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Murray Hill Middle School
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Murray Messenger 1/26/18 A Note From The Principal Dear MHMS Families, Today is the last day of the quarter. Report cards will be issued on February 5th. This is also the end of the first semester; therefore, students will switch related arts classes starting Monday, January 29th. Students received copies of their schedules denoting their new related arts classes today. It was announced at our PTA meeting on Tuesday, that Ms. Femi Williams will not finish the year as the MHMS PTA President. Vice President, Jennifer Smith, has accepted the role of PTA President for the remainder of this school year. There is currently a need to fill the position of MHMS PTA Vice President. If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please contact the PTA at presidentptamhms@gmail.com. On behalf of the MHMS staff, we would like to thank Ms. Williams for her service to our school community during the time that she served as PTA President. Please know that the PTA is always looking for volunteers to assist with different events. An upcoming PTA sponsored event will be the Valentine’s Day Store, which will run during the lunch shifts on February 12th through the 14th. If you are interested in assisting with this, please reach out to the PTA directly. Sincerely, Lisa R. Smithson Principal Murray Hill Middle School Important Dates:
News From The Hill SCHOOL NEWS MAP Testing: The MAP assessment focuses on individual student performance in the areas of reading and mathematics. Dates for testing are as follows:
New Car Loop Pattern: Beginning on the morning of Monday, January 29th, car riders will be able to pull through the car loop that is directly in front of our entrance doors, in order to allow more students to exit cars at one time. Please pull all the way to the front of the circle, and follow the directions of the staff members who are there to assist with managing this new process. School Arrival: This is just a reminder that students are considered “tardy to school” after the ringing of the 8:25 bell. Any student who enters the building after the 8:25 bell, must report to the front office to sign-in. Students who arrive tardy to school 4 times within a quarter will have to attend a Friday Evening School. We do understand that during these cold morning’s many parents are electing to drive their students to school, which causes our car loop line to back up. Please plan accordingly for the potential back up in the car loop line, and also know that on cold morning’s we allow students to enter the building starting at 8:05 (rather than 8:15), and they are monitored in the cafeteria until the 8:15 bell rings. Hearing and Vision Screening: Hearing and Vision testing will take place for all 8th grade students and students who are new to Maryland schools, on Wednesday February 6, 2018. Please see the attached information letter regarding screening. If your student wears glasses make sure they bring them to school on February 6. Absent students will be screened on February 28. HV letter.pdf If you have received a request for consent to have your child screened please return it to school no later than 2/1/2018. We are seeking volunteers to assist with our Hearing and Vision Screening during the morning of February 6th. If you are available to help for any amount of time, please contact the Health Room at 410-880-5897. Clothing to Cash Recycling Program: MHMS has partnered with the Clothing to Cash Recycling Program. The program not only supports environmental efforts, it also serves as a fundraiser for our school (we earned $66.00 during our first month of collecting items!). So please, bring your used clothing, shoes and other items in plastic bags, and place them in our collection bin located at the entrance of our parking lot. Please see the attached flyer to learn about all of the different items that can be donated. MHMSClothingToCash.jpg BSAP NEWS Council of Elders Community Academy: The Howard County Council of Elders will hold a seminar titled, “What Parents and Students Need to Know,” on Saturday, January 27, 9:00 a.m. –11:15 a.m., at Oakland Mills High School. All families are invited to attend this free program on what parents and students need to know about social media, human trafficking and opioid use. Representatives from Howard County agencies will be on hand to share valuable information. PTA NEWS Box Tops For Education: During the month of February, there will be a Box Tops For Education competition amongst the grades. The grade level that turns in the most Box Tops For Education from February 1st through February 23rd, will earn extra recess time. Collection bins, by grade will be placed in the front hallway, outside of the main office doors. Please support this initiative by supplying your Box Tops For Education. All proceeds directly benefit our students. MHMS PTA Membership: It is never too late to show your support for the MHMS PTA by becoming a member. At any time during the year, you can join, by completing the attached form PTA Membership.pdf , and turning it in to the front office. Parent Program: All parents and high school and middle school students looking for a competitive edge are encouraged to attend “Substance Use and Its Impact on Academic Achievement and Mental Health” at 7:00 p.m. on January 30th, at Howard High School. This research-based program will be presented by Dr. Amelia Arria, the Director of the Center on Young Adult Health and Development at the University of Maryland, School of Public Health. Her most recent work has clarified the impact of substance use, particularly excessive drinking and marijuana use, on academic achievement. This program is in partnership with HC DrugFree, Howard High School PTSA, and Bonnie Branch Middle School PTA. If schools close on January 30, the program will be held on February 27. STAY CONNECTED: Communication is an essential component of a successful school experience for both students and parents. There are many ways to stay connected to MHMS and to HCPSS. Please consider the following ways to stay connected:
Community News For more Community News visit the Community News and Programs page http://www.hcpss.org/community-news-and-programs/ on the HCPSS website for announcements of upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations. Youth Day in Annapolis: The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, Inc. will host the 2018 Youth Day in Annapolis on February 10th. This is an opportunity for students to learn about the power of civic engagement and how the government works. Please see the attachment for detailed information 2018 Youth Day Packet.pdf (This is not a HCPSS sponsored event). |
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Murray Hill Middle School | 9989 Winter Sun Road, Laurel, MD 20723 | 410-880-5897 | mhms.hcpss.org |