Island Trees Memorial Middle School
The Home-School Connection
Wishing You a Great Week
April 8, 2024
Dear Island Trees Memorial Middle School Families,
We do hope that you and your children are excited for today's solar eclipse! We look forward to supporting a memorable experience for your children.
In case you missed my Friday message, I am sharing once again here:
I just wanted to begin the weekend by thanking our students and staff for their great work and commitment throughout the week--and especially today. As you know, earthquakes are rare occurrences on Long Island, and the manner in which your children and our teachers responded to this event and then went about their school day with great purpose is worthy of praise and commendation.
As I arrived home just a short while ago to hear of the school days of my own children, they had so much to share and so many questions to ask. I do hope your children are sharing notes from their own school days. As you discuss the day that was, please be sure to thank them for their great work today.
Please Be Reminded:
If the most recent Interim Reports show evidence of slippage or areas of deficiency in your child's academic profile, please be sure to consider the following supports:
- Classroom Extra Help (Every teacher offers extra help each week)
- Homework Club (Meets 4x/week)
- Math Lab - Grades 7 & 8 (Meets 2x/week)
- Contacting your child's teacher for ideas for improvement or extra work and resources
Please be sure to reach out to me if I can be of any assistance to you in the coming days and weeks.
Sincerely,
Mr. Keegan
Caught Being Kind in March
NYS Assessment Note to Families
Just a friendly reminder that April brings us the start of NYS testing. This year, the Island Trees School District will be participating in Computer Based Testing in all grades 3-8. Please note that the Science test is now administered in Grade 5 as well as Grade 8. Here is some important information that you will need to know:
The ELA Test will be administered over two days at ITMMS:
- April 17th and April 18th for all grades
The Science Test will be administered on one day at ITMMS:
- May 2nd for Grades 5 & 8
The Math Test will be administered over two days at ITMMS:
- May 6th and May 7th for all grades
As a reminder, our students have already participated in multiple experiences similar to the testing format, and we are excited about their progress. If you have made the personal decision to have your child refuse participation, please send a note to me as soon as you have made that decision. You can e-mail me at dkeegan@islandtrees.org or send a note with your child. Parent Square messages will not be accepted.
Important Notes:
- Please be reminded that there will be a normal bus schedule during testing days.
- Tests will be administered at the beginning of first period on each of our testing days.
- Students who have opted out of testing but arrive at our normal time are expected to bring a book to read. Students who are not testing will report to a separate location from the testing rooms.
If you have any questions about other ways you can assist your child at home or additional questions about state testing, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or reach out to me directly.
Thank you for your continued support.
Super Bowl Math Superstars
5th Grade Math Superstars Quench Their Thirst for Problem Solving
Congratulations to Nathan Yip, Anabella Camisa, and Hudson DeJesus for their amazing effort in completing the Super Math Bowl Challenge and for winning the customized raffle prizes. Both 5th and 6th grade students had 3 weeks to complete the Super Bowl-themed math skills and problem solving packet at home and /or during Math Workshop. Students who completed at least 3 out of the 4 quarters, or sections, of the packet were entered into a super raffle. The packet was loaded with many skills that the 5th and 6th graders have learned this year. In addition, all of the problems were presented in a fun, “real-world” problem solving context.
Special thanks to Mr. Flynn for organizing such a fun experience for our students!
Let's Stay Connected
I hope that this note finds you well. As I think about my life as a father of two children, and as I too receive many messages from their own teachers, coaches, and school, I do understand how much comes at parents in terms of planning, scheduling, registering, coordinating, and transporting. As a means to try to help our families, to support our many programs, and as a vehicle to celebrate our students, I have been sharing a weekly newsletter with the ITMMS community.
This newsletter is posted to our middle school homepage (https://itms.islandtrees.org/). A library of newsletters can also be found by going to this same homepage, navigating to the Families tab, and then selecting the Home & School Connection section. You will see newsletters going back to the start of the school year. It is my hope that this will help in some way to strengthen the home-school connection.
If at any time I can be of any further assistance, please be sure to let me know.
PTA Reflections Contest Winners
We are excited to announce that a good number of ITMMS students have been recognized as winners of the Nassau County PTA Reflections Contest. Our students will be recognized in school on Monday and Tuesday, and we will then publicize these students on social media, Parent Square, and at an upcoming Board of Education meeting.
Congratulations...
Chacko Mammen, Intermediate, Visual Arts
Andrea Giron, Intermediate, Literature
Adrianna Burmeister, Intermediate, Literature
Ethan Sposato, MS, Photography
Chloe Schultheis, MS, Photography
Kaylee Chase, MS, Literature
Amelia Crespin, MS Literature
Yianni Papadatos, MS, Visual Arts
Chloe Ahn, MS, Visual Arts
Andrew Battaglia, MS, Film Production
Giridhar Chopra, MS, Visual Arts
Gurmilan Singh, MS, Literature
Caught Being Kind
Science Olympiad
Please join us in congratulating our Science Olympiad team, led by Ms. Goldstein, Mr. Norton, and Ms. Rosenking. Our students performed with great distinction, with one group (Mateo Calabro & Vito Grupposo) achieving 2nd place in the Air Trajectory category.
Legally Blonde
All County Art Awards - Photos to Follow
Please join us in congratulating the following standout students on being recognized on Sunday, March 10th at the Nassau County "All County" Art Exhibition.
Chloe Ahn
Kaylee Chase
Evelyn Colton
Ariana Luisi
We could not be more proud of these great kids. Special thanks to the teachers who have supported these young artists this year and throughout their school years.
Please Take a Look at Our Twitter/X Page
If you are looking for a quick way to catch up on some of the great events, programs, and inititiatives from ITMMS, please consider following our school on our Twitter/X page.
Important Dates in Our Future
Looking Ahead to Testing - CBT Testing
ELA
ELA Day 1 - April 16th - ITMMS
ELA Day 2 - April 17th - ITMMS
Science
Grades 5 & 8 - May 2nd - ITMMS
Math
Math Day 1 - May 6th - ITMMS
Math Day 2 - May 7th - ITMMS
Looking Ahead - School Trips
Ashokan - Grade 6
Group # 1 - April 8-10
Group # 2 - April 10-12
Washington DC - Grade 8
(May 8-10)
Looking Ahead - Performances & Exhibitions
Grades 7 & 8 Musical - March 19-21
Grades 7 & 8 Talent Show - April 11th
Grades 5 & 6 Talent Show - April 16th
Grades 7 & 8 Spring Concert - May 6th
Art & Technology Exposition - May 13th
Grades 5 & 6 Musical - May 29-31
Grades 5 & 6 Spring Concert - June 4th
Celebrations & Dances
Grades 5 & 6 Spring Social - March 22nd
8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony - June 18th
8th Grade Dance - June 18th
Looking Ahead - Honors & Recognitions
National Junior Art Honor Society Induction - May 13th
National Junior Honor Society Induction - June 3rd
Personal Best Awards Celebration - June 7th
Looking Ahead - NYS Regents Exams
Algebra 1 - June 4th
Living Environment - June 14th
March is Women's History Month
Inclusion Week at ITMMS (March 18-22)
Monday, March 18th
Inclusion Week Dress-Up Theme: Wear Red as a Symbol
Tuesday, March 19th
Inclusion Week Dress-Up Theme: Wear Green for Gifts
Wednesday, March 20th
Inclusion Week Dress-Up Theme: Wear Purple as a Symbol of Positivity
Thursday, March 21st
Inclusion Week Dress-Up Theme: Wear Blue as a Symbol of Belonging
National Crazy Sock Day in Support of World Down Syndrome Day
Friday, March 22nd
Inclusion Week Dress-Up Theme: Wear a School Spirit Shirt as a Symbol of Unity
World Down Syndrome Day - March 21st
Spelling Bee Champion
Please join us in congratulating the following students for their great work in placing in this year's ITMMS Spelling Bee.
Our winner was Dean Lederer, 8th grade, whose championship word was metronome.
2nd Place - Matthew Calmenson (Grade 7)
3rd Place - Julianna Spera (Grade 5)
We wish Dean the best of luck as he moves on in the competition. Special thanks to our ELA teachers for supporting this wonderful event, with a great note of thanks to Mrs. Benjamin, Mrs. Villano, and Mrs. Friedman for their coordination and leadership.
America Runs on Ratios
What’s happening in Math Workshop: Grade 6
America Runs on……Ratios!
Leading up to our mid-winter recess, 6th grade students completed their study of ratios with a fun creative and personalized project. In Math Workshop, students modeled and compared ratios of Dunkin Munchkins to each other and to the total amount for the box size that they chose. Next, they wrote these ratios three different ways.
After designing a box of Munchkins (students chose to model 25,40,or 50 with flavors represented as different ratios), students then compared the flavors chosen to each other and to the total amount.
Next, students completed equivalent ratio tables and ultimately calculated the unit cost, or price per Munchkin to determine which box size is the best value. Believe it or not, a box of 50 Munchkins was $8.99 ten years ago and today it is $19.99! Which box size do you think is still the BEST value?
Lego Robotics at Regionals
A big shout out to the students and staff members who participated in the recent Lego Robotics Competition at Huntington High School
The Island Trees Memorial Middle School Lego Robotics Team competed in their regional competition on Saturday, February 10th. 26 schools across Long Island showed up to competition. In the category of overall robotic performance, the Jr. Robodawgs battled their way to 2nd, 3rd and 9th place!
We are very proud of all of you. Great Job RoboDawgs!!
Goals, Pathways, & Agency
As your principal, I watch with admiration how the students and staff of ITMMS have risen to the challenges of the school year. They have shown a commitment to one another, to our school, and to our community. As we move deeper into Quarter 3, may we continue to work together to support our students and one another.
Please know that our teachers use PowerSchool to post grades to an online grade book. As parents/guardians, you have access to these grades on the PowerSchool Parent Portal. If you are not a regular Parent Portal user, you may find the resources included below helpful.
Accessing Grades & the Parent Portal
To gain access to your child's report card, parents must log-into our parent portal.
The technology department has created two videos to help our parents:
1. The first video guides parents step by step to create a Parent Portal account - see below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYY3BfILSj8&t=10s
2. The second video shows parents the various Parent Portal features, including test grades, attendance, and report cards - see the video below:
If you have questions about logging into the portal, please contact John Rezek, 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at 516-495-7730.
Please be reminded that the large majority of our teachers use Google Classroom as a platform for the posting of class assignments, resources, and notes. I would strongly encourage you to reach out to your child's teachers for access as a parent member of the classroom's group. You can also view all classroom resources, assignments, and messages by asking your child to walk you through each Google Classroom.
Finally, if you have questions about assignments not completed, your child's grades, or work that can be made up, please ask your child to see his/her teachers or contact each teacher directly.
Again, this upcoming break provides a great opportunity for your children to begin the 3rd quarter with great academic energy.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if I can be of any assistance.
Bicycle Safety for Our Students
Promoting Success at Home and at School
As you visit the Parent Portal and review grades with your children, please be sure to review some of the Growth Mindset resources included below. The end of a quarter provides an excellent opportunity for students, teachers, and families to examine the differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. This discussion can also help to reboot a student who may feel as though he/she can never do well in a particular course.
If you have any additional ideas on how we might best support your child's progress, please do not hesitate to reach out to school leadership.
Growth Mindset for Parents
We Are...IT Video
Math Support Resources
Helping Your Child with Math
Dear 5th & 6th Grade Families,
Our 5th and 6th grade math series (EnVision/Savvas) has recently come out with a new resource, Family Engagement. This gives parents the ability to see an overview of all lessons, ideas for math help at home, and offers a home activity suggestion. Parents can easily access the Visual Learning Videos and Take Another Look videos for each lesson.
Use the links below to access this great resource:
5th Grade
https://media.pk12ls.com/curriculum/math/family_engage/g05_welcome_en.html
6th Grade
https://media.pk12ls.com/curriculum/math/family_engage/g06_welcome_en.html
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or could use additional support.
Best,
Mr. Keegan
Math Lab in Grades 7 & 8
What's Happening in 5th Grade Math Workshop
What’s happening in Math Workshop: 1 game, 4 skills
We’re “on a roll”…..when it comes to fractions!
5th grade students paired up to roll the fraction dice in order to create addition and subtraction problems with fractions. The student with the greatest fraction(once simplified) and then compared, wins that round!
After warming up with only fractions, students were given a deck of whole number cards that were used to create mixed numbers.Students eagerly used white boards and expo markers to demonstrate and improve their skills in a fun and exciting activity.
Caught Being Kind in January
One Free Breakfast & One Free Lunch
From Dr. Murphy
Starting Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Dear Parents,
We would like to inform you of recent modifications to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) by the state and federal government, which now allows for free breakfast and lunch for all children. You may recall that during the pandemic, all schools were provided with free lunch. However, it's important to note that this provision applies only to schools that meet a specific threshold. Therefore, based on the new 25% threshold, Island Trees students do qualify for free breakfast and lunch.
The free lunch provided is part of the federal lunch program and covers basic meals, excluding specialty, a la carte items, and snacks. It is similar to the lunches that were offered during the pandemic. This change will be effective starting after the holiday recess, Tuesday, January 2, 2024. We understand that this information may be unexpected, and we appreciate your understanding as we navigate these changes.
The free breakfast and lunch initiative, a joint effort by state and federal government, is subject to an annual renewal. Its continuation beyond the current academic year is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Erica Carroll, School Lunch Manager, 516-520-2145, or ecarroll@islandtrees.org.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
No Place for Hate
Island Trees Spirit Wear - Support Our PTSA
Have Any Shopping Needs?
Find all of your Island Trees Bulldogs spirit wear and school spirit apparel for youth, women, and men, all in one place with 1st Place Spiritwear. We have everything you need to represent your school both on and off-campus this school year. Our Island Trees apparel shop includes a variety of more than 150 different clothing options to choose from, with selections for current students, future students, parents, teachers, alumni, and fans, with new items being added regularly.
Reading Outside of School
Reading: Pursuing Passions & Interests
Research shows that by the end of 6th grade a student that reads 20 minutes each day will have read 3600 minutes in a school year which equals 1,800,000 words read (90th%). By the end of 6th grade a student that reads 5 minutes a day will have read 900 minutes in a school year, equally 282,000 words read (50th%). At the end of 6th grade a student who reads 1 minute each day will have read 180 minutes in a school year, equally 8,000 words read in a school year (10th%).
By the end of 6th grade, the student who read for 20 minutes a day will have read the equivalent of 60 whole school days. The student who read 5 minutes a day will have read only 12 school days.
Parenting & the Age of Social Media
Indoor Recess Notes
Indoor Recess When the Weather Does Not Cooperate
Dear Island Trees Memorial Middle School Families,
We hope this note finds you well and that the start of the school year has brought excitement and a rekindling of your child’s creative and collaborative skills. We know our 5th and 6th graders are especially excited about recess, and we have been working diligently to support and promote games and activities that are fun, physically active, and safe. It is our hope that your children have been enjoying the sunshine and fresh air on these beautiful days outside.
There will be times in the coming weeks and months when the weather will necessitate that we hold recess inside. We are asking parents to help students create a “Recess Bag” with small items from home that they can use individually during either indoor or outdoor recess. These items can be kept in a drawstring or Ziploc bag and will remain in school. Students are welcome to swap out or add items at any time. Below are some suggested items that students may want to bring to school:
A book to read
Art supplies (crayons, colored pencils, sketchbook)
Rainbow Loom
Friendship Bracelets
Lanyards
Legos
Play Doh
Sidewalk Chalk
Jax
Small Toys
Activity books such as mazes, word searches, look & finds, etc.
Magazines
Paddle ball with attached ball (outside)
Hacky Sack (outside)
Jump Ropes (outside)
These are only suggested items. Please do not send your child in with electronics or any items that are special or irreplaceable, as these items may get lost or broken. You can send in these recess bags whenever you are ready. As always, thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Mr. Keegan & Mrs. Steele
Order Your 2023-2024 Yearbook
Growth Mindset Kit for Parents & Families
Grit as a Success Indicator
I do hope you take some time to review the resources on grit. The middle school years provide so many opportunities for a students to be challenged and face obstacles. While making a sports team, achieving honor roll status, or winning a part in the school musical are achievements worthy of praise, so too is persevering in the face of challenges and obstacles.
Angela Duckworth is the world’s leading expert on “grit,” the much-hyped ingredient in personal success. As Duckworth defines it, grit is passion and sustained persistence applied toward long-term achievement, with no particular concern for rewards or recognition along the way. It combines resilience, ambition, and self-control in the pursuit of goals that take months, years, or even decades.
How can we work together to develop grittier students?
We Are...IT Poster Contest Winners
Athletes Helping Athletes (For 5th Graders)
Dear 5th Grade Families,
Vicki Firmbach (HS health/PE teacher) and Jaime Roche ( MS health/PE/SEL teacher) are the Island Trees Program Coordinators for Athletes Helping Athletes. Athletes Helping Athletes (AHA) is an organization of helping professionals, professional athletes and high profile amateur athletes dedicated to promoting activities for young athletes that highlight the life lessons and skills inherent in sport so that they can experience the benefits and true value of athletic participation.
Through the Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT), AHA trains and prepares high school student athlete leaders to address complex social issues within their communities. AHA’s mission is to inspire leadership through sport, while addressing social issues such as life skills, sportsmanship and civility, substance abuse prevention, violence prevention and physical activity.
Part of the application process for Athletes Helping Athletes is an interview element where our high school students will answer responses to various social issues. These interviews will take place in the health classroom on November 1st, 2nd, and 3rd during ninth period. The health students will have the opportunity to partake in a Q and A with our applicants.
Once our Athletes Helping Athletes members have been selected, they will attend three training sessions led by professional athletes and team leaders. During this time they will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to teach fifth graders about the positive elements and innumerable life lessons of the sports experience.
AHA Visitations with 5th Grade Students
Visit 1: Thursday, November 16th
Introductory Visit: This initial visit is dedicated to getting acquainted, having fun and establishing a theme about students’ involvement in athletics and other extracurricular activities.
Visit 2: Thursday, February 8th
Sportsmanship: Sportsmanship is a topic of great concern in sports. This visit is designed to help student athlete leaders highlight their positive behaviors within the context of the sports experience, in order to process issues of civility off the field.
Visit 3: Thursday, April 4th
ATOD prevention: The most important health-related choices are made earlier than ever before. Visitation #3 is dedicated to helping elementary school students identify the real challenges in relation to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, while highlighting successful refusal strategies.
If you have any questions about this program, or if you might like additional information, please be sure to reach out to Ms. Roche or me.
Have a great day!
Mr. Keegan
Celebrations & Notes from Our Classrooms, Playing Fields, & Stages
Clubs & Co-Curricular Programs
Morning Library Has Begun
Library Media Center
It is the mission of the School Library Media Center to ensure that students develop the skills necessary to become independent, capable, competent information users and lifelong learners. These skills include the ability to locate, access, evaluate, organize, integrate, use and communicate information and ideas from a wide variety of sources and formats. Instruction, therefore, integrates information skills into curriculum units rather than teaching them in isolation. Student-centered research projects are developed and coordinated through a cooperative effort with classroom teachers.
Please Consider Joining Our PTSA
PTSA Information
Here is the link to membership for PTSA:
https://itptsa.memberhub.com/store?limit=21&live=true
High School students must be a member for all the years you have attended to be eligible for the PTSA Scholarship given senior year.
8th grade PTSA gives an award at the end of the year. You must be a paid member in 8th grade.
PTSA Sponsored Events
Picture Day: September 19th and 20th
Homecoming is October 21st:
We will have a table at homecoming come down, we have sweatshirts, flannel pants, ornaments, T-Shirts and Magnets all to sell.
Attached is the website to order spirit wear clothing, the store is open all year.
PTSA Banner Fundraiser
Show your school spirit and support this PTSA fundraiser!! $50 and Venmo available (@IslandTrees-PTSA)! We are still taking orders
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeArEiE_b51IWVfB0hPPeOZVn-lPyuN24Wo9mt9BJmZPQnDGQ/viewform
ITMMS Bell Schedule
Arrival & Dismissal
Safe, Respectful & Responsible
Bus Transportation
The Transportation Office will send home information regarding your child's bus stops and times. Typically, our buses arrive to our school between 7:55-8:05. This allows students to get to their lockers and then to their morning Advisory.
Walkers & Family Drop Off
- Students who walk to school and students who are dropped off at our school are expected to arrive between 7:50-8:05.
- Because the back of our school building is the location for bus drop offs, we encourage parents and guardians to use our school's front circle for drop off.
- If you are dropping off at our school's back door, please be advised that this door is not open for student drop-off before 7:50.
- When dropping off at our school's front circle, please be sure to move as far into the circle as possible so as to avoid a backup on Wantagh Avenue.
- When your child exits your car, please make sure that he/she exits on the sidewalk side of your car, and please ensure that doors on the driver's side do not open.
- To ensure the safety of our students, a crossing guard will be stationed at Straight Lane and Wantagh Avenue during arrival and dismissal times. All students who walk to and from school are expected to cross at this location. Please remind your child(ren) of this important responsibility.
Dismissal
Our last class ends at 2:34. Students are dismissed at this time for family pick up, to walk home, and to get to a bus. Because our buses receive students in the back of our school, families are strongly encouraged to pick up their children in the front of our school.
Lockers & Backpacks
Backpack Safety & Lockers
We hope you are all having a nice summer. We have spent considerable time over the past few years studying the issues that are associated with children carrying heavy backpacks. We have spoken with many of our students and families to learn about these concerns while exploring ways to best support our students.
With the ongoing success of our 1:1 Chromebook model, our teachers have collaborated to create supply lists that will limit the amount of binders and paper being carried by students this school year. By making this conscientious change in our supply lists, we believe the weight carried by our students throughout the school day will be significantly reduced.
Please note that lockers will be assigned in the first weeks of school. Our teachers and staff will work with your children to ensure that they are supported and guided throughout this process.
Additionally, we ask that you remind your child(ren) that Chromebooks must be kept in the school-issued case when not in the classroom. This requirement will help to prevent damage to this learning device and promote hallway safety and efficient hallway movement.
We are asking parents/guardians to join in our efforts to ensure that student backpacks remain light, manageable, and safe. As always, we continue to encourage our students to use their lockers to help decrease the amount of items they carry during the school day. Additionally, we will have routine notebook and locker inventories, which will allow students the opportunity to clean out binders and backpacks.
Please feel free to contact the Main Office if you have any questions. We hope you all continue to have a great summer.
Sincerely,
Mr. Daniel Keegan
Principal
We Are...IT -- Our Message from Last Week
Ms. Steele and I had the chance to meet with each grade-level last Wednesday. During these 4 sessions, we had the opportunity to once again welcome our students back to school, and we used much of our time sharing some exciting events that will mark our school year. Some of these exciting events are the Halloween Social, trips to Boston and Washington DC, the Winter Wonderland Dance, school musicals, athletics, clubs, and academic competitions.
We also shared with our students our school's expectations for behavior and their positive interactions with one another. In reviewing our commitment to safety, respect, and responsibility in all areas of the school day, we shared with our students the slogan, WE Are...IT!
Last year, I was fortunate enough to visit State College, PA for a Penn State football game. Though the Penn State Nittany Lions lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes that weekend, it was an amazing experience and a lot of fun. While on campus, I purchased a hat as a souvenir as well as a t-shirt or two for my sons.
I have worn this hat multiple times over the past year, and I have become part of a what I first perceived as a strange ritual. What has struck me on these occasions is that when out walking my dog, kicking a soccer ball, or out shopping for groceries, I will often be greeted by a "stranger" who addresses me with the line, "We Are!" It took me a time or two to realize it, but what these individuals are saying to me is the first half of the message, "We Are...Penn State!" It is a statement that bonds, a tie that binds, and a quick affirmation that we share a common interest, fandom, or support for Penn State.
And in this spirit, may we also rally around the slogan, We Are...IT. May we recognize that our school community is made up of so many different individuals and families. We are made up of families that speak many different languages; families that come from many different parts of the state, country, and world; and families that have different beliefs and customs. May we also recognize that these differences strengthen us, and that our IT families are united in the belief that our schools serve to unify, educate, inspire, and promote a community-wide sense of pride and belonging. I see this pride and belonging each day in our classrooms, on our stages, and on the playing fields. I see it at Meet the Teacher Night, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and at morning drop-off. This pride that we all have in our school community is a great thing, and it is something that we must continue to cultivate and grow—together.
So, in this spirit, may we all stand up and say proudly, We Are...IT!
Communication & the Importance of Our School's Website
The Daily Bulletin
Did you know that our Daily Bulletin is also posted within the Parent Portal. Please take a look at this helpful resource.
Homework Online
Homework Support
Our after-school Homework Club is offered to students in need of a quiet environment and organized scheduling. A certified middle school teacher on our staff will supervise and assist the students during this period under the following guidelines:
The Homework Club will take place Monday-Thursday after school from dismissal until 3:20.
Students must sign in and out each day they attend.
Parents/teachers may request students to attend on a daily, weekly, or full-time basis.
Students may attend on their own initiative.
Students must come with their work and all necessary supplies.
Homework Club will likely begin in just a few weeks. Please stay tuned for an announcement.
The Use of Student Photos & Videos
Student Photos & Videos
Dear Island Trees Memorial Middle School Families,
Please note that during the course of the school year, photographs and video footage of students participating in school activities are taken for use in school district publications as well as in local and regional print, radio, television, the website and social media. At times, students are also identified by name when appropriate, which may accompany a photograph or video footage. Parental permission is assumed for all school related usage as stated above.
In the event that you wish to expressly withdraw permission, please forward a letter so indicating to my attention at the above address. You may also fax the letter to me at (516) 520-2168.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Daniel Keegan
Principal
Great Programs Built Into Our 5th & 6th Grade Schedule
SEL
Coding & STEAM
World Language
Advisory
Humanities Workshop
Math Workshop
Core Extension
Getting Off to a Great Start to the Year
GETTING A GOOD START
Organize
Getting a good start at the beginning of the school year is important. Start good habits right away. Before you go to bed, organize your books and supplies and get your clothes ready for the next day so that you are not rushed in the morning.
Your Locker
At school your locker is your home away from home. It is provided for your books and clothing. You should keep your locker uncluttered and locked and keep your combination a secret. Lockers are not to be exchanged or shared with other students.
Be Friendly
Come to school each day with a positive attitude. Talk to people about their interests and they will ask you about yours. Make an effort to make new friends and work with a variety of classmates when you can.
Make Connections
Take advantage of the social activities that the middle school provides. Join clubs that are organized along the lines of your interests. Participate in school dances, field trips, Sports Night, and many other activities.
Bulldog Pride & Appropriate Dress for School
Bulldog Pride Guidelines
Each student’s appearance should reflect a positive image of our school and uphold the spirit of “Bulldog Pride”. Our school welcomes and appreciates the support of parents in upholding these guidelines.
In order to maintain a safe, orderly, and respectful learning environment all students are expected to adhere to the following dress code guidelines:
Students should NOT wear clothing which is unsafe, dangerous or a health hazard.
No outerwear of any kind shall be worn during the school day.
No clothing may contain offensive or obscene language, symbols, signs, or slogans.
No clothing may endorse violence, sex, gangs or illegal substances.
Attire may not be disruptive to the educational process.
If a student is in violation of the aforementioned guidelines he or she will be offered the opportunity to change clothing immediately or be referred to the Student Support Center. Parents/Guardians may be contacted to bring alternative attire to the school should it be required.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
ITMMS is a Nationally Designated School to Watch
A Note from National Forum
On behalf of the National Forum, I would like to offer you our heartfelt congratulations on being re-designated as a School to Watch school! What an exciting thing you have embarked upon and your recognition shows the world that your school is indeed advancing excellence in the middle-grades. We truly cannot thank you enough for your dedication to young adolescent students and strong programs, practices, and cultures that enable you to meet their needs and propel them further. You are making an impactful difference in their lives and we are grateful beyond words.
Again, we are so proud of you and your accomplishments on becoming a Schools to Watch school! Your students are so very fortunate to be part of your school and we are anxious to learn from you at the conference and through other interactions with your team. Thank you for being a leader in middle-grades education and for your strong dedication to young adolescents.
With admiration, appreciation, and respect,
Promoting Positive Behaviors & Safety at ITMMS
Growing a Reading Mindset
School Safety & Wellness Reminders
Please Review With Your Children
Important School Phone Numbers
Main Office: 520-2157
Student Support Center: 520-2169
Health Office: 520-2164
Special Education: 520-2175
Curriculum: 520-2185
Health & Athletics: 520-2173
Attendance Office: 520-2166
We are a Nut Aware School
Please refrain from sending your child to school with snacks containing nuts. Peanut butter and other nut-related items are not sold in our cafeteria. Nut-free sections are designated in the cafeteria. If you have concerns about your child’s allergies, please contact our nurse at 520-2164.
Nutrition
To foster good health amongst our students, the following guidelines have been established:
- Energy drinks and coffee drinks are not permitted
- No food or drinks in the hallways
- No use of snack machines until lunch periods
- Delivery of fast food/take out is prohibited during the school day
Hallway Passing
Your children are reminded that they are expected to move between classes efficiently and to be safe, respectful, and responsible. All students are expected to walk on the right-side of the hallway and to walk in a manner that is respectful of others. There is no acceptable excuse for pushing or making physical contact with another student. With many students moving through our hallways during passing, pushing, running, and other similar behaviors can create a health and safety concern.
Lockers
Lockers will be assigned during the first weeks of school. Please be sure to encourage your child to routinely use his/her locker during the school day. There is time between classes for students to get to lockers, and I believe with greater practice and consistency, our students will see that more routine use of the locker will lessen the weight of a backpack. Those with gym lockers (student-athletes included) must lock belongings in our school-issued lockers.
Headphones & Phones
This note speaks to the power of one voice. I ask that you join me in reminding your children to remove headphones/Airpods when arriving to school in the morning. Additionally, please be sure to remind your children that phones must be fully powered down while in school. We have had great success with our "Powered Down & Put Away" policy, and we ask for your support in this area.
Smart Watches
As we continue to strengthen our Powered Down & Put Away program, we share with you that smart watches are not permitted to be worn during the school day. Any watch that allows for, or has the potential to allow for photography, texting, internet searches, and/or e-mail must be placed in a locker or backpack during the school day.
Social Media
How familiar are you with TikTok, Instagram, and SnapChat? Do you know who your children communicate with on these open social media platforms? Do your children go to YouTube the way you as a child may have gone to Nickelodeon, ESPN, or some other afternoon tv show?
As a father of twin fourteen year-olds, I have been forced to confront the powerful force that is social media. I would strongly encourage each of you to review the resources found under the following headings:
- Screenagers
- Social Media & Adolescents
I do believe these resources will help you (us) better understand the powerful pull of social media and technology while also providing ideas for families and parents to help children navigate the digital world.
Personal Items
Please do not bring personal items, money or jewelry of value to school. It is important for you to remember that the school cannot assume responsibility for the safekeeping of your personal items should they become lost or stolen. Cell phones are not necessary during the school day, and ITMMS is not responsible for loss or theft of phones, Airpods, watches, etc. No electronic equipment, aside from school-provided devices, are to be used during school. Recording and/or photographing staff and other students is strictly prohibited in school, on the bus, and at any school sponsored events.
Attendance Resources
Quick Reminder - Attendance Calls
Communication between home and school is crucial to so many areas, including attendance. I am writing to remind you that it is a parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify the school whenever your child is absent. Please call the Attendance Office (520-2166) each day that your child will not be attending school. Please also be reminded to send in notes from your doctor or dentist to confirm visits. Strong communication allows us to keep updated and timely records, and it also helps our teachers best assist students who will be missing classes.
Thank you for your support.
Let's Stay in Touch
The Daily Bulletin
https://sites.google.com/islandtrees.net/island-trees-memorial-middle-s/home
Smore
You (Our Kids) Deserve It
Powered Down & Put Away
Please join us as we make this expectation clear to your children from Day 1. As with other policies, it is important when working with adolescents to explain the "why" behind the policy. Please join me in clearly articulating our belief that our kids deserve it; that 6 1/2 hours of a day without a text tone, vibration, or push notification is healthy and will promote focus and their full presence. Our office phones will always welcome students needing to contact home, and if there is anything essential that must be communicated to our students, we will be sure to relay messages from home to our students.
Let's do this together!
Parenting & Middle School
Screenagers
Dignity for All Students Act
What is the Dignity for All Students Act?
The Dignity Act was signed into law on September 13, 2010 and took effect on July 1, 2012. "New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.
The Dignity Act also amended Section 801-a of New York State Education Law regarding instruction in civility, citizenship, and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others and dignity to include: an awareness and sensitivity in the relations of people, including but not limited to, different races, weights, national origins, ethnic groups, religions, religious practices, mental or physical abilities, sexual orientations, gender identity, and sexes." (NYSED.gov)
In each school, a Dignity For All Students (DASA) Coordinator is trained to handle human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (identity or expression) and sex. The DASA coordinators are available to assist families with any concerns.
Adolescents & the Responsible Use of Technology
Excerpt from Common Sense Media
The reality is that most kids start developing online relationships around the age of 8, usually through virtual worlds such as Club Penguin. By age 10, they've progressed to multiplayer games and sharing their digital creations and homemade videos on sites such as YouTube. By age 13, millions of kids have created accounts on social-networking sites such as Facebook. Here are the essential safety and responsibility guidelines for middle schoolers:
- Follow the rules. Many social sites have an age minimum of 13 for both legal and safety/privacy reasons. Encourage kids to stick with age-appropriate sites.
- Tell your kids to think before they post. Remind them that everything can be seen by a vast, invisible audience (otherwise known as friends-of-friends-of-friends). Each family will have different rules, but, for middle school kids, it's a good idea for parents to have access to what their kids are doing online, at least at first, to be sure that what's being posted is appropriate. Parents can help keep kids from doing something they'll regret later.
- Make sure kids set their privacy settings. Privacy settings aren't foolproof, but they can be helpful. Take the time to learn about default settings and how to change privacy settings on your kids' favorite sites, and teach your kids how to control their privacy.
- Kindness counts. Lots of sites have anonymous applications such as "bathroom walls" or "honesty boxes" that allow users to tell their friends what they think of them. Rule of thumb: If your kids wouldn't say it to someone's face, they shouldn't post it
Student Health & Wellness
Contests & Competitions
Follow Us
Email: dkeegan@islandtrees.org
Website: https://itms.islandtrees.org/
Location: 45 Wantagh Avenue, Levittown, NY
Phone: (516) 520-2157
Twitter: @Islandtreesmms