FWHMS Family Newsletter
Connecting Families to School - October 2019
Click Play Button to Listen to a Shortened Version of this Newsletter.
Progress Reports are Now Available in the Parent Portal
Chargers Come Fully Charged!
Top 4 Instructional Focus Logo Finalists
September Students of the Month
Attendance Matters
According to Attendance Works, showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and on the job.
Did You Know?
- Students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year to stay engaged, successful and on track to graduation.
- Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, dealing with a bully or facing some other potentially serious difficulty.
- Missing 10 percent, or about 18 days, of the school year can drastically affect a student’s academic success.
- Students can be chronically absent even if they only miss a day or two every few weeks.
September Attendance Rate
6th grade - 98.1%
7th grade - 97.6%
8th grade - 97.3%
Total Number of Tardies for September - 85
Total Number of Early Dismissals for September - 116
Substitute School Nurses Needed
Substitute School Nurses are needed to help support our School Nurses when they are out due to illness, professional development, etc. The BMR School District is attempting to add qualified, dependable substitute school nurses to our team. Please see the link below for details if you are interested or call Sue Wiegers at 508-876-0193, option 3 for more information.
Grade 6 Purple and Gold Teams
The middle school has been filled with exciting things to do both during the school day and after school! There have been many contests, clubs, and volunteering opportunities to participate in just our first month. I was one of almost 100 students who recently joined our Student Council. In middle school, I am really enjoy going from class to class throughout the day since there is so much to learn.
In science, we are learning about different science tools. In math, we are learning divisibility rules. In humanities, we are learning about the early people as well as different vocabulary words by looking at prefixes, suffixes, and root words. We have had a few quizzes this year, but they haven't been too hard as long as you put some effort into studying. I think the most important aspect that I have learned already is that despite the scary stigma around middle school, it really isn't anything to be afraid of. It's just a change, and change can be good.
-Miya G. (student submission)
Grade 7 Gold and Purple Team
Congratulations, we all survived our first month back to school! All staff are very excited for what this school year has in store. It has been a very busy month, and we have already accomplished so much (i.e. our first team day, completing and reviewing summer reading and math, and having our Meet the Teacher night). The month of October will also be full of rigor and new challenges.
Please be sure to check our Homework Page to see all teachers’ homework for the week. We try our hardest to have this updated by the end of the day on Mondays.
Finally, thank you to all the families who attended our Meet the Teacher Night and an even greater THANK YOU to all the families that made donations of needed items to the teachers. Please ensure your child charges their chromebook nightly so they are ready for a full day of learning when they come to school.
Grade 8 Gold
Civics - Students have been working on analyzing and understanding the basic foundations of our United States government structure with our first debate.
ELA - Students will continue reading and analyzing the short story "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes. Students will also begin to review the elements of analytical writing. They will create single paragraph essays responding to the literature we read.
Algebra - Students are currently working on inequalities after finishing their unit on equations. Extended Algebra students are concluding their equations unit this week, and then will be moving on to a unit in Geometry all about transformations.
Science - Students are studying Motion and have begun with calculating speed. The Mr. Edmunds video helps students with remembering the formula to do the necessary calculations for speed and motions.
Español Happenings
6th Grade: Your child has learned the correct pronunciation of the Spanish alphabet. Hopefully they can sing it to you! The students have learned many classroom phrases and commands, so they know what to do when I ask them to do something in Spanish. We are learning and practicing the colors in order to make our vocabulary richer and describe objects in Spanish. Each student will help to create a book written entirely in Spanish in the upcoming weeks. Your child should be able to teach you all of the Spanish colors very soon! Don’t forget to check out my Google Site for important information, looking for your child's class.
7th Grade: Your child has learned how to have basic conversations in Spanish. they can introduce themselves and others, as well as tell you what they like. They are learning how to understand the spoken language and answer questions in Spanish. We reviewed the Spanish alphabet and correct pronunciations, and in the near future they will be creating skits in small groups to demonstrate their language skills. Don’t forget to check out my Google Site for important information, sign up for the REMIND platform for communications, and encourage your child to go onto our Google Classroom where lots of videos and practice games are available for him/her!
8th Grade: Your child has learned how to introduce themselves and others, indicate what they (and others) like and dislike, as well as describe themselves and others with adjectives. The students are hearing more Spanish everyday, and are working in groups to perform skits to demonstrate their knowledge and language skills. Students are collaborating together to create greeting scenes and perform them in front of the class. Don’t forget to check out my Google Site for important information, encourage your child to go onto our Google Classroom where lots of videos and practice games are available for him/her!
Spanish 1: Your child is getting used to hearing more Spanish than ever! They have learned about cognates, English words that come from Spanish origins, greetings, emotions, farewells, numbers, and basic conversations. We have done a lot in a few weeks! Your child is working collaboratively to create meaningful dialogue with other students. We are going to have a marketplace in class to buy and sell items to practice our numbers. Don’t forget to check out my Google Site for important information, sign up for the REMIND site, and encourage your student to go onto our Google Classroom where lots of videos and practice games are available for him/her!
Wellness Happenings
If your child is in a first quarter wellness class, and you have not received emails regarding the procedures, expectations, content areas, and grading procedures, as well as the first class update, which summarizes what your child should know and be able to do as well as information about assessments in the parent portal, please let me know. I can be reached at mblanchard@bmrsd.net.
Grade 7 Students have been focusing their learning on mental well- being including getting to know themselves, treating and preventing eating disorders, and becoming critical viewers of advertisements. Students are learning to take charge of their health and wellness by coming to understand the importance of getting adequate sleep. In early October, School Resource Officer Dave Laudon, will be co-teaching lessons on medications, legal and illegal drugs, and ways to prevent and treat drug abuse and addiction. Check your email for links to the content areas students are learning about in wellness that will help you reinforce their learning at home.
Grade 8 Students are emotionally literate as they have participated in learning about expressing their emotions, anger management and stress management. School psychologist, Miss Badeau, visited class and shared many different ways people can cope with their stressors. In promoting mental and emotional well- being, students will be focusing their energy on recognizing mental health conditions, treatment, and prevention. Our school adjustment counselor, Mrs. Mignanelli, will share information on the prevention of suicide. Check your email for links to the content areas students are learning about in wellness that will help you reinforce their learning at home.
News from the School Nurse
SBIRT
The guidance counselors and I will be conducting the interview-based SBIRT (Screening, Brief
Intervention, Referral to Treatment) screening on all seventh grade students on Monday, October 28. This is a new mandated screening to help prevent students from starting to use dangerous substances, or intervene with early use. Please refer to the letter that I included in the student packets at the beginning of the school year for detailed information regarding the screening. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
What can I do to keep my child from getting sick?
As we begin the new school year it is our goal to keep our students as healthy as possible. Please read below the recommendations from the Department of Public Health and be aware of ways to keep you and your child healthy.
- Get your child vaccinated (the flu shot or nasal spray). Vaccination is the best way to keep your child from getting the flu. Your child needs to be vaccinated this year, even if vaccinated last year.
- Teach your children to wash their hands often. Washing with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds is ideal (about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
- Teach your children to use hand sanitizer. Gels, rubs, and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 60% alcohol. Watch small children using gels so they don’t swallow it.
- Teach your children to cough or sneeze into their elbow—not their hands! Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of their elbow. They should wash their hands after blowing their nose or coughing into a tissue.
- Teach your children to avoid touching their nose, mouth or eyes. They should keep their hands away from their face.
If your child is sick please keep them home. The current recommendation from the Department
of Public Health is that all students who have been sick with fever or vomiting stay home for
at least 24 hours without fever or vomiting. When you call to report your child absent due to
illness, please leave a detailed message as to which of the following symptoms your child has:
fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, or feeling very tired. Please
call me at 508-876-0193, option 3, with any questions or concerns.
Guidance News
HELP! I HAVE A TWEEN ……..
A MONTHLY COLUMN THAT ADDRESSES EITHER QUESTIONS SUBMITTED OR SIMPLY SHARES ARTICLES THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO STUDENT GUARDIANS. THIS COLUMN IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY FWHMS GUIDANCE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT A QUESTION PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL BMIGNANELLI@BMRSD.NET OR SRIELLY@BMRSD.NET .
During the middle school years, homework gets more intense. The time spent on homework is roughly 10 minutes times the grade your child is in. An important way to help is to make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit, distraction-free place to study that's stocked with school supplies. distraction-free means no electronics except homework-related resources. Have your child check the Homework page on our school website if he/ she did not fill in the agenda. Be sure to check in from time to time to make sure that your child hasn't gotten distracted.
Sit down with your child regularly to talk about class loads and make sure they're balanced. It's also a good idea to set a specific start time for homework each night. Helping preteens and teens establish a homework schedule and consistent homework routine sends a message that academics are a priority.
Encourage your child to ask for help when it's needed. Most teachers are available for extra help, and also might be able to recommend other resources. Check the student or parent portal regularly, it is usually updated minimally every two weeks. All students have a portal that you can have him/her log on to on the BMRSD.NET website under the Student Tab. Have your child look at, and show you his/her grades. As much as possible, allow your child to advocate for him or herself when they need help. These steps help instill good academic and life skill habits.
Modified from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/school-help-middle.html?WT.ac=ctg
HMS PTO News
The PTO wants you! The HMS PTO is looking for new members to help with our many fundraising events. The PTO raises money to assist with the cost of after school clubs, field trips, and much more. Consider attending our meetings to learn more!
Click here to be added to our email list.
Parent volunteer are required to have a current CORI. Please check with the HMS office to learn if you have a current CORI. If you need one, fill out this form and bring it to the HMS office along with a license or valid I.D.
For parents of students participating in the Color Run: Thank you for sponsoring your student in the first annual FWHMS Color Run! Because of your efforts, we were able to raise over $7500.00. That money will go back into our school and our students! The Color Run will start after lunches on Friday. Students will be instructed on where to go.
Some things to remember:
T-shirts and prizes will be handed out Wednesday and Thursday.
Students should bring all of their prizes with them! Especially their Color Packet!
Students should dress fun, but be aware of the weather. It currently looks like it’s going to be cool. Also, be aware that whatever they are wearing will get colored powder on it.
There will be a slushy truck at the event selling slushies. The prices range from $3.00-$5.00.
GET READY TO HAVE FUN!!!!!
There is still time to volunteer at this event! Email stasker@bmrsd.net if you have a current CORI and are interested in volunteering!
Homework Website
Pay Online for School Lunch
You can view the account balance, see what was purchased, and schedule automatic payments if you wish.
District School Nutrition News
Looking to make some extra money while your kids are at school? The School Cafeteria could use your help. Sub positions are always available with potential for permanent positions. Please contact Lora Rayos, Administrative Assistant to School Nutrition at
508-876-0193 opt. #4 or lrayos@bmrsd.net. We look forward to hearing from you!Calendar of Events
- Progress Reports in Parent Portal
Thursday, Oct 10th
- 6 pm - School Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 15th
- MARC Assembly
Monday, October 21st
- 5 pm - School Council Meeting
- 6 pm - PTO Meeting
Thursday, October 24th
- 6 pm - School Committee Meeting
Monday, October 28th
- Grade 7 SBIRT Screening
Be sure to visit our school web site to view our school events calendar.
ABC's of Student Success
When a child experiences failure - on a test, the ball field, or anywhere else:
- acknowledge the child's natural feelings of frustration and disappointment.
- don't try to minimize the situation because it does matter to your child.
- help your child evaluate the cause for failure and use what was learned to create a new strategy and try, try again.
-EducationWorld.com
Math @ Home
Math with M&M's
Open a small bag of M&M's. How many of each color did you find in the bag? Create a chart with the colors written on a paper. Next to the word, write the number of M&M's found of that particular color. Which color was more plentiful? Open a second bag and do the same steps to see if you have different results.
-EducationWorld.com
Parent Pointers
- Be a good role model at all times. Children learn from what they witness.
- Model a clear sense of right and wrong by making thoughtful decisions.
- Show children you care about people by modeling friendships with others, lending a helping hand to neighbors, or working with charity organizations.
- Practice recycling at home. It demonstrates wise use of Earth's resources.
School-wide Ongoing Fundraisers
BoxTops - You can find the tops on participating products. Cut out the top and have your child bring it to school. We earn 10 cents for each top collected. Visit www.boxtops4education.com for a listing of products.
Stop & Shop A Plus Program - Register your rewards card to help us earn $$. Log on to www.stopandshop.com/aplus to register online USE SCHOOL ID: 07080 or dial 1-877-275-2758 to register your card over the phone.
Amazon - Please click here to shop on Amazon.com. A small percentage of what you purchase will go to the Hartnett Middle School PTO to help support field trips, assemblies, special events, and after school programming. It is the same Amazon.com you may use, with a small percentage supporting middle school students.
FWHMS Communication and Happenings
Our website is the main hub of information. The following is key information you will find:
- Daily Intercom Announcements
- Monthly School Calendar
- Homework Page
- Monthly Family Newsletter Links
- After-school Program Information/Registration
- BMR Athletes Information/Registration Details
- Staff names and emails
OneCall will be used in the following ways:
Robocalls
For Emergency only - such as unplanned early dismissals or information on an emergency in the building. They will be sent after 3:30 pm and end before 8 pm.
Roboemails - On Tuesdays and Fridays only (as needed)
For standard communication - such as portal access to progress reports, report card distribution, the monthly newsletter release, registration information for sports/after-school clubs, field trip information, and other information as needed. The emails may be by whole school or by grade level depending on the communication needs.
Social Media - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat
We use all our social media to share special happenings after they have happened so that families can see what we are doing. You can find us on all platforms at @fwhms2003
About FWHMS
Email: tcurt@bmrsd.net
Website: http://www.bmrsd.net/frederick_home.aspx
Location: 35 Federal St, Blackstone, MA, United States
Phone: 508-876-0190
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middleschoolofwoonsocket
Twitter: @fwhms2003