THE COBRA CONNECTION
MAY 2018 EDITION
A message from our Principal
As we prepare to close the school year, we look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our students in a variety of ways. Be on the lookout for information with details on our grade level awards ceremonies. Additionally, we are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the PTO to host an 8th grade class dance on June 13th from 6pm-8pm. Grade 8 teachers will be talking with students about eligibility for participation in the coming week during their homeroom. The cost for this exciting event is $10. Additionally, 8th grade class shirts will be available for purchase for $12.00. While we are excited for all 8th grade students to participate, we will continue to maintain high expectations for students' behavior as a determining factor for their participation. Please be on the look out for this information to come home with students as your support of the event is crucial.
Lastly, we are asking for your continued support with students as student enthusiasm rises along with the temperature. Though we are just weeks away from the close of school, our uniform policy (along with other school policies) has not changed. All students are expected to be in uniform daily. The policy states specifically that students should be in their grade level polo shirt with khaki pants each day. Additionally, if students elect to use outer wear inside the building (sweatshirts, sweaters, or light jackets) they should be (1) the color of their uniform shirt, (2) without a logo (3) without a hood. Students should also be wearing a belt each day along with primarily black or brown shoes. Failure to comply with the uniform policy could result in detention or suspension (for repeat offenses or insubordination). While we do not want to invest too much of our time focusing outside of teaching and learning, we recognize that you entrust us to promote values that encourage good citizenship for each child. As such, we will continue to enforce our policy through the end of the school year.
We look forward to sharing information about the updated uniform policy in our final newsletter of the year in June. Your feedback and that of our staff played a significant role in the changes you will see.
Your partnership is invaluable to us here at MLK. We appreciate it and we certainly appreciate you. I look forward to celebrating with each of you to acknowledge the accomplishments of your students at the end of the year.
Best,
Rotunda Floyd-Cooper, Ed.D
Principal
LET'S CELEBRATE!!!
Third Quarter Honors
- 89 Gold Cards (4.0 and above)
- 118 Silver Cards (3.5-3.99)
- 164 Bronze Cards (3.0-3.49)
- 21 Blue Cards (increase of 0.5 from Q2 to Q3)
- 392 Total Honor Cards
Second Times a Charm
WHAT'S HAPPENING @MLK
BAPS CHARITIES: Walk Green 2018 in Washington D.C.
For the first time in school history, Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School is proud to partner with BAPS Charities, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, to help raise funds for The Nature Conservancy. BAPS Charities is a wonderful well-known global organization that helps build schools and hospitals, protect the environment, provide natural disaster relief, and provide healthcare to the less fortunate. The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.
Walk Green 2018 is a 5K Walkathon to raise awareness of The Nature Conservancy’s efforts to plant and restore over 1.6 million acres of land by planting one billion trees by 2025 through their Plant a Billion Trees campaign. On Saturday June 30th, 2018 from 9-11 AM, BAPS Charities will host a 5K Walk beginning at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C. and you are welcome to join us. This Walk occurs in 70 cities across North America with a total of 23,000 walkers. It is a great way to get a fresh start on your Saturday morning walking among the incredible monuments in Washington D.C., while feeling satisfied that your efforts are going towards a great cause. You will receive a Free T-shirt to wear proudly on the day of the walk and a vegetarian lunch will be provided.
Martin Luther King Middle School students and families are invited to participate in the 5K Walk in support of this worthwhile effort. Please RSVP with Ms. Croom or Ms. Burley with the number of guests attending and their T-shirt size.
If you would like to Donate or get involved, please visit our dedicated Walk Webpage: http://www.bapscharities.org/user/mlkmsfundraiser2018/
Funds from the Walk will help BAPS Charities support the planting of 130,000 trees in 2018 for The Nature Conservancy.
For additional information please contact Pragnesh Mistry (pragnesh.d.mistry@gmail.com) or Mayur Patel (mayur.r.patel@gmail.com).
Your Input is Needed
Walden Parent Survey
Adolescent behaviors affect children of all demographic groups, regardless of education, income, race, or culture. Please ask your child for the flyer labeled “Parent Survey” that they will be encouraged to bring home to you this week. In this flyer, you will find the link to type to begin the online research survey. Any information you provide in this survey will be completely anonymous. You may also access the direct link to the survey by clicking on the link below to visit our secure website at:
https://www.research.net/r/WaldenParentSurvey
VISUAL ART SHOWCASE
MLK Lobby and Media Center from June 11-13
Parents and community partners are invited to come see what MLK's emerging artists have created in the integrated and general Art Classes - immediately following the scheduled awards ceremonies.
END OF YEAR ACTIVITIES
LAST CHANCE To Purchase Your MLK 2018 Yearbook!
The cost for a yearbook is $22 made payable by Cash or Money Order Only.
Advance copies of the yearbook may be purchased through Mrs. Clontz. Additional copies are limited. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
Upcoming Band and Orchestra Events
May 3rd will be the orchestra concert, May 8th will be the band concert. Both concerts begin at 7pm.
Upcoming Choral Events
FIELD DAY - Friday, June 1.
Field Day is the single most popular annual event where students engage in athletic contests and/or other sporting events. This "ALL" day event will have multiple activity stations; including a lunch station as well.
AWARD ASSEMBLIES
6th/7th Grade Award Assembly
Monday, June 11th
1:30-3:30 pm
8th Grade Award Assembly
Wednesday, June 13th
10-12pm
Students leave with families
8th Grade Dance
Wednesday, June 13th
6-8pm
There is a two (2) ticket limit per student for each Award Assembly
TALENT SHOW
Ameri-King's Got Talent!
Our annual end-of-year talent show is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, June 12. Permission slips will be available from Mrs. Stewart in mid-May and all interested participants must have no significant discipline referrals for 4th quarter.
Auditions will be open to the first 25 acts who submit their permission slips and meet eligibility requirements. Auditions are scheduled for Wednesday, May 30, from 4:00-5:45 p.m.
Students who are accepted into the talent show are expected to attend the dress rehearsal on Monday, June 11, from 4:00-5:15 p.m.
Please contact Mrs. Stewart for more information!
NOTES FROM THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
8th Grade Transitional Paperwork
Proof of residence shall be a prerequisite of admission to the public schools. Such proof must have the parent’s or court-appointed guardian’s name and address listed. It must also be provided to school personnel with any change in residence. Proof of residence may be established by a combination of the following documents: settlement papers, lease/rental agreement, deed of property, mortgage statement, letter from apartment complexes on official letterhead, or a current tax assessment bill. These documents must be originals. Settlement papers, lease agreement, and rental agreements must be signed and dated by all parties. Additional items including recent mail (within 30 days) are required if there are concerns regarding the proof of residence, if the original term of the lease has expired, or if the ownership information is more than one year old. The documents provided must be originals, not copies. These documents must be delivered by US Postal mail and may include the following: non-cell phone bill, utility bill, credit card statement, bank statement, mail from government agencies (excluding PGCPS) for official correspondence, hospital bill, or auto, home, or health insurance policy. Copies of online documents are not acceptable as proof of residence with the exception of an electronic commercial lease accompanied by an original letter from the property manager. Private party leases must be notarized by the landlord or attach a recent notarized statement by the landlord verifying the terms of lease. The documents must be originals, not copies. A copy of the proof of residence must be attached to thePA-14, Student Registration Form.
Immunization Updates
Does your child have their immunizations for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year? Current 6th grade students will need the Tdap and Meningitis vaccines to enter 7th grade on September 4, 2018. But guess what? There is no need to wait and get caught in the summer rush, not able to get an appointment before the school year begins or have your child excluded from school on the first day.
Now is the time to act! You can go to your primary care provider now to get your child immunized for the 2018/2019 school year. Other options for you include: going to the local health department clinics, local pharmacies, grocery stores and urgent care centers.
Send in the updated record to the school as soon as possible!
Children's Mental Health Matters
Attn: Parents & Families!
Help Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School be a
Children’s Mental Health Matters! School Champion!
Thursday May 10, 2018
is Children’s Mental Health Matters! Green Day
Encourage your child to wear the color green to support awareness of the importance of children’s mental health.
May 6th - 12th is Children's Mental Health Awareness Week in Maryland. The term mental health refers to a person’s overall behavioral, social, emotional and psychological well-being. Mental health impacts how we think, feel, and act, including how a child feels about himself/herself, relates to other children and adults, and handles change, stress and other life situations. One in five children experience a mental, emotional or behavioral health problem before age 18. These problems affect children of all demographic groups, regardless of education, income, race or culture.
This week students will be learning things to help themselves and others feel better when they are sad, worried, angry, or scared. To learn more about the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and resources for help, contact your child’s guidance counselor, administrator, teachers, your pediatrician, or go to www.ChildrensMentalHealthMatters.org.
FINAL TWO HOME GAMES FOR THE KING COBRA SOCCER TEAMS
COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!
April 30 / Girls first / 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
May 07 / Girls first / 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Please note, any students coming to support the team must be accompanied by an adult, the entire game.
OPEN ACCESS OPPORTUNITIES
Dematha Soccer Academy Travel Soccer Tryouts and Summer Camp Information
DeMatha Soccer Academy (DMSA) Travel Soccer Tryouts
- About Our Club: http://www.demathasocceracademy.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1189777
- Meet Our Staff: http://www.demathasocceracademy.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1209837
- Tryout Dates and Registration: http://www.demathasocceracademy.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1228785
DeMatha Soccer Academy Summer Camps
Upcoming Tween/Teen Empowerment Seminar Saturday, May 12th at 2:30 pm at the Beltsville Seventh Day Adventist Church
IMPORTANT DATES IN MAY
May 7-11 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 8 - Band Concert 7pm
May 11 - Hershey Park Band and Chorus Trip
May 15 - Chorus Concert 7pm
May 21 - Progress Reports Released to Students