Gator Gazette Weekly News
Principal's Update
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
This is our last update of the 2023 year. I hope that all of our Gator families have a peaceful winter vacation! Students will have a 2-hour early dismissal today, Thursday, 12/21, and no school on Friday, 12/22. Students will return in the new year on Wednesday, 1/3.
Congratulations to Ms. Blankenship & Ms. Plank!
Please help us congratulate our PPMS Educational Support Person of the Year, Ms. Blankenship & our PPMS Teacher of the Year, Ms. Plank!
Happy Holidays!
December
21 - 2-hour Early Dismissal for Students
22 - Winter Vacation Begins
January
3 - School Resumes for Students
15 - No School, President's Day
19 - End of 2nd Marking Period
22 - 2-hour Late Arrival for Students
26 - 2nd Marking Period Report Cards Published by 3 PM
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 (NO Meeting on 12/21)
From the Office
(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
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. (No Meeting 12/21)
Career Corner
Information for December
Did you know Career Advising made the local paper?
https://countytimes.somd.com/read/calvert.php
This month as there are many cultural celebrations, we will focus on career paths that bring cultures together. I will be working with the 8th graders to reflect on their CTA field trip. We will discuss what was interesting about CTA and address any questions they have about the programs offered there.
The seventh graders will get a visit from me in their Science classes to talk about the RIASEC model in relation to their Xello profiles. We will begin to discuss how can their career ideas could introduce new cultures and customs into their work life balance.
For the sixth graders I will have a trivia table in the hall during their lunch on Monday, Dec 4. The focus will be career paths that start close to home, but could take them far and wide.
Coming up: In January the CTE programs will be coming to the school. Information to follow.
PPMS Theatre
Descendants Cast and Crew Announced
Please see the attached student list for the production this year. Rehearsals/Tech days will begin on January 9th. Cast will stay on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Tech crew will stay on Thursdays in January. We will have a parent meeting on Wednesday, January 10th at 4:45pm. Contact ppmstheatre@gmail.com with any questions.
PPMS Yearbook
Yearbook Committee
Yearbook Committee will meet on the following days during 3rd Period:
1/10, 1/25, 2/14, 2/28, 3/18, 4/4, 5/16
Email any photos for yearbook consideration to eversolec@calvertnet.k12.md.us.
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!!!
Nurse Notes
Nurse Notes
Holiday Blues Triggers and Tips to Help You Cope
Over Commercialization
When giant Grinch blow-ups or pressure to outdo last year's gifts are bringing you down. Try these tips to put the focus back on what's meaningful to you.
Spend quality time with family and friends. Draw from your beliefs. Stick to simple traditions. Make a donation to charity or volunteer your time, studies prove that helping other can help improve your mood.
Over Committing
The power of "No"! Practice saying it out loud in front of your mirror. You don't always have to give a reason. Making a commitment to yourself to stay well-rested is a healthy choice. If there's an obligation, you feel you must honor but still feel overwhelmed ask for help. Be specific, for example, "Can you bring the salad".
Financial Worries
You don't have to spend a lot, or even anything, to show you care. Try writing a thoughtful note or making gifts. Schedule a coffee or dinner with friends to enjoy each other's company. Create a budget early and stick with it. Scope out gifts online to avoid the mall frenzy and impulse buys.
Unrealistic Expectations
Life is hectic all year long! Add the pressure to produce a perfect holiday while also being cheery can make you feel overwhelmed and bogged down. Ditch perfectionism. No time to bake, store bought cookies will be wonderful for the class party!
Fatigue
Staying up late to wrap presents, devoting days to make treats for the neighbors, and hustling through the mall can be exhausting. Take a breather. You can't enjoy the holidays if you are going around in a zombie-like fog. Make time to rest and revitalize. Plan a night with no commitments and head to bed early.
Stress
Relatives. Shopping. Travel. Party Planning. Finding childcare. Holidays can add to your already stressful life. To survive plan daily "me time". Just set aside 15 minutes to go walking or something you enjoy doing. Exercise and being outside are always a good stress relief.
Breaking Healthy Habits
So, you had an extra Christmas cookie. It's okay! Don't let a holiday overindulgence derail the healthy habits you work on all year. Eating well, getting enough rest, taking medication as ordered. Tips to stay on track - start fresh tomorrow. Try fresh veggies and fruit as a preparty snack to curb buffet regrets. Keep a set exercise and eating routine.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday break!!! Stay safe and healthy!
❤️Nurse Smith
PTSA Update
The PPMS PTSA wants to wish everyone happy holidays and send our thanks for the help and support given to the PTSA!
Parent Help Days
Do you have time on Friday mornings to help out at the school? The office and teachers can use YOUR help for tasks like filling folders and making copies, beginning in January. If you have time to give, please consider signing up here:
https://bit.ly/Friday-helpers-2324
Our next PTSA Meeting will be January 10th, 6:30 pm in the Media Center. We hope to see you there!
It’s not too late to join the PPMS PTSA! You can join here: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/ppms-ptsa-23-24
Contact the PTSA:
Visit our new LinkTree for all the ways to find us!
Repeated Information
Volunteering at PPMS
From CCPS
Below you will find the Optimist Club Essay Contest information. The deadline for submission is 2/2/2024
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.
************************************************
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.