November 9, 2007

From Your MVMS Principal ...

American Education Week
A Basic Right and Our Shared Responsibility

When we celebrate American rights and responsibilities, we host 4th of July cookouts and fireworks displays and parades. We unite to celebrate the rights of our democracy. Next week is American Education Week and this year we are focusing on the theme A Basic Right and Our Shared Responsibility. Let's unite to remember that education is every bit as basic to our way of life as the spirit of independence. Americans love weekend sports and big holidays and homemade foods like apple pie and their neighborhood schools! Let's show our spirit through participation and celebration of American Education Week.

Our Mount View Middle School PTA has formed a committee to focus on connections. Parents as Partners will work on initiatives to help foster positive relations and communication throughout our school community, between families and school staff, and among our feeder schools. We also want to begin to lay the groundwork for Mount View Middle School to become a Howard County Asset School.

The School Administration, the Interdisciplinary Teams, and Parents as Partners have collaborated to plan an exciting week for the 2007 American Education Week. Parents are invited to visit during the school day throughout the week of November 12-16, 2007. However, in consideration of parking and scheduling, we have designated each day for a different focus.

Monday, Nov. 12th

Tuesday, Nov. 13th

Wednesday, Nov. 14th

Thursday, Nov. 15th

Making Academic Learning More Efficient

Friday, Nov. 16th

We all need to be reminded of the good things we take for granted. Please join us during American Education Week as we showcase our school's educational program, which is a basic right, and as we celebrate our shared responsibility for our children's education.

Sincerely,

Kathryn S. McKinley
Principal

Coat Drive

Congratulations to the MVMS students and staff on a very successful coat drive. We proudly delivered 144 coats to the County PTA meeting. Because of Mount View Middle School's efforts, almost 150 people in Howard County will be a little warmer this winter. While we did not meet our goal of 500 coats, we were successful and made a huge difference in almost 150 people's lives. We will shoot for 500 coats next year. A special thanks go to the Spirit team for coordinating this effort. The posters, MVTV announcements and volunteer collectors were terrific. The enthusiastic support from our parent leaders, Michelle Richards, Janet Gilbert and Susan Yarnall made all the difference in the world.

American Education Week

MVMS welcomes all our parents during American Education Week, November 12th - November 16th. Although parents may visit any day, Monday, November 12th is designated 6th grade day, Tuesday, November 13th is designated 7th grade day and Wednesday, November 14th is designated as 8th grade day. All visitors MUST sign in and out in the front office and MUST wear a visitor's badge. Please have your child's schedule. School maps will be available at the sign in table. We ask that you not bring smaller children.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Scheduling for Parent Teacher conferences begins Monday, November 12th at 1:00 PM. For scheduling information use PickATime. You will need your child's student ID number to schedule conferences. ID numbers can be found on report cards, interim reports, or a printed schedule. If you do not have the ID number, you must come into the front office with your identification to pick up the student's number or it may be sent home with your student.

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held at Mount View Middle School Monday, November 19th, Tuesday, November 20th, and Wednesday, November 21st.

Monday, November 19th

Tuesday, November 20th

Wednesday, November 21st

For additional questions, please call MVMS front office, 410-313-5545.

PTA Sponsored Educational Event

Many parents at Mount View have shared concerns with PTA and administration regarding the time and stress of homework. In a first step targeting this concern the PTA is sponsoring a speaker, Jocelyn Martin, a teacher at River Hill High School. Her presentation will be "Making Academic Learning More Efficient." All MVMS families--including students--are invited to this presentation on Thursday, November 15th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM in MVMS Cafeteria. As part of her presentation, Ms. Martin will:

Describe 3 different learning styles: Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic/Haptic;
Help families to identify each student's learning style;
Identify effective tools and strategies to use for each learning style;
Help students learn how to complete homework assignments more effectively and efficiently.

Box Tops For Education

Please remember to clip all BOX TOPS for our school. Send them in for your child to drop off in the boxes in the main office. This is an easy way to make extra money for Mount View Middle School!

Teacher Notes

From The Physical Education Department:

Girls Basketball Intramurals: Any girls interested in participating in girls basketball intramurals should see Mr. Blum for a permissions slip. You may also go to http://web.hcpss.org/~cblum and print the permission slip. The times will be 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM. Parents please be sure to pick up your students promptly at 3:30 PM.

TURKEY TROT: During Related Arts classes on Monday November 19th, students will be participating in the annual Turkey Trot on school grounds. The turkey trot is a mile and a quarter fun run/walk. Parents are invited to come and participate! Times are as follows:

From Mrs. Quinn, GT Resource Teacher:

Parents are invited to attend the GT Program Parent Academy on Tuesday, November 27th from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. The presentation will include High School Scheduling for Advanced-Level Learners. See Mrs. Quinn's website for more information.

Parent volunteers will be needed for the GT Enrichment Fair on Thursday, May 8th. If you can help out working with students or assisting that night, contact Mrs. Quinn.

Community News

RESERVOIR HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS: "Little Shop of Horrors!" Show times are November 15th, 16th, and 17th at 7:30 PM and Sunday, Nov. 18th at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available in advance or at the door. Prices are $10 for adult, $6 for students with school ID, $3 for kids under 12. For questions contact Reservoir High School at 410-888-8850.

The Howard County Office of Children's Services will offer a daylong conference entitled Staying Afloat: Addressing Children's Challenging Behaviors. The event will take place on Saturday, December 1st, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM at the Columbia Sheraton. The conference, intended for parents, teachers, and childcare professionals, will focus on the reasons children behave the way they do and how to deal with difficult behaviors. Registration is $25; breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration deadline is Thursday, November 15th. For more information, and a registration packet, call 410-313-1940 or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/children.

Technology Classes: Interested in improving your technology prowess? Whether you're a novice or an expert you'll find something that may wet your appetite with the courses that we offer at Marriotts Ridge. These courses are open to all students, faculty and the community at no cost. If you're an adult I just need your name, phone and email address. For more information and permission slips go to: www.marriottsridge.net/TechOpp.php

Members of the community are welcome to attend School Health Council meetings:

Calendar

Nov. 12 - 16
American Education Week

Nov. 12
1:00 - Parents may begin to schedule Parent/Teacher Conference

Nov. 13
Report Cards Issued

Nov. 18
5:00 - Conference Scheduling closes

Nov. 19
Early Dismissal - 11:25 AM
Parent/Teacher Conferences 12:00 PM -2:45 PM and 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Nov. 20
Early Dismissal - 11:25 AM
Parent/Teacher Conferences 12:00 PM-2:45 PM and 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Nov. 21
No School for Students
Parent/Teacher Conferences 8:00 AM 11:00 - AM and 12:00 PM -2:45 PM

Nov. 22
Schools Closed - Happy Thanksgiving

Nov. 23
School Closed

After School Activities for Week of November 12th:

Flag Football:
Monday, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Student Government:
Tuesday, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

SEE THE COMPLETE
MOUNT VIEW CALENDAR