Gator Gazette Weekly News
Principal's Update
I hope you all had a restful Thanksgiving break! Many of our student groups are excitedly preparing for the upcoming additional winter Holidays.
- 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 8th, 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: Executive Functioning
Skills Practiced This Week: Task Lists & Organization
As we prepare for 2nd quarter interims, we will be reviewing the concept of organization systems with students. Most teachers have a deadline of missing work must be completed prior to interims.
December
1 - First Friday (wear your most festive holiday shirt)! The remaining shirts should be in soon.
1 - Mega Fundraising Party (from our fall fundraiser). Students who are invited, will receive invitations by Thursday.
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
- Garden Club, Mondays, 3-5 PM, Rm. 114
- 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>.
CogAT Testing Results
(repeat) 7th Grade CogAT Score Reports Being Sent Home 11/20 & 11/21
Over the past several weeks, the majority of our 7th grade students have taken the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). CogAT measures the development of verbal, mathematical, and spatial reasoning abilities that are essential for success in school. Students with different patterns of scores on CogAT have different learning styles. By knowing your students' learning preferences, teachers can help them achieve greater success in school.
The detailed score reports will be sent home with students on Monday (11/20) and Tuesday (11/21) through their advisory classes. A detailed letter, shared in a previous parent newsletter, further describing the CogAT assessment can be found below.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the score report, please do not hesitate to reach out.
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
There may be updates to Boys & Girls BB this week. We will send an update through School Messenger if needed.
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!
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
Eat More Sweet Potatoes!! Make these healthy spuds your buds!
WHY?
- Antioxidants Aplenty - The purple flesh sweet potatoes are thought to contain a super-high level of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Antioxidants balance out free radicals which are chemicals that harm your cells.
- Vitamin A Victory - Just one sweet potato can give you 160% of the recommended Vitamin A you need to boost eye and skin health!
- A Beta-Carotene Boost - Beta-Carotene is an antioxidant thought to fend off illness.
- Healthy Prep is Easy - Oven baking is the best way to prepare sweet potatoes to ensure you get all the nutrients.
- Cancer-Fighting Compounds - They have a unique protein called a protease inhibitor, which appears to halt some growth of cancer cells.
- Vitamins and Minerals - Sweet Potatoes are rich in Vitamin C which helps your immune system. They are high in potassium to help control blood pressure, and calcium to build stronger bones.
- Better for Blood Sugar - They have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes and more fiber which will make you feel fuller longer. Speaking of fiber...
- Fabulous Fiber - Sweet Potatoes are fat free and full of fiber almost 4gm per serving.
- Iron Man Worthy - They are a good source of iron. Also the Vitamin C found in sweet potatoes will help your body absorb iron better!
So don't just have this delicious food at Thanksgiving, make it a year-round treat! You can even make them into fries 🙂
PTSA Update
Papa Johns Fundraising Cards
The PTSA is selling Papa Johns cards for $15 each. These cards get you a whole year of buy one - get one free pizza for all carryout orders in any local Papa Johns!
$10 profit goes straight to PPMS for each card sold.
Order here: https://fall-2023-fundraisers.cheddarup.com
Spirit Wear - Holiday Sale is now!
The 2023 Holiday Sale is going on now through December 8th! Get 20% off, and free shipping for purchases over $75. Holiday Sale orders are guaranteed to arrive by December 23rd, and ship directly to your home!
Order on Cyber Monday to Save 25% on all Plum Point Middle spirit wear on orders placed on Monday November 27th! This deal ends at midnight.
Enter code Holiday5 for an additional 5% off your order!
PPMS earns 10% on all sales.
Shop here: https://1stplace.sale/44362
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
How to contact the PTSA:
Visit our new LinkTree for all the ways to find us!
Repeated Information
Volunteering at PPMS
From CCPS
Students,
You’re invited to attend a new student forum "New Generation – Students for Students" facilitated by student school board member Jordan Hayes. Meetings will take place during the months of November, January, March, and May. Meeting topics will be student-lead. The student forum is open to all CCPS students. The November meeting topic is focused on Student Athletics. Even if you are unable to attend the November meeting, please RSVP and share topics for upcoming meetings.
New Generation – Students for Students Forum
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Central Office, Multipurpose Room
1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments Provided
RSVP by November 21 to https://forms.office.com/r/3iGvrV8KUZ?origin=lprLink
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.