MMS Newsletter
“Enter to Learn, Strive to Achieve!”
The MISSION of Middletown Middle School is to engage students as 21st century learners who strive to achieve their goals. We support students through rigor and active participation within a culture of cooperation, organization, determination and excellence to prepare our students for college and careers.
“The Vision of Middletown Middle School is to challenge students of all abilities to achieve excellence in a wide range of academic and cultural pursuits. Students are equipped to meet the demands and opportunities of the 21st century by receiving a differentiated, effective, and rigorous curriculum. Staff believe and demonstrate that all students can master the essential 21st century skills. The culture of Middletown Middle will include high expectations for all, frequent monitoring of student progress, multiple opportunities for student learning, high levels of engagement, exceptional communication, and daily purposeful integration of technology. We will make it a priority to recognize the academic and extracurricular achievements of our school community. Middletown Middle School will have highly-motivated professional staff and authentic partnerships between the school and home.”
Value Statements
Teachers actively engage students by interacting, moving around the classroom, and allowing them to own their learning.
Staff will have knowledge of the whole student so that lessons provide challenge and rigor for all abilities.
Teachers facilitate lessons where students are engaged, not merely compliant.
Teachers facilitate lessons that allow for students to lead and take risks.
Staff will make authentic learning opportunities a priority in the classroom.
Staff collaborates to promote 21st century student learning.
Calendar
A Message from Mr. Fer
The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk, then crawl, but by all means keep moving.” I chose this quote for a few reasons. The first is that we have begun our celebration of Black African American History Month and the words of Dr. King provide us with inspiration and the reminder of the long, arduous journey he and others endured for the fight for civil rights. The second reason for selecting this quote is to point to the efforts of so many throughout this past year since the pandemic began. His quote should remind us that even though a preferable form of action could not be taken at any given time due to restrictions, we must keep moving forward toward our common goal.
As I mentioned above, we have recently embarked on a month where the accomplishments, struggles and victories of Black African Americans are placed in the spotlight and celebrated. We are reminded of the rich history and the contributions to the foundation of our country that has made it what it is today. As a matter of fact, you need not travel far to learn about inspirational stories such as this when looking at the history of Frederick County. Please take a moment to visit the FCPS.org website where you can learn about the impact historical figures such as Dr. Ulysses Grant Bourne, Esther E. Grinage and William O. Lee, Jr had on our county. Our heritage as Americans is rooted in so many different cultures and, throughout this month and beyond, we are grateful and fortunate to reflect on some of the most influential and important figures in United States history. Our teachers will continue to highlight the great accomplishments of Black African Americans throughout and beyond the month of February and look for special segments during our morning announcements each day!
Our school community has traversed the changing educational landscape since March 2020. Together, we moved from Continuity of Learning to Full Virtual and now we are enthusiastically refining our plans to welcome students back to the building on February 16th. The Middletown Middle School teachers and staff have been in the building since January 27th still instructing students virtually while continuing their preparations for the implementation of hybrid learning. To say that all of the staff have been working hard to make this next instructional shift would be a gross understatement. From classroom setup to cafeteria procedures to coordinating an efficient process for arrival and dismissal, no stone has been left unturned so that when students return in a few weeks, we are ready. What does “ready” look like? Well, it means specific signage posted throughout the building to guide students (i.e. Remain six feet apart). It also means that students and staff will be well-versed on the proper mask wearing procedures ensuring that they and those around them are safe. A ready status also requires that, as a collective staff, our mindset is positive and we are focused on learning and growing in this new environment while absolutely making sure that all who enter our doors feel comfortable and safe.
As your principal, I could not be more proud of the work that students, staff and families have done over the past year. The collective efforts addressing the challenges that all of you have faced trying to maintain any semblance of normalcy in the areas of education, recreation and family and social life has been truly inspiring. I look forward to the next step we will take together as we welcome students back to the building for our hybrid opening. It is the next step, but also the first of many small steps towards the eventual goal of Middletown Middle School being at full capacity! I hope you all had a wonderful week and have an even better weekend!
Honored to serve,
Paul Fer, Principal
240-236-4209
Administrative and Office Announcements
Principal Chats for the Year:
February 22
April 19
Virtual Snow Clarification
Virtual Snow Day Clarification
As an alternative to schools being closed, our Superintendent may determine that a day of virtual instruction is more appropriate. In the event that schools provide a virtual day of instruction (in lieu of a snow day) our students and teachers will follow the regular bell schedule previously established for that day. There will be no changes to the schedule”.
News from Advanced Academics
SUMMER ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
GEMS at HOOD College, sponsored by Army Educational Outreach Program
from the website: https://www.usaeop.com/program/frederick/
“Courses are 4 days long and take place in beautiful Frederick, MD at Hood College. Students accepted into the program work with young aspiring scientists and engineers called Near-Peer Mentors to complete various engineering challenges and hands on laboratory experiments that are designed to further a students’ understanding of STEM concepts. While at GEMS students also learn about STEM careers that are available to them and pathways they can take to achieve their desired future aspirations. Students navigate a curriculum that local Fort Detrick education specialists and researchers developed just for your student.”
Student Applications window: March 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021
Stay tuned to the website (linked above) for application details. There is a teacher recommendation component. Please email Dianne.Thompson@fcps.org if you need help with this process.
JOHNS HOPKINS Center for Talented Youth typically offers on-site enrichment programs for students in grades 2-6, and 7-12. For Summer 2021, enrichment will be through online courses. You can learn more about course offerings and eligibility here: https://cty.jhu.edu/online/courses/index.html
TERP YOUNG SCHOLARS for high schoolers (rising Grade 9 through graduating Grade 12)
From the website:
“Prepare for college through rigorous academics, dynamic instruction, and virtual activities with the University of Maryland Terp Young Scholars—Online. Alongside other academically talented high school students, you’ll pursue an academic interest, engage with passionate faculty, and get a jump on college by earning three university credits.”
Visit the website (linked above) for more information about course offerings, and admission requirements.
Mrs. Thompson’s Enrichment Groups & Office Hours
All students are welcome to join Mrs. Thompson’s Schoology Enrichment groups. I post regular challenges and interactive posts for asynchronous participation as well as host enrichment activities through Google Meet.
Students may message me (Dianne Thompson) in Schoology to join the fun! All activities are optional.
I also host regular office hours to support any student who may need help with classwork. Days and times vary and are shared through our groups!
Attendance
Thank you
Builders Club
The Builder’s Club at MiMS is a student led service organization for middle school students. The club provides opportunities for students to work together to provide service for our community. Builder’s Club is sponsored by Frederick Kiwanis. At this time Builder's Club will meet virtually after school to discuss how we can implement and provide service to our school and community in these different times. If your student in interested please fill this out and I will be in touch with them.
Cafeteria Information
Counseling Dept
Counseling Office Secretary/Registrar: Chrissy Farron (240-236-4206)
6th grade School Counselor: Ashley Frushour (240-236-4205)
7th grade School Counselor: Liz Bohan (240-236-4256)
8th grade School Counselor: Rachel Butts (240-236-4220)
FCPS ARTS ACADEMY INFORMATION
Middle School Visit Day which will take place on Thursday March 18th from 1:30-2:30. This will be a Virtual Shadow Day catered to middle school students. To register, to visit our website: https://www.fcpsartsacademy.org/afa-virtual-visit.html
If you are unfamiliar with our program and what it offers high school students, check out our new promo video: https://youtu.be/MXNK4Gt0Erw
Frederick Community Action Agency
Hours of Operation
Frederick Community Action Agency Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Weekend and evening hours vary
Soup Kitchen Hours
Monday through Sunday
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Foodbank Hours
- Monday, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
- Tuesday, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday 7 to 9 p.m.
- Thursday, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Friday, 2 to 4 p.m.
*Please call 301-600-1506 for more information.
FCPS Information
For the most up to date information from FCPS please go to www.fcps.org
Find all Schoology Information HERE
FCPS School Calendar at a glance
Health Room News
Picture Day is COMING!
PICTURE DAY IS COMING!
Mark your calendars for:
Tuesday, March 16th (Cohort A) & Virtual Learners
And
Thursday, March 18th (Cohort B) & Virtual Learners
LIFETOUCH will be at MiMS to take pictures during the school day on March 16th & 18th and will be here from 3-5 pm both days for virtual learners’ photos.
Parents of full virtual learners - please stay tuned for more information about how to sign up for a photo time slot. Thank you!
Picture forms will come home with students. Orders may also be placed online at: mylifetouch.com. Our picture ID is: EVTGS7ZWJ
Portraits will be included in this year’s MIMS yearbook!
If your child is unable to attend picture day, please email Dianne.Thompson@fcps.org
Yearbooks
2020-2021 YEARBOOKS are now on sale!
All orders are placed online via https://yearbookforever.com/ Please search Middletown Middle School to shop our yearbook store. $35 Yearbook Only. Customized options available. WE DO NOT ANTICIPATE SELLING EXTRA YEARBOOKS THIS YEAR. PLEASE BE SURE TO PRE-ORDER!
We will continue to build our yearbook virtually to celebrate our students!
We’d love to feature every student!
Currently seeking pictures for the following:
Art
Our middle school art students are so impressive!!
Click the image or link below to watch a short video and see some of the artwork the 8th graders created for their abstract self portraits!
8th Grade Abstract Self Portraits
Click the image or link below to watch a short video and see some of the artwork 7th graders created for their symbolic self portraits!
7th Grade Symbolic Self Portraits
Both 7th and 8th graders are beginning their color units. The 7th graders will focus on coloring mixing and the 8th graders will focus on using color to create emotions in a work of art.
Band/Orchestra
Career & Technology Education
Mr. Seiler-Grade 8 - Pre-engineering
Students will be working on finishing up there current project over the next week, and will be starting a unit on Technologists and their impact on society.
Grade 7 - CSI
Students will continue working in CODE.org designing web pages.
Grade 6 - Tech Expo
Students will be finishing up their current project and will be starting a unit on design challenge. They will research, design and build a race track.
Mr. Dulberger 7th grade Invention & Innovation (CTE) - 7th grade Invention & Innovation (CTE) - Welcome to Invention and Innovation! The 7th grade students have made the switch from Creative Arts to Invention and Innovation class, and we are wasting no time diving in! The students have kicked off their first two weeks of the course with a couple of onboarding assignments as well as some get to know you activities. Our first big unit will focus on the different types of technology. Students will learn about various careers within each technology field and study the impact technology has on our world. Please remember, it is helpful for students to be utilizing the camera on their device during synchronous learning. The camera allows students to share their progress with me and their classmates. Lastly, please take some time to look over the course syllabus linked here. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to me via email or phone!
6th grade Visual Arts - The 6th grade Visual Arts students are continuing to produce quality artwork in a variety of styles. Our most recent project, the one point perspective cityscape, was a huge success. Students learned how to effectively draw geometric and organic shapes with implied form. In addition, students are continuing to use the media albums on Schoology to showcase their progress and final work. Student to student feedback has been exceptional this past term. We will be doing a short set of assignments on incorporating real objects into artwork before we move onto our next studio project on grid drawing. Please remember, it is helpful for students to be utilizing the camera on their device during synchronous learning. The camera allows students to share their progress with me and their classmates.
Mrs. Ledford-Food Science is off to a snowy start! Our first project is "All About Me and Food" and is a fun getting to know you project that allows room for some creativity and thoughts on food! The Ledford farm has also been busy, as four baby calves have recently been born. We are always in search of names for the babies and the students are more than happy to help! In December the classes welcomed "Yule" into the world. Looking forward to selecting the new calf names soon!
Mrs. Stuart: 7th and 8th grade Life Skills are finishing up their Financial Literacy Unit. A recent class had them running their own pet store and making decisions such as what to stock, when to hire, and whether to stay open or not in light of an oncoming snow storm. They also learned about letting their money work for them by investing including savings accounts, stocks, bonds, CD's, and mutual funds. In addition, they enjoyed a fun online game called Financial Football produced by VISA and the NFL to help students learn more about finances in the real world.
Mrs. Duvall: In Lab 21, we are starting off with our Mindset Unit this week, where we will be learning about the power of mindset and how that affects how you learn new things! We will dive into interesting concepts of brains science, also known as neuroscience, and begin our first project relating to computer coding!
Language Arts
6th grade has wrapped up Term 2 and analyzing non- fiction. We will once again dive into fiction, looking at characters' responses and theme. Term 3 is going to be exciting with some changes. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Cregar or Mrs. Harrison with any questions or concerns you may have. As always, encourage your student to read for pleasure. Ms. Poscover is always ready to help fine a good book.
7th Grade: Seventh grade LA continues to work on analyzing argument. Our focus has been on nonfiction, however, within the next few weeks, we will shift back to fiction. Students will continue to receive a word wizard list assignment every other week.
8th grade Students are analyzing various texts to determine overall meaning. This includes the reading of Amanda Gorman's "The Hill We Climb". Students will continue to develop their written work, and practice communicating effectively in collaborative discussions.
Literacy Specialist
Young Authors Contest Update
The language arts department would like to announce that the following students were selected as the MiMS school-level winners for this year’s Young Authors Contest:
In sixth grade, Mairead Hoyt for her short story, “Silver Bells”
In seventh grade, Searlait Hoyt for her short story, “Becoming Sophia.”
In eighth grade, Madison Wise for her short story, “The Quarantined Life of a Teenager: The Story of 2020”
In eighth grade, Lily Hoyt for her poem, “Along the Shore”
Congratulations to all of you and thank you for sharing your gift of writing with us!!
We are also excited to announce that Searlait Hoyt’s story “Becoming Sophia.” was selected as the best short story among all submissions from seventh grade students in Frederick County. Searlait’s story will now go on to compete for top short story in the State of Maryland.
Congratulations, Searlait!!
What's happening in Math?
6th grade will be diving into the world of integers. The students will be learning that positive and negative numbers are used together to describe quantities having direction and use positive and negative numbers to represent quantities in real-world contexts.
7th Grade will be starting their unit on rational numbers. Students will be able to solve real-world and mathematical problems involving the four operations with rational numbers.
8th Grade is solving multi-step linear equations with rational number coefficients, including equations whose solutions require expanding the expressions using the distributive property and collecting like terms.
Algebra students will learn to multiply, add, and subtract quadratic and cubic polynomials using concrete models and analytic techniques. They will also learn how to factor quadratic trinomials using concrete models and analytic techniques. This work lays the foundation for deeper study of quadratic functions in following units and courses.
Tips for families to help your child succeed in Math...
Be positive! Have a positive attitude towards mathematics. Make mathematical interactions with your child enjoyable. Express confidence in your child’s ability to succeed in math. Acknowledge the fact that math can be challenging at times but encourage your child to preserve.
Connect mathematics to your daily life! Talk about ways you use mathematics daily in your life, job, and family. Point out math situations to your child and courage your child’s math curiosity. “Talk math”, discover number relationships, search for patterns, and look for math in your environment.
Make mathematics fun! Solve puzzles, play board games, and ponder brain teasers with your child that involve math. Point out the mathematics involved and discuss strategies your child uses.
Support homework, don’t do it! Encourage your child to explain the math homework assignment. Ask questions to help your child to make sense of the mathematics. Encourage your child to explore and explain processes and solutions. If your child gets stuck, ask questions that promote problem solving. Help your child make connections and point out relationships.
Stay informed! Ask about math. Know about your child’s assignments. Check grades and watch for missing assignments in Schoology. Encourage your child to talk to their teacher.
Have high expectations! Communicate high expectations. Your attitude and expectations are crucial to influencing the future mathematical opportunities for your child.
Media Specialist
Book Exchange
The media center is open for business!! Students can check a book out remotely and it can be picked up at the school. Once the book(s) have been checked out the student will receive an email and parents or guardians can come by at any time when the office is open and pick those books up.
For instructions on how to check out books remotely please watch this video or find it in your ELA teacher’s media center folder in Schoology.
Books can be returned at any time to the return box at the front of the school.
Student Shout-Out!
Congratulations go out to Searlait Hoyt whose short story submission “Becoming Sophia” won the 7th grade Young Author’s contest at the county level. Her work will now move onto the state. A huge thank you to all the students who submitted their work. Keep writing and being your wonderful, creative selves!!!
Overdue Library Books???
We left school abruptly in the spring. Your child may not have had a chance to return library books (or any school materials) before leaving school. When a student accesses their account (see video above) he/she can also check to see what they might still have out or you can email Mrs. Poscover for that information. mary.poscover@fcps.org Books can be returned at any time to the box at the front of the school.
Library Digital Resources
Looking for reliable, age appropriate sources of material for your student’s distance learning needs? No need to “google” ever again. Look no further than the library media page!!
https://education.fcps.org/mms/mediacenter
FCPS has purchased a number of databases that are trustworthy and aligned to state and national standards. When accessing from home you will need remote access codes. These are available by clicking on the link located at the top of the table of databases. It says “Click HERE for login and password information to access these databases from home.” Use these award winning resources today!
E-books sources
FCPL - Frederick County Public Library’s site. Access to a lot of digital content and ebooks. Students can use the following code to access all materials:
119829 + their 8 digit student ID#
Sora - FCPS’s new ebook platform has hundreds of fantastic books and is easy, easy, easy to use. Try this new product today!!
25 Book Challenge - there is still time to join!
Mrs. Poscover and the literacy specialist Mrs Casey are challenging students to read 25 books this year! We have set up Schoology courses for each grade level. All rules and regulations are on the challenge sheet students will get when they join the challenge. We would love it if your child accepted! Course codes are as follows:
6th grade: 3N9G-MZGF-PBB5X
7th grade: DP2V-TZ5W-9KKQM
8th grade: 4SC2-KS2C-P4ZJW
Click this link to view the top rated books from last year’s Challengers!!
2019 Student Book Recommendations
Media Page Twitter
Check out Mrs. Poscover’s Twitter feed, located on the media center homepage. There are periodic book recommendations and other exciting news. Looking for your next great read?? It’s a great place to start.
Physical Education
We are excited to transition back to PE! We know that Health is important, but are looking forward to more movement added to the week. Please remember that you will have PE 3 times in one week and than off a week. While we may not be logging in to PE on those weeks, please make time to continue to move through out your day!!
With the transition to Hybrid please make sure that you are wearing sneakers to school so that you are ready to move. We will not be accessing the locker rooms and will have no where to house different shoes.
Also, please note that we as PE teachers are looking to take students outside as much as possible. Please make sure that all students bring coats to school so that they are able to stay warm when outside. This will help with activity choice as well as fresh air!! All good things for our students.
Your child may also be seeing a variety of the PE staff. We are working on the best approach for hybrid and think that we will have one teacher in charge of the virtual students. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you and please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher with additional questions.
Science
6th Grade: Students in 6th grade science are wrapping up their studies of matter, water, and heat transfer. Students will begin the month of February by designing or building their own insulated cup to put into practice their understanding of heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation. Ask your student to show you the informative advertisement they created to persuade buyers that their cup is the best at keeping cold drinks cold and warm drinks warm!! After this exciting lab opportunity, classes will begin Module 3: Our Extreme Planet. Students will explore, read, discuss, and watch news forecasts and more to explain our ever-changing weather, interpret weather maps, high and low pressure systems, and more! Students will have a new understanding for the difference between weather and climate, and how the climate factors of an area contribute to and create the climate that is found there.
7th Grade-Happy February and Happy Chemistry.
THANK YOU to all 7th grade Science students for showing amazing enthusiasm and understanding during the Energy Unit. You are POSITIVE and your ENERGY motivated you to discover marvelous knowledge so far this year. We are now starting our cool Chemistry Unit. We are so excited to see your outstanding abilities and efforts to learn Chemistry phenomenon. Photosynthesis and cycling of matter (Carbon & Oxygen cycles) are our first topics. These concepts will combine the students' knowledge of energy and the new Chemistry curriculum. Students will construct scientific explanations based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and the flow of energy into and out of organisms. Students will describe the importance of oxygen in the survival of organisms in our world. Students will understand the exchange and process of changing carbon dioxide into glucose & oxygen in plants. Students will explain the importance of oxygen in cellular respiration. Students will discuss the importance of matter (solids, liquids, gases, and plasma) in our lives. Ms. Martz and Ms. Staley are thrilled to see the students' enthusiasm for Chemistry. IF you have any questions, please contact your Science teacher anytime!! WE are so EXCITED to welcome students back into the building and we are happy to see students virtually too!! Happy February everyone!!
8th Grade-Students are finishing up our inheritance unit by completing either a guided project or independent project about genetic technologies! Students are excited to learning about gene therapies, selective breeding and even mRNA vaccines! We will begin our space unit next; our first unit is about scale and proportion in the solar system. We will explore several simulations showing scale and proportional relationships between the planets and sun.
Social Studies
6th Grade-Students will be finishing the unit on Ancient India and starting Ancient China. Students are exploring inventions and discoveries made in Ancient India, and presenting those inventions in a "Shark Tank" style activity. Students will then explore the political, social, and economic systems in China.
7th Grade-Students are finishing up their study of Asia in the Middle Ages through 1750. The unit focused on the Imperial Dynasties of Tang, Song, Mongol, and Ming. In particular, we examined their impact, trade, commerce, discoveries, inventions, and culture. The Imperial Japan portion has included the influence other cultures had on Japan, the golden age of Japan, the rise of the Warrior class, and their impact on culture. Our next unit is Mesoamerica in the Middle Ages through 1750. There we will examine the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan Empires. Students are continuing to focus on “thinking like an historian” by questioning the validity of sources, citing evidence, and more. We will continue to develop these valuable critical thinking skills as the year goes on.
8th Grade-In American Studies I, Mrs. Kefauver and Mr. Wishner's students finished the New Republic and are beginning to examine the period of Manifest Destiny when the United States grew from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. We will begin by exploring the Presidency of Andrew Jackson, specifically the Elections of 1824 and 1828, Jacksonian Democracy, War on the Bank, Nullification Crisis, and Native American Policy.
Theatre Arts
World Languages
World Language Exploratory - This quarter students will begin learning some German! Sprechen Sie Deutsch? We will explore where in the world German is spoken and learn some basic vocabulary and conversational words.
French 1 students are learning some sports related vocabulary and will be focusing on asking and answering different types questions in French. I am still encouraging students to speak as much French as they can and participate in the meets to help with their understanding and pronunciation!
Spanish 1 students are learning about foods and meals in Unit 3 now. They will be learning vocabulary to talk about what they like to eat and what foods are healthy for them to eat.