It is American Education Week! We want to send a big THANK YOU to teachers & parents for prioritizing education this year as we navigate uncharted territory with COVID-19. And, let's not forget our rockstar students who have adapted to change! #pcssdproud #equityandexcellence
November is Native American Heritage Month. President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed one week in November as "American Indian Week" in 1986. And in 1990, President George H.W. Bush was the first to designate November as "National American Indian Heritage Month."
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. This year's theme is Taking Care of Youth Who Have Diabetes. Tips include manage blood glucose levels, healthy habits, stay prepared for emergencies & seek mental health support if needed.
According to Classlink, all logins into the PCSSD portal are now working. Classlink identified the issue and will continue to monitor the system. Thank you for your patience this morning!
Status Updates: https://status.classlink.com/#
PCSSD Portal / Classlink Update: The Classlink team is still working with AWS. Several other sites are experiencing similar issues with error code 500. We will continue to update you on our progress. https://status.classlink.com/#
The PCSSD portal, managed by Classlink, is currently down nationwide. Classlink is investigating the issue and we will update as soon as have more details. You can follow status updates here: status.classlink.com. Thank you for your patience.
Please join the Maumelle Middle School PTSO if you have not done so! The PTSO is an important organization that supports our school, staff and students in many different ways. Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W4RGS_JjwkC9MExfAUGoIAdGxXF7EPCPNRGhsmyfwZQ/edit?gxids=7757
If you have any volunteer hours for Maumelle Middle School, please record them on this form. We appreciate you!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3o2IyWFTyhGU-4ORP-izsjmcnodvIxa8vk5f6kUZv7VpO9A/viewform
Dear MMS Families,
We have analyzed the performance of our students that received low and failing grades in one or more class and it appears that missing assignments is a major factor in this outcome. The students simply are not turning in their assignments. One of the most frustrating pieces of this situation is that several of these assignments begin as guided practice in class. This means that the teacher is working through the assignments with the students during class and then may assign additional work as independent practice. The expectation is for the students to finish the practice work and turn it all in as one assignment for grading. For far too many of our students this is not happening. Please partner with us in helping our the students meet the expectation of turning in work and doing so on time as required. I believe that we will move this trend upward if we focus a bit more on daily involvement with our students concerning school. Please ask them about homework and missing assignments nightly. Make them prove it! Accountability will help them now and it the long run. I thank you for your effort in this endeavor and greatly appreciate your continued support of Maumelle Middle School. We will exceed expectations. Go Stingers!
November is Native American Heritage Month. The U.S. government recognizes nearly 600 Indian tribes in the contiguous 48 states and Alaska. Several rituals are tribe specific, but some cross tribe boundaries, including pow wows, the stomp dance, and drum circles.
Today is Young Readers Day, which recognizes the joys and benefits of reading. Books open a world of imagination and knowledge to readers every day and it is important we instill a love of reading into our children at an early age. #pcssdproud #equityandexcellence
PCSSD is lucky to have so many amazing teacher librarians across the district. Thank you to each one of them (not all pictured) for doing "virtually anything" for our schools, staff and students! #pcssdproud #equityandexcellence
November is Child Safety Protection Month. The Centers for Disease Control reports children between ages 1-4 have the highest rate of poisoning. Parents should keep cleaning supplies and medications are put away and out of the reach of children. #pcssdproud #equiityandexcellence
MAUMELLE MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th graders in Ms. Hall's science class recently learned about conduction during an experiment! #pcssdproud #equityandexcellence
From: Ryan Burgess, principal
Re: Guidance and Expectations for Virtual Attendance
Greeting MMS Families,
As we continue to progress through this school year, it has become evident that guidance is needed to ensure that student attendance is accurately reflected in our records. The following guidelines must be adhered to in order to be counted as present in class when attending virtually:
The student must be on time and present for the entire class.
The Chromebook/ device camera must be on during the entire class period.
The student’s face must be fully visible to the teacher.
The student’s home setting for class must be adequately lit to insure visibility.
The following behavior expectations must also be adhered to protect the integrity and quality of the instructional time period:
Students are to attend class in an appropriate setting. (Guidance: The home area where the student is attending school virtually should be well lit and free from noise that proves distracting to the class. Noise is defined as any sounds that distracts students and hinders or disrupts the class as determined by the teacher. This includes music and the conversations of others present in the home.)
Students are to be appropriately dressed. (Guidance: Dress for virtual attendance should be in compliance with school norms for student dress.)
Students are to be in a posture for learning that demonstrates positive engagement. (Guidance: It is inappropriate and not conducive to learning for students to be in bed, lying down, or engaged in any off-task behaviors as determined by the teacher.)
Students will be held accountable for misconduct as specified per the student handbook. (Guidance: Be advised, the PCSSD Students Rights and Responsibility Handbook applies to students when they are attending virtually the same as it does when they are physically at school.)
Maumelle Middle School is striving to provide instruction for our students using the virtual platform that is of the high quality you are accustomed to from us. In this endeavor your support is much needed. I ask that you cover this information with your student. This information is timely considering we are approaching the season that is more prone to inclement weather that may result in school closing. In case of such an event or any event that results in a closing of school all students will attend school virtually. Please contact Traci Matthews at tmatthews1379@pcssd.org if the chromebook camera is not working. A loaner will be provided while the issued device is being repaired.
I hope you find this information helpful in preparing your student to do well with our virtual platform for instruction. Your support and partnership is greatly appreciated.
Several elementary schools held mock elections last week to teach students about registering to vote and casting their ballot. Check out these pictures of students learning about their civic duty: http://ow.ly/CxJt50Cbzon
#pcssdproud #equityandexcellence
Reminder! There is no school tomorrow (Friday, November 6). It is a Flex/Professional Development day for teachers. #pcssdproud #equityandexcellence
Date: November 4, 2020
Dear Parents of 6th and 8th graders:
Our school is participating in a statewide needs assessment survey. The survey, Arkansas Prevention Needs Assessment Student Survey, is sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
The results will be used to help plan substance abuse prevention strategies and programs in our community. Some important facts about the survey:
It is anonymous. Students will not put their names on the survey. No one will be able to connect any individual student with his or her responses. School staff will not see any student responses. Only 6th and 8th graders will participate in the survey.
Participation in the survey is voluntary. Your son/daughter may decline to participate at any time or skip any question they do not wish to answer.
Questions cover alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and family and community factors related to substance use and abuse.
I feel that the survey is a worthwhile undertaking that will help create better, more effective prevention interventions to combat the problem of drug and alcohol use by youth in our community. I hope that you agree to allow your child to participate in this statewide effort. If you agree, you need to do nothing further. However, if for any reason you do not wish your child to participate, please email Mrs. Williams at cwilliams8302@pcssd.org with your child's name in the subject line.
In the body, please type the word, SURVEY. Your child will be excused from participation if the email is received by Monday, November 9.
Thank you in advance for your support toward creating healthier environments for our youth.
Sincerely,
Ryan Burgess
October is National Adoption Awareness Month. To learn more about adoption, check out the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Children & Family Services. The agency works tirelessly to ensure all Arkansas children have a safe and stable home every day.
Today is Election Day! Don't forget to cast your vote and make your voice heard!
