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Maplewood Middle School Home and School Association
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MMS HSA News Week 12

11/27/2016

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Hey MMS! Here’s something to be thankful for -- it’s actually a full week of school! (Unless of course you also have elementary school kids …) Here’s what’s happening:

MMS TRIVIA NIGHT: Save the Date! Our MMS Trivia Night is going to be bigger and better than ever this year, and we know you won’t want to miss the largest event to support our school! So get Friday, February 3rd at The Woodland on your calendars, start rounding up some friends to form teams, begin brushing up on your knowledge of all things trivial, and be on the lookout later this week for more info on how to purchase tix.  

DROP OFF & PICK UP AT MMS: With some colder weather approaching more students may be getting rides to/from school. As many of you may be aware, traffic and safety have become a problem. Maplewood Library has specifically requested that parents arrange for alternative locations a few blocks away from school for dropping off & picking up their MMS students -- apparently many cars have taken to double parking, making illegal u-turns, and blocking the library parking lot, among other things. Let’s all please work to create a safe and respectful environment for all cars & pedestrians surrounding our school.

WHEN KAYLA WAS KYLE: On Thursday, December 1st at 7pm in the CHS auditorium, GLSEN: Northern New Jersey is sponsoring a reading of When Kayla Was Kyle, a children's book chronicling “Kyle's" journey in realizing her gender identity. After the book reading there is an opportunity for students, families, and educators to meet the author as well as engage in important discussion. There will also be an opportunity for participants to meet the Board and volunteers of GLSEN: Northern New Jersey and learn more about resources for advocating for LGBTQ+ students of all ages. More info can be found HERE.

ROBOCAT ROBOTICS TOURNAMENT: Bring your kids and support CHS Robotics! Click HERE to learn all about the huge robotics tournament at CHS on Sunday, December 4th. And click HERE for information on the Boxes of Fun toy drive run in connection with the event.

CHS PREVIEW: 8th grade parents, believe it or not it’s time to start thinking about high school! 8th grade students and their families are invited to a preview of Columbia High School on Monday, December 5th at 7pm in the CHS auditorium. All info can be found HERE in an email from CHS Principal Elizabeth Aaron.

MMS WINTER CHORAL CONCERT: The MMS Winter Choral Concert is Monday, December 12th at 7pm in the MMS Auditorium. Please come out to enjoy the beautiful music and support the hard work and talent of our middle school choruses.

MORE FINE ARTS EVENTS: While you’re supporting the fine arts, please note two more wonderful up-coming events -- Friday, December 2nd is a performance of CHS Unaccompanied Minors and Wednesday, December 14th is the CHS Winter Choral Festival. Bring your MMS students and get them excited for things to come at the high school!

 MMS BATTLE OF THE CLASSES: Battle of the Classes is on-going! To earn Spirit points for their grades, and to help contribute to those in need this holiday season, students may participate in Penny Wars, donate non-perishable goods & gifts for local organizations, and send in Box Tops to the main office. Want to contribute to Box Tops without clipping? Download the mobile app and use to scan receipts: http://www.boxtops4education.com/bonusapp. Any questions? Ask Ms. O’Sullivan at mosulliv@somsd.k12.nj.us.

MMS YEARBOOKS: The MMS Yearbook is now on sale! The yearbook is organized by MMS teachers Ms. Hansen (mhansen@somsd.k12.nj.us) and Ms. Varney (rvarney@somsd.k12.nj.us), who can be contacted with any questions. The flyer outlining how to order online or in school can be found HERE. And information for 8th grade parents who want to purchase a “Well Wisher” for their graduate can be found HERE.

PARENTING CENTER TOY DRIVE FOR LOCAL FAMILIES: The SOMSD Parenting Center toy drive provides gifts to over 150 local families in need, including up to 500 children. Your generosity will transform the holidays for your neighbors. This is a perfect opportunity for middle schoolers to get involved and give back! The toy drive runs from November 15th thru December 11th. All the info is HERE.

MAPSOPOLY IS BACK: The custom-made board game that features local businesses and landmarks has been update to include both towns and is back in stock, just in time for the upcoming holiday season. Proceeds from the sale help to fund Midnight Madness, the drug- and alcohol-free celebration after CHS graduation. Quantities are limited, so don’t wait. Click HERE for more information and a list of local merchants selling the game.

​GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER: Guidance counselors Ms. Battle and Ms. Dios asked us please to share with parents the November issue of the guidance department newsletter. Please click HERE to access this informative and helpful resource.
 Thanks, everyone. Have a terrific week!

Kathleen Bailie & Alan Stephenson
your MMS HSA Co-Presidents

kbailie1@gmail.com    
wunderdogny@aol.com


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MMS HSA News Week 11

11/20/2016

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Hey MMS! Super short week (gobble gobble), but still a bunch going on …

SCHOOL CLOSED: Wednesday, November 23rd is a 4-hour day and school is closed Thursday & Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.

MMS SPIRIT WEAR: This is it! The sale ends at midnight tonight. Shop HERE to get the latest MMS garb. The items will arrive the week of Dec. 5th or 12th, more info to come. Thank you for supporting MMS with every purchase!

6th GRADE BOXED LUNCH: The annual 6th grade boxed lunch social is Wednesday, November 23rd. Students were sent home on Friday with all the info. Any questions? Please reach out to your 6th grade team leader.

MMS BATTLE OF THE CLASSES: Battle of the Classes has begun! To earn Spirit points for their grades, and to help contribute to those in need this holiday season, students may participate in Penny Wars, donate non-perishable goods & gifts for local organizations, and send in Box Tops to the main office. Want to contribute to Box Tops without clipping? Download the mobile app and use to scan receipts: http://www.boxtops4education.com/bonusapp. Any questions? Ask Ms. O’Sullivan at mosulliv@somsd.k12.nj.us.

MMS YEARBOOKS: The MMS Yearbook is now on sale! The yearbook is organized by MMS teachers Ms. Hansen (mhansen@somsd.k12.nj.us) and Ms. Varney (rvarney@somsd.k12.nj.us), who can be contacted with any questions. The flyer outlining how to order online or in school can be found HERE. And information for 8th grade parents who want to purchase a “Well Wisher” for their graduate can be found HERE.

PARENTING CENTER TOY DRIVE FOR LOCAL FAMILIES: The SOMSD Parenting Center toy drive provides gifts to over 150 local families in need, including up to 500 children. Your generosity will transform the holidays for your neighbors. This is a perfect opportunity for middle schoolers to get involved and give back! The toy drive runs from November 15th thru December 11th. All the info is HERE.

Special Ed PTO Meeting:  November 22 from 7:30 to 9pm.  BOE Building 525 Acedemy Street.  
•The evening Topic: The Administration of Special Services in SOMA School District. Evening's Topic: The Administration of Special Services in SOMa School District
 •Confirmed guests: Ella Rideau, Director of Special Services and Maureen Jones, BOE trustee, Special Services liaison
 •Format: Q + A on the topic, followed by 30 minutes of what SPED PTO is there for: sharing individual questions and concerns and sharing useful resources.

So take a break from Thanksgiving preparation and join us. Please share this notice with those who might be interested.

MAPSOPOLY IS BACK: The custom-made board game that features local businesses and landmarks has been update to include both towns and is back in stock, just in time for the upcoming holiday season. Proceeds from the sale help to fund Midnight Madness, the drug- and alcohol-free celebration after CHS graduation. Quantities are limited, so don’t wait. Click HERE for more information and a list of local merchants selling the game.

****THE PRINCIPAL’S CORNER**** 

Please click HERE for this week’s message from Ms. Gronau.

That’s it for now! Wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
Kathleen Bailie & Alan Stephenson
your MMS HSA Co-Presidents
kbailie1@gmail.com    
wunderdogny@aol.com


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The South Orange Maplewood School District Parenting Center Invites you to make holiday magic! 

11/16/2016

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MMS HSA News Week 10

11/13/2016

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Hello MMS. Well, it’s been quite a week nationally, and there’s much for our families and students to process. Sentiment across our community seems to be, among other things, a desire to do something, a call to action, a pull to get involved. So our proposal is to take some of your energy and direct it super locally, in our great SOMA schools. Let’s get involved with our children’s education. Let’s get to know our kids’ classmates and their families. Let’s donate time and money to our schools. Let’s promote the cultural and fine arts. Let’s model tolerance. Let’s explore differences. Let’s teach our students about civics and the basics of American government and the power of democracy. Let’s raise the next generation to be informed, to be engaged, and to vote! If you’re looking to donate funds to our school to support wonderful programming, scholarships, enrichment, and much more courtesy of your HSA, you can do that HERE. And if you’d like to donate your time in any capacity at all please contact your HSA volunteer coordinator Val Frost at vfrost3656@gmail.com.


Ok! Thanks so much to all of you for your involvement and your caring. And with that, here’s what’s going on at MMS and in our town this week (there’s a lot) ….

SIXTH GRADE SOCIAL: What better way to inject some much-needed fellowship and fun into this week than with the 6th grade social?! On Wednesday, November 16th all 6th graders are invited to enjoy an after-school social event in the MMS cafeteria & gymnasium. We’ll have a live DJ, games, an open gym, food, dancing, and more! Don’t let your 6th grader miss all of the fun. Tickets are $5 and include a slice of pizza and a bottle of water. To attend every student must have a signed permission slip which can be found HERE. Tickets will be sold in advance at lunchtime and at the door (as long as the permission slip has been signed). Parents -- want to help out? Please see the SignUp Genius HERE to contribute your time or items and help make this event a success for the kids.

PHOTO RETAKES: Photo retakes for all students is Tuesday, November 15th. If your student already ordered and received a photo package, please have him/her return that package to the photographer during the reshoot. If not, to pre-order online visit www.lorsstudio.com, click on Undergrad Prepay, and use online login code 17-44MM. If you purchase online there is no need to send an order form or payment into school. Otherwise, you may complete the form that was sent home and have your student bring it to school on photo retake day. If you did not receive a photo form and/or you have any questions about placing your order, please contact Lors Photography at (908) 964-0847.

MMS SPIRIT WEAR: Last call! If you don’t purchase this week you’ll miss out on your chance to buy the latest and coolest MMS garb for you and your students. MMS Spirit Wear makes a great holiday gift! Please shop HERE before the sale ends. Any questions? Please reach out to Lynn Salort at lsalort@aol.com.

TGI FRIDAYS MMS FUNDRAISER: Please print the flyer HERE and bring it with you to TGI Fridays at 495 Prospect Avenue in West Orange on Wednesday, November 16th from 12pm-10pm -- 20% of sales that day go to our MMS PBIS committee. Thank you in advance!

PBIS COMMITTEE MEETING: The next PBIS Committee Meeting (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) will be held on Thursday, December 1st from 3:30pm-4:30pm in MMS Room 291 (this is a new date). Parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend and participate! Please reach out to Ms. Felder at jfelder@somsd.k12.nj.us with any questions.

STUDENTS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE: No better time than now to get your kids involved in social activism. Our YouthNet after school club Students for Social Change meets at MMS on Wednesdays from 3:15pm-4:15pm and currently has openings for more students. Any questions? Please reach out to Ms. Felder at jfelder@somsd.k12.nj.us.

MMS MUSICAL: Our incredible MMS Musical is underway! A few reminders:
  • The Performance Agreement and Parent Volunteer forms for Cast & Assistant Directors were due last week. If you haven’t already, please send these into school with your students asap.
  • Please see the musical website for handouts, schedules, and the absence report form: https://sites.google.com/site/mmsmusical/
  • Set construction started last weekend and we need more builders! Pleaser reach out to Mr. Palmgren at rpalmgre@somsd.k12.nj.us if you’re willing and able to volunteer your talents.

MMS BATTLE OF THE CLASSES: Battle of the Classes has begun! To earn Spirit points for their grades students may participate in Penny Wars, donate non-perishable goods & gifts for local organizations, and send in Box Tops to the main office. Want to contribute to Box Tops without clipping? Download the mobile app and use to scan receipts: http://www.boxtops4education.com/bonusapp. Any questions? Ask Ms. O’Sullivan at mosulliv@somsd.k12.nj.us.

MMS STUDENT COUNCIL: A huge thank you to all of you from Student Council for your support of our School Store and our Cougar Cash program! Between all of your amazing donations and our successful Dance-A-Thon, Student Council is off to their strongest start in years. Way to go, MMS!

MMS YEARBOOKS: The MMS Yearbook is now on sale! The yearbook is organized by MMS teachers Ms. Hansen (mhansen@somsd.k12.nj.us) and Ms. Varney (rvarney@somsd.k12.nj.us), who can be contacted with any questions. The flyer outlining how to order online or in school can be found HERE. And information on purchasing a “Well Wisher” for inclusion in the yearbook can be found HERE.

SOMSD POLICY ON TRANSGENDER AND GENDER NONCONFORMING STUDENTS: Did you and your children know that our school district passed a new policy with respect to the treatment of our transgender and gender nonconforming students? Please take a moment to review this important statement that serves to ensure our schools are safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments for all of our students. The policy can be found HERE.

​UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD’S RACIAL IDENTITY: The Parenting Center and the Elementary PTAs invite you to a presentation by Dr. Khyati Y. Yoshi on Monday, November 14th at 7:30pm at South Mountain Elementary School, which will focus on talking about diversity and social justice with our children. All info on this timely and important meeting can be found HERE.

POWERSCHOOL TRAINING CLASS FOR PARENTS: The district is hosting two PowerSchool training classes for parents on Wednesday, November 16th at SOMS -- one from 4pm-5pm and another from 7pm-8pm (parents only need to attend one session). Learning how to use and access PowerSchool allows parents to know at all times how their children are performing in school. For more information, please see the flyer HERE.

SCREENAGERS: A free community screening of the film Screenagers and a discussion afterward, moderated by public radio’s David Brancaccio, about the impact of screens on our kids will take place on Wednesday, November 16th at 7pm at South Mountain Elementary School. You can find all the info HERE.

TURKEY TROT: The Two Towns 5K Turkey Trot and Kids’ Fun Run is Saturday, November 19th. It’s a great event to promote fitness and community! All the info is HERE.
 
​
****THE PRINCIPAL’S CORNER****
Please click HERE for this week’s message from Ms. Gronau.


Thanks so much, MMS. We’re so grateful for our amazing school community and we’re looking forward to continuing to work together for all of our students and families.

​Have a good week,
Kathleen Bailie & Alan Stephenson
your MMS HSA Co-Presidents
kbailie1@gmail.com    

wunderdogny@aol.com


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ATTN: 6th Grade Families: 6th Grade Social info

11/10/2016

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ATTN: 6th Grade Families:
The 6th Grade Social is next Wednesday 11/16. Please see the flyer below and click here the link to sign up to help. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0445a5a92ca20-6thgrade1
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6th Grade Fall Canteen 2016

11/10/2016

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Hi Parents,
The grade 6 coordinators are looking for volunteers to help with the upcoming 6th Grade Fall Canteen. 

​CLICK HERE FOR THE SIGN UP GENIUS.
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FREE COMMUNITY SCREENING 

11/8/2016

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Spirit Wear Sale ending soon!

11/7/2016

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MMS Spirit Wear -- it's not just for kids!!

Sale ends soon! Order here today:

http://www.mmshsa.org/spirit-wear.html
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HSA News Week 9

11/6/2016

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Hey MMS! It's a short week and Alan & I are both out of town so no official eblast. Don't forget school is closed Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. And whatever you do, please VOTE on Tuesday! We have critical local elections for Township Council and Board of Ed. And I've sat here for 5 mins trying to craft something appropriate and nonpartisan to say about the importance of the national election but I've decided it's impossible to be measured. So I'll just say again PLEASE VOTE! Do it for your kids.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINCIPALS  UPDATE

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8the Grade Familes

11/2/2016

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8th grade families:
Attached is the letter that went home last week regarding the 8th grade class trip in June. A deposit and the permission slip is due this week. Please print and send into school with your students as soon as possible. The teachers owe a deposit on the location and the buses.
​Thank you!  CLICK HERE for the Deposit Letter that was sent home.
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