Murray Messenger 1/19/18

Murray Hill Middle School
 

Murray Messenger 1/19/18

A Note From The Principal

Dear MHMS Families,

Please note that our students have been and will continue to engage in countywide assessments.  Those students who receive ELL services began ACCESS testing this week, and all students will engage in MAP testing in the upcoming weeks.  Please see the information listed below in the School News section for testing information.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mrs. Harmon.    

This morning the MHMS PTA hosted a staff breakfast.  Thank you to all of the families who donated items to this event, it was a special treat that was enjoyed by our entire staff. 

Sincerely,

Lisa R. Smithson

Principal

Murray Hill Middle School

Important Dates:

January 23rd

PTA Restaurant Night @ Chick-Fil-A

January 23rd @ 6:30 p.m.

PTA Meeting

January 25th @ 6:30 p.m.

Rising 6th Grade Parent Orientation

January 26th

3-Hour Early Dismissal- End of Quarter 2

February 6th

Vision and Hearing Screening

February 16th

No School- Countywide Professional Development Day

February 19th

No School- President’s Day

February 23rd @ 7:00 p.m.

MHMS Musical Production- “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”

February 24th @ 7:00 p.m.

MHMS Musical Production- “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”

February 27th @ 6:30 p.m.

PTA Meeting

News From The Hill

SCHOOL NEWS

ACCESS Testing: Students who receive and/or waived ELL services began participating in ACCESS testing today. Letters were sent home to parents indicating the exact days their student will be tested in the areas of listening, reading, speaking, and writing English. Contact Mrs. Harmon or Mrs. Davis if you have any questions.

MAP Testing: The MAP assessment focuses on individual student performance in the areas of reading and mathematics. Dates for testing are as follows:

Grade 6

February 5th and 7th

Grade 7

February 13th and 14th

Grade 8

February 9th and 12th

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.

If you have any questions please call 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.  Murray Hill MS Clothing to Cash - Full Page flier with logo 11-30-17.jpg 

BSAP NEWS

BSAP Saturday Math Academy:  Register for the BSAP Saturday Math Academy on Saturday, January 20th.  See the attached flyer for detailed information:  Final - SMA Flyer Spring 2018.pdf 

PTA NEWS

Restaurant Night @ Chick-Fil-A:  Too cold to cook?!  Hop in your car and come out to Chick- Fil-A on Johns Hopkins Road for our Restaurant Night, on Tuesday, January 23rd, anytime between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.  Can’t dine in, because you want to attend our PTA meeting? No problem! You can take your order to go, and join us at 6:30 p.m. in the MHMS Media Center!  You can even order a platter or two for you and your colleagues to enjoy the feast!  Make sure you mention Murray Hill Middle School PTA before you place your order to show your support.

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:

  • Visit the MHMS website often at:  http://mhms.hcpss.org/   
  • Follow MHMS on Twitter at:  @hcpss_mhms
  • Visit Canvas often
  • Visit the HCPSS website often at:  www.hcpss.org
  • Download the HCPSS app on your mobile device (search Howard County Public School System)

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.

 

Date

Saturday, January 20, 2018 - 8:15am