Rice Middle School eNews
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Traffic & Our New Crossing Guard
Attention Parents,
Thank you for your patience and support in the front of the building with our new crossing guard. For those of you who would like to say hello to him, his name is Richard Curtis. He’s a nice man, who is willing to help our students stay safe.
I know his presence is a welcome sight for most, especially when it comes to the safety of our students. But having a crossing guard has also affected the flow of the traffic in the front lot.
Here are some items I would like you to keep in mind when dropping off your children:
- Do not use the front parking lot to drop off your child. This creates a safety concern when the students cross the carpool lane. Also parents may not see a student, which would end up badly.
- Please use the right lane of the front carpool to drop off your child. There are some drivers who are dropping their children off from the left lane which is another safety concern.
- The back carpool lane is an easy way to drop off your child and avoid the front of the building all together. Please see the picture below.
- The Crossing Guard does not direct traffic. When he is in the crosswalk, all traffic must stop.
- The busiest times in the morning are from about 8:15-8:25 (the building opens at 7:50) and until around 3:45 in the afternoons.
- Continue to exhibit patience.
Thanks for your understanding!
Chris Glasscock
Rice News
A. Spring Pictures are Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Spring Pictures will be Wednesday, November 1, through social studies classes. Pictures are pre-pay or pay online only. Students will only receive pictures if they are paid for in advance. We would like everyone's picture in the yearbook so please stop by a camera in one of the pods. Cameras will be set up as early as 7:45 a.m. on this day. CHEESE!!!!
Picture Day Flyer with Important CODES
B. Rice's Annual Career Day, Friday November 3rd --Volunteers Still Needed!
Rice Middle School will be having Career Day Friday, November 3rd. The counseling department needs some help! If you, or a relative, are interested in discussing your career to our 8th grade population, please contact the counselor at Margaret.jimenez@pisd.edu . She will give you details on what to discuss and pointers if you need them. Thanks for your consideration.
C. Calling All Veterans!
We will be having our Veterans Day assemblies on the morning of Friday, November 10th (see attached schedule). There are many students participating and assisting this year-band, choir, speech/ debate, Boy Scouts, AVID, art, and Student Council-and that is super exciting!!
If you, your spouse, or an immediate family member is a United States Armed Forces Veteran, we would like to honor your/ his/ her service! Please complete this Google form to be properly recognized during the Veterans Day assemblies. If you have a picture to add to the display case and the presentation that will run during the assemblies, please e-mail to elizabeth.nipper@pisd.edu no later than November 7th!
If you have any questions, please feel free to send an e-mail!
Semper Fidelis,
Elizabeth Nipper
D. AVID Tutors Needed
We're looking for talented, engaged tutors to work with our AVID students. AVID Tutors serve as facilitators during small group, inquiry-based tutoring sessions. Tutors use questioning techniques to deepen understanding. On-site training will be provided. Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday positions are available. We have openings at several PISD campuses. Tutor pay rate is $12/hour and tutors must be in college or have a college degree. If you're interested in learning more, please email Allison.Venuto@pisd.edu.
E. News from the Nurse
Cold and Flu Prevention
Parents and students can help reduce the impact of the cold and flu season by following these simple tips:
- Get a flu shot!
- Keep your children at home for fever of 100˚F or more for 24 hours without fever reducing medication.
- Wash your hands often with warm water and soap for 20 seconds or more. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs can easily enter the body this way.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cough and/or sneeze into a tissue or your upper sleeve, not into your hand.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces at home, work, and school, especially if someone is ill.
- Practice other good health habits such as being physically active, drinking plenty of fluids, getting plenty of rest, and eating nutritious foods.
If you want more information on influenza please visit these helpful sites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
Texas Department of State Health Services: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/influenza/
PTA News
A. Reflections Contest Deadline Tomorrow!
The deadline for submitting entries for the 2017-18 Reflections PTA program is Oct 31, 2017. This year’s theme is “Within Reach”. Students can participate in the categories of Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Art
Please Note
You can read information about the program at (also carefully read all eligibility and participation rules such as format, dimensions etc. to avoid disqualification)
http://www.txpta.org/reflections
- Make sure to complete the student form correctly and place it in a sheet protector before affixing it on the envelope/back of each entry.
- Students must have at least one PTA/PTSA Member in their household in participate.
- All entries need to be submitted at the front desk (except Visual Art entries: these should be submitted at the art studio)
B. Plano ISD PTAs Night Presented by NTT Data
Come support Rice PTA at a Texas Legends game on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. 100% of ticket proceeds benefit Plano PTAs.
The Texas Legends will be facing off against the Oklahoma City Blue in their season opener. Tickets are $10.
Select Plano ISD Fine Arts Programs will be performing during the game.
Tickets available at: https://www.groupmatics.events/event/planoisdptas
C. Book Fair Volunteers Needed Nov. 3-9
If you are interested in helping with the Book Fair from Nov. 3-Nov. 9, please sign up for a slot here: https://docs.google.com/…/1EBriSfn0TivFurci-FfuSj5sZU…/edit…
Book Fair volunteers must have completed the 2017-2018 PISD volunteer application and background check in order to serve. Visit www.pisd.edu/volunteer to fill out your application if you have not already done so for this school year, and ensure that you have checked the box for "Rice Middle School" in the Jobs section. Contact volunteers@ricepta.org with questions.
D. More Spirit Wear Available Online
If you missed ordering Spirit Wear or want to buy a hoodie for your Rice Raven, now's your chance! More inventory has been added online. Visit https://ricemspta.membershiptoolkit.com/ and select the Order Here tab to place your order. T-shirt and hoodies will delivered to your child at school.
Please like the Rice PTA Facebook page to stay informed about PTA activities!
Guidance News: High School Registration
Attention 8th Graders and Families:
Parent and student informational meetings for the Academy Programs of Plano will be hosted during the month of November for incoming ninth graders (and their parents) considering attending one of the Academy Programs of Plano. Each academy program will host three information nights between November 1 and November 16 (see schedule below). All meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. Online applications will open on November 13 and close December 15. Students will receive notice of placement on January 5 and student commitments must be received by January 12, 2018.
Learn more at www.pisd.edu/academies.
Watch an overview video for each program at
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVcNW-DvhSHX64qUL4meOnpqtY4PTpwxH.
Meeting Details
Plano ISD Health Sciences Academy meetings will be held at Williams High School Cafeteria, located at 1717 17th Street, Plano, TX 75074, at 6:30 p.m. on November 6, November 14 and November 16, 2017. Contact Heidi Cardenas at heidi.cardenas@pisd.edu with questions.
IB World School information meetings will be held in three locations at 6:30 p.m.: November 2 at Plano Senior High Theater located at 2200 Independence Parkway, November 13 at Plano East Senior High Theater located at 3000 Los Rios Boulevard and November 14 at Plano West Senior High Theater at 5601 W. Parker Road. Contact Kathy Witcher at kathy.witcher@pisd.eduwith questions.
Plano ISD Academy High School information meetings will be held at Academy High School, located at 1701 Alma Drive, Plano, TX 75075, at 6:30 p.m. on November 1, 6 and 9. Contact Pam at pam.conner@pisd.edu with questions.
District News
SAFE: Parent Education Nights
The district will be leading suicide prevention discussions with parents, hosted by Vanita Halliburton. The program will address signs of distress in teenagers, brain health, and keeping your children safe. All three events are identical. To learn more about this event or to view dates for the discussion, please click on the link below.
The last meeting is on November 7th at Plano East Senior High School in the cafeteria from 6:30 to 7:45 pm.
Club News
A. Rice MATHCOUNTS CLUB
Rice MATHCOUNTS club will host the Second North Texas MATHCOUNTS Mock Competition on Saturday November 18 at Rice Middle School. It is open to all Rice students. The registration form is available outside Ms. Liu’s room 911. You may also go to Rice MATHCOUNTS club Google classroom to download the registration form. Last date to sign up is Friday, November 10th.
B. Calling all Rice Dads!
The first meeting of the Rice Dads Club was a huge success! Thank you to all the dads who came out last Friday! However, it’s not too late to still join in the fun….
If you are you interested in learning about other ways dads can be involved and active at Rice, then consider coming out for our next event. Stay tuned to the eNews for future meeting dates. Contact Victor Mendiola with any questions or comments (469.766.5848 or vic.mendiola@gmail.com).
C. Attention 8th Grade Parents!
Do you want to create a custom ad for your student's yearbook? 8th grade yearbook recognition ads are a great way to celebrate student success and milestones and reflect on the person your student has become. Show your pride and support your school at the same time! Visit www.jostensadservice.com to create your recognition ad.
ALL ads MUST be paid for and created online by Friday, November 10, 2017! NOTE: RECOGNITION ADS ARE FOR 8TH GRADERS ONLY. Ads are full color. If you would like to see a sample, please visit the website OR contact Ms. Kosel with any questions or comments at hayley.kosel@pisd.edu.
Prices are as listed:
- Full page: Not offered
- 1/2 page: Not offered
- 1/4 page: $50.00
- 1/8 page: $30.00
D. ECO Club News
Requests from the Eco-Club at Rice
Please help the Eco-Club by collecting bottle caps and jar lids of all colors and sizes. Specially brown and black. The Eco-Club is doing a project with them and we need your help saving the caps and lids for us. Bring them to Room 817 (Mrs. Martinez’ Room) or leave them at the front office.
Plano Fall Waterways Cleanup
The Eco-Club is participating in the first Plano Fall Waterways Cleanup day this Saturday, November 4th from 9 until noon. We will be cleaning around Rice, Skaggs, and Russell Creek Park. Free t-shirt for the first 30 students that sign up in Room 817. NJHS points will be provided. Many volunteers are needed, please come and join the Eco-Club while we beautify our neighborhood.
Click on the links below to learn more about recycling!
Miscellaneous Information
A. 16TH ANNUAL SNOWFLAKE BAZAAR
When: Saturday, Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 5 from noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Plano West Senior High School, Cafeteria, 5601 W. Parker Road, Plano, TX 75093 (between Preston and the Dallas North Tollway)
What: A holiday shopping extravaganza benefiting the Plano West Mighty Wolf Band.
The 16th Annual Snowflake Bazaar is one-stop shopping for the holidays, featuring seasonal items, floral design, gourmet specialties, jewelry, toys, candles, home accessories, ladies and children’s apparel, personalized items, handbags, shoes, and so much more! Sponsored by the Plano West Band Boosters, this is the largest annual fundraiser for the Plano West Senior High School Band.
Cost: Admission is free.
Contact: Email pwshsnowflake@gmail.com or visit ww.planowestband.org.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
B. Calling all Mini Royales: Register Now for Game Night & Clinic!
Does your girl like to dance? Back by popular demand, girls K – 8th grade are invited to participate in the Mini-Royales Game Night and Clinic. On Friday, Nov. 3, “minis” will march on the Clark Stadium field with the Royales and sit in the stands with them. On Saturday, Nov. 4 the award-winning Royales will teach the minis a routine and the clinic will end with a performance “show off” for parents and friends!
Register for one or both events, but space is limited so pre-register before Oct. 27! Students who pre-register will receive a t-shirt, discount and avoid long lines! Visit royales.membershiptoolkit.com for a registration form and event details. Email Janet Dolan at janetdolan@yahoo.com or Deb Breihan at debbreihan@gmail.com with questions.
C. Can I Get a Wolfpack?
Get your Wolfpack Spirit Wear during lunch at Jasper High School Wednesday October 25th!
T-shirts $15 ~ Pre-order Stadium Blankets $35.
Cash or checks payable to Jasper Jazz Booster Club.
Thank You for Reading the eNews
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