Rye Neck Middle School
March 15, 2024 - Issue 13
Dear Rye Neck Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you all in good health. As we approach the upcoming spring break, I wanted to take a moment to update you on some important happenings at our school and offer a few reminders for the weeks ahead.
Firstly, given the unfortunate incident that took place last week regarding the antisemitic and racist posts, it's crucial to take a moment to reflect on our conduct and the impact it has on others in our school community. As we navigate the vast landscape of social media, it is important to always act with respect, inclusivity, and kindness above all else. Therefore, it's imperative that we remind students of the importance of words and using social media platforms responsibly. Antisemitic and racist symbols and language have no place in our school, our community, or anywhere else. I ask that you speak with your children about using that type of language. It is never appropriate or humorous. We will continue to work on educating and supporting students as well.
As we gear up for the final stretch of the school year, I want to remind you that ELA and Math state testing for our middle school students is fast approaching. These tests are scheduled to take place in early April and will be entirely computer-based this year. Please ensure that your child is prepared and well-rested for these assessments.
In addition to academic assessments, we have some exciting presentations lined up for our students. Steve Goldberg, the Educational Director from the Holocaust and Human Rights Center, will be visiting our school to address our students on important topics such as antisemitism, racism, and discrimination. He will also be available for office hours to directly engage with students, allowing them to ask questions and discuss any concerns they may have.
Furthermore, our 7th-grade students will have the opportunity to attend a performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Friday, March 22nd. This production, performed by the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, promises to be both educational and entertaining for our students.
Lastly, I am pleased to report that our Student of the Month program continues to be a resounding success. It has been a joy to recognize and celebrate students who excel academically, demonstrate outstanding character, and make meaningful contributions to our school community.
As we approach the much-anticipated spring break, I encourage you all to take this time to relax and rejuvenate with your families. Whether you have plans for travel or prefer to enjoy a staycation, I hope it's a memorable and enjoyable break for everyone.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child's education. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Wishing you a wonderful spring break!
Warm regards,
Dulce
Dr. Dulce Barker
Upcoming Events
- 5th grade visits: March 18th & March 19th
- Mod. Sports Info Mtg for 7th & 8th graders: March 19th, 3 PM, Dining Hall
- Steve Goldberg presentation: Grades 6-8, March 20th, 4th period
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream performance for 7th graders: March 22nd, periods 3-4, PAC
- Spring Recess - school closed: March 25th - April 1st
- Modified Spring Sports begin: April 2nd
- BOE Planning Session: April 3rd, 6:30 PM, CSC
- FEB/MS 3-8 NYS ELA Exam: April 10th & April 11th
- Orientation for Parents of Incoming 6th Graders: April 11th, 6 PM, PAC
- 3rd Quarter Ends: April 12th
Student of the Month (SOTM)
Congratulations to Duarte R., Jack C., Berend V., Rosie L., Gabriela M. and Ella C. for being chosen as February’s students-of-the-month! Students were nominated for their leadership, exemplary character and outstanding attitude. Here are some thoughts from each of this month’s recipients:
Gabriela: It means a lot to be recognized. I'm extremely grateful for the acknowledgement and for our teachers. "Life isn't easy, life isn't perfect, life is good" -Life is Good Company
I would tell my peers to always be you, try to think positively, and that "Kindness is free."
Berend: It means to me that my hard work has been recognized and I am glad for that. "But in the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years" -Abraham Lincoln
I would tell them to work towards their goals and not be lazy about starting a new thing.
Jack: I feel honored to be Student of the Month. It lets me know that I’m doing a great job in school and my teachers appreciate how I am doing. Also, now my brother, Carter, can’t brag about being student of the month anymore. “Faith, consistency and hard work pay off” - Jaylen Brown
Always focus in class and listen to your teachers.
Ella: It means a lot to me to be student of the month; it means that I worked hard and accomplished something. A quote that inspires me is "Work hard now, relax later."
Advice that I would give my peers is that if you want something, work hard for it and you just might be able to get it.
Rosie: To be selected as student of the month is a huge honor. It shows me how much I have in me, inside and outside of school. It also pushes me to improve and shows why I deserve to be the Student of the Month. One of my favorite quotes is by Malala Yousafzai, "I say I am stronger than fear." This quote is what powers me to do something I am nervous or afraid about. For example, when walking into a test or quiz I always get so stressed out, however, I remind myself that fear is a mind killer. And in doing that I succeed and get a good grade. One piece of advice I would give to my peers is never doubt yourself. Being confident and strong is always important to do well. If you act this way your mind will catch on and your worries will slowly fade away.
Duarte: I am very honored and grateful that I was chosen as Student of the month. "What day is it?" asked Pooh. "It's today," squeaked Piglet. "My favorite day," said Pooh. This quote reminds me that every day is a new day and a new opportunity.
Ask yourself why, more often.
Strategic Planning
On Friday, March 8th Rye Neck staff K-12 gathered to continue work on the strategic plan. This work was led by Corinne Ryan, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and facilitated by the goal team co-chairs. During this session, teachers unpacked the language of the goals. They also generated ideas about the impacts these goals will have on the daily work of teachers and students.
High School Electives in the Arts
Here is a slideshow with Arts Electives for High School.
Yearbook Sales Information
Click on this link to buy the RNMS yearbook: www.yearbookordercenter.com
Then enter code: 40568
Herff Jones will also be sending out sales emails throughout the year! Get your yearbook soon as the price will increase later in the year.
Bike Safety
We would like to remind you of some bike safety rules.
By law, all children ages 13 and under must wear a helmet while riding a bike. In Mamaroneck, bicycle riders must consider the safety of pedestrians on sidewalks (and must dismount and walk their bikes on Mamaroneck Avenue).
Unlike joggers, bicyclists should ride in the same direction as auto traffic while on the road.
Students must be mindful of how they are riding their bicycles while on our MS/HS campus. There are lots of staff, students and parents walking and many cars that are driving during arrival and dismissal.
Please review this New York State resource on Bike Safety. Please remember that all of us who use the roads, whether on foot, on a bike, or in a car, have to pay attention to each other to prevent physical injury.
From the Counselors' Corner
Memo from the counselors:
After School Clubs
After school clubs started the week of October 2nd. They are open to students in grades 6-8. Students can try different clubs or if they are in 6th grade they can also participate in intramural sports. The club presentation as well as the schedule for intramural sports is below.
2023-24 6th Grade Intramurals Schedule
2023 - 2024
6th Grade Intramurals Schedule
School Days
Monday - Friday
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Intramural sessions are run by Rye Neck Coaches.
Intramural design will consist of skill development and scrimmaging.
Please use this FamilyID link to register your child for Intramurals:
6th Graders are to report directly to the location indicated below.
Intramurals only run on days school is in session.
Attendance is not mandatory for participation but if you sign up we ask that you make every attempt to attend each day. A student may register for multiple sessions/sports.
Village of Mamaroneck Community Clean Up
The Village of Mamaroneck Community Clean Up will take place on Saturday, April 13th (rain date Sunday, April 14th). Volunteers can sign up to pick up litter at various locations around the Village.
Acceptable Use Policy
Code of Conduct
Rye Neck Schools Academic Integrity Agreement
PTSA Event Calendar
News From The Classroom:
Research Tech - Ms. Costelloe: We began our work with the databases looking at our online encyclopedias - World Book Student, Britannica School and Scholastic GO. All three provide a wealth of information for school projects and personal exploration. We’ve now added specialized databases that provide video content in all disciplines, and databases that target Science, Countries and Cultures, and Mythology. It’s wonderful to see how much confidence students bring to their database searches and use of each database’s unique features, including locating and understanding the importance of citations.
7th Grade ELA - Mr. Tinnirello: Students in seventh grade English classes have begun William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a comedy about love and mistaken identity. The play will be read entirely in class; therefore, students will not receive a copy of the book to take home and read. In fact, we are acting out as much of the play as possible in class to gain a full appreciation of the comedy! But students are reading their new independent books, which were approved by me on Friday, March 15th. This independent reading will continue through spring break.
7th Grade ELA B - Mr. Macli: As we continue to read The Giver, we will also incorporate short stories and articles that are related to our question of whether or not it is preferable to be safe or free. How highly do we value our freedoms in the face of possible danger? Students' responses to these types of questions should evolve as we read.
7th Grade Social Studies - Mr. Magnani: In the beginning of March, students got a "crash course" on how our government works. Students explored the 3 branches of government and the responsibilities of each. This information did not have a formal test, but will be necessary for understanding future topics that we will cover. We've currently begun Module 7: Launching the Government. In this unit, we will examine the early presidencies of Washington, Adams and Jefferson paying special attention to how the Chief Executives navigate the United States through a series of storms before the War of 1812.
7th Grade Art - Ms. Appel: Students just finished creating their colorful sculptures inspired by glass artist Dale Chihuly. Now they are continuing to experiment with colors and shapes while printmaking. Students learned about Henri Matisse and his “cut-outs” to take inspiration for their abstract prints. Students are using the primary colors only and are layering their paints as they print to make the secondary colors. They definitely are enjoying experimenting with the different printing techniques!
8th Grade Art - Ms. Appel: Students just finished working on their graffiti name project and learned about the differences between graffiti as an art form and as vandalism. Students used blending techniques with oil pastels to create colorful letters and used printmaking techniques to create their brick backgrounds. Now students are learning about Stuart Davis to create abstract city collages inspired by his bold and colorful work.
Library - Ms. Costelloe: Just over 3 weeks until we’ll experience the Solar Eclipse on April 8th. Here are some resources that may provide some fun family activities and more information:
NASA Eclipses - general info, plus info specific to 2024 eclipse, and some resources.
American Astronomical Society - so much here, including:
AAS Eye Safety Guidelines, with info on how to view the eclipse safely and lots of ideas/how-tos for indirect viewing.
National Solar Observatory (NSO) - countdown clock, trajectory, and a livestream on their homepage, plus lesson plans for educators.
And with the break right around the corner, we have ways to keep your middle school student(s) enjoying books, audiobooks and online magazines:
Our platform for ebooks, audiobooks and online magazines
To read on your laptop or desktop, simply go to the Sora platform. You can link to Sora on the MSHS Library page or by typing SORA in your browser.
- Your Student ID (listed on the ID badge under the barcode) is you User ID#.
- To read on a device, download the free Sora app.
Sora allows you to have up to 3 books checked out and on your Book Shelf, ready for you to read or listen to. Books will automatically return to the system after 3 weeks. You don’t have to do a thing!
There are just under 300 magazines on Sora on a multitude of topics. They are magnificent!
Flipster
Our extensive collection of emagazines – both current issues PLUS 2-5 years of searchable archives – including Astronomy, Animal Tales, Sports Illustrated Kids, Poets & Writers, J-14, Science News, EcoKids and many more!
- Go to the MSHS Library page > Databases > MAGAZINES and select Flipster. Password: ryeneck
- On any device, download the free Flipster app
- Username: ryeneck / Password: #1panthers
Here’s to some great reading and listening as we (hopefully) usher in the warmer weather! Enjoy!