Mance Park Middle School Newsletter
May 2019
Principal's Corner
STAAR Testing and Student Success Initiative (SSI)
8th grade students recently received their first administration STAAR results. For those that met standard on their assessments, Teachers and Instructional Coach's will be preparing engaging lessons to further prepare them for their next educational journey. Additionally, Teachers and Instructional Coach’s are working diligently to organize focused instructional intervention plans for students who did not meet standard on their Math and Reading STAAR assessments. For this particular group of students, the Student Success Initiative (SSI) allows students a second and even a third opportunity to make progress on the assessment. With hard work, dedication and progress on these opportunities, students are more prepared for a possible transition to 9th grade. Please continue to encourage your student to remain focused and take all instruction seriously as we push toward the second and third administration. Your student’s progress on the STAAR assessment will help to determine their most appropriate educational setting for next school year as it relates to promotion or retention.
Our second round of STAAR assessments begin next week with our Algebra students taking their STAAR EOC on May 7th. May 13th will kick off a week of STAAR assessments for both 7th grade and 8th grade students. Please note the dates and tests below.
STAAR Testing Dates
8th Grade Algebra I EOC: 5/7/19
7th Grade Math STAAR test: 5/13/2019
8th Grade Math STAAR retest: 5/13/2019
7th Grade Reading STAAR test: 5/14/2019
8th Grade Reading STAAR retest: 5/14/2019
8th Grade Science STAAR test: 5/15/2019
8th Grade Social Studies STAAR test: 5/16/2019
*Please note that on these testing days, visitors nor lunch deliveries will be allowed in order to create a secure testing environment.
Academic Conversations:
During code of conduct assemblies Mr. Campbell spoke with students about the importance of persistence and dedication to their studies as they embark on the Spring Semester. He addressed the need for students to “perform their job responsibilities” for the Spring Semester which include: good daily attendance, not being tardy for classes, being actively engaged in the classroom, asking good questions, being diligent in completing their assignments, studying for tests and quizzes, attending tutorials when needed, and following the student code of conduct. He finished by saying that each and every one of them has a bright future ahead of them and that through a persistent and determined focus, they will be the Champion they desire to be.
Areas of Focus:
Research shows that teachers and students benefit from high quality staff development. The focus of our Professional Development Plan here at Mance Park include:
Formative Assessment in the Classroom: Assessment strategies that allow teachers to gather valuable data in regards to student learning that enables them to make just in time decisions within a lesson.
Tiered Lesson Design: A lesson design that allows teachers the ability to meet each and every student where they are in the learning and scaffold the learning within a lesson.
Parents please note:
Chromebook check in will take place May 17th and May 20th. Please have your child bring their chrombook, charger and case to avoid a fine.
Immunizations
All students entering 7th grade are required to meet certain immunization requirements (see below) before enrolling in 7th grade. If your student is not immunized or we do not have an updated record with the vaccines required, your child will not be able to start school in August of 2019.
Texas Immunization Laws require all students entering into 7th Grade to be up-to-date with the following immunizations:
● Tdap
● Varicella
● Meningococcal (MCV4)
● Hepatitis A
For more information contact Nurse Barahona at:
936-435-6413
Congratulations to Anthony Culak. He placed 2nd place overall among the 7th grade boys at the golf tournament.
Markia Sweat is district champion in triple jump over SFA, Davila, Navasota, CSMS, AMCMS, Wellborn, and Brenham.
Having a smashing time in Spanish class
Students in Mrs. Beers' Spanish class learned about a fun Tex-Mex tradition - confetti eggs or cascarones. They talked about the history of the eggs, and watched a video about making them before three lucky students got to smash an egg on Mrs. Beers!
Teacher of the Month -Donna Sanders
Employee of the Month - LaToya O'Bryant
Park Pride
Students had a wonderful time on the Park Pride field trip at the Sam Houston State University Camp! Thank you MPMS for providing us with this opportunity!
National Junior Honor Society
NJHS Dues will be due at the first meeting ($20): Cash or check will be accepted. **If paying by check, please make it out to MPMS and include your DL and Phone #.**
FCA
We are excited about Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and ready to see great things happen! To sign up for text updates, text @mpmsfca to 81010.
Science Club
Science club is an exciting way to try new and different experiments and socialize with others who enjoy science. Come ask questions and learn. We meet every Tuesday in Room 120 after school to approximately 4:30. *Some experiments may last longer*
Chess Club
MPMS Cheer
Upcoming Practices:
May 3rd 4:00-6:00 pm
May 6th 4:00-6:00 pm
May 10th 4:00-6:00 pm
May 15th 4:00-6:00 pm
May 19th 4:00-6:00 pm
May 22nd 4:00-6:00 pm
MPMS Girls Athletics
Students will be receiving physical paperwork on Monday, April 29th. It will be due back to the coaches by Friday, May 3rd. Free Physicals will be held here at Mance Park on May 7th.
Please note:
2019-2020 Girls Volleyball Tryouts
8th Grade: Monday, August 19th and 20th from 3:45-5:15
7th Grade: 21st, 22nd and 23rd from 3:45-5:15
**Athletes must have updated physical, medical history, and online paperwork to be able to try out.
2019-2020 Cross Country:
First practice will be August 19th
**Athletes must have updated physical, medical history, and online paperwork to be able to run.
Academic UIL Competitions
The following events are available to participate in at MPMS for UIL:
Oral Reading- Coach Valerie Gonzalez
Chess- Coach John Nepveux
Spelling- Coach Theresa Eubanks
Listening- Coach Theresa Eubanks
Number Sense- Coach Edward Lenoir
Calculator Applications- Coach Edward Lenoir
Dictionary Skills- Coach Shelley Petkovsek
Impromptu Speaking- Shelley Petkovsek
Academic Testing Event will be April 30th
The lost and found is full!! Please have your child visit the AP's office to claim lost items.
7th Grade Math News
Tutorial Schedules
Baker: 3:40 - 4:20 Monday, Tuesday
Wright: 6:45am - 7:15 Tuesday and Thursday
Nash: 3:40 - 4:15 Monday, Tuesday, ThursdayQuinlan: 3:40 - 4:20 Monday and Friday
Upcoming activities and events
7th Grade math will work on STAAR review activities during the weeks of April 29th - May 3rd and May 6th - May 10th. The first week we will review with an Escape Room Activity. Students will work in groups to solve a series of problems using concepts they have been learning all year. The second week the students will compete in the Math Olympics. Students will be divided into teams representing countries that participate in the Olympics and will solve a series of questions using the skills they have been learning all year. The teams will be able to earn medals (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) each day if their team earns the most points. The winning country will be rewarded with a pizza party for lunch.
Please note
All students are required to have their Chromebooks charged and in class, each day! Additionally, students are required to have paper and a pencil each day.
7th Grade Reading News
Tutorial Schedules
Wooten: Mon-Thur 3:40-4:30
Adams: Mon 3:45-4:20
Wingert: Thur 3:30-4:15 (or by appt)
Sullivent: M-F 7:00-7:30 am afternoons if requested
Upcoming activities and events
We will begin reading interventions on April 29 and will continue working hard to prepare for the STAAR reading Test on May 14. Please continue to remind your students to come prepared to learn and that summer is close, but not here yet!
Please note
All students are required to have their Chromebooks charged and in class, each day! Additionally, students are in need of pencils and notebook paper. Updated parent contact information is needed. Students should come to class rested, alert and ready to work!
7th Grade Writing News
Gonzalez: Tues & Thurs 3:30 - 4:30. Mon & Wed by Request
Landrum-Tues & Thurs until 4:15 pm
Waldo: Mon & Wed 3:45-4:30: Depending on after school sports.
Burleson:Tues & Thurs 3:45-4:30
Celebrations:
Since the beginning of the 6 weeks, students have been working on research projects in their Writing classes.
Upcoming activities and events
Starting 04/29, Writing will be supporting Reading classes in interventions in preparation for the Reading STAAR on May 14th.
Please note
All students are required to have their Chromebooks charged and in class, each day! Please send students with college ruled notebook paper, pencils, tissues and hand sanitizer.
7th Grade Science News
Tutorial Schedules
Shaw: Tuesday 3:45-4:15 and Thursday 3:45-4:15
Weatherwax: Wednesday 6:45-7:15 AM
Dulin: Tuesday 3:45-4:15 and Thursday 3:45-4:15
Green: Tuesday 3:45-4:15
Upcoming activities and events
We are finishing up Unit 8: Investigating Factors Affecting Earth Systems.
Early May we will be moving into Unit 09: Investigating Characteristics of the Solar System.
Please note
All students are required to have their Chromebooks charged and in class, each day! Additionally, students are required to have paper and a pencil each day.
7th Grade Social Studies News
Tutorial Schedules
Benavides: M-F 3:45-4:30
Ingram: M-F 6:30 a.m.
McFail: M-F 3:30-4:15
Upcoming activities and event
- Test over Unit 09: Modernizing Texas in An Age of Oil on April 26th.
- Next unit is over the Constitution of the United States and the test is on May 22nd.
Please note
All students are required to have their Chromebooks charged and in class, each day! Additionally, students are required to have paper and a pencil each day.
Algebra News
Tutorial Schedule
Mrs. Nash: Monday & Thursday from 3:45 - 5:00 and every morning from 6:30 - 7:30
Upcoming activities and events
The Algebra End of Course Test will be May 7. We will then conclude the year with “The Rubber Band Cannon Lab” and a closer look at radicals.
Please note
Please encourage students to bring their charged chromebook to class every day and continue to prepare for the EOC.
8th Grade Math News
Tutorial Schedules
Sanders: Tuesday & Thursday, 3:45 - 4:30
Huerta: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 3:45 - 5:00
Celebrations!:
We are excited to celebrate the students that passed the STAAR exam on the first round!
Upcoming activities and events
Students will split into an Algebra Prep class or a Student Success Initiative class.
After the STAAR retest, all students will continue learning beginner Algebra skills.
Math STAAR retest is May 13th.
Please note
All students are required to have their Chromebooks charged and in class, each day! Please send students with notebook paper, graph paper, pencils, AAA bateries and hand sanitizer.
8th Grade Math Intervention News
Tutorial Schedules
Sanders: Tuesday & Thursday, 3:45 - 4:30
Huerta: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 3:45 - 5:00
Celebrations
Shout out to the students for following the PRIDE matrix!
Upcoming activities and events
Surface Area and Volume
8th Grade English Language Arts News
Tutorial Schedules
Lacox: Mon -Thurs 3:45-4:30 pm
Rudolph: Tuesday & Thursday 3:35-4:30 pm in room 136
Eubanks: Mon-Thurs. 7:00-7:40 am
Long: Thursday 7:00-7:40 am
Celebrations
Students worked hard and took their time during the STAAR Reading!
Congratulations to those who showed improvement on their benchmark!
Upcoming activities and events
STAAR Interventions will begin April 30th
STAAR Re-testing for Reading will take place May 14th
Please note
All students are required to have their Chromebooks charged and in class, each day! Please send students with notebook paper , pencils and Kleenex.
8th Grade Hornet Time News
Tutorial Schedules
Petkovsek: Tuesday & Thursday from 3:45-4:30 in room 109.
Price: Tuesday & Thursday from 3:45-4:30 in room 210.
Celebrations
Ms. Petkovsek’s students have been completing novels and expanding their reading comprehension.
Upcoming activities and events
Connecting history through informational texts and working with ELA teachers for Fairy Tale Unit.
Please note
Parents and community members are encouraged to donate pencils, rulers, erasers, notebook paper, and brown lunch sacks for upcoming projects. Any middle school age novels for students to read would be great, too. Thank you!
8th grade Science News
Tutorial Schedules:
Holley: M, Tu, and Th 3:40-4:40 Room 103
Nepveux: Th 3:45-4:30 Room 138
Coleman: M, Tu 3:45-4:30
Riley: Tu, W (if no faculty meeting) 3:40-4:40
Upcoming activities and events
We will begin our STAAR Bootcamp on 4/29 and this will continue through 5/14.
Our 8th Grade Science STAAR Test will be May 15, 2019.
Please note:
Parents and community members are encouraged to donate pencils, glue sticks, and tape that are used daily for interactive science journals. Thank you!
8th Grade History News
Tutorial Schedules:
Ms. Sterner: Tu 3:45-4:30, Room 108
Coach Berry: Tu and Th 7-7:30 am, Room 124
Upcoming activities and events:
We are starting our STAAR review. From April 23rd through May 10th, we will be reviewing the entire year in preparation for the US History STAAR Exam on May 16th.
Please note:
All students are required to have their Chromebooks charged and in class, each day! All students are required to have pens and pencils in class. Students should attend classes with an open mind and ready to conquer the STAAR! Thank you for your support!
Spanish News
Tutorial Schedules:
Beers: Mon/Tues/Thurs 3:40-4:45 or until finished work
Upcoming activities and events:
- Short story reading
- Final May 17th and 20th
Please note:
All students are required to have their Chromebooks charged and in class, each day! All students are required to study vocabulary for 10 minutes each night. Thank you for your support!
Theatre Arts
This past Friday, our district held the 1st annual 24 Hour Theatre Festival at HHS. In 24 hours the auditions were held, plays were written, the rehearsals were held, the performances were held, and the awards were given.
Congratulations to 8th grader, Seth Brown, for winning Best Supporting Actor.Congratulations to Ms. Petkovsek for writing the play, The Kiss of Death, and to Mrs. Keithley for directing the play. They won Best Technical Design.
Choir News
Tutorial Schedules:
Mondays - MPMS Women 4:00-5:30
Tuesdays/Thursdays - Cantorum 4-5:30
Fridays - MPMS Men 4-5:30
Celebrations:
In April over 700 students auditioned for All Region IX Choir. Only 255 students were selected with 2 from MPMS. Mr. Garcia-Choir Director, Anita Igwe-Alto, and Alaina McPhail-Soprano 2, represented MPMS at the All Region Choir concert this weekend. They were amazing!
Upcoming events:
Final Concert - May 21
Band News
4/29 - SB 4:00-4:45
4/30 - WE 4:00-4:45
5/1 - SW 4:00-4:45
5/2 - CB 4:00-4:45
5/6 - Next Year’s CB, SB, Perc combined rehearsal 3:00-4:00
5/6 - CB 4:00-4:30
5/6 - SW 4:30-5:00
5/7 - Next Year’s SW, WE combined rehearsal 3:00-4:00
5/7 - WE 4-4:30
5/7 - SB 4:30-5:00
Celebrations:
For the first time in Mance Park History, all four MPMS Bands earned the Sweepstakes Award at the Region 9 UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation! This is the highest honor a band can receive!
Upcoming events:
8th Grade Party - May 3rd
Spring Concert - May 10th
Six Flags Trip - May 23rd
Art Class News
Tutorial Schedules:
As needed.
Upcoming activities and events:
Spring Art Show- West Hill Mall
Set up April 30; reception Thursday, May 9, 4:30-6:00 pm.
Please note:
All students are required to have a pencil for class.
Business Applications News
Tutorial Schedule:
McGlothern: Tuesday 7:10-7:30; by appointment as needed
Please note:
Parents and community members are encouraged to donate Kleenex.
Introduction to Horticulture News
Available upon Request
Upcoming activities and events:
Please note:
Parents and community members are encouraged to donate Kleenex and soil. Thank you!
Floral Design News
Available upon Request
Upcoming activities and events:
Please note:
Parents and community members are encouraged to donate Kleenex. We are also in need of Floral Arrangement sponsors and vases. Thank you!
Introduction to Animal Science News
Available upon Request
Upcoming activities and events:
Please note:
Parents and community members are encouraged to donate Kleenex. Thank you!
Yearbook Stinger Staff News
Sponsor:
Shelley Petkovsek
Tutoring Schedules:
Room open 3:45-5:00 Monday-Friday unless there is a game or meeting. Also by appointment as needed.
Celebrations:
The yearbook was completed in April and will arrive right before the end of school.
Fredy Cortez won the yearbook challenge to get the most orders by April 15th.
Congratulations on B-Lunch for raising $95.12 for the Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter in our "Pennies for Paws" fundraiser sponsored by the yearbook staff. The total amount raised was $134.82 by all lunches.
Thank you everyone for supporting the yearbook staff in this community service event.
Upcoming activities and events:
Yearbooks are now $45 until we sell out. Yearbooks arrive in May!
Please continue to share photos and buy yearbooks!
Yearbooks can be bought in room 109 or the front office. Only 175 were ordered!
GT Service Project
GT students are creating MakerSpaces to be given to our library as an additional resource for future students. At the next pull out, students will share their projects with each other. Students will need various materials. They will be encouraged to discuss their ideas with teachers and parents with respect to specific materials needed.
On Monday, April 8, the MPMS Students & Staff were treated to a special STAAR Pep Rally!
It really made a "SPLASH!"
Just ask one of our "Pie in the Face" volunteers, like Mr. Howard, Coach Shirley, Coach O'Bryant, and Coach Ingram.
MPMS Healthy Tips
Avoid Bug Bites!
Bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and some flies, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme, all of which have risk of severe and lasting consequences. Several diseases spread by bug bites cannot be prevented or treated with vaccines or medicine, such as Zika, dengue, and Lyme. Reduce your risk of getting these diseases by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
Prevent Bug Bites
During Your Trip:
Use Insect Repellent
Use EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Find an EPA-registered insect repellent that’s right for you.
The effectiveness of insect repellents not registered with the EPA, including some natural repellents, is not known.
How to Apply Insect Repellent:
Always follow the product label instructions.
Reapply as directed.
If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first, and insect repellent second.
Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
Application Instructions for Children:
Do NOT use insect repellents on babies younger than 2 months old.
Dress babies younger than 2 months old in clothing that covers arms and legs, and cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
Do NOT use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old.
Do NOT apply insect repellent to children’s hands, eyes, mouths, cuts, or irritated skin.
Do NOT spray into a face. To apply insect repellent to your child’s face, spray into onto your hands, then rub it on their face.
Keep insect repellent out of the reach of children.
For more information visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites
Talk to your teen about staying safe online!
Are you a parent? If you are, have you already had the internet safety talk with your child? If you have yet to do so, this is a discussion that you will want to have. Since many teenagers like using social networking websites, online message boards, internet chat rooms, and instant messaging programs, internet safety is a subject that must be discussed.