Eagle Updates
September 26, 2022; Principal, Lorraine Johnson
Eagles Win Home Opener against BBMS!
Karen Pitts, Media Specialist
September 26, 2022
We have officially kicked off of our Battle of the Books competition at Madras Middle School. Students have started visiting the library media center to view a Battle of the Books presentation in their ELA classes and begin to form their Battle teams.
Battle of the Books is a voluntary reading incentive program for all our students in grades 6-8 at Madras Middle School. The objectives of the program are to encourage the pleasure of reading, broaden reading interests, practice cooperative learning, increase reading comprehension, and provide opportunities for students to speak in a public forum.
Students read books from a list of ten books and come together to demonstrate their abilities and test their knowledge of the books in a trivia style competition. Competing teams of 3-5 students are alternately asked questions about reading selections from the list of books. Points are scored for correctly identifying which book the selection is from. Students will sign up and form teams in their ELA classes. Battle team members will divide up the books and read them before the first competition in January. The books on the list are available in the MMS Media Center but can also be borrowed from the public library or purchased online or at a local bookstore. Our list consists of a variety of genres and Lexile levels so that all students will have the opportunity to participate in our Battle of the Books program. Students will personally select the books on the list that they are interested in reading.
Please visit our Library Media Center website @ http://madrasreadingeagles.weebly.com for more information and to obtain a list of the books for the 2022-2023 school year.
Let the reading begin!
Website: madrasreadingeagles.weebly.com
Instagram: @madrasreadingeagles
Twitter: @madrasreadingea
Self Improvement Month
September is self-improvement month. As we embark on a fresh new school year, it is a great opportunity to either continue with positive habits or create new goals for the upcoming year. Here are some great ideas on some areas to focus:
Silencing your inner critic - Don’t over stress about what you cannot control and instead think about what you have already accomplished and achieved while letting those negative thoughts go.
Increase gratitude - Make a list of all the things you are thankful for
Improve physical fitness
Develop good nutrition and a healthy diet
Improve social relationships
Manage time better
Develop a new skill
Find out more tips on self-improvement at https://middleearthnj.org/2016/09/06/helping-teens-embrace-balanced-self-improvement/
Visit https://sleepeducation.org/student-sleep-health-week-setting-students-success/ to find more information on how sleep may be affecting your student, and what you can do to help.
Picture Day is Tuesday, October 4th
Fall Picture Day is Tuesday, October 4th. Pictures taken on the 4th will be included in the 2022-2023 yearbook. Students should remember this when choosing their attire that morning. Additional information from Lifetouch will be sent home afterwards. If you have questions, please contact Danielle Mattera Madras bookkeeper.
Eagles Take on East Coweta at Home on Wednesday, September 28th
The undefeated Madras Eagles football team will play East Coweta Middle (September 28th) at Madras beginning at 4:45 p.m. (Students may stay after school to attend the game.) Concessions will be sold including Chick-fil-A sandwiches, drinks, and snacks. A food truck will also be on campus. Cost of admission to the game is $5.00. Concessions are an additional cost if students wish to purchase something to eat or drink. Student pick up is behind the school in the car rider line at the gym no later than 6:15 pm. (No pick-ups in front of the school.) Let's go, Eagles!
Lady Vikings Lacrosse
For more additional information, please contact Head Coach Robert Skinner at robert.skinner@cowetaschools.net
PTSO Donations
Madras PTSO has been so very grateful for the support from many families over the years. Throughout the year, we will share opportunities to support our students and staff directly with specific item requests or special treats. Between families helping fulfill those requests and direct donations in the methods listed below, we have been able to avoid large scale fundraising.
In addition to cash or check donation and membership, Madras PTSO is able to take electronic payments:
- Paypal: @madrasPTSO or paypal.me/MadrasPTSO.
- Square: https://square.link/u/8vUerSDH
- Venmo :https://account.venmo.com/u/MadrasMiddlePTSO
- Amazon Wish List: https://smile.amazon.com/registries/custom/2GD7TEIA07LH9/guest-view
Does your company offer charitable matching for donations to nonprofits or schools? Delta matching for education is back. Check with your HR department if your company has matching.
Additionally, any group, business or company wishing to advertise with Madras, we offer sponsorship banner opportunities via our car rider line. Reach out to madrasmsptso@gmail.com for more info on how you can become one of our sponsors. Don't forget we can transfer a banner from a previous school for a discount.
Thank you for supporting Madras PTSO!
Parent Volunteer Training
PTSO Event Calendar
Jamie Bowne, MMS PTSO President
PTSO is now adding dates for activities for the year the school year. Parents will continue to update this calendar at the year progresses.
MMS Window Decals!
Interested in new Madras swag? We have brand new window decals available for just $5.00. You can purchase online. Denote student name and homeroom in payment notes so we can deliver directly.
paypal: @madrasPTSO or paypal.me/MadrasPTSO
Venmo :https://account.venmo.com/u/MadrasMiddlePTSO
Square: https://square.link/u/lFkZMoyN
Banner Sponsorship Through Madras PTSO
By Jamie Bowne, PTSO President
Banner Sponsorship
Is your company, organization, or group interested in advertising at Madras? Check our our Banner Sponsorship options to promote your business today. All sponsorships are tax deductible.REACH Referral (Gifted Program)
The first semester window for Gifted Program (REACH) referrals is open August 8 - September 30. Paperwork should be requested from and returned to the local school. Please see additional information below and contact Peggy Davenport (margaret.davenport@cowetaschools.net), MMS gifted coordinator, at 770-254-2744 if you have questions about the process or the program.
Types of Referrals
- Reported Referral: A student may be referred for consideration for gifted education services by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, and other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities.
- Automatic Referral: Students who score at the following specified levels on a norm referenced test, as defined by the GaDOE Resource Manual for gifted Education Services, shall be considered automatically for further assessment to determine eligibility for gifted program services.
Important Notice Regarding Free and Reduced Meals
Parents, CCSS enjoyed serving all of our students breakfast and lunch at no-cost this year, but current guidance from USDA does not allow us to serve free meals to all students in the 2022-2023 School Year.
It is encouraged that you fill out our online free and reduced meal application for your family. Any free or reduced meal application completed in the 2021-2022 School Year that is given an eligibility of free or reduced will carryover into the 2022-2023 School Year for the first 30 days of school or until a new application is processed (whichever occurs first).
You can easily complete the application at our website: https://frapps.horizonsolana.com/COWC01
Due September 2nd: Required Immunizations for ALL 7th Grade Students
The Georgia Department of Human Resources has issued an immunization update regarding Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) and Meningococcal immunizations.
Children who were born on or after January 1, 2002 who are entering the seventh grade are required to have a
- Tdap and a Meningococcal immunization
- an updated immunization certificate (Form 3231) reflecting the administration dates of the two additional vaccines.
All rising 7th graders born on or after January 1, 2002, must have ONE of the following:
A current , up-to-date DHR Immunization Form 3231 reflecting the additional one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine and one Meningococcal conjugate vaccine have been administered OR
A signed immunization waiver (available at the school for eligible students only) granting an extension of 30 calendar days OR
A notarized affidavit affirming a religious belief conflict.
If you have any questions regarding your student’s immunization status, contact your child’s physician, the local Health Department, or the school nurse (Kate Caswell). We encourage you to attend to this promptly.
Dropping Off Items for Your Child During the School Day
Dropping off Lunches or Medication: If a student forgets a lunch at home, parents may drop it off at the front office, and students will be called to pick up their lunch at the beginning of their scheduled lunch time. If a student needs medication, it can be dropped off at any time for the school nurse.
Dropping off Other Items:
Any other item dropped off for students during the school day may be picked up after school. Instruction will not be interrupted for students to pick up items during class. This includes forgotten homework, Chromebooks, shoes for PE, projects, etc. Students are responsible for bringing needed materials to class daily. If these items are brought to school during the day, we are happy to make an announcement at the end of the day for your child to pick them up in the front office.
Student Cellphones and Electronics
Cell phones and Smartwatches may not be used during the instructional day and must be turned off and put away at all times. Students are permitted to use a phone in the front office during school hours for emergencies or for illness. Students should not use a cell phone or smartwatch to call home or text when sick. Any student who is ill should go through the Madras clinic. The school nurse will call parents directly. Calling home for homework, a school project, or to make arrangements to attend an after school event that wasn't previously arranged ties up phone lines and is not permitted. Students may call home if:
- There is a transportation issue,
- Lunch or lunch money is needed,
- There is a dress code issue.
- The student is sick or needs medication (must call from the clinic under the nurse's supervision).
We appreciate your help in keeping interruptions to a minimum.
Monitoring Progress, Grades, Assignments, and Attendance
Student Portal
Students will be assigned a login for Student Portal which will allow them to regularly monitor their grades and assignments. Once logged on the first time, they will be prompted to change their password. Students should keep this in a secure location and should never share the password with others.
Parent Portal
Parent Portal provides access for parents to view students' attendance, grades, schedules, lunch balances, and other useful information. It also allows teachers to communicate with parents via the portal. You can enroll HERE, (directions) If you have questions about your portal account or are having trouble logging in, please contact Student Information Services by emailing infinitecampusportal@cowetaschools.net.
Chromebook Reminder
Backpack Buddies
If you have questions, please contact Madras Counselors Caroline Rothschild or Erin Nash.
- Emails: If your primary email address is correct in Parent Portal, you will automatically receive email updates.
- Texts: If you would like to receive text alerts from Madras, Text the number 81010, and enter the message @Madras2021
- Afternoon Bus Alerts: If you would like to receive text alerts from Madras with updated bus changes or delays, Text the number 81010, and enter the message @MMSGoBuses
We hope you’ll also take advantage of all the additional ways to connect with our school community such as text reminders via Remind, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Parent and Student Portals, and the Madras Web site.
- Principal, Lorraine Johnson: lorraine.johnson@cowetaschools.net
- Assistant Principal (6th/7th), Marius Truitt: marius.truitt@cowetaschools.net
- Assistant Principal (7th/8th), Herbert Betts: herbert.betts@cowetaschools.net
- 504 Coordinator, Marius Truitt: marius.truitt@cowetaschools.net
- 6th and 7th Grade Counselor, Caroline Rothschild: caroline.rothschild@cowetaschools.net
- 7th and 8th Grade Counselor, Erin Nash: erin.nash@cowetaschools.net
- School Nurse: Kate Caswell: kate.caswell@cowetaschools.net
- In-School SE Coordinator, Kip Durden: kip.durden@cowetaschools.net
- Gifted Lead Teacher, Peggy Davenport: margaret.davenport@cowetaschools.net
- ESOL Teacher, Meredith Clark: meredith.clark@cowetaschools.net
- Athletic Director, Herbert Betts: herbert.betts@cowetaschools.net
- Food Nutrition Services Manager, Frances Singleton: frances.singleton@cowetaschools.net
- Media Specialist, Karen Pitts (Chromebooks): karen.pitts@cowetaschools.net
- Secretary, Jennifer Ryan: jennifer.ryan@cowetaschools.net
- Attendance Clerk, Lynn Zaboth: lynn.zaboth@cowetaschools.net
- Registrar, Alecia Bruce: alecia.bruce@cowetaschools.net
- School Resource Officer, Chad Davis: chad.davis@cowetaschools.net
- MMS Transportation Contact, Marius Truitt: marius.truitt@cowetaschools.net
Madras Middle School
Email: MadrasNews@cowetaschools.net
Website: http://www.mms.cowetaschools.net
Location: 240 Edgeworth Road, Newnan, GA, United States
Phone: 770-254-2744
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MadrasEagles
Twitter: @MadrasEagles