Rice Middle School eNews
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Guidance News
Please click on the link below to access important information about course registration for the 2020-2021 school year.
Attention Parents,
Our campus will be piloting a new assignment grading option this semester in regard to late/missing work.
Teachers now have the option to enter a letter grade of “M” (missing) for assignments that were not submitted on time. The “M” is designed to increase visibility of missing work in the gradebook without an immediate negative impact on the student’s average. If the assignment is not turned in within a teacher-designated time period, the grade will be changed to a “Z” (zero), and the assignment will be calculated as a zero until the work is submitted.
For more information about the PISD Mobile App and setting up parent notifications please visit https://www.pisd.edu/mobileapp
As always, please let us know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Chris Glasscock
PTA News
REQUEST FOR SNACKS FOR STAFF
Our hard-working Rice staff stays after school once a month for a team meeting and would appreciate if our PTA would provide snacks. The next meeting is Thursday, January 23. If you are willing to donate an item, please sign up using this link and specify what you will bring. Food can be dropped off anytime during the school day on Thursday. Thank you for supporting our wonderful Rice staff!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e4cabab2aa64-staff
UPCOMING PTA MEETING
Please join us on Thursday, February 13 at 12 pm for a General PTA meeting. In addition to discussing PTA events and initiatives, we will have a speaker addressing student wellness and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e4cabab2aa64-ptameeting
Hope to see you there!
AFTER SCHOOL CODING CLUB
Registration for the After School Coding Club has been extended through this Thursday, January 23. Cost is $60 for PTA members and $80 for non-members. Join PTA and save on registration! If you would like to register your child, please visit ricepta.org and choose "Order Here" from the banner menu. More class details can be found in the attached flyer.
PTA LIFE MEMBERSHIP
We are currently accepting nominations for the Texas PTA Life Membership award. If you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to our PTA and makes a difference in the lives of our students, please consider nominating them for this prestigious honor. Use the attached nomination form or find the form on our website at ricepta.org. Questions and nominations can be sent via email to Sarah Quan at membership@ricepta.org. Thank you!
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING SEMINAR
Please join us for a Parent Engagement seminar to learn more about Social Emotional Learning in Plano ISD. A seminar addressing Social Awareness will be held on January 21 at 6 pm at Jasper High School. Come to learn strategies that you can implement at home to support the SEL competencies taught in Plano ISD. The flyer for this program can be accessed at https://www.pisd.edu/cms/lib/TX02215173/Centricity/Domain/9513/Parent%20Engagement%20Sessions%20Info.jpg
News from Nurse
Attention Parents of 7th Graders,
Rice Middle School will conduct a mandatory screening, including vision, hearing and AN (Acanthosis Nigricans) for all 7th grade students through science class at the library on 1/22/2020. Please read the attached parent notice for more information about AN screening.
Managing Flu Season Together
Managing flu season responsibly is a team effort. See our tips and resources on the Plano ISD website and remember to keep students with flu symptoms home until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours.
American Mathematics Competition (AMC)
The Math Department will host the AMC 10B on Wednesday, February 5, from 4:45-5:15 PM. The American Mathematics Competition is a very challenging 25 problem test in 75 minutes. Please use the Google Classroom code he2okg7 for more information and a signup form. Deadline is Friday, January 24. Please contact Mrs. Coveney or Mrs. Liu if you have any questions.
Plano ISD Stadium Bag Policy
The Plano ISD stadium bag policy remains in effect for the second semester sports season. Spectators coming to track and soccer events are encouraged to review the guidelines at www.pisd.edu/bagpolicy. (en español)
MSA Food Bank
Thank you
Upcoming Events for the Next Two Weeks
Tuesday, January 21
- 8th Grade Boys Bball Game - 6:00 pm - Rice Gym
- 8th Grade Girls Bball Game - 6:00 pm - Bowman Gym
Wednesday, January 22
- 7th Grade Vision and Hearing Screening - Library
Thursday, January 23
- 5th Grade Demonstrations - Gym and Cafeteria
- Staff Meeting - 4:00 - Library
- 7th Grade Boys Bball Game - 6:00 pm - Rice Gym
- 7th Grade Girls Bball Game - 6:00 pm - Bowman Gym
- 5th Grade Parent Night - 6:00 pm - Cafeteria
Calling All Performers: Jasper Jazz to Hold Auditions
Jasper Jazz invites dancers and performers to the upcoming mandatory Jazz Hopeful Parent meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28 in the JHS Presentation Room 1100. Learn more about this exciting dance team, pre-tryout workshop dates and get the Tryout Packet in preparation for auditions! See the attached flyer for more information.
Jasper Band Boosters
Princeton Review Practice Test (Better Scores > Better Colleges)
Thinking about taking the SAT or ACT? Don't practice on the real thing!
The Jasper Band Boosters and Princeton Review are sponsoring practice SAT, ACT, and PSAT tests at Jasper High School on Saturday, January 25th, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
The tests are open to all students. Check-in begins at 8:30 am (we encourage students to get to Jasper High School at least 10-15 mins in advance). Please bring a calculator and pencil/erasers, etc.,.
The SAT and ACT generally test the same types of content. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions and merit-based scholarships.
The biggest differences between the tests are that the ACT has a Science Test, and there’s one SAT Math Section for which you cannot use a calculator.
The costs for the practice tests are as follows:
- Practice SAT $15
- Practice ACT $15
- Practice PSAT $10 * Grade-appropriate for 8th and 9th graders and establishes a baseline measurement for students as they enter high school.
Online registration is now open at https://jasperband.membershiptoolkit.com/home. Registration deadline is Friday, January 17th.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students who want that extra edge before the test.
Save the date for follow up Test Review Session: Monday, February 3rd, 6:30-7:30pm( @ Room 1100). Students are encouraged to attend for feedback on the test.
Thank you,
Jasper Band Boosters
Helpful Links!
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Group Picture Day: January 14, 2020
Attention All Students:
Tuesday,January 14, 2020, is Group Picture Day. Please make sure you come to school either wearing club/activity Tshirts. If you are in more than one club, please make sure you bring all of your shirts with you.