Rice Middle School eNews
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
The Rice family continues to grieve for those affected by the tragedy in Florida this week. The greatest thing we can do is be diligent and aware of our surroundings. At Rice, we do conduct practice drills and engage in discussions with the staff and students about what to do in potential emergencies. We imagine there will be many more moving forward.
PISD has released information outlining what we do across the district. Here is a link: https://www.pisd.edu/safetymessage2017. We will continue to receive and pass along guidance we receive from both our Communications and our Safety and Security departments. Here is one additional resource that you may find helpful as your children come to you for direction and assistance in talking about tragic events.
Tips from the National Association of School Psychologists about what parents/teachers can do at times like this:
- Reassure children that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. Validate their feelings. Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy occurs. Let children talk about their feelings, help put them into perspective, and assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately.
- Make time to talk. Let their questions be your guide as to how much information to provide. Be patient. Children and youth do not always talk about their feelings readily.
- Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate.
- Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that their school and homes are safe and that adults are there to protect them.
- Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what is being done at their school. They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to provide safe schools.
- Upper middle school and high school students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence in schools and society. They will share concrete suggestions about how to make school safer and how to prevent tragedies in society. Emphasize the role that students have in maintaining safe schools by following school safety guidelines communicating any personal safety concerns to school administrators, and accessing support for emotional needs.
- Review safety procedures. This should include procedures and safeguards at school and at home. Help children identify at least one adult at school and in the community to whom they go if they feel threatened or at risk.
- Observe children’s emotional state. Some children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can indicate a child’s level of anxiety or discomfort. In most children, these symptoms will ease with reassurance and time. However, some children may be at risk for more intense reactions. Children who have had a past traumatic experience or personal loss, suffer from depression or other mental illness, or with special needs may be at greater risk for severe reactions than others. Seek the help of mental health professional if you are at all concerned.
- Limit television viewing of these events. Limit television viewing and be aware if the television is on in common areas. Developmentally inappropriate information can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children. Adults also need to be mindful of the content of conversations that they have with each other in front of children, even teenagers, and limit their exposure to vengeful, hateful, and angry comments that might be misunderstood.
Maintain a normal routine. Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and promote physical health. Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and exercise. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities but don’t push them if they seem overwhelmed.
Rice News
A. Attention Parents of 6th Graders,
Please read the attached letter regarding additional immunization requirements for 7th grade entry in the 2018-2019 school year.
Immunization Requirements Letter
B. Attention Parents of 8th Graders,
Academic Conferences continue through Thursday of this week. If your child has not shared his or her conference time with you, please check the schedule linked below. This form includes ALL conference times. Parents are encouraged to check-in at the front office about 5-10 minutes before their conference time. All conferences will be held in Room 741, and students will meet their parent(s) in room 741.
If you have questions, please contact Ms. Edwards Sarena.edwards@pisd.edu
HELPFUL TIPS - BEFORE THE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE:
If you cannot attend at the assigned time, we will still meet with your student to fill out their official registration card and the tentative four-year plan. Copies of each will be sent home for you to sign.
- Students and parents should talk at home about courses for 9th grade and overall graduation program.
- Students and parents, together, should fill in the white “sample” Tentative Four-Year Plan and white “sample” Jasper Registration Card (Students have these in their registration folder.) Students attending a campus other than Jasper will have a correct schedule card at conferences.
- Bring both white “samples” and the registration folder to the scheduled academic conference. You or your student will be transferring this information to the official cards at this time.
- Students will be registering for their 9th grade courses.
- Changes can be made through June 1, 2018.
- Course catalogues are available on line for review. http://www.pisd.edu/students/courses/index.shtml
Conferences run about 1 ½ hours. Please make note of this when planning your schedule. We will be in groups of 12-15 students with parents. Space is limited so please make other arrangements for siblings.
Thank you so much for your understanding and support! We look forward to meeting with you and preparing our students for 9th grade!
C. Attention Rice Raven Soccer Players:
We will have an informational meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, February 21st and Friday, February 23rd in Mr. Gauger’s room (512). Please join us if you are interested in being in the Rice Raven Soccer Club. There is a district tournament this year, but it is on Friday, March 23rd, instead of being at the end of the year.
D. Attention Parents Who Are Business Owners
Are you a business owner and would love to help volunteer at Rice? Please email Mr. Glasscock for ways you can help out.
E. Calling All Students Current & Future Hope Students!
Are you currently a HOPE student? Are you a 6th or 7th grade student who is interested in becoming a HOPE student? Ms. Nipper and Ms. Wang will be giving a special training for YOU on Tuesday, February 20th from 3:40 to 4:15 in room 504! If interested, please sign-up on the door of room 504! Still unsure if this training is right for you? Sign-up anyway! We look forward to seeing you there!
E. Cold and Flu Prevention
Parents and students can help reduce the impact of the cold and flu season by following these simple tips:
- Get a flu shot!
- Keep your children at home for fever of 100˚F or more for 24 hours without fever reducing medication.
- Wash your hands often with warm water and soap for 20 seconds or more. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs can easily enter the body this way.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cough and/or sneeze into a tissue or your upper sleeve, not into your hand.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces at home, work, and school, especially if someone is ill.
- Practice other good health habits such as being physically active, drinking plenty of fluids, getting plenty of rest, and eating nutritious foods.
If you want more information on influenza please visit these helpful sites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
Texas Department of State Health Services: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/influenza/
PTA News
Link Your Kroger Card to Rice PTA
Did you know you can use your Kroger Plus Card to support Rice PTA?
It’s easy to link. Visit https://www.kroger.com/signin?redirectUrl=/account/communityrewards/enroll to sign up with your Plus Card, and enter Rice PTA’s NPO organization number, 41811. Once you're enrolled, you'll earn rewards for Rice PTA every time you shop and use your Plus Card.
Other PTA News:
A. PTA General Meeting on March 5 -- Please join us for the next PTA General Meeting, the same night as Open House on March 5. We will propose a change to the PTA standing rules to include information about a senior scholarship for Rice alumni. Several elementary schools and middle schools do this to support their former students and families who have been members of PTA. To learn more, visit https://ricemspta.membershiptoolkit.com/assets/00020/Rice_Middle_School_PTA_ID_7401_standing_rules_proposed_changes_2018.pdf.
B. Breakfast Items Needed for Principals’ Meeting -- Rice will be hosting the Middle School Principals’ Meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Traditionally, the schools host a breakfast at these meetings. If you can bring an item on the sign-up, please fill in your information. We appreciate your help! Please sign up at: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e4cabab2aa64-principals
C. Send in Your Box Tops -- Clipping Box Tops is an easy way to raise money for our PTA and school. Your Box Tops earn hundreds of dollars annually for our school. Have your child bring them to the front desk and put them in a container marked Box Tops.
D. Open PTA Board Positions for 2018-’19 -- The Rice PTA Executive Board is seeking parents to fill volunteer positions and the following chair positions for the 2018-19 school year. As of today, we still need:
- VP Membership – working to get new members, keep our membership list in order
- VP Ways and Means – work with our PE-uniforms, Spirit Wear and Social Coordinators as fundraisers for Rice PTA
- PE-uniforms Coordinator – most work is in the summer to order uniforms ordered online, sort the orders so you can and others can hand them out at back to school event
- Spirit Wear Coordinator – most work is in the summer, to order spirit wear that is ordered online and sort the orders so you and others can hand them out at back to school event.
- Social Coordinator – plan and run the two socials during the school year
- Treasurer – to handle incoming and outgoing funds
- Box-Top Coordinator – collect and send off Box Tops, easy work that is done from home.
E. Mixed Bag Sales Still Under Way -- We’re asking our Rice families to support our Mixed Bag fundraiser. Purchase any item from the new spring catalog and Rice PTA receives 40% of the proceeds, which directly benefit school programs and our students. All items will be shipped directly to you. Check out the amazing items online and order today: http://www.mixedbagdesigns.com/Rice-Middle-School
Please email PTA President Pernille Nordstrom at president@ricepta.org with questions or to inquire about serving.
Please like the Rice PTA Facebook page to stay informed about PTA activities!
Club News
BOTTLE CAPS of All Colors Needed!!
The Eco-Club is currently working on the Bottle Cap Project and we still need A LOT of bottle caps. Please bring All sizes and from all containers. They must be plastic and slightly washed.
Miscellaneous Information
A. Music to your Mouth!
Enjoy a tasty meal with the family at Chipotle Mexican Grill!
Join us Wednesday, February 21st between 5:30 and 9:30 pm
at the Shops of Legacy location in Plano.
Mention Jasper Jazz Fundraiser when you place your order or show this flyer at checkout. 50%, yes 50% of the proceeds benefit your Jasper Jazz Drill Team!
Thank you for your support!
B. Plano NJS Color Run
The three Plano National Honor Society Chapters would like to invite you to the Plano NHS 5K Color Run!!
When: Saturday, March 3rd 2018 at 10 AM
Where: Plano Senior High School
What: A fun morning of color benefiting the PISD Education Foundation CORE Store!!
Register by February 14 to receive a shirt!!
All forms must be dropped off or mailed to Plano West Senior High School.
Registration Form: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XwAoOjQhkOGYFhwQ_GZg-SLVT8Jhakzr
Student Liability Form: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-ZIQWaKQzg_TmhaQWRDd21admt6M2NJZ0haekxERzF4ZGkw
Non Student Liability Form: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-ZIQWaKQzg_WExjcTVPblBvOFdFOVQ1VjRiV01TanlSbVU0
See the flyer posted below for more information.
Thanks,
Plano West NHS Officers
C. Dooley Dragons Senior Class of 2018
You're invited to a Senior Reception honoring you! See the picture below for more information.
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