Island Trees Memorial Middle School
The Home-School Connection
Great Job, Students, Families, & Staff
September 11, 2023
Dear ITMMS Families,
We hope you are all well and that the weekend provided all of you the chance to relax and celebrate the successes of our 1st week of school. We could not be more proud of your children and our staff for their perseverance and commitment over the first four days of the school year. In the face of high temperatures, our classrooms were buzzing with excitement, with so many activities dedicated to creating a welcoming and warm environment for our students.
As we look to Week 2, we are strengthened by your support of our students, staff, and school. As you review this Home-School Connection newsletter, please take a look at some of the resources and articles provided. While each selection may not apply directly to our students or to your child, it is important that we work together to promote positive and healthy decision-making and that we are aware of the issues facing young adolescents.
Sincerely,
Mr. Keegan
Mission Statement
Clubs & Co-Curricular Programs
8th Grade Art Honor Society
Morning Library - Starts on September 12th
Such a Great Way to Start a Day
Library Media Center
It is the mission of the School Library Media Center to ensure that students develop the skills necessary to become independent, capable, competent information users and lifelong learners. These skills include the ability to locate, access, evaluate, organize, integrate, use and communicate information and ideas from a wide variety of sources and formats. Instruction, therefore, integrates information skills into curriculum units rather than teaching them in isolation. Student-centered research projects are developed and coordinated through a cooperative effort with classroom teachers.
Please Consider Joining Our PTSA
PTSA Information
Here is the link to membership for PTSA:
https://itptsa.memberhub.com/store?limit=21&live=true
High School students must be a member for all the years you have attended to be eligible for the PTSA Scholarship given senior year.
8th grade PTSA gives an award at the end of the year. You must be a paid member in 8th grade.
PTSA Sponsored Events
Picture Day: September 19th and 20th
Homecoming is October 21st:
We will have a table at homecoming come down, we have sweatshirts, flannel pants, ornaments, T-Shirts and Magnets all to sell.
Attached is the website to order spirit wear clothing, the store is open all year.
PTSA Banner Fundraiser
Show your school spirit and support this PTSA fundraiser!! $50 and Venmo available (@IslandTrees-PTSA)! We are still taking orders
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeArEiE_b51IWVfB0hPPeOZVn-lPyuN24Wo9mt9BJmZPQnDGQ/viewform
Sketchbook Club
ITMMS Bell Schedule
Arrival & Dismissal
Safe, Respectful & Responsible
Bus Transportation
The Transportation Office will send home information regarding your child's bus stops and times. Typically, our buses arrive to our school between 7:55-8:05. This allows students to get to their lockers and then to their morning Advisory.
Walkers & Family Drop Off
- Students who walk to school and students who are dropped off at our school are expected to arrive between 7:50-8:05.
- Because the back of our school building is the location for bus drop offs, we encourage parents and guardians to use our school's front circle for drop off.
- If you are dropping off at our school's back door, please be advised that this door is not open for student drop-off before 7:50.
- When dropping off at our school's front circle, please be sure to move as far into the circle as possible so as to avoid a backup on Wantagh Avenue.
- When your child exits your car, please make sure that he/she exits on the sidewalk side of your car, and please ensure that doors on the driver's side do not open.
- To ensure the safety of our students, a crossing guard will be stationed at Straight Lane and Wantagh Avenue during arrival and dismissal times. All students who walk to and from school are expected to cross at this location. Please remind your child(ren) of this important responsibility.
Dismissal
Our last class ends at 2:34. Students are dismissed at this time for family pick up, to walk home, and to get to a bus. Because our buses receive students in the back of our school, families are strongly encouraged to pick up their children in the front of our school.
Lockers & Backpacks
Backpack Safety & Lockers
We hope you are all having a nice summer. We have spent considerable time over the past few years studying the issues that are associated with children carrying heavy backpacks. We have spoken with many of our students and families to learn about these concerns while exploring ways to best support our students.
With the ongoing success of our 1:1 Chromebook model, our teachers have collaborated to create supply lists that will limit the amount of binders and paper being carried by students this school year. By making this conscientious change in our supply lists, we believe the weight carried by our students throughout the school day will be significantly reduced.
Please note that lockers will be assigned in the first weeks of school. Our teachers and staff will work with your children to ensure that they are supported and guided throughout this process.
Additionally, we ask that you remind your child(ren) that Chromebooks must be kept in the school-issued case when not in the classroom. This requirement will help to prevent damage to this learning device and promote hallway safety and efficient hallway movement.
We are asking parents/guardians to join in our efforts to ensure that student backpacks remain light, manageable, and safe. As always, we continue to encourage our students to use their lockers to help decrease the amount of items they carry during the school day. Additionally, we will have routine notebook and locker inventories, which will allow students the opportunity to clean out binders and backpacks.
Please feel free to contact the Main Office if you have any questions. We hope you all continue to have a great summer.
Sincerely,
Mr. Daniel Keegan
Principal
Communication & the Importance of Our School's Website
The Daily Bulletin
Did you know that our Daily Bulletin is also posted within the Parent Portal. Please take a look at this helpful resource.
Homework Online
Morning Music at ITMMS
Signing Up for Performing Music - Grades 5 & 6
Homework Support
Our after-school Homework Club is offered to students in need of a quiet environment and organized scheduling. A certified middle school teacher on our staff will supervise and assist the students during this period under the following guidelines:
The Homework Club will take place Monday-Thursday after school from dismissal until 3:20.
Students must sign in and out each day they attend.
Parents/teachers may request students to attend on a daily, weekly, or full-time basis.
Students may attend on their own initiative.
Students must come with their work and all necessary supplies.
Homework Club will likely begin in just a few weeks. Please stay tuned for an announcement.
The Use of Student Photos & Videos
Student Photos & Videos
Dear Island Trees Memorial Middle School Families,
Please note that during the course of the school year, photographs and video footage of students participating in school activities are taken for use in school district publications as well as in local and regional print, radio, television, the website and social media. At times, students are also identified by name when appropriate, which may accompany a photograph or video footage. Parental permission is assumed for all school related usage as stated above.
In the event that you wish to expressly withdraw permission, please forward a letter so indicating to my attention at the above address. You may also fax the letter to me at (516) 520-2168.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Daniel Keegan
Principal
Great Programs Built Into Our 5th & 6th Grade Schedule
SEL
Coding & STEAM
World Language
Advisory
Humanities Workshop
Math Workshop
Core Extension
Getting Off to a Great Start to the Year
GETTING A GOOD START
Organize
Getting a good start at the beginning of the school year is important. Start good habits right away. Before you go to bed, organize your books and supplies and get your clothes ready for the next day so that you are not rushed in the morning.
Your Locker
At school your locker is your home away from home. It is provided for your books and clothing. You should keep your locker uncluttered and locked and keep your combination a secret. Lockers are not to be exchanged or shared with other students.
Be Friendly
Come to school each day with a positive attitude. Talk to people about their interests and they will ask you about yours. Make an effort to make new friends and work with a variety of classmates when you can.
Make Connections
Take advantage of the social activities that the middle school provides. Join clubs that are organized along the lines of your interests. Participate in school dances, field trips, Sports Night, and many other activities.
Bulldog Pride & Appropriate Dress for School
Bulldog Pride Guidelines
Each student’s appearance should reflect a positive image of our school and uphold the spirit of “Bulldog Pride”. Our school welcomes and appreciates the support of parents in upholding these guidelines.
In order to maintain a safe, orderly, and respectful learning environment all students are expected to adhere to the following dress code guidelines:
Students should NOT wear clothing which is unsafe, dangerous or a health hazard.
No outerwear of any kind shall be worn during the school day.
No clothing may contain offensive or obscene language, symbols, signs, or slogans.
No clothing may endorse violence, sex, gangs or illegal substances.
Attire may not be disruptive to the educational process.
If a student is in violation of the aforementioned guidelines he or she will be offered the opportunity to change clothing immediately or be referred to the Student Support Center. Parents/Guardians may be contacted to bring alternative attire to the school should it be required.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
ITMMS is a Nationally Designated School to Watch
A Note from National Forum
On behalf of the National Forum, I would like to offer you our heartfelt congratulations on being re-designated as a School to Watch school! What an exciting thing you have embarked upon and your recognition shows the world that your school is indeed advancing excellence in the middle-grades. We truly cannot thank you enough for your dedication to young adolescent students and strong programs, practices, and cultures that enable you to meet their needs and propel them further. You are making an impactful difference in their lives and we are grateful beyond words.
Again, we are so proud of you and your accomplishments on becoming a Schools to Watch school! Your students are so very fortunate to be part of your school and we are anxious to learn from you at the conference and through other interactions with your team. Thank you for being a leader in middle-grades education and for your strong dedication to young adolescents.
With admiration, appreciation, and respect,
Promoting Positive Behaviors & Safety at ITMMS
Growing a Reading Mindset
School Safety & Wellness Reminders
Please Review With Your Children
Important School Phone Numbers
Main Office: 520-2157
Student Support Center: 520-2169
Health Office: 520-2164
Special Education: 520-2175
Curriculum: 520-2185
Health & Athletics: 520-2173
Attendance Office: 520-2166
We are a Nut Aware School
Please refrain from sending your child to school with snacks containing nuts. Peanut butter and other nut-related items are not sold in our cafeteria. Nut-free sections are designated in the cafeteria. If you have concerns about your child’s allergies, please contact our nurse at 520-2164.
Nutrition
To foster good health amongst our students, the following guidelines have been established:
- Energy drinks and coffee drinks are not permitted
- No food or drinks in the hallways
- No use of snack machines until lunch periods
- Delivery of fast food/take out is prohibited during the school day
Hallway Passing
Your children are reminded that they are expected to move between classes efficiently and to be safe, respectful, and responsible. All students are expected to walk on the right-side of the hallway and to walk in a manner that is respectful of others. There is no acceptable excuse for pushing or making physical contact with another student. With many students moving through our hallways during passing, pushing, running, and other similar behaviors can create a health and safety concern.
Lockers
Lockers will be assigned during the first weeks of school. Please be sure to encourage your child to routinely use his/her locker during the school day. There is time between classes for students to get to lockers, and I believe with greater practice and consistency, our students will see that more routine use of the locker will lessen the weight of a backpack. Those with gym lockers (student-athletes included) must lock belongings in our school-issued lockers.
Headphones & Phones
This note speaks to the power of one voice. I ask that you join me in reminding your children to remove headphones/Airpods when arriving to school in the morning. Additionally, please be sure to remind your children that phones must be fully powered down while in school. We have had great success with our "Powered Down & Put Away" policy, and we ask for your support in this area.
Smart Watches
As we continue to strengthen our Powered Down & Put Away program, we share with you that smart watches are not permitted to be worn during the school day. Any watch that allows for photography, texting, internet searches, and/or e-mail must be placed in a locker or backpack during the school day.
Social Media
How familiar are you with TikTok, Instagram, and SnapChat? Do you know who your children communicate with on these open social media platforms? Do your children go to YouTube the way you as a child may have gone to Nickelodeon, ESPN, or some other afternoon tv show?
As a father of twin fourteen year-olds, I have been forced to confront the powerful force that is social media. I would strongly encourage each of you to review the resources found under the following headings:
- Screenagers
- Social Media & Adolescents
I do believe these resources will help you (us) better understand the powerful pull of social media and technology while also providing ideas for families and parents to help children navigate the digital world.
Personal Items
Please do not bring personal items, money or jewelry of value to school. It is important for you to remember that the school cannot assume responsibility for the safekeeping of your personal items should they become lost or stolen. Cell phones are not necessary during the school day, and ITMMS is not responsible for loss or theft of phones, Airpods, watches, etc. No electronic equipment, aside from school-provided devices, are to be used during school. Recording and/or photographing staff and other students is strictly prohibited in school, on the bus, and at any school sponsored events.
Attendance Resources
Quick Reminder - Attendance Calls
Communication between home and school is crucial to so many areas, including attendance. I am writing to remind you that it is a parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify the school whenever your child is absent. Please call the Attendance Office (520-2166) each day that your child will not be attending school. Please also be reminded to send in notes from your doctor or dentist to confirm visits. Strong communication allows us to keep updated and timely records, and it also helps our teachers best assist students who will be missing classes.
Thank you for your support.
Let's Stay in Touch
The Daily Bulletin
https://sites.google.com/islandtrees.net/island-trees-memorial-middle-s/home
Smore
You (Our Kids) Deserve It
Powered Down & Put Away
Please join us as we make this expectation clear to your children from Day 1. As with other policies, it is important when working with adolescents to explain the "why" behind the policy. Please join me in clearly articulating our belief that our kids deserve it; that 6 1/2 hours of a day without a text tone, vibration, or push notification is healthy and will promote focus and their full presence. Our office phones will always welcome students needing to contact home, and if there is anything essential that must be communicated to our students, we will be sure to relay messages from home to our students.
Let's do this together!
Parenting & Middle School
Screenagers
Dignity for All Students Act
What is the Dignity for All Students Act?
The Dignity Act was signed into law on September 13, 2010 and took effect on July 1, 2012. "New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.
The Dignity Act also amended Section 801-a of New York State Education Law regarding instruction in civility, citizenship, and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others and dignity to include: an awareness and sensitivity in the relations of people, including but not limited to, different races, weights, national origins, ethnic groups, religions, religious practices, mental or physical abilities, sexual orientations, gender identity, and sexes." (NYSED.gov)
In each school, a Dignity For All Students (DASA) Coordinator is trained to handle human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (identity or expression) and sex. The DASA coordinators are available to assist families with any concerns.
Adolescents & the Responsible Use of Technology
Excerpt from Common Sense Media
The reality is that most kids start developing online relationships around the age of 8, usually through virtual worlds such as Club Penguin. By age 10, they've progressed to multiplayer games and sharing their digital creations and homemade videos on sites such as YouTube. By age 13, millions of kids have created accounts on social-networking sites such as Facebook. Here are the essential safety and responsibility guidelines for middle schoolers:
- Follow the rules. Many social sites have an age minimum of 13 for both legal and safety/privacy reasons. Encourage kids to stick with age-appropriate sites.
- Tell your kids to think before they post. Remind them that everything can be seen by a vast, invisible audience (otherwise known as friends-of-friends-of-friends). Each family will have different rules, but, for middle school kids, it's a good idea for parents to have access to what their kids are doing online, at least at first, to be sure that what's being posted is appropriate. Parents can help keep kids from doing something they'll regret later.
- Make sure kids set their privacy settings. Privacy settings aren't foolproof, but they can be helpful. Take the time to learn about default settings and how to change privacy settings on your kids' favorite sites, and teach your kids how to control their privacy.
- Kindness counts. Lots of sites have anonymous applications such as "bathroom walls" or "honesty boxes" that allow users to tell their friends what they think of them. Rule of thumb: If your kids wouldn't say it to someone's face, they shouldn't post it
Student Health & Wellness
Contests & Competitions
Follow Us
Email: dkeegan@islandtrees.org
Website: https://itms.islandtrees.org/
Location: 45 Wantagh Avenue, Levittown, NY
Phone: (516) 520-2157
Twitter: @Islandtreesmms