
Middle School of Plainville
AUGUST 2023
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
August:
- Friday, 8/25: 6th Grade Tours 9:00-12:00 p.m. at MSP
- Thursday, 8/31 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! :)
September:
- Monday, 9/4: Labor Day - No School
- Tuesday, 9/12: First PTC Meeting 7 p.m. in the Library Media Center - Please Join Us!
- Wednesday, 9/13: MSP Open House 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Free, Virtual Family Workshop from Teachers College Reading and Writing Project
Register Here:
LET'S GET READY FOR A GREAT YEAR!
Information from the Interim Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Kevin Case
Topics: Weather-related Decisions and Attendance
Are You Signed up with Powerschool?
MSP - PowerSchool - Parent Partnership
Remember to Download the Powerschool App
Use code CDLQ to link to the Middle School of Plainville
If you need assistance with a password reset or PowerSchool account help, please contact our Technology Department at (860)793-3220.
Do You Have Chromebook Insurance?
Food Service Announcement
Dear Plainville Families,
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. There have been some changes in the School Nutrition Programs for the 2023/2024 school year. Free Lunch for all students ended on June 30, 2023. Breakfast will be free for all students. Families that qualify for reduced meals will no longer have to pay $.40 for their lunch. Lunch will be free for these students. School Year 2023/2024 will find the School Nutrition Program transitioning to a Free or Full pay meals program. Please find below the chart of lunch prices for School Year 2023/2024.
Healthy snacks and beverages will be available for purchase at our secondary schools. Students will be able to purchase these items if their accounts are in good standing without a negative balance.
Plainville Community Schools offers MySchoolBucks, a convenient online service that allows you to securely pay for your student’s meals online using your credit/debit card or electronic check. You can find additional information by clicking here and click “Pay for Lunch”
*It is very important that families who are eligible based on household income for free and reduced meals complete the application by clicking here. The applications will also be sent home with students on the first day of school.
●Families who may qualify for Free or Reduced benefits must apply.
●Families who are receiving assistance through the SNAP or TFA programs do not need to apply.
●Families who feel their income would not qualify for assistance do not need to apply.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Nutrition Services at 860-793-3234.
Sincerely,
Ashley Carl, RDN, CD-N
Director of Food and Nutrition Services
MSP Administrative Team
Ms. Aimee Roberts
Principal
Ms. Melissa Orfitelli
Assistant Principal
Grade 6
Grade 7 Trail Blazers
Mr. Ryan Cornelius
Assistant Principal
Grade 7 Path Finders
Grade 8
Welcome to Our New Staff at MSP
Ms. Tessa O'Leary
8th Grade English & Language Arts Teacher
Hi, I'm Tessa O'Leary, your MSP student's newest 8th grade ELA teacher! I grew up right next door in Bristol and recently bought a home in Wethersfield.
I am a proud UConn alumni - go Huskies! My professional experiences have taken me to many places and led me to many different roles, from which I've cultivated a genuine passion for helping others and working with children. I've been educating for six years, with my most recent role being a 6th grade ELA teacher with Ledyard Middle School.
I am absolutely ecstatic to join the MSP team this year! I'm a trivia nerd (song lyrics are my specialty) who loves junk food, tea breaks, a cozy reading/writing space, and my cat Ramona.
Fun fact: my first job ever was at the Dairy Queen in Plainville across from the high school!
Ms. Serena Nadeau
8th Grade World Language Teacher
¡Hola! I am Señorita Nadeau and I will be the new 8th grade Spanish teacher here at MSP! I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Spanish K-12 Education and Tourism & Hospitality Studies at Central Connecticut State University. During my time at CCSU, I spent a semester studying abroad in Seville, Spain. This was an unforgettable experience and is what influenced my decision to become a Spanish teacher.
I previously student taught at Bristol Central High School and have substitute taught in both the Wolcott Public Schools District and the Bristol Public Schools District.
I am very passionate about the Spanish language and culture. I love traveling and exploring other places in order to learn about new practices and perspectives in different cultures. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature with my family and pets. I grew up on a small farm, so I love animals. I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, reading, picnics, and baking.
Ms. Mardelin Martinez
8th Grade World Language Teacher
Welcome Back to MSP, Señora Martinez!
I earned a Bachelor degree from UCONN, an M.Ed from Post University, and an Intermediate Administrator Certification (092) from Sacred Heart University.
I’ve been a Spanish teacher for 7 years in private and public schools. Most recently, I was a principal at a private school.
I enjoy building positive relationships with my students and have high expectations for them because when we believe in our students they will believe in themselves.
I am returning to teaching after deciding to leave administration to enjoy precious time with my daughter who is a junior in high school. It was a great experience but I am excited to return to being Señora Martinez and sharing my love of the Spanish language and culture with our MSP Blue Devils.
A few of my favorite things: Milk Chocolate, Outback Steakhouse, Speaking Spanish, Back to the Future Trilogy, Family Time and School Spirit Days
Ms. Amanda Ferrucci
6th Grade School Counselor
Hello, Middle School of Plainville! I am so happy to officially be a part of your school family! My name is Amanda Ferrucci, and I have been a middle school counselor for the past 17 years in the beautiful Connecticut towns of Burlington/Harwinton.
I achieved my Masters degree at St. Joseph College when it was just a college.
I live in Kensington, CT with my husband Joe, two kids, Dominic 9, Savannah 6, and a few fish. Coffee and reading are two of my favorite things, besides my family and being a school counselor!
Mr. Victor Terranova
Hello MSP,
I spent four years in Burlington, Vermont at Saint Michael’s College earning a bachelor's degree in Economics. I also earned a graduate degree from Central CT State University.
I have spent the last 13 years in college athletics working with student-athletes from all over the world. I loved my experiences as a counseling intern and long-term substitute in Simsbury and West Hartford.
When I'm not in school, I enjoy spending time outside doing anything athletic. I especially love hiking, camping, cooking, and spending time with family and friends around a BBQ.
I live in Simsbury with my wife Brittany and my two boys, Hudson and Caiden.
Two Fun Facts About Me:
Fall is my favorite season!
I would love to plan a backpacking trip through the country of England.
Ms. Elizabeth Warszawik
7th Grade Mathematics Teacher
I earned my BS in Education in 2003 with a concentration in Mathematics and Earth Science. Additionally, I earned my MS in Mathematics in 2009.
I taught 4th grade at St. Brigid School for 5 years (2004 - 2009) and 7th and 8th-grade Mathematics in New Britain for 8 years (2015-2023).
I enjoy gardening and boating.
Fun Facts:
I have two rescued dogs. They are a bonded papillon/dachshund mix.
One of my top travel destinations is San Francisco, California.
We are currently in the process of hiring for the following positions:
Connections Program: Special Education Teacher
General Music Teacher
MSP Student Handbook 2023-24
Please review the handbook with your child prior to the start of school.
We will also go over all of this information together during the first few days of school.
Please sign and return these forms by 9/8/23.
We're Here to Help - Let's Connect
Check Out Our New MSP School Website Buttons
1. Anonymous Bullying Report - If you need to report a case of suspected bullying to our MSP Administrative team but would like to remain anonymous, please use this button to complete our Bullying Investigation form. Your submission will be automatically delivered to our Administrative team. Students are encouraged to use this button if they would like to remain anonymous or report to an adult at MSP.
2. Feedback for MSP - Have thoughts, suggestions, or concerns about MSP? Please take a moment to submit your feedback using this button on our webpage. Your submission automatically gets sent to our Administrative team's emails. We look forward to hearing from you!
New This Year: What I Need Now (W.I.N.N.)
2023-2024 W.I.N.N. Structure
What I Need Now
We are excited to announce a change in our schedule at MSP for this school year. We believe that every student should get what they need, therefore, we are changing our Enrichment period to What I Need Now (W.I.N.N.). During the first period of the day, additional support is available to all students that are working toward proficiency in the areas of literacy, mathematics, executive functioning, and/or behavior and for students in need of enrichment. An equitable environment ensures that each child has access to relevant, challenging academic experiences and educational resources for success to meet their needs.
Students will be identified as in need of additional support based on their historical performance on standardized assessments, performance in the classroom, DESSA, i-Ready data, and feedback from their team of teachers.
Students will receive this support:
In groups no larger than 5 students (homogenous groupings)
2-3x/week for 30 minutes or longer
Targeted to identified areas of need
School-wide Expectations for Students during W.I.N.N:
Cell phone use and gameplay on their Chromebooks is not acceptable during this time
Student placement and learning experiences should be data-driven
Students are expected to be in class for the duration of WINN
All students will be on task during this time
Attendance: Every Day Counts
Anti-Defamation League: No Place for Hate at MSP
MSP Earns No Place for Hate Designation for 2022-23!
National Junior Honors Society Chapter at MSP!
We are working on building our Chapter by appointing 5 faculty representatives to select students based on academic excellence, strong character, and leadership.
At MSP, we believe that listening to our kids makes us stronger. We are committed to empowering and equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to be transformative leaders in our school, community, and beyond.
Join our MSP Parent Teacher Club (PTC)!
PCS All Stars: Nominate Someone at MSP!
NOMINATE MSP STAFF MEMBERS: PCS All Stars Award Program Nomination Form
If you would like to nominate a member of our school district community who you believe is a “PCS All Star” please complete this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMbzQWgjVaHyN5Couu34LBp9dVR3hqCl_HNe3a3W3LQ-EIkg/viewform
Plainville Youth Services Information
Contact Sneha L'Heureu, Director, for more information or to make an appointment at (860) 793-0221 or lheureux@plainville-ct.gov.
Direct services provided by Youth Services staff:
- Confidential individual, group and family counseling
- Information and referral
- Crisis intervention
- Case management – DCF, Juvenile Court, Counseling and Treatment Programs
- Parenting information and support
- Parent Discussion Groups and special presentations
- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group
- Juvenile Review Board Coordination - Juvenile Court Diversion Program
- Kids in the Middle (KIM) Program
- Community Service Coordination
- Summer Adventures, Teen Challenge,
- Summer Camp Scholarships
- Job Bank training and referral
- Babysitter training
- Plainville Coalition for Positive Youth Development; Co-Chairperson
PCPYD.org
School Based Services:
- Individual and specialized group counseling
- Assessment
- Substance Abuse Assessment
- Member of Student Support Teams in Middle and High Schools
- Substance Abuse Education
- Staff Consultation
- Peer Mediation Training
- PTO/PTC presentations
🥇Plainville Athletics 👏
MSP Fall Sports
Message from Athletic Director, Mark Fritz,
I hope you all are enjoying your summer. We are excited to have you back for another school year!
Registration for Fall Athletics at MSP is NOW OPEN! Please use the link below to register for the sport you wish to participate in. In order to participate, you must sign up on FamilyID and have an up to date physical. If you have any questions please let me know!
MSP Fall Athletics - Register Here!
Sports Offered & Coaches:
Girls Soccer - Coach Georgini georginie@plainvilleschools.org
Boys Soccer - Coach Miller loganmiller562@yahoo.com
Co-Ed Cross Country - Coach Patterson pattersonm@plainvilleschools.org
PHYSICALS FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES
You don't have to upload it on FamilyID, it is just an option. Another option is to drop off a paper copy to the main office at the high school. If your physical expires over the summer; please bring in a copy of your new physical once it is completed. You should place it in Nurse Capodice's mailbox in the main office. We will then update our records. Remember you need a new physical every year.
Middle School of Plainville
Website: https://msp.plainvilleschools.org/
Location: 150 Northwest Drive, Plainville, CT, USA
Phone: 8607933250
Twitter: @MSPPCS