MED-O-GRAM JANUARY 21, 2013
MEADOWS MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Dear Meadows Families, I first moved to Phoenix in the summer of 1997. My son was seven years old and started school in the Scottsdale School District that August. His school was close to home, and I found his teachers caring and capable; I was looking forward to a great year. As a working parent, I did the things I was able to do with my limited free time: I attended Back to School Night, parent/teacher conferences, extra-curricular activities, and even one field trip by taking a half day away from my job as a high school English teacher. I did my best to get to know school personnel and the parents of my son’s classmates. I wanted others to recognize my commitment to my son and his education; in short, I wanted to be seen as a “good parent.” The school year was more than halfway over, when I attended my second parent/teacher conference of the year. The teacher was sharing some of my son’s work with me when she seemed to get somewhat flustered. Apparently, one assignment dealt with a small written caption and picture to illustrate something students enjoyed with parents on the weekend. My son’s caption read: On the weekend, my mom and I like to go to bars. Above this was a pretty fair second grade representation of a bar. I found myself stammering as I attempted to explain. I had grown up watching the Kansas City Chiefs football games every Sunday with my folks, and the games were always televised at home. In Phoenix, however, it was a rare occasion to get a televised Chiefs game so I would take my son to a sports bar to watch the games (usually at 10:00 AM!) nearly every Sunday. We would typically eat breakfast or lunch – sans the alcohol – and head home. I explained this to his teacher, somewhat red-faced. We both laughed about it, and as I left she said, “I promise not to believe everything your son says about you and your home if you promise not to believe everything he tells you about me and our school.” Sage advice that I’m sure some of you have heard or even given. Kids don’t always get the story straight, do they? That’s why it is so important that the adults are able to communicate with each other. Sometimes kids can misinterpret words and/or actions. The same can be true for teachers or any adult. Kids are also pretty adept at spinning things in their own favor. I say this as a parent myself as well as an educator. Finally, much as we hate admit it, kids can even lie to us. They are kids and one of their jobs is to make mistakes. The way the adults involved handle these mistakes can help kids to know that they can be honest with us. It is crucial that kids do not pit home against school and vice versa. Rather our communication should serve to show children that we are all on the same side – theirs. We hold students accountable because we care. Thank you for your willingness to communicate with us and for your ongoing support in our efforts to provide extraordinary learning for all! With Ram Pride, Susan Doyle, Meadows Principal MADISON MEADOWS MIDDLE SCHOOL
225 W. OCOTILLO RD., PHOENIX, AZ 85013 (602) 664-7600
PTM
A Message from your PTM President Dear Meadows Parents, PTM has two important presenta1ons coming up which every parent should a9end: 1) January 29th @ 6pm – MADISON HIGHLAND PREP: Join us in the Media Center to hear from the principal of Madison District’s new High School. 2) February 26th @ 6pm – NOTMYKID INTERNET SAFETY: This will be a very informa1ve presenta1on for parents about kids & the Internet. Please mark your calendars and plan on a9ending this informa1ve events!
Sincerely, Chris Goodfarb 2013-14 PTM President
Meadow’s 7th and 8th Grade Band & Choir visit to Disneyland!
"The Performing arts department would like to thank the PTM for helping make the Disney trip a success!" A BIG thank you to our chaperones: Ms. Galarza Ms. Sanchez Mrs. Jacobs Mr. Lamb Ms. Zeller Mr. Fyan Ms. Cohen
Ms. Vermeersch Ms. Barker Ms. Johnson Ms. Stewart Ms. Czaja Mr. Rodriguez Mr. Simms Ms. Embry Mr. Gonzalez Mr. Thompson Ms. Carriveau And and last but not least to Mr. Giordano & Mr. Ginn for working so hard to put it all together.
Volunteers and donation dollars hard at work!
Order Your Val-O-Grams TODAY! Val-O-Grams are hand delivered gifts to your valentine during 1st PERIOD on February 14th with your personal message attached. Sold on the PTM Website www.meadowsptm.org , during lunch and after school. http://meadowsptm.org/ptm_home/product-category/njhs/
Buying a Val-O-Gram is easy: select your gift, write your message: include recipient’s name and 1st Period teacher, then attach your payment (cash only) SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED, so order right away! Sold out last year. No orders taken after Feb. 11th. Val-O-Grams will be sold in the cafeteria: February 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11. Before and after school: February 10 and 11
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$5.00 -‐ Stuffed teddy bear and small chocolate heart
$3.00 -‐ Heart shaped, cherry 9lavor swirl lollipop 3
$2.00-‐ Single red rose with synthetic dewdrops
Madison Meadows
SCHOOL SPIRIT WATER BOTTLES
only
$5
Pu r cha Me se yo ur Sch ado w ool s S pir 27 t o unc (BP e A Sp o Fre r ts e Bot ) tle! Proceeds benefit Charitable Acts Committee (CAC) Eric Cook, PTM Co-Vice President
Pick one up at the snack shack, or order your cup today! It’s easy to shop online: http://meadowsptm.org/ptm_home/shop/meadows-spirit-water-bottle/
You’re invited... Meadows Families and Friends
We’re GOING COUNTRY!
T h i n k F U N
ia c o S g Sprin
l
Save the Date... Saturday, March 29 6:00 -10:00 pm $25 includes food, drinks, dancing!
chili cook-off, silent auction, raffles, dancing, dinner, etc.
Meadows Goes Country with Spring Chili Cook Off Event!
CHILI COOK OFF. We encourage y’all to enter your best Chili recipe.
Mark your calendars for March 29th, 2014, 6:00-10:00pm.
Mark your calendars and be sure to plan on joining us for dinner, dancing & some good ‘ol country fun!
$25 per person includes Food, Drinks, dancing,etc…
If interested in getting involved, please contact leah@meadowsptm.org
The PTM is cooking up a Country & Western theme party. (Think cowboy hats, boots, flannel, bandanas, chaps… you name it—get creative!) Besides the usual silent auction & raffle items, your taste buds will appreciate the
hey ya’ partner... Volunteers Wanted! C h il i R e c ip e 3 tablespoons extra
-virgin olive oil,
2 1/2 pounds groun d turkey (85 perce nt lean) or ground tur key breast (99 percent lean), 2 pa ckages 4 tablespoons dark chili powder, 2 pa lm fulls 2 tablespoons gri ll seasoning blend , any brand, 1 palm full 1 tablespoon cumi
n, 1/2 palm full
2 tablespoons Wo
rcestershire sauc
1 to 3 tablespoon s hot sauce, mediu m to extra-spicy 1 large onion, quart
ered
2 large peppers, an y color combinatio n, red, green, purple, yellow or orange, chopped 1/2 bottle beer (th e alcohol cooks ou t), about 1 cup 1 (14-ounce) can tom ato sauce
e
1/2 cup smoky ba rbecue sauce
February 26th Madison Tas4ng Tour. This Tas4ng Tour will have a microbrewery and gastropub focus (our final stop is even partnering with a local dairy to provide beer-‐infused desserts). We have four fantas4c, generous establishments on board for this fundraising event. The goal for the Tas4ng Tour is to raise enough funds to bring the Phoenix Symphony’s “Back ‘n’ Roll” Assemblies program to all Madison District schools.
WE LOVE VOLUNTEERS The Meadows Snack Shack is open after school and during RAMMS sporting events on campus (some nights & Saturdays). Groups on campus can “sponsor” the snack shack for the month and proceeds for that month will help your group! Parents (with student helpers) are needed to staff the
snack shack. Student helpers gain community service time. Fun and easy! Check out the online schedule and submit your time on line. Contact Snack Shack Coordinator Theresa at MeadowsSnackShack@yahoo.com to learn more!
Thank you for coming out to The Yard night, benefiting Camp Friendly Pines. Special thanks to Anita Walker, Brigitte Rapatz, Lynda Teague, Jennifer Funke and of course Mr. Gonzalez!
Madison Meadows National Junior Honor Society is Accepting Member Candidate Forms 7th grade students who wish to become NJHS members are encouraged to apply by completing the student activity information form located in the office. The deadline for submitting the NJHS student activity information form is Friday, February 14, 2014 at 12:00pm (noon). The student activity information form must be completely filled out, signed by the student and parents, and personally returned to Ms. Poginy in room D36. Copies of the student’s report card showing first semester grades must also accompany candidate information forms. All grades from the beginning of 7th grade count in calculating the grade point average. Requirements for membership to NJHS are as follows: 1. A cumulative weighted grade point average, at grade level or above, of 3.625. Each class is weighted differently. Core classes carry a heavier weight than elective classes. 2. Good citizenship, character and leadership qualities are also required. One of the steps in admitting new members is to survey the Meadows staff to determine the candidate’s suitability. 3. The final step for membership is approval by the NJHS Faculty Council. Membership approval is by a simple majority vote. A unanimous vote is not required. 4. All member candidates will receive a letter advising them of their admission or their denial of membership. These letters will be mailed out no later than February 28, 2014. The expectations for NJHS members are as follows: 1. After admission, members are expected to attend NJHS meetings faithfully. Most meetings will be held during the school lunch periods, however, there may be additional meetings necessary before or after school hours. 2. NJHS is a service organization. We expect our members to be doers, not merely joiners. Therefore, members are also required to perform at least 12 hours of community service work per semester (in addition to other community service requirements) and to submit that information in writing to the NJHS Advisor. The group will organize several service projects throughout the school year to help meet this requirement. 3. Annual dues are $10.00. This money will be paid to the NJHS Treasurer within two weeks of being admitted to membership. If a student faces financial hardship, dues can be waived after consultation with the NJHS Advisor. If you have any questions or require additional information regarding NJHS, please contact the NJHS Advisor, Ms. Poginy, at 664-7636 or rpoginy@msd38.org
DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 CANDIDATE FORMS ARE TO BE GIVEN DIRECTLY TO MS. POGINY IN ROOM D36 BY NOON - NO EXCEPTIONS
hPp://madisonhighlandprep.com/h/wp-‐content/uploads/docs/ mhp-‐brochure1-‐final-‐010914-‐internet.pdf
Tuesday’s “A,er School Art” Program On Tuesdays from 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm, the art room will be open for “a=er school art.” This FREE a,er school program is open to all students, regardless if they are in art class. This will be a Bme for any Meadows student to come into the art room and work on projects of their choice or conBnue on projects that have already been started. The only requirement is a note from a parent or guardian indicaBng how the student will be transported home (walking, riding a bike, parent pick-‐up, etc.). The next “a=er school art” meeBng will conBnue every Tuesday unBl May 2014. Any addiBonal informaBon and updates can be found at www.mistervoss.com. If there are any quesBons, please contact ScoR Voss at svoss@madisoned.org.
Charitable Acts Committee News
Need community service hours? Sign up for these upcoming CAC events: A Message from Charitable Acts Commi3ee… • Meadows is signed up for one Wednesday per month at Growing Garden on Glendale Avenue from 3-‐5:00pm on TCT days britton@meadowsptm.org | Britton Sanchez
Charitable Acts Committee
GIVES!
Thank you Meadows families for serving our community. ~ Britton Sanchez CAC Chair
IMMUNIZATIONS: All 6th graders need to have the Tdap and Meningi1s shot when they turn 11 yrs. old Please check your records and bring in proof of the shot to the Health Office.
NEWS FROM FLU SHOTS: It is not too late to get a flu shot. Protect yourself from these THE HEALTH powerful strains of flu COLDS/FLU: Please remember if your child is sick-‐ keep them home so OFFICE infec1ons don’t spread , AND your child will get well sooner.
NURSE SHARON ITEM OF THE MONTH: Please help us offset the high cost of supplies by donating feminine sanitary pads and female undergarments in various sizes.
GO RAMS! Meadows Athletics David Vibber Athletic Director
LICE: YUCK!!! We are entering the high 1me of geZng Lice and spreading it to family and friends. Please periodically check your child’s head and remind them not to share combs, hair bands, 1es and especially hats. A natural alterna1ve for trea1ng Lice is TLC (Total Lice Control) available at some Walgreens and Rosey’s Pharmacy. MEDICATION: Students can not carry any medica1on with them. All medica1on must stay in the Health Office and a parent must sign a permission slip. Inhalers must be labeled or in a labeled box. HEARING AND VISION SCREENING: Hearing and vision re-‐screening is almost done. If your child has go9en a referral no1ce for either the hearing or vision-‐ please follow up on it. This is for your child’s success in school. If finances are an issue-‐ please call Nurse Sharon.
MEADOWS ATHLETICS: Our sports teams are moving into the final week of the regular season. All of our teams are in Valley Athletic Conference play off contention. Led by our currently undefeated Girls Varsity Basketball team in the regular season 10-0, the Boys Varsity Basketball team is 8-1. The Boys and Girls JV Basketball teams are fighting for a play off position. The Flag Football team has been on a mission after losing the first game of the season they have rallied for 7 wins and need to win this week to earn a spot in the VAC Tournament. Wrestling wrapped up it's season this last weekend. Meadows hosted the 3rd Annual Meadowland Wrestling Invitational. The team took 2nd overall behind the efforts of weight class champions Daniel Drotzmann and Porter Smith. Garrett Cooper was a runner up and every wrestler placed in the top 5 in their respective weight classes. In addition to Daniel Drotzmann and Porter Smith taking 1st place...Jesus Luna also took 1st place and Miguel Serrano, Juan Guzman and Jaylan Jeffers were runner up in addition to Garrett Cooper. Spring Sports Tryouts will be starting up the 2nd week in February. Detailed announcements will be posted at school, in the Med-o-Gram newsletter, and Email Blast. Athletic Fees: Parents, another friendly reminder...we need all winter sports Athletic Fees to be taken care of as soon as possible. Please pay your fee (Tax Credit) on line. See our website for the link. Also...help us get your son's and
daughter's uniform turned in as soon as their season is complete. Thanks to all the parents that have contributed to make this another successful season for the Rams! Continue to support them as they advance through the VAC Playoffs!
Madison Meadows requires all students that participate on an athletic team to pay an athletic fee of $100 to offset the cost of operating our athletic program. The fee pays for coaches, referees, conference dues, transportation, uniforms and equipment. The fee is “given back” in the way of a Tax Credit for the same amount. Please pay the $100 athletic fee online: www.msd38.org • Click “Tax Credit” on the top right hand side. Scroll down and click “Donate Online”. • Forward the tax credit confirmation email to dvibber@msd38.org and include player’s name and sport. • Credit card payments also accepted in the office. If a student/family is in need of a financial consideration; volunteer assistance to our school and/or athletic program may be considered. If the student meets all of the academic and behavioral requirements, then we will consider providing a waiver that will enable him/her to participate.
Sincerely, David Vibber
ALERT! FRY’s Shoppers!
1 minute to enroll Fry s VIP card = $Free money for Meadows! You Do the MATH! ENROLL today. We only have 19 total Fry’s VIP users registered. https://www.frysfood.com/topic/new-community-rewards-program
Internet Safety Presentation for Parents When: Wed, February 26, 6pm – 7pm Where: Media Center Description: Did you know that 70% of teens have hidden online behavior from parents? From Identity Theft, Sexually Explicit material to Cyber-Bullying -- there is A LOT TO LEARN! Join PTM as NotMyKid.org presents to parents on Internet Safety.
APen4on: If you have a 5th , 6th or 7th grade student that will not be returning next school year, please come into the office and fill out a withdrawal form.
IB Corner of the World Dear Parent, We have been very busy learning about the new MYP program at Meadows. Teachers have been reviewing the newest subject guides and have been introduced to the newest version of the unit planner. The unit planner is an organizational tool teachers will use to plan for given content material that lasts anywhere from 4 – 6 weeks long. Teachers will write and teach one unit planner in each grade and content level by the end of the year. Our IB MYP consultant, Bill Shell, will be here for a two day site visit on February 5 and 6. Bill will review our implementation of MYP thus far and provide us with further recommendations on what we need to work on to become an authorized IB MYP school next year, 2015. Bill will also be meeting with teachers, students and parents during his visit. I also want to add a special “thank you” to our PTM for providing lunch to our teachers, administration and Bill on Wednesday. This will be very much appreciated by our staff whom will be eating and working through their lunches as they meet with Bill. Thank you, PTM! Our Learner Profile attribute of the month for January is open-minded. Open-minded can be explained as a student realizing that we are all different. They are accepting of everyone even if their ideas, beliefs, and points of view may vary. Students that are open-minded listen to others’ points of view and consider many possibilities before making a decision. They also celebrate the differences that make all people unique. Here are some ways parents can help students develop the open-minded attribute at home:
- Encourage your child to try new things – new foods, games, and activities - Take your child out into the community and participate in different festivals, celebrations and traditions in a non-judgmental way
- Encourage your child to really listen to others when they speak - Introduce books about different cultures into your home library - When you see your child being open-minded, reinforce this positive behavior. Sincerely, Judy Stopky IB Coordinator
Mr. Lamb’s classroom, photo credit: Mrs. Stropky
T-Ball, Baseball & Softball registration are now open!!! Registration closes on Thursday, February 6th at 7pm. Registration is now open and space is limited, so register today. Remember, all RAMMS sports now require online registration and walk-up registrations are typically not available, as our leagues often reach capacity before registration closes.
Mandatory Player Evaluations Girls Evaluations Girls Softball evaluations are scheduled for Saturday February 8th, 2014 at Madison Simis and are mandatory unless you receive prior approval from Paul Weishaar. Player evaluations are scheduled as follows: - T-Ball: Coed Kinder: No evaluation needed - Freshman: 1st/2nd grades: 10:00a-11:30a - Sophomore: 3rd/4th grades: 8:30a-10:00a - Junior: 5th/6th grades: 11:30a-1:00p - Senior: 7th/8th/9th grades: 1:00p-2:30p
Boys Evaluations
Boys Baseball evaluations are scheduled for Saturday February 8th, 2014 at Madison Simis and are mandatory unless you receive prior approval from Jason Mosher. Player evaluations are scheduled as follows: - T-Ball: Coed Kinder: No evaluation needed - Ranch: 1st/2nd grades: 12:30p-3:00p - American: 3rd/4th grades: 3:30p-6:00p - National: 5th/6th grades: 10:00a-Noon Note that we are not offering a Pony league this year, due to a lack of ongoing interest.
RAMMS is a parent-run, volunteer organization. We need parents to volunteer to be head and assistant coaches to make our programs possible. Parents, please consider getting involved as a coach in your child's recreational experience. Keep in mind that, regardless of the sport, for every ten players that sign up, RAMMS needs one parent to volunteer to be a head coach and another to volunteer to be an assistant coach. The number of teams will be determined by the availability of coaches. Please email Paul Weishaar for Girls Leagues and Jason Mosher for Boys/Kinder or note your interest while registering online if you can help out.
Support Class of 2014!
8th Grade Graduation!
Designate your 2013 tax credit dollars toward Meadows 8th Grade Graduation. Allocate $400 (couples filing jointly) or $200 (individual) tax credit dollars. Tell Grandparents, friends, and relatives about the way to donate.
We need your help! This is our last time for our eight grade parents to consider earmarking your 2013 tax credit dollars toward our Eighth Grade Graduation. These funds will go a long way in providing your child with the best graduation experience possible. If you can allocate all $400 (couples filing jointly) or $200 (individual) tax credit dollars toward 8th Grade Graduation, that would be fantastic! And remember, any amount would be appreciated. Grandparents, friends, and relatives may also contribute their tax credit dollars. Contributors will have special recognition in the commencement program. Ways to donate: •
Online www.madisonaz.org -Click where it says “Tax Credit” on the top right hand side -Scroll down and click where it says “Donate Online” -School: Madison Meadows; Activity: General – general
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Come in to Madison Meadows Office. Donations can be made by credit card or debit card in the office.
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PTM Website – Donations through the PTM Web site will not qualify for the tax credit but are automatically tagged for graduation so may be an easier way to donate. Visit www.meadowsptm.org and select Donate to the PTM on the right side.
Forward the tax credit confirmation email, Office donation or PTM donation information to jdebenedetti@cox.net. Your name will be listed in the Commencement Program as a contributor. We are already putting exciting graduation ideas and plans in motion and would greatly appreciate receiving the contributions as quickly as possible. For more information on graduation or to volunteer visit the graduation page at www.meadowsptm.org under “What’s Happening.” Thank you for your support! Jeni DeBenedetti & Kim Wickey Graduation Fundraising Co-Chairs
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Madison(District(Office( 5601!N.!16th!Street! Phoenix,!AZ!85016! 602766477900! www.madisonAZ.org!
! Madison(No.(1(( 5525!N.!16th!Street! Phoenix,!AZ!85016! 602766477100! ! ! Madison(Camelview( 2002!E.!Campbell!Avenue! Phoenix,!AZ!85016! 602766477200! ! ! Madison(Simis( 7302!N.!10th!Street! Phoenix,!AZ!85020! 602766477300! ! ! Madison(Rose(Lane( 1155!E.!Rose!Lane! Phoenix,!AZ!85014! 602766477400! ! ! Madison(Park( 1431!E.!Campbell!Avenue! Phoenix!85014! 602766477500! ! ! Madison(Meadows( 225!W.!Ocotillo!Road! Phoenix,!AZ!85013! 602766477600! ! ! Madison(Heights( 7150!N.!22nd!Street! Phoenix,!AZ!85020! 602766477800! ! ! Madison(Traditional(Academy( 925!E.!Maryland!Avenue! Phoenix,!AZ!85014! 602774574000!
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Information Regarding Homeless Students Students are considered homeless if they are: • In a shelter, motel vehicle, or campground • On the street • In an abandoned building, trailer or other inadequate accommodations • Doubled up with friends or relatives because they cannot find or afford housing If children are homeless they have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act. These protections include the right to: • Go to school, no matter where they live or how long you have lived there • Be enrolled immediately without birth certificates, immunizations or school records • Attend school while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records or any other required documents • Enroll in school without giving a permanent address. Schools cannot delay enrollment. • Continue in the school they attended before becoming homeless or the school they last attended • Receive transportation to and from the school they attended before becoming homeless or the school they last attended, if requested. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your local school office. Información con respecto a Estudiantes sin vivienda Los estudiantes son considerados sin vivienda si ellos están: · En refugios, vehiculo de motel o en campamentos · En las calles · En un edificio abandonado, remolque u otro hospedaje inadecuado · Viviendo con amistades o parientes porque no pueden encontrar o no puede pagar vivienda. Si los niños no tienen donde vivir, ellos tienen ciertos derechos o protecciones bajo el Acto de Asistencia Educativa de estudiantes sin vivienda McKinney-Vento. Estas protecciones incluyen el derecho a: · Ir a la escuela, sin importar donde viven o por cuanto tiempo han vivido allí · Matricularse inmediatamente sin certificado de nacimiento, cartilla de vacunas o documentos escolares. · Asistir a la escuela mientras la escuela hace los arreglos de traspaso de escuela y documentos de vacunas o cualquier otro documento requerido · Matricularse en la escuela sin dar una dirección permanente. Las escuelas no pueden demorar la matriculación. · Continuar en la escuela que asistieron antes de quedarse sin vivienda o a la última escuela a la que asistieron. · Recibir transporte hacia y de la escuela que asistieron antes de quedarse sin vivienda o a la última escuela a la que asistieron, si lo solicitan. Si tiene preguntas o comentarios, por favor comuníquese a la oficina de su escuela local.