Date
Event
Time
Dates and times are subject to change
Greetings Middletown Families,
On May 6, I joined the Round Table morning broadcast team so that I could have a little air time to talk to students about social media "influencers." There are positive and negative social media influencers and the point of my broadcast was to encourage students to reflect and think about how social media influencers are impacting their decision making, and how they use social media to influence others. My broadcast included a one minute video clip of an American filmmaker and poet Richard Williams aka, Prince Ea. In the video Prince Ea asks some poignant questions that we all should consider when we create or consume social media content. Below is the link to the one minute video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pD_U0uDXxk
Social media influencers have the power to entertain and encourage positive change. However, some social media influencers are not creating healthy environments for children. While students have some capacity for self-regulation, some students are susceptible to habit-forming behavior resulting in hours of lost time. The question becomes, what can families and schools do to encourage healthy social media and internet behaviors? I think a place to start is to educate ourselves and have some conversations.
MHS Media Specialist Lindsey Weaver and I will be hosting a book study for interested parents starting May 30 at 5:30 pm in the media center. The book we will be using is, "Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World" by Cal Newport, published in February 2019. Cal Newport is an associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University and is the author of a number of books. Ms. Weaver and I have both read Digital Minimalism and found it to be enlightening. Newport doesn't characterize technology as "good or bad." Instead, he focuses on how to be intentional about the use of technology. Newport says, "The key is using technology to support your goals and values, rather than letting it use you." Newport then shares ideas to help us become more purposeful in our use of technology.
Our book study meetings will take place at 5:30 pm on May 30, June 6, June 13, and June 18. The book is currently available online and in some local retail stores. If you are interested in joining our book study, please call the front office and provide your first and last name along with an email address. More detailed information about the book study will then be emailed to you.I hope you will join us in our learning journey.
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.
Reminder: Car Rider Drop Off - Safe Driving Practices: Please observe safe driving practices during morning drop off and afternoon pick up. As a reminder, the guidelines are:
Late Arrivals Punctual arrival at school is required. Tardiness to school is cumulative within a term. The following actions will be taken for an unexcused late arrival to school. Per MHS Student Handbook:
Reminder: Dress Code As Stated in MHS Handbook:
Repeated violations will result in disciplinary action beyond the change of clothing.
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
Vacation/College Visits Certain absences for trips or college visits will be excused, but only with prior administrative approval. Prior approval should be initiated at least 7 days before the absence on the request (blue) form which is available in the Attendance Office and can also be found on our website http://mhs.sites.fcps.org. Return the form to attendance at least 3 days prior to the planned absence.
Students taking trips with their parents may be excused no more than twice during the school year for a combined maximum of 5 days. Visits by students to prospective colleges will be excused up to 4 days per year. College visits must be arranged in advance and verification from the college is required for a lawful absence.
Congratulations James Bongard, Mr. Middletown, 2019! The 21st Annual Mr. Middletown Pageant was a huge success! The contestants did a great job entertaining the audience with their talent and sense of humor. James Bongard earned the title of "Mr. Middletown 2019". The National Honor Society would like to thank all attendees for their support! Contestants: Matthew Barlow James Bongard Dan Boush Dillon Dierman Cooper Fisher Jack Kaminskki Dan Racz Dominic Rudakevych Ben Watts
36th Annual Career and Technology Center CTC Awards - Exemplary Student Achievement Congratulations to all of the MHS students whom were honored at the 36th Annual CTC Awards on Tuesday, May 7. Their hard work was recognized as follows: Brandon Bruchey, Automotive Technology - Academic Excellence Award Holden Coblentz, CISCO Networking Academy, American Citizenship Award, FCSMTF, Inc. Scholarship Owen Connelly, Carpentry, Achievement Award Isabel Ganley, Advanced Floral Design, Achievement Award Audrey Kacur, Cosmetology, Achievement Award Rebeca Lazo, Academy of Health Professions, President's Award for Educational Excellence Emily McDaniel, Academy of Health Professions, Academic English Achievement Award Brian McGiffin, Engineering CAD, Academic Excellence Award David Rapp, Computer Technician/Analyst, Academic Excellence Award
Frederick County Career and Technology Education Awards Congratulations to all of the MHS students whom were honored at the CTC Education Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 9, at Linganore High School. Their excellence was recognized for the following disciplines: Allison Baird, Child Development Kira Koval, Business Administration Rachael Toombs, Agricultural Animal Science
MHS Prom 2019, Moroccan Knights Congratulations Katie Athey and James Bondgard, MHS Prom 2019 King and Queen! Many thanks to all staff and volunteers whom made the night a great success!! 2019 MHS Prom Court: Elena Aldana Katie Athey Matt Barlow Hayley Barnett James Bongard ?Madison Britton Graham Brown Gabe Brusco Gemma Carioti Dillon Dierman ?Roland Hockenberry ?Macy Horman ?Matt King ?Jack Kominski Bridget O’Toole Sarah O’Toole Ally Pick Dominic Rudakevych Jake Stafford
TransIT Summer Passes Available The Summer Student Pass, also commonly referred to as the Summer Freedom Pass, is a $15 pass for unlimited rides on all TransIT shuttles and Connectors Beginning on June 1. The passes will be valid until Saturday, August 31. For more information about TransIt passes, see: TransIt Summer Passes
Evening Of Jazz At The "Knight" Club Saturday, May 18 The Evening of Jazz at the "Knight" Club features the MHS Jazz Band and MHS Dancers. Enjoy a night of big band jazz music and dancing along with light refreshments as the cafeteria is transformed into an old-time jazz club. This event sells out often, so order your discounted advance tickets now. May 18, 2019 - 7:00PM
Evening of Jazz Tickets
MHS Concert Band and Orchestra Concert Tuesday, May 14 Come and enjoy the MHS Concert Band and Orchestra! They will be performing on Tuesday, May 14 at 7:00 PM in the MHS Auditorium. Admission is free.
2019-2020 Virtual School Course Registration VOS (Virtual Outside of School) is a blended-learning program designed for students who are independent learners and have consistent access to the Internet and a computer outside of school. Online resources are the primary source of learning, and most courses are taught at the honors level. Students are required to attend a few face-to-face evening sessions for instruction and/or proctoring exams with the course teacher.
Sign up EARLY to reserve a seat in the course you want to take because courses fill up quickly! Students register through the school counselor. Who can attend VOS? Currently enrolled and attending FCPS students in grades 9-12.You may download information about attendance requirements, fall and spring schedules, submission deadlines and the pre-registration form to submit to the school counselor under 2019-2020 Fall and Spring Couse Info here: 2019-2020 VOS Registration
Work Permits for Minors (Age 14-17) If you are seeking a work permit, please go to the Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation. You must complete the form online. All instructions are outlined on this site: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/wages/empm.shtml
MVA Learner’s Permits Maryland State Law requires all applicants for a learner’s permit, under the age of 16, to demonstrate acceptable school attendance in the prior school semester. To verify school attendance, students and their parents or guardians must complete SECTION A on the following form: http://www.mva.maryland.gov/_resources/docs/DL-300.pdf The student will then submit the form to the attendance secretary for completion of SECTIONS B, C, AND D. The form will be placed in a sealed envelope for the MVA. Please submit your form to the attendance secretary before 7:30 AM for same-day turnaround. Please do not open the envelope prior to MVA testing or it will not be accepted. Copies of the form are located in the front office and the form link can also be found on the MHS website, Attendance Section.
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:
For more information, see the MHS Ag Department Newsletter here: https://www.smore.com/yca30
Senior Baccalaureate Monday, May 20th The Senior Baccalaureate is Monday, May 20th @ 7 PM in the MHS Auditorium. Look for more information coming via FOF as well as being posted on the MHS PTSA website. All are invited to attend this wonderful Middletown tradition. Come and celebrate our Seniors! 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
MHS SGA Yard Sale Cancelled Saturday, May 18 Thank you to everyone that expressed an interest in the SGA Community Yard Sale. Unfortunately, we did not meet our 20 table minimum, so the event will be cancelled.
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/
2019 Baccalaureate Monday, May 20, 7:00 PM The MHS PTSA-sponsored Baccalaureate is a community tradition to celebrate and honor our MHS Seniors. All MHS seniors, their families, and friends are invited to enjoy music, dance, and inspirational thoughts by fellow, senior classmates at this interfaith service. Seniors should arrive no later than 6:30 PM, with their graduation gowns only. See invitation: Baccalaureate Invitation
How To Take Your FCPS Google Drive Files With You: When you leave FCPS, you can take your FCPS Google Drive and other Google data with you by following the steps outlined below. Be sure to read the Notes at the bottom of the document before starting: Export Google Drive Files
Cap and Gowns Available Caps and gowns are now available to be picked up in Mrs. Boyll's Room (Rm. 315).
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.
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!
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 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.
Thank You!!
The PTSA appreciates all the help and donations for Staff Appreciation Week (breakfast, desserts, pizza, snacks) held last week! Each year, the number of contributors and volunteers makes this a huge success!
If you have any questions, please contact us at ptsamiddletownhs@gmail.com.
Attention Junior and Underclassmen Parents: MHS PTSA is looking for interested parents to help with 2020 Baccalaureate planning. What better time to find out what it's all about than to shadow at this year’s Baccalaureate! MHS is the only school in Frederick County that continues to honor their graduates in this way, and we want to ensure this time-honored tradition continues. We need volunteers to keep it going. If you are interested in helping and would like to shadow this year, please contact Susan Lagnese at mhsptsabacc@gmail.com.
Senior Baccalaureate Monday, May 20 Look for the official Senior Baccalaureate invitation coming via FOF as well as being posted on the MHS PTSA website: www.middletownhsptsa.com. The Baccalaureate is May 20th at 7 pm in the MHS Auditorium.
The MHS PTSA-sponsored Baccalaureate is a community tradition to celebrate and honor the Class of 2019 MHS Seniors. All MHS Seniors, their families, and friends are invited to enjoy music, dance, reminiscent slideshow, and inspirational thoughts by fellow, senior classmates at this interfaith celebration. Look for the official Senior Baccalaureate invitation coming via MHS FOF as well as being posted on the MHS PTSA website: www.middletownhsptsa.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
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