Midland Messenger
November 30 - December 4, 2020
Midland Elementary
Email: midland@fpschools.org
Website: http://midland.fpschools.org/
Location: Midland Elementary School, 105th Street East, Tacoma, WA, USA
Phone: 253-298-4500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Midland-Elementary-Mustangs-112865059416899/?ref=settings
Dear Parents and Families,
It's hard to believe we have completed the first trimester! This week, Wednesday, December 2nd is the final day of the trimester. Our students and our teachers have been working so hard on the grade level standards in reading, math, and science. Our specialists have also been working hard in music, library, counseling, and social/emotional learning! Report cards will be mailed home on Friday, December 11th.
During the first trimester, we spent the first few weeks getting settled with technology and schedules. Once we got everyone situated, our attendance really improved. We have 254 students who missed only 3 or fewer days this trimester. Those students will be invited to a fun Principal's 12@12 Dance Party! We will use Zoom and some fun, kid-friendly GoNOODLE videos to have fun together for 12 minutes at 12:00 (noon) the week of December 8-11th. Families will receive a ZOOM invitation from Mrs. Dawson if your child had great attendance.
As we begin the new trimester, we ask that you please reach out to your child's teacher for assistance if your child is not able to attend regularly. We will help to problem solve and create plans for your child, so that they can get their important learning. We recognize the work that all of our families are doing to help support your children, and we continue to thank you for you partnership!
Happy December!
It's great to be a MUSTANG!
~Mrs. Dawson
Important Dates to Remember:
December 2 ~ Asynchronous learning day
December 2 ~ Teachers prep Report Cards/ Early Release @11:30 am
December 8-11 ~ Attendance 12 @ 12 ZOOM Dance Party!
December 9 ~ Asynchronous learning day
December 11 ~ Crazy Hair Day!
December 16 ~ Asynchronous learning day
December 17 ~ Holiday Sing Along
December 18 ~ Virtual HOPE Assembly
December 21-January 1 ~ No School for Winter Break
Custodian & Maintenance Appreciation Week
Please join us this week as we recognize our custodians for all the hard work they do at Midland, and for their great attitudes in all they are required to do. During this time of COVID, our custodians have worked extra hard to keep our buildings clean and safe! We appreciate them so much!
Please thank:
Mike Trammell, Chief custodian
Kelly Dailey, Assistant custodian
Marvelous Mustang Club ZOOM Pizza with the Principal
Arthur S., Mason L. Trenton W., Kyler W., Reagan R., Keletta B., Ar'Kira S., Gerake S., Chloe R., and Jasmine C.
A personal sized pizza will be delivered to these students for lunch at 11:30 on December 3rd. Families will be contacted with specific details.
Way to go, Mustangs. There will be another Pizza with the Principal in January!
Making Sense of the Attendance Auto Dialer:
Recently, the district has started automatic attendance phone calls when a student is absent from class. A student is marked absent when:
- They are not present in the live conference session OR
- If they did not log in to Canvas that day
Students who log in to Canvas but do not join their class session are marked absent with a special code: V for Virtual Presence. This will also trigger the automatic phone call because the student was not actually "in class." Please contact the Midland office for attendance questions.
K-2 Counselor News
Starting Monday, November 30th, Ms. Morgan Stephens, our primary counselor, will deliver her lessons via video recorded lessons. While meeting in person with students has been meaningful for those who come, we have determined that many of our students and families need more personalized support from our school counselor. Students will still be able to access Ms. Stephens' lessons through Canvas at their scheduled counselor time, and now she will be available for more home visits, small group lessons, and individualized counselor support for families. If you have questions or if your student needs more intensive counseling support, please reach out to Ms. Stephens at 253-298-4532.
IMPORTANT: Annual Student Information Update Needed For Every Student
A primary guardian needs to log on to Family Access in Skyward and complete the Annual Student Information update for your student. There are several forms that need to be completed every year, so even if you don't have any changes you must log on and complete the updates. It only takes a few minutes of your time. Please see examples below of what to look for in Skyward.
Make sure to click SUBMIT to complete the updates when you are done!
Social Emotional Learning Corner by Mrs. Blaisdell
This week’s focus is — Compassion for Others
We can show compassion for others by:
Showing Care: Take time to be kind. (“Let’s spend time together. I am grateful for you.”)
Showing Concern: Check in on the people around you. (“How are you doing? Are you okay?”)
Listening: Really listen attentively when others are sharing what they are thinking and feeling. (“Tell me more…I am here for you.”)
Helping: Reach out to others in need and offer to help. (“How can I help?”)
As a family— You can recognize, respect, and practice compassion for others.
Take Care of Others This Week 😊
Midland Fundraiser:
WIFI Opportunity
We have the pleasure of sharing this incredible free WIFI opportunity for families (who qualify) through Rainier Connects - Student Connect Program.
Here’s what you and families need to know:
- Eligible families must reside within the Rainier Connect service area to qualify, please see highlighted map for boundaries or visit https://rainierconnect.smarthub.coop/Shop.html#SelectAddressAndCity:
- Staff can assist families by submitting the Rainier Connect- Student Connect Program Application (link below)
- Families can self-refer utilizing the English/Spanish Rainier Connect- Student Connect Program Application, at www.fpschools.org/resources
Next:
- Once form is submitted, A parent or guardian over 18 years old will need to contact Rainier Connect directly, at 253-683-4405 and mention the Students Connect program.
- An adult must be present during the scheduled installation.
- Rainier Connect must have access to enter the home to complete the installation and confirm the service is working at the time of the scheduled installation.
Technology Help
The help number for the IT department is 253-298-4647 or you can fill out one of the two forms linked below.
PTA Corner
- $12 for a Single Membership
- $20 for 2 Memberships
- $10 for Student Membership
- $12 to Sponsor a Teacher
Email: midlandptapresident@gmail.com
Phone: 253-298-4500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlandmustangs/
Franklin Pierce Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to James Hester, Compliance Coordinator for State and Civil Rights Laws; Wendy Malich, Title IX Officer; or John Sander, 504/ADA Coordinator at 315 129th ST S, Tacoma, WA 98444-5099 or at (253)298-3000.