MC Middle School: Parent Newsletter

My name is Krystle Nemeth and I am the new principal of Manheim Central Middle School and Mr. Steve Richards is Manheim Central Middle School's new Assistant Principal. It is with great pleasure that we will soon welcome you to the start of the 18-19 school year. We are excited and ready to kick off a great year, but want you all to feel prepared as you enter a new school year.

Middle School is such an exciting time full of new experiences. Here at Manheim Central Middle School, we have students from two elementary schools coming together to learn and work together as one. Through this transition, your child will make new friends and experience new teachers. While this is an exciting time, we know that it can also come with challenges and we are fully prepared to support your child through this pivotal time in their lives.

We hope that you all are enjoying your time with your children this summer, whether that be on a vacation, riding bikes, having cookouts, or simply enjoying a favorite book with your child. As you probably have figured out by now, time flies. I am sure that you all remember your children when they were getting for their first day of kindergarten not too long ago. While the days may be long, the years go quickly, and we are looking forward to slowing down and truly enjoying this year with you all. So please enjoy the remaining days of summer but please know that if you or your learner have any questions don't hesitate to reach out. We are truly looking forward to embarking on the middle school journey with you and your child. We will see you soon!

These Parent Newsletters will be sent out each month via email. You will receive it the first day of each month. It will contain information regarding upcoming events and will celebrate the great things happening here at MCMS.

As I have been beginning my first 30 days in Manheim Central Middle School, I wanted to share my 90 Day Entry Plan with you so that you know what my goals are for my first 90 days and beyond. I have attached my plan. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

August 9th or August 16th

Transition Meeting: 9:00 - 11:30

Tour 1:00 - 3:00 (Tours are open to students in all grades!)

Manheim Central Middle School will be hosting two days for 5th grade transition. This is a great opportunity for both you and your fifth grade student to be introduced to middle school procedures and to get a tour of their new school. We are excited to meet your learner. There will be a brief introduction by the principal and assistant principal from 9:00 - 9:15 in the auditorium.

Liz Lubeskie will be hosting two laptop parent workshops at 9:15 - 10:15 am or from 10:30 - 11:30 am.

***See the attached flyer for more information.

Thursday August 9th from 3:00 - 4:30

We will host a "Meet and Greet" for all MCMS students and families to stop by the Middle School and get to know the new administration before the start of school. Please feel free to come by the Middle School any time between 3:00 - 4:30 to have popsicles and get to know the new Principal and Assistant Principal. We are looking forward to meeting you all!

Schedules are now available for you to view on the Home Access Center. Please let us know if you have any trouble viewing your child's schedule.

Learners will enter the building starting at 7:15 AM. All learners must enter the building upon arrival; no one should be standing outside the building after 7:15 AM. There will be adult supervision in all areas of the building.

Our fifth and sixth grade learners will enter the building on the left side of the building near the cafeteria. They will sit in the cafeteria before the start of the day. Fifth and sixth grade students can also have breakfast in the cafeteria.

Our seventh and eighth grade learners will enter the building near the lobby. They will be stationed in the lobby prior to the start of the school day. Seventh and eighth grade student can have breakfast in the area outside of the nurse's room.

As you start your Back-to-School shopping, please be mindful of Manheim Central's dress code policy.

*** See attached for the dress code policy. Please call (717) 664-1700 if you have any additional questions.

The students at MCMS will be practicing a number of different safety drills throughout the months of September and October. The reason we practice these drills is so that both the teachers and students know what to do in the event an emergency would arise. You will received a detailed letter outlining this information as these dates come closer. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the safety drills, please feel free to contact Dr. Nemeth or Mr. Richards.

To provide students with an opportunity to get assistance on schoolwork (not just homework), Manheim Central Middle School is proud to offer Learner Support Time (LST) after school for ANY student wishing to get additional assistance. Monday through Thursday from 2:50 until 3:55 PM, LST will be staffed with at least one (typically two) MCMS teachers who can assist students. This free service is available whenever students need it. The schedule for LTS will be posted on the school calendar. To access go to manheimcentral.org – Schools – Middle School – Events Calendar.

We just ask that we have documented prior approval from parents for all learners participating (see form below). Learner Support Time is held in the Media Center, and students will be dismissed out the main entrance to the Middle School. All students will be dismissed at 3:55 PM, so we also ask that parents are prompt in picking students up if they stay the entire time. All communication should occur by 12:00 PM the day you would like your child to participate in LTS. Please feel free to send in the attached form or contact Sally White at 717-664-1700 or at whites@manheimcentral.org.

If you would like your child to regularly participate in Learner Support Time, please complete the attached form noting the days you would like your learner to attend.

At MCMS, we will engage our learners in experiences that will support their unique needs as learners. In order to give students voice and choice in their learning, we will be extending Cycle Day 4 of our Baron Time to have students engage in Learning Experience Opportunites.

Additionally, in order to engage fully in the Manheim Central Learning experience, we have adjusted the vocabulary of our students, teachers, principals, and school.

Starting in the 2018-2019 school year:

students = learners

teachers = learning facilitators

school = learning center

principals = learning center leaders

We are not adjusting this vocabulary simply for the sake of change, but we are doing so because we truly believe that we are in the business of learning, and that learners are at the heart of all we do. Calling students "learners" gives them true ownership over what their job truly means and everyone else is in full support of the learning they will be accomplishing throughout the year.

Learners may use their cell phones prior to the start of the official school day and at the conclusion of the school day as we understand that you and your child may need to communicate. We are asking that, during the school day, students have cell phones off and in their pockets. Thank you for your help in reinforcing this procedure.

You can access information about MCMS on on Facebook and Twitter!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MCMSBarons/

Twitter: @MCMiddleSchool2

Look for us on Instagram soon!

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. There is a survey below and we would love to get your feedback so that we can adjust our practices to better meet the needs of you and your learner. Thank you for your investment of time!

Monthly Parent Newsletter

Email: nemethk@manheimcentral.org
Website: https://www.manheimcentral.org/Domain/9
Location: 261 White Oak Road, Manheim, PA, USA
Phone: 717-664-1700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MCMSBarons/
Twitter: @MCMiddleSchool2