Hello MMS Families -
We have had another busy week at MMS with author visits and assemblies. Please ask your MMS students about the special things they experienced at school this week! A special thank you to our Cultural Arts Chairs Tracey Clark and Rachel Fisher, and Library Media Specialist Evyn Degnan for planning these amazing events for our kids!
A reminder that this is the last full week of school before Spring Break -- there is no school the week of April 15 - 19. We’ll see you back at MMS on Monday, April 22!
Spring YouthNet brochures and permission slips are now available!
We have updated key dates along with the new, confirmed date for the MOVING UP CEREMONY for 8th grade families - please take a read. We would love to see you at the community events!
Best,
Sara & Deb
A Few Key Dates:
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, 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)
Join the Columbia High School Marching Band!
For the first time ever, 8th grade students will have the opportunity to experience the band while still in Middle School! Please see the attached flyer for more information and details. It’s a great opportunity!Master Class Dance Day with CHS Dancers
Have your dancer join in the Special Dance Company for a day of dance. Your K-8th grader will experience first-hand what it’s like to be a part of this amazing group. Please see attached flyer for info!
Spring YouthNet Sign Ups
Spring YouthNet is here! Please take a look at what is on offer for Spring and take a moment to sign up -- lots of fun opportunities! Click HERE for more information.YouthNet - Curls on the Move
Still Room! Special Wednesday Offering Curls on the Move with Ms. Graham. Curls on the Move (COTM) is a hair, health, and self-care curriculum specifically for adolescent girls of African Descent, but all are welcome. Hands-on learning opportunities, self-esteem building, physical activities and more... See Ms. Graham in Room 153 for more information and registration. Cost is $40 for the spring session.
A Note from Nurse Porter
Please see the attached sheet for important information regarding seasonal allergies. Click HERE for the flyer.
Yearbook Order Information
Yearbooks: Order your yearbooks now, orders end on April 15, 2019. Details here: Yearbook Order Form
School Supplies - Kids in Need!
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 team leaders or Ms. Miller.
Fundraising
Spring Match Fundraiser!
8th grade activities can get expensive -- that’s why we have a Spring 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.
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
Special Ed Update
For 8th grade families to keep in mind for future AP, ACT & SAT testing:
“Kids who get testing accommodations through an IEP or a 504 plan can often get the same accommodations on the ACT & SAT.
Your child’s high school can be helpful in the application process.”
For 8th grade families to keep in mind for future AP, ACT & SAT testing. 9th graders who want to take the AP World History test next year & will need accommodations, should start the process early next Fall because it can take a few months to set up: at CHS, contact Mr Matt Endlich (mendlich@somsd.k12.nj.us) for assistance with obtaining testing accommodations.
Students with an IEP or 504 Plan may receive test accommodations if they have been approved by the College Board for SAT, SAT Subject tests, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 & AP Exams . See more details on requirements at the College Board website: https://www.collegeboard.org/students-with-disabilities.
The ACT test requires a separate process, see the ACT site for details: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html
More details can be found at UNDERSTOOD.ORG: https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/tests-standards/how-to-apply-for-sat-and-act-accommodations?fbclid=IwAR0Swnrv2hR4XdcQDXp5gV1RmWEco9-k6L6Y1-VS7xS9k0CITWm4-txOf1c
https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf
At the Parenting Center in April:
• April 23: Raising Children to be Emotionally Healthy Eaters With : Suzanne Rubinetti, L.C.S.W, Eating Disorder Specialist 7:30 @ Tuscan School
Also coming up in April at the BOE Building:
April 3 2E (Twice Exceptional) Parent Support Group 9:30 AM
April 8 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.
April 8 Screen Smart Kids 7PM
April 10 ADD/ADHD Parent Group 7:30-9PM (change of day due to Spring Break)
April 16 Selective Mutism Parent Group 7-8:30 PM
Next SEPAC MEETING: May 22 - General support for all families / end of year wrap up
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. 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!
Digital Backpack
Please click HERE for April’s Digital Backpack featuring information from around our two towns!
Gratefully yours,
Deb Holt & Sara Knutsen
MMS HSA Co-Presidents 2018-2019
mmshsainfo@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com
szknutsen@gmail.com
We have had another busy week at MMS with author visits and assemblies. Please ask your MMS students about the special things they experienced at school this week! A special thank you to our Cultural Arts Chairs Tracey Clark and Rachel Fisher, and Library Media Specialist Evyn Degnan for planning these amazing events for our kids!
A reminder that this is the last full week of school before Spring Break -- there is no school the week of April 15 - 19. We’ll see you back at MMS on Monday, April 22!
Spring YouthNet brochures and permission slips are now available!
We have updated key dates along with the new, confirmed date for the MOVING UP CEREMONY for 8th grade families - please take a read. We would love to see you at the community events!
Best,
Sara & Deb
A Few Key Dates:
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, 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)
Join the Columbia High School Marching Band!
For the first time ever, 8th grade students will have the opportunity to experience the band while still in Middle School! Please see the attached flyer for more information and details. It’s a great opportunity!Master Class Dance Day with CHS Dancers
Have your dancer join in the Special Dance Company for a day of dance. Your K-8th grader will experience first-hand what it’s like to be a part of this amazing group. Please see attached flyer for info!
Spring YouthNet Sign Ups
Spring YouthNet is here! Please take a look at what is on offer for Spring and take a moment to sign up -- lots of fun opportunities! Click HERE for more information.YouthNet - Curls on the Move
Still Room! Special Wednesday Offering Curls on the Move with Ms. Graham. Curls on the Move (COTM) is a hair, health, and self-care curriculum specifically for adolescent girls of African Descent, but all are welcome. Hands-on learning opportunities, self-esteem building, physical activities and more... See Ms. Graham in Room 153 for more information and registration. Cost is $40 for the spring session.
A Note from Nurse Porter
Please see the attached sheet for important information regarding seasonal allergies. Click HERE for the flyer.
Yearbook Order Information
Yearbooks: Order your yearbooks now, orders end on April 15, 2019. Details here: Yearbook Order Form
School Supplies - Kids in Need!
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 team leaders or Ms. Miller.
Fundraising
Spring Match Fundraiser!
8th grade activities can get expensive -- that’s why we have a Spring 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.
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
Special Ed Update
For 8th grade families to keep in mind for future AP, ACT & SAT testing:
“Kids who get testing accommodations through an IEP or a 504 plan can often get the same accommodations on the ACT & SAT.
Your child’s high school can be helpful in the application process.”
For 8th grade families to keep in mind for future AP, ACT & SAT testing. 9th graders who want to take the AP World History test next year & will need accommodations, should start the process early next Fall because it can take a few months to set up: at CHS, contact Mr Matt Endlich (mendlich@somsd.k12.nj.us) for assistance with obtaining testing accommodations.
Students with an IEP or 504 Plan may receive test accommodations if they have been approved by the College Board for SAT, SAT Subject tests, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 & AP Exams . See more details on requirements at the College Board website: https://www.collegeboard.org/students-with-disabilities.
The ACT test requires a separate process, see the ACT site for details: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html
More details can be found at UNDERSTOOD.ORG: https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/tests-standards/how-to-apply-for-sat-and-act-accommodations?fbclid=IwAR0Swnrv2hR4XdcQDXp5gV1RmWEco9-k6L6Y1-VS7xS9k0CITWm4-txOf1c
https://www.theparentingcenter.info/resources/2018-19-Parent-Groups.pdf
At the Parenting Center in April:
• April 23: Raising Children to be Emotionally Healthy Eaters With : Suzanne Rubinetti, L.C.S.W, Eating Disorder Specialist 7:30 @ Tuscan School
Also coming up in April at the BOE Building:
April 3 2E (Twice Exceptional) Parent Support Group 9:30 AM
April 8 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.
April 8 Screen Smart Kids 7PM
April 10 ADD/ADHD Parent Group 7:30-9PM (change of day due to Spring Break)
April 16 Selective Mutism Parent Group 7-8:30 PM
Next SEPAC MEETING: May 22 - General support for all families / end of year wrap up
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. 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!
Digital Backpack
Please click HERE for April’s Digital Backpack featuring information from around our two towns!
Gratefully yours,
Deb Holt & Sara Knutsen
MMS HSA Co-Presidents 2018-2019
mmshsainfo@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com
szknutsen@gmail.com
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