Gator Gazette Weekly News
Principal's Update
Carson Scholarship Program
The 2024 Carson Scholarship deadline is quickly approaching. Information has been shared with students through their ELA class. If interested, students need to complete this form (including attaching an essay) by Friday, December 8th.
https://forms.office.com/r/AQTXLR1VHf
Our scholarship program awards $1,000 college scholarships to students in grades 4-11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities. Students must attend an accredited K-12 school in the United States and be nominated by an educator at their school to be able to compete for a Carson Scholarship. For a student to be eligible for the award, they must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher and participate in community service activities. Only one student from each school can apply, unless otherwise told by a CSF staff member.
We are excited to celebrate the musical talents of many of our Gators! This week both our orchestra and chorus students will be performing their winter concerts. Orchestra students perform on December 6th (students report at 6:15; performance begins at 7:00). Chorus students will perform at HHS on December 7th (6th graders: report 6:00, perform 6:30; 7th graders: report 7:00, perform 7:30; 8th graders: report auditorium 7:15, perform 7:30)
Of note:
- Please consider donating a $5, $10, $15 gift card to our Gator Giving Tree. These go to our own Gator Nation Families who might be in need. We ask that all gift cards are turned into our counselor Ms. Jarman by December 13th (new date), if you are able to contribute.
- The SGA is planning a Holiday Spirit Week, December 18-21. Please see the flyer below for information on themes each day.
Advisory Corner
Curricular Focus: Walk the Talk - Communication
Skills Practiced This Week: Cooperation, Making connections, Public speaking, Self-reflection
Mega Fundraising Party Fall Fundraiser
December
4 - Auditions for Musical Begins after school
6 - Orchestra Concert, 7 PM @PPMS Cafeteria
7 - Chorus Concert, 6 PM @HHS Auditorium
7 - Art Club Begins (3:20-4:45 PM)
8 - 2nd Quarter Interims in HAC
15 - After School Dance 3:00-4:30 PM
21 - 2-hour Early Dismissal for Students
22 - Winter Vacation Begins
Holiday Spirit Week: December 15-21 (see SGA section below)
Clubs (recurring)
- Chess Club, Mondays, 7 AM, Rm. 114 No Chess Club on 12/4
- Garden Club, Mondays, 3-5 PM, Rm. 114 No Garden Club on 12/4
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Tuesdays, 7 AM, Gym
- Student Government Association (SGA), Thursdays, 7 AM, Rm. 316
Winter Wishes Fundraiser
Send a kindness message to your student and/or staff member before the holidays!
A Place for Kindness club is selling “Winter Wishes” for a $1 in lunches The week of December 11th. Attached is a copy of if you would like to purchase one for your student and/or staff members. All completed Winter Wishes can be sent to Douglasa@calvertnet.k12.md.us and money can be sent to the office labeled Winter Wish/Kindness club.
All Winter Wishes will be delivered along with a reindeer candy cane the week of December 18th.
The money raised will be donated to a community organization in need.
Any questions, please see Mrs. Douglas.
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 Clinic for the following sports are in process:
- 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.
Holiday After School Dance/Social- December 15, 2023
The PPMS SGA and PTSA will be hosting an after-school dance/social on December 15th. Please see the flyer attached below for more details. A Sign-Up Genius link and QR code will be posted soon for chaperone volunteers and donation sign-ups for this event. Tickets will cost $5.00 and be available beginning on December 8th during lunches and in the morning in Mrs. Kelly's room, 316. Tickets may also be purchased immediately using the online link below. There will be a staggered pick up for this event to help with our traffic flow. Pick up times are listed on the flyer below. We hope to see you at the Holiday After School Dance/ Social!
You can use the link below to purchase tickets online for the Holiday Dance/Social! Once purchased online, a hard copy ticket will be delivered through your student's first period teacher.
https://osp.osmsinc.com/CalvertMD/
PPMS Holiday Spirit Week
PPMS will be hosting a Holiday Spirit Week beginning on Friday, December 15th through Thursday, December 21st. Spirit Day themes are listed on the flyer included below. Please consider dressing up for the daily theme to show your school and holiday spirit!
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
Auditions
If you turned in an audition permission slip, you should have received audition information on Monday, November 20th. You will need to sign up for an audition day in the sign-up genius that was sent with your audition materials. Please BE PREPARED at your audition! We are also asking for parent volunteers to help supervise the students. Please consider this if you are able to be there. Contact ppmstheatre@gmail.com with any questions.
PPMS Yearbook
Yearbook Committee
If you turned in a permission slip to participate, you should have received a list of meeting dates on Monday, November 20th. Contact eversolec@calvertnet.k12.md.us with any questions.
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
I wanted to give you some quick facts about vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc; and why they are important when thinking about our immune system! All 3 are not meant to treat or prevent illness but they may have a positive effect on how our immune system works to fight off infections, as well as inflammation and swelling.
So how do we get it and how much do we need daily?
Vitamin C - best obtain by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables - oranges( 1 cup =96mg), kiwis (167mg), mangos (60mg), strawberries (98mg), bell peppers (152mg), guavas (377mg), broccoli (81mg), and kale (23mg). To name a few! Daily amount recommended is 65 - 90 mg a day with an upper limit of 2,000mg daily. Too much vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful but may cause uncomfortable side effects - abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, headache.
Vitamin D - best obtained by consuming low fat milk, fortified milk alternatives, seafood (such as salmon, rainbow trout, tuna) and mushrooms. You can also get a dose of Vitamin D from the sun through your skin, so get outside and get some fresh air and sunlight! You can get too much Vitamin D if taking too many supplements but just through food and sunlight it is unlikely to consume too much.
ZINC - is best obtained through foods such as lean meats, seafood, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Also...some tips on getting through the Holidays 🙂
Get Enough Rest
Don’t stretch yourself too thin. You will likely get several invitations to attend holiday gatherings for either you, your kids, or grand kids. You will find that your schedule starts to fill up leaving you no time to relax or do the things you want to do. It’s okay to say no to invitations. Your mind and body will thank you in the end.
Listen to Your Body
The holidays are a time when germs and sickness thrive. If you’re feeling a little under the weather, it may be a good idea to take it easy and lay low. Your friends and family should understand that you are also looking out for their well-being. You don’t want to put your health or anyone else’s at risk.
Enjoy the journey to the holidays and stay healthy! ❤️Nurse Smith
PTSA Update
Papa Johns Fundraising Cards
Order here: https://fall-2023-fundraisers.cheddarup.com
Saturday 12/2 is the final day to purchase a Papa John’s fundraiser card to support PPMS!
This $15 card is good for a free pizza for every pizza purchased at regular menu price with unlimited use for an entire year by carryout, good at a number of local Papa John’s locations. If your family loves pizza nights, this deal pays for itself in the first few uses!
$10 proceeds from each card sold goes directly to Plum Point Middle School.
Spirit Wear - Holiday Sale is now!
Shop here:https://1stplace.sale/44362
The Holiday Sale ends soon! This is the last week to save 35% on all spirit wear with Code: EXTRASAVINGS. Guaranteed delivery by Dec 23rd! Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list - from parents to grandparents and beyond! Visit: https://1stplace.sale/44362
*PPMS earns 10% on all sales.
We thank you for your support in these fundraisers!
Sign up to volunteer or donate to the SGA / PTSA Dance on December 15th! This dance will be held after school, and tickets will be sold by SGA in school and online. Please consider donating or volunteering for this fun wintertime event!
https://bit.ly/DanceVolunteer121523
Our next PTSA Meeting will be January 10th, 6:30pm in the Media Center
It’s not too late to join the PPMS PTSA! You can join here: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/ppms-ptsa-23-24
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.
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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.