March Elk Trax
2022-2023 National School to Watch
From The Principal:
March has arrived and hopefully we can just move into spring weather!! As we get into this month, we have after-school tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays for reading and math. If you feel your child needs after-school tutoring, please contact Krystal Muterspaugh, Assistant Principal to be added to the list.
During February we celebrated CTE Month at EMS with special spirit days to recognize our Career and Technical clubs. I am excited for our first year as we celebrate Music Appreciation Week in March from March 6-10. Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 9 at 6pm... EMS will have a Karaoke Contest highlighting karaoke acts of students or staff at EMS. Admission will be $5 for all visitors. Come out and see the talent at EMS!
March 6-9 is our 8th Grade Writing SOL testing window. Our 8th graders will all be participating in the SOL writing test during this time.
Don't forget that our Spring Break is March 13-17! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Spring Break and can enjoy being outside during this time.
Elkton Middle is a happening place with a lot going on! I hope you have a great month and as always, please call me if you have any questions or concerns!
Emily Holloway, Principal
A Message From Michelle Campbell, Assistant Principal
It is hard to believe Spring has arrived. This week spring sports season started with Boys & Girls Track. Remember Track is open to all students grades 6th-8th. You must have a VHSL physical on file to participate. Please check with Coach Rose or Coach Stroop if you have any questions. We also have a lot of club activities and fundraisers going on this Spring so be on the lookout for ways to contribute to EMS in a positive way! As always, if you have any questions feel free to reach out to me anytime.
Ms. Campbell will work with students whose Last Name begins with A-L
A Note From Krystal Muterspaugh, Assistant Principal
I hope everyone had a great February and is looking forward to this upcoming month. Hopefully spring is right around the corner! For those interested, remember track starts this week. We also have tutoring continuing for those who signed up. Tutoring is every Tuesday and Thursday until the first week in May, we will not have tutoring on days where school is closed. I hope everyone has a great month ahead. If I can be of any assistance with your child please don't hesitate to contact me.
Ms. Muterspaugh will work with students whose Last Name begins with M-Z
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
We are currently having an increase of students sending and sharing inappropriate content via cell phones and social media. Parents, please be aware of what your child has on their phone and know what is happening with social media. Please see the information below from our SRO regarding inappropriate content on phones:
Any person who possesses pictures of child pornography could be charged with a felony. It is illegal to have nudity on a phone that is of a minor. School consequences are in addition to the legal concerns. Students who falsely identify and/or share pictures that they claim are minors will also be addressed by school administration. Reports of child pornopgrpahy on a phone are subject to lawful seizure and can be seized by the SRO.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our SRO, Bruce Hornick or our school administration.
March Clinic News
March is upon us so quick, time just keeps on flying! The weather doesn't really know what it wants to do which keeps some of the sickness around for us. Along with spring trying to poke through we are getting some of the seasonal junk hitting us as well. Please continue to monitor your child before sending them to school. Check temperatures, monitor symptoms if they are not feeling well and so forth. As we all work together we can keep things at bay and work together so students can be healthy while trying to be at school learning to the best of their abilities.
As another early reminder for sports physicals, physicals in general and immunizations (if you so choose to vaccinate your student) please don't wait until the last minute to schedule those appointments as those time slots go fast at doctors offices. Go ahead and put a call in and get on the books now. Set those appointments up and plan ahead so you are not left waiting until the last minute and then saying you were not aware of what was needed to begin the school year, to play their sport etc. Plan, plan, plan ahead! I too have been there myself. Life can get busy so we will forget sometimes.
*Remember if it's recommended then you as the parent have the right to verbally decline that vaccination. If it's required then you either have to get those vaccinations or you as the parent can choose exemption options (do your research). I support you as the parent having the right to choose whatever works for your family.
I simply need one of the following:
-The vaccination record showing your child received the vaccinations required by the state of Virginia
-The exemption form that worked for your family (medical from your doctor or religious that is notarized)
**Coming up on April 5th the Smile Program/in-school - Mobile Dentist will be at EMS**
You may sign your child up online at the below link:
https://www.myschooldentist.com/Default.aspx
There will be some forms coming home with students in the coming weeks but the easiest way is the above link. That will get your child signed up quickly and efficiently.
If you have any questions please feel free to call them at 1-888-833-8441
Hope you have a happy and healthy March!
Nurse Julie
Regional Spelling Bee
You're invited to the Rockingham District Ruritans' Regional Spelling Bee this Saturday (March 4) at Skyline Middle School at 10:00 am. **The bee may start a few minutes early if all contestants are in place.
The following RCPS Students will be participating:
RCPS Spelling Bee Champion
Catherine Biesecker: Montevideo Middle School
RCPS Spelling Bee Runner-Up
Chenghao (Joe) Yang: Montevideo Middle School
Other Regional Qualifiers
Antony Elgohary Montevideo Middle School
Andrew Jenkins Elkton Middle School
Genesis Ortiz Vargas Plains Elementary School
Rylee Caplinger Fulks Run Elementary School
Sarah Manetta J. Frank Hillyard Middle School
Ronin Deputy Wilbur Pence Middle School
Austin Johnson Ottobine Elementary School
Grant Lehman Mountain View Elementary School
Trenton Blosser Elkton Middle School
Noah Swartzendruber Wilbur Pence Middle School
Trenton Blosser
Saturday, March 4
Andrew Jenkins
NOTICE FOR ALL STUDENTS & PARENTS
Outside food (restaurants, fast food, drinks) are not allowed to be brought to school during the day for students. Students may pack and lunch and eat in the cafeteria or eat school lunch. Due to the school lunch program, we cannot allow students to have outside food brought in to consume during lunch. If a parent would like to visit their child during lunch, they can come (and bring food) to have lunch with their child in the courtyard outside. Due to space availability in the cafeteria, we do not have extra seating for guests. We do welcome parents to come and enjoy lunch with their child in the courtyard; we just ask that you support the school rules for lunch and outside food.
Students are not permitted to bring drinks to school to consume in classes, except water. Parents, please help us by making sure your child is not being dropped off with coffee, lattes, or other drinks not allowed at school. Students who have them will be asked to leave them in the office and can get them at the end of the day.
Valley Scholars
(Click the graphic below for more information.)
Student Vacations
Inspire Award
Principal Spotlight:
These students at EMS are amazing! I enjoyed getting to know these eight students a little more as I recognized them for the Principal Spotlight...
Sebastian Robles
The Achiever Team is recognizing Sebastian Robles as the Principal Spotlight this month. Sebastian is an exceptional student. He consistently demonstrates academic excellence in all subjects. However, it is not just his academic performance that makes him stand out. He is an active learner in class, quick to participate in class discussions, encourages others to give their best, and asks questions to deepen his understanding.
Sebastian's curiosity, leadership skills, and dedication to learning make him an outstanding student. He is truly an “ACHIEVER”.
Jade Martinez Ortiz
The student spotlight of the Brainiacs this month is Jade Martinez Ortiz. Jade is an extremely hard working student. She always completes her assignments on time and wants to succeed academically. Additionally, she is a very positive influence for her peers. Jade treats her teachers and classmates with respect and kindness. She is a model student and has been so the entire year.
Brantly McDonaldson
Congratulations to Brantly McDonaldson for being the POWR team’s Student to Spotlight! Brantly is a standout student who consistently goes above and beyond. He actively engages in class discussions, asks thoughtful questions, and consistently produces high-quality work. His commitment to learning has not only resulted in top-notch grades, but has also inspired his peers to strive for excellence. Thank you Brantly for being an amazing student, classroom leader, and friend to all!! Keep up the great work!!
Alexa Miller
Allie Beierle
Levi Woodward
Gavin Perrine
Bethany Clark
The Eaglets are recognizing Bethany Clark as the student spotlight. Her teachers say that Bethany is very thoughtful, considerate, and a dedicated student. She treats others with respect and kindness. In class, she always goes the extra mile and puts great effort into her work. She is a joy to teach.
Kindness Week Concludes
JMU madiSTEM Event
madiSTEM: A STEM Conference Designed for Girls in Grades 6-8 will be held at James Madison University on Saturday, March 25 9:00-3:30.
Open to all students, grades 6-8. Parents and teachers may attend madiSTEM with their students. There is no registration fee, but all students and accompanying adults and teachers must register in advance.
Online registration for the 2023 conference will open on February 17. Click HERE to register.
EMS Chess Club
Crochet Bloodroot
Click for More Information
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Spring 2023 Field Test Parent Information
Spring 2023 Field Test of Integrated Reading and Writing Test Item
Parent Information
This will be given March 29, 2023.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has developed a new type of test question for future Standards of Learning (SOL) Reading assessments in grades 5, 8, and high school. Before this new type of test item is administered to students as part of the SOL Reading tests in grades 5, 8, and high school, it is being tried out with students this spring during what is called a field test. Students in grades 5, 8, and high school students currently enrolled in English 11 who are scheduled to take the online SOL Reading test will participate in this field test.
During the field test, students will read a nonfiction passage online that may be about a history or science topic and then answer four to six questions about what they have read. One question is a writing prompt, which is a question that asks students to write about what they have read. Students will complete the field test online in one session. Currently, the VDOE is only trying out this item type in an online format. In the future, this item type will be available in other formats for students needing an accommodation such as braille, large print, or audio.
Examples of this new item type are available for students, parents, and teachers to view online in what are called “Integrated Reading and Writing Item Sets.” These item sets include examples for grade 5, grade 8, and high school students and can be located using the SOL Practice Items page of the VDOE website. A guide, Integrated Reading and Writing Practice Items, is also available for use with these item sets. The guide gives information about each practice item and how students can use the available online tools.
It is important to know that individual test results from the field test will not be available to students, but results of the field test will be used to make decisions about use of the new integrated reading and writing item type on future state assessments.
Each school division has selected a time for their students to complete the online field test. Rockingham County Public Schools will administer the field test in March. Students may have as much time as they need to complete this test during the school day.
If you have questions about this field test, please contact Cheryl Estep at cestep@rockingham.k12.va.us or Amanda Bolt at abolt@rockingham.k12.va.us or by phone at 540-564-3200.
SOL Practice Items: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/student-assessment/sol-practice-items-all-subjects
Integrated Reading and Writing Practice Items: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/3872/637994640228570000
March
2/27-3/20: Butter Braid Fundraiser-Music Dept.
01: Women's History Month
02: EMS Tutoring Begins thru May 4th
04: Rockingham District Ruritan Spelling Bee
06-09: SOL Gr 8 Writing (Paper)
06-10: Music in our Schools Month Spirit Week
07: FFA - Blue Ridge Area -Spring Rally
09: Chess Club
13: School Board meeting - Rockingham Co Administration Center
13-17: NO School Spring Break
17: Elkton Creamery PTA Fundraiser Day
18: Bus Driver Appreciation Day
20-24: SOL Gr 8 Writing (Online)
24-28: 7th and 8th grade Band - Orlando, FL
25: FCCLA Adult Easter Egg Hunt
27: School Board Meeting - Montevideo Middle
28: Spring/Buddy Picture Day
29: EMS Track Pictures
31: End of the 3rd Grading Period
31: Moxie Coffee PTA Fundraiser Day
31: PBIS Carnival
April
03: FFA Plant Sales Begin
05: Smile Dentistry
07: NO School for Students
09: Easter Sunday
10: NO School for Students
11: PTA Meeting, 3:30
11: School Board meeting - Rockingham Co Administration
13: 8th grade parent meeting 5:00-7:00
13-16: FCCLA State Leadership and Recognition Conference & STAR Events Competition
14: Ensemble Presentation
21: 7th grade - Elkton Water Treatment Plant/Boat landing (Kraken and Sullivan's classes)
21: Elkton Creamery PTA Fundraiser Day
24: School Board Meeting - Turner Ashby High School
25: Track District Championship @ Montevideo Middle School
26: Administrative Professionals' Day
27: Last day to Vote for Elk of the Month
28: Moxie Coffee PTA Fundraiser Day
29- April 4: Technology Week
WOW! - 7th Grade Worlds of Work Field Trip
WOW! - 7th Grade Worlds of Work Field Trip - March 21, 2023
We’re excited to announce that all RCPS 7th graders will be participating in a field trip to the Worlds of Work Career Fair at Augusta Expoland on March 21, 2023. On this trip, your middle school student will explore different career pathways and experience a wide variety of career opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to “test out” careers through hands-on simulations and learn about the education required to enter into the workforce. Many businesses from the area will be participating to give students a “snapshot” of job opportunities that exist in the Shenandoah Valley. This event will help your child plan their program of study through middle school, high school, and further education.
The permission slip may be accessed HERE.
Feel free to contact Dave Greenplate, School Counselor, at dgreenpla@rockingham.k12.va.us or (540) 298-1228 with any questions!
Elkton Middle School
Assistant Principal: Michelle Campbell
Assistant Principal: Krystal Muterspaugh
Website: ems.rockingham.k12.va.us
Location: 21063 Blue and Gold Drive, Elkton, VA, USA
Phone: (540) 298-1228
Facebook: facebook.com/ElktonMiddle
Twitter: @ElktonMiddle