Principal's Page

MVMS Weekly Parent Update

April 13, 2018


MVMS March Newsletter highlights great activities happening here!  Check it out!


Grade 6 News:

  • Our sixth grade science teachers will be hosting our first STEAM day for sixth grade students.  We are looking for volunteers to present to students regarding their careers in this field.  Please read the informational letter if you may be interested!


  • The Merrimack County Juvenile Diversion Program visited 6th grade classes to discuss the early intervention court diversion program and NH Laws that are relevant to students' lives. The goal was to give the knowledge that students need to make informed choices and help them stay out of trouble. Students learned about bullying, shoplifting, arson, simple assault, criminal threatening, criminal mischief, theft, false reports, criminal liability, and disorderly conduct.  Thank you to them for giving interesting and fun presentations that taught us so much. We made the connection to our kindness initiative.

  • Kevin Skaruppa wi


Grade 7 News:

  • In 7th grade we have started Culture Change. We are talking about new inventions for the 20th and 21st century that have changed the way we live. There have been some great conversations about the old days when Mrs. John was in Middle School and had no computer or cell phone. She had to write notes and call people from a phone attached to the wall. The kids are really enjoying it! Parents please share the hardships of the good old days with your student.


Grade 8 News:

  • Career Day

    • On April 20th, a group of volunteers will come and present career options to our 8th grade students.   Some of the careers represented are:

      • Marketing Coordinator

      • Artist/Graphic Designer

      • Dog Trainer

      • Small Business Owner

      • Journalist

      • Assistant Attorney General

      • Electrician

      • Engineer

      • Architect


  • College Visits

    • The Grade 8 Lynx Team will be attending college visits on Monday, April 30.  On Tuesday, May 1, the Grade 8 Lions Team will go. The teams are divided and half will go to UNH and the other half will go to SNHU.


World Language

The Advanced Spanish students will be attending the annual field trip to Margarita's Restaurant in Concord in mid June.  During our visit the students will receive a presentation about Mexico which focuses on traditional handicrafts made by artisans that the Margarita's franchise has relationships with.  There will also be a tour of the restaurant and a cooking demonstration and finally a taco buffet for lunch.


PRIDE Night

  • The date for this year’s 8th grade PRIDE night has been set for Thursday, June 21.


MVMS Music News:

  • Kiarra Blankenship and Allie Turcotte both attended the Elementary Honors Chorus Festival on Friday, April 13.  The final performance was terrific. Great work, girls. Thank you Ms. Costa and Mr. Livernois for supporting our learners at the opportunities.

  • MVMS chorus students are invited to sing the National Anthem at the Fishercats game on Tuesday, May 1st. Tickets cost $10 and the order form is due back to Ms.Costa by Friday, April 20th.  Please email Ms. Costa at acosta@mvsdpride.org with any questions!

  • The 6th grade chorus has a concert with the elementary schools on May 9th.


Library Media Center:

  • Hope our readers in the Marathon are running strong!  Pizza party celebration is right around the corner for the successful “readers”. The Reading Marathon will come to an end on Thursday, April 19th. All completed contracts are due to Mrs. Searah in the LMC at that time. Invites for the celebration will go out after vacation.

  • April 12 was National Drop Everything and Read Day!  Thank you to all of our teachers for supporting 15 minutes of silent reading within their classes!  Walking around the building and seeing all of our students reading was a great sight!

  • Visit the April Newsletter!


Unified Sports Coming to MVMS!

  • What is Special Olympics Unified Sports?  Special Olympics Unified Sports is an inclusive program which combines individuals with intellectual disabilities (athletes) and individuals without intellectual disabilities (partners) on sports teams for training and competition. Athletes and partners compete alongside one another, each in a meaningful and integral role on the Unified Sports team.

  • Why School-Based Unified Sports?  Special Olympics Unified Sports creates unique teammate bonds through sports experiences just like any other sports team. These experiences create a culture of inclusion and foster understanding in schools and communities. Participation in Unified Sports leads to new friendships, improved self‑esteem and positive changes in attitude, behavior and performance for all students involved. The program creates a lasting impact on all those participating and is a great addition to any education environment.

  • MVMS Unified Soccer is coming this May! Kate Wilson, Richard Rathbone and Meghan Stack have established a unified soccer team here at the middle school! Basketball is coming next school year.

  • A kick off event for the Unified Soccer participants will be held during the day on April 18 at Gilford.  We are excited to meet other students and coaches involved.

  • On Wednesday, May 30th @ 12:30, we will be hosting Gilford here in the middle school gymnasium.  Our hope that students and staff will attend to support our newest MVMS sports team!  Teachers will with students prior to attending the game the idea of unified sports and how it it meant to promote inclusion and be FUN! We cheer for BOTH teams and ALL athletes and partners.


PTO News:

  • Mark your calendars for the First Annual Merrimack Valley Spring Carnival to be hosted by our MVMS PTO on May 12 from 2-6.  The planning is moving along. Some of the activities planned are a dunk tank, bounce house, craft area, animal exhibition, face painting and carnival acts by Troy Wunderle.  There will be food and fun. This is open to all and is free! If you are interested in volunteering to help with the day, please sign up here. We need parental support!   MVMS Student Council and NJHS are both helping with the event.  MVMS staff members have begun signing up to help, as well! Event Information.

  • The PTO wants to raffle themed Baskets at the Carnival.  The information enclosed shares the theme for each team, as well as the Volunteer Sign Up site.  We hope you will support this community event!


Kindness Counts:

  • The MVMS Kindness Committee is planning to keep moving forward with promoting kindness, acceptance and tolerance within our school environment.  Our next initiative is is “Mix It Up” lunches. We will create a safe and structured environment where students will sit with others within the grade level that may not be within their regular friendship group.  Grade six participated in the first round and we will be setting up lunches for grades 7 and 8.


After School Activities Update:

AAP is open to all students for academic support every Monday - Wednesday.

Vocal Ensemble meets Mondays.

Robotics Club meets Mondays.

Writing Club meets every other Monday.  Meeting dates: April 16th; May 7th and 21st.  New members are always welcome to join!! Information

Destination Imagination meets Tuesdays.

Life Skills Club meets every other Tuesday in room 202.

Book/Poetry Club (Poetry Focus) meets Wednesdays. Information

NJHS meets Wednesdays.

Jazz Band meets Wednesdays.

Garden Club meets Wednesdays.  Information


Band and Chorus Schedule:

  • Band and Chorus meet during PRIDE Block.  Lessons are scheduled throughout the week.

  • Grade 6: Band Days 1 & 3, Chorus Days 2 & 4

  • Grade 7 & 8: Band Days 2 & 4, Chorus Days 1 & 3


Upcoming Dates:

4/16 - 4/20 Spirit Week

4/18 - Unified Soccer field trip to Gilford

4/19 - Last Day of our Reading Marathon

4/20 - 8th Grade Career Day Presentations

4/23-27 - April Break

4/30 and 5/1 - 8th Grade College visits to SNHU and UNH

5/8 - WL/Health/Reading Class switch!  2nd half groups start.

5/9 - 6th Grade Chorus concert with Elementary Schools

5/12 - MVMS PTO Spring Carnival!  2-6 pm at MVMS Volunteers needed!


Please email or call Mrs. Lamontagne or Mr. Lynch with any questions!  We are here to help and keep the communication door open!



Suggestions for Success
In pursuit of our mission of teaching students to be active learners, critical thinkers and responsible citizens we encourage students to exemplify 10 learner profile characteristics: Inquirer, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open Minded, Caring, Risk-Taker, Balanced and Reflective. It is our belief that achieving these goals are possible with a strong partnership between home and school. We ask that parents establish a routine of engaging their students in conversations about their learning experiences. Positive expectations are powerful motivators! Each student will be provided with a planner that includes the school handbook and assignment calendar. We ask students to use these to plan out long-term assignments, manage their time and record homework. Please review these with your students regularly, this will help keep you informed as to their learning and allow you to assist them in their organization. In addition to regularly accessing our website, we encourage you to track your student’s learning progress on Web2School, a link is available on our webpage. 

Reminders
Please remember that NH statute and MVSD policy requires MVMS students be current on their immunizations. Prior to entering 6th grade students need to have received both the varicella #2 vaccine as well as the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular, pertussis) vaccine. Documentation of these immunizations needs to be given to Ms. Marie Jones, the school nurse, and any questions that you have may also be directed to her at mjones@mvsdpride.org.

The school dress code is included in the student handbook and can also be viewed on the school website. We ask that students wear shorts with at least a 5 inch inseam and skirts that extend to mid thigh while sitting and standing. If students opt to wear spandex under shorts or skirts then those must extend to mid thigh. Leggings must be accompanied by appropriate outwear including long shirts, skirts or shorts. Tank tops must have straps that are at least 2 inches thick. We appreciate your help in reminding students of this before they head out the door in the morning.

In order to decrease learning distraction student are asked to power off their electronic devices during school hours and leave them in their locked locker. If you need to communicate with your student during the school day please contact the main office and we will get a message to your student. Thank you in advance for your support with this policy.

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