Gator Gazette Weekly News
Principal's Update
We are currently in the middle of our Mega Fundraiser (also known as our Arm Chair Fundraiser). We are raising funds for our advisory club supplies, offset PBIS t-shirt costs and grade level field trip costs, and purchasing school decor (e.g., Gator mural, Gator bench).
Advisory Corner
Our mentoring/advisory class at PPMS is one way we are building a positive school community. It is designed to
- Promote a sense of community,
- Meet students’ needs for belonging, significance, and acceptance,
- Improve students’ academic performance,
- Encourage communication, and
- Build essential social emotional learning skills (SEL Competencies)
Please read the overview found below for additional information. Each week, I will share our curricular focus so families can better partner with us as we help develop the critical skills of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.
Curricular Focus: Empathy
Skills Practiced This Week: Asking/answering questions, Empathy, Helping others, Responsibility, & Teamwork
Monthly Assembly Focus:
Social Awareness - a person's ability to consider the perspectives of other individuals, groups, or communities, and apply that understanding to interactions with them.​- Taking others’ perspectives
- Recognizing strengths in others
- Demonstrating empathy and compassion
- Showing concern for the feelings of others
- Understanding and expressing gratitude
- Identifying diverse social norms
- Recognizing situational demands and opportunities
September/October Gator Character Challenge: "Recognizing Gator Greatness" - complete 4 recognition forms for students and/or staff members; turn in the form to Ms. Swann by 10/26 to earn Gator Bucks.
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This week, we are adding in our advisory enrichment and remediation clubs. Students will meet on B days in their assigned club. The clubs that will meet the remainder of 1st quarter are listed below. A letter will be given to students on Monday listing their club assignment, teacher, and room number. Ask your child what club they will be attending for the remainder of 1st quarter.
Although every effort was made to place students into clubs of interest, this as an extension within our advisory program where students have an opportunity to build their academic, social, and emotional skills in an authentic setting. Students who do not get placed into one of their top five choices, or are assigned to an academic or social intervention, will still reap the benefits of this time by building relationships, connecting with an adult, nurturing & developing new skills and talents, and learning/applying effective communication & collaboration skills.
1st Quarter Clubs
Study Hall
History Fair Competitors
Theater
Sports
Origami
Board Games
Chess
Spanish Culture
Woodworking
Stock Market
Gator News Network
Book Club
Harry Potter Club
Recycling/Green Club
National Junior Honor Society
Student Government & School Spirit
Walking Club
Lego/Lego Robotics
Orchestra
PBIS Update
The Plum Point Middle staff continues to promote and recognize positive behavior around the school. Just this week our staff was writing Positive Referrals recognizing outstanding behavior in our students. Recognized students received a certificate, reward, and/or call home.
Additionally, our school store opened on Friday. Thank you to Ms. Watt and Ms. Hall for volunteering to staff the store. Students were able to earn their "Gator Bucks" to purchase school supplies, snacks, and prizes. The goal is to reinforce positive behavior to build a more supportive school climate. The store is a reward for students who demonstrated positive behavior here at PPMS.
If you would like to donate to the PBIS team, please see the flyer below. All funds will go directly towards creating rewards and incentives to continue supporting our work acknowledging all of the amazing things our students do every day.
School Events
September
19 - NJHS Induction, 9 AM
21 - NJHS Meeting, 3 - 3:45 PM
22 - A Place for Kindness Club Begins, 3rd period, Library (sign up in Gator Services by 9/21)
26 - Picture Day
28 - Interims in HAC & 2-hour Early Dismissal
29 - No School
Armchair Fundraiser - 9/14-9/28
Help us raise funds to supplement school shirt orders, school decor, & advisory club resources/supplies.
Clubs (recurring)
- Chess Club, Mondays, 7 AM, Rm. 114
- Garden Club, Mondays, 3-5 PM, Rm. 114
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), 7 AM, Gym
- Student Government Association (SGA), 7 AM, Rm. 316
Testing Corner
9/18-9/19: Primary MAP Reading Testing Window
From the Office
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.
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
See updated calendar below (updated 9/15).
Academic Eligibility for Athletic Programs has been updated: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1692121536/calvertnetk12mdus/lyiw01xuk5k8rgwhgcon/16301.pdf
Please email our athletic director, Mr. Pellock, with any questions: pellockj@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Student Government Association
(repeat) Student government helps develop public speaking and leadership skills which help students throughout life. Students get to practice these leadership skills at county and statewide general assemblies and conferences. SGA also plans and executes many schoolwide events.
- End Hunger Food Drive
- School Dances and Socials
- School Beautification Days
- Teacher Appreciation Activities
- Pink Day − Breast Cancer Research
- Love All Pets Month − Calvert Animal Welfare League
Past and current PPMS Student Government Association, SGA, leaders have served on the Calvert Association of Student Councils, Maryland Association of Student Councils, and Calvert County Board of Education! PPMS SGA helps develop our future leaders!
We are very happy to announce the schedule for SGA meetings for the 2023-2024 school year. We conducted our first meeting on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 7:00 a.m. in Mrs. Kelly’s room, room 316. Students are still welcome to join SGA. We will meet every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. in room 316. 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.
Nurse Notes
Signs if could be more than a cold 🤒
- Symptoms develop fast - Cold symptoms like nasal congestion or sneezing start slowly and gradually get worse. Flu symptoms hit you all of a sudden and feel stronger.
- Chills - Shivering because your body temperature changes. They aren't typically a sign of a cold. Chills could be an early sign of an infection or high fever. More common with the flu or pneumonia.
- Increase in body temperature - a sign your body is trying to fight an infection/illness. Fevers are rarely caused by a cold, much more common with the flu, bronchitis and pneumonia. A body temperature over 100.4 is considered a fever - 100.0 for school children.
- Body aches - slight aches possible with a cold, but stronger aches are usually a sign of the flu.
- Wheezing - breathing sounds like a whistle. This is a sign of a more serious infection like pneumonia or bronchitis.
- Cough with mucus - mild annoying cough common with a cold but if you cough up mucus (slimy stuff from deep in your chest) can be a sign of pneumonia or bronchitis.
- Fatigue - no energy, no appetite, a typical symptom of the flu. Less often caused by a cold.
- Sore throat - mild with a cold and sometimes with the flu. Very painful and comes on quickly may be a sign of strep throat.
- Headache - many causes but a cold usually isn't one of them. Common flu symptom and possible sinus infection.
- Chest tightness or Pain - sign of a more serious respiratory infection like bronchitis. Sharp pain that worsens when you cough could be a sign of pneumonia.
- Shortness of breath - a cold can cause a stuffy nose which makes breathing harder, but real shortness of breath is a sign of something more serious.
- Ear, face or eye pressure - could be a sign of sinus infection or ear infection.
- Symptoms that don't go away - flu symptoms may be bad, but they usually get better within a few days. Colds can last up to 10 days. Pneumonia symptoms can last for a month or longer. Bronchitis symptoms can last several months.
​*Always call your primary care physician for new or worsening symptoms so you can get an accurate diagnosis and get the right treatment.
*Please keep student's home if they are sick to help keep our PPMS community safe, happy and healthy! Happy September 🙂
PTSA Update
Membership Drive!
Become a member of Plum Point Middle's PTSA here: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/ppms-ptsa-23-24
Our $10 Membership is annual so if you were a member last year, please renew for this school year. 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 through the year!
PTSA Meeting:
Thanks to all those who joined us for Thursday's virtual meeting! Our next meeting will be Wednesday, October 11th at 6pm in the Media Center.
Save the Date for Trunk or Treat!
Trunk or Treat is October 27th, from 6 - 8pm. Planning has begun for this fun annual event. If you'd like to help, please email us at ppmsfamilies@gmail.com.
How to contact the PTSA:
Visit our new LinkTree for all the ways to find us!
Repeated Information
We are excited to bring back old traditions and begin new ones with our PBIS team this year. Please read below for more information and see ways you can donate to help us acknowledge GREAT behavior.
Volunteering at PPMS
From CCPS
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.