MMS Newsletter
“Enter to Learn, Strive to Achieve!”
The MISSION of Middletown Middle School is to engage students as 21st century learners who strive to achieve their goals. We support students through rigor and active participation within a culture of cooperation, organization, determination and excellence to prepare our students for college and careers.
“The Vision of Middletown Middle School is to challenge students of all abilities to achieve excellence in a wide range of academic and cultural pursuits. Students are equipped to meet the demands and opportunities of the 21st century by receiving a differentiated, effective, and rigorous curriculum. Staff believe and demonstrate that all students can master the essential 21st century skills. The culture of Middletown Middle will include high expectations for all, frequent monitoring of student progress, multiple opportunities for student learning, high levels of engagement, exceptional communication, and daily purposeful integration of technology. We will make it a priority to recognize the academic and extracurricular achievements of our school community. Middletown Middle School will have highly-motivated professional staff and authentic partnerships between the school and home.”
Value Statements
Teachers actively engage students by interacting, moving around the classroom, and allowing them to own their learning.
Staff will have knowledge of the whole student so that lessons provide challenge and rigor for all abilities.
Teachers facilitate lessons where students are engaged, not merely compliant.
Teachers facilitate lessons that allow for students to lead and take risks.
Staff will make authentic learning opportunities a priority in the classroom.
Staff collaborates to promote 21st century student learning.
A Message from Mr. Fer
One of the most impressive aspects of the Middletown community that even the most casual observer can pick up on and is something I sincerely appreciate is the level of family involvement in the education process. Teachers know that when communicating with parents/guardians, they can expect a level support that is unrivaled by comparison. Since joining Middletown Middle School, I have grown to appreciate and expect that families are inevitably and infinitely involved with the academic, social, athletic and emotional development of our students.
When talking about parent involvement, most definitions state that parent involvement relates most directly to participation in school events or activities. Active participation really gets shifted into high gear when we as a school take significant steps to engage families in the process of educating their children. According to Waterford.org, “the definition of parent engagement is parents and teachers sharing a responsibility to help their children learn and meet educational goals. Parent engagement happens when teachers involve parents in school meetings or events, and parents volunteer their support at home and at school… teachers commit to listening and providing a space for collaboration with parents.” As a school it is our responsibility to ensure that you as families feel engaged and well-equipped to assist in the education of your child(ren). Research supports that when parent engagement results through the efforts of teachers and other school staff, a profound change is experienced in classrooms. Classes of students have a higher level of motivation, behavior and academic achievement. When purposeful and significant steps from a school staff result in higher parent engagement, then all students in a school community reap the benefits of a positive learning environment.
Some of the clear-cut, research-based results of the shared responsibility/partnership between staff and engaged families are (Waterford.org):
· Higher grades/test scores
· Graduation from high school and subsequent attendance at a post-secondary institution
· Development of self-confidence and motivation in the classroom
· Better social skills/classroom behavior
· Decrease in chronic absenteeism
As a school, we are incredibly proud of our students and all their accomplishments, which is a direct result of your involvement AND engagement in their education. If there are any other ways that we can assist you in being more involved and engaged in the education process, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher, counselor, or any administrator. We are always ready and eager to strengthen our partnership with you and ensure that students at Middletown Middle school achieve the highest levels of success possible.
So, speaking of involvement, make sure to mark on your calendars a few dates that are coming up where you can gain more information about MMS and how to be a part of upcoming activities/events. On Friday, February 21st we will hosting our next Principal Chat in the Media Center at 9:30 am. The topic for the chat is yet to be determined, but make sure to mark it on your calendar! Also, we would love to have as many parents/guardians present at our next PTSA meeting, which will be held on March 9th at 6 pm.
Thank you once again for your continued support of our students, teachers and staff. Your families and their engagement in the learning process is invaluable and truly is not possible if not present. We are grateful each day to work with you and your exceptional students!
Administrative and Office Announcements
Principal Chats will be held on the following dates:
February 21st-9:30am
April 16th-6:30pm
All Principal Chats will be held in Media Center. Topics for the chats will be announced prior to each one. See you then!
Calendar/Upcoming Events
Attendance Updates
- Congrats to the 8th grade class for their attendance in January and for winning extra recess Monday! The competition continues for the month of February.
- The latest data on MiMS attendance can be seen here.
Builders Club
World Read Aloud Day
Several members of the Builder’s Club participated in World Read Aloud Day at Middletown Elementary School on February 5. Each reader read a book to at least two different classes. It was great to see the students in a different environment and they seemed to enjoy interacting with the younger students. Participants were Nick Pusey, Quinn Sullivan, Adin Nair, Jack Allen, Asher Yarmus, Lucas Fink and Bradley Bowers.
Cafeteria
FCPS FOOD AND NUTRITION FAST FACTS
- FCPS serves approximately 7,000 breakfasts daily.
- FCPS serves approximately 13,000 lunches daily.
- Breakfast and lunch are served daily at all schools.
- 13 schools serve free breakfast to all students.
- Many schools welcome family members to join students for meals in the cafeteria.
- All foods served for breakfast, lunch, snacks and supper meet USDA federal guidlines.
- A variety of a la carte snack items that meet the Maryland Nutrition Standards for All Foods Sold in Schools are available for an additional fee.
Good nutrition and learning go hand in hand! The Nutrition Services department is made up of a team of food and nutrition professionals that are dedicated to students' health, well being and their ability to learn. We support learning by promoting healthy habits for lifelong nutrition and fitness.
Meals, foods and beverages sold or served at schools meet state and federal requirements which are based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines. We provide students with access to a variety of affordable and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of students.
Character Counts
This month Middletown Middle School recognized students that demonstrate Trustworthiness. Trustworthiness means that students are being honest, telling the truth and keeping promises, being on time, doing what you are supposed to do. The students enjoyed a celebration with chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese provided by Roy Rogers! A huge thank you to them for providing this free of charge! This month’s winner were, grade 6: Noah Powell Zahler, Ellis Ace, Cory Godlove, Mia Bratcher, Lizzy Bileg, and Payton Robinson. Grade 7: Lola Keilty-Austin, Anthony Gaither, Brooke Haupt, Logan Bohn, Caden O’Rear and Katerina Hildebrant. Grade 8: Adin Nair, Marwa Gilani, Cassie Bazinet, Natalie Butler, Grant Schroeder and Iliana Melin. Congratulations!
Counseling Dept
Meritorious Student Service Learning Hours
Students who have completed volunteer or service work for a community organization should complete the Volunteer Service Form.
This form can be found in the link below or in the School Counseling Office.
Link: https://drive.google.com/a/fcps.org/file/d/0B9r3V3gyQC_oWl9UWEcyWGdXR1U/view?usp=sharing
These forms should be submitted to the Counseling Office soon after completion of the service with signatures and all areas of the form completed. A middle school student can carry over a maximum 25 hours of service (during middle school) toward the 75 hour requirement in high school. 75 hours or more grants a high school graduate a certificate at graduation to recognize student service beyond the school day.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Willard at 240-236-4206 or Mrs. Frushour at 240-236-4205.
Weekend Food Program
The Weekend Food Program discreetly supplies children with food for the weekends. Bags are filled with nutritious, easy to prepare, child friendly food items. In order to ensure confidentiality, these bags will be ready for pick-up at school by your child(ren) at the end of each school week.
The school would like to connect interested families to this program. If this is a program that your family could benefit from, an information form will be sent home with your child. This information form will ask for parent permission and household food allergies. This form will serve as a release of liability waiver. Parents and participating families will assume responsibility for the food they receive. Once the form is returned, the child will be enrolled in the program. Food bags are sent home on Fridays unless there is no school on Friday. On these days, the bags will go home on Thursdays.
* If interested, please contact your school counselor then complete and return the form as soon as possible to your guidance counselor.
All information is strictly confidential.
Yearbooks
Frederick Community Action Agency
Location: 100 S. Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701
Phone: 301-600-1506
Food Bank Hours
- Monday - 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
- Tuesday - 2 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday - 7 to 9 p.m.
- Thursday - 2 to 4 p.m.
- Friday - 2 to 4 p.m.
Free Evening Meal: Every night 5:30-6:30
FCPS Information
Board of Education Approved 2020-2021 Calendar
Bus Stop Delay Information
We have a great way to stay up to speed about bus stop information and it's called the "Transportation Delay Board." This is a way that we communicate with the public when a bus is running 10 minutes or more late. The information may be accessed on the FCPS website at this link: https://apps.fcps.org/transdelay/
Student of the Year, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Drive
Our annual fundraiser for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) is in full-swing. This year we are supporting local student Aaron Augustine who is Student of the Year for LLS. His goal is to raise $55,000 to fund a research project to kill cancer.
Students were given a letter and donation form in their social studies classes. The class that brings in the most money will get a pizza party. The top six classes that raise the most money will be in the audience of our annual Teacher Lip Sync!
Cash, Coins, checks and credit cards are all accepted! #kickcancer
Fundraising link: https://events.lls.org/md/MDSoY20/aaugustine
Video Links: https://youtu.be/ETMF9DkfsU0
Incoming 6th grade Parent Orientation Night
Incoming Grade 6 - Parent Orientation Night
(Current 5th grade parents)
Wednesday, February 26, 2020 (snow date 2/27)
6:30pm – 7:30pm @ Middletown Middle School
Parents and guardians of students who will be entering the 6th grade are invited to attend the Middletown Middle School Parent Orientation Night. You will have an opportunity to hear from staff about our school and the Middle School program throughout the evening. We hope that the evening will answer many of the questions you may have pertaining to 6th grade, registration, and the middle school program. Please note that our new 6th grade students will have their own orientation during the student Move-Up Day event in May. We encourage all parent(s)/guardian(s) to attend on February 26, 2020 (snow date February 27) as you plan for next school year.
** students may attend if need be however the evening is parent-centered **
Middletown Middle School PTSA
Middletown Middle PTSA News! We have a number of opportunities to support the middle school and your kids. Show MMS some LOVE In an effort to beef up our fundraising efforts the PTSA will hand deliver a sweet treat (allergy safe) on Valentines Day for every $25 donation. Deadline for candy grams is Feb.10 Hershey Park Tickets We are also selling discounted Hershey Park Tickets again this year! Prices start at $47 and are valid May 1-Sept 27 2020. Order Deadline is March 24. Click below to download paper order form or purchase online. Spring Dance March 20 The theme for the Spring Dance this year is Mardi Gras! PTSA Vacancies We are losing a number of our fantastic PTSA board members next year as their 8th graders move on to High School. We will be looking for some new faces to come out and help! If you would like some more information please email us using the button below.
Art News
Mrs Pilarcik 7th and 8th grade Visual Arts
Both 7th and 8th grade classes are working on their sculpture unit. The 7th graders are exploring the art element of space and creating cardboard sculpture reliefs. The 8th graders are deepening their understanding of how artistic ideas relate to cultural context by learning about and creating Alebrijes, which are brightly colored sculptures of mythical creatures that originated in Mexico.
Art
Mrs Schuckers
Creative Arts Students finished the semester learning about Indonesian Shadow Puppets. They wrote their own scripts, created puppets and acted out their performances to the class. Such a great way to end the semester. As for the new semester we are looking at culture. The students are digging deeper into their own background and culture to help create an understanding and appreciation for others. Their "who are you" projects will be displayed soon.
6th grade Visual Arts Students have been busy painting warm and cool images that they will weave into new works of OP-art.
Congratulations go out to Ash Kothe, Payton Robinson and Danny Michaels for their artwork being selected to be displayed during Youth art Month at the Delaplaine in March.
Art club will meet every other Tuesday in Ms Schuckers room 102, permission slips need completed to stay. Dates for the rest of the year are 2/18, 3/3, 3/17, 3/31, 4/14, 5/12, and 5/26. This spring they will be working on a new mural for the front lobby.
Band/Orchestra
Students are working hard to learn new music and techniques for upcoming performances this Spring! Our all county band and orchestra students will perform in the FCPS all county concert on Saturday, February 8th at 4pm at Governor Thomas Johnson High School. Individual students and small ensembles are competing at the FCPS Solo & Ensemble Festival in February. The 7th & 8th grade students will be attending the FCPS adjudication festivals for band and orchestra in March, and our Spring Concerts will be held at MHS on May 11 & 12. And finally, our 8th grade band and 7th & 8th grade orchestra will travel to Hershey, PA the perform in the Music in the Parks Festival on Saturday, May 30th. Contact Mrs. Blickenstaff at whitney.blickenst@fcps.org for more information!
Career & Technology Education
Mr. Seiler
Grade 8-Problem Solving
Students will be starting a gear activity where they will be building different projects using multiple gearing arrangements.
Grade 7-CSI
Students will be creating videos, where they will write, film, edit, and produce. This activity is part of the Career and Tech Fail held February 24, 2020
Grade 6-Tech Expo
Students will be designing and building a car powered by a propeller and using a rubber band as its power source. This activity is part of the Career and Tech Fair held February 24, 2020
Mrs. Decker
Invention and Innovation (7): Students are identifying the concepts that define technology and developing an understanding of the nature, characteristics and scope of technology. Today, they got to learn that even things as simple as a chair, desk and pencil are considered technology. We will be digging deeper over the next week to learn about the history of technology and identifying how it has evolved over time. We are also making connections between technology and other subjects that they learn, ie. science, math, language arts, social studies etc. In addition to grasping an overall understanding of how technology plays into almost every part of our lives, we will be opening our eyes to how life would be different right now if technology did not exist.
Mrs. Ledford
Food Science: There's a new "batch" of students in Food Science for marking periods M3 and M4! We begin with the Food Systems Unit - Where does your food come from? Students will spend time exploring the food system, learning about agriculture and farming, while also discovering the vast amount of careers and opportunities within the food industry. We finish up the unit with the "Food Museum" project where students work in groups to research and present how food was grown, gathered and prepared during various timelines in US history.
Mrs. Stuart
Life Skills: Students are learning about nutrition and how to take care of ourselves by eating healthy and exercising regularly. We are planning meals that meet our daily recommended My Plate requirements as well as providing all of the nutrients that our bodies need to optimally function. Ask them how much water a person should drink a day, how much of their daily intake of food should be fruits and vegetables, and what portion of their daily grains should be whole grains. Knowledge is power.
Mrs. Duvall
Lab 21: Students are starting the semester off learning about our classroom rules, procedures, and what Lab 21 is all about in station rotations! Soon, we will explore how the brain learns and about mindset as we venture in our first project, which relates to computer coding using scratch!
Language Arts
6th Grade: Students are working hard analyzing themes of fiction texts. We are especially looking at how the character's interactions and perspectives lead to the themes of stories. We will begin a lit circle book soon.
7th Grade: Students are preparing to take the third benchmark of the year, literary analysis. We have been discussing figurative language, theme, and poetry extensively. After this unit wraps up, we will revisit non-fiction texts and expository writing.
Students are also reading a literature circle book at this time; assignments vary depending on the period and teacher. Students continue to receive word wizard lists, biweekly.
8th Grade: Students are beginning to study the Holocaust. Students will research topics surrounding the Holocaust in order to understand the reading of The Diary of Anne Frank Play. Students will also be reading a novel related to the time period for literature circles.
Literacy Specialist
Math Department
What’s happening in math??
6th grade is simplifying algebraic expressions. In the next unit, they will solve real-world problems by writing and solving equations.
7th Grade is solving word problems that lead to two-step equations and inequalities.
8th Grade is learning to write and solve a system of equations using more than one variable.
Algebra students have been factoring quadratics and will begin modeling real-world applications of quadratics.
Tips for families to help your child succeed in Math...
Be positive! Have a positive attitude towards mathematics. Make mathematical interactions with your child enjoyable. Express confidence in your child’s ability to succeed in math. Acknowledge the fact that math can be challenging at times but encourage your child to preserve.
Connect mathematics to your daily life! Talk about ways you use mathematics daily in your life, job, and family. Point out math situations to your child and courage your child’s math curiosity.
“Talk math”, discover number relationships, search for patterns, and look for math in your environment.
Make mathematics fun! Solve puzzles, play board games, and ponder brain teasers with your child that involve math. Point out the mathematics involved and discuss strategies your child uses.
Support homework, don’t do it! Encourage your child to explain the math homework assignment. Ask questions to help your child to make sense of the mathematics. Encourage your child to explore and explain processes and solutions. If your child gets stuck, ask questions that promote problem solving. Help your child make connections and point out relationships.
Stay informed! Ask about math. Know about your child’s homework. Check grades and watch for missing assignments in Schoology. Encourage your child to talk to their teacher.
Have high expectations! Communicate high expectations. Your attitude and expectations are crucial to influencing the future mathematical opportunities for your child.
Media Specialist
Library Resources
Looking for reliable, age appropriate sources of material for your students’ research needs? No need to “google” ever again. Look no further than the library media page!!
https://education.fcps.org/mms/mediacenter
FCPS has purchased a number of databases that are trustworthy and aligned to state and national standards. If accessing from home you will need remote access codes. These are available by clicking on the link located at the top of the table of databases. Use these award winning resources today!
25 Book Challenge
Mrs. Casey, Mrs. Poscover and the Language Arts teachers have challenged Middletown students to read 25 books this year. So far almost 100 students have accepted the challenge. We would love it if your child accepted! Course codes are available in the media center.
PBIS
- Meeting: Our next PBIS meeting will be Wednesday, March 11 in Mrs. Ledford’s classroom.
- Dance: Plans are in the works for the Mardi Gras/March Madness Dance on March 20th. Mark your calendars now; we will also have a basketball tournament for student teams that sign up ahead of time. More details coming!
- Spin the Wheel: Students will be able to use shield to win a raffle to spin the PBIS prize wheel on Wednesday, Feb. 12 during lunch.
- March Madness: The March Madness Student/Teacher basketball tournament will take place on March 27th and will require shields for students to play.
- Shields: Students can redeem shields to participate in various activities, save them for the end of the year events, or use them to purchase items in the school store.
- School Store: We are still accepting donations for the store. Our current hot sellers are succulents, scrunchies, and sports equipment. Hats and hoodies are also a hit. If you have an item or items you would like to donate for sale in the school store, please let a staff member know, or drop off the item(s) in the front office.
Physical Education
With the change of the term, we will be switching classes in Health. Mrs. Bickel and Mr. Daw's classes will be transitioning into Health. Please make sure you clean out your smelly PE clothes from your PE locker.
Mr. Bono and Mrs. Moat's classes will be starting PE back up. Please make sure to bring your PE clothes staring 1/30/20!! Lets start this new calendar year on the right foot! We will be starting PE with basketball, re-introducing the weight room and cardio room as well. We are excited to get back into the WORK!!!
We will be hosting March Madness again this March. Sign ups will go live on March 6th at the beginning of ELT! Keep an eye out for more information. We will be taking the first 30 signed up per grade with their 20 shields!! Good luck and may the odds ever be in your favor.
Science
7th- Happy Winter everyone! Happy Term 3. All seventh grade students finished the Chemistry Unit and the Chemistry Benchmark. Thank you to all the marvelous students who provided scientific details and excellent explanations on the Assessment. Ms. Martz & Ms. Staley appreciate the dedication of our students. We are so thankful for an excellent first semester and we are excited to see our students find success this term in Science.
We are thrilled to share extraordinary research & scientific information about our 3rd Unit= Earth's Processes! We are currently discussing the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drive Earth's processes. We will examine facts about the processes of melting, crystallization, weathering, deformation & sedimentation to form minerals & rocks through the cycling of Earth's materials. Students will participate in discussion about igneous, metamorphic, & sedimentary rocks. Students will evaluate the importance of the water cycle and its effects on Earth's processes. If you have any questions or would like to know about our curriculum, please contact your Science teacher anytime. Thanks!
8th: Students are moving into their Motion Unit beginning with a review of Newton's Laws of Motion. Students are looking forward to many labs and activities.
Science Fair
The 39th Annual Frederick County Science & Engineering Fair will be held on Saturday, March 28th at Tuscarora High School! If you are interested in participating in the Fair, please speak to Ms. Martz! Any student from Middletown Middle School may apply online at www.fcps.org to be a part of the FCPS Science Fair. Ms. Martz will be offering various days after- school where you can organize your research, conduct your experiments, complete your Science Fair forms, design your Showboard, and finish any requirements relating to the FCPS Science Fair!! If you would like to participate in the Fair, please apply online by Sunday, March 8th! No late entries or walk-ins will be accepted. If you would like to attend the FCPS Science Fair, it is open to the public from 3-4 pm on March 28th. An award ceremony will begin at 4 pm. Please contact Ms. Martz with any questions. I look forward to seeing many students attend and participate. We have brilliant students at MMS and the FCPS Science Fair is an awesome opportunity for your to share your exceptional knowledge! Thank you so much for you interest in being a part of the Science Fair!!
Social Studies
7th Grade- Students are finishing up their study of Mesoamerica in the Middle Ages through 1750. We will then turn our focus to Europe during the Middle Ages. Topics include the Dark Ages, the rise of the Feudal System, its social classes, the growth, development and influences of the Catholic Church and its teachings. Students are continuing to focus on “thinking like an historian” by questioning the validity of sources, citing evidence, and more. We will continue to develop these valuable critical thinking skills as the year goes on.
8th Grade- Students finished our unit on the New Republic. Groups worked together to research the first five presidents and important events of their administrations. They then created campaign commercials endorsing one of those presidents in a re-election campaign. We will now focus on Manifest Destiny with a concentration on the Age of Andrew Jackson and Expansion and Change throughout the 1830s-1880s.
Special Education
Case Managers are working with their students on their IEP goals/objectives and helping the students understand their accommodations.
Theatre Arts
Frozen, Jr rehearsals are in full swing! The students are working incredibly hard and the show is beginning to truly take shape! The show will take place on Thursday and Friday, April 23-24, 2020 at 7 pm and Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 2 pm and 7 pm. It is going to be a fantastic show so make sure you mark your calendars! Tickets can be purchased at the show and are $10.00 per person.
This year is flying by in the Theatre Arts Classroom! Students have just finished the Greek history and masks unit. The students have also recently explored theatre superstitions and how they became ‘bad luck’. With the new term begins a new unit. Students will be working on a puppetry unit. The students will learn the history of puppetry by exploring shadow and light puppets as well as making their own puppets.
Students will also be applying the learned stage terminology for upcoming projects in class. Knowing all of these are important to the success of the class show. Students have been working incredibly hard this year and I am so proud of the progress they are making. It is sure to continue to be a great year!
World Languages
Spanish 1: Students are beginning to learn about describing their family members and relationships.
French 1: Students are learning about foods in a cafe and will be creating a cafe skit soon.
World Language Exploratory: Students will just beginning to learn German this quarter after finishing learning about French last quarter. Time for them to start considering taking a language next year!