VAMS Panther Pause Newsletter
February 26, 2016
Calendar
- March 1-2 - Quarterly Tests & Benchmarks (see schedule below)
- Friday, March 4 - Star Card iPod in Advisory
- March 7 - 11 - Spring Break
Quarterly Exam Schedule by Grade Level
Our quarterly exam schedule will look a little different this nine weeks. STAAR-tested areas will be giving full benchmark exams to help pinpoint students needing interventions before STAAR testing time, while non-tested areas will be giving regular cumulative quarterly exams.
5th Grade
Tuesday, Mar 1 - Math
Wednesday, Mar 2 - Science
6th Grade
Tuesday, Mar 1 - Math
Wednesday, Mar 2 - Science & Social Studies
7th Grade
Tuesday, Mar 1 - Math
Wednesday, Mar 2 - Science & Social Studies
8th Grade
Tuesday, Mar 1 - Math
Wednesday, Mar 2 - Social Studies
VAEF Denim & Diamonds Gala
Note from The Nurse - ATTENTION 6th Grade Parents
Van Alstyne Middle School will be conducting spinal screenings on our 6th grade students during PE the week of March 14-18, 2016. The purpose of the spinal screening is to detect the signs of abnormal curves of the spine at their earliest stages so that the need for treatment can be determined. Scoliosis, a common spinal abnormality found in adolescents, is a sideways twisting of the spine. It is usually detected in children between 10 and 14 years of age. Kyphosis, sometimes called round back, is an exaggerated rounding of the upper back and is often confused with poor posture. Many cases of
curvature of the spine are mild and require only ongoing observation by a physician when they are first diagnosed. Others can worsen with time as the child grows and require active treatment such as bracing, and surgery. Early treatment can prevent the development of a severe deformity, which can affect a person’s appearance and health.
The procedure for screening is simple. Screeners who have been specially trained will look at your child’s back while he/she bends forward. For this examination, boys and girls will be seen separately and individually.
ALL STUDENTS MUST REMOVE THEIR SHIRT FOR THIS EXAM. FOR THIS REASON, WE REQUEST THAT GIRLS WEAR A TANK TOP, TUBE TOP, SPORTS BRA OR A TWO PIECE BATHING SUIT TOP UNDERNEATH THEIR SHIRT DURING THE EXAM.
Parents will be notified of the result of the screen only if professional follow-up is necessary. This screening procedure does not replace your child’s need for regular health care and check-ups.
According to state law, all students in 6th grade must receive the spinal screening. If, for religious reasons, you do not wish to have your child screened, you are to submit an affidavit of religious exemption to the school no later than March 4,2016.
Please contact me at 903.482.8878 if you would like additional information.
Thank you,
Corey Adams, LVN
Immunizations - ATTENTION 6th GRADE PARENTS
In 2009, the State of Texas began requiring specific immunizations for all 7th graders.
The immunizations that incoming 7th graders need are:
1. Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis containing vaccine (Tdap): All students entering the seventh will be required to have a booster dose of Tdap only if it has been five years since their last dose of a tetanus- containing vaccine.
2. Varicella (Chicken Pox) : All students entering the 7th grade will be required to have 2 doses of varicella vaccine. The 1st dose must be received on or after the 1st birthday.
3. Meningococcal Vaccine (Meningitis) : All students entering 7th grade will be required to have one dose of meningococcal vaccine.
If your child has already had these immunizations, please send a copy of the immunization record from the health clinic or physician. It must include the month, day and year as well as validation by physician or public health official.
*Immunization records must be received before schedules will be released for the 2016-2017 school year*
Immunizations are available from your family physician, the Grayson County Health Department 903.893.0131, 515 N. Walnut Sherman, Texas, Collin County Health Department 972.548.5000 N. McDonald St, Mckinney, Texas or local medical/rural health clinics. Please call the health department for hours and availability.
If you have a medical or religious reason that conflicts with these requirements, please contact the school nurse. Information on obtaining a conscious exemption can be found at the following website:
https://corequest.dshs.texas.gov/
Thank you,
Corey Adams, LVN
Van Alstyne Middle School
903.482.8878
All state requirements may be found at www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize
Panther Sports
Track Meet: Tuesday, March 1 @ Anna
Go Panthers!
Lost and Found
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Van Alstyne Middle School
Website: www.vanalstyneisd.org
Location: 1314 N. Waco Van Alstyne, TX
Phone: 903-482-8804
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/VanAlstyneMiddleSchool
Twitter: @vamiddleschool