Gator Gazette Weekly News
Principal's Update
American Education Week!
PPMS is excited to celebrate American Education Week with schools all across the country!
Tuesday, November 14th is Family Day. Parents are invited to come visit classrooms:
- Students with last names A-K, 8:15-8:45 AM (report to the cafeteria between 8:05-8:10)
- Students with last names L-Z, 9:15-9:45 AM (report to the cafeteria between 9:05-9:10)
Wednesday, November 15th is PPMS' Writer's Night from 6:00-7:30 PM (see flyer below)
Friday, November 17th Staff/Student Volleyball Game/PBIS Fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 PM (see below)
PPMS Book Fair is November 13th-17th
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!). Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. AND—as always—every purchase at the Fair benefits our school.
Here’s what you need to know about the big event, which will take place from November 13-17th in the PPMS Media Center. Students will preview and be able to shop during their ELA classes on Nov. 13th and 14th. Please use the signup link to volunteer. https://bit.ly/FallBookFairHelpers
Say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy.
If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Book Fair online which opens November 10th. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Every online purchase will also benefit our school.
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:
Writer's Night - 11/15
Dear Plum Point Middle School Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to invite you to our Writing Night, a celebration of our students' hard work and dedication to improving their writing skills across all content areas.
Date: November 15, 2023
Time: Drop in anytime from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Plum Point Middle School
At Writing Night, you will have the opportunity to see the remarkable progress our students have made in their writing. Each student will have at least one piece on display, showcasing their creativity and growth as writers. It's a fantastic chance to appreciate their accomplishments and support their ongoing development.
But that's not all! Our Book Fair will also be open during the event, offering a wide selection of books for you to browse and shop. Whether you're looking for the next great read or gifts for the upcoming holiday season, our Book Fair has something for everyone.
We hope to see you there to celebrate our students' achievements and enjoy an evening of literary exploration. Thank you for your continued support of Plum Point Middle School and our talented students.
Staff vs. Student Volleyball Game - 11/17
The school PBIS team will be hosting our Staff vs. Students Volleyball game on Friday, November 17th from 5:30 to 7:30. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5 each. The money raised will be used to support positive behavior rewards around the school. Concessions will be available and please see the flyer below for more details.
Congratulations to PPMS Staff!
We excitedly celebrated the following staff members who reached milestones as educators! We thank them for their dedication to our students!
Siobhan Tedtsen - 20 Years
Erik Holm - 20 Years
Heidi Jarman - 25 Years
Adam Muffley - 25 Years
April Richards - 25 Years
Michael Myers - 30 Years
To allow parents an opportunity to look through the lost and found, we are keeping it through this week. We will be making donations the week of Thanksgiving.
Advisory Corner
Curricular Focus: Communication & Kindness
Skills Practiced This Week: Building Positive Relationships & Kindness
November
13 - Report Cards in HAC
13 - 1st Day of Winter Sports Clinics
14 - PPMS Parent Visitation, 8:15 - 8:45 AM or 9:15 - 9:45 AM (more information to follow)
15 - PPMS Writer's Night + Book Fair Shopping, 6-7:30 PM
17 - Fundraiser: staff/student Volleyball Game, 6 PM, PPMS Gym (more info coming)
22-26 - Thanksgiving Break, No School
Clubs (recurring)
- Chess Club, Mondays, 7 AM, Rm. 114
- Garden Club, Mondays, 3-5 PM, Rm. 114
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Tuesdays, 7 AM, Gym
- Student Government Association (SGA), Thursdays, 7 AM, Rm. 316
From the Office
Picture Retakes - Round Two
We have learned that there may have been some miscommunication during the Fall picture retakes. ALL students should have had the opportunity to have their picture retaken. If your student was told that they could not have their picture retaken or if they missed the session altogether, please email Ms. Brown - brownsm@calvertnet.k12.md.us before Wednesday, November 15th. We will schedule a new date with Classic Photography and inform everyone once it has been finalized.
(repeat) Attendance Notes
Confirming/Verifying Absences It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to provide school authorities with verification of the reason for each student absence. Any absence not certified by the parent, guardian, physician, court or other appropriate person/agency will be considered unlawful.
Students returning from absences without notes with appropriate signatures certifying lawful absences will be given three school days to provide such certification. Absences not certified at the end of three days will be considered unlawful.
(repeat) Student Pick-Up
Please keep in mind this is for the safety of all students. If you have someone other than yourself picking up your student early from school, please be sure to send a note to the "PPMS Secretaries <PPMSSecretaries@ccps365.onmicrosoft.com> email account, or in writing with your student. The emergency contacts you have listed are there in the event of an emergency and we cannot reach YOU. They do not automatically have permission to pick up your child early from school.
Reminder, you can send notes for absences, attendance questions, late arrivals, or early release needs to this emails address "PPMS Secretaries <PPMSSecretaries@ccps365.onmicrosoft.com>.
Gator Athletics
Please email our athletic director, Mr. Pellock, with any questions: pellockj@calvertnet.k12.md.us
The 1st day of Winter clinics is November 13th. This year, cheer and poms clinics will be held on alternating days so students can try out for both (but they can only be selected for one team).
Winter Sports:
- Girls Basketball
- Boys Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Poms
Student Government Association
SGA Meetings
The SGA is happy to announce the schedule for SGA meetings for the 2023-2024 school year. SGA will meet in Mrs. Kelly’s room, room 316, on Thursday mornings at 7:00 am. Students are still welcome to join SGA. Feel free to attend a meeting and learn more about the Student Government Association at Plum Point Middle School. We always welcome enthusiastic student leaders! Please reach out to Mrs. Kelly at kellyd@calvertnet.k12.md.us if you have any questions.
PPMS Theatre
Auditions
Auditions for Disney Descendants: The Musical will take place after school on Monday, December 4th- Wednesday, December 6th, with callbacks on Thursday if needed. Return the permission slip by Friday, November 17th to receive audition materials. Hard copies are located on the stage during lunches and in the main office. Make sure to note all date/time commitments before signing the permission slip. Students interested in tech crew only will not audition, but may have an interview during school. Contact eversolec@calvertnet.k12.md.us with questions.
PPMS Yearbook
Yearbook Committee
Are you into photography and journalism? This committee may be for you. You can help design this year's book. Meetings will be 1-2 times per month on A days in place of your 3rd period Advisory class. We only have space for 4-5 students per grade, so return this permission slip ASAP if you are interested, hard copies are available during lunches and in the main office. They must be returned by Friday November 17th!
Yearbook Sales
Please fill out the attached form and return with payment. Books are $30.
Visit https://bit.ly/PPMSYearbookInfo for everything you need to know about this year’s yearbook: links to pay online and how to submit photos (candid activity pics needed!).
Order yours today!!!
***YEARBOOK COVER ART CONTEST***
Students should submit an 8.5x11 sheet. There should be at least a 1-inch border that should be the same color as the background but with no images or words around all sides. Plum Point Middle School and 2023-4 need to be on it somewhere. You may also want to include our Gator mascot. A front and back cover can be designed together. No color restrictions. Turn in a hard copy to the main office or a high-resolution digital image to eversolec@calvertnet.k12.md.us
by Friday December 1st.
Prizes will be awarded, and First Place will be on the cover!!!
Nurse Notes
Hello Families!
You are invited to join and wellness challenge. Please see the letter below for more information! It's all about getting healthy by focusing on essential nutrients, hydration and eating healthy! I hope you can join the PPMS community and take on the challenge. I have attached a calendar with links that give great information about healthy habits and essential nutrients check it out even if you don't do the challenge!
Calvert County Community Wellness Challenge
In collaboration with Calvert County Public Schools, Calvert Health, and Calvert Health Department, you are invited to join a FREE community-wide wellness initiative beginning Monday November 13th through Monday December 18th. The focus of the wellness challenge is enhancing personal well-being by focusing on Nutrition and Hydration.
The wellness challenge is about adopting behaviors that enhance all aspects of health. Starting Monday, November 14th, login to your dashboard, commit to a health-enhancing daily behavior, and create a personal goal to achieve by December 18th. Choose from a variety of behaviors to improve personal well-being and develop healthy dietary habits as we close out 2023. Decide what aspect of your nutritional habits you would like to focus on for the next 5 weeks:
- Water Consumption
- Fruit & Vegetable Intake
- No Fast Food or Take Out
Join a bonus challenge to add to your dietary and/or hydration goals by increasing daily step count, performing acts of kindness, or reading a certain number of books.
- Daily Steps
- Acts of Kindness
- Reading
TRACK PROGRESS
By consistently reporting activities every day (or at least once a week), setting small goals for behavior change, and challenging yourself to prioritize health and wellness, you can make a big impact on your overall well-being. Logging progress into a system holds you accountable for your goals and allows teammates and community members to support you in your efforts. Log in to our wellness platform on a phone, tablet, or computer daily and track your progress throughout the duration of the challenge. Encourage others to participate with you for accountability and kick off the New Year with a healthier, happier, more energetic community.
RESOURCE CALENDAR
Use the activity resource calendar to access educational resources and learn about essential nutrients, dietary needs, and relationship with food. Set a goal to complete the daily activity on the calendar individually or as a family throughout the challenge. Click the hyperlinks for articles, videos, podcasts, and infographics to learn strategies for improving diet and health. Learn and apply essential skills for health-enhancing behaviors related to nutrition and food choices to decrease the risk of lifestyle diseases and enhance health and life satisfaction.
REGISTRATION
To join the challenge, click on the following link to register a new membership with an email and password and bookmark the defi wellness website. You can also download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Register for the challenge as a family or as an individual. Use the CHALLENGE CODE CC13 and follow the prompts to complete registration.
If you’ve participated in a CCPS wellness challenge in the past, visit the website, click PROFILE on the gray toolbar, select “register for a new challenge” and enter the CC13 code. Please email awesome@defiwell.net for registration support.
Registration is complete and you can access the dashboard. Activity is not visible on the dashboard until the challenge begins Monday, November 13th. Use the tool bar on the side to navigate the website and explore additional resources.
PARTICIPATION
Participation is voluntary and opened to ALL Calvert County Public Schools staff, students, families, and community members. The goal is to be mindful of daily behaviors that impact personal health and wellbeing while supporting one another in an online platform. The challenge encourages our community to access and utilize available resources that promotes healthy behavior change, develops healthy dietary habits, and improves relationships with others. Get excited about reducing risks for lifestyle disease through nutrition education and building a healthier community for all!
Sign up for the Nutrition and Hydration Challenge and recruit friends, family, and neighbors to join in the fun. This is a county-wide initiative inclusive to all members so let’s prioritize health and wellbeing across Calvert County. Sign up with teammates, family members, or co-workers for additional accountability and cheer each other on by recognizing hard work, discipline, and dedication on the dashboard. Add pictures to the gallery to celebrate your commitment to your health and wellbeing and share the positive experiences of being active in the community.
CELEBRATE
Pictures and social media can help document your journey, make memories with family and friends, and encourage others to improve their health. Share your journey on social media and tag us in your posts (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook - @défiwellnet and TikTok - @défiwellness). Be sure to follow the accounts for news, updates, and additional wellness resources. Social media can spread positivity, encourage others to adopt healthier lifestyles, and bring awareness to opportunities within Calvert County. Commit to bringing our community together through movement, social interaction, and regular physical activity. Use the hash tags #calvertshines, #calverthealth, #calvertcommunity, #calvertwellness, and #defiwellnet so we can celebrate you and your progress toward a healthier life.
Update your progress in the challenge on the défi portal at least once a week. Continue to check-in regularly for the duration of the challenge and receive a completion certificate. The ultimate reward will be improved health, reduced risk of disease, and a stronger, healthier community!
Live your best life by prioritizing your health!
Be Well,
Calvert County Wellness & défi Wellness Team
PTSA Update
Book Fair
The Book Fair is November 13-17th in the PPMS Media Center. Students will preview and be able to shop during their ELA classes on Nov. 13th and 14th. We can't do it without some help. We will send out more information in the coming weeks.
Please use the signup link to volunteer. https://bit.ly/FallBookFairHelpers
Spirit Wear - Holiday Sale is now!
The 2023 Holiday Sale begins this week! All Holiday Sale orders are guaranteed to arrive by December 23rd, and ship directly to your home! From Nov 6 - Dec 8th, you can get 20% discount and free shipping for purchases over $75. PPMS earns 10% on all sales.
Shop here: https://1stplace.sale/44362
Papa Johns Fundraising Cards
The PTSA is selling Papa Johns cards for $15 each. $10 profit goes straight to PPMS for each card sold. These cards get you a whole year of buy one - get one free pizza for all carryout orders in any local Papa Johns.
Cards can be picked up after school Mondays from 5 - 6.
Order here: https://fall-2023-fundraisers.cheddarup.com
Membership Drive - Join for a chance to win!
Become a member of Plum Point Middle's PTSA here: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/ppms-ptsa-23-24
Those who join by November 15th will be entered into a drawing to win 1 of 3 $25 gift cards! Dues help to fund events and activities for our students and families! Becoming a member does not mean you have to volunteer your time, but if you'd like to help out by volunteering or donating funds, there are lots of opportunities throughout the year!
How to contact the PTSA:
Visit our new LinkTree for all the ways to find us!
Repeated Information
Volunteering at PPMS
From CCPS
The CCPS Strategic Planning survey is now open. Your input is vital as we develop a 5-year Strategic Plan for CCPS. Please complete the survey by November 5 and share your thoughts on the profile of a graduate, strengths, focus areas, and future outlook for the district. The survey is being conducted by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, a third-party firm, to ensure that responses are kept anonymous. The online survey can be access at: https://hyasurvey.com/SPcalvert. To change the language of the survey, use the drop-down menu within the survey. Thank you for your support!
Cafeteria Information
Breakfast and Lunch meals are offered daily. School Meal Prices for SY 2023-2024 will remain the same:
Breakfast: $1.65; Secondary Lunch $2.80; Student Milk $0.55.
Contact PPMS Secretaries
If you have a question regarding school events/activities, would like to report an absence, or need to contact the school about car/bus rider status, please email the PPMS Secretaries:
Nondiscrimination Statement
Calvert County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry or national origin, familial status, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or genetic information in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
- Director of Student Services
- Director of Human Resources, 443-550-8000
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.
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Anti-sexual, Anti-racial and Anti-disability Harassment Statement
Discrimination can manifest itself in behaviors such as bullying, harassment, or intimidation of individuals.
Calvert County Public Schools does not tolerate any form of harassment including, but not limited to, sexual, racial, or disability. Any individual (student, employee, or community member) who believes that he or she has been subjected to any form of harassment is encouraged to report the allegation of harassment. Students, parents, and community members may report allegations of harassment to: Ms. Cecelia Lewis, Director of Student Services, Calvert County Public Schools, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Employees may report allegations of harassment to: Mr. Zachary Seawell, Director of Human Resources, Calvert County Public Schools, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Calvert County Public Schools is committed to conducting a prompt investigation for any allegation of harassment. If harassment has occurred, the individual will be disciplined promptly. Disciplinary actions for students found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or expulsion. Disciplinary actions for employees found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or termination.
Calvert County Public Schools encourages all students, parents, employees, and community members to work together to prevent any form of harassment.
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.
Calvert County Public Schools Antiracism Statement
Calvert County Public Schools explicitly denounces racism, bullying, discrimination, white supremacy, hate, and racial inequity in any form within our school community. Furthermore, CCPS will not tolerate the values, structures, and behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism.
Each member of the district, individually and collectively, is responsible for creating and nurturing a safe, antiracist learning environment where each student, staff member, and community partner is a respected and valued member of the CCPS community.