PCMS WEEKLY UPDATE
May 25, 2018
What a year! It seems like just a few months ago we were having our first assembly of the year, showing 6th graders how to open a locker and maneuver through lunch, and watching the first volleyball/football games. It goes by so fast! We hope the year was as rewarding for you and your child as it was for us. From all of us at Platte City Middle School have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer with your families!
Information About Netflix Show, 13 Reasons Why
In an effort to inform and partner with parents, we wanted to share some resources regarding the upcoming Netflix release of 13 Reasons Why, Season 2. Season 1 chronicled the death by suicide of a high school student who left behind 13 audiotapes for people she blamed for her action. The upcoming release date will be Friday, May 18, and trailers for the series are already out, picking up the story as the community tries to deal with the emotional and legal fallout from the suicide. Your child could be watching the series as the first series was very popular, and we want you to be prepared to assist your child in processing the show's content. The first season depicted strong and graphic themes of suicide, bullying, sexual assault, drug use, and other social issues.
13 Reasons Why portrays teen suicide in a very open manner, but also in a way that may glamorize death by suicide and discourage individuals from seeking help from parents, family members, or counselors.
Each of us has the ability to "'flip the script" to resiliency by listening, providing support, discussing healthy ways to cope, identifying trusted helpers and adults and connecting individuals to resources to build a greater sense of community and care.
Actions to consider:
Watch the series yourself so you are aware of the content and the issues addressed in the series. Be aware, this may not be the best choice for everyone, content is graphic and can be triggering and stress inducing.
Discuss the issues related to the series. The following is a link to talking points regarding the series: http://www.jedfoundation.org\13-reasons-why-talking-points
Encourage individuals to tell someone if they or someone they know is having a hard time or considering suicide. It is a myth that talking about suicide leads to suicide. Help is available.
Familiarize yourself with resources in our community to support individuals struggling with thoughts of suicide. A great parent resource for talking with your child can be found here: http://www.sptsusa.org/parents/talking-to-your-kid-about-suicide/
For more information on suicide prevention and about the resources available in Platte County, go to https://encouragehopeandhelp.com/
Suicide is NEVER the answer; getting help IS the answer. Prevention, Awareness, and Support is available at Suicide.org or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8225.
In addition to using these tips to talk to your child, all Platte County R-3 schools have counselors and school social workers who are available to help your child. Please contact your school if you have concerns about your student and need additional resources.
Meal Account Balances
Negative Meal Account Balances
Schools have been in the process of notifying parents of students with negative meal account balances. If your child currently has a negative balance, please clear the funds due ASAP by bringing cash or a check to the school office or by adding funds to your student's meal account online through Parent Portal in SISK12. (PCMS office staff will be on hand weekdays May 29 - June 5 between 8am - 3pm to receive money.) If negative meal balances are not resolved after multiple notifications, the district will turn over the unpaid charges to a collection agency, per board policy.
Meal Account Balances at Year-End
Meal account balances stay with each student as they move between PRCR-3 schools, grades or classrooms. Year-end balances will roll forward into the next school year. Therefore, any funds on account at the end of this school year will be available to students when the 2018-2019 school year begins in August. Please contact us at 816-858-2036 with any questions related to student meal account balances.
Chromebook Accessory Replacements
Notifications were sent out via text message yesterday (5/24) to the parents of students who had not turned in all of the required Chromebook accessories. Below is a reminder of the replacement cost associated with each of these items:
Charger - $11
Carrying Case - $18
Carrying Case Strap - $8
If your child did not turn in each of these accessories in, please DO NOT purchase replacement items. (We will be placing an order for all the correct/necessary items and the prices reflected above are “our cost”.) Please call us with any questions or concerns and/or stop in weekdays May 29 - June 5 between 8am - 3pm to pay for the necessary replacement accessory.
Summer Sports/Camps
Several athletic camps are available this summer for our students. Please see the flyers/registration forms linked below:
Football Camp (Grades 2-7) May 30, 2018
Volleyball Camp (Grades 7-8) June 5-7, 2018
- Tennis Camp (Pre-K - 12) June and/or July, 2018
Soccer Camp (Grades K-8 and Grades 9-12) June 18-20 & June 18-22, 2018
Swim Camp (Grades 4-12) July 23-26, 2018
Wrestling Camp (Ages 6-19) June 5-7, 2018
Boys Basketball Camp
Platte County Youth Basketball Camp starts the Tuesday (May 29th) after Memorial Day. We will be working on basic skills, positioning, program terminology, and playing games. Come meet our players, coaching staff, and get a t-shirt!
It is NOT too late to sign up! We will even take walk-ins! Please contact any PCHS Boys Basketball Coach with questions: Coach Hodge (816-769-5521), Coach Peterson, Coach Hoffman
Middle School Football (8th Grade in 2018/19)
For those who are interested in playing Interscholastic Middle School Football next year, below is the link to some important information for you.
2018-19 Back to School Dates
August 1 (8am - 3pm) ~ New Student Enrollment
August 2 (noon - 7pm) ~ New Student Enrollment
August 3 (8am - 3pm) ~ New Student Enrollment
August 3 (10:30am - 1pm) ~ New Student Luncheon/Tour
August 6 (1pm - 6 pm) ~ 6th Grade Registration and Photos*
August 7 (1pm - 6pm) ~ 7th Grade Registration and Photos*
August 8 (1pm - 6pm) ~ 8th Grade Registration and Photos*
August 14 (6:30pm - 8pm) ~ 6th Grade Back-To-School Night
August 16 ~ First Day of School for All Students
August 21 (6pm - 7:30pm) ~ 7th & 8th Grade Back-To-School Night
*Registration is when students will:
Show proof of immunizations (as needed)
Provide proof of residency
Pick up student class schedule (if immunizations are up to date & proof of residency was provided)
Get school picture taken
Get school ID card
Put supplies in locker (optional)
Provide medications to the school nurse, as necessary
Put money in lunch account (optional)
Please mark these dates on your calendar. We would like as many students as possible to attend PCMS Registration and Photo!
Have a great summer!!! We will see you at the appropriate Back-to-School Registration (dates noted above) in August!
Upcoming Community Events / Flyers
Make sure you check out the “Community” tab on the Platte County RIII School District webpage. There you will find an option called “Community Event/Activity Flyers” where you can access flyers with information regarding various events and opportunities within our community! Below are a few your middle schooler(s) might be interested in, but check the website for more!
- YMCA Teen Summer Membership
- Mid-Continent Library Summer Learning Program Ages 13-18 - May 21-July 31, 2018
- Mid-Continent Library Summer Learning Program Ages 0-12 - May 21-July 31, 2018
- YMCA Kids Connection Programs - May 29-August 10, 2018
- Bricks 4 Kidz Summer LEGO Camps - June 4-8 or June 11-15, 2018
- Mad Science Summer Camps - June 4-8 or June 25-29, 2018
- Young Rembrandts Summer Art Camps - June 11-15 or June 18-22, 2018
- Summer Chess Camp - June 18-22 or June 25-29, 2018
- Summer Golf - June and July, 2018
Platte City Middle School
Email: snowb@platteco.k12.mo.us
Website: http://www.plattecountyschooldistrict.com/site/Default.aspx?PageID=21
Location: 900 Pirate Drive, Platte City, MO, 64079
Phone: (816)858-2036
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plattecitymiddleschool/