RMS Express
Monthly Update from the Principal's Desk - February 2023
February Updates
Dear Readington Middle School,
In the words of Jon Bon Jovi, "Whoa, we are halfway there!" At the time of this writing, the school year is actually more than half over. I want to take a moment and stop to reflect on the tremendous growth our students have exhibited from September until now. This growth has wonderful to witness. For many, that growth is quite literal! We are excited and proud of the growth they have shown and look forward to continued growth through the rest of the year.
In this edition of the RMS Express, please find articles/images about the following:
- Therapy Dogs at RMS
- January Students of the Month
- Pep Rally Recap
- RMS Valentines Day Blast Recap
- Kindness Certified School
- Conflict vs. Bullying; What is it?
While we don't have a podcast this month, I did want to mention something WONDERFUL coming to RMS on March 2nd and 3rd.
Readington Middle School is Proud to Present, Willy Wonka Jr.!
Students in grades 6-8 came out for auditions in mid-November to be a part of the Cast & Stage Crew. Once the show was cast, we had our first read through of the script with the full cast, crew and creative staff. From there, students participated in music rehearsals, choreography, and blocking of the scenes on stage. We later added in the student designed sets, costumes, lights and sound too!
There are many staff members involved in the show. They are:
Lauren Greenberg- Director/Choreographer
Emily Obenauer- Music Director
Catherine Way- Stage Manager
Denise Birmingham- Lighting Technician
Dan Wasserman - Sound Technician
Come out and support the drama club's production of Willy Wonka Jr. on March 2nd and 3rd at 7:00pm. Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the door.
**Out of an abundance of caution, we are currently monitoring the predicted winter weather for Friday. In the event of an early dismissal or after school activities being cancelled, our Friday Night performance of Willy Wonka Jr. will be moved to SATURDAY, MARCH 4TH at 1:00 pm. We recognize that this may be a challenge but we want to ensure that the cast has two opportunities this weekend to perform as planned. As they say in the theater, "The show must go on!"
So, until next month, please be well and Go Vikings!
Mr. Charleston
Principal, Readington Middle School
Therapy Dog at RMS!
At the Readington Township Board of Education meeting, the BOE passed policy 2560.01 on Therapy Dogs in schools. As we continue to deliver the best possible school environment for staff and students, we are pleased to announce that a new staff member will be joining us starting in the next few weeks! We are welcoming Korra Bean to the RMS family as a Certified Therapy Dog! Korra is a 22 month old, happy Maltipoo. She was selected because of her breed’s temperament, intelligence and hypoallergenic nature. Korra has completed several levels of obedience training, an acting class, nose work, silly pet tricks, therapy dog training and is currently in agility training. Korra’s greatest strength is her love of people, especially children. We are thrilled to have Korra start with us in short order!
All families are asked to log into the Genesis Portal to complete a new form about Therapy Dogs and to select whether or not you want your child around the dog so that we can make appropriate accommodations.
Readington Middle School Students of the Month for January 2023
Our winners were:
Congrats to all our winners! We were so happy to spend time with them celebrating their accomplishments.
Do you want to be selected as a student of the month? Earn a Valuable Viking award or a Viking of the Week award during that month to qualify!
PEP RALLY RECAP
Students were invited to "come on down" to be a part of the show and it was a lot of fun.
RMS Valentine's Day Blast Recap
All students got a wristband for pizza/water. Snacks were available to purchase throughout the night. Students also brought 1 non-perishable food item for our Souper-Bowl Donation in exchange for a free treat! There was music and dancing throughout the night.
RMS opened our our gym for some light gym activities as well. Thanks to the Student Council for putting on the blast.
Great Kindness Challenge
We were so successful that we are now deemed a Kindness Certified School! Below is a quick excerpt from the organization, The Great Kindness Challenge:
Hello KIND Friend!
We feel the LOVE and are thrilled to report that over 19 million students in 115 countries were part of the 2023 Great Kindness Challenge!!! What an AMAZING celebration of kindness it was! We hope your week was filled with an abundance of joy and inspiration. May the seeds of kindness continue to bloom all year round!
Because of your school's participation in The Great Kindness Challenge, we are honored to acknowledge you as a Kindness Certified School.
Thank you for making such a positive difference at your school, in your community, and in our world. We are so grateful for YOU!
With grateful and happy hearts,
Team Kindness
Conflict vs. Bullying... What is it?
Bullying is different from conflict.
- Conflict is a disagreement or argument in which both sides express their views.
- Bullying is negative behavior directed by someone exerting power and control over another person.
Bullying is when someone aggressively uses their “power” to target another individual with repeated, unwanted words or actions. Those targeted are hurt either physically or emotionally and have a hard time stopping what is happening to them.
In normal conflict, children self-monitor their behavior. They read cues to know if lines are crossed, and then modify their behavior in response. Children guided by empathy usually realize they have hurt someone and will want to stop their negative behavior. On the other hand, children intending to cause harm and whose behavior goes beyond normal conflict will continue their behavior even when they know it's hurting someone.
For more information: https://www.pacer.org/bullying/info/questions-answered/conflict-vs-bullying.asp
RMS Viking Athletic Calendar
District School Calendar for 2022-2023
Readington Middle School
Website: https://www.readington.k12.nj.us/Domain/58
Location: 48 Readington Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA
Phone: 908-534-2113
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readingtonschools
Twitter: @RMS_VIKINGS