Eagles' Notes
Madras News: February 25, 2019, Lorraine Johnson, Principal
Madras Middle School
Email: MadrasNews@cowetaschools.org
Website: http://www.cowetaschools.net/mms
Location: 240 Edgeworth Road, Newnan, GA, United States
Phone: 770-254-2744
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MadrasEagles
Twitter: @MadrasEagles
Black History Month Program is Monday, February 25th
Madras Middle School's Black History Month assembly will be held Monday, February 25th at 9:00 am in the Madras gym.
Our guest speaker is Nathaniel Smith, Coweta County Juvenile Prosecutor serving as a Special Assistant District Attorney.
About the Speaker: Nathaniel Smith grew up in Decatur, Georgia obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of West Georgia and his Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University. After obtaining his law degree, he enlisted in the United States Navy as an Intelligence Specialist and was honorably discharged in 2009. While in the Navy, he provided operational and analytical intelligence to the DEA and NCIS on assignments ranging from the Middle East to Middle America. He has been awarded numerous medals and campaign ribbons such as: The Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism, and the National Defense Service Medal.
He presently serves as our Coweta County Juvenile Prosecutor serving as a Special Assistant District Attorney. He has practiced law for over a decade and presently serves as the managing attorney for the Law Office of Nathaniel L. Smith, P.C. and the director of Juvenile Court Legal Services, Inc. He serves as the President of Great Savior Baptist Church, Inc. and serves on the Board of directors of Carroll County Healing Hands, Inc. and Carroll County Court Appointed Special Advocates.
He lives in Carroll County, Georgia with his wife, Shonda Smith, and their two youngest children. He has been honored as a “Giraffe” for sticking his neck out for others as well as the Dan P. Camp Award of Achievement for advocating for children.
He has been known to often tell people: “Be good, be careful, be safe.” He is noted as a restorer of faith in the law and an advocate for justice for the victim, justice for the offender, justice for the community, and justice for all.
Coweta County School System Letter to Parents Regarding E-Cigarettes
Dear Parents,
Coweta County School System administrators have recently seen an increase in the number of incidents involving the use of e-cigarettes by middle and high students. Our school system wants to alert parents to this trend, and to share information regarding e-cigarettes and their detrimental effects on teens and young adults.
Several health organizations have provided guidance to help to combat this growing issue in our schools. These include information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/features/ecigarettes-young-people/index.html), which notes that “e-cigarettes are now the most commonly used form of tobacco by youth in the U.S.” The U.S. Surgeon General (e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov) warns that “many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive,” as well as other harmful substances. Also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched its first tobacco prevention campaign “The Real Cost” in 2014, to educate at-risk teens on the harmful effects of cigarette smoking, and expanded it to educate teens on the dangers of e-cigarette use in 2018. A full list of educational resources like these can be found on the school system’s website (www.cowetaschools.net).
According to the CDC, e-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid and produce an aerosol, or mix of small particles in the air. E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes. In fact, some e-cigarettes are so small that they are very difficult to detect, and may even resemble pens or USB drives to casual observers. E-cigarettes are known by many different names. They are sometimes called “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” “vape pens,” “vapes,” “tank systems,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called “vaping” or “JUULing.” The CDC also reports that the use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for children, teens, and young adults. These devices often contain extremely high levels of nicotine or other harmful substances besides nicotine.
It is against Georgia law for a minor to buy or possess vaping products. Additionally, the use or possession of e-cigarettes in our schools is a serious violation of the Coweta County School System code of conduct. School administrators have been advised to treat it as such. Students who use e-cigarettes at school may be subjected to severe disciplinary consequences, including suspension from school or referral to student services.
Please talk with your child about the health risks and other consequences that are associated with the use of e-cigarettes. Feel free to contact your child’s school or our school system offices if you have any questions. And please refer to our school system’s website for resources that may help you talk with your child at home. Your child’s safety, and the maintenance of a healthy and safe school environment are our school system’s top priorities. We appreciate parents’ support in this mission.
What Parents Need to Know about Vaping and JUULing
Vaping is becoming more and more popular among adolescents and teens, and it is important that parents understand the facts.
What is vaping and JUULing?
Vaping, also known as JUULing, is becoming more popular with youth in middle school and high school. Vaping means using an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device. It is referred to as vaping because tiny puffs or clouds of vapor are produced when using the devices. E-cigarettes are battery powered and deliver nicotine through a liquid (called e-juice), which turns into a vapor when using the devices. The liquid comes in flavors, such as mint, fruit, and bubble gum, which appeal to kids. Youth often believe that the liquid used in vaping only contains water and flavoring and are unaware that it contains nicotine. Therefore, they may think vaping is less dangerous than using other tobacco products, such as cigarettes. The amount of nicotine in the liquid can be the same or even more than the amount found in cigarettes.
Many types of e-cigarettes are available, but one popular brand is JUUL. JUUL is becoming more prevalent with youth in middle and high school because of its small size, and it looks like a USB device. When using a JUUL it is often referred to as JUULing.
Vaping and JUULing are not safe for kids.
Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, and no amount of nicotine is safe. Nicotine is very addictive and can harm children and teens’ developing brains. Using nicotine can cause problems with learning and attention and can lead to addiction. Even being around others who use e-cigarettes and breathing the cloud they exhale can expose youth to nicotine and chemicals that can be dangerous to their health. Studies have also shown that kids who vape are more likely to use cigarettes or other tobacco products later in life.
What can parents do?
It is important to talk with kids about the dangers of vaping. Youth see e-cigarette advertisements from many sources, including retail stores, the internet, TV, movies, magazines, and newspapers. They can also see posts or photos about vaping on social media. Parents should monitor screen time use and talk to their youth about what they may have seen or heard about vaping. Parents can also be role models and set a positive example by being tobacco free.
Resources for Parents:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Office on Smoking and Health. (n.d.) Talk with Your Teen About E-cigarettes: A Tip Sheet for Parents. Retrieved from https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_508.pdf
- CATCH My Breath Program. (n.d.) Parent Resources. Retrieved from https://catch.org/lessons/catch-my-breath-middle-school-parent-resources
- Additional References:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018) Youth Tobacco Use: Results from the 2016 National Youth Tobacco Survey.Retrieved from
- https://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/PublicHealthEducation/ProtectingKidsfromTobacco/ucm405173.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017) E-cigarette Ads and Youth. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/ecigarette-ads/index.html
8th Grade Semiformal is Friday, March 15th
The following letter went home with students Jan. 28th and can be downloaded here.
View highlights from previous years
January 28, 2019
Dear Parents,
Each year we commemorate our eighth graders’ middle school experience with an eighth grade semi-formal dance which will be held this year on Friday, March 15th from 6:30-9:00 in the Madras cafeteria. This special event is for Madras students only and gives them an opportunity to socialize with their classmates while celebrating the end of their middle school tenure. The dance will be supervised by Madras administration and teachers, and local law enforcement will be present.
Dance tickets are $25.00 and include catered finger foods for dinner, drinks, snacks, and entertainment (DJ). This price also includes free pictures that can be downloaded by students after the dance. (Tickets will be sold February 4-March 8 during advisement and during lunch in the cafeteria.)
Below is the required dress code for the dance. Please note that the eighth grade dance is a semi-formal occasion and should be reflected in students’ attire.
Dress Code for Eighth Grade Dance
Gentlemen may wear khakis, dress pants, a dress shirt, a jacket, and a tie.
Ladies may wear a dress, skirt, blouse, or pants.
Jeans are not permitted.
Dresses and skirts must be mid-thigh. Any slits or other openings in the dress or skirt may not rise above mid-thigh.
The top of the dress must have 2 straps (one on each side). “Spaghetti” straps, halters, and clear straps are all permitted.
Backless dresses (dress must come to/cover the bra strap in the back), dresses with “cut-outs” openings in the midriff, and dresses with plunging necklines will not be permitted.
Holes in khakis, dress pants, or shirts will not be permitted.
Though we are happy to provide social time for our eighth graders, we continue to hold high academic and behavioral expectations throughout the remainder of the year. We expect our students to represent Madras well and to adhere to the dress code; this is especially important since the dance is held on a weekend evening.
In order for your child to participate, he/she must sign and return the bottom portion of this letter, and payment must be received by Friday, March 8th. If you have any questions, please contact an administrator at 770-254-2744. It is our hope that every student will be able to attend
Sincerely,
Eighth Grade Teachers and Administration
Help Protect Your Family Against the Flu
It is currently influenza (‘flu”) season and Georgia and the United States are experiencing very high influenza activity. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. To ensure the safety and health of students, parents and faculty, the Georgia Department of Public Health encourages everyone to know the signs and symptoms of influenza and the necessary steps to reduce the spread of illness.
The symptoms of flu can include:
- Fever (although not everyone with flu has a fever)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Tiredness
- Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
To limit the spread of influenza or other respiratory diseases:
- Flu vaccines are encouraged. The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each fluseason. If influenza is circulating, it is a good time to get vaccinated!
- Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, orcough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Students should stay at home if they are ill.Those who get flu-like symptoms should stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
- Clean and disinfect regularly and correctly during influenza season. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched often.
https://dph.georgia.gov/public-health-districts https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/index.htm https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/guidance.htm https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/cleaning.htm
Yearbooks Are on Sale
Yearbooks for the 2018-2019 school year are on sale and can be purchased at the link below. The price is $50.00 and can also be purchased through our bookkeeping department at Madras or by creating an account. If you have any questions, please contact bookkeeper Henry Dawkins at john.dawkins@cowetaschools.net. Yearbooks are given out the last week of school.
Optimist Oratorical Winners, Landon Clare (3rd Place) and Hannah Hennig (1st Place)
Madras Student Athletes of the Month
Cora Sims and James Paige (Basketball)
Madras took First Place in two outdoor challenges at the Auburn Math Challenge Competition Saturday!
Congratulations to the Madras Science Olympians who took Second Place in Regionals and now advance to the State Competition!
Box Tops are Back Second Semester!
by Jamie Bowne, PTSO Box Top Chair
March/April Contest
Deadline: Wednesday, April 10th
Reward: Skyzone Party for top 15 Contributors for the year
Turn in Box tops by Wednesday, April 10th to be eligible for an end of the year Skyzone Party. The top 15 contributors for the year will win a spot at the Skyzone party. All Box Tops need to be turned in by the end of homeroom on Wednesday, April 10th.This contest will be cumulative for the entire school year.
Box Tops can be submitted by students to homeroom teacher in a plastic bag, envelope or taped to a collection sheet.
Be sure to label collection sheet(s) or baggie with student’s name & homeroom teacher to obtain credit.
PTO: Join the Team!
Amy Brandon, PTO President
Welcome to Madras! The purpose of our PTO is to help improve our school by combining the efforts of parents, students, and teachers.
We invite you to join PTO to help make our school a better place to work and learn! Our fundraising efforts have benefited a variety of projects in the past including school building improvements, teacher instructional requests, equipment for the fine arts department, instructional technology purchases, and athletic programs.
This year, one of our major goals is to raise enough funds to purchase an electronic sign in front of the school to replace the old signage. We didn't quite reach this goal last year but are hoping to earn enough early this year to update it. We ask that each family join PTO with a $12.00 (or more if you choose) contribution. You can join and pay directly online by clicking the ONLINE MEMBERSHIP (You can also send a check with your child to the homeroom teacher or to the front office. Checks should be made payable to Madras PTO.)
We also need your volunteer time! If you are interested in assisting with any of the areas below, please select from the choices on the online form. You will be contacted as the events take place. There are many opportunities to serve:
- Hospitality Committee - Teachers' Luncheons and Special Events
- Box Tops
- School Store - helping in the store 8:00-8:30 AM on a rotational basis
- Membership
- Snack n Chat (monthly)
- Media Center (1-2 hrs per week)
- Battle of the Books
- Book Fair - Fall and Spring
- Scoliosis Screening - one time event
- School Pictures
- Lamination/Copies for teachers
- 8th Grade Dance Setup
- Special Event Assistance
- PTSO Board
MMS PTO Annual Project: Electronic Sign in Front of the School
If you wish to make a donation to this project, please send it in with your child address to the MMS PTO. Contact Amy Brandon at amysbrandon97@gmail.com with any questions.
Thanks in advance for your support!
Parent Letter Archives
Safety Letter (8-6-18)
Health Alert (8-6-18)
Open House Letter (8-7-18)
Affidavit Letter (10-15-18)
Parent Symposium Letter (10-22-18)
Symposium Flyer (10-22-18)
Veterans Day Assembly Letter (11-2-18)
Inclement Weather Protocol Letter (11-2-18)
8th Grade Career Expo Field Trip Letter (1-7-19)
7th Grade College and Career Academy Field trip Letter (1-8-19)
Scoliosis Letter, 6th and 8th Grades (1-14-19)
High School Transition Information (1-15-19)
8th Grade Semiformal Letter (1-28-19)
Parent Letter (1-28-19)
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