Mooresville MS Family Newsletter
October 24, 2017
A Message from Mrs. Robinson
Greetings Mooresville Middle School Families,
The months of September and October quickly flew by at Mooresville Middle School! Our seventh graders have settled in and our eighth grader have adjusted to their new schedule.
Every month MMS will release a parent newsletter highlighting some amazing things that are happening at our school. This month I would like to take the time to explain the homeroom classes that are being offered at MMS.
For the 2017-18, school year we have extended homeroom to thirty minutes each day. Similar to our MGSD Intermediate Schools, we have designated this time as enrichment. Students are participating in reading groups, math groups, study hall, or enrichment classes. It is very important that students arrive to school on time each day because we do not want them to miss out on any information that can help them be successful.
If you are interested in seeing a day in the life of a MMS student please sign up for our next parent tour on November 14 from 8am to 9am. You can reserve your spot by calling the front office. Our Instructional Coach and I will give you a tour of our school and you will have an opportunity to visit classrooms to see what goes on everyday at MMS from 7:30am-2:21pm!
If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to give me a call.
Sincerely,
Ayana Robinson, Principal
Mooresville Middle School
IMPortant Dates
- Friday October 27: Halloween Dance 6pm-8pm $5 Admission (school appropriate costumes may be worn)
- Oct 30 and 31, November 1: Student Holidays
- Thursday November 2: All Pro Dads Meeting 7am-7:45am Staff Development Room
- Friday November 3: School Pictures Make Up
- Tuesday November 14: Parent Tour 8am-9am
- November 22-24: School Holidays
- Tuesday December 5: Chorus Concert 7pm
- Thursday December 7: All Pro Dads MEeting 7am-7:45am Staff Development Room
- Friday December 8: Holiday Dance 6pm-8pm $5 Admission
- Tuesday December 12: Parent Tours 8am-9am, Band Concert 7pm
- December 20-January 2: Holiday Break
7th Grade News
7 Social Studies
Students in 7th grade social studies have been hard at work. During the first quarter, our focus is on the basic foundations of social studies. As our warm up activities, we have alternated between current events by watching CNN student news several times a week and basic geography and map skills. We reviewed the continents and oceans, compass rose, and the cardinal directions. We also engaged in a lesson to review the basics of latitude and longitude and we completed a scavenger hunt using Google Earth. Students were engaged in looking at various landmarks around the world and logging the latitude and longitude coordinates for each site.
We have also examined the twelve traits that define a culture and completed an amazing examination of cultures around the world by comparing the material possessions of middle class families from around the world.
Next, we reviewed government systems around the world by comparing the four categories of governments: anarchy, autocracies, oligarchies, and democracies. We defined "what is government" and "what is the purpose of government". After examining the role of our government, we discussed the differences between federal, state, and local governments and we examined all the "free" government services provided by our tax dollars.
We will finish up the first quarter learning about the economy and economic systems to give students a firm foundation in the basics of economics and personal finance. We will also be visiting the media center to work on a research project on the five main religions of the world, and presenting the projects in class.
7 Math
We have concluded our unit on integers (positive and negative numbers) and students should have an understanding of how negative numbers are used in our everyday lives. Ex: Football, banking, elevations, temperatures etc. All 7th grade math students participated in a review session in our media center "The Cave" and were able to collaborate with students in other classes and with other math teachers.
We are beginning our unit on variable expressions and equations for the remainder of the quarter. Students are keeping notebooks of examples and practice problems. We are using computer programs such as Buzzmath, Tenmarks and Playposit to monitor student progress and personalize their learning in class.
7 English/Language Arts
7 Science
We have worked on Atmosphere and Weather this quarter- trying to have the students understand some of the more difficult concepts with hands on activities like our transpiration lab, and using a vacuum to demonstrate air pressure. We have tried to help the students learn to think and problem solve, and to take responsibility for their own learning, and leave excuses at the door. They are getting better at logically working through the harder questions.
We will head into life science/biology in the next quarter. Thanks for your support.
8th Grade News
8 Science
8 Math
Students began the year by studying the characteristics of the Real Number System and how to classify numbers and estimate irrational numbers.They reviewed how to calculate with integers and fractions and learned how to convert repeating decimals into fractions. Students completed a choice board with small activities to review order of operations and evaluating variable expressions. We are now moving into Monomials and applying our exponent rules to Scientific notation. We will end the quarter with simplifying expressions by combining like terms and using the distributive property. This will set us up for equations during second quarter. Students have also been very diligently finishing their Order of Operations TILE project. We will soon be asking for some pumpkins to come in to class so we can begin some data collection for our scatterplots during second quarter. We promise to send them back to you all cleaned and ready to be carved!
MATH 1
Math 1 students began the year focusing on the 8th grade math concepts of the Real Number System and Rational vs. Irrational numbers. We jumped right in with monomials, scientific notation, and equations. We will be applying all we know about equations to inequalities and literal equations (solving a formula for a variable). Math 1 students have also been completing the Order of Operations TILE project as a review for these concepts. Students will be starting linear equations and graphing beginning second quarter.
8 English/Language Arts
8 Social Studies
Mi-Waye Team
Hot Potato Vocabulary
Elective News
Physical Education
Spanish
Attention Semester Two Spanish Students!
Here are some says you can keep your Spanish sharp between now and January.
- Review your old notes, vocabulary list and Google site. Even 5-10 minutes a day will help.
- Review online at sites such as www.studyspanish.com www.digitaldialects.com
- Sign up for Duolingo (or use your account from last year) and join Mrs. Sarver’s class using this link https://www.duolingo.com/o/xbrmuf Make sure to select Spanish as your language.
- Checkout the Useful Links part of my website for more ideas.
Careers
Others have made stop-motion animations using clay in Computer Graphics and Animation. Others are creating plaster casts in Biomedical Engineering or solving crimes in Forensic Science. While this is happening another group will be looking at wind power in Alternative Energy while another is designing fashion in Design & Marketing.
Other groups may be programming a robot in Robotics, printing a keychain on the 3D printer in Digital Manufacturing, making sunscreen in Pharmacology, using a LASER in Laser Technology or using the brand-new green screen room to film a commercial in Video Production
Each student has the opportunity to complete at least 4 modules during a semester so within the next week different students will be completing these same activities.
BAND
The Band Program is about to begin their rehearsals towards learning their music for the Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 12th. More information on that concert is soon to come pending the construction updates at the High School Campus.
Band Concert- Tuesday December 12, 7pm-8pm
BUSINESS CLASSES
In 8th grade we have learned about business ethics, etiquette and careers. They just created a resume, cover letter and completed a job application.
VISUAL ART
Thanks for all your support of the arts at MMS!
The art department can use:
Acrylic paint
Aprons
Paint Brushes
Yarn
Art Imp Time has painted over 50 rocks and they are out in the community for you to find and post on the Mooresville Middle School Facebook page.
Happy hunting
COMPUTER SCIENCE
THEATER ARTS
Theatre Arts is a new elective class this year and we need to fill our Props Closet! During the month of October we are having a PROPS DRIVE.
Hats, crowns, masks, cooking utensils, swim goggles, pool noodles, costume jewelry, beach balls, sunglasses, old glasses (w/o the lenses) -- all donations are welcome!
CHORUS
Join Remind for quick chorus updates sent directly to your phone :
To receive messages via text, text @mmsingers to 81010.
Trouble using 81010? Try texting @mmsingers to (980) 248-2145 instead.
You can opt-out of messages at anytime by replying, 'unsubscribe @mmsingers'.
MMS Chorus Winter Concert
Tuesday, Dec 5, 2017, 07:00 PM
659 East Center Avenue, Mooresville, NC, United States
GENERAL MUSIC
General News
Message from Nurse Dana
I can’t believe it is already October. What a fun time of year! October brings thoughts of: setting clocks back, Halloween, crisp fall weather, colorful leaves, football, flu vaccinations etc… Yes, you read that right. The flu season is right around the corner. Here are a few facts and reminders everyone needs to know to help prevent the spread the flu.
What is the flu? Influenza is a contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) that can lead to serious complications including pneumonia and worsening of chronic health conditions.
Should I get the flu vaccine? The American Academy of Pediatrics and The Centers for Disease Control recommend that everyone over 6 months of age get their flu vaccination before the end of October.
What are some symptoms of the flu?
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Runny nose
- Ear infection
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Cough
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Sore throat
- Weakness
What can I do to prevent the flu and stop the spread of germs?
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick or have flu-symptoms stay home for at least 24 hours AFTER your fever is gone.
- Cover your nose and your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after use and wash your hands. If a tissue is not available cover your mouth or nose with your sleeve, not your hand
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect touched surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
When can my child return to school?
Students may return to school when:
- Fever-free for 24 hours, WITHOUT taking fever reducing medication such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
- No vomiting for 24 hours and tolerating a normal diet.
- Have been on antibiotics for 24 hours.
What is considered a “fever”? The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines state that an oral temperature 101 or greater.
If you want to learn more refer to these websites:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preveting.htm
For other illnesses and school exclusions refer to the Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations for School Exclusion
If you have questions or concerns contact your school nurse at 704-658-2733 or dannas@mgsd.k12.nc.us
Thank you for helping prevent the flu and other illnesses.
Have a safe, well and Happy October!
What's Cooking in the IMPcafe?
As of October 10, 2017, the 30 day grace period for free and reduced lunch has expired. Please be sure to fill out and submit a new form, which can be found on the MGSD website under School Nutrition. Your student may also ask for a form from one of The Imp Cafe’s Cashiers.
Also be sure to check out our Nutrislice App that can be downloaded to your cell phone. In order to see your menus you can visit, Google Play for Androids and the Appstore for iPhones. Search for Nutrislice and download “School lunch by Nutrislice”
A lot of new and exciting changes have been implemented in The Imp Cafe this school year. The serving lines have been converted to,” self serve” The students have adjusted marvelously and continue to enjoy our fresh, healthy and satisfying meals…… made with love!
Message from Guidance Department
Who we are:
Michael Hamilton-Genson
Katherine Buff
What we do:
Our main job is to advocate and support the students of MMS. We are here to help you get through middle school as successfully as possible. It is a time where you will be challenged academically, personally, and socially. You will have questions about who you are, how you fit in, and what your identity is. We are here to help and support you as you address these questions and challenges.
Mooresville Middle School
Vision:
Mooresville Middle School is committed to creating the conditions that bring each student to full academic potential as engaged, life-long learners and citizens by developing critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Mission:
Mooresville Middle School will instill an appreciation and love for learning in our students as we help them develop the skills needed to become goal oriented, independent thinkers and leaders in an ever-changing global society. We challenge every student, every day to discover and develop a positive sense of self, as well as to respect themselves and others through meaningful collaboration with peers, teachers, and parents.
Website: http://www.mgsd.k12.nc.us/page.cfm?p=2494
Location: 233 Kistler Farm Road, Mooresville, NC, United States
Phone: 704-658-2720
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mooresville-Middle-School-Red-Imps-106456262721779/
Twitter: @mooresvillems