MAMS Monthly
April 2022
Happy Spring! "Rise up this morning. Smiled with the rising sun. Three little birds pitch by my doorstep singing sweet songs of melodies pure and true...singing, 'Don't worry 'bout a thing 'cause every little thing gonna be alright.' "~Bob Marley
Mr. Wells' Principal's Message
Greetings MAMS Family,
The 3rd Marking period comes to an end this week, please make sure you are checking the Gradebook on the Parent/Student Portal for up to date information on your academic performance. We have begun to plan our summer program, please review the Promotion/Retention Policy as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Day of Silence
On Friday, April 8th, MAMS will be participating in The Day of Silence sponsored by our Safe Space Club. This event is a national, student-led demonstration where LGBTQ+ students and allies all around the country—and the world—take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools. Students have had the opportunity to sign up to wear a purple ribbon as a sign of support or a rainbow ribbon if they would like to remain silent throughout the school day. Take a look at this video if you would like to learn more!
Ramadan
This year, Ramadan, a holy month observed by Muslims, runs from April 2nd until May 1st. Students that are fasting and do not wish to go to the cafeteria will have the option to secure a pass from the main office for the media center during their lunch period.
Digital Responsibility & Citizenship
Over the last two years we have become more digitally connected than ever. Between virtual instruction and social media, it is no secret that technology has changed our lives forever. Here at MAMS, we have seen an alarming correlation between the increase in technology use and the number of disciplinary incidents and referrals stemming from the use of technology, especially from social media applications such as SnapChat, Tiktok, etc.
While I believe that there are many reasons for this increase in social media incidents, I know that there is one incredibly powerful solution…YOU!!!
I came across The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Kids Safe Online from EducateEmpowerKids.org that I encourage all parents/guardians to take the time to read. It outlines what responsible online behavior looks like and includes a sample Social Media Contract for families. We hope that with your help, our students will become responsible digital citizens and utilize technology in appropriate and helpful ways.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s social media account, please reach out to one of the members of our counseling team. Our goal is to support families, and to ensure our students are safe from the dangers of social media.
Summer Theatre
School Counseling Team
I am pleased to announce that we have added a 4th School Counselor to our incredible MAMS Team. Please join me in welcoming Ms. Tara Hollywood to our MAMS Family. Check out Ms. Hollywood’s Introductory Letter to our MAMS community.
As a reminder, our counselors are always available to meet with students throughout the school day. Any student wishing to meet with their Grade Level Counselor should complete the Counselor Request Form.
And finally...Happy Assistant Principal's Week to Mr. Abrahamsen and Ms. Gonzalez. Thank you both for all that you do for the students and staff here at The Matawan Aberdeen Middle School.
Upcoming Dates
April is Autism Acceptance Month. More information here.
April is National Poetry Month. Learn more here.
April 2- May 1- Ramadan
Monday, April 4-Friday, April 8 - National Assistant Principal's Week
Monday, April 4-National School Librarian's Day
Thursday, April 7- Marking period 3 ends!
Friday, April 8 - National Day of Silence
April 15-23- Passover
Friday, April 15- Friday, April 22- School closed for Spring Break
Sunday, April 17- Easter
Monday, April 25- Author Visit- Adam Gidwitz
Monday, April 25- Student's Roundtable Meeting with Mr. Wells (see your Club Advisors for more info)
Tuesday, April 26 - Report Cards Posted on the Student & Parent Portal
Friday, April 29- Half day for students
Friday, April 29- PTSO Spring Fling @6pm in the old gym <--Register here
Save the Date!
- Friday, May 20- Minding Your Mind - Mental Health Awareness Assembly for all grades
- Saturday, May 21- Sunday, May 22 Relay for Life @MRHS
Ramadan
MAMS Recognizes Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and celebrate individuals on the autism spectrum.
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a brain developmental disorder caused by genetic mutation and sometimes, by environmental triggers.
What are the common signs of Autism?
Although the autism spectrum is vast, some of the common signs in autistic individuals are repetitive behaviors, hyperactivity, and extreme sensitivity to light, touch, and sound.
Can Autism be treated?
While there is no absolute cure for autism, therapies and medication can help reduce abnormal
behavior and the onset of related symptoms such as seizures.
Here are some other facts about Autism:
Autism affects 1 in 88 Children and 1 in 54 boys.
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U. S.
Boys are nearly 5x more likely than girls to have Autism.
There is no medical detection or cure for Autism.
1% of the population of children in the U.S. ages 3-17 have an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Club Connection
Competitive Rocket League is every Tuesday at 3:30 pm and is in its 3rd week right now. This week our two teams actually played each other because we are one of a few schools that have two teams competing in the 2v2 Rocket League spring season. It is the best out of 5 games, and it was soo close! Both Silver and Maroon won 2 games each, and it came down to the final game, which went into overtime for 2 minutes. Maroon just squeaked a goal by Silver taking the first win of the season for our teams!
Check out their Twitch Link!
Peer Buddies!
The finished products!
Happy Women's History Month!
Applications for NJHS were due on March 21st. In addition to having a high GPA, applicants must write an essay about character and how they will help make the school a better place. They also need to show evidence of demonstrated citizenship, servitude, and leadership skills. We are excited to welcome our new members this month!
Current NJHS just finished their fundraiser collecting food and supplies for a local animal shelter. They are also starting round 2 of their mentoring program, where members are paired up with sixth grade students. This year, besides those two programs, members have volunteered their time as events such as the PTSO Tricky Tray, The Student Equity Team Documentary Nights, and Lloyd Road's Family Nights. We applaud them for their service to the community.
Sports Section
Track by Christian Baskerville
I play basketball and my season is over so I needed to stay in shape so I started track, then I realized track was fun. Someone else on the team told me that if you treat something like a chore you wouldn't want to do it. So I gave it my all at every practice and eventually I got chosen to go to the first away meet. Only the top 25 can go. When I was running I could feel the wind blowing in my face. I knew I could win, so I kept pushing until the end of the race. I was losing, so I tried harder to get first, and I pulled it off and won!
Please see the Track Meet schedules below.
Springtime Fun!
Things to Do When Spring Starts - by Taylin Taylor
There are a lot of things to do when spring starts. You can ride your bike or play basketball. You can also watch the sunset and sunrise or go canoeing. There’s a whole list of activities you can do for when spring and summer start. You can even go to the waterpark or go swimming. Maybe go to a grill or bbq and hangout with your friends!
Go out this spring and summer, and have some fun!
- Cheesequake State Park Camping, fishing, hiking, and more!
- Veteran's Memorial Park in Cliffwood Check out the Splash Pad!
- Summer Concert Series!!! Tuesdays @7pm at Vet's starting in July
MAMS Family Meeting
Counselors' Corner with Ms. LoStocco, Ms. Leach, Ms. Lyttle, and Ms. Hollywood
We all experience stress, yet we may experience it in different ways. Stress can impact us mentally, emotionally, and physically. Some of what causes us stress are things we can change, but sometimes they are things outside of our control. Each of us has our own toolbox we can fill with positive coping skills that we can use when times get tough. Learning to cope with our stress and finding healthy ways to deal with these situations can go a long way in living a healthy and positive life. Take a look below at the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping skills. Remember, if the stress ever becomes too much, it’s okay to ask for help!