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
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