MMS Principal Newsletter
October 30, 2017 @MMSCougarPride
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After School Tutorial Schedule at MMS
MMS After School Tutorial Schedule
Mondays-ELA/Social Studies
Wednesdays-Math/Science
Thursdays-ELA/Social Studies
Fridays-Math/Science
Upcoming days off
A reminder that schools are closed for students on November 7, 9, and 10 for district professional development and the NJEA Teachers Convention.
Greetings and Updates from Ms. Gronau
It has been a wonderful start to the school year as it relates to parent and family involvement at MMS. I've seen volunteers in the library, new faces participating in Back to School Night, and a wonderful turnout for the 6th grade social from families and our kids. We truly need our families invested in our school. Please continue to keep up the great work. Here are 2 high impact ways that you can get involved at MMS that are low in time commitment.
1-Be a guest speaker in a classroom--Does your profession work lend itself to making the classroom come to life at MMS? Are you an author? Attorney? Scientist? Physician? Musician? Publisher? We always aim to make learning real to our kids. If you'd like to come in as a speaker, please connect with your child's teacher, reach out to the MMS leadership team, or reach out to your HSA.
2-Donate to the school store-Help to keep the school store stocked with items our kids want--Snacks, comic books, school supplies, books, ear buds, clothing, etc. We want the Cougar Cash incentives for good behavior and citizenship to be worth it to our middle schoolers. If you can donate, please reach out to Ms. Gronau directly.
Another note--we don't celebrate Halloween at MMS but do allow students to bring costumes that they can change into after school if they plan to go to the celebration in Maplewood Village. This was shared with students during morning announcements this past Friday. 7th graders are having a super hero tee-shirt day this year as a culmination to an ELA unit. If other grades would like to participate (tee shirts only--no make-up, wigs, or costumes, please) they are welcome to!
--Ms. Gronau, MMS Principal
Kindness Challenge
MMS has accepted the Middle School Kindness challenge. The kindness captains at MMS will select a kindness essential question and will plan activities that emphasize the importance of kindness in our school community. Here's the link to the kindness challenge for more information!
Last day of the 1st marking period coming up!
The last day of the marking period is November 8, 2017. Please sit with your child to be sure they are in good standing in their classes. Check PowerSchool together and ask about upcoming assignments, projects, and assessments. There is ample time for your child to improve their performance.
MMS Budget Priorities
In the coming weeks, I will detail MMS budget priorities as I review our students' needs and our school goals with budgetary implications. I will also share how our families can support our efforts. We will need MMS parent/guardian support and advocacy to our BOE in the following key areas:
1-Staffing-We are in need of a 3rd School Counselor and a full-time STEM teacher. We currently share with SOMS and the model does not support our students' needs as it relates to choice in electives. More info forthcoming.
2-Facilities-The MMS facility needs improvement. We need HVAC in the auditorium and the basement needs improved lighting and painting.
Maplewood Middle School Remind App Code @k92d29
This year, the MMS Principal has added a school-wide "Remind App" as another way to communicate with families. Many of your child's teachers will share Remind class codes for you and your child to stay up to date about class events and assignments. As needed, the MMS Principal will periodically use the Remind App to share important info with our school community. Our Maplewood Middle School school-wide code Remind code is listed above (@k92d29). The link below explains how to begin getting notifications. It's a simple way to stay in touch. Join us!
https://help.remind.com/hc/en-us/articles/203179887-How-do-I-join-a-class-