Mooresville Middle School
Community Newsletter -- September 9, 2022
A Message from Mr. Kosal:
Together we make a family!
I want to take a beat to address the elephant in the room: our school report card information which the state of North Carolina made public late last week. To say we are disappointed here at MMS is an understatement - we straight up need to do better. Sure, the learning loss from the pandemic took us all a step backwards: academics couldn't continue as normal and it interrupted many middle-schoolers' opportunities for social and emotional growth, as well. Still, in order to grow and improve one must accept the facts of the situation and not dwell in excuses. The data shows that MMS needs to refocus our efforts in order to help get our kids back on track for any college or career opportunity they choose to pursue down the road. I am already working with my administration team, the school leadership team, and district officials to dive deeper into our testing data to ensure our school moves in a better direction in 2023, 2024, and beyond. Expect some changes and also expect us to call on parents and the community for support as we embrace this challenge and get Mooresville Middle School back to where I feel we deserve to be - a place where our students shine and grow and learn. Every child, every day.
Here's a brief overview of what's to come in today's newsletter. If you have questions, always feel free to call the MMS main office or email the administrators listed below.
In this newsletter, you'll read about:
- Immunization requirements - deadline is today!
- How to be a MMS Motivator
- School Picture Days next week
- Upcoming Panorama student survey days
- Our PTSO Spirit Store is closing - order now!
- Canvas support for MMS parents
- Searching for spirit photos for ImpTV news show
- Upcoming home Red Imp athletic events
- Book & Diaper drive, courtesy of Junior Excel club
- invitation to MGSD Hispanic Heritage Event on 10/3/22
- invitation to second MGSD Picnic at the Park event on 9/22/22
Thanks for reading, and I wish you all a lovely weekend!
Mr. Kosal, interim principal (pkosal@mgsd.k12.nc.us)
Ms. Brown, 7th grade assistant principal (kbrown@mgsd.k12.nc.us)
Ms. Richardson, 8th grade assistant principal (tabitharichardson@mgsd.k12.nc.us)
Mr. Akelman, Assistant Principal of Instruction (dakelman@mgsd.k12.nc.us)
Ms. Clark, MMS Athletic Director (annclark@mgsd.k12.nc.us)
7th Grade Immunization Requirement:
Please remember to submit 7th grade student's required Meningitis (MCV) and TDap vaccination records to the school nurse. Records can be dropped off in the front office or e-mailed to the school nurse at LauraCrenshaw@MGSD.k12.nc.us.
The deadline to submit records is today, September 9th. Exclusion from school will begin on September 12th if records are not received, as stated by NC state law. Letters are sent home with students today AND Parent Square notifications are also being sent. Contact the school nurse with any questions or concerns.
School Picture Days - next week!
Mark your calendars: MMS school picture days are planned for September 13th (7th grade) & 14th (8th grade). These pictures are taken for our school yearbook and for parents to buy.
7th grade students will have their school picture taken in their Science classes. 8th grade students will have their picture taken in Social Studies class. Pictures are available for purchase online. Here's how to order:
Go to terrypardew.com (our school photographer) -> Order online -> click on ‘MMS’ -> pick ‘Fall Pictures’ (once pictures have been taken). Parents will put in their student’s school ID number to find your child's photos available for purchase. Pictures will get shipped directly to your home.
Make-up picture day is scheduled for September 28th.
MMS Motivator volunteers:
How to alert MMS of a student absence:
The email address for parents to alert MMS about student absences is: MMSAttendance@MGSD.k12.nc.us
Parents can upload doctor's notes as well. We hope this process will be easier on everyone instead of always sending a note with the student that gets lost so easily!
This week's message from the MMS PTSO:
Time is running out to get your MMS spirit wear! The web store is open only through Sunday 9/11/22. Click here to order: Mooresville Middle School Hyperlink. Be sure to enter your student's name, homeroom (IMP time) teacher and grade during the checkout process for delivery. Items will be given to students in mid-October. Thank you for your patience while all of the orders are printed.
Want to rent the spirit rock? The MMS Spirit Rock is a fun and creative way to send a message for all to see! Congratulate your favorite Student of the Month, wish a student a Happy Birthday, show appreciation to your favorite teacher or staff member. Rent the Spirit Rock for only $12 for a week (Saturday to Friday). Click here for more information and to reserve.
Mark your calendar for MMS Spirit Night at Barcelona Burger Sept 20 5-8:30pm. Come out and enjoy a great dinner while supporting our school.
Questions for the PTSO? E-mail us at redimpsptso@gmail.com or Follow us on Facebook!
Canvas Assistance for MMS Parents
MMS is excited to host several Canvas Parent Nights to assist our families in learning more about our learning management system. Our first two nights will be Monday, October 17th, and Monday, November 14th. We will meet from 5-6pm in our media center.
Please register using this link. Bring your student and their laptop. If you have any questions, please email amymccomas@mgsd.k12.nc.us
MMS Spirit Photos Wanted!
Send photos to mmsnews@mgsd.k12.nc.us and they may make it onto our daily newscast! We will happily give credit to our photographers. Thanks for your help & your photos!
Upcoming Red Imp Athletics:
We hope to see parents & community members coming out to support our Red Imp athletes next week! Scheduled home events (4:00pm is standard start time) at Mooresville Middle School are:
- Softball vs. China Grove on Monday, 9/12
- JV Football vs. Pine Lake Prep on Wednesday, 9/14 (5:00pm start time)
- Softball vs. Corriher Lipe on Thursday, 9/15
Newspapers needed for Imp Time project
Ms. Hamilton's crafting students (Imp Time) have decided to do a paper mache project next month and we need newspapers! If you have access to newspapers and are willing to donate them, please bring them to the MMS main office and we'll gladly take them off of your hands. Thanks for considering!
Panorama school feedback surveys
- Monday, September 19th (in Imp Time) - Survey about the sense of belonging at MMS and the Safety and Support given at MMS [5-10 minutes]
- Monday 9/19 thru Friday 9/23 (core classes) - rigorous Expectations and Student/Teacher Relationships and Learning Environment, Strategies & Engagement [15-20 minutes each]
More details about the purpose of Panorama student surveys can be found on this information letter. If you wish your student to opt-out of participating in our Panorama survey, please click here to complete an opt-out form (deadline: Sunday, September 11th).
MMS Social Media Handles - follow us!
Facebook: @mooresvillems
Instagram: mooresvillems
Twitter: @mooresvillems
Website: https://mms.mgsd.k12.nc.us/
Have questions or concerns?
Email: pkosal@mgsd.k12.nc.us
Website: https://mms.mgsd.k12.nc.us/
Location: 233 Kistler Farm Road, Mooresville, NC, USA
Phone: (704) 658-2720