A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents, Happy New Year! Happy New Decade! 2020 is here. Before students left for the holiday break, they set goals for their learning in 2020. We are using the number 2020 to reinforce that we need clear vision to reflect on where we are as learners and set goals accordingly. Their task was to identify what their “vision” is for the remainder of this school year, and each student identi-fied vision goals in four areas: academics, school/school improvement, ISAT, and behavior. We created a large bulletin board in the main hallway displaying these, and they have been inspiring to read. Ask your student about their goals for 2020! We continue to reinforce the PRIDE words (Perseverance, Responsibility, Integrity, Determination, and Excellence) into most of our school settings and practices. We are committed to making the statements “Learning for All” and “Excellent instruction every day in every class for every student” reality at our school! While we have enjoyed a mild winter so far this year, please be aware that you can receive snow day alerts and other notifications via text messaging from the West Ada School District if your PowerSchool settings are up to date. If you would like to do that, please access the district’s webpage at www.westada.org or this link: http://www.westada.org/cms/lib8/ID01904074/Centricity/Domain/4851/PowerSchool%20Parent%20Information.pdf. I am happy to report that we have an active and committed PTSO. They have taken on selling concessions at many of the after school athletic events and are always looking for volunteers to help. This year, their fundraising has been focused on purchasing a score board for our football program. The PTSO meets the first Thursday of every month at 3:45pm in our library. Everyone is welcome, and there is no charge for membership. As often as possible, get involved as your student completes homework or seeks your help on special projects. Encourage your student to read at least 20 minutes every night. Make school attendance a priority – regular attend-ance directly impacts student learning and success, both now and for college and career readiness. Access PowerSchool Parent to monitor assignments and grades. We welcome and truly appreciate your involvement in Meridian Middle School and your child’s education. At MMS, we are committed to a prosperous year of learning in 2020. I always welcome your input, so please do not hesitate to call or email me with your ideas, concerns, success sto-ries, and suggestions. Sincerely,

Lisa Austin, Principal

Important

Dates:

January 16th & 17th: EARLY RELEASE DAYS January 17: End of 1st Semester January 20: NO SCHOOL MLK / Human Rights Day January 21: 2nd Semester Begins Parents will need to sign into PowerSchool to access stu-dent grades from S1. Report cards will not be sent home. S2 schedules are available on PowerSchool. Please log in to access or print them. (see page 2 of Newsletter for

directions)

February 17: NO SCHOOL President’s Day February 28: NO SCHOOL Inservice March 20: NO SCHOOL Inservice

End of 3rd Quarter March 23 - March 27: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break March 30: School Resumes

Be sure to mark your calendars!

THE MERIDIAN CONNECTION Our Mission: Learning for ALL!

School Website: www.westada.org/mms

2020

Once the student has signed in they will click on “My

Schedule.

They should have the screen above come up. Have the student scroll down to the very end. They will be able to see what their schedule is going to be for 2nd Semester.

If they look and nothing shows up, parent(s) will need to go in and update the demographic information. In order for parents to complete this process, they will need to sign in to their own PowerSchool Parent account. You cannot use the students account to update the infor-mation. If you have any questions or problems, please email the school at mmsnews@westada.org.

Directions on how to view 2nd Semester schedule.

PARENTS: Students may look under “My Schedule” on their PowerSchool Student account

to see their S2 schedule. If nothing shows up, Parent(s) will need to go in and update the demo-graphic information for this year. In order to complete this information, you will need to sign in

to your own PowerSchool Parent account. You may not use the students account to update the information. If you have any questions or problems please email us at mmsnews@westada.org.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON HOW STUDENTS MAY ACCESS THEIR 2ND SEMESTER SCHEDULES:

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Please sign up for your account at

www.mypaymentsplus.com

We at the cafeteria try our hardest to en-sure that children are fed everyday and we would appreciate your help by creating an account at mealpayplus to monitor your child's account. We have an outstand-ing negative balance of over $300.00 from children charging their lunches. Letters have been sent home with students, but to be sure your child is not holding a negative bal-ance simply sign up at www.mypaymentsplus.com. You can create a free account to check balances and meal purchase histories. Your help in clearing these negative charges is greatly appreciat-ed. If you have any questions regarding your child's account, please feel free to contact the MMS Kitchen and myself or my staff. We will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Laura Hoffman- Manager 208-855-4238

Yearbooks on Sale Now 2019/2020 Yearbooks are currently for sale. Don’t

miss out on getting your book of this year’s memories. You may purchase from the bookkeeper or

go to the MMS Web store to buy one. They are $24.00.

Yearbooks will be sold only until January 31, 2020. Once the order is placed, no more will be sold.

We will not sell yearbooks on the last day of school. All outstanding fees must be paid to receive your yearbook!

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News from the

Library!

Several of our students are participating in the Idaho Battle of the Books. These students have grouped themselves into teams and are busy reading books and taking notes. The teams will battle one another over book trivia for the next couple of months, until we end up with an MMS IBOB winner. If your student is participating, be proud of all their hard work. Go Chiefs!!

Thank you for encouraging your student to read! We have many new, exciting additions to our collection. Please continue to ask your student when they are reading and help them to be mindful of due dates. All books checked out before Christmas were due Mon-day, January 6. Please renew or return library books so that others may enjoy them. Ask your student to log into Destiny, then click the “My Info” tab to see what books they have checked out and view due dates.

Remember that eBooks are a great option for reading. These can be read from any computer or device. There are a wide range of titles available, with new titles being added regularly. Find eBooks through the Sora app or by logging into Destiny. Also, eBooks check themselves in on the due date, so they’re never overdue!

Happy Reading!!!

LIBRARY WEBSITE

Please call the library with any questions.

Sara Murphy

Teacher-Librarian

Meridian Middle School

208-855-4237

C O U N S E L O R

O R N E R

Please join us in the MMS Library for the MMS PTSO meetings on the following dates at 3:45pm

(please enter through the outside Counseling Office doors)

February 13th

March 12th

April 9th

May 14th

Click below for the website:

MMS PTSO

Registration Dates for the 2020-2021 school year:

HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRATION

(8th graders going into 9th)

Wednesday, February 26th

CTE Presentation in the 8th Grade in the Auditorium

February 5th & 6th, 2020

(8th grade students) 4 year planner presentation in the Library

March 3rd & 6th, 2020 (8th grade students)

High School On-Line Registration in the Library

Registration

5th 6th: February 24 - 27

6th 7th: February 18 - 21

7th 8th: February 14 - 19

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Why is it bad to idle vehicles?

Idling vehicles contribute to air pollution and emit air toxins, which are pollutants known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects. Monitoring at schools has shown elevated levels of benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and other air toxics during the afternoon hour coinciding with parents picking up their children. Children’s lungs are still developing, and when they are exposed to elevated levels of these pollutants, children have an increased risk of developing asthma, respiratory problems and other adverse health effects. Limiting a vehicle’s idling time can dra-matically reduce these pollutants and children’s exposure to them.

Please keep our Turn Around area IDLE

FREE to protect our children and staff. Please turn OFF your cars while waiting for your child when in the pick up area. Some vehicles are idling for over 30 minutes while waiting and the pollutants are entering the buildings.

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Students:

Remember that if you are sick and feel you

need to call home, you MUST go to the Nurse in-stead of calling your par-

ents directly. Having the Nurse excuse

you IS an excused ab-sence.

If you don't go through the Nurse,

the absence will NOT be excused.

Linda Daley, BSN, RN School Nurse

Dear Parents and Guardians, Is your child in need of healthcare, but you just don’t have time in your day to get them there? The Meridian Schools Clinic was designed just to meet the needs of families like yours, at an af-fordable cost, with transportation included at no cost. Our shared goal is to see children succeed by keeping them healthy, in school, and ready to learn. If your child needs help with any of the following, please do not hesitate to take advantage of the Meridian Schools Clinic. • Well-Child Exams • Well-Adolescent Exams (Sports Physicals) • Immunizations • Routine Laboratory Tests • Dental Hygiene Services: Fluoride Varnishes, Sealants, and

Cleanings • Behavioral and Mental Health Assessments and Treatment

Options • Referrals for Drug and Alcohol Assessments and Treatment

Options Clinic Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday Appointments are now available before school starts each day! Checklist for your child’s appointment: Health History Parent Consent Form (if you will not be present at the appoint-ment) Transportation Consent Form (if your child needs a ride to and from school) Cost: We accept all health insurance to include Medicaid. If you don’t have health insurance, please apply for our sliding fee dis-count program. No child will be turned away for inability to pay. Mental health and dietician services are available by appoint-ment. If you would like to learn more about Meridian Schools Clinic, please visit our website or give us a call at (208) 514-2527.

• Formularios en español

8th Grade Health Material Preview

If you have a question or would like to

preview any of the MMS 8th Grade

Health Materials, please call :

John Wilper

(855-4225, ext. 1167)

Materials will also be available all day

on

January 27th in Room 702 or in the

Counseling Office for preview. This

preview will offer parents an oppor-

tunity to preview materials and films

at the beginning of the semester.

Materials may also be accessed on

MSD website at:

Health Material Preview

What’s coming up in sports? Spring Sports are beginning in MARCH!!

BASKETBALL (Boys & Girls) for 7th grade - Begins March 5th

Head Coaches- Girls: Jessica Watson Boys: Jacob Watson watson.jessica@westada.org so5852@icloud.com

This is a short season. We play each West Ada middle school on time. This allows the 7th grader athletes to play basketball and still be able to join a spring sport (Tennis or Track). If a student chooses to participate in 7th grade Basketball, the fee is $60. They must also have purchased an activity card for $22.26 if they have not already done so this school year. If the athlete would like to join tennis or track once the season is finish, they will only be required to pay an additional $30.00 and not the com-plete $90.00. All athletes are required to have a signed Participation Form in order to begin the season.

TRACK for 6, 7 and 8th grade - Begins March 16th : Coach Ryan Keenan

keenan.ryan@westada.org

TENNIS for 6, 7 and 8th grade - Begins March 30th: Coach Berg

berg.haley@westada.org

Be sure to have your student listen to the morning announcements for more information. Any Questions?? Please contact Coach Farnham at:

farnham.sonya@westada.org

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On Thursday, January 23rd from 6:00 - 7:00pm, MMS will host an AVID Informational Night

in the library.

Current 6th grade students will be eligible to apply to be a member of next year’s 7th grade AVID class

during the first few weeks of February.

Families and students that have any questions about AVID, the application process, or the class,

are encouraged to attend this informational meeting.

Questions about that night, contact Meghan Stewart, Asst. Principal

(stewart.meghan@westada.org) or Cari Barnes, AVID Counselor

(barnes.cari@westada.org).

CLICK HERE for the MMS AVID Website

AFTER SCHOOL CLASS at the

Meridian Public Library Mr. Perez (teacher) and the library staff will be available to

help students with their school work. Beginning on Thursday,

January 30th, starting at 3:20 until 5:00 PM (Thursdays Only).

It’s a great place for your child to do their assignments with the resources of the public library at their deposal.

• Free Wi-Fi and technology. • LOTS of resources and assistance. • Safe and a quiet place for studying.

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8 The AVID students have started a new award to celebrate their amazing teachers here at MMS!

This award is called the "On Point With AVID" teaching award. Each month the winner will be pre-

sented with a certificate & the giant pencil to keep in their room for a month to show off to all who

come through their room! The winning teacher is chosen by either our 7th or 8th grade AVID stu-

dents. Theses students nominate teachers based off who they see using AVID strategies in a power-

ful way in their classroom. This could be through agenda use, focused notes, Socratic seminars, etc.

This month our 7th grade AVID students nominated, voted, and presented numerous reasons for

why December's "On Point With AVID" teacher is.......

Mrs. Armstrong!

Here are a few of the things the students said about Mrs. Armstrong's class: "Mrs. Armstrong always has us doing focused notes, and it really helps me be study so I can be ready for my tests" "We always make sure to do our agendas and she checks them with a really cool stamp!" "In Mrs. Armstrong's class we get to do things like philosophical chairs. That's when we get to talk about what we are learning with the whole class and tell our own opinions on it."

Bringing Shakespeare to MMS

For the past several years, we have had the privilege of bringing the Idaho Shakespeare Festival's "Shakespearience" to Meridian Middle School. It has engaged our Drama, Gifted & Talented, and 8th grade Honors English students in a unique opportunity where they learn about Shakespeare through an interactive workshop and a live theater performance of one of Shakespeare's plays. This year's play is Richard III, a crime-thriller disguised as a history play. Shakespeare can be so intimidating, especially to middle school students. The Idaho Shakespeare Festival actors bring Shakespeare’s world to life. They make chal-lenging and rigorous content enjoyable and relatable to our students. Shakespearience impacts our students in such a way that they gain a lasting appreciation, interest, and love for the performing arts. The number of students im-pacted each year ranges from 125-200. In the past, we've been able to bring Shakespearience to our school through grant funding. However, this year our grant was not funded. If you would be interested in donating to this educational ex-perience, we would certainly be greatful. We’ve seen the benefits to Meridian Middle School stu-dents over the years and we'd love to see this wonderful tradition carried on.

Meridian Middle School After School Activity Policy

Students may not enter the gym or be at a field prior to 4pm; therefore, we encourage students who are able to go home to do so after school and return at 4pm for games. Once games begin, students must be seated and remain in the gym until the completion of a game or match. Football spectators are to be at the game and watching, not wandering on campus. Students may leave to go to another gym or game only at the completion of a match or game or at half-time of a game. In the Bill Berg Gym, students will sit on the West side bleachers when they are available. During wrestling matches, the West side is reserved for Wrestlers and visiting fans. All student spectators will demonstrate sportsmanship and adhere to the Spectator code of Ethics found on page 11 of the Student-Parent Handbook. Remember that all school rules apply at after school activities. The locker rooms will not be available for student spectators. You must keep all of your belongings with you. The locker rooms will be locked and only players may have access under the supervision of their coaches.

Did you know.....?

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Tuesday January 14th

Wednesday January 15th

6th 7th 8th

8:35 – 8:51 Advisory 8:35 – 8:51 Advisory 8:35 – 8:51 Advisory

8:55 – 10:15 1ST PERIOD FINAL 8:55– 10:15 1ST PERIOD FINAL 8:55 – 10:15 1ST PERIOD FINAL

10:19 – 11:39 2ND PERIOD FINAL 10:15 – 10:25 BREAK 10:15 – 10:25 BREAK

11:39 – 12:09 LUNCH 10:29 – 11:49 2ND PERIOD FINAL 10:29 – 11:49 2ND PERIOD FINAL

12:13 – 12:48 3RD PERIOD 11:53 – 12:28 3RD PERIOD 11:53 – 12:28 3RD PERIOD

12:52- 1:27 5TH PERIOD 12:28 – 12:58 LUNCH 12:32 – 1:07 4TH PERIOD

1:27 – 1:37 BREAK 1:02 – 1:37 4TH PERIOD 1:07 – 1:37 LUNCH

1:41 – 2:16 6TH PEROD 1:41 – 2:16 6TH PERIOD 1:41 – 2:16 5TH PERIOD

2:20 – 2:55 7TH PERIOD 2:20 – 2:55 7TH PERIOD 2:20 – 2:55 7TH PERIOD

2:55 – 3:10 LOCKER CLEANOUT 2:55 – 3:10 LOCKER CLEANOUT 2:55 – 3:10 LOCKER CLEANOUT

LOCKER CLEANOUT WILL BE DONE WITH YOUR 7TH PERIOD CLASSES Thursday January 16th

6th 7th 8th

8:20 – 8:56 ADVISORY 8:20 – 8:56 ADVISORY 8:20 – 8:56 ADVISORY

9:00 – 10:25 3RD PERIOD FINAL 9:00 – 10:25 3RD PERIOD FINAL 9:00 – 10:25 3RD PERIOD FINAL

10:25 – 10:32 BREAK 10:25 – 10:32 BREAK 10:25 – 10:32 BREAK

10:36 – 12:00 5TH PERIOD FINAL 10:36 – 12:00 4TH PERIOD FINAL 10:36 – 12:00 4TH PERIOD FINAL

Friday January 17th

6th 7th 8th

8:20 – 8:56 ADVISORY 8:20 – 8:56 ADVISORY 8:20 – 8:56 ADVISORY

9:00 – 10:25 6TH PERIOD FINAL 9:00 – 10:25 6TH PERIOD FINAL 9:00 – 10:25 5TH PERIOD FINAL

10:25 – 10:32 BREAK 10:25 – 10:32 BREAK 10:25 – 10:32 BREAK

10:36 – 12:00 7TH PERIOD FINAL 10:36 – 12:00 7TH PERIOD FINAL 10:36 – 12:00 7TH PERIOD FINAL

10/8/19

6th 7th 8th

8:20 – 8:36 ADVISORY 8:20 – 8:36 ADVISORY 8:20 – 8:36 ADVISORY

8:40 – 9:21 1ST PERIOD 8:40 – 9:21 1ST PERIOD 8:40 – 9:21 1ST PERIOD

9:25 – 10:06 2ND PERIOD 9:25 – 10:06 2ND PERIOD 9:25 – 10:06 2ND PERIOD

10:10 – 10:51 3RD PERIOD 10:06 – 10:16 BREAK 10:06– 10:16 BREAK

10:51 – 11:21 LUNCH 10:20 – 11:01 3RD PERIOD 10:20 – 11:01 3RD PERIOD

11:25 – 12:06 5TH PERIOD 11:05 – 11:46 4TH PERIOD 11:05 – 11:46 4TH PERIOD

12:10 – 12:51 6TH PERIOD 11:46 – 12:16 LUNCH 11:50 – 12:31 5TH PERIOD

12:51 – 1:01 BREAK 12:20 – 1:01 6TH PERIOD 12:31 – 1:01 LUNCH

1:05 – 1:46 7TH PERIOD 1:05 – 1:46 7TH PERIOD 1:05 – 1:46 7TH PERIOD

1:50 – 3:10 8TH PERIOD FINAL 1:50 – 3:10 8TH PERIOD FINAL 1:50 – 3:10 8TH PERIOD FINAL

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Students WORK HARD, PLAY HARD!

Good Grades = Summer Freedom

Failing Grades = Summer School

What kind of summer will you choose?

As first semester nears and end, please be mindful of the district's middle school credit policy and requirements. Each 7th and 8th grade student must attain a minimum of eighty percent (80%) of the total credits attempted in order

to be eligible for promotion to the next grade level.

To be eligible for promotion to the next grade level, each 7th and 8th grade student must earn at least one credit from each of the year long classes.

For a complete explanation of the requirements, please review policy 603.30 - Middle School Credits on the District website. www.westada.org (or see the chart below)

Please visit our counseling webpage or contact your students grade level counselor for more information.

Taylor Prine 6th Grade 208-855-4243

Cari Barnes 7th Grade 208-855-4242

Ryan Newby 8th Grade 208-855-4241

Please join us for the MMS Midwinter Concerts on

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

at 7pm

for the 6th grade Band concert and

Thursday, February 13, 2020

at 7pm

for the 6th grade Orchestra concert

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Below is a link to the West Ada Page for Gifted and Talented. If you

believe your child may be gifted, there are links on this site with information to guide you.

CLICK HERE for the GIFTED and TALENTED West Ada page

After you explore the information on the Gifted and Talented site, the link below will

take you to the district’s Gifted and Talented Nomination Form if you

decide that your child may be gifted and would benefit from placement in the program. Once you have completed this form, the GT facilitator will be in contact with you. We look forward to working with you and your child.

CLICK HERE to access the Gifted and Talented Form.

End of the Year Awards

Please note that on TUESDAY, April 28th, 2020 we will be using each students current Cumulative GPA (1st semester and current 2nd semester grade averaged) in order to deter-mine which students qualify to receive the GPA Award of 3.5 or better for the end of the year awards ceremony. Awards will not be issued for those students whose current cumulative

GPA did not meet the 3.5 or above criteria on TUESDAY, April 28th, 2020 . Please make sure your child is aware of the cutoff date and have all work turned in early enough to be grad-

ed and entered in the gradebook by TUESDAY, April 28th, 2020 .

If you have any questions, please contact your grade level counselor.

Thank you,

MMS Counselors

6th - Taylor Steele - 208-855-4242 7th - Cari Barnes - 208-855-4241 8th - Ryan Newby - 208-855-4243

Ski and Snowboard Club News

Students will need to attend 3 qualify-ing races to qualify for the Doty Clark Race on February 21st. The races are on each Saturday.

Listen to the morning announcements for more information.

Questions? Contact:

Jennifer Reed at:

reed.jennifer@westada.org Room 114

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What is Advisory, really?? Do you ever look at PowerSchool and wonder why your child has an Advisory class? Advi-

sory is like a “home base or homeroom.” This time of the day is meant to be used as a

consistent place where students can have the support and encouragement to be success-

ful in their school day. Advisory ensures that at least one adult in the school is getting to

know each student well, making sure students are actively involved with checking grades

and making good academic choices. Advisory is not a credited class, that is why you will

see NC above the percentage. Your child earns points in Advisory for a variety of organiza-

tional tasks including binder checks. This helps keep our students organized and prepared

for each class.

RACE DATES:

January 11 January 18 January 25 February 1 February 8

February 15 Dotty Clark : February 21

MMS Spelling Bee

January 29, 2020

Start Time: 3:30 Location: Cafeteria

Thank you.

Parents:

In an effort to reduce costs we will NOT be printing Semester 1 Report Cards to mail or

send home with the students. Please view your student’s grades online using:

PowerSchool Parent

Attendance Tips for Parents

Let Children Know that Good Attendance Is Important:

• Good attendance habits start at an early age. Make sure your child goes to school regularly and

on time. This helps them develop a positive view of school and the importance of attendance.

• Discuss with your student that being on time to school and on time to each class is important.

• Attendance is a parent and student responsibility. Let your child know that you think attending

school daily is important. Show them you are interested in their school activities and tell them

that you want them to do well in school.

• Become involved in your child’s school life and school activities.

• Take an interest in your child’s school work. Check homework for accuracy and completeness.

• Read the school newsletter. Post the school calendar and notes on the refrigerator, or other

prominent location to highlight school activities and important student information.

• Do not provide inappropriate excuses for your child to miss school. Do not let them take time off

from school for minor ailments – particularly those which would not prevent you from going to

work.

• Don’t expect or let older children stay home from school to babysit younger siblings.

• Set good examples and enforce rules. Speak well of the school and support school staff.

• Make a contract with your child to improve his/her attendance. Reward positive improvements.

• Keep in mind, that attendance in high school is REQUIRED and poor attendance will result in a

loss of credits

How Does the School Encourage Attendance?

• Staff greets the students as they enter the building with a smile and a good morning

• Students with faithful and consistent attendance are recognized in a school-wide assembly

• We offer several after school clubs open to ALL students

• We provide a safe and warm environment for ALL students

• Staff members reach out to students when they’ve missed school to see how they can help

them get caught up

• Staff will notify parents when their students have missed a specific number of days in a

semester

o At five days – counselors will email/call parents

o At six days – an attendance letter will be sent

o At ten days – a meeting will be scheduled with parents, school counselor, and grade

level administrator to determine options to improve attendance

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