SHADY GROVE MATTERS WEEKLY UPDATE
December 10, 2023
THE ADMINISTRATOR'S CORNER
During the week of December 11-December 15, SGMS students will be learning about responsible media practices through the Digital Compass curriculum. Media and technology are at the center of kids' lives every day. From a very young age, kids use technology at home and at school to connect with friends and family and to document their lives and create digital content of their own. With more and more of life happening online, what catches kids' attention isn't always what's best for them, and our focus this week is to assist students in managing their digital lives responsibly. Please discuss this with your child throughout the week.
In addition to Digital citizenship this week we will be enjoying the Winter Concerts provided by our wonderful music department. In addition, the 8th grade is looking forward to a Top Golf field trip next week! We want to thank Ms. Jones, our 8th grade team leader for her focus in creating great opportunities for students.
Also, I encourage you to attend the PTA meeting on Wednesday, December 12, 2023 at 6:30 pm in the media center. We look forward to seeing caregivers in this important meeting.
Please have a wonderful week!
~Dr. Murray
DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024
December Upcoming Events:
Thursday, December 7th - Picture Makeup Day
Tuesday, December 12th - Orchestra Winter Concert (7:00 pm)
Wednesday, December 13th - Band Winter Concert (7:00 pm)
Monday, December 18th - Quarter 2 Interims in ParentVue
Friday, December 22nd - Pep Rally
Monday, December 25 - Holiday (School System Closed)
Tuesday, December 26-Friday, December 29 - Winter Break (No School for Students and Teachers)
January Upcoming Events:
Monday, January 1st - Holiday (School System Closed)
Tuesday, January 2nd - Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students and Teachers)
Monday, January 8th-Friday, January 12th - 6th Grade Outdoor Education
Tuesday, January 16th - MLK Week of Service
Friday, January 26th - End of Quarter 2
Saturday, January 27th - International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Tuesday, January 30th & 31st - 7th Grade Finance
8TH GRADE FIELD TRIP
TopGolf is coming. 8th grade students will be going to TopGolf on Thursday, December 21. We will be leaving during 2nd period and returning during 6th period. The cost of the trip is $25. This includes game play, lunch, and the bus ride. Please make payments online using the QR code below. Here is a copy of the permission form in English and Spanish. Please make sure you fill out both pages of the form. If you have any questions, please email Courtney_e_Jones@mcpsmd.org.
6TH GRADE OUTDOOR EDUCATION
To All 6th Grade Families:
Outdoor Ed permission slips and medical authorizations are due by December 15, 2023. Payments of $80.00 need to be submitted through School Cash Online and are also due by December 15, 2023. No students will be turned away due to financial reasons, just sign the waiver on the last page of the permission packet. If you have questions or concerns about the financial obligation or anything related to the Outdoor Ed experience, please contact Emily Matusek or Debra Sanders.
~Ms. Matusek
Familias de sexto grado:
Las hojas de permiso para educación al aire libre y las autorizaciones médicas deben entregarse antes del 15 de diciembre de 2023. Los pagos de $80.00 deben enviarse a través de School Cash Online y también deben entregarse antes del 15 de diciembre de 2023. No se rechazará a ningún estudiante por razones financieras, solo firme el renuncia en la última página del paquete de permiso. Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes sobre la obligación financiera o cualquier cosa relacionada con la experiencia Outdoor Ed, comuníquese con Emily Matusek o Debra Sanders.
~Ms. Matusek
SGMS FACS DEPARTMENT
The Shady Grove Middle School FACS Department would like to thank Giant Food for their support and generous donation to the Food & Nutrition 8 cooking labs this year. Their $200 gift card donation will allow students to use complex recipes and learn new cooking techniques. Thank you to Giant Food for supporting our SGMS electives!
SO WHAT ELSE
Monday, November 20th the SGA will be collecting nonperishable foods in cans or boxes. All items turned in will go to a local food pantry called "So What Else." Help us support our community and give to those less fortunate. To make things even better each item turned in will be 1 point towards your grade level at the Pep Rally in December. Turn in to win. ☺️
~Ms. Wolfe
SIGNS OF SUICIDE
Signs of Suicide® (SOS®) Prevention Program Lesson
Between December 11-15th, the counseling department will be visiting all PE classes in grades 6 through 8 to deliver a Signs of Suicide® (SOS®) Prevention Program lesson. The format will include a class lesson, including video clips and discussion. Students also will receive handouts that include a student newsletter and a list of school, local, and national resources that are available to support mental health needs. We invite you to attend a virtual parent drop in Google Meets if you have any questions on Thurs 12/7 at 12:30 pm. For further information, please read the information letter or reach out to Christina_R_Kiedrow@mcpsmd.org, Counseling Department Chair.
MESSAGE FROM THE PTSA PRESIDENT
Join us on Tuesday, Dec 12th @6:30 pm for your PTSA meeting. All are welcome!! Admin will be discussing "Culture of Respect" and you will have the opportunity to learn more about your PTSA budget, volunteering, and cluster happenings.
Únanse a nosotros el martes 12 de Diciembre a las 6:30 pm para su reunión de PTSA. ¡¡Todos son bienvenidos!! El administrador discutirá la "Cultura del Respeto" y usted tendrá la oportunidad de aprender más sobre el presupuesto de la PTSA, el voluntariado y los acontecimientos del grupo.
The Shady Grove PTSA is hosting a cookie exchange for our hard working SGMS staff on Wednesday, December 22nd, 2023. Please sign up here to donate cookies or a dessert item. Cookies and treats can be store bought or homemade. Drop off your item at Shady Grove on December 22nd by 9am or contact the PTSA at sgmsptapresident@gmail.com or raquel.b.tucker@mcpsmd.net to arrange for drop off on Tuesday evening. Students can earn 2ssl hours per batch of baked item.
Shady Grove PTSA organizará un intercambio de galletas para nuestro trabajador personal de SGMS el miércoles 22 de Diciembre de 2023. Regístrese aquí para donar galletas o un postre. Las galletas y golosinas se pueden comprar en la tienda o hacer en casa. Deje su artículo en Shady Grove el 22 de Diciembre a las 9:00 a. m. o comuníquense con la PTSA en sgmsptapresident@gmail.com o raquel.b.tucker@mcpsmd.net para programar la entrega el martes por la noche. Los estudiantes pueden ganar 2ssl horas por lote de artículo horneado.
MCPS COMMUNICATION
Dear MCPS Families,
Here are things to know. Take a look at the recently approved 2024 - 2025 school year calendar to help you plan for next year and get information about the upcoming superintendent's budget presentation, new school profiles public dashboards to help you stay informed, annual report to the community, winter and health reminders, and good news about our staff and students!
GOOD INFORMATION TO KNOW
7:50 am - Building Opens to Students
7:50 - 8:10 am - Breakfast Available
8:15 am - Class Starts
3:00 pm - Dismissal
Shady Grove Middle School
Principal: Dr. Alana Murray
Asst. Principal: Ms. Jennifer Cooper
Asst. Principal: Ms. Elizabeth Merino
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/shadygrovems/
Location: 8100 Midcounty Highway Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Phone: 240-740-1440