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Murray Hill Middle School
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A Note From The Principal
Dear MHMS Families,
I come to you this week still shocked by the violent attack that took place in our nation’s capital on Wednesday. I am in agreement with our Superintendent, Dr. Martirano, that the acts of violence illustrate the importance of instruction on civic engagement and the role that each of us play in our government and upholding our democracy. This week, the MHMS staff took extra care to support one another and to support our students. As a staff, we will always focus on creating a safe space for all of our students, and for all of our families. Please know that if your student is upset or needs support, you can reach out to our administrative staff (lisa_smithson@hcpss.org, alexia_couch@hcpss.org, jennifer_blasko@hcpss.org), or to our school counselors (jodi_svoboda@hcpss.org, denise_adams@hcpss.org). The MHMS staff is here to tend to the well-being of our students.
Provided below are resources for you and your family, from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), regarding talking to children about violence:
Sincerely, Lisa R. Smithson Principal Murray Hill Middle School Important Dates:
MHMS News: MHMS PBIS Poster Contest: All interested students are encouraged to participate in our PBIS Positivity Poster Contest. Entries are due on January 28th. See the attached PosterContest.pdf for more details.
New Middle School Parent Information Night: MHMS will host our New Middle School Parent Information Night, on Thursday, January 21st, at 6:30 p.m. This virtual event is intended for current 5th grade parents, with student’s who will attend Murray Hill Middle School during the 2021-2022 school year. Specific information for joining this virtual event will be shared at a later time.
From the Math Office: The Office of Secondary Mathematics has been working on updated HCPSS Family Math Support Center resources to support students and families enrolled in the following mathematics courses: Math 6 (Gr. 6), Pre-Algebra GT (Gr. 6), Math 7 (Gr. 6/7), Math 8 (Gr. 7/8), and Algebra I (& GT). Parents/guardians may find these resources helpful in supporting students. Many of these resources can also be helpful to students who may NOT be enrolled in mathematics during a particular semester. Dozens of new lesson summary videos are available that focus on important topics found within each unit. They can help students review important concepts, skills, and vocabulary. You can find these updated resources under the Middle School Math and High School Math dropdowns. Visitors will also see the "Get Ready Mathematics" courses through Khan Academy available for Grade 6 Mathematics through Precalculus.
Reporting Absences: Attendance during Virtual Learning is critical. Students are expected to attend the entirety of their period 1, 2, 3, and 4 classes on Monday’s, Tuesday’s, Thursday’s and Friday’s. If your student is unable to attend a Google Meet, due to illness, an appointment, etc., a note must be submitted within two days of the student’s return. To report an absence, please email: MHMSAbsence@hcpss.org.
School Supplies: A number of school supplies have been donated to MHMS. Reusable bags include a binder, loose-leaf paper, folders, post-it notes, spiral notebooks, index cards, pencils, erasers and earbuds. If your student is in need of school supplies, please come to the school any day next week, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. When you arrive in the front of the school, please call the main office (410-880-5897), and a staff member will bring the school supplies to your vehicle.
Meal Distribution: Meals are available daily at nearly all HCPSS schools. Students 18 and under can pick up a grab and go breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday at any meal distribution site. Food Services Staff have meals available from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Both breakfast and lunch can be picked up during either time slot. Several days of meals can even be pre-ordered. If MHMS is a convenient meal distribution site for your student, you will find our Food Services Staff ready to assist you right inside our main entrance doors. More detailed information can be found here.
Materials Distribution and Collection: If you have items that need to be returned to MHMS (i.e. textbooks, media center books, instruments), please know that there is a collection bin located inside the first set of doors to our main entrance; items can be dropped off between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Building Access: MHMS is currently not accessible to parents or students. If you need to get in contact with MHMS staff, you can email staff directly, or call the main office at 410-880-5897. Main office staff will be available to assist during school days from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. We ask for your patience, as we will be working with a reduced front office staff. BSAP News: BSAP Saturday Math Academy: Registration for the BSAP Saturday Math Academy opens tomorrow, Saturday, January 9th, starting at 9:00 a.m. There is limited capacity for this virtual learning opportunity, so be sure to register right away. See the Saturday Math Academy Spring 2021 (4).pdf, for details and information. MHMS PTA News: PTA 2020-2021 Membership: Please visit https://mhms.new.memberhub.store/store to obtain your MHMS PTA membership for the 2020-2021 school year.
MHMS SPIRITWEAR: MHMS Spiritwear is now available to order online! Support our MHMS PTA and show your MHMS pride by purchasing today! Spiritwear can be customized and features both glitter and non-glitter options. All merchandise will be mailed directly to the address of your choice. During the month of January Gildan T-Shirts are 15% off- see details here.
Rita’s Fundraiser: Support the MHMS PTA by visiting Rita’s (3353 Corridor Marketplace) between 12:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Monday, January 11th through Sunday, January 17th. You must show the FLYER- MHMS-PTA-Rita's.pdf, for our MHMS PTA to earn 20% of profit from your order. Community News: Free Food Distribution: The Harriett Tubman Foundation of Howard County and the MLK Jr. Holiday Commission are sponsoring a Pop Up Pantry on Friday, January 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. See the flyer, MLKFOODPANTRYMLKFNJAN21.pdf, for more information.
Housing Assistance: If you are worried about being evicted, or are in need of housing assistance, please see the attached documents: COVID Eviction Guidance Checklist.12.22.20.docx Housing rental assistance COVID-19.Round 3.Jan 2021.pdf
Free Tutoring: Towson University will be offering FREE online tutoring sessions to students in grades K-12. Registration begins on Monday, January 18th. See the attached COE_Tutors_Flyer_English.pdf / COE_Tutors_Flyer_Spanish.pdf , and visit the COE Tutors Site for more information.
HCDrugFree Offerings: Free and back by popular demand! HC DrugFree is offering another series of 15 Life Skills classes to begin on Wednesday, January 27. The evidence-based curriculum is for grades 6-9. We encourage siblings and friends to enroll together, so even if your student is younger or older, register them and participation will be confirmed. Classes taught on Zoom by adults and talented college and high school students. Students listen to trusted older students! For more information or to enroll, go to https://hcdrugfree.org/2021/01/free-life-skills-classes-for-howard-county-students/ or contact Admin@hcdrugfree.org Adults, are you IN THE KNOW? HC DrugFree is dedicated to keeping Howard County youth and adults up to date on community health, medication disposal, drug and alcohol safety, substance misuse information and prevention, educational opportunities, and more. To sign up for the free newsletter, go to https://hcdrugfree.org/enews-signup/ |