EMS Newsletter
September 21, 2018
Dear EMS Families,
The school year is in full swing - spirit is abounding from our sports teams, the Maker Space/Library is unpacked and in full use, homework is picking up and routines and expectations have begun to take root. As I observe classes I see students leaning in - whether it’s over their new whiteboard tables as they dig into a math problem or in morning meeting during a team building activity.
We look forward to hosting parents and guardians next Thursday for Open House from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. We will begin the evening in the cafeteria for light treats and a welcome. Then you will have an opportunity to meet your child’s team teachers and finally drop by to informally meet exploratory teachers. Please note that due to scheduling conflicts, Team Infinity will not be at Open House on 9/27. Look for information from the team about when they will reschedule. This event is only for adults, so please make alternative arrangements for your children.
In partnership,
Megan McDonough
EMS Principal
Friendly reminders
September 26th from 5-6:30 - PTO meeting in the Maker Space/Library
September 27th from 6-7:30 - EMS Open House *This event is for adults only.
Please enter through the South Union St. door. Doors will open at 5:45. Parking is always limited, so we encourage you to walk, bike or take the bus.
Community Announcements
Yesterday we had 60 students come tardy to school. Please work with your child to help them get to school ready to start their first class at 7:55. As a reminder, below is our tardy policy.
Attendance is taken at the start of each class.
Any student entering after the start of class will be recorded as unexcused tardy.
Starting from the beginning of the week and resetting at the end of each week - when a student accumulates a total of 3 tardies from any classes they will serve a lunch detention the next day.
A list of students who have lunch detention will be posted on the board outside the front office every morning and an automated message sent home via School Messenger.
Students required to serve a lunch detention will be gathered from the cafeteria after they get their lunch and brought to the Student Support Center.
In order to provide students a full 30 minutes of support - morning homework help will start at 7:20 as of Monday, September 24th. Breakfast will still be offered starting at 7:30. Students who are not getting breakfast or participating in homework help are asked to remain outside until the 7:47 bell.
As many of you know, we are in the midst of a major construction project at EMS. We are working in partnership with the company completing the work to ensure that student learning is not interrupted and that air quality is safe. The construction company and a private consultant are conducting regular tests to monitor this, and construction adjustments are made accordingly. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Seafood Allergy Alert
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Recently a member of our school community had several allergic reactions in the lunchroom. Each time someone with an allergy is exposed to an allergen it makes the reaction worse.
In order to provide a healthy space where all students can eat lunch safely we have made the decision to become a seafood free school.
With this in mind, please ensure all snacks and lunches that your child brings to school do not contain the specific foods listed below. Please note that foods that do not contain seafood or anchovies may be processed on equipment with these foods. Therefore, it is important to check food labels carefully.
Foods that could cause an emergency anaphylactic allergic response: PLEASE DO NOT BRING THESE FOODS TO SCHOOL
Lobster
Crab
Clams
Oysters
Shrimp
Scallops
Anchovies
Sushi (with raw fish)
Ramen Noodles (any flavor)
Seaweed Snacks
Seafood or Fish Chowders
BBQ sauce (unless anchovy free)
Fish sauce (also found in many curries and Pad Thai)
If children have eaten any of the foods above prior to coming to school, please be sure they wash their hands with soap and water prior to entering the school building.
Please recognize that we are trying to keep our students safe and the only way to do so is to eliminate the foods that cause this life threatening allergic reactions.
Thank you for your partnership!
In gratitude,
Rebecca McCray, MSN RN
Edmunds Middle School Nurse
Megan R. McDonough
Edmunds Middle School Principal
From the PTO
We hope this past summer was a memorable one and that the first few weeks of school have gone well for all. We are extremely excited for a new year to form new connections, enhance current relationships and build our community collectively.
We have a tremendous set of priorities for this upcoming school year!
- Raise upwards of $15k for the new Makers Space/Library. Our goal in reaching that total is to ensure that every child at EMS has the opportunity to work within a space that promotes and fosters innovative thinking.
- Support the Instrumental and Music Program at EMS, through specific fundraising efforts and potentially the creation of a Music Fund or Boosters Association.
- Create an Annual PTO Fundraiser for the EMS community that develops partnership, sponsorship and funding for educational enhancements.
- Continue to sponsor historically supported PTO events.
- Grow the PTO into a solid partnership between community members and the school.
The first PTO Meeting of the year will be held,
Wednesday September 26th from 5p - 6:30p
Hope to see you there!
We're always looking for volunteers! If you feel compelled to be a part of a certain initiative or event, please reach out to us.
Check out the website https://emspto.wixsite.com/emspto for the latest PTO info or email at emspto@gmail.com
Thank You,
Sage Lopez, Tyler Doggett and Skye Ellicock
Edmunds Middle School PTO
Contact us at EMSPTO@gmail.com
Visit us online at https://emspto.wixsite.com/emspto