Date
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Dates and times are subject to change
Greetings Middletown Families:
I hope that you enjoyed your extended weekend holiday. It was great to have a break in the weather. Yesterday, Earth Day, was phenomenal and I managed to fulfill my training goal by finishing an 11 mile run. I also managed to complete some back yard weeding and spring planting. This week promises more springtime weather which will be great for outside recreation and tasks.
As we move into the final months of the school year, it is important to remember the value of finishing strong by renewing our commitment to personal responsibility. Our actions and our words have a profound impact on those around us and ourselves. It is essential that we set high personal standards for our work and for our conduct.
In matters of work, personal responsibility means having a strong work ethic work and striving to get the job done despite obstacles. It also means setting high standards and committing to productivity. In matters of conduct, personal responsibility means behaving ethically, responsibly, and courteously.
Middletown High School has had a long legacy of excellence which continues as students work hard on their course work and as they put in countless hours supporting clubs and athletic organizations. I often hear conversations about the challenges students face as they try to balance job responsibilities, schoolwork, and other responsibilities. The students’ struggles are real and most students support each other. That being said, I ask all students to focus on the power that language has -- to both uplift and motivate, but also to demoralize. I ask that, as we face the pressures of the end of year, we avoid negative, non-affirming, and even insulting language. As always, the use of insensitive or critical remarks, especially remarks about differences in appearance, culture, race, religion, gender identity and appearance, has no place a Middletown High. While there exists an FCPS regulation outlining consequences for such language and conduct, those tools should be tools of last resort. Our first concern is and should always be mutual respect. Language that insults or harms cannot be erased and the damage it causes in terms of eroding trust and security far outlive a consequence levied by the school.
In my broadcast to the students last Monday, I shared a video clip with students by inspirational speaker Mike Smith of The Harbor. In the clip, Smith talked about the importance of seeing past differences and finding commonalities through conversation. Smith encourages listening and dialogue versus debating and talking over other people. He explains the importance of not labeling people and never disrespecting other people. Smith asked a great question which I think we should ask of ourselves. Imagine if we were all going to be given a school culture and inclusivity grade, where an “A” would mean very inclusive and an “F” is not inclusive at all. What grade would we receive?
By acting personally responsible and through respectful conduct, I believe we will improve the school experience for everyone.
As always, please contact me if you have questions, suggestions, or concerns. And thank you to those of you who have contacted me.
Sincerely, Lee Jeffrey, Principal
Attendance Matters!
Good attendance leads to success and boosts graduation. Our school goal is 96%.
Please send attendance correspondence to: Middletown.HS@fcps.org. See FCPS absence procedures.
MHS Spring Plant Sale Saturday, April 27 - Saturday, May 18 Middletown High School Horticulture Program has been working hard getting ready for this year's Plant Sale. We hope to see you there! Location- Greenhouses located behind MHS
Public Hours: Saturday, April 27 - Saturday, May 18 Tuesday – Friday: 1 PM - 3 PM Saturday – 9 AM – 1 PM Sundays and Mondays – CLOSED May 7th & 10th - CLOSED
Late day shopping opportunities will be announced on the Middletown High School Greenhouse Facebook Page @mhsffagreenhouse Email: sara.seiser@fcps.org Phone: 240-236-7558
Please see our catalog for more information:
FCPS Transportation Delay Board Wondering why your bus is running 10 minutes late or more? FCPS has created a transportation delay board. Information may be accessed on the FCPS website at the following link: FCPS Transportation Delay Board
Frederick Community College Open House, Saturday, April 27 10 AM - 12 PM FCC Admissions Office will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, April 27 from 10 AM - 12 PM.
For more information and to RSVP, visit frederick.edu/openhouse
For more information, see: FCC Open House Flyer
The FCPS Career and Technology Center Programs - Shadowing The FCPS Career and Technology Center is opening for a 2nd round of shadowing for some programs. Shadowing will only take place on Wednesdays, from Wednesday, April 24 to Wednesday, May 29.
The following programs are available to shadow: Open to shadows & applications: Advanced Floral Design Agribusiness & Entrepreneurship Auto Body Carpentry Culinary Arts Electricity Landscaping Teacher Academy
Waitlist shadows & applications only: Auto Tech CAD Architecture Digital Design & Printing Methods
All other programs are closed. For information about CTC’s programs, you can go to their website at: CTC Programs
If you are interested in shadowing at CTC, please see Mrs. Bertulaitis in the Counseling Center as soon as possible for a permission slip, which will need to be signed and returned prior to shadowing. You must shadow before you can apply. There are limited slots available. During the second round of shadowing, applications are accepted on a first come-first served basis.
Middletown High School Student of the Week: Amanda Smith by Leah Heon
Middletown High School art teacher Donna Lehman nominated Amanda Smith to be this week’s Student of the Week. Lehman said, “She listens to advice and pushes herself artistically in drawing, painting, and photography.” Currently, Smith is taking “mostly art classes” including Digital Photography II, Advanced Placement Art, Computer Graphics IV, and Chemistry. Among those classes, Computer Graphics is her favorite. In a day-to-day class, students will “pretty much” select their own projects to complete. Since Smith is in the highest level of Computer Graphics, she makes her projects “more advanced”. Smith said, “It is basically like AP Art but for Computer Graphics.” Since elementary school, Smith has loved art. “I just kind of grew up with it,” added Smith. Throughout high school, Smith’s favorite teachers have been Lehman and fellow art teacher John Mattingly. “They push you to be the best you can be as an artist,” said Smith. After high school, Smith plans to attend Frederick Community College to complete her general education classes before transferring to a university to pursue graphic design. Congratulations, Amanda!!
Summers Farm Job Opportunities Summers Farm is now accepting applications for Seasonal Festival Assistants. They will open from September 21- October 31 and are looking for weekend help and weekdays after school. Applicants must be 16 years or older to apply. Summers Farm is seeking students who want to have fun while working outdoors in a family environment. The Festival includes a large variety of activities for children and families, including a pumpkin patch, tractor rides, a huge corn maze, jumping pillows, games, a petting farm, campfires, fireworks, food and so much more. Interviews will be conducted the last week of July - 1st week of August.
Contact Kristy DePalma with questions kristy@summersfarm.com
For more information, see flyer: Summers Farm Information
Link to the job application: Summers Farm Job Application
Congratulations Mrs. Martin! Mrs.Gretchen Martin, MHS Teacher, has been selected as one of this year’s Outstanding High School CTE Teacher for 2019. Gretchen was nominated by her colleagues and the Career & Technology Advisory Council selected recipients for recognition. Gretchen and all other nominees will attend a ceremony later this month for award presentation. Great job, Mrs. Martin!
Congratulations, Mrs. Gibson! Mrs. Alisa Gibson was nominated for FCPS Teacher of The Year by her peers and administration at MHS. Ms. Gibson is a Career and Technology Education (CTE) teacher at MHS. She is energetic and involved in numerous activities that support the students, the school, and the school system. Alisa is also a great leader. She has served and is currently serving as the CTE Department Chair, she is the School Improvement Plan Chair, she serves on the MHS Educators Effectiveness Team, and she serves as a substitute assistant principal. Alisa is always thinking about what is in the best interest of the students so she is always immersing herself in professional learning. This nomination is a reflection of her hard work, dedication and leadership. Congrats, Mrs. Gibson!
Congratulations, Craig Muschik! Craig Muschik, MHS Lead Custodian, is a recipient of the FCPS All Star Award. This award program recognizes employees who have helped FCPS achieve any of the school system's 5 aspirrational goals. A staff member described Craig's service to MHS as follows: "Craig works hard every day at MHS to serve the staff and students. He is always quick to respond and handles any and all issues promptly." Thank you, Craig, for all you do!!
4/23 Earth Week Spirit Dress Week Tuesday, April 23 - Friday, April 26: Earth Day events will take place in the Media Center -- see Lindsey Weaver if you have any questions.
Attention Students: Valid Parking Stickers Required All vehicles parked on school property must have current 2018-19 parking stickers on display. Stickers should be displayed on the front window of the car. In addition, vehicles must be parked in student parking spaces only and should not be park in areas designated for staff, visitors, or marked reserved. Parking tickets will be issued to all vehicles improperly parked and/or those without valid permits. There are no more parking 2018-2019 permits available for purchase. Students without valid parking stickers may park in the Middletown Park, in the lot nearest to the Marble Pits.
MHS 2019 Prom: Moroccan Knights, Friday, May 10 Prom will be held on Friday, May 10, at the Myersville Banquet Event Center. This year's theme is Moroccan Knights. See link for information and dance guideline form which must be submitted with ticket purchase:
Prom 2019
The Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation Summer (EI) Program The Johns Hopkins EI Program will be held at Hood College beginning Monday, June 24 through Friday, July 19. This is a great opportunity for students to try college engineering courses while still in high school. This course is rigorous, and students must have As and Bs in their high school math and science classes. Applications are due Friday, June 7. For more information about the EI Program, including prerequisites and program details, see: Johns Hopkins EI Program Details. For online application, see:Johns Hopkins EI Program Application
Come Sell or Shop!! Yard Sale Saturday, May 18 Come Sell or Shop - The MHS Student Government Association is hosting a Community Yard Sale on Saturday, May 18 from 7AM to 11AM in the MHS parking lot. Parking spaces are $20 dollars each. We must sell at 20 spaces to conduct the yard sale. If you are interested in reserving a space, please email tammy.barlow@fcps.org for more information. Thank you!
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.
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/
Cap and Gowns Available Caps and gowns are now available to be picked up in Mrs. Boyll's Room (Rm. 315).
Hershey Park Tickets Hershey Park tickets will be available for pick up in Mrs. Boyll's room (Rm. 315) beginning Monday, April 15, between the hours of 7:15 and 2:45.
Lunch Account Balances And Refund Requests We are getting close to the end of the school year which means that Seniors need to consider the three options for the remaining money on their lunch accounts. They can use the money by the end of the school year, receive a refund, or transfer funds onto a siblings account at any Frederick County Public School. If a refund is being issued and is less than $25, the student may get the refund at the register. If the amount remaining on the account is higher than $25, a refund slip will have to be filled out and the a check will be sent with the balance of the account to the home of the student. Auto-pay on the My School Bucks website will not be turned off by FCPS until mid-May (in order to keep funds on all lunch accounts for non-graduating students). If a senior is enrolled in auto-pay, the family may want to turn off this feature prior to mid-May.
MHS Senior Baccalaureate Monday, May 20th: Talent Needed!!! The Baccalaureate needs your participation to make it great! A formal invitation will be coming soon with details. Share your talent! Student musical performances (individual or group), poetry recitation, and reflections will help make the event memorable for all. Sign up to be a part of this special ceremony. Sign up in the front office or send an email to the MHS PTSA at mhsptsabacc@gmail.com.
Senior Parents! Gift Cards Requested For Graduation Practices To Honor The Class Of 2019: During graduation practices, we will be giving away prizes such as gift cards and other items to add a little excitement. There are 286 members of our graduating class so we could use your help in honoring/surprising our seniors. If you are interested in supporting our effort, please consider donating a gift card, in increments of $15-$25. Places of interest to our seniors include – restaurants, chain stores, movie theaters, gas cards, car washes, etc. You may drop off your gift cards or other donations to the front office, attention: Denise Staub, now through Friday, May 17, 2019. Thank you for your consideration!
Senior Letter & Calendar Please refer to the Senior Letter (which was mailed home in February) for all Graduation details, including calendar of events, Graduation practice details, and more: Senior Letter & Calendar
Did You Miss The Spring Senior Class Meeting On Wednesday, March 13? Here's the link: Senior Class Meeting 3/13 It was also sent through Remind to seniors and their families on Wednesday, March 13.
Join Senior Class REMIND If you haven't joined the Senior Class Remind, please text @19seniors to 81010 to join.
Order Graduation Bouquets and Commemorative T-Shirts Graduation day, Wednesday, May 29, is quickly approaching. Remember to purchase your graduation bouquets and commemorative t-shirts! Preorders are now being accepted at: Order Graduation Bouquets and T-Shirts Orders can be picked up at Mount Saint Mary's Knott Arena on graduation day. All proceeds go to the senior class. Thank you for your support!
Special Seating Requests for Graduation, Senior Awards Ceremony, and Baccalaureate Special seating and sign language interpreter requests for Graduation, Senior Awards Ceremony and Baccalaureate must be submitted to Stephanie Davis (in the front office) no later than Friday, May 3. The Special Seating Request form is included in the Senior Letter, above. Contact Stephanie at stephanie.davis@fcps.org or 240-236-7435 with questions.
Mandatory Graduation Practice Schedule All graduation practices are mandatory. The practice schedule is:
Requests for excusal may be granted on a case by case basis. Requests must be submitted in writing to Ms. Jeffrey at lee.jeffrey@fcps.org no later than Friday, May 3. Work is not an excused absence.
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
PTA MISSION: MAKE EVERY CHILD’S POTENTIAL A REALITY BY ENGAGING AND EMPOWERING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES TO ADVOCATE FOR ALL CHILDREN.
Next PTSA Meeting: Monday, May13, 6:30pm All parents are welcome to attend our next PTSA meeting on Monday, May 13, in the Heritage Room. Join us!
MHS PTSA Community Service Scholarships: Application Due Date Extended To Tuesday, April 23 The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize students for outstanding leadership in service to their community and who serve as models to their fellow students. Candidates will be judged on:
demonstrated initiative generosity commitment in making a different in the community
Two selected students will each be honored with a $500 award. Scholarship application deadline has been extended from Thursday, April 18 to Tuesday, April 23. Applicants must be graduating seniors and a PTSA members for the 2018-2019 school year. Submit applications to Ms. Bertulaitis in the Guidance Office. Checklist and application available from the Guidance Office, and from the MHS PTSA website at: https://www.middletownhsptsa.com/ For more information, see: https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=10849
MHS Senior Baccalaureate Monday, May 20th: Talent and Photos Needed!!! SENIORS, share your talent - and your photos! Student musical performances (individual or group), poetry recitation, and reflections will help make the event memorable for all. We know there is a ton of talent in the senior class, so consider sharing it one last time. Email the MHS PTSA at mhsptsabacc@gmail.com with your name and contact information.
PHOTOS! PHOTOS! PHOTOS! The slideshow is one of the Baccalaureate highlights. Candid group shots from your time growing up in Middletown are just what we’re looking for! Please submit your photos (.jpg format), and the cuter, the better. Email .jpg photos to mhsptsabacc@gmail.com.
Staff Appreciation Week – Staff Appreciation Week at MHS is coming up April 29 – May 3 in order to avoid a testing week. In the coming weeks we’ll be setting up a Genius webpage for volunteers and donations for different days during that week – breakfast, lunch, desserts to show the community’s appreciation for all MHS staff.
PTSA Leadership Opportunities! The MHS PTSA is in need of Officers to serve on its Board of Directors for the coming 2019-2020 school year. Officer nominations are currently being accepted for an election that will occur at the May 13, 2018, General PTSA meeting. Several officers have graduating seniors and all Officers have met their 2-year maximum term, so the Board is in need of replacement officers. All positions are open for nomination, including: -President -Vice President -Secretary -Treasurer In addition, the Board is seeking parents interested in being a part of the Board and Chairing the following committees that are critical to the PTSA operations: 1. Membership and Write a Check- Responsible for organizing the PTSA membership campaign and the write-a-check program that is the primary (and often only) fundraising event for the organization 2. Reflections- Responsible for managing the advertising, applications, submissions, and recognition for the State's Reflection program that recognizes students' artistic and creative talents 3. Staff Appreciation- Responsible for holding events throughout the year to recognize the great staff at MHS 4. Baccalaureate- Responsible for forming a committee and planning for the annual baccalaureate program for graduating seniors 5. Scholarships- Responsible for managing the scholarship program, where MHS PTSA awards two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors with the winning essay nominations
Please consider joining us to build a strong PTSA program for our high school students. An organization is only as strong as its members and those willing to play an active role in the process. Our current program is run with minimal membership and volunteer support. To make a difference, we need more. We look forward to hearing from you. Anyone interested in any of the above, please feel free to reach out to ptsamiddletownhs@gmail.com at any time.
Nominations for Officer positions will be accepted until April 28, 2018, at which time we need to communicate nominations to the PTSA membership in preparation for the May 13 election meeting. We can't make this happen without you! Please consider joining us!
PTSA Resources See the MHS PTSA Website 2018-2019 Officers: President Shylonda Minter Vice President Dawn Henson Secretary Tien Nguyen-Wolfe Treasurer Randy Fedors
Athletics Starting Dates
SEASON
STARTING DATE
Fall 2019
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Winter 2019-20
Friday, November 15, 2019
Spring 2020
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Fall 2020
Wednesday, August 13, 2020
Sports Resources
Athletic Director: Michael.DeSimone@fcps.org
MHS Athletics
Media Center Resources
Media Specialist: Lindsey.Weaver@fcps.org 240-236-7493
Visit the MHS Media Center Page and Database
Health Room Resources
School Nurse: Sandra Hoffman, RN Health Room Technician: Pam Brawner 240-236-7416 Visit the MHS Health Room Page