Dates and times are subject to change
Dear MVMS Families,
I hope this newsletter finds everyone well and happy! Here are a few items that will bring you up to date on the happenings here at school. I hope December finds all of our families preparing for some enjoyable activities together and opportunities to recharge and refresh. I look forward to hearing all the great stories students will bring back with them!
We are all quite excited that Ms. Jennifer will return from maternity leave this month and we are a bit saddened to see Ms. Danielle return to her regular position in lower elementary school. We are fortunate to have both Ms. Jennifer and Ms. Danielle working for our community. They are talented and caring professionals who do so much for the children, families and staff here at MVM.
One of the excellent opportunities that fourth and fifth year students will have this month is to visit the Earth Space Science Lab. The fourth year students will attend on Tuesday, December 21st and the fifth year students will attend on Monday, December 20th. Both groups will explore interactive exhibits designated by our hosts for their age levels.
In the classroom our science instruction is focused on classification and traits of plants and animals. Our history and cultural instruction is centered on the regional similarities and differences of the people who inhabited North America at the time when Europeans began to establish permanent settlements. We are also learning about the purpose of European settlements and how the formation of colonies led to a new government.
In ELA, students learned about the structure of an essay and how it differs from other types of writing. Students are now writing persuasive essays on a topic of their choice. They are also reading dystopian novels about governments gone wrong that support the Social World theme of the Structure of Government. We have discussions in class where students synopsize their reading and then try to find connections among their novels.
In Social World, students are learning about the structure of our government by studying the U.S. Constitution; they recently did a Constitution scavenger hunt! They will be researching various parts of our government next, and are challenged to get creative with how they present the information.
In Personal World, we studied the way the teenage brain is structured, and how certain chemicals (adrenaline, serotonin, and endorphins) are normal, necessary substances, but also make teens more likely to find risky behaviors more appealing. Because of this, teens around the world often participate in rites of passage; our students are studying these various rites of passage and contemplating their own markers for coming of age.
PE Happenings and Reminders: The weather is starting to become colder and students are starting to wear boots to school. However, PE students still need to wear their PE shoes. If students would like, they may leave a pair of PE shoes in the closet in the Multipurpose Room.
LE and UE students have been working on their Fitness Assessments.
MS students have been working on different fitness activities and will begin their Substance Abuse Unit.
Students have all been merrily making music this term.
Auditions for the Middle School Drama Production, for students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade will be on Tuesday, January 11th from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the music room. More details will be coming soon!
If you would like to volunteer to help students with costumes, props and scenery please contact Ms. Shannon.
Happy Birthday to all Staff Members Celebrating December birthdays!
217 Dill Avenue Frederick, MD 21701 240-236-6100 Principal: Amy Dorman