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Maplewood Middle School Home and School Association
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MMS HSA News - Week 43

6/24/2020

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MMS HSA News - Week 43
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
We made it to the end of the 2019-2020 School Year! Happy end of the school year/beginning of summer everyone!  This newsletter marks the last of the 2019-20 Sunday (and occasionally Monday) Newsletters until school starts up again in the fall. 

Putting these newsletters together is a labor of love and sometimes a test of technological patience. It is also a wonderful way to significantly contribute to MMS from the comfort of your home office (or car, or front steps).  If you are interested in joining the HSA, or have important information to share, please give us a shout.  

This school year evoked so many different feelings: joy, fear, hope, anger, love. Over the last month or so, we have all watched the horrific, violent, racist events perpetrated against African Americans.  These events have been set against the backdrop of a pandemic that has disproportionately impacted our communities of color and reminded us of the inequities that exist in our nation and our own community.

The HSA re-affirms our commitment to anti-racism.  We believe that Black Lives Matter. The ability to impact change lies within all of our hands and while the school year is coming to an end, we remain committed to helping our MMS students and families.  

Our last HSA Meeting of the school year will be Wednesday June 23.  
8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony
Eighth grade families are invited to celebrate the Class of 2020 moving up to high school. The virtual ceremony will be at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24 on the district's YouTube page. Congratulations to all of our 8th graders!
Locker Cleanout
Students can pick up the contents of their hallway and gym lockers at MMS on Tuesday, June 23. If you need to return any school items such as textbooks or musical instruments you can bring them to the school on Tuesday. Pickup time is based on last name. Click here for the schedule and more details.
SOMA Shares - Lunch, Books, Groceries, Toiletries, School and Art Supplies!

We want to let everyone know of all the additional resources now available to all district students and their families during lunch distribution at both distribution locations.

Lunch is available to all district students and their siblings every weekday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Seth Boyden and Columbia High School. Your child doesn't need to be present and you can pick up from either location (and can pick up for neighbors/friends who can't go in person).
  • The district is providing fresh produce.
  • There are delicious donations from Liv Breads and Vista Hermosa tortillas.
  • On Wednesdays you can also enjoy a bag with fresh harvest from the Seth Boyden Garden and Rent Party.
The district PTAs, HSAs, Cougar Cares, local families, Words Bookstore and Alomo Books are now also in partnership with the Parenting Center and the Achieve Foundation and are providing books and school/art supplies for all kids, to make remote schooling as productive and enriching as possible. There are also additional grocery items and toiletries available.

Are You Able To Help?
  • Can you shop for extra groceries, toiletries, paper goods, or cleaning supplies when buying for your own family?
  • Do you have books in good condition to donate?
  • Can you afford to buy items from the Amazon wishlist?
  • Can you shop locally with Words or A Paper Hat? If you shop locally, just make a note that it's for the SOMA Shares and we can pick it up. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses!
  • Do you have contacts at companies or organizations that might want to donate?
     
Donations of any size are appreciated, as we're distributing every day. Email sbnews@sethboyden.com for the best drop-off location for you. Please DO NOT drop them off or have them delivered to any school.

We're grateful to SOMA Kids Feed Kids for all their help collecting so many donations. Stay tuned for the SOMA Shares program to continue this summer at Maplecrest Park!
 
Math Summer Booster Announcement

Who: All students currently in grades 5th through 7th
Dates: July 6 to July 24, weekdays
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $350. Scholarships available for qualifying students Format: Instruction will take place online with both live and self-directed portions. Students will need their own computer from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day.
Content: Pre-requisite content important for success in the fall and a preview of some concepts they will learn in their new course.
Courses: Preparation for Gr. 6 Math, Gr. 6 Pre-algebra, Gr. 7 Math, Gr. 7 Pre-algebra, Gr. 8 Pre-algebra, Algebra I, Geometry
Join The MMS HSA
YouthNet
HSA News Submission Form
No Frills Fundraiser
MMS Makerspace
Team Sites






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MMS HSA News - Week 42

6/16/2020

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MMS HSA News - Week 42
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
We made it!!! 

This is the last FULL week of distance learning and will primarily be used for catching up. Many teachers are not starting new material so check in with your student about any missed work, reach out to teachers about concerns, and take a look at grades in PowerSchool.

As we begin to wrap up the strangest academic school year in many of our lives, we want to thank our AMAZING parent volunteers Maureen Fitzpatrick Griffis and Mel Rose for anchoring what has been quite a rollercoaster of an 8th grade wrapup. HSA volunteers, like Maureen and Mel, selflessly support their students and our community beyond all odds, show up and risk their own health, and go above and beyond while also anchoring their own lives and jobs. They make all of our lives easier and so please honor them with respect and gratitude. Without them, we would all be worse off. And please do consider volunteering, particularly if you want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

Below are a few quick announcements to help you plan your summer activities:
  • The Math Summer Booster program is on! An email will be coming out shortly with detail from Kim Bean. In addition, we have added what we know below (scroll down).
  • Extended School Year (ESY) is running! We should be getting guidance on that shortly, however, it's in the MMS calendar and will run from July 1 to Aug. 13 from 9 a.m. to  noon. A parent meeting is scheduled for June 25 at 630 p.m.
  • 8th Grade Commencement is still virtual and is scheduled for June 24 at 9 a.m. 8th grade families should have received an email with details. Let us know if you have not.
  • 6th and 7th Grade Yearbooks will be available for pickup on the same day as pickup for belongings left behind in lockers. This date has not yet been set. Stay tuned!
  • HSA Final Meeting is June 17 at 7:30 p.m. Wwe will be transitioning and voting on the Board Members for 2020-21. Please let us know if you are interested in serving. Reach out directly to volazabal@gmail.com or Kellyannharris@gmail.com. 
Enjoy the week, reach out with any thoughts, concerns and questions, and we will do our best to respond.

Veronica and Kelly
The Parenting Center Invites You to a Virtual Event …
Hard Conversations in Difficult Times: Talking to Our Kids about Current Events, Racial Injustice & Equity will be held Tuesday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. Join via WebEx: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/parentworkshop
SOMA Shares - Lunch, Books, Groceries, Toiletries, School and Art Supplies!

We want to let everyone know of all the additional resources now available to all district students and their families during lunch distribution at both distribution locations.

Lunch is available to all district students and their siblings every weekday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Seth Boyden and Columbia High School. Your child doesn't need to be present and you can pick up from either location (and can pick up for neighbors/friends who can't go in person).
  • The district is providing fresh produce.
  • There are delicious donations from Liv Breads and Vista Hermosa tortillas.
  • On Wednesdays you can also enjoy a bag with fresh harvest from the Seth Boyden Garden and Rent Party.
The district PTAs, HSAs, Cougar Cares, local families, Words Bookstore and Alomo Books are now also in partnership with the Parenting Center and the Achieve Foundation and are providing books and school/art supplies for all kids, to make remote schooling as productive and enriching as possible. There are also additional grocery items and toiletries available.

Are You Able To Help?
  • Can you shop for extra groceries, toiletries, paper goods, or cleaning supplies when buying for your own family?
  • Do you have books in good condition to donate?
  • Can you afford to buy items from the Amazon wishlist?
  • Can you shop locally with Words or A Paper Hat? If you shop locally, just make a note that it's for the SOMA Shares and we can pick it up. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses!
  • Do you have contacts at companies or organizations that might want to donate?
     
Donations of any size are appreciated, as we're distributing every day. Email sbnews@sethboyden.com for the best drop-off location for you. Please DO NOT drop them off or have them delivered to any school.

We're grateful to SOMA Kids Feed Kids for all their help collecting so many donations. Stay tuned for the SOMA Shares program to continue this summer at Maplecrest Park!
 
Math Summer Booster Announcement

Who: All students currently in grades 5th through 7th
Dates: July 6 to July 24, weekdays
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $350. Scholarships available for qualifying students Format: Instruction will take place online with both live and self-directed portions. Students will need their own computer from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day.
Content: Pre-requisite content important for success in the fall and a preview of some concepts they will learn in their new course.
Courses: Preparation for Gr. 6 Math, Gr. 6 Pre-algebra, Gr. 7 Math, Gr. 7 Pre-algebra, Gr. 8 Pre-algebra, Algebra I, Geometry
Distance Learning
For more information on distance learning, please click here.
Join The MMS HSA
YouthNet
HSA News Submission Form
No Frills Fundraiser
MMS Makerspace
Team Sites






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MMS HSA News - Week 41

6/8/2020

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MMS HSA News - Week 41
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Change is upon us. 

The country continues to protest injustice and police brutality while still combating COVID-19 and as New Jersey moves into Phase 2 reopening plans. All as we wrap up one of the most eventful school years we have had in ages.  

With very few weeks of distance learning to go, here are a few announcements;
  • WELCOME TO MMS: Getting Ready For Success in Maplewood Middle School Meet for incoming 6th graders is Tuesday,June 9 at 7:30 p.m. 
  • MOVE-UP CEREMONY: The 8th Grade Move-up ceremony is scheduled for June 24 at 9 a.m. It will be virtual. Details have been shared with 8th Grade families. If you have any questions, please reach out to Maureen Griffis.
  • WE NEED YOU! We are also looking to fill spots on the MMS HSA Board. Please do reach out if you are curious. We are especially interested in bringing on a strong incoming 8th grade parent coordination team. For more information on the HSA, click here.
  • INSTRUMENTS: Finally, if your student has an instrument, returns will take place on Tuesday, June 9 between the hours of 9 a.m. and  2 p.m. at MMS. Please see the details below.

Have a great week,
Veronica and Kelly
SOMA Shares - Lunch, Books, Groceries, Toiletries, School and Art Supplies!

We want to let everyone know of all the additional resources now available to all district students and their families during lunch distribution at both distribution locations.

Lunch is available to all district students and their siblings every weekday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Seth Boyden and Columbia High School. Your child doesn't need to be present and you can pick up from either location (and can pick up for neighbors/friends who can't go in person).
  • The district is providing fresh produce.
  • There are delicious donations from Liv Breads and Vista Hermosa tortillas.
  • On Wednesdays you can also enjoy a bag with fresh harvest from the Seth Boyden Garden and Rent Party.
The district PTAs, HSAs, Cougar Cares, local families, Words Bookstore and Alomo Books are now also in partnership with the Parenting Center and the Achieve Foundation and are providing books and school/art supplies for all kids, to make remote schooling as productive and enriching as possible. There are also additional grocery items and toiletries available.

Are You Able To Help?
  • Can you shop for extra groceries, toiletries, paper goods, or cleaning supplies when buying for your own family?
  • Do you have books in good condition to donate?
  • Can you afford to buy items from the Amazon wishlist?
  • Can you shop locally with Words or A Paper Hat? If you shop locally, just make a note that it's for the SOMA Shares and we can pick it up. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses!
  • Do you have contacts at companies or organizations that might want to donate?
     
Donations of any size are appreciated, as we're distributing every day. Email sbnews@sethboyden.com for the best drop-off location for you. Please DO NOT drop them off or have them delivered to any school.

We're grateful to SOMA Kids Feed Kids for all their help collecting so many donations. Stay tuned for the SOMA Shares program to continue this summer at Maplecrest Park!
 
Instrument Return
Band and orchestra students who rent instruments from Elefante Music can return their instruments at Maplewood Middle School on Tuesday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are unable to make this instrument return, you will need to arrange a  return with Elefante Music before the end of the school year

If your instrument is still at MMS, arrangements will be made to return any instruments to Elefante Music when the building reopens.

If you are continuing in band/orchestra next year, please keep your instrument.

Email Mr. Balas or Miss Chilimintris with any questions. 
Welcome to Middle School!
On Tuesday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m., MMS will hold a virtual Welcome to Middle School event for incoming 6th grade families. Click here to connect to the WebEx. Meet our new assistant principals and other school staff as we share with you what to expect for 6th grade!
Cougar Tutors
Cougar Tutors is a math tutoring service started and run by CHS students. We offer affordable remote tutoring sessions over Zoom or FaceTime. We tutor students in all subjects through pre-calc. To learn more or book a session visit www.cougartutors.com or contact Mac Krause.
Distance Learning
For more information on distance learning, please click here.
Join The MMS HSA
YouthNet
HSA News Submission Form
No Frills Fundraiser
MMS Makerspace
Team Sites






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MMS HSA News Week 40

6/1/2020

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MMS HSA News - Week 40
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
MMS Families,

Our nation is quite literally under fire. Perhaps you feel powerless over these larger issues, perhaps you are tired or paralyzed by grief and anger. Setting aside our own personal feelings, our students are watching. And what they see are people, many close to their age, protesting. And they are asking questions that may impact their views for many year to come.

Amid COVID-19, let us acknowledge the many injustices that have led us to this week, and let us ask the hard questions to those in positions to do something, big or small.

Here are a few useful resources being discussed over social media:
  • Teaching about race, racism and police violence: Resources for educators and parents by Valerie Strauss | The Washington Post (July 11, 2016)

  • “America’s Racial Contract Is Killing Us” by Adam Serwer | Atlantic (May 8, 2020)   

  •  How you can be an ally in the fight for racial justice on idea.TED.com  
  • Community Coalition on Race and information on Implicit Bias
 
In terms of this week, take a look at Superintendent Taylor's wrap up for last week  

For those with incoming 6th graders, Welcome to Middle School is scheduled for June 9th @ 7:30 pm. (virtually) For more information visit: https://bit.ly/3d0v64S

Stay safe,

Veronica and Kelly   
T-shirts and signs have been ordered for all 8th grade students.  We ordered a variety of sizes to accommodate those who did not complete the Google form indicating a specific size.  If you did NOT submit a form, please email your child's name and home address for delivery purposes. 

If you have not done so already, please consider making a $5 donation to offset some expenses. 

Stay tuned for additional details on other year-end activities.
Welcome to Middle School!
On Tuesday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m., MMS will hold a virtual Welcome to Middle School event for incoming 6th grade families. Click here to connect to the WebEx. Meet our new assistant principals and other school staff as we share with you what to expect for 6th grade!
Cougar Tutors
Cougar Tutors is a math tutoring service started and run by CHS students. We offer affordable remote tutoring sessions over Zoom or FaceTime. We tutor students in all subjects through pre-calc. To learn more or book a session visit www.cougartutors.com or contact Mac Krause.
Free Emergency Childcare at the Y!
The Y is offering free emergency childcare for all essential workers at the East Orange and Livingston branches.For more information or to register, click here. 
Distance Learning
For more information on distance learning, please click here.
New Update! Food Support Now Available For All District Students
SOMSD Food Service will now provide meals to any district students and siblings under the age of 18, including the District’s out-of-district placements, and those attending charter schools regardless of eligibility status.

For students who receive free or reduced lunch, packed lunches will be distributed every school day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, March 18 at:
• Seth Boyden School
• Columbia High School  

No one will be denied a meal.

If your family needs additional food support …
If you feel that you will need food support during our school closure, please let us know and we will arrange for a food delivery for your family. Call Karen Weiland at: 973-762-5600, X1850 or email at kweiland@somsd.k12.nj.us
Please leave your name and phone number and we will contact you with details.

Please speak slowly and clearly & please repeat your phone number twice. If you request food support we will share your contact information with a community volunteer who will make a food delivery to your home.
 
Join The MMS HSA
YouthNet
HSA News Submission Form
No Frills Fundraiser
MMS Makerspace
Team Sites






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