible staff. Want to contribute your favorite dessert, stay tuned for a signup genius to get involved!
 
FUNDRAISING
  • MMS Money Makers Fundraising Initiative
    First of all, thank you to Mel Rose and all who contributed to the kickoff garage sale to support MMS, and we need your help to raise more funds!  Are you ready to become a MMS Money Maker?  This new fundraising initiative lets you decide how you want to raise money and where it goes.  
     
    Step # 1
    Choose from a list submitted by teachers of projects/ideas they want to do for your kids but lack the funds to do so.  For a complete list, please reach out to your Fundraising team or Co-Presidents.
     
    Step #2 
    Choose a Money Maker idea.  This can be anything  - cocktail party, Halloween contest, Bingo/game night, wine tasting event, bake sale, backyard movie, dog walking, poker party, bring a speaker into your home, chili cook-off, sell unwanted items online. The possibilities are endless!   
     
    Step# 3 
    Implement your Money Maker idea anytime between now and December 31, 2017.  
     
    To learn more about Money Makers or to volunteer to host an event, please send Fundraising Chair Mel Rose a message at melrosenj@gmail.com. 


  • No Frills
Not interested in throwing a party, or attending one?  Is writing a check or clicking a link more your style? We will take your donations, any way you want to support us.  Click here, it is that easy (with a Paypal option!)
 


We are continuing our goal of supporting open lines of communication with the MMS Administration and the District. Check our website (www.mmshsa.org), sign up for our weekly e-blasts, and join the HSA and Maplewood Middle School Families Facebook pages to stay updated on everything going on around MMS!
 
Gratefully,

Your MMS HSA Co-Presidents,
Sara Knutsen & Deb Holt
mmshsainfo@gmail.com

szknutsen@gmail.com 
debcatholt@gmail.com
    Sign up for Weekly EBlast
    QUICK LINKS
    Quick Links:
    • Power School
    ​

    •YouthNet 
    Website


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