Date
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Dates and times are subject to change
Greetings Middletown Families: A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to join some students in the media center during KnighsQuest to hear a guest speaker talk about his educational endeavors and career experiences that prepared him to become an oncologist. After his presentation he fielded questions from a very interested student audience. One student asked him, "How do you stay current in your field?" The oncologist quickly reached into his bag and pulled out three books which he placed on a table in front of him. He then pointed to all of the students and said, "read, read, read" and then he talked about the benefits of reading books in every profession. I have to say his response surprised me a little. I had expected him to say that he kept current by enrolling in course work and additional training opportunities.
Since that event, I have doubled down on my New Year's Resolution to read more by committing time each week to read from a book. By replacing social media time with reading, I have been able to finish a number of books. I have read "The Hate You Give" by Angie Thomas, "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins, and last week I finished "Blended Learning In Action" by Catlin Tucker and Tiffany Wycoff. A few titles on my reading list for this month include "Literacy and Racial Justice" by Catherine Prendergast, "The End of Average" by Todd Rose, "The Untethered Soul" by Michael Singer, "Do Bee Keeping/The secret to happy honey bees" by Orren Fox, and "The Boy Crisis" by Warren Farrell and John Gray. Not surprisingly, my book preferences have been driven by personal interest, but recently I have found that reading recommended books has generated new interests and a renewed commitment to weekly reading.
In a 2015 US News and World Report article, a Common Sense Media report found that adult reading rates had plummeted and that only about 19% of 17 year-olds read. Given what we know about the importance or reading, the decline in reading across all age groups is astonishing and concerning. I am of the opinion that we need to renew our efforts to encourage students to read and find joy in reading. A place to start could be for adults to prioritize and model a commitment to weekly reading. The month of March is an exciting time with the first day of spring's promise of warmer weather. However, March can have a fair number of inclement weather days making it the perfect month for the National Read Across America month designation.
It may seem like a challenge to find a book of interest with so many titles out there, but librarians make it their mission to help patrons locate relevant reading material. The internet is also a great resource for finding relevant reading material. Links like this one https://www.angieslist.com/articles/home-reading-books-and-reviews.htm offer websites for literature lovers, and those interested in book reviews, discussion sites, and much more. As I mentioned above, I value book recommendations. If there is a particular book you think I would be interested in, feel free to email me at lee.jeffrey@fcps.org with your suggestion.
Thank you and Happy Reading!
Sincerely,
Lee Jeffrey, Principal FCPS_MHSKnights
#rainydaysaremadeforreading
Heroin & Opioid Parent Information Night Tuesday, March 12, 2019
5:00 pm Viewing of Heroin's Grip 6:30 pm Guest Presenters
The PTSA has underwritten the viewing of the Maryland Public Television documentary, "Heroin's Grip". This video is a poignant and personal documentary shedding light on our region's pressing heroin problem.
Check it out at: http://www.mpt.org/breakingheroin/
AP Exam Registration Open Until Tuesday, March 26
Registration Information: Students can only register for exams for courses in which they are enrolled during the 2018-2019 school year. *Students registering for the AP Computer Science Principles exam must do so by Monday, March 11. For registration information, see https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=10470
Students wishing to register for AP exams for courses they have not taken, please see/contact Denise Staub denise.staub@fcps.org
Exam Fee Information: Cost of each exam is $97.76 ($94 exam fee + 4% processing fee). Exams should be paid through https://frederickcounty.schoolcashonline.com/. A reduced exam fee is available for students who meet certain financial criteria. Students meeting eligibility requirements should complete the waiver form and return to Ms. Hontz in the front office by March 8. See https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=10535
MHS Drama Presents: THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Come see the show! Performance schedule:
Friday, March 29 @ 7:00 PM Saturday, March 30 @ 7:00 PM Sunday, March 31 @ 2:00 PM
For more information, including ticket sales and bouquet purchases, see link https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=10544
Take time to send a "Break a Leg!"
Theatrical superstition warns that a wish for "good luck" will bring the opposite results for the cast and crew and instead the tradition is to say "Break a Leg!" Take time to send a "Break a Leg" message to your student performer or crew member and let them know how proud you are of their hard work! All messages will be published in The Addams Family playbill and are due to Ms. Duva by March 20. Students will also be able to purchase "Break A Leg" messages for their fellow classmates on March 14 and 15 in the cafeteria during their lunch period. : https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=10654
Youth Art Month Spirit Week Monday, March 18 - Friday, March 22
Celebrate Youth Art Month by participating in Spirit Week as follows:
Monday: Monochromatic Monday - wear one color Tuesday: Graphic Print and Pattern Day - wear patterns Wednesday: Black and White Photo Day - wear black, gray, white Thursday: Dress Like An Artist Day - wear studio clothes or dress like a famous artist Friday: NAHS T-Shirt Day or Class Color Day
Empty Bowls Banquet Thursday, April 11
The Empty Bowls Banquet is a fundraiser for Middletown People Helping People and Middletown Food Bank. This is a collaborative effort with Middletown High School and members of the Middletown Valley Community. MHS will host the 27th Annual Empty Bowls Banquet on Thursday, April 11, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM in the Cafeteria.
Entertainment: Fertile Soil, Bluegrass / Gospel Band and MHS Student Josh Koons Guest Speaker: Nick Brown, Director, Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs
Dinner will be provided by Fratelli's, a new local Restaurant.The menu options are:
Tickets are available at MHS. Prices are $14.00 per adult, $12 per student (ages 13-college), and $7 per child (ages 12 and below).
Please contact Alisa.Gibson@fcps.org or James.Zimmer@fcps.org for more information.
Discount Hershey Park Tickets Available: Orders & Payment Due by Tuesday, March 19
Support the Senior Class! See the flyer for discount tickets to Hershey Park. See flyer: https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=10389
Biliteracy Award
Students with a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English and one or more other languages can earn the Maryland State Seal of Biliteracy. See flyer to learn more: https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=10379 Contact Marcia.Stutzman@fcps.org with questions.
FCPS All-County Student Art Exhibit and FCPS Faculty Show Open Through Sunday, March 31
March brings the Frederick County Public Schools’ All-County Student Art Exhibit and Faculty Show to the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center. Open free to the public, the exhibit will feature more than 300 imaginative two- and three-dimensional creations by students and staff from each public school. The folliwing MHS students will have their pieces on display:
Grace Dutrow Grace Griffin Tyler McVey Amanda Smith Shane Taylor Cecilia Vu Kathryn Whitehead Donna Lehman (MHS Art Teacher)
Check out their amazing artwork here: https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=10646
The show opened on Friday, March 1 and continues through Sunday, March 31 during the Delaplaine’s usual hours, 9-5 Mondays-Saturdays and 11-5 Sundays. The Center is at 40 S. Carroll Street in downtown Frederick. The gallery is also open some evening hours when the Center offers classes; for the evening schedule, please call 301-698-0656 or visit www.delaplaine.org
See the newest MHS Counseling Bulletin, featuring scholarship opportunities, testing and career resources, and more:
https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=10642
2019 American Legion Maryland Boys State Program June 16-22, 2019 @ McDaniel College Now Accepting Applications APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, April 15
Current junior boys who want to develop their leadership skills, particularly in the areas of citizenship and government, are encouraged to apply for the 2018 American Legion Boys State Program. Those who are members of leadership organizations make excellent candidates and it is also strongly recommended for those who intend to apply for a service academy appointment. See Ms. Bagnell in the Counseling Center for more information.
Application and information: http://mdlegion.org/boysstate/ Information Flier: http://mdlegion.org/Forms/MD_Boys_State_Info_Flyer.pdf
The Community Foundation of Frederick County’s 2019-2020 Scholarship Application:
The application window is open through 11:59 PM on Sunday, March 31.
Please note: Students are strongly encouraged to complete and submit applications as soon as possible as online site traffic near March 31 will be heavy.
Students who will graduate this May and are planning to attend college or pursue vocational training, or those students currently enrolled and attending college or vocational training should apply. Scholarships are available for all areas of study. Visit www.ScholarshipsFrederickCounty.com for all details and to apply.
Counseling Office Resources
Last Names A-D: Meredith Bagnell, 240-236-7404 Last Names E-K: Brad George, 240-236-7436 Last Names L-Rod: Erin Fava, 240-236-7402 Last Names Roe-Z: Paula Langley, 240-236-7405
Registrar: Niki Dillard, 240-236-7401 Counseling Secretary: Jennifer Bertulaitis, 240-236-7403
Fax: 240-236-7580 Visit the MHS School Counseling Page
Round Table Media covers the news, events and people of the Middletown High School community through the use of print, online, social media and broadcast media. Student reporters and editors generate their own story ideas and do their own reporting, hoping to both inform and entertain their readers and viewers while adhering to journalistic principles. Round Table Media strives for accuracy and reliability as a credible news source and a fair representation of the MHS student body and the surrounding communities.
Middletown welcomes exchange student Matteo Demarchi by Tessa Hauser and Leah Heon Senior Hope Redhead starts fund for dog with heartworms in Louisiana by Ally Pick Students resolve to remember Parkland by Jordan Long Discussion: NCAA tournament by Joe Montgomery Fun feature: MHS cash cab - Ep. 2 by Jake Stafford and Reid Fedors
Check us out on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mhsrtnews/ See our Twitter posts at https://twitter.com/MHSRTNews Browse our feed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mhsroundtable/
Senior Class Meeting Wednesday, March 13
Mark your calendars! Mandatory senior class meeting on Wednesday, March 13, 9:30-11:00 in the Auditorium. If you are off-campus, please make arrangements in advance so you can attend. We will cover graduation information, cap/gown distribution, spring schedule and take our 2019 photo.
Attention Senior Parents! Photos Requested for Baccalaureate
The MHS PTSA is requesting photos! As per our Baccalaureate tradition, the evening will include a reminiscent slideshow. We encourage seniors and their parents/guardians to submit pictures for the slideshow. These can be old or recent pictures of yourself, your classmates, and any major events, especially of your high school years (no formal senior pictures, please). Candid moments with friends are encouraged!
Please note: this slideshow is separate from the graduation ceremonial slideshow. Email high-quality photos in JPEG format to mhsptsabacc@gmail.com Be sure to include your (senior's) name in the Subject!
Attention Seniors! Baccalaureate Committee Needs Help
The Baccalaureate committee needs a few dedicated seniors to act as liaisons between the committee and the senior class. Please email mhsptsabacc@gmail.com if you're interested
Senior Class Advisers Lisa Boyll lisa.boyll@fcps.org 240-236-7562 Cindy Anderson Cynthia.anderson@fcps.org 240-236-7504
PTSA Meeting Monday, March 11
The next PTSA Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 11 at 6:30 PM in the Heritage Room. All are welcome! Hope to see you there! Bring your suggestions for 2019-2020 PTSA programs and activities.
PTSA Leadership Opportunities! President, Vice President , Secretary, Treasurer
Nominations are sought for 2019-2020 PTSA Board member positions (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer). Join us at our next PTSA meeting on Monday, March 11 or contact Shylonda Minter at shylondam@gmail.com. Parents of rising middle schoolers are encouraged to become involved; this is especially important to fill the void left by several of the active PTSA leadership who have current seniors that will be moving on.
Contact Shylonda Minter with questions at shylondam@gmail.com
PTSA Resources
See the MHS PTSA Website
2018-2019 Officers: President Shylonda Minter Vice President Dawn Henson Secretary Tien Nguyen-Wolfe Treasurer Randy Fedors
MHS Knights JV/Varsity Baseball Bingo Saturday, April 13
Tickets are now available for the Baseball Bingo Fundraiser at the Myersville Volunteer Fire Hall! Contact Sally Huguley at 301-788-5707 sallyhuguley@gmail.com or Andrew Baker at andrew.baker@fcps.org. This is a great event with many opportunities to win cash and amazing raffle baskets! For advanced discount ticket sales, see a parent of a JV or Varsity Baseball player. Details here: https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=10653
FCPS Athletics 2019-2020 Registration Information
2019-2020 FCPS Athletic Start Dates are as follows:
Registration information and links: https://frederickcounty-ar.rschooltoday.com/
MHS Girls Basketball Regional Final Game Saturday, March 9
The Middletown Girls Basketball team will play for the Region final on March 9, against Oakdale High School. The game will be played at Oakdale at 7 PM
Sports Resources
Athletic Director: Michael.DeSimone@fcps.org https://middletownhsmd.rschoolteams.com/
Media Specialist: Lindsey.Weaver@fcps.org 240-236-7493
Visit the MHS Media Center Page and Database
Daylight Savings Time Sunday, March 10
Don't forget to change your clocks and remember to check your emergency preparedness kits: https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=10660
Health Room Resources
School Nurse: Sandra Hoffman, RN Health Room Technician: Pam Brawner 240-236-7416 Visit the MHS Health Room Page