Have you ever considered that a school restroom can impact your child’s health? When you send your student to school, we act in loco parentis to keep your child physically safe and emotionally sound. Believe it or not, dirty restrooms can have a significantly detrimental effect on student health and learning.

Lately, we have had a string of property destruction (particularly of our restrooms). This has resulted in us having to close the restrooms until 1 of our 2 Building Service Workers on the day shift can get to them, or until they can be made safe again by the school system’s maintenance department. Damage has included food and drink being spilled on the floors, in the lavatories, and in the sinks. Hand soap dispensers have been destroyed and soap poured all over, which can cause hazardous slips and falls. Some students are now even destroying the plumbing and standing on the facilities to remove ceiling tiles and place objects in the ceiling.

As you can imagine, these acts are not only creating an unsafe environment, but they are also creating an unhealthy one. When students avoid unsanitary restroom facilities, they may be tardy after searching for a cleaner restroom. They may avoid eating or drinking so as not to use the restroom during school. They may even “hold it” for long periods of time, which can lead to lower urinary tract and gastrointestinal health issues, as well as decreased focus and poorer learning outcomes. WE DO NOT WANT THAT FOR ANYONE!!

So here I am again--making a shameless plug for your help on the home front. Please have a conversation with your child about what such acts mean for them and for others. Moreover, remind them that according to the SMCPS Code of Conduct, destruction of property carries consequences including but not limited to restitution. “The restitution may be in the form of monetary restitution not to exceed the lesser of the fair market value of the property or $2,500.00 or the student’s assignment to a school work project, or both. (Maryland Law § 7-305(h) and COMAR 13A.08.01.11.D)”

Believe it or not, teenage vaping is a huge problem at the secondary level (middle and high schools). It is against SMCPS policy to possess, use, sell, or otherwise distribute any tobacco, tobacco products, and/or devices (e.g., cigarette lighters, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and matches) on school property. This could result in ISI or even suspension.

Please take a look at the videos below for some surprising information on vapes/vaping. Thank you for your help on the home front to get a handle on this issue.

Dear LMS Families:

As the holiday season quickly approaches, we would like to aid those families in need. This year, we will be providing families with Wal-Mart and Target gift cards. We are requesting that the minimum amount on each gift card is $10. Below is a form to return to any of the counselors at LMS, via email, to either donate to a family in need or indicate if your family needs assistance this holiday season. All names will be kept confidential. We will accept gift card donations through Friday, December 9th. Families can pick up the gift cards from the main office on Thursday, December 15th from 8:00-2:00. Any questions or concerns, please call your grade level counselor. Please email the form below or call with the information needed by Monday, December 5th. Please see your child’s grade level counselor’s email and phone extension are below.

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), Department of Maryland, Inc., is sponsoring an Americanism Essay Contest “What Does Patriotism Mean to You?” for students in grades 3-8.

Three awards in each of the groups will be presented in each Unit, District, and Department, with prizes at each level. First place Department winners will be sent to the National Competition. The contest time frame is November 1, 2022, to February 1, 2022.

Group I — Grades 3 & 4 (150-250 words)

Group II — Grades 5 & 6 (250-300 words)

Group III - Grades 7 & 8 (350-400 words)

Students must get the printed copy of their cover letter AND essay to Mrs. Sheehan in Room 106 by January 31, 2023.

All students in SMCPS have access to several online databases and thousands of eBooks. Please see the Database and Ebook Smore for more information on how to access those resources. Any questions can be directed to Heather Wysokinski (hmwysokinski@smcps.org).

• The PTA will be hosting a staff appreciation snack on December 15. Donations are being accepted. Please reach out to the PTA Board by reaching out to the email below.
  
• Memberships are $8/adult or $15/family and $7/teachers & staff. You can also register online at https://lmspta20.memberhub.com/store Become a member and support the school!!
• https://www.facebook.com/LeonardtownMiddleSchoolPta

Asklmspta@gmail.com

Looking for the perfect gifts for the holiday? The 6th grade team is excited to announce that they will be hosting the 2022 Holiday Bazaar on Saturday December 10, 2022! Doors will open at 9:00am and the event will run until 2:00pm.

Vendors interested in the event should contact Mrs. Kamp with any questions. Attached you will find the Vendor Registration Form. We are accepting cash and check payments. Checks should be made payable to Margaret Brent Middle School. A receipt will be provided for you the day of the event.