Gator Gazette Weekly News
Principal's Update
On behalf of the Plum Point Middle staff, we would like to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!
We are grateful for our students and families! We hope that you enjoy this time with your loved ones. We will be on break beginning Wednesday, November 22nd. The office will be open that day from 8-12 PM and 1-3:30 PM.
PPMS Writer's Night Success!
Thank you to all families who came out to celebrate our talented writers this past week. A big thank you to Ms. Bowen and other staff members for organizing such a wonderful evening!
Please remember any items still found in lost and found will be donated this week.
Advisory Corner
Curricular Focus: Messages of Gratitude
Skills Practiced This Week: Thankfulness
November
22-26 - Thanksgiving Break, No School
December
4 - Auditions for Musical Begins after school
7 - Art Club Begins (3:20-4:45 PM)
8 - 2nd Quarter Interims in HAC
15 - After School Dance 3:00-4:30 PM
21 - 2-hour Early Dismissal for Students
22 - Winter Vacation Begins
Clubs (recurring)
- Chess Club, Mondays, 7 AM, Rm. 114
- Garden Club, Mondays, 3-5 PM, Rm. 114
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Tuesdays, 7 AM, Gym
- Student Government Association (SGA), Thursdays, 7 AM, Rm. 316
From the Office
(repeat) Attendance Notes
Confirming/Verifying Absences It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to provide school authorities with verification of the reason for each student absence. Any absence not certified by the parent, guardian, physician, court or other appropriate person/agency will be considered unlawful.
Students returning from absences without notes with appropriate signatures certifying lawful absences will be given three school days to provide such certification. Absences not certified at the end of three days will be considered unlawful.
(repeat) Student Pick-Up
Please keep in mind this is for the safety of all students. If you have someone other than yourself picking up your student early from school, please be sure to send a note to the "PPMS Secretaries <PPMSSecretaries@ccps365.onmicrosoft.com> email account, or in writing with your student. The emergency contacts you have listed are there in the event of an emergency and we cannot reach YOU. They do not automatically have permission to pick up your child early from school.
Reminder, you can send notes for absences, attendance questions, late arrivals, or early release needs to this emails address "PPMS Secretaries <PPMSSecretaries@ccps365.onmicrosoft.com>.
CogAT Testing Results
7th Grade CogAT Score Reports Being Sent Home 11/20 & 11/21
Over the past several weeks, the majority of our 7th grade students have taken the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). CogAT measures the development of verbal, mathematical, and spatial reasoning abilities that are essential for success in school. Students with different patterns of scores on CogAT have different learning styles. By knowing your students' learning preferences, teachers can help them achieve greater success in school.
The detailed score reports will be sent home with students on Monday (11/20) and Tuesday (11/21) through their advisory classes. A detailed letter, shared in a previous parent newsletter, further describing the CogAT assessment can be found below.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the score report, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Gator Athletics
Please email our athletic director, Mr. Pellock, with any questions: pellockj@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Winter Sports Clinic for the following sports are in process:
- Girls Basketball
- Boys Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Poms
Student Government Association
SGA Meetings
The SGA is happy to announce the schedule for SGA meetings for the 2023-2024 school year. SGA will meet in Mrs. Kelly’s room, room 316, on Thursday mornings at 7:00 am. Students are still welcome to join SGA. Feel free to attend a meeting and learn more about the Student Government Association at Plum Point Middle School. We always welcome enthusiastic student leaders! Please reach out to Mrs. Kelly at kellyd@calvertnet.k12.md.us if you have any questions.
PPMS Theatre
Auditions
If you turned in an audition permission slip, you will be receiving the audition information by Monday November 20th. You will need to sign up for an audition day in the sign-up genius that will be sent with your audition materials. Please BE PREPARED at your audition! We are also asking for parent volunteers to help supervise the students. Please consider this if you are able to be there. Contact eversolec@calvertnet.k12.md.us with any questions.
PPMS Yearbook
Yearbook Committee
If you turned in a permission slip to participate, you will receive a list of meeting dates by Monday November 20th. Contact eversolec@calvertnet.k12.md.us with any questions.
Yearbook Sales
Please fill out the attached form and return with payment. Books are $30.
Visit https://bit.ly/PPMSYearbookInfo for everything you need to know about this year’s yearbook: links to pay online and how to submit photos (candid activity pics needed!).
Order yours today!!!
Nurse Notes
Hello Families!
You are invited to join and wellness challenge. Please see the letter below for more information! It's all about getting healthy by focusing on essential nutrients, hydration and eating healthy! I hope you can join the PPMS community and take on the challenge. I have attached a calendar with links that give great information about healthy habits and essential nutrients check it out even if you don't do the challenge!
Calvert County Community Wellness Challenge
In collaboration with Calvert County Public Schools, Calvert Health, and Calvert Health Department, you are invited to join a FREE community-wide wellness initiative beginning Monday November 13th through Monday December 18th. The focus of the wellness challenge is enhancing personal well-being by focusing on Nutrition and Hydration.
The wellness challenge is about adopting behaviors that enhance all aspects of health. Starting Monday, November 14th, login to your dashboard, commit to a health-enhancing daily behavior, and create a personal goal to achieve by December 18th. Choose from a variety of behaviors to improve personal well-being and develop healthy dietary habits as we close out 2023. Decide what aspect of your nutritional habits you would like to focus on for the next 5 weeks:
- Water Consumption
- Fruit & Vegetable Intake
- No Fast Food or Take Out
Join a bonus challenge to add to your dietary and/or hydration goals by increasing daily step count, performing acts of kindness, or reading a certain number of books.
- Daily Steps
- Acts of Kindness
- Reading
TRACK PROGRESS
By consistently reporting activities every day (or at least once a week), setting small goals for behavior change, and challenging yourself to prioritize health and wellness, you can make a big impact on your overall well-being. Logging progress into a system holds you accountable for your goals and allows teammates and community members to support you in your efforts. Log in to our wellness platform on a phone, tablet, or computer daily and track your progress throughout the duration of the challenge. Encourage others to participate with you for accountability and kick off the New Year with a healthier, happier, more energetic community.
RESOURCE CALENDAR
Use the activity resource calendar to access educational resources and learn about essential nutrients, dietary needs, and relationship with food. Set a goal to complete the daily activity on the calendar individually or as a family throughout the challenge. Click the hyperlinks for articles, videos, podcasts, and infographics to learn strategies for improving diet and health. Learn and apply essential skills for health-enhancing behaviors related to nutrition and food choices to decrease the risk of lifestyle diseases and enhance health and life satisfaction.
REGISTRATION
To join the challenge, click on the following link to register a new membership with an email and password and bookmark the defi wellness website. You can also download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Register for the challenge as a family or as an individual. Use the CHALLENGE CODE CC13 and follow the prompts to complete registration.
If you’ve participated in a CCPS wellness challenge in the past, visit the website, click PROFILE on the gray toolbar, select “register for a new challenge” and enter the CC13 code. Please email awesome@defiwell.net for registration support.
Registration is complete and you can access the dashboard. Activity is not visible on the dashboard until the challenge begins Monday, November 13th. Use the tool bar on the side to navigate the website and explore additional resources.
PARTICIPATION
Participation is voluntary and opened to ALL Calvert County Public Schools staff, students, families, and community members. The goal is to be mindful of daily behaviors that impact personal health and wellbeing while supporting one another in an online platform. The challenge encourages our community to access and utilize available resources that promotes healthy behavior change, develops healthy dietary habits, and improves relationships with others. Get excited about reducing risks for lifestyle disease through nutrition education and building a healthier community for all!
Sign up for the Nutrition and Hydration Challenge and recruit friends, family, and neighbors to join in the fun. This is a county-wide initiative inclusive to all members so let’s prioritize health and wellbeing across Calvert County. Sign up with teammates, family members, or co-workers for additional accountability and cheer each other on by recognizing hard work, discipline, and dedication on the dashboard. Add pictures to the gallery to celebrate your commitment to your health and wellbeing and share the positive experiences of being active in the community.
CELEBRATE
Pictures and social media can help document your journey, make memories with family and friends, and encourage others to improve their health. Share your journey on social media and tag us in your posts (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook - @défiwellnet and TikTok - @défiwellness). Be sure to follow the accounts for news, updates, and additional wellness resources. Social media can spread positivity, encourage others to adopt healthier lifestyles, and bring awareness to opportunities within Calvert County. Commit to bringing our community together through movement, social interaction, and regular physical activity. Use the hash tags #calvertshines, #calverthealth, #calvertcommunity, #calvertwellness, and #defiwellnet so we can celebrate you and your progress toward a healthier life.
Update your progress in the challenge on the défi portal at least once a week. Continue to check-in regularly for the duration of the challenge and receive a completion certificate. The ultimate reward will be improved health, reduced risk of disease, and a stronger, healthier community!
Live your best life by prioritizing your health!
Be Well,
Calvert County Wellness & défi Wellness Team
PTSA Update
Book Fair
The Book Fair is November 13-17th in the PPMS Media Center. Students will preview and be able to shop during their ELA classes on Nov. 13th and 14th. We can't do it without some help. We will send out more information in the coming weeks.
Please use the signup link to volunteer. https://bit.ly/FallBookFairHelpers
Spirit Wear - Holiday Sale is now!
The 2023 Holiday Sale begins this week! All Holiday Sale orders are guaranteed to arrive by December 23rd, and ship directly to your home! From Nov 6 - Dec 8th, you can get 20% discount and free shipping for purchases over $75. PPMS earns 10% on all sales.
Shop here: https://1stplace.sale/44362
Papa Johns Fundraising Cards
The PTSA is selling Papa Johns cards for $15 each. $10 profit goes straight to PPMS for each card sold. These cards get you a whole year of buy one - get one free pizza for all carryout orders in any local Papa Johns.
Cards can be picked up after school Mondays from 5 - 6.
Order here: https://fall-2023-fundraisers.cheddarup.com
Membership Drive - Join for a chance to win!
Become a member of Plum Point Middle's PTSA here: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/ppms-ptsa-23-24
Those who join by November 15th will be entered into a drawing to win 1 of 3 $25 gift cards! Dues help to fund events and activities for our students and families! Becoming a member does not mean you have to volunteer your time, but if you'd like to help out by volunteering or donating funds, there are lots of opportunities throughout the year!
How to contact the PTSA:
Visit our new LinkTree for all the ways to find us!
Repeated Information
Volunteering at PPMS
From CCPS
Students,
You’re invited to attend a new student forum "New Generation – Students for Students" facilitated by student school board member Jordan Hayes. Meetings will take place during the months of November, January, March, and May. Meeting topics will be student-lead. The student forum is open to all CCPS students. The November meeting topic is focused on Student Athletics. Even if you are unable to attend the November meeting, please RSVP and share topics for upcoming meetings.
New Generation – Students for Students Forum
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Central Office, Multipurpose Room
1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments Provided
RSVP by November 21 to https://forms.office.com/r/3iGvrV8KUZ?origin=lprLink
Below you will find the Optimist Club Essay Contest information. The deadline for submission is 2/2/2024
Cafeteria Information
Breakfast and Lunch meals are offered daily. School Meal Prices for SY 2023-2024 will remain the same:
Breakfast: $1.65; Secondary Lunch $2.80; Student Milk $0.55.
Contact PPMS Secretaries
If you have a question regarding school events/activities, would like to report an absence, or need to contact the school about car/bus rider status, please email the PPMS Secretaries:
Nondiscrimination Statement
Calvert County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry or national origin, familial status, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or genetic information in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
- Director of Student Services
- Director of Human Resources, 443-550-8000
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.
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Anti-sexual, Anti-racial and Anti-disability Harassment Statement
Discrimination can manifest itself in behaviors such as bullying, harassment, or intimidation of individuals.
Calvert County Public Schools does not tolerate any form of harassment including, but not limited to, sexual, racial, or disability. Any individual (student, employee, or community member) who believes that he or she has been subjected to any form of harassment is encouraged to report the allegation of harassment. Students, parents, and community members may report allegations of harassment to: Ms. Cecelia Lewis, Director of Student Services, Calvert County Public Schools, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Employees may report allegations of harassment to: Mr. Zachary Seawell, Director of Human Resources, Calvert County Public Schools, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Calvert County Public Schools is committed to conducting a prompt investigation for any allegation of harassment. If harassment has occurred, the individual will be disciplined promptly. Disciplinary actions for students found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or expulsion. Disciplinary actions for employees found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or termination.
Calvert County Public Schools encourages all students, parents, employees, and community members to work together to prevent any form of harassment.
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.
Calvert County Public Schools Antiracism Statement
Calvert County Public Schools explicitly denounces racism, bullying, discrimination, white supremacy, hate, and racial inequity in any form within our school community. Furthermore, CCPS will not tolerate the values, structures, and behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism.
Each member of the district, individually and collectively, is responsible for creating and nurturing a safe, antiracist learning environment where each student, staff member, and community partner is a respected and valued member of the CCPS community.