Upper Adams Middle School
March 2020 Newsletter
**Editor's note, most of these articles were written before the coronavirus pandemic and therefore some of the events mentioned might be cancelled. Please check the district website for all official updates.**
**Informational message from UASD
3/20 update: Due to the Governor’s announcement last evening, the Upper Adams School District will be adjusting its free meals program out of concern for our employees and community. Beginning the week of Monday, March 23rd, the Upper Adams School District will be providing meals on Monday, March 23rd, Tuesday, March 24th, and Thursday, March 26th only. On Tuesday, March 24th and Thursday, March 26th, we will be providing double meals to families so they have enough food for Wednesday, March 25th and Friday, March 27th when we are not distributing meals. The pick-up times for the free meals on Monday, March 23rd, Tuesday, March 24th, and Thursday, March 26th will continue to be from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. only. If this change impacts your interest in securing a free meal for your child, please contact the Upper Adams School District at (717) 677-7191, extension 2700 so we can maintain an accurate count for the preparation of meals. You may also email us at freemeals@upperadams.org to let us know if your participation in the free meal program has changed.
**Free Breakfasts/Lunches at the Apple Bin**
Student Council News
The student council has been hard at work this school year to try and make it as fun as possible. In February they sold candy grams for Valentine’s Day, and cheer was definitely spread. They also hosted a Semi Formal dance on February 28. Most people seemed to enjoy it and it seemed to be a lot of fun. They also have a lot of plans for the upcoming months such as a bake sale in April, fun contests, and a few dress up days. While you are waiting for all of these fun activities don’t forget to visit the school store. The student council has gotten more fun treats and there is a great variety to choose from. The store still has gum, but now they have various types of candy and even a few snacks. So, don’t forget to check it out and support your middle school student council!
Carlie Corson
Leo Club News
Another club that has been trying to make a change is the Leo Club. They have been hard at work volunteering with different organizations and also helping out around the school. The Leo Club had a bake sale on March 5th and 6th. The sale was called Cupcakes for Paws. They raised $184! All of the proceeds from this sale will be going to the ASPCA.
Carlie Corson
Music Department News
On February 16th, Biglerville High School hosted a variety show that was open to the public. There were many performances including Biglerville’s own Jazz Band. All of the musical acts brought joy to the audience. From playing an instrument, to singing, and even dancing there was a great variety of acts. It was an afternoon filled with music and joy. It will come again next year, so be sure to keep an eye out.
The Jazz Band went on a tour to the Elementary Schools on February 26th. They played an array of songs including two with their vocalists Lila Phebus. The kids at the schools greatly enjoyed listening to the music, and the members of the Jazz Band found enjoyment in bringing music to the children. If you would like to see the Jazz Band perform they will be performing at the Big Apple Jazz Festival on April 17th and they will also be performing at the Spring Concert on May 12th.
Carlie Corson
The band is sorry to announce that we have cancelled this year’s Canner Classic and Big Apple Jazz Festival due to the COVID-19. Indoor groups will still continue to perform at other schools that continue to participate in the TIA season. On the brighter side, the color guard and drumline have had an excellent start, so continue to wish them luck for their upcoming shows.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has officially come to an end. All of the actors had amazing performances in their three-night run show. Please congratulate them, and next year take into consideration seeing the spring musical.
Please put the following dates on your calendar:
May 6th at 7pm- Middle School Band and Chorus Concert
**all indoor drumline and and cologuard activities are cancelled.**
Lauren Almony
Counselor's Corner
So, remember last newsletter when I sent out information about how to access your new online career portfolios? Well, through a long and complicated story, that company is now defunct. Thanks to some extra finessing from our curriculum direction, Joe Albin, we are going to be switching over to system called Smart Futures. This system is THE program to use, and was way out of our price range when we first started our search for an online platform. After listening to our story, they agreed to work with us and offered Mr. Albin a discounted price. The UASD counselors will be going through a crash-course training and plan to roll out this new system at the start of the new year.
You may wonder, why does an online portfolio system matter? There are many benefits to this, but the main benefit is easy access to YOUR career evidence collections. Our goal is for you to understand the major connections between your education now and your future career choices. Every career experience you have creates a puzzle piece of evidence that you add to your career journey. It helps you to focus your path to something that makes sense for you! We have a been collecting a treasure trove of evidence about your journey, and feel that you should be just as knowledgable as we are about it.
Last year, CPAVTS did a middle school vo-tech camp, and I am anticipating that they will run that camp again this year, along with transportation. Stay tuned for more information about that.
Kim Jenkins
UAMS Counselor
2020 PSSA
Now what?!
As far as school work, we are all in a holding pattern. I have not talked with all teachers, but I am certain they are all thinking of you and are just as concerned about your learning as I am. We just don't know what to tell you at this point. I have also seen many references for free online opportunities. There are so many too mention, so I'll just include a few. My personal favorite is the online museum tours! And as always, sometimes internet connections are not reliable (or you don't have your computers to do work), but that doesn't mean learning can't occur! Sometimes we forget that learning can be as simple as playing a game of hide and seek with your family. Or putting a puzzle together. Going for a walk and identifying bugs. Playing your instrument. Reading a book. Doing math flash cards. Cooking and baking meals. The list goes on and on. Take this time to tap into the activities that don't require internet connectivity! I've included a "summer" list, but many of the activities are perfect for our situation.
In the time being, what you can do is make sure you are doing all you can to keep everyone safe and healthy. If you want more information about what is going on in the state, the best bet is to visit the PA department of Health page and learn more there.
Stay safe and healthy and we'll see each other again soon!
Mrs. Jenkins