Harmony News- Weekly Update
October 26, 2020
Dear Parents,
Only a few quick updates this week. Don't forget today is also the last week to close our Q1 marking period. If you have checked ParentVUE and still have questions, please contact your child's teacher(s).
Picture Information
If you had your picture taken, they are now at school for pick-up. We are also offering 10 - 1 each day from Oct 27 to Oct 30 for families to pick up pictures at the front door. No need to call ahead. Just come on by and buzz in at the door. YES - pick them up for neighbors with their permission.
Another reason to pick them up this week is that make-ups will be offered November 2, as described in last week's newsletter (article reprinted below).
Clubs Begin to Return
Stay tuned for details about Cooking Club, Harry Potter Club, Band 6 Club, Odyssey of the Mind, Band 7/8 Club, and many more, including a possible Roblox Club.
Picture Day Make-Up is Nov 2 (9 to 12)
LAST CHANCE FOR PICTURES! On November 2nd from 9-12, Harmony will hold a make-up picture day for any students who were unable to have their pictures taken in September and October or who would like a make up.
Please see the Lifetouch order form for information about ordering. Call your House secretary if you have any questions.
We plan to take school pictures in a safe and socially distant manner.
1. Students will enter and check in through the 1st main gym door. (see map)
2. Students must wear face coverings at all times (except during photograph) and stand at designated cones when waiting in line. Photographers will clean areas between each picture.
3. Students will be photographed in the main gym and then exit the back gym door (#2) and walk to meet parents, who should be parked on the blacktop. (see map)
Parents should enter the parking lot and proceed straight ahead, turning right after the parking area. Drop students off at door 1 and follow the sidewalk around to the blacktop.
Please park on the blacktop and wait for your child to exit the building (door 2 on the map). After your child has returned to your car, please exit by following the sidewalk around the building (as shown on map).
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND (OM) NEWS
Like so many other parts of normal life, Odyssey of the Mind has had to reinvent itself in this year of Covid, adapting to a socially-distanced format. But out-of-the-box thinkers thrive on overcoming challenges!
If you are a parent interested in coaching a team of creative problem solvers in this virtual world, please email Harmony's Odyssey of the Mind school coordinator, Kim Ramsey at kim@nwvoices.org, to learn more about this year's OotM program.
Yearbook News
Facebook link for newsletter
https://www.facebook.com/Harmony-Middle-School-Yearbook-103656698180896
For any Yearbook questions, please contact rachel.martin@lcps.org or kelly.mcgrath@lcps.org.
Formative vs. Summative Grades
(We borrowed this from Mrs. Hillebrand's Newsletter)
What is the difference between these two types of grades? GREAT QUESTION!
Formative Grades - typically takes place prior or during instruction where students are assessed on their knowledge to see if they have 'grasped' the content. This guides the teacher in planning his/her instruction. Formative grades DO NOT COUNT towards the student's average.
Summative Grades - typically takes place at the end of instruction (quizzes, tests, projects, etc.). This type of assessment lets the teacher know what knowledge the student has attained. Summative grade DO COUNT towards the student's average.
Reminder to Music Lab 6 Students Only
Dear Parents of 6th Grade Music Lab Students,
For 2nd quarter, we will be studying the World Music Drumming curriculum. Each student needs a drum and another percussion instrument to use at home. Pickup day for these instruments will be on Monday November 2nd from 10:00 am - Noon at the Kiss & Go door on the side of the building.
I will have the instruments labeled with each student's name, so pickup should be easy. If you can't come to school during that time, please let me know so we can make other arrangements. Students should keep their school guitar at home while we're playing drums. We will get back to guitar later in the year. Thank you,