Murray Messenger- 10.4.19

A Note From The Principal

Dear MHMS Families,

At this time 62% of families have completed Family File, through HCPSS Connect.  Your Family File must be updated and verified at the start of each school year.  Among other things, Family File provides MHMS with contact information, emergency contact information, health information, and different preferences which helps us to ensure the safety of your student. 

On October 25th, we will host our Annual Fall Fling.  This is an evening event for our students where they can socialize, enjoy music and light refreshments.  To attend, Family File must be completed, please visit:  https://www.hcpss.org/connect/ to update your Family File right away.  If you have any difficulties accessing or completing Family File, please contact our Front Office Staff at 410-880-5897.

Sincerely,

Lisa R. Smithson

Principal

Murray Hill Middle School

Important Dates:

News From The Hill

School News

Did You Know???:  Did you know that Progress Interim Reports will not be issued to middle and high school students this year?  Next week is the middle of the quarter.  Please take time to review your students grades in Canvas, and stay updated on their academic progress.  

Young Author’s Contest:  Please encourage your student to enter the 2019-20120 Literacy Council Young Authors’ Contest!  Entries are due to Ms. Burnett by October 31st.  Entries must be Word Documents (the coversheet can be a pdf); all must submitted via email to April_Burnett@hcpss.org.  Please see the attached documents for detailed information:  Young Authors Contest Announcement MHMS 2019.pdf  Young Authors Student Coversheet MHMS 2019-20.pdf 

A Note from the Nurse:  As we enter into flu season, this is a reminder that good hand washing and covering sneezes and coughs with tissues and sleeves are essential steps to preventing the spread of "germs."    Also, remember that despite concerns about school attendance, your children's health (and the health of other children) is most important of all.    For this reason, we ask you to please:

• Call the school nurse to let us know if your child is absent with a contagious illness such as strep throat, or the flu etc.  Please provide any documentation from your physician about diagnosis and release to return to school.  (Ear and sinus infections, while often a reason for keeping a child home, are usually not contagious.)
• Keep your child home if he/she has a fever of over 100.0.  A fever indicates that your child has an infection that could be passed to other students.  If you give your child Motrin or Tylenol, the fever will, of course, disappear but he/she will still be contagious to others. Children must be fever-free for 24 hours (without medication) before returning to school!
• Have your children wash their hands properly after using the restrooms and prior to eating. 
• If the doctor prescribes medication for your child, please make sure he/she takes it as directed-which means the right amount at the right time and without missing doses. 

Clothing To Cash Recycling Program:  MHMS is a part of the Clothing To Cash Recycling Program.  The program not only supports environmental efforts, it also serves as a fundraiser for our school.  MHMS earns a cash payment for every pound of collected items; for the month of September we received $72.00!  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.

PTA News

MHMS Spirit Wear:  The MHMS PTA is offering an online Spirit Wear store this year.  The online store will be available until October 15th.  You can place your order by visiting:  https://www.bsnteamsports.com/shop/hEZ7hYwqqV  Looking forward to seeing you all sporting your MHMS gear! 

PTA Membership:  Sign up for the PTA while visiting the Murray Hill Middle School PTA website https://mhms.ptboard.com/home

PTA Meeting:  Our next PTA meeting will be on Tuesday, October 8th at 7 pm.

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.

Murray Hill Middle School | 9989 Winter Sun Road, Laurel, MD 20723 | 410-880-5897 | mhms.hcpss.org