Date CALENDAR EVENT Time
3/16 & Math MSA
3/17
3/19 & Reading MSA
3/20
3/26/09 2 hour early dismissal for students 1 PM
3/27/09 Schools closed for students; Teacher Work
Day
4/8/09- Spring Break for Students
4/13/09
4/14/09 PTSA meeting 1 PM
4/14/09 SIT meeting in Media Center 3:10 PM
4/15/09 Report Cards distributed
ADMINISTRATIVE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Maryland State Assessment (MSA) will be given the week of March 16th. Two days will
be spent testing reading and another two days testing math. Testing begins at 8 AM
each day and the testing sessions should last 2- 2.5 hours each day. The MSA is the
measure the state of Maryland uses to comply with the No Child Left Behind Act. The
test is required. Our school has placed first or second among county schools; our county
has placed second or third in the state; and our state has placed first in the nation for
educational excellence. Only with the efforts of the students and the support of the
parents will we be able to maintain such high level standards. Please encourage your
child(ren) to get plenty of rest, plenty of exercise and eat nutritiously especially the week
of the 16th.
The eighth graders will take the Science MSA starting in late April. More details will
come later. The Algebra I with data classes will take the High School Assessment for
algebra in late May. Details will come.
The Empty Bowls Banquet will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 in the MHS
cafeteria, beginning at 6:00 PM. The funds raised from this event will benefit agencies
that deal with issues of hunger in our area. This year’s event is being catered by
AMVETS of Middletown (contact person Mary Rhoderick) and will feature fried chicken,
vegetable lasagna, salad, bread, dessert and beverages. In addition to the meal, guests
will be given their choice of a ceramic bowl made by students at MHS to take home. The
cost will be $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. There will also be a silent
auction. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Service Learning Coordinators Tim
Bowman at 240-236-7530 (Timothy.Bowman@fcps.org) or Jim Zimmer at 240-236-7561
(James.Zimmer@fcps.org) by Friday, March 13. Checks should be made out to
Middletown High School. There will be no ticket sales at the door. Please help support
your community agencies.
CLASSROOM
ANNOUNCEMENTS
March is Youth Art Month. You are invited to the To the All-County Student Art
Exhibition. The opening reception is on Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 3 to 5 PM. The
show will be on display from March 7 – 29, 2009 at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education
Center in Frederick, MD. The following MMS students will have work on display at the
show: Grade 8: Lacey Guyton, Linnea Kriete, Kayla Clayton, Allison Demsey; Grade 7:
Alexis Gabb, Bradley Rinehart, Philip Evich; and Grade 6: Erin Smith. Please join us for
the celebration on March 7, 2009 or drop by and see the show during the month of
March. Thank you for your support of the ARTS in Frederick County.
The Maryland State Department of Education has announced the schedule of upcoming
Maryland Summer Centers for students entering grades 4 through 12. The Maryland
Summer Centers program offers unique instructional experiences for gifted and talented
students and gives them the opportunity to work in settings and with resources not
available during the regular school year. Centers are located throughout the state and
offer one to three week residential and non-residential programs with a focus on the arts,
sciences, mathematics, technology, creative writing, world languages and culture,
engineering, law and government, physics, and history. Activities are designed to
encourage critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while challenging students
academically. Tuition ranges from $150 to $750 and financial assistance is available.
Brochures and applications can be found on the website of the Maryland State
Department of Education at www.marylandpublicschools.org/summercenters.
Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 15, except for Fine Arts Centers,
which have earlier deadlines and may require an audition. For more information, please
contact Stephanie Zenker, Specialist for the Maryland Summer Centers for Gifted and
Talented Students, at 410-767-0821.
Frederick County Public Schools will host a Secondary Literacy Showcase, titled Share
the Love of Literacy, on May 26, 2009, from 5:30 to 7:00, at GTJ High School. This is
an opportunity for students to share their excitement about a book with others via a
project that reflects their understanding and enthusiasm. Projects may be entered in
three categories: writing, multi-media, and performing arts. Language Arts teachers have
the guidelines for students to follow to prepare their projects. We look forward to
displaying some creative and exciting projects from our students.
Middletown Middle students and staff are committed to reaching those less fortunate.
This year we will make a difference in the lives of starving children in Africa. We have
enlisted the help of the non-profit organization, “Feed My Starving Children” to provide
the food and materials needed to package 100,000 meals at a cost of 17 cents per
serving. Once the monetary goal is met, over 500 students and staff will prepare,
package, and ship these meals to a needy orphanage or village in Africa. Beginning on
February 17th, The SGA, Builder's Club, and Taking Action Against Hunger Club, will
facilitate a school-wide collection through Roundtables and during lunch.
We will show our progress by signifying $5 and $10 donation increments on paper plates.
Each plate reflects 1 or 2 meals a day, for one month, for one child in Africa. They will be
displayed by grade in the cafeteria. Kids can write their names on the plates when
they make a donation of that amount. We will also post a running total on the SGA
bulletin board reflecting our progress and the contributions of the community. Local
businesses and organizations such as: Scouts, 4-H, youth groups, and area churches are
encouraged to partner with us.
Again this year Frederick County Public Schools is sponsoring a county-wide Science
and Engineering Fair. The fair will be held on March 27-28, 2009. The fair will be split
into two divisions: middle school and high school. Each division will have its own booklet
listing student participants within that division. Student art, appropriate to each division,
decorates the cover of the booklets. The winning designs at each level will be displayed
on the covers of their divisional fairs. In addition, divisional winners and honorable
mentions will be announced on Channel 18 the week following the fair. All winners will
be invited to the awards ceremony on March 28th. Award certificates not distributed at
that time will be sent to the sponsoring teacher at the school. Contest Rules: Contest
runs through Thursday, March 19, 2009. All entries should be black and white, good
quality, and submitted on standard 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper. Actual art work is to be no more
than 7 1/2 x 10 inches, allowing at least a half inch border around the entry. All entries
must include the words "28th Annual Frederick County Science and Engineering Fair."
(Please note: past entries have been eliminated due to misspelled words. Check
carefully for spelling errors.) All entries must include artwork depicting a science,
mathematics or engineering theme - combinations of these themes are encouraged. All
entries must be received by the Science Curriculum Specialist, 6-12 (Stacey Adamiak,
Hayward Road Complex) no later than 12:00 PM on Thursday, March 19, 2009. Entries
received after this date will not be judged. No entries will be returned. All entries will be
judged by members of the science fair planning committee. All decisions are final.
GUIDANCE CORNER
Following is a list of summer program options for children in the Frederick area. The list
certainly is not inclusive, but provides some possible options that address a wide variety
of student interests. In providing the list, the Office of Gifted and Talented Education of
Frederick County Public Schools is not endorsing or promoting the programs, but is
simply offering information as a service to parents and children. The programs, phone
numbers and web addresses are accurate as of March 2009, but subject to change
without notice. Maryland Summer Centers for Gifted and Talented Students are
sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education and are held in locations
throughout the state. Information and online registration are available in February at
www.marylandpublicschools.org/summercenters. Summary sheets about the programs
are available in FCPS schools in mid-March. A limited number of brochures are available
from FCPS Office of Gifted and Talented Education (301-696-6891). Center for
Talented Youth (CTY) is sponsored by The Johns Hopkins University. Advanced
screening process, including testing, is required. Information for this program is available
at 1-410-516-0278 or at www.cty.jhu.edu. Frederick Community College offers year
round programs for students. Parents may call 301-624-2820 to be added to the mailing
list or visit www.frederick.edu/courses_and_programs/children.aspx, Programs for
Children. Summer Institute for the Gifted offers high quality summer programs for
academically advanced students in grades 4-11 at prestigious institutions of higher
learning. This two-week program is costly. For more information call 1-866-303-4744 or
www.giftedstudy.com. Rose Hill Manor offers history camps for students in the summer.
Information is available at 301-600-1650 or visit www.rosehillmuseum.com . Delaplaine
Visual Arts Center offers many classes for students in grades preschool through high
school in the arts. Parents may call 301-698-0656 or visit www.delaplaine.org to request
a brochure or to be added to the mailing list. YMCA offers summer programs for
students. Information is available at 301-663-5131 or at http://frederickymca.org/ .
Hood Athletics Summer Camps for boys and girls of various ages in Basketball,
Soccer, http://frederickymca.org/ Lacrosse, Volleyball and Field Hockey are available at
www.hood.edu/athletics/athletics.cfm?pid=athletics_summercamps07.html. Hood
College offers swimming classes. Information is available at the Aquatics Center at
www.hoodathletics.com/aquatics/aqu-welcome. Mount St. Mary’s University
Residential/Commuter Soccer Camp is sponsored by the Rob Ryerson Professional
Soccer School and offers weeklong soccer camps for both boys and girls from ages 10-
18. Information is available at 301-447-5383 or www.scoringoals.com. Dream Catcher
Farm, located in Adamstown, Maryland, offers summer riding camps for one or more
weeks, with limited enrollment available. The farm features an indoor and outdoor riding
rink. Camp includes riding instruction, training in horsemanship, horse care, trail rides
and arts and crafts (1-301-607-4238). Frederick Arts Council sponsors programs (301-
662-4190). West Winds All Sports Camp at 11411 Gas House Pike in New Market
offers weeklong camps focusing on golf, tennis, swimming and other sports. Information
is available at 1-800-627-2267 or at www.campchannel.com. Clustered Spires Golf
Course offers golf camps for students all summer (301-624-1295). The Frederick
SportsPlex offers summer sport camps. Information is available at 301-662-6866 or at
www.sportsplexent.com. Fountain Rock Park and Nature Center is rich in natural and
historical interest and offers many hands on programs for children. Information is
available at 301-898-1460 or at www.byways.org/explore/byways/58845/places/73744/ .
Life and Discovery is a learning institute for enrichment and discovery. Classes include
math, Chinese studies, reading and writing. Information is available at 301-631-6838 or
www.lifeanddiscovery.com. Volunteer Frederick Inc., located at 31 West Patrick Street,
offers summer opportunities for students from ages 11-17. Students can choose from
three two-week programs called SummerServe Express or one five-week program called
SummerServe. There is a charge for these programs, but scholarships are available.
Free volunteer opportunities also are available. Students may consider any of these
opportunities offered through Volunteer Frederick Inc. to fulfill their service learning
requirements. Additional information is available at 301-663-5214 or at
www.volunteerfrederick.org. Local magazines, published each spring, provide
information about additional summer youth programs. These magazines, which usually
may be obtained at no cost in grocery stores, doctor’s offices and real estate offices in
Frederick County, are: Frederick County Guide, 301-662-6050 or
www.thefrederickguide.com/thefrederickguide/ . Family, 301-662-8171 or
www.fredmag.com. The Recreator (a free brochure prepared by Frederick County
Division of Parks and Recreation) 301-600-2936 or
http://www.co.frederick.md.us/index.asp?nid=3034. Child Guide, 540-955-2004 or
www.childguidemagazine.com.
th
This summer, the Frederick County Career & Technology Center will hold its 17 annual
Career Camp. This half-day summer experience will provide students with the
opportunity to explore two appealing career choices. The classes are designed to
challenge and expose students to real-world challenges, as well as to provide them with
exposure to both skilled and professional careers so that they can make informed
decisions regarding their future careers and educational choices. This year’s camp will
th th th
be available to all current 6 , 7 , and 8 grade students. Students will attend two
classes/programs each day of camp. A mid-morning snack and beverage will be served
between classes. Camp will be held: Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26. More detailed
information will be posted to the Career & Technology Center’s website –
www.careertech.net or you may call the Career & Technology Center @ 240-236-8500.
Camp Jamie 2009 (Hospice of Frederick County’s weekend camp for children who are
grieving) will be held May 15th – 17th. Camp Jamie is open to children between the ages
of 6-14. This special weekend is designed to teach children coping skills for dealing with
their loved one’s death. Many activities are planned to offer the children the opportunity
to share their experience and express their grief. Plus, the coolest part is that we have
so much fun! Storytelling and toasting marshmallows around the campfire, fishing, and
the Camp Jamie Olympics are just a few of the great things that happen at Camp Jamie!
Applications and more information can be found by logging on to
www.hospicoffrederick.org or calling 240-566-3030.
PTSA
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Greetings to you all on a warm Friday! It is indeed a blessing to have warmer
temperatures, longer days and the promise of spring! The energy is palpable! The PTSA
is continuing its work and support of the school, students, parents/families, and
th
community. It was great to see so many incoming 6 grade students and their parents at
th th
last month’s open house at the school. Parents of upcoming 7 and 8 grade students
gathered as well to learn of changes, updates and events that will be important to their
child’s education. Budget work continues at the state and county level which will have
tremendous impact on the operational and capital budgets of schools. Please continue to
be aware of things that you can do to insure that in the midst of cuts and balancing
budgets education continues to be a priority of our elected officials.
The nominating committee continues to work to secure a slate of officers for the 09-10
school year. Please give thought to throwing your cap into the ring for one of the
leadership positions on the PTSA. At the very least, please consider supporting one of
the committees that work throughout the year. The MMS PTSA membership numbers
continue to be below the goal established for the year. I challenge each of you who have
not joined the PTSA yet this year to do so NOW!!! It is not too late! We will send our final
head count into the MD State PTA March 15, 2009. Membership dues are $5.00! It is a
veritable bargain in today’s economy! Please contact Deb Reichelt to join and help us
reach our goal by March 15!
I have attached information from the MD State PTA regarding the state budget and ways
that you can become an advocate by calling and or writing your state legislator. In
addition, Border Books is offering a 25% discount to educators and PTA members as a
benefit for all the wonderful work we do! Follow the link for more information. Your $5.00
membership will pay off immediately!!!
Feel free to contact Mrs. Faith, staff and administration and any of the PTSA board as
you have questions or concerns. Thanks for all you do to support the efforts of the PTSA
and MMS! Kathie McKain, President MMS PTSA
Announcements:
Thursday, March 12, 2009 PTSA Meeting MMS 9:30 am in the Media Center
Membership Drive Continues – Deadline is March 12!!! Contact Deb Reichelt to
help us meet our membership goals for the year.
Many thanks to all who cooked, baked and donated time and materials to the
Teacher Appreciation Committee and the Hospitality Committee this month to
provide a luncheon to the teachers early in Feb and lunch to the teachers during
conference week. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Thanks to Christina Forbes, Tammy Panther, Lynn Sterling, and Lauren Bowlin
who chair these committees and have done a fabulous job throughout the year.
Teacher Conference Sign ups went will due to the work and coordination of Tara
Bouldin and all who volunteered to be at the school during conference sign ups.
Volunteer Appreciation Week will be coming up in April. Please remember to
send in any of your volunteer hours to Tara Bouldin and complete your volunteer
sign in sheet located in the Main Office at MMS. Total hours will be tallied soon.
Any of you who have donated time throughout the year need to document your
hours! Chaperoned at a field trip, assisted with the Knights Corner or Knights
Club? Log in your hours!!!
PBIS – Celebration occurred this week in the cafeteria. All students qualifying for
the PBIS for the second quarter were given additional time for lunch on Tuesday,
March 4, 2009. Paula Langley and the PBIS committee are planning upcoming
incentives and awards. Donations are still being accepted to purchase savings
bonds that will be given to students at the end of the year. If you are able and
interested in supporting this effort, please contact Paula Langley. Checks should
be made out to MMS – PBIS.
Staff at MMS has requested volunteers to help with photocopying on a regular
basis. One hour weekly would be most welcomed by them to help manage the
overwhelming task of keeping up with requests. Contact Donna Faith with more
questions or to express interest. Training will be provided.
Borders Books has been a proud supporter of professional educators for 38
years. Our service to dedicated teachers of all descriptions is often imitated,
but never duplicated. You and your fellow educators have come to expect the
best from Borders, and we are honored to provide it. The most popular
element of Borders' Business & Educator Services program is our bi-annual
Educators' Appreciation Week. We're pleased to announce that our Spring
2009 event will be held March 19 - 25. During this week we will apply a 25%
discount on the all the items you want for yourself! Books, music, movies...
nearly everything in the store is eligible for this special offer. Also, please
plan to attend our Special Reception, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM on Friday the
th
20 . We'll provide gifts and samples from our café. Won't it be nice to do
something for you for a change? Simply drop by our store with your current
Classroom or Educator Discount Card, educator ID or pay stub and start
saving, WE HAVE ADDED PTA TO THIS LIST, Just show your PTA Card.
For more information, please visit www.borders.com/educators. As we have
in the past, we happily extend this offer to all educators, current or retired,
and PTA Members. All school district personnel are invited to participate as
well.
How creative are you? Can you design a T-shirt for the Middle School? The PTSA is
having a contest to design the newest Spirit Wear T-shirt that will go on sale the end of
April. The winner will receive a $25.00 Visa gift card and a complimentary t-shirt! The
theme is your choice - topics can be a simple as “Middletown”, or as current as “Going
Green” or “Volunteerism”. The only limitations are that the design must be on one side of
shirt, the shirt must be gray, white or orange and you may choose one ink/font color.
th
The contest is open to all Middletown Middle School Students and all Incoming 6
rd
graders. Entry forms will be distributed the week of March 23 . They will be due back by
th
April 7 . The MMS Art teachers will narrow down the top 4 choices. Then it’s up to you –
the students. The finalist will have their design on display so that fellow students can see
th
it. Roundtable teachers will provide you a ballot to vote on during the week of April 20 .
rd
The winning design will be announced on April 23 . Questions? Contact PTSA Spirit
Wear members Jennie Mettert-Young at 301-371-4208 or
jenniemettertyoung@yahoo.com or Christy Kehlbeck at 301-293-9934 or
chkehlbeck@comcast.net.
BOE’s FY 10 Budget Request - A summary of the operating budget request
the Board of Education submitted to the County Commissioners on March 1
can be found at www.fcps.org/fy10budget. The Commissioners will hold a
hearing on the Board's portion of the county budget on Tuesday, May 5, 7
PM, at Walkersville High School.
Call Your State Leaders and Legislators today. Governor Martin O’Malley has proposed
cutting more than $100 million dollars in education funding in the FY 2010 budget
with additional cuts in other education, children and health programs. This will
significantly affect poorer districts with at-risk students disproportionately. It will also hurt
the efforts of our rising school systems and may jeopardize Maryland's Number One
Ranking in Education Week's 2009 Quality Counts Annual Report! Governor Martin
O’Malley – governor@gov.state.md.us 410) 974-3901; Senate President Thomas “Mike”
Miller – thomas.v.mike.miller@senate.state.md.us (410) 841-3700; House Speaker
Michael Busch – michael.busch@house.state.md.us 410) 841-3800. Tell them that: “I
am a Maryland PTA member from (County, City, Town).” Please tell the
(Governor/Senate President/House Speaker/my legislators) “Do not to change the
Thornton law and to fully fund the education formula, without cuts.” Remember, Our
Schools Need Local. State, Federal Funds!!! The Federal Stimulus Plan is only a
Temporary Solution!