A letter to parents from Principal Moore I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Letter to Parents 1

PTSA 2

School Supplies 3

PTSA President 4

Uniform Policy 5

Ernest Everett Just MS

Summer Newsletter

A U G U S T , 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1

What should you expect from Teachers and Staff? A talented group of individuals that will put student’s needs and growth at the core of what they do. This group

will challenge students to be and demonstrate their best through creative, innovative, and research based best instruc-

tional practices.

What we expect from our students (scholars)?

Our students will attend each day ready to maximize their potential, engage, and enjoy learning. They are ex-

pected to think critically, act with high moral regard, and commit to getting better each day. Our students are expected

to respect themselves, their families, the staff, and their campus.

What we expect from our parents and guardians?

We believe our parents are a committed body of individuals with a high level of understanding, investment and

involvement that supports the shared vision of the school. We plan to partner with parents to ensure our student’s aca-

demic and social growth and development is not compromised and that they are well prepared and equipped with the

skills necessary to be successful. Over the next few weeks I will solicit your help and advice as we set clear goals and tar-

gets for our school to ensure we are on target towards providing a world class 21st century STEM and AVID infused edu-

cation to the students of the “New” Dr. Ernest Everett Just Middle School. Together we are moving forward from

GREAT to EXCELLENT!

Dear EEJUST Parents and Guardians,

My name is Mr. Kelvin Moore, Principal of the “New” Dr. Ernest Everett Just Middle School.

It is an honor and privilege to serve as the instructional leader for the 2012-2013 school year at this

prestigious institution of learning. Our greatest investment is our students and I am sure together we

will ensure a great return on this investment. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to meeting and

getting to know each of you knowing that we share at least one common goal, student success. It is

our shared vision to create a 21st century student centered learning environment where high expecta-

tions and excellence prepare students for college and careers in the global society.

What should you expect from the “New” Dr. Ernest Everett Just Middle School?

Our school will be known as the best 6th—8th middle grades campus in Prince Georges County

and among the best in the Metro Area and Nation. We will provide students a safe, welcoming stu-

dent centered campus and a “STEM…ULATING” (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

focused) instructional program. This will be best evidenced and demonstrated through the real world

“hands on” exposure and learning experiences our students will encounter. We are committed to

challenging and improving our students’ ability to inquire, imagine, innovate, think critically, solve

complex problems, and master concepts, standards, and principles through high quality rigorous

teaching and learning every day .

What should you expect from the Principal?

A student centered, innovative, transparent, instructional leader committed to ensuring stu-

dents are afforded the very best daily. A leader that is consistent and committed to ensuring that

there are no obstacles or barriers to teaching, learning, and student success.

EEJUST MS 1300 Campus Way

North, Mitchellville, Maryland 20721 (301-808-4040

Fax:(301)808-4050 Guidance

(301)808-4032 Fax: (301)808-4071

7:30 am - 2:50 pm Students are allowed

on campus at 7:10 am. and should be picked up by 3:15

pm everyday.

P A G E 2

What’s for Lunch? Food and Nutrition Services offers a wide variety of popular foods. We strive,

through careful selection and preparation, to make children's favorite foods nutritionally

sound. From "Smart Pizza" to "Carrot Sticks" you can be assured we have consid-

ered our customers likes and dislikes and have purchased the most healthful foods

available. Encourage your child toEXERCISE DAILY and eat a wide variety of foods in

moderation for optimum health!

Meal Prices 2012-2013:Still the Best Buy in Town!

Student Breakfast: $1.50; Elementary Lunch: $2.60; Secondary Lunch: $2.85; Milk: $0.55;

Adult Breakfast: $2.50; Adult Lunch: $4.25.

Pre-Pay for Student Meals Online: PayPams is a quick and convenient way to ensure your student always has money on their lunch account. Please take the time to set-up an account today!

To Apply for Free or Reduced-Priced Meals:

Pick up an application at any school near you. Call your child's school and ask them to

send an application home with your child. Also, you may call: (301) 952-6517 and have an

application mailed to your home.

E R N E S T E V E R E T T J U S T M S S U M M E R

Count Down to the First Day of School! There are some steps that parents/guardians can take over the next three weeks to make the return to school and getting back to the learning process a success for their students. Encourage your students to do the following: Reading something that they are interested in at least 30 minutes everyday. En-

courage reading longer passages and having a discussion about the topic. Review basic math concepts. Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division.

Make it fun and apply it to everyday life. Grocery shopping is a great opportunity to apply math. For the students who shop at stores that have 2 for – $$ or 3 for - $$ specials/sales, this is a great opportunity as well. I encourage you to find more opportunities in your daily life. Try to include word problems. Words that give an idea of the math function that is needed to complete the answer to the question.

Writing about their day at camp or about your most recent vacation or about a topic of their choice.

PTSA Dues for 2012-2013 School year will be $20.00 per person. Upcoming opportunities to Join PTSA Before School Begins:

Thursday, August 16, 2012 (1/2 day) 6th - 7th grade Orientation 7:30 am– 10:30am

Thursday, August 16, 2012 6th, 7th, & 8th grade Parent Orientation 6:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

“Children who have parents that are involved DO BETTER than children who do not have parental involvement.”

P A G E 3 V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1

2012-2013 SY EEJUST MS School Supply List

2-3 composition books (science) 3 inch 3 Ring Binder 3 different color highlighters 500 ct. Filler Paper Pocket or Notebook Atlas 3 hole zipper pouch Colored Pencils Pocket or notebook Dictionary & Thesaurus Dual Side Ruler 12" Flash Drive Graph Paper No. 2 Pencils Agenda Book-Purchased 1st Month of School $TBD Notebook Dividers

(pack of 20, no less than 4 dividers for each class, home notes, field trip forms, etc)

Pens ( Blue or Black Ink) Pointless Compass Protractor Reinforcements for loose-leaf papers Scotch Tape Washable Markers (no permanent markers) SCIENCE DEPARTMENT FEE-$25

Calculators: All grades TI-84

Locker Supplies: Hand Sanitizer/Soap Tissues Wet Wipes

Art Supplies $5.00 Art Fee for Scholastic Arts Magazine Colored Pencils Erasers Hand Held Pencil Sharpener Paper Towels Physical Education Uniform Shirt- $10 Students wear their own shorts/pants/tennis shoes

NO PERMANENT MARKERS NO WHITE-OUT

Regular Book bags are allowed until Lockers are issued during the 1st

or 2nd

week of school. After Lockers are issued, book bags are prohibited throughout

the school day. If your student needs to carry books in a bag through out the building, the bag

MUST BE MESH/CLEAR/SEE THROUGH. There are no exceptions. EVERY Student will be issued a locker.

All students are reminded NOT TO SHARE LOCKERS FOR ANY REASON!

A Message from the PTSA As the newly elected PTSA President, I am excited about the opportunity to serve the parents, teachers, and students of Ernest Everett Just Middle School for the 2012-2013 School Year. We must partner together to ensure that our children are successful. There are many ways that we can achieve this goal. I encourage all parents to commit to being involved in Ern-est E. Just and involved with their students this school year. I encourage all parents to com-municate with your students and the teachers to set achievable goals for their students and the parents in setting goals. I further encourage the students of Ernest Just to challenge themselves to set realistic goals and strive to go beyond those goals by the end of the school year. Together we will hold each other accountable for the success of our students. I hope the rest of your summer is wonderful and I look forward to having every family join the 2012-2013 PTSA and to be EXCITED as well as INVOLVED throughout the upcoming school year! Sincerely,

Monique Alexander PTSA President 2012-2013 EEJMS PRES2012@gmail.com “Children who have parents that are involved DO BETTER than children who do not have parental involvement.”

Need help with ideas about where to volunteer? Check out the following websites! Remember to obtain the Community Learning Service Hours form from our Guidance Department.

You do not want to wait till the last minute to complete your volunteer hours requirements for

graduation. www.SmartVolunteer.org

www.DoSomething.org/volunteer

P A G E 4

Community Service Learning Hours

SCIENCE www.free.ed.gov/

http://www.brev.org/websites/science.htm

ALGEBRA www.algebra.com

www.coolmath.com/algebra/

WRITING www.writing.com

http://diplomaguide.com/articles/Online_Creative_Writing

Many students lose skills over the summer break. Instead of losing your skills, gain new ones! By visiting websites, you can brush up on your knowledge learned

last school year and get a jump start for next year! Check these websites out for a summer refresher:

MATH www.freemathhelp.com/geometry

www.apples4theteacher.com

www.math.com www.homeschoolmath.net/worksheets

www.math2.org

Full NEW 2012-2013 EEJUST UNIFORM POLICY All students are required to wear the mandatory uniform as described below. One of our approved vendors for Ernest Everett Just Middle School available for purchasing uniforms with the school logo will be All American Wear, 5001-B Forbes Blvd. Lanham, Maryland, 20706.

**************************************************** Parents who have already purchased polo shirts with the EEJMS logo may allow their student to wear those items to school. It is NOT REQUIRED THAT SHIRTS HAVE LOGOS. All students clothing must be worn to size and must fit correctly. They cannot sag, be baggy or tight. The items must be worn at the natural waistline as stated in the PGCPS Dress Code Policy. The official school uniform is as follows: Mandatory Items: Pants: (No Shorts, No cargo pants No Capris) 6th grade—Tan Khaki 7th grade – Tan Khaki 8th grade – Tan Khaki Skirts: (All skirts must be knee length or no shorter than fingertips. No Skorts) 6th grade—Tan Khaki 7th grade – Tan Khaki 8th grade – Tan Khaki Shirts: (All students must wear solid color long or short sleeved polo style shirts according to grade) 6th grade– Burgundy Polo 7th grade – Light Blue Polo 8th grade – Navy Blue Polo Belts: Black or Brown (No designer belts or buckles of any kind will be allowed) Shoes: All students must wear shoes that are closed at the toe and heel. (No crocs or sandals allowed.) All colors permitted. Optional Additions: Vests: Students may wear a V-neck vest in solid Navy, Khaki, White or Black. Sweaters: Students may wear solid Navy, Khaki, White, or Black- No Hoods. Fleece Pull-Overs: Students may wear solid Navy, Khaki, White or Black. Head Coverings: As stated in the PGCPS Dress Code “Headdress may be worn indoors for reli-gious or health reasons only.” Parents/Guardians must formally make requests, in writing to the Principal. Jewelry & Accessories: Jewelry should not pose safety hazard (i.e. no spiked jewelry, chokers, and oversized chains). Authorized jewelry items may not be replicas of weapons or contraband nor contain inappropriate language. No oversized necklaces, lanyard or earrings larger than the diameter of a quarter. Violations of the Dress Code will result in the following: 1. First Offense- phone call and/or letter home. 2. Second Offense- In School Suspension (1 day) 3. Third Offense-In School Suspension (2 or more days)

We at Ernest Everett Just Middle School look forward to a great school year. This uniform policy is one step toward keeping Ernest Everett Just Middle School a safe and orderly place for your children to obtain their education.

P A G E 5

Important Upcoming Dates ! 6th & 7th Grade Student Orientation

August 16, 2012 7:30 am— 10:30 am

All incoming 6th and 7th grade students will attend a half day orientation.

All students should wear their full uniform to orientation. All schedules will be available August 13th on SchoolMax.

Duplicate copies will be available on the day of orientation, if you can, bring yours with you!

Students will need a writing utensil, note pad/paper, a copy of the classroom schedule and the p.m. bus route number.

(don't forget!) Transportation will be provided for bus riders only.

All other students will be dropped off by parents or walk. Expect your bus rider home between 11:00 am - 11:30 am.

All other students should be picked up by 11:30 am. On Orientation Day lunch will NOT be served, therefore students should have a nutritious

breakfast at home. 8th grade students DO NOT attend this orientation.

6th, 7th & 8th Grade Parent Orientation August 16, 2012

6th grade parents, 6:00 – 7:00 pm 7th — 8th grade parents, 7:15— 8:15 pm

Parents are encouraged to come out to meet with Administration and other staff members to discuss the 2012-2013 School Year.

The PTSA Executive Board will be present. Please take this opportunity to sign up and support our PTSA!!

First Day of School August 20, 2012

7:30 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. Students will be allowed on the property for supervision

starting at 7:10 a.m. everyday school is open. Class will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m.

All students should be picked up by 3:30 p.m. Back To School Night

August 30, 2012 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

An opportunity for parents and guardians to meet administration

and teachers.

P A G E 6

PGCPS Back To School Fair!

Saturday, August 18, 2012

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The Show Place Arena

14900 Pennsylvania Avenue

Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Free Admission • Interpreters available •

Backpack give away

Breakfast with the Principal!

September 5, 2012 7:00 am - 8:00 am

Parents are invited to have breakfast with

our new Principal Moore and administration!

P A G E 7

2012-2013 School Calendar

July 4 Wednesday Holiday* - Independence Day August 6-8 Monday-Wednesday Professional duty days for new teachers August 13-17 Monday - Friday Professional duty days for all teachers August 20 Monday First day of school for students September 3 Monday Holiday* - Labor Day– Schools and Offices Closed September 17 Monday Holiday* - Rosh Hashanah– Schools Closed – All Offices are Open September 28 Friday Professional Development – Schools Closed for Students October First Quarter Progress Reports Released October 19 Friday MSEA Convention - Schools closed for Students and Teachers October 26 Friday End of First Quarter (46 days) October 29 Monday Professional Development and Grading/Teacher Planning - Schools closed for students November 6 Tuesday Presidential Election Day* – Schools and Offices Closed November First Quarter Report Cards Released November 12 Monday Parent Teacher Conference – Schools Closed for Students November 21 Wednesday Thanksgiving Break - Schools Closed for Students and Teachers – All Offices are Open November 22-23 Thursday & Friday Holiday* - Thanksgiving– Schools and Offices Closed December Second Quarter Progress Reports Released December 24-26 Monday - Wednesday Holiday* - Christmas– Schools and Offices Closed December 27-28 Thursday -Friday Winter Break* – Schools and Offices Closed December 31- January 1 Monday &Tuesday Holiday* - New Years– Schools and Offices Closed January 17 Thursday End of Second Quarter (46 days) January 18 Friday Professional Development and Grading/Teacher Planning - Schools Closed for students January 21 Monday Holiday* – Martin L. King, Jr. Day February Second Quarter Report Cards Released February 15 Friday Parent Teacher Conference – Schools Closed for Students February 18 Monday Holiday* – Presidents’ Day March Third Quarter Progress Reports Released March 27 Wednesday End of Third Quarter (45 days) March 28 Thursday Professional Development and Grading/Teacher Planning - Schools Closed for Students March 29 & April 1 Friday & Monday Holiday* - Easter April 2-5 Tuesday – Friday Spring Break – Schools Closed for Students and Teachers April Third Quarter Report Cards Released May Fourth Quarter Progress Reports Released – Seniors May Fourth Quarter Progress Reports Released May 27 Monday Holiday* – Memorial Day June 7 Friday Last Day for Students (1/2 day)*** – End of Fourth Quarter (44 days) June 7 Friday Last Day for Teachers June 10-13 Inclement weather make-up days June Fourth Quarter Report Cards Released 180 student days 191 teacher days 194 days for new teachers *All schools and offices closed **Holiday begins at sunset of the proceeding day. PGCPS prohibits scheduling of any meetings or activities during or after the regular school day. (Does not apply to state or regional events) ***Subject to change due to inclement weather.

A Parent’s Checklist

For Preparing a Child for Academic Success

Please read the items listed below. They can help your son or daughter become a more

successful student. As you scan the list, keep in mind that at Ernest Everett Just Middle

School, our goal is to partner with you in preparing each young person for academic

achievement.

□ I have provided contact numbers to the school by updating my information in the Guidance Office, and logged onto SchoolMax through the Parent Portal.

□ I read school letters sent home to parents. □ I look over my son’s/daughter’s homework assignments. □ I look over graded papers my son/daughter brings home. □ My son/daughter has a quiet place at home to study. □ I limit the amount of television and telephone time my child has. □ My child gets eight hours of sleep on school nights. □ I will inform my child’s teachers or counselor of any special concerns, needs,

and/or problems. □ I know how to contact teachers and counselor through google websites. □ I have a 2012-2013 school calendar that contains important dates. □ I plan to attend Back to School Night and Parent Conferences to monitor my

child’s progress. □ I have joined the PTSA! ($20)

P A G E 8

Lockers will be distributed the 2nd week of school. PRACTICE HOW TO OPEN A COMBINATION LOCK.

Use your free hand to clasp the dial. Hold the combination lock in one hand and use the other to grasp the dial in the center with the thumb and index finger. Turn the dial so that the vertical line above the number zero is directly lined up with the arrow notch at the top of the lock. Twist the dial clockwise-from left to right-for three full rotations until the number zero is once again lined up with the arrow notch. Rotate the dial further to the right and stop when the arrow notch is pointing to the number 10. Turn the dial counterclockwise-from right to left-past the number 25 once and stop when it's directly

below the arrow notch on it the second time around. Twist the dial to the right and stop when the arrow notch is directly above the number 30. The shackle should easily come out of the lock if the combination was properly dialed. Pull up on the shackle to open the lock.

Tips & Warnings The lock will not open if the exact numbers of the combination are not stopped on or if the dial is turned in the wrong direction. You must start over and go through all the steps correctly for the lock to open properly. To close the lock, press the shackle back into the hole near the top of the lock. It doesn't matter what number the arrow notch is pointing toward to close the lock.