Gator Gazette Weekly News
Principal's Update
We have quite a collection in our lost and found. Please take a look at the pictures below and encourage your child(ren) to take home anything that belongs to them. We will be donating any items still in lost and found on Monday, 11/13.
PPMS Book Fair
Volunteers needed for the Book Fair
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!). Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. AND—as always—every purchase at the Fair benefits our school.
The big event will take place from November 13-17th in the PPMS Media Center. Students will preview and be able to shop during their ELA classes on Nov. 13th and 14th. We can't do it without some help. We will send out more information in the coming weeks.
Please use the signup link to volunteer. https://bit.ly/FallBookFairHelpers
Health Curriculum Reminder
Students in 7th and 8th grade will participate in the family life and human sexuality component of the health curriculum. Typically, this takes place during the 2 nd or 3rd marking periods. Parents will receive an optout letter outlining what is taught in Family Life and Human Sexuality. Teachers will email this letter through Home Access Center (HAC). Any parents who would like to excuse their child from family life and human sexuality topics, should return the letter to the teacher. We encourage parents to speak with the teacher to further understand what is being taught and to determine if there are specific elements in which you would want your child to participate. Students who are excused from family life learning objectives will receive appropriate alternative learning in health education outside of the health classroom. If you have any questions regarding the curriculum, please contact your child’s teacher. You can find the Departmental Information letter below.
Advisory Corner
Students will be taking a Strategic Planning Survey on Tuesday, 11/7, during Advisory this week.
Curricular Focus: Artful Communication (continuation)
Skills Practiced This Week: Active Listening, Building Positive Relationships, Speaking Essentials
Advisory Clubs: Our 2nd Quarter Advisory Clubs will begin the week of November 6th. Each grade level has identified students who require a more academic focused club and will place those students accordingly. Each grade level will be providing and placing all other students into an Advisory club on. B days. Please remember, these clubs are an extension of our A Day Advisory lessons. This is a time for students to apply the skills they are learning about related to self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, & responsible decision making.
November
7 - Picture Retakes (see below)
7 - Championship Volleyball (@CMS, 4 PM) & Soccer Games (@CHS, 4 PM)
9 - PTSA Meeting Virtual, 6 PM
10 - No School for Students
13 - Report Cards in HAC
14 - PPMS Parent Visitation, 8:15 - 8:45 AM or 9:15 - 9:45 AM (more information to follow)
15 - PPMS Writer's Night + Book Fair Shopping, 6-7:30 PM
17 - Fundraiser: staff/student Volleyball Game, 6 PM, PPMS Gym (more info coming)
Clubs (recurring)
- Chess Club, Mondays, 7 AM, Rm. 114
- Garden Club, Mondays, 3-5 PM, Rm. 114
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Tuesdays, 7 AM, Gym
- Student Government Association (SGA), Thursdays, 7 AM, Rm. 316 (NO MEETING ON 11-9-23)
From the Office
Picture Retakes - Tuesday, November 7th
Students can bring a completed order form OR you can wait for the proofs to arrive before you place your order. Students do NOT need an order form to have their picture taken.
Thank You!
(repeat) Attendance Notes
Confirming/Verifying Absences It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to provide school authorities with verification of the reason for each student absence. Any absence not certified by the parent, guardian, physician, court or other appropriate person/agency will be considered unlawful.
Students returning from absences without notes with appropriate signatures certifying lawful absences will be given three school days to provide such certification. Absences not certified at the end of three days will be considered unlawful.
(repeat) Student Pick-Up
Please keep in mind this is for the safety of all students. If you have someone other than yourself picking up your student early from school, please be sure to send a note to the "PPMS Secretaries <PPMSSecretaries@ccps365.onmicrosoft.com> email account, or in writing with your student. The emergency contacts you have listed are there in the event of an emergency and we cannot reach YOU. They do not automatically have permission to pick up your child early from school.
Reminder, you can send notes for absences, attendance questions, late arrivals, or early release needs to this emails address "PPMS Secretaries <PPMSSecretaries@ccps365.onmicrosoft.com>.
Gator Athletics
Please email our athletic director, Mr. Pellock, with any questions: pellockj@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Games this week - HOME GAMES
Woohoo! Both of our fall teams have made it the Championship Games!
7 - Championship Volleyball (@CMS, 4 PM) & Soccer Games (@CHS, 4 PM)
Sign up for winter sports are posted outside of the gym. All forms are due by November 9th. Students who do not return their forms by November 9th, will NOT be able to participate in winter clinics. The 1st day of Winter clinics is November 13th. This year, cheer and poms clinics will be held on alternating days so students can try out for both (but they can only be selected for one team).
Winter Sports:
- Girls Basketball
- Boys Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Poms
Student Government Association
Meeting Announcement
The SGA will not have a meeting this Thursday, November 9th. Our next meeting will be 11-16-23.
Pink Day
Thank you to all who supported our Pink Day efforts! The PPMS SGA was able to earn more than $600 to donate to the Sheldon Goldberg Breast Center. Thank you for helping us support this important cause.
SGA Meetings
The SGA is happy to announce the schedule for SGA meetings for the 2023-2024 school year. SGA will meet in Mrs. Kelly’s room, room 316, on Thursday mornings at 7:00 am. Students are still welcome to join SGA. Feel free to attend a meeting and learn more about the Student Government Association at Plum Point Middle School. We always welcome enthusiastic student leaders! Please reach out to Mrs. Kelly at kellyd@calvertnet.k12.md.us if you have any questions.
PPMS Yearbook
Yearbook Committee
Are you into photography and journalism? This committee may be for you. You can help design this year's book. Meetings will be 1-2 times per month on A days in place of your 3rd period Advisory class. We only have space for 4-5 students per grade, so return this permission slip ASAP if you are interested, hard copies are available during lunches and in the main office. They must be returned by Friday November 10th!
Yearbook Sales
Please fill out the attached form and return with payment. Books are $30.
Visit https://bit.ly/PPMSYearbookInfo for everything you need to know about this year’s yearbook: links to pay online and how to submit photos (candid activity pics needed!).
Order yours today!!!
***YEARBOOK COVER ART CONTEST***
Students should submit an 8.5x11 sheet. There should be at least a 1-inch border that should be the same color as the background but with no images or words around all sides. Plum Point Middle School and 2023-4 need to be on it somewhere. You may also want to include our Gator mascot. A front and back cover can be designed together. No color restrictions. Turn in a hard copy to the main office or a high-resolution digital image to eversolec@calvertnet.k12.md.us
by Friday November 17th.
Prizes will be awarded, and First Place will be on the cover!!!
Nurse Notes
We are heading into cold and flu season. Before the virus knocks you and your family out, try these tips to prepare for colds and flu. If you're lucky, they may also prevent at least some of your family from getting sick.
- Stock up on supplies. Be ready before cold and flu season starts. Load up on tissues, hand soap, hand sanitizer, and paper towels.
- Check your medicine cabinet. Make sure it contains pain relievers, fever reducers, and any other medications you use when your family is fighting colds or the flu, like decongestants or cough syrups. Review the correct doses based on age and weight. Check to see if any medications overlap or interact. Test your thermometer to make sure the batteries still work. Clean your humidifier.
- Be strict about washing hands. Germy hands spread colds and the flu. Tell your family to scrub their hands well with soap for 20 seconds. Tell kids to wash for as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. Make sure you do it, too!
- Plan for sick days. You may need some days off. Even if you don't get sick, you may need to take care of your sick kids. Start thinking about it now: What's your office policy for sick days? Will you have to take unpaid days off?
- Line up support. You may need outside help. See if any family members can watch the kids if they're home sick from school. Or ask a neighbor if they can take the kids to soccer and dance if you're laid up in bed.
- Disinfect. You don't need to spend all day spraying every surface with disinfectant. You may just want to disinfect some heavily touched items -- like doorknobs, remote controls, and phones -- each day.
- Switch to paper goods. If everyone's sick, use paper towels instead of hand towels in the bathroom. Switch out glasses for paper cups, and toss them after one use. You'll be less likely to swap germs.
- Fill the fridge and pantry. Stock up on some easy-to-make foods for lunches and dinners, in case you need a few days to rest and recover without cooking. Have some favorite drinks and snacks on hand for your kids. Include some comfort foods like chicken soup and PB&J.
- Rest. Whether you're trying to recover from a cold or flu, or trying to avoid it, get plenty of sleep. Get your kids to bed on time, too.
- Get your flu shot. One of the best ways to help keep the flu away from your home is to make sure your whole family gets vaccinated.
**And don't forget to eat healthy foods high in Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc to help strengthen your immune system!
Happy November! 🙂Nurse Smith
Infromation from - How to Prepare for Colds and Flu (webmd.com)
PTSA Update
Volunteers needed for the Book Fair
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!). Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. AND—as always—every purchase at the Fair benefits our school.
The big event will take place from November 13-17th in the PPMS Media Center. Students will preview and be able to shop during their ELA classes on Nov. 13th and 14th. We can't do it without some help. We will send out more information in the coming weeks.
Please use the signup link to volunteer. https://bit.ly/FallBookFairHelpers
Spirit Wear - Holiday Sale is now!
The 2023 Holiday Sale begins this week! All Holiday Sale orders are guaranteed to arrive by December 23rd, and ship directly to your home! From Nov 6 - Dec 8th, you can get 20% discount and free shipping for purchases over $75. PPMS earns 10% on all sales.
Shop here: https://1stplace.sale/44362
Papa Johns Fundraising Cards
The PTSA is selling Papa Johns cards for $15 each. $10 profit goes straight to PPMS for each card sold. These cards get you a whole year of buy one - get one free pizza for all carryout orders in any local Papa Johns.
Cards can be picked up after school Mondays from 5 - 6.
Order here: https://fall-2023-fundraisers.cheddarup.com
November PTSA Meeting
Our next meeting will be Thursday, November 9th from 6:30 - 7:30pm, virtual on TEAMS.
Link to join is here: http://bit.ly/PTOMeetings-23-24
Membership Drive - Join for a chance to win!
Become a member of Plum Point Middle's PTSA here: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/ppms-ptsa-23-24
Those who join by November 15th will be entered into a drawing to win 1 of 3 $25 gift cards! Dues help to fund events and activities for our students and families! Becoming a member does not mean you have to volunteer your time, but if you'd like to help out by volunteering or donating funds, there are lots of opportunities throughout the year!
How to contact the PTSA:
Visit our new LinkTree for all the ways to find us!
Repeated Information
Volunteering at PPMS
From CCPS
The CCPS Strategic Planning survey is now open. Your input is vital as we develop a 5-year Strategic Plan for CCPS. Please complete the survey by November 5 and share your thoughts on the profile of a graduate, strengths, focus areas, and future outlook for the district. The survey is being conducted by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, a third-party firm, to ensure that responses are kept anonymous. The online survey can be access at: https://hyasurvey.com/SPcalvert. To change the language of the survey, use the drop-down menu within the survey. Thank you for your support!
Cafeteria Information
Breakfast and Lunch meals are offered daily. School Meal Prices for SY 2023-2024 will remain the same:
Breakfast: $1.65; Secondary Lunch $2.80; Student Milk $0.55.
Contact PPMS Secretaries
If you have a question regarding school events/activities, would like to report an absence, or need to contact the school about car/bus rider status, please email the PPMS Secretaries:
Nondiscrimination Statement
Calvert County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry or national origin, familial status, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or genetic information in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
- Director of Student Services
- Director of Human Resources, 443-550-8000
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.
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Anti-sexual, Anti-racial and Anti-disability Harassment Statement
Discrimination can manifest itself in behaviors such as bullying, harassment, or intimidation of individuals.
Calvert County Public Schools does not tolerate any form of harassment including, but not limited to, sexual, racial, or disability. Any individual (student, employee, or community member) who believes that he or she has been subjected to any form of harassment is encouraged to report the allegation of harassment. Students, parents, and community members may report allegations of harassment to: Ms. Cecelia Lewis, Director of Student Services, Calvert County Public Schools, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Employees may report allegations of harassment to: Mr. Zachary Seawell, Director of Human Resources, Calvert County Public Schools, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Calvert County Public Schools is committed to conducting a prompt investigation for any allegation of harassment. If harassment has occurred, the individual will be disciplined promptly. Disciplinary actions for students found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or expulsion. Disciplinary actions for employees found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or termination.
Calvert County Public Schools encourages all students, parents, employees, and community members to work together to prevent any form of harassment.
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.
Calvert County Public Schools Antiracism Statement
Calvert County Public Schools explicitly denounces racism, bullying, discrimination, white supremacy, hate, and racial inequity in any form within our school community. Furthermore, CCPS will not tolerate the values, structures, and behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism.
Each member of the district, individually and collectively, is responsible for creating and nurturing a safe, antiracist learning environment where each student, staff member, and community partner is a respected and valued member of the CCPS community.