MMS HSA Weekly Update #6MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
************************************
From the Principal’s Corner:
Click here for Principal Gronau’s weekly update.
Hello MMS Families!
A reminder that there is a 4-hour day on Tuesday, October 9 - this is District-wide.
We would like to hear from you!
Do you have a positive story about MMS or the Principal and staff? We’d love to hear them and post on our Facebook page. We are so excited with all of the terrific feedback we’ve been hearing since school started and thought it would be fun to share some of the stories with the rest of the MMS community! Please send to Deb or Sara at: debcatholt@gmail.com orszknutsen@gmail.com
Thanks to everyone who has volunteered so far for our MMS Bathroom Inspiration Project! We are still looking for a person to chair the Project though. If you are interested in chairing this committee or to volunteer, please let us know!
We are in full outreach for our Membership Drive and No Frills Fundraiser, please consider joining and donating if you have not already. To learn more about your MMS HSA, how to get involved, or to donate, PLEASE click here!
A Few Key Dates:
10/8 Cultural Arts Assembly - All Grades
10/9 4-Hour Day - Staff development
10/9 Superintendent Search Forum 7:30-10:00 at MMS
10/10 Board of Education Candidates Debate - 7:30 pm BOE Admin Bldg., 525 Academy Street
10/11 HSA General Meeting - All are welcome to join us in the Library at 7 pm
10/15 BOE Meeting 7:30 - 525 Academy Street
10/18 Title 1 Info Meeting @Seth Boyden (Evening, time TBA)
10/20 Day in Band
11/6 No School - Staff development
11/8 No school - NJEA Convention
11/9 No school - NJEA Convention
Bathroom Inspiration Project - Chair and Committee needed
As a result of our Co-President’s Money Maker Fundraiser last year, we have decided to direct the $1500 raised to promote an atmosphere of daily positivity. Beautifying the bathrooms at MMS. If you are interested in leading this, or just helping out, please let us know via email. We encourage families and students to get involved.
This year we will once again hold our Money Maker events. If you have a funding initiative you believe important, consider holding an event! Last year we raised $7500 with three amazing events.
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.
Notes from the Teachers:
From Colleen Miller:
I have 6 bean bags in my room, plus a “super bean bag” chair. I’m wondering if we have any sewing parents who wouldn’t mind sewing me some “pillow cases” for them so I can clean the surfaces easily? I’d even buy the materials!
From Nurse Porter:
Are you an RN looking for a new and rewarding experience with hours that support your family's schedule? Please consider becoming a Substitute School Nurse for our outstanding SOMSD nurses.
School nurses support student success by providing health care through assessment, intervention, and follow-up for all children within the school setting. School Nurses increase student attendance, decrease early dismissals, and even save lives.
Please feel free to contact Julie Porter, MMS Nurse and School Nurse Leader, with questions. You may also go right to Human Resources to pick up a sub packet at the Board of Education Building, 525 Academy Street, Maplewood.
From Anna Herstatt:
Please visit DonorsChoose.org. Ms. Herstatt is requesting earbuds for my team. Perhaps members of the community might be willing to donate individually or through their company.
Special Ed Update
The Special Education 2018-2019 Back-to-School Night will be held Thursday, October 18, 2018, 7:00pm – 9:00pm in the Columbia High School Auditorium. Click here for more information.
The traditional event is being planned to allow for the interaction between parents and members of the child study team.
The evening schedule (UPDATED) includes:
7:00 Introductions
7:15 Keynote Speaker: JGerard Costa, Ph.D.
Director and Professor, ECELE
Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health
8:00 Q&A
Refreshments to follow
Contact Information:
Department of Special Services E-mail Address: specialed@somsd.k12.nj.us
This event is open to everyone who has questions regarding Special Services, your child does not need to already utilize district special services (IEPs or 504s).
Upcoming Family Support Group meetings:
(All meetings at the BOE Building, 525 Academy St., unless otherwise noted):
Special Siblings: Oct 15, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Youth led support group, with Laura Reichgut LCW, for siblings (Grades 5-8) of people with special needs.
Do you ever feel like it is difficult to have a sibling with special needs? Do you sometimes feel like you’re alone, and there isn’t a place to share your thoughts or feelings? SPECIAL SIBLINGS gives you a free, safe space to talk to other kids in the same situation. We have snacks! Please join us!
Parents/Caregivers: These are kids only, drop-off meetings. There is an adult present to help guide and support the discussion. Questions? Email somaspsibs@gmail.com
Selective Mutism: Oct 16, 7-8:30 PM
ADD/ADHD: Oct 17, 7:30-9 PM
SEPAC, Oct 24, 7:30-9 PM Features a presentation by Understood.org on creating an IEP binder. This takes place at Montrose school (click here to register, event is free, registration is to reserve a binder: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understoodorg-iep-binder-building-workshop-tickets-50575115532?ref=eios&aff=eios)
Screen Smart Kids: October 29 - Are you considering giving your child their first smart phone? or have you recently? Learn how to work together with your child to set up a ‘cell phone contract’ that best suits your family’s needs. Screen Smart Kids is a support group for parents who are interested in exploring the ways in which technology, smart phones and social media are impacting their kids’ developing minds. This group will equip families to best address the challenges of our technology immersive culture. Questions? Contact Claire Kaplan claireskb@gmail.com or Stephanie Bourgeois
Navigating the Middle School Years- Cliques, Squads , Bullying & More Nov 5, 7:30-9 (First Monday of each month) 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
Superintendent Search
You should have received an email from the district Friday detailing the process for the Superintendent Search. For more information please click here
Tissues and School Store
We mentioned on our News on Waffles segment to be on the lookout for TISSUES. It’s already been a busy season of allergies and colds. If you are at the store and can pick up some extra boxes, the MMS staff would greatly appreciate it! The student council 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
No Frills and Fundraising
The 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.
YouthNet at MMS
Youth Net offers an Extended Enrichment Program for all MMS students. The program runs until 6 pm and follows the school calendar. MMS teachers offer individual homework help to students enrolled. Click here for more information or visit www.somayouthnet.org for more information. No child is denied due to financial reasons.
YouthNet’s after school club program flyer will be coming home this week. These offerings begin first week of October.
Day in the Band (CHS)
7th and 8th grade musicians wanted! Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 20 for A Day in the Band, including practice, drill, and lunch with the Columbia High School Cougar Marching Band! This exciting free event is open to all SOMA 7th and 8th graders including musicians, non-players who want to march, future color guard, and kids who just want to be part of the Pride of Columbia (we will train). Sign up here, details to come. GO BAND! https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/Page/2936
Varsity Orchestras through the South Orange Maplewood Adult School!
Don’t miss this chance for your young musician to make music with their peers in an encouraging, inclusive and inspiring environment, led by talented and engaging instructors who have deep experience working with children. Designed to augment the school music instruction, our orchestras allow young musicians to develop their musical talent, experience being part of an ensemble, learn about music theory, grow friendships with other young musicians, and perform at our twice-yearly concerts. Orchestras meet one evening a week at Columbia High School. Register online at the SOMAS website.
Gratefully yours,
Deb Holt & Sara Knutsen
MMS HSA Co-Presidents 2018-2019
mmshsainfo@gmail.com
debcatholt@gmail.com
szknutsen@gmail.com
************************************
From the Principal’s Corner:
Click here for Principal Gronau’s weekly update.
Hello MMS Families!
A reminder that there is a 4-hour day on Tuesday, October 9 - this is District-wide.
We would like to hear from you!
Do you have a positive story about MMS or the Principal and staff? We’d love to hear them and post on our Facebook page. We are so excited with all of the terrific feedback we’ve been hearing since school started and thought it would be fun to share some of the stories with the rest of the MMS community! Please send to Deb or Sara at: debcatholt@gmail.com orszknutsen@gmail.com
Thanks to everyone who has volunteered so far for our MMS Bathroom Inspiration Project! We are still looking for a person to chair the Project though. If you are interested in chairing this committee or to volunteer, please let us know!
We are in full outreach for our Membership Drive and No Frills Fundraiser, please consider joining and donating if you have not already. To learn more about your MMS HSA, how to get involved, or to donate, PLEASE click here!
A Few Key Dates:
10/8 Cultural Arts Assembly - All Grades
10/9 4-Hour Day - Staff development
10/9 Superintendent Search Forum 7:30-10:00 at MMS
10/10 Board of Education Candidates Debate - 7:30 pm BOE Admin Bldg., 525 Academy Street
10/11 HSA General Meeting - All are welcome to join us in the Library at 7 pm
10/15 BOE Meeting 7:30 - 525 Academy Street
10/18 Title 1 Info Meeting @Seth Boyden (Evening, time TBA)
10/20 Day in Band
11/6 No School - Staff development
11/8 No school - NJEA Convention
11/9 No school - NJEA Convention
Bathroom Inspiration Project - Chair and Committee needed
As a result of our Co-President’s Money Maker Fundraiser last year, we have decided to direct the $1500 raised to promote an atmosphere of daily positivity. Beautifying the bathrooms at MMS. If you are interested in leading this, or just helping out, please let us know via email. We encourage families and students to get involved.
This year we will once again hold our Money Maker events. If you have a funding initiative you believe important, consider holding an event! Last year we raised $7500 with three amazing events.
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.
Notes from the Teachers:
From Colleen Miller:
I have 6 bean bags in my room, plus a “super bean bag” chair. I’m wondering if we have any sewing parents who wouldn’t mind sewing me some “pillow cases” for them so I can clean the surfaces easily? I’d even buy the materials!
From Nurse Porter:
Are you an RN looking for a new and rewarding experience with hours that support your family's schedule? Please consider becoming a Substitute School Nurse for our outstanding SOMSD nurses.
School nurses support student success by providing health care through assessment, intervention, and follow-up for all children within the school setting. School Nurses increase student attendance, decrease early dismissals, and even save lives.
Please feel free to contact Julie Porter, MMS Nurse and School Nurse Leader, with questions. You may also go right to Human Resources to pick up a sub packet at the Board of Education Building, 525 Academy Street, Maplewood.
From Anna Herstatt:
Please visit DonorsChoose.org. Ms. Herstatt is requesting earbuds for my team. Perhaps members of the community might be willing to donate individually or through their company.
Special Ed Update
The Special Education 2018-2019 Back-to-School Night will be held Thursday, October 18, 2018, 7:00pm – 9:00pm in the Columbia High School Auditorium. Click here for more information.
The traditional event is being planned to allow for the interaction between parents and members of the child study team.
The evening schedule (UPDATED) includes:
7:00 Introductions
7:15 Keynote Speaker: JGerard Costa, Ph.D.
Director and Professor, ECELE
Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health
8:00 Q&A
Refreshments to follow
Contact Information:
Department of Special Services E-mail Address: specialed@somsd.k12.nj.us
This event is open to everyone who has questions regarding Special Services, your child does not need to already utilize district special services (IEPs or 504s).
Upcoming Family Support Group meetings:
(All meetings at the BOE Building, 525 Academy St., unless otherwise noted):
Special Siblings: Oct 15, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Youth led support group, with Laura Reichgut LCW, for siblings (Grades 5-8) of people with special needs.
Do you ever feel like it is difficult to have a sibling with special needs? Do you sometimes feel like you’re alone, and there isn’t a place to share your thoughts or feelings? SPECIAL SIBLINGS gives you a free, safe space to talk to other kids in the same situation. We have snacks! Please join us!
Parents/Caregivers: These are kids only, drop-off meetings. There is an adult present to help guide and support the discussion. Questions? Email somaspsibs@gmail.com
Selective Mutism: Oct 16, 7-8:30 PM
ADD/ADHD: Oct 17, 7:30-9 PM
SEPAC, Oct 24, 7:30-9 PM Features a presentation by Understood.org on creating an IEP binder. This takes place at Montrose school (click here to register, event is free, registration is to reserve a binder: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understoodorg-iep-binder-building-workshop-tickets-50575115532?ref=eios&aff=eios)
Screen Smart Kids: October 29 - Are you considering giving your child their first smart phone? or have you recently? Learn how to work together with your child to set up a ‘cell phone contract’ that best suits your family’s needs. Screen Smart Kids is a support group for parents who are interested in exploring the ways in which technology, smart phones and social media are impacting their kids’ developing minds. This group will equip families to best address the challenges of our technology immersive culture. Questions? Contact Claire Kaplan claireskb@gmail.com or Stephanie Bourgeois
Navigating the Middle School Years- Cliques, Squads , Bullying & More Nov 5, 7:30-9 (First Monday of each month) 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
Superintendent Search
You should have received an email from the district Friday detailing the process for the Superintendent Search. For more information please click here
Tissues and School Store
We mentioned on our News on Waffles segment to be on the lookout for TISSUES. It’s already been a busy season of allergies and colds. If you are at the store and can pick up some extra boxes, the MMS staff would greatly appreciate it! The student council 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
No Frills and Fundraising
The 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.
YouthNet at MMS
Youth Net offers an Extended Enrichment Program for all MMS students. The program runs until 6 pm and follows the school calendar. MMS teachers offer individual homework help to students enrolled. Click here for more information or visit www.somayouthnet.org for more information. No child is denied due to financial reasons.
YouthNet’s after school club program flyer will be coming home this week. These offerings begin first week of October.
Day in the Band (CHS)
7th and 8th grade musicians wanted! Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 20 for A Day in the Band, including practice, drill, and lunch with the Columbia High School Cougar Marching Band! This exciting free event is open to all SOMA 7th and 8th graders including musicians, non-players who want to march, future color guard, and kids who just want to be part of the Pride of Columbia (we will train). Sign up here, details to come. GO BAND! https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/Page/2936
Varsity Orchestras through the South Orange Maplewood Adult School!
Don’t miss this chance for your young musician to make music with their peers in an encouraging, inclusive and inspiring environment, led by talented and engaging instructors who have deep experience working with children. Designed to augment the school music instruction, our orchestras allow young musicians to develop their musical talent, experience being part of an ensemble, learn about music theory, grow friendships with other young musicians, and perform at our twice-yearly concerts. Orchestras meet one evening a week at Columbia High School. Register online at the SOMAS website.
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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