Rye Neck Middle School
October 20, 2023 - Issue 4
Dear Rye Neck Families,
We hope this message finds you well and that your families are thriving in the midst of the school year. As we approach the end of October, we have some exciting updates and important information to share with you.
The recent events involving Israel and Hamas are complex and sensitive, and it's important to approach this topic with empathy and understanding. As parents, discussing these events with your children can be challenging. Below are some resources for parents and caregivers, and as always our support staff is also available.
Conversation Starters
- New York Family: Talking to Kids about the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict: Helpful Resources for Parents(link is external)
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Talking to Children about War(link is external)
- UNICEF: How to talk to your children about conflict and war(link is external)
- Common Sense Media: Explaining the News to Our Kids(link is external)
- Common Sense Media: How do I talk to my kids about violence in the news?(link is external)
Online Safety
- Family Online Safety Institute: How to be a Good Digital Parent Toolkit(link is external)
- Childwelfare.gov: Social Media Safety
Upcoming Events:
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Parent-teacher conferences will be held on November 15th. This is a valuable opportunity to discuss your child's progress, ask questions, and collaborate with teachers to support their academic journey.
Halloween Celebration: Students will once again be allowed to wear costumes. Students are currently completing a survey to choose between wearing costumes on Friday, October 27th or Tuesday, October 31st. Please look out for a blast next week with the survey results and costume guidelines.
Grade-Specific Updates:
7th Grade Trip: The 7th-grade students will embark on an exciting team building and challenge course field trip on Tuesday, October 31st.
8th Grade Dress Rehearsal Preview: Our 8th-grade students will have the opportunity to preview The Outsiders during a dress rehearsal on Wednesday, October 25th from 4:00 to 6:30 PM.
Spooktacular: The Spooktacular event is on Friday, October 27th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the dining hall. Tickets may be purchased through the PTSA.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Best regards,
Dr. Dulce Barker
Upcoming Events
- 8th Grade at Outsiders Dress Rehearsal: October 25th, 4pm
- Spooktacular: October 27th, 6pm, Dining Hall
- 7th Grade Trip to PNW BOCES: October 31st
- Superintendent's Conference Day - Staff Only: November 7th
- Veteran's Day - School Closed: November 10th
- 1st Marking Period Ends: November 10th
- 2nd Marking Period Begins: November 13th
- BOE Meeting: November 15th, 9AM, FEB Auditorium
- Parent-Teacher Conferences: November 15th, 6pm
- 1st Marking Period Report Cards Posted: November 17th
- MS PTSA Class Photo Retakes: November 21st
- Modified Sports Info Meeting (students): November 21st, 3pm, DH
- Rapid Dismissal: November 22nd
- Thanksgiving Recess: November 23rd & 24th
Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth - Virtual Speakers Series
Parent Support Groups
After School Clubs
After school clubs started the week of October 2nd. They are open to students in grades 6-8. Students can try different clubs or if they are in 6th grade they can also participate in intramural sports. The club presentation as well as the schedule for intramural sports is below.
2023 - 2024 6TH GRADE INTRAMURALS SCHEDULE
2023 - 2024
6th Grade Intramurals Schedule
School Days
Monday - Friday
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Intramural sessions are run by Rye Neck Coaches.
Intramural design will consist of skill development and scrimmaging.
Please use this FamilyID link to register your child for Intramurals:
6th Graders are to report directly to the location indicated below.
Intramurals only run on days school is in session.
Attendance is not mandatory for participation but if you sign up we ask that you make every attempt to attend each day. A student may register for multiple sessions/sports.
Buddy Day
MS HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS
Agree on a specific neighborhood they are allowed to visit with their friends
Agree on a specific time they should return home
Carry flashlights or glow sticks and/or wear reflective clothing so cars can see them at night
Remind teenagers they should never enter a stranger’s car or house
Put down electronic devices and keep your head up while walking, especially when crossing the street.
Remind teenagers not to eat any treats until they get home, so you can inspect it for allergens or any illegal substances disguised as sweet treats.
Acceptable Use Policy
Code of Conduct
Rye Neck Schools Academic Integrity Agreement
PTSA Event Calendar
NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM
6th Grade English - Ms. Castaldo, Ms. Offner & Mr. Macli
6th Grade Research Tech - Ms. Costelloe
As we conclude Digital Citizenship Week, we are in the midst of our work on the many facets of being a good digital citizen:
We’re finishing up our study of all the features of our Gmail accounts and, more importantly, how to send a formal email to our teacher, principal or future employers. We looked at layout, tone, subject lines, grammar, punctuation and how to get our message across clearly and concisely.
We’re looking closely at our own digital lives and the impacts of our time spent online.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be looking at what goes into the creation of a digital footprint and how we can move forward ensuring that we maintain a digital footprint we can be proud of, protecting ourselves from scams and fraud, plus cyberbullying and how to be an upstander.
6th Grade Art - Ms. Appel
7th Grade English - Mr. Tinnirello
Students in seventh grade English have almost finished reading The Outsiders and will have a final test on the material Monday, October 30th. Students are still viewing parts of the 1983 film version, and on Friday have a chance to watch the HS cast rehearse to complement their understanding of the story.
Students will soon select an independent reading book to have it approved by the teacher. This book should be read in three weeks’ time so that students can write a report on the book before Thanksgiving break.
7th Grade English B - Mr. Macli
7th Grade Social Studies - Mr. Magnani, Ms. Davey & Mr. Scozzari
We are midway through the first quarter and completed our first two modules which examined the earliest beginnings of Native Americans and the impact of the Europeans following their arrival. Module 3 is all about the 13 English Colonies. We began this unit comparing England's first two successful settlements: Jamestown and Plymouth. We will continue through the chapter looking at the reasons why many of the 13 Colonies were founded by geographic region (New England, Middle and Southern) and how these regions flourished throughout the 17th century.
As always, please check in to see that your student is using their homework agenda for all classes to better help them stay on top of assignments.
7th Grade Art - Ms. Appel
8th Grade Art - Ms. Appel
Global Citizens Enrichment Program
Is your child someone who loves to learn….or someone who loves to figure out how they can help others in our world? If so, please encourage them to join the Global Citizens Program in the library. The Global Citizens Program will meet every Monday from 7:30 to 8:30 am – please note that the date was originally announced to our students as Wednesday, but to include more students has been changed to Mondays. Students don’t have to get there right at 7:30, that’s just the window of time that we can be together. Please drop off at the front doors right by the library and tell your child to knock on the doors if they are still locked.
Global Citizens is an independent learning program. With guidance and encouragement they’ll learn how to build knowledge around an issue or topic they care most about and I will help them strategize ways to best use their energy and knowledge to help others. Please feel free to contact me at lcostelloe@ryeneck.org or 914-777-4851 if you have any questions, or have your child come to the library on Monday morning.
Library
In addition to being open until 4pm daily, the library is now open to our middle schoolers before school from 7:50 - 8:30 am. Your children are invited to come work alongside our high school students and quietly socialize. Middle school students also have the opportunity to receive a lunch pass to come to the library after they have finished their lunch in the dining hall. Along with a great atmosphere, Mrs. Vangala and/or I are available to help them when needed.