May Elk Trax
2022-2023 National School to Watch
From The Principal:
May... let me say that again, "May"... the spring months are here and many students and staff have the yearly count down going. This school year has been so fast and so many great memories from the year with these great students!
May is a really busy month! We kick off SOL testing in May- please know this is an important time for students to be at school, on time and ready for the day.
May 8-12 is Teacher Appreciation Week! This year Elkton Middle School will celebrate our teachers with a beach/summer theme! I know it would be special for teachers or staff to receive a note of appreciation from the students.
I want to remind each of you about the musical, High School Musical Jr- it begins Thursday, May 4. Make sure you get tickets to see this! I can promise the students and teachers have been working extremely hard on this!
Lastly, we get very busy this month with school activities, end of the year events, and more. Please stay aware of the daily announcements with reminders and information.
As always, thank you for being a partner in this journey of education for your child! I appreciate each of you and the communication you seek out from us directly!
Emily Holloway, Principal
A Message From Michelle Campbell, Assistant Principal
It is hard to believe we only have a month of school left! The end of the school year is always bittersweet but I look forward to all it has to bring. With SOL season upon us, please help your kids be prepared for test days with a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast. While athletics are over, there is still a lot going on at EMS. So be on the lookout for the many end of the year activities, especially High School Musical Jr. which will be put on this week: May 4th-7th. The kids have put so much time and hard work into this performance so come show your support and check out one of their shows!
Ms. Campbell will work with students whose Last Name begins with A-L
A Note From Krystal Muterspaugh, Assistant Principal
It’s hard to believe the school year is almost over. Although the year is winding down there are a lot of things happening the last few weeks. Come check out our school play this week! To those in tutoring remember the last day for tutoring is this Thursday May 4th. I hope everyone has a great May!
Ms. Muterspaugh will work with students whose Last Name begins with M-Z
MAY “NURSE CLINIC” NEWS
So they say April showers bring May flowers and I know that I for one am way past ready for all things May, flowers and pretty weather!! Although, with some of the crazy weather and this time of year it still seems to be bringing some seasonal things that come along with many of the beautiful things that bloom.
I do want to remind you again to please continue to monitor your child before sending them to school. Your children continue to come to the clinic with some post nasal drip due to the seasonal changes. Check temperatures and monitor symptoms if they are not feeling well at home. Also make sure you have filled the new "permission to give medication form" that was sent out this year as well as bring in any over the counter medication you are wanting your student to take here at school. We are not allowed to carry any "stock" medication here in the clinic. You are to provide new unopened bottles for your student to the nurse. As we all work together we can keep things at bay so students can be healthy while trying to be at school learning to the best of their abilities.
We’re on the home stretch and the students tend to get anxious about summer but please talk to them about how often they’re visiting the nurse. The clinic is having very high traffic and I need to be readily available for our students with medical conditions that need me each day. Let’s use the clinic for medical needs as priority because there are students who need my attention daily. I just need to be able to prioritize the needs and address them accordingly. I appreciate your help and understanding in this matter!
PHYSICALS & VACCINATIONS
Again...I am going to continue to put this reminder in each newsletter so we don't forget. I know things get busy with the warm weather, sports, vacations etc. So I just don't want this information to slip your mind. As yet another early reminder for sports physicals, physicals in general and immunizations (if you so choose to vaccinate your student) please don't wait until the last minute to schedule those appointments as those time slots go fast at doctors offices. Go ahead and put a call in and get on the books now. Set those appointments up and plan ahead so you are not left waiting until the last minute and then saying you were not aware of what was needed to begin the school year, to play their sport etc. Plan, plan, plan ahead! I too have been there myself. Life can get busy so we will forget sometimes.
*Remember if it's recommended then you as the parent have the right to verbally decline that vaccination. If it's required then you either have to get those vaccinations or you as the parent can choose exemption options (do your research). I support you as the parent having the right to choose whatever works for your family.
I simply need one of the following:
-The vaccination record showing your child received the vaccinations required by the state of Virginia
-The exemption form that worked for your family (medical from your doctor or religious that is notarized)
End Of Year Reminders
Please remember to pick up all medication from the nurse clinic at the end of the school year. We are not allowed to keep medications or send them home with students. Parents/guardians are to come to the school and pick the medications up just like you are the ones who are to be bringing the medications into the nurse and drop them off. So please remember to do this. You may do this Monday- Friday from 8:30am-3:30pm. If those hours do not work please feel free to reach out to me and work another time out that would work and I will try my best to work with you to help accomodate. I have made arrangements with families numerous times, so just reach out.
If you have any questions please feel free to call me at 540.298.1228
Blessings, Nurse Julie
Principal Spotlight:
This month, Mrs Holloway is spotlighting the following students:
Sophia Stebleton
The Achiever Team would like to celebrate Sophia Stebleton’s hard work, dedication, and responsible behavior as a student. Sophia puts forth a great deal of effort and commitment to excel in her classes. She always approaches each task with a smile and a willingness to learn.
Sophia is always friendly and positive when working with her peers. Her friendly nature and ability to work with others make her a valued member of any group project. She might be quiet, but her contribution to a positive class environment is heard by all.
Emma Cunningham
Emma is a wonderful young lady. She is always kind and always works hard to do her best. We are luck to have Emma on our Brianiac team!
Rylan Rosson
Rylan Rosson from POW’R team is a shining example of dedication and positivity in the classroom. Her eagerness to learn and her outstanding attitude make her stand out among her peers. Rylan consistently strives to do her best and goes above and beyond to complete assignments with excellence.
Rylan's dedication and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed by her teachers. We are impressed with her work ethic and positive approach to challenges. We have no doubt that Rylan will continue to excel academically and in all aspects of her life.
Overall, Rylan is an exceptional student who is committed to learning and has a wonderful attitude towards her education. Her teachers and classmates are lucky to have her in their lives, and we can all learn from her dedication and positive outlook.
Makayla Poore
Makayla Poore is an energetic student on the Kraken team who is always willing to help. She has great artistic ability which she uses to help in advisory class to "spice" up the room. She also participates by sharing her experiences with other students during our circle time. She is a great role model and maintains a positive attitude; this is very impressive for a 7th grader. Makayla has been an integral member of the girls' basketball team and is in our school musical. Her willingness to march to her own drum makes her an excellent candidate for the Principal's Spotlight.
Emma Sholomitskiy
Reagan Miller
We nominate Reagan Miller for Team Sasquatch. Reagan is a joy in the classroom. We really appreciate her extra effort in this last quarter. She is giving her best work academically, as she has all year. Reagan's enthusiasm and kindness builds up other students, and she is always a positive presence. She is always eager to do the right thing and to do it well.
Khaina Morales Gonzalez
For the Eaglets team, we nominate Khaina Morales Gonzalez for this month's Student Spotlight. Khiana is a very polite and kind student. She works very hard in class and demands high achievement for herself. Khiana treats others as well as her teachers with kindness and respect. All her teachers say that she is an absolute joy to have in class.
Ashton Reid
Ashton is a funny and creative student on the Regulators team. He is always trying his best, even through the tough assignments. Ashton has a smile and a "Morning" for you no matter what and is very willing to be the helpful guy in the group.
Last Chance for Yearbooks
Basket Raffle
May
Mental Health Awareness Month
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
01-04: Technology Week
02: Teacher Appreciation Day
04: Nurse & Cafeteria Staff Appreciation Day
05: Cinco de Mayo
05-07: Annual EMS Musical
08: SOL Window Opens
08: FFA Plant Sales Begin
08: Interim Reports Issued
08: School Board meeting - Rockingham Co Administration
08-12: Teacher Appreciation Week
09: PTA Meeting: Conference Room
11: 8th grade Parents' Meeting 5:00-7:00
13: Mid-Atantic Territory Wrestling at ERHS
14: Mothers' Day
19: Elkton Creamery PTA Fundraiser Day
22: School Board Meeting - Spotswood High School
25: Concert
26: Moxie Coffee 33 PTA Fundraiser Day
27: Soap Box Derby-Harrisonburg
29: NO School: Memorial Day
30: Music Dept to Kings Dominion
30: 8th Grade to Kings Dominion
31: EMS Retirement Dinner 6:30pm
June
02: 8th Grade Picnic
02: END of the YEAR DANCE 6:00-8:00
05: Grade Level Assemblies
05: Elks to Eagles Promotion Night 6:00
06: Field Day
06: End of 4th Grading period
06: Last day of school for students
07-09: Teacher Workdays
10: 8th Grade Dance @ Community Center
12: School Board meeting - Rockingham Co Administration
14: Flag Day
18: Fathers' Day
19-22: FFA State Convention at VA Tech
26: School Board - No meeting
July
04-10: FCCLA - National Leadership Conference and Star Events Competition @ Denver, Colorado
04: Independence Day
10: School Board meeting - Rockingham Co Administration Center
24: School Board No Meeting
Alliance of Therapy Dogs
As this month is mental health awareness month, Alliance of Therapy Dogs (the nonprofit Sabrina and Ms Miller work with) is benefiting from a fundraiser by "Teddy the Dog". All profits from May sales will go to ATD to continue their therapy dog work. The link is below if you would like to donate and get a super cute shirt!
The Importance of Chromebooks
Also, please glance over your student's Chromebook and make sure if there is any damage at all, they bring their Chromebook to the Help Desk right away. We can give them a loaner while their device is being repaired.
Thanks so much for your assistance with this!!!
Attention 8th grade families!
Attention 8th grade families!
If your student is able to speak, read, and write fluently in a language other than English, this message is for you!
We will be offering the opportunity for students to take an exam that allows them to earn up to 3 high school foreign language credits for possessing these skills.
In order for them to sign up for the test, a form needs to be completed by you and your student. These forms are due by Thursday, May 4.
Please contact Ms. Ogden - logden@rockingham.k12.va.us - with any questions or to sign up!
Hola familias de 8vo grado,
Si su estudiante puede hablar, leer y escribir con fluidez en un idioma que no sea inglés, ¡este mensaje es para usted!
Estaremos ofreciendo la oportunidad para que los estudiantes tomen un examen que les permita obtener hasta 3 créditos de idioma extranjero de la escuela secundaria por poseer estas habilidades.
Para que puedan inscribirse en la prueba, usted y su estudiante deben completar un formulario. Estos formularios deben presentarse antes del jueves 4 de mayo.
Comuníquese con la Sra. Ogden - logden@rockingham.k12.va.us - si tiene alguna pregunta o para inscribirse.
Elkton Middle School
Assistant Principal: Michelle Campbell
Assistant Principal: Krystal Muterspaugh
Website: ems.rockingham.k12.va.us
Location: 21063 Blue and Gold Drive, Elkton, VA, USA
Phone: (540) 298-1228
Facebook: facebook.com/ElktonMiddle
Twitter: @ElktonMiddle