February Elk Trax
2022-2023 National School to Watch
From The Principal:
February has arrived! I have no idea where time goes, but it flies when you are having fun! We had a busy month of January at Elkton Middle with winter sports happening, our mid-year Growth Assessments, the start of second semester, and many student events. We also were able to enjoy a "snow day" recently! As we continue to move forward, we are preparing for parent conferences on Thursday, February 9 and Friday, February 10. Please call the school and speak to a secretary to schedule a conference, if you are interested. We will also begin after-school tutoring this month; Ms. Muterspaugh has sent invitations to students and parents.
Please read through this newsletter for important information about our school, events and the upcoming parent meetings for the Superintendent Search process. As always, please call me of come by if you have any questions or concerns. I hope you have a wonderful month of February!
Emily Holloway, Principal
Welcome to EMS
Message from Mr. Greenplate:
I'm excited to join the team here at Elkton after spending the previous 20 years in Baltimore, Maryland, but I'm originally the product of a small town, Glen Rock, in rural Pennsylvania. I feel most at home near mountains and hiking trails, and I'm passionate about basketball and soccer. I love literature and movies, so please feel free to give me your recommendations.
A Message From Michelle Campbell, Assistant Principal
It is hard to believe we are already in February... still waiting for our first snow day! It has been a great year so far with many athletics and extracurriculars in full swing. We are about to wrap up our winter sports season with boys and girls basketball, cheerleading, and wrestling coming to a close. It will be quiet in the athletic department for the next few weeks until track begins the last week of February. Remember, students must have a current VHSL physical on file to participate in athletics like track. If your student is unsure whether they already have one, they can check on that in the main office. This month Girls on the Run and Chess Club will also be starting up, so be on the lookout for more information. February is CTE month and I'm sure the CTE classes and clubs will have some fun activities in store for us! I am looking forward to all the love and kindness February will bring at EMS!
Ms. Campbell will work with students whose Last Name begins with A-L
A Note From Krystal Muterspaugh, Assistant Principal
I hope everyone had a fantastic January. It is hard to believe we are into the second semester. The end of the school year will be here before we know it. Be sure to check out our spring activities and sports that will be starting soon. Also remember that tutoring will begin in a few weeks for those that were invited. If you have a letter to turn in please do so this week. I hope everyone has a terrific month ahead. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Ms. Muterspaugh will work with students whose Last Name begins with M-Z
Nurse Clinic News
February Nurse Clinic News
Another month has come and gone as we head into February! The news from the clinic hasn't changed much with a lot of sickness still going around. There are a lot of viruses happening. Please continue to monitor your child prior to sending them to school. Check them for temperatures before putting them on buses and make sure they are not coming with body aches, vomiting, headaches and so forth. This helps us so much! We do realize that things can pop up out of the blue here, at which time I will evaluate them and call you as I feel necessary. It takes us all working together, that's for sure.
I got all the letters sent home for those that failed the vision screens. If you received one for your child please just let your eye doctor see those results as it helps them know what we are seeing here at school. Then once they evaluate your child let me know so I can update their records. This will help us to figure out if there is an issue especially if your child is having difficulty in the classroom seeing the boards, using their chromebooks, having headaches and so on.
As a VERY early reminder for sports physicals, physicals in general and immunizations (if you so choose to vaccinate your student) please don't wait until the last minute to schedule those appointments as those time slots go fast at doctors' offices. Go ahead and put a call in and get on the books now. Set those appointments up and plan ahead so you are not left waiting until the last minute and then saying you were not aware of what was needed to begin the school year, to play their sport, etc. Plan, plan, plan ahead! I too have been there myself. Life is busy so we can forget sometimes.
New guidance was finalized Friday 1/20/23. Here is the chart with primarily elementary information on the first page and secondary information on the second page. Included are also links for more information on physical exams and the VDH resources. You can print this resource and take it to your doctor so they are also aware of what is required for your child to begin the school year next year so you will be ready prior to the first day of school.
*Remember if it's recommended then you as the parent have the right to verbally decline that vaccination. If it's required then you either have to get those vaccinations or you as the parent can choose exemption options (do your research). I support you as the parent having the right to choose whatever works for your family.
I, as a RCPS nurse, simply need one of the following to update your students record:
-The vaccination record showing your child received the vaccinations required by the state of Virginia
-The exemption form that worked for your family (medical from your doctor or religious that is notarized)
Thank you again for being awesome parents/guardians and community members that work together with us here at EMS.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to me at EMS @ 540-298-1228 between the hours of 8:30-4:30. This gives me the ability to be with the students as much as possible as the clinic remains very busy. You may also email me at jshifflett@rockingham.k12.va.us. If I do not know the answer to your questions I will try to direct you to someone that can help you.
If you have any questions or concerns for the nurse feel free to call the school 8:30-4 @ 540-298-1228.
Nurse Julie
Message for 8th Graders and Parents:
Attention Families of 7th Grade Students!
Eligible students from our school have the opportunity to apply for a spot in the Valley Scholars Program through James Madison University.
JMU's Valley Scholars helps local, talented children become the first in their families to earn their college degree. Between 8th grade and high school graduation, Valley Scholars are inspired, motivated and educated to become leaders in their classrooms and community. Those who complete the program receive scholarship support to attend JMU.
There will be an important information session at Elkton Middle School on February 9th at 5:30pm.
The Valley Scholars program serves first-generation, financially eligible students, who are motivated and show academic promise in middle school and throughout high school. The program offers educational and cultural enrichment opportunities with twelve program days occurring throughout the academic year. Students will also attend a week long summer camp for the summers between 9th and 11th grades. The central focus of the program is to foster and encourage a desire to learn, while also building skills that will help students achieve the academic success necessary for college attendance.
Students applying to the Valley Scholars program must complete a program application and interview. Applications are considered in the spring of the 7th grade school year. Selections are based upon the following criteria for admission to the program:
Be a Virginia resident and United States citizen or permanent resident.
Be in 7th grade and attend a participating middle school in one of the partnering school districts: Augusta County, Harrisonburg City, Page County, Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, Staunton City, and Waynesboro City Schools.
Be in good academic standing and demonstrate academic promise and motivation.
Meet financial eligibility guidelines based upon free and reduced lunch eligibility.
Be a first generation college student. This means that your parent(s) or guardian(s) have not graduated from a four year college or university.
Have the full support of parent(s) or guardian(s) for your participation in the program.
Be recommended for participation by a teacher, principal, or guidance counselor from your school.
Commitment to attend week long summer enrichment programs, as well as Saturday or after school programs throughout the school year.
For further information, see the Valley Scholars website at: https://www.jmu.edu/valleyscholars/index.shtml or contact Ms. Ogden.
Inspire Award
Student Support Services
Be sure to stop by the Student Services table during Parent Conferences on Feb. 9 and 10. You will have the opportunity to meet our School Counseling Team and Restorative Practices Specialist. Resources will be provided, as well as support with logging in to Parent Portal.
Mrs. Kitta, our School Librarian, will be providing free books for students and families to take from the Student Services table as well!
JMU madiSTEM Event
madiSTEM: A STEM Conference Designed for Girls in Grades 6-8 will be held at James Madison University on Saturday, March 25 9:00-3:30.
Open to all students, grades 6-8. Parents and teachers may attend madiSTEM with their students. There is no registration fee, but all students and accompanying adults and teachers must register in advance.
Online registration for the 2023 conference will open on February 17. Click HERE to register.
PTA Movie Night
Principal Spotlight:
These students at EMS are amazing! I enjoyed getting to know these eight students a little more as I recognized them for the Principal Spotlight...
Dylan Huyard
POW’R team is proud to announce Dylan Huyard as our student to spotlight! Dylan is a shining example of excellence in the classroom. His hard work, dedication, and positive attitude serve as an inspiration to his peers. We are lucky to have such a great student in our community.
Allison Morris
The Achiever Team is recognizing Allison Morris this month.
Allison has a positive attitude and is kind, respectful, and helpful when working with others every day. She is quiet, but is a mighty thinker and definitely a dedicated student in her academics. Allison’s ability to persevere through difficult tasks and hard questions shows her dedication to learning.
Jeremiah Shifflett
he Brainiacs Team is recognizing Jeremiah Shifflett for Principal Spotlight. Jeremiah is always kind and welcoming to others. He genuinely cares and always works hard to be a good friend! We are lucky to have Jeremiah at our school!
Cohen Cushman
Reagan Downey
Cole Root
Alex Jerrells
Noah Sharum
The Eaglet's Principal spotlight is Noah Sharum. Noahs is a very respectful student. According to one teacher, he is always "an active participant in class." He loves to help his teachers and peers. He treats everyone with respect and dignity. Noah always tries hard on assignments and thinks deeply about the topics discussed in class.
Spring 2023 Field Test Parent Information
Spring 2023 Field Test of Integrated Reading and Writing Test Item Parent Information The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has developed a new type of test question for future Standards of Learning (SOL) Reading assessments in grades 5, 8, and high school. Before this new type of test item is administered to students as part of the SOL Reading tests in grades 5, 8, and high school, it is being tried out with students this spring during what is called a field test. Students in grades 5, 8, and high school students currently enrolled in English 11 who are scheduled to take the online SOL Reading test will participate in this field test. During the field test, students will read a nonfiction passage online that may be about a history or science topic and then answer four to six questions about what they have read. One question is a writing prompt, which is a question that asks students to write about what they have read. Students will complete the field test online in one session. Currently, the VDOE is only trying out this item type in an online format. In the future, this item type will be available in other formats for students needing an accommodation such as braille, large print, or audio. Examples of this new item type are available for students, parents, and teachers to view online in what are called “Integrated Reading and Writing Item Sets.” These item sets include examples for grade 5, grade 8, and high school students and can be located using the SOL Practice Items page of the VDOE website. A guide, Integrated Reading and Writing Practice Items, is also available for use with these item sets. The guide gives information about each practice item and how students can use the available online tools. It is important to know that individual test results from the field test will not be available to students, but results of the field test will be used to make decisions about use of the new integrated reading and writing item type on future state assessments. Each school division has selected a time for their students to complete the online field test. Rockingham County Public Schools will administer the field test in March. Students may have as much time as they need to complete this test during the school day. If you have questions about this field test, please contact Cheryl Estep at cestep@rockingham.k12.va.us or Amanda Bolt at abolt@rockingham.k12.va.us or by phone at 540-564-3200. SOL Practice Items: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/student-assessment/sol-practice-items-all-subjects Integrated Reading and Writing Practice Items: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/3872/637994640228570000
February
01: Bridgewater College/Thin Blue Line Spirit Day
01: First Day of Black History Month
01: CTE Month
01: FCCLA Strawberry Sales Begin
01: Teachers schedule parent conferences
03, 04: All-District Band @ Harrisonburg High School
04: Wrestling Tournament @ EMS
07: RCPS Family Transition Night 6:30-8:30
09: Valley Scholar Informational Meeting 5:30
10: NO SCHOOL for Students
13-18: FCCLA Week
13: City/County Honor Band
13: School Board meeting - Rockingham Co Administration Building
14: PTA Meeting: Conference Room
15: Sweetheart Dance 3-4:30
15: School Resource Officer Day
16: FCCLA - Valley Jump Park
16: Chess Club
16: 8th Grade Parent Meeting 5:00
17: Elkton Creamery PTA Fundraiser Day
17: 7th grade to Richmond
20: Presidents' Day
20-24: National FFA Week
20: FFA America Monday
20: Interim reports issued
21: FFA Blue and Gold Day
21: All District Chorus
22: Digital Learning Day
22: FFA Wilderness Wednesday – Camo Day
22: PTA Movie Night 3-5pm
23: FFA Tie Dye Thursday
24: NO SCHOOL for Students
24: Moxie Coffee PTA Fundraiser Day
27: Track Begins
27: Butter Braid Fundraiser ALL 6-8th Band/Choir/Musical Theatre students
March
04: Rockingham District Ruritan Spelling Bee
06-09: SOL Gr 8 Writing (Paper)
09: Chess Club
13-17: NO School Spring Break
17: Elkton Creamery PTA Fundraiser Day
20-24: SOL Gr 8 Writing (Online)
24-28: 7th and 8th grade Band - Orlando, FL
25: FCCLA Adult Easter Egg Hunt
28: Spring/Buddy Picture Day
31: End of the 3rd Grading Period
31: Moxie Coffee PTA Fundraiser Day
31: PBIS Carnival
Stewards of the Land Club
February 23 we will meet after school to create unique family trees.
March 30 is a required after school meeting for students planning to attend the April 17 service trip to SNP.
April 17 the club will travel to SNP for their service trip. We will leave EMS at 12:30 and return at 4:30.
Please contact Mrs. Keys or Mrs. Sullivan for more information about this club.
Elkton Middle School
Assistant Principal: Michelle Campbell
Assistant Principal: Krystal Muterspaugh
Website: ems.rockingham.k12.va.us
Location: 21063 Blue and Gold Drive, Elkton, VA, USA
Phone: (540) 298-1228
Facebook: facebook.com/ElktonMiddle
Twitter: @ElktonMiddle