Eagles' Notes
Madras News: August 27, 2018, Lorraine Johnson, Principal
Madras Middle School
Email: MadrasNews@cowetaschools.org
Website: http://www.cowetaschools.net/mms
Location: 240 Edgeworth Road, Newnan, GA, United States
Phone: 770-254-2744
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MadrasEagles
Twitter: @MadrasEagles
Parent Letter Archives
Safety Letter (8-6-18)
Health Alert (8-6-18)
Open House Letter (8-7-18)
Making Connections with Madras Clubs and Extracurricular Activities
Can after-school programs give your children an academic boost? According to several recent studies, the answer is yes! Students who regularly participate in after school-activities demonstrate higher academic gains than their peers who are not involved in extra-curricular activities. These activities actually enhance academic learning, and there are numerous benefits for students including:
- Increasing self-confidence and building self-esteem
- Helping students develop social skills
- Cultivating relationships; socializing with peers who share the same interests Exploring personal passions and diverse interests
- Building empathy and allowing students to make contributions to their school and community
- Developing teamwork along with skills needed to work with others; encouraging students to work toward a common goal while having fun
- Improving time management skills; teaching students to prioritize tasks and commitments
- Enhancing academic learning while meeting new friends
Madras Middle School offers a variety of sports teams, fine arts programs, special interest and service clubs, and academic clubs and competitive teams to engage our students and to connect them with our school. Most of the clubs meet after school; however, several meet during Club Advisement Friday (held once a month from 8:30-9:00). Club Advisement Friday allows students who want to participate in a club but who may not have available transportation to enjoy participating in a club that interests them.
There are many different interests from which to choose, and some do include academic requirements (such as academic competitive teams, Junior Beta, National Honor Society, etc.). There are also clubs that promote physical fitness such as Eagles Fitness Club, Running Club, Step Team, and Golf Club.
A club listing was sent home the first day of school and is included on our website. We encourage all students who are interested to participate in a club or activity. Club dates are added to the Madras Google calendar as they become available (on website and Eagles Notes) and are announced each morning. If you have questions about extra-curricular offerings at Madras, please contact the club sponsor or an administrator.
(Research Source: Deborah Lowe Vandell, PhD, Chair of the Department of Education of the University of California at Irvine)
Club and Activity Annoucements
Club dates are announced during morning announcements and are included on the "upcoming dates" and "calendar" links on the school's website.
- Art Club: Any student who would like to join the Art Club this year should pick up a permission form and calendar from Mrs. Holland's art room in the main hallway during homeroom. Permission forms should be returned before staying for a meeting. The first Art Club meeting of the year is September 10th from 3:30-4:30. The Art Club typically meets twice a month, and scheduled meetings are on the school's Google calendar.
- Girls of Faith: Mrs. Sandlin would like to meet with all of the 7th and 8th grade members of Girls of Faith Wednesday, 29th, from 3:30-4:15. If students can not make the meeting, they should let Mrs. Sandlin know through Google Classroom or via email.
- FCA (Fellowship of Christian Students and Athletes) The first FCA meeting of the year is this Friday morning during Club Advisement at 8:20 in the gym.
Ferst Foundation Literacy Coin Drive
Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy (FFCL) is a public 501 (c) 3 nonprofit with the mission to "provide books for local communities to prepare preschool children for reading and learning success." FFCL strives to improve early learning opportunities for every child regardless of income, race, religion or gender with the philosophy that any child who cannot read is at-risk.
This will be the elventh year that the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy has been approved to have a coin drive with the Coweta County School System. Our school system will maintain this partnership and are asking for your continued support. Each year, students and staff have helped to strengthen preschool literacy in Coweta County. Last year $15,635.91 was donated by our school system. This generous donation provided over 5,878 age appropriate books and literacy information opportunities to preschool children and their parents throughout Coweta County.
Madras Middle School will be participating in the drive beginning this week through September 14th. A coin jug is set up in the cafeteria for students to donate during lunch, and Friday, September 7th is PJ Bottoms Day. For a $1.00 donation or more, students can wear pajama bottoms to school in support of childhood literacy. You can read more about the Ferst Foundation below.
Ferst Foundation’s Mission
- To provide age-appropriate books for every child under the age of five in Coweta County
Did You Know?
- Sixty-one percent of low-income families do not have a single piece of age-appropriate reading material in their home?
- One-third of Georgia’s children start school unprepared to learn?
- Seventy-five percent of Georgia’s students who are poor readers in the third grade will remain poor readers in high school?
How Do Books Help?
- The more words a child hears, the larger the child’s vocabulary and the larger the child’s vocabulary, the more likely the child will be a proficient reader. However, in order to read with a child, books must be in the home.
The First Snack 'n Chat is Friday, August 31st
Media Notes
Karen Pitts, Media Specialist
We have had an exciting start to the year in the media center at Madras! Every ELA class has had the opportunity to visit and check out at least one book. Students are allowed to check out two books at a time from Madras and may keep them for two weeks at a time. We charge late fines of .10 per book, per day. Students may return or renew books at any time. Please encourage your student to return books on time. All of our ELA classes will have regularly scheduled days and times to bring their classes or send their students to the media center as needed.
The Book Club met for the first time on Friday, August 24th in the Library Media Center. Students who attended enjoyed a breakfast snack and some great discussions. We discussed our favorite books from the summer and the previous year. We talked about our reading preferences and we introduced some new books. As a group, we decided what we are going to read and be ready to discuss at our next meeting in September. Any student interested in joining our Madras Book Club is welcome to attend our next meeting. See Mrs. K. Pitts in the media center for more information.
Make sure to ask your student what he/she is reading and check out our library media center website at https://madrasreadingeagles.weebly.com/ or you may click on our link from the Madras Middle School website. Also, follow the Library Media Center on Twitter @madrasreadingea and on Instagram @madrasreadingeagles to see what is happening.
Keep Reading, Eagles!
This Friday, August 31st is College Colors Day! Eagles are encouraged to wear your favorite team's shirt or jersey!
Madras Parent Volunteer Training
- September 10, 8:30 a.m.
- September 10, 2:45 p.m.
- October 15, 8:30 a.m.
- October 15, 2:45 p.m.
Madras Parents Work to Uncover Clues and Unlock the Box in Geography Escape Room
Eagle Scientists Are Learning the Importance of Asking the Right Questions and Exploring Multiple Possibilities
Is there a relationship between human wingspan and height? Mr. Reed’s science classes are using the scientific method to find out.
8th grade scientists hard at work: density testing and marshmallow molecules.
Using math skills to plan a camping expedition
Book goal celebration in Mrs. Farmer’s class - outdoor lunch and book chatter fun! #EagleReadersBecomeLeaders
More from around the Eagles' Nest
Game Day at the Eagles' Nest
Check our website regularly for updates or changes.
Monday, August 27
- Ferst Coin Drive for Literacy
- Lady Eagles Step Team Tryouts, 3:30-4:30
- Football Practice, 3:30-5:30
- Parent Volunteer Training, 8:30 or 2:45
- Pep Squad Practice, 3:30-5:00
- Volleyball: Madras at Evans, 4:30
Tuesday, August 28
- Ferst Coin Drive for Literacy
- MMS All-State Chorus Rehearsal, 7:30-8:20 a.m.
- Academic Bowl Practice, 3:30-4:30
- Future Georgia Educators Meeting, 7:30-8:00 a.m.
- Football: Madras at Lee, 5 pm
- Volleyball Practice, 3:30-5:30
Wednesday, August 29
- Ferst Coin Drive for Literacy
- Football Practice, 3:30-5:30
- Volleyball Practice, 3:30-5:30
- Girls of Faith, 3:30-4:30
Thursday, August 30
- Ferst Coin Drive for Literacy
- CANCELLED: TMX Rehearsal, 3:30-5:30
- Football Practice, 3:30-5:30
- Pep Squad Practice, 3:30-4:30
- Volleyball: Arnall at Madras, 4:30
- Academic Bowl Practice, 8:00-8:50 am
Friday, August 31
- Ferst Coin Drive for Literacy
- College Colors Day
- Snack 'n Chat
- Club Advisement
Lady Eagles Take on the Knights August 30th
The Eagles Will Host Smokey Road Wednesday, September 5th
First Day Informational Packets
Parents received a packet of information on the first day of school. Several forms will need to be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher as soon as possible including 1-7 below.
- Clinic Card (white)
- Emergency Information Card (green)
- Truancy/Attendance Form
- Media Release Form
- Migrant Form
- Free/Reduced Lunch Form if needed (Please return any blank, unused forms.)
- Club/Activity Form (ONLY if you do not want your child to participate in a particular club; no need to return otherwise)
- Parent Communication Information (no need to return)
- Additional informational letters (no need to return)
Transportation
Bus Transportation
Students are assigned to ride school buses that will pick them up and drop them off in close proximity of their homes.
Bus transportation is a privilege provided to all students who can cooperate and abide by the rules. Problems on a school bus are a road hazard; reasonable behavior ensures a safe ride. Parents should closely supervise children at bus stops to ensure their safety as they wait and properly board the school bus.
If a student needs to ride a bus other than the assigned bus, the student must bring a note from the parent/guardian with a telephone number for verification. Transportation notes will be accepted in the form of a written letter, an e-mail, or by fax.
Students do not need a transportation note to change from a car rider to a bus rider or vice versa on a given day. Notes are only needed if a students are riding a bus that is not their regular assigned bus (for example, going home with a friend on a different bus).
Arrival and Dismissal
No student should arrive on campus before 7:30 a.m. Students arriving before 8:00 a.m. will report to the gym until they are told to report to homeroom at 8:00 a.m. (At 7:45 students who would like to eat breakfast will report the cafeteria.) Students who are not bus riders are encouraged to report to school after 8:00 a.m. and report directly to their homerooms. Students may not remain at school after scheduled dismissal time unless they have prior approval from a staff member who will supervise them or they are a member of a club, athletic team, etc. sponsored by the school. Supervision will only be provided from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.
Dropping Off Items for Your Child During the School Day
Dropping off Lunches or Medication: If a student forgets a lunch at home, parents may drop it off at the front office, and students will be called to pick up their lunch at the beginning of their scheduled lunch time. If a student needs medication, it can be dropped off at any time for the school nurse.
Dropping off Other Items:
Any other item dropped off for students during the school day may be picked up after school. Instruction will not be interrupted for students to pick up items during class. This includes forgotten homework, Chromebooks, shoes for PE, projects, etc. Students are responsible for bringing needed materials to class daily. If these items are brought to school during the day, we are happy to make an announcement at the end of the day for your child to pick them up in the front office.
Phone Use: Students are permitted to use a phone in the front office during school hours for emergencies or for illness. Calling home for homework, a school project, or to make arrangements to attend an after school event that wasn't previously arranged ties up phone lines and is not permitted. Students may call home if:
- There is a transportation issue,
- Lunch or lunch money is needed,
- Equipment is needed for after school athletics or activity.
- There is a dress code issue.
- The student is sick or needs medication (must call from the clinic under the nurse's supervision).
We appreciate your help in keeping interruptions to a minimum.
School Clinic and Medication
Medication
The MMS clinic is open daily from 8:00-3:30. Our school nurse Kate Caswell assists students who become sick or injured while at school and dispenses medications prescribed by physicians. Whenever it is necessary for your child to receive medication at school, the following policy must be followed:
- A school nurse or school designee may administer medication provided all of the requirements are met.
- All medicine shall be in its original LABELED container or prescription bottle.
- Written instructions for prescription medication must be from a doctor or a physician's assistant authorized to prescribe medicine. How to administer, amount to be administered, time to be administered, etc., must be shown.
- A written request by the parent or guardian must be made to the school nurse or school designee to administer any medication. The school nurse or school designee shall keep a written
Monitoring Grades, Assignments, Attendance
Student Portal
Students will be assigned a login for Student Portal which will allow them to regularly monitor their grades and assignments. Once logged on the first time, they will be prompted to change their password. Students should keep this in a secure location and should never share the password with others.
Parent Portal
Parent Portal provides access for parents to view students' attendance, grades, schedules, lunch balances, and other useful information. It also allows teachers to communicate with parents via the portal. You can enroll HERE, If you have questions about your portal account or are having trouble logging in, please contact Student Information Services by emailing infinitecampusportal@cowetaschools.net.
MealPay Plus
Parents can use their credit cards and debit cards to pay for lunch charges. MealPay Plus is a pre-payment system that allows parents to make deposits into their child's meal accounts via the Web. The payment service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a one-time, free registration for each parent and multiple children at various schools can be accommodated. Payments may be made by phone or over the Internet, with checking or savings accounts through an e-check, or by using debit or credit cards. (There is a 4.75 percent transaction fee for the service.)
Of course, parents may continue to pay for their child's meal directly at school in the lunch line by check or cash. The cost of breakfast is $1.00 and the cost of lunch is $3.00. Students may charge up to two lunches. Afterwards, they will be served an alternate meal until their balance is paid. Please contact cafeteria manager, Frances Singleton at 770-254-2744 if you have questions.
Free and Reduced Online Application
August is REACH Referral Month (Gifted Program)
The first semester window for Gifted Program (REACH) referrals is August 3 - September 20th. Paperwork should be requested from and returned to the local school. Please see additional information below and contact Dr. Donna Eskut, assistant principal, at 770-254-2744 if you have questions about the process or the program.
Types of Referrals
- Reported Referral: A student may be referred for consideration for gifted education services by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, and other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities.
- Automatic Referral: Students who score at the following specified levels on a norm referenced test, as defined by the GaDOE Resource Manual for gifted Education Services, shall be considered automatically for further assessment to determine eligibility for gifted program services.
Chromebooks
Every new Coweta County student will receive a Chromebook and charger that will be scanned into our system, and returning students will use the Chromebook they were assigned last year. Our students use their Chromebooks daily, and they they should be taken home and charged every night and brought to school with them each day.
We are excited about this opportunity provided to all of our students, and we encourage parents to regularly review guidelines for protecting their devices with their students. Protective cases are encouraged but not required, but we do encourage all students to have some type of protection as a safeguard. This could include a protective case, a neoprene cover or carrying case. Book bags (unless they have a built-in compartment for a device) are not always the best method to transport a Chromebook. If using a book bag, students should be careful not to sling their bags or stuff a Chromebook between heavier items that could damage it.
Replacement fee for lost or damaged Chromebooks is $148.00, and the replacement fee for the charging cord is $45.00.
PTO: Join the Team!
Amy Brandon, PTO President
Welcome to Madras! The purpose of our PTO is to help improve our school by combining the efforts of parents, students, and teachers.
We invite you to join PTO to help make our school a better place to work and learn! Our fundraising efforts have benefited a variety of projects in the past including school building improvements, teacher instructional requests, equipment for the fine arts department, instructional technology purchases, and athletic programs.
This year, one of our major goals is to raise enough funds to purchase an electronic sign in front of the school to replace the old signage. We didn't quite reach this goal last year but are hoping to earn enough early this year to update it. We ask that each family join PTO with a $12.00 (or more if you choose) contribution. You can join and pay directly online by clicking the ONLINE MEMBERSHIP (You can also send a check with your child to the homeroom teacher or to the front office. Checks should be made payable to Madras PTO.)
We also need your volunteer time! If you are interested in assisting with any of the areas below, please select from the choices on the online form. You will be contacted as the events take place. There are many opportunities to serve:
- Hospitality Committee - Teachers' Luncheons and Special Events
- Box Tops
- School Store - helping in the store 8:00-8:30 AM on a rotational basis
- Membership
- Snack n Chat (monthly)
- Media Center (1-2 hrs per week)
- Battle of the Books
- Book Fair - Fall and Spring
- Scoliosis Screening - one time event
- School Pictures
- Lamination/Copies for teachers
- 8th Grade Dance Setup
- Special Event Assistance
- PTSO Board
MMS PTO Annual Project: Electronic Sign in Front of the School
If you wish to make a donation to this project, please send it in with your child address to the MMS PTO. Contact Amy Brandon at amysbrandon97@gmail.com with any questions.
Thanks in advance for your support!
Stay Connected with Your Madras Eagles!
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(Online News and Information via Email)
Send an email to madrasnews@cowetaschools.net and enter your first and last name in the body of the message. You will automatically be signed up to received school announcements throughout the year. If at any time you'd like to stop receiving emails, send an email to madrasnews@cowetaschools.net and type the word "unsubscribe" in the message.
Sign Up for Text Alerts
Sign up for text alerts via Remind
- Text the number: 81010
- For General Information, enter in message: @MadrasMS
- For Bus Information, enter in message: @MMSGoBuses
- For Athletics, enter in message: @MMSEagles
- You will be prompted to type in your first and last name.
Follow Us on Twitter!
Follow campus happenings and real time news.
- Madras Middle School: @MadrasEagles
- Principal, Lorraine Johnson: @RainyJohnson