The PAW Print

State Math Testing: May 10-11

State Social Studies Testing: May 17-18 (8th grade only)

May 6: PTSO Dance (3:00-5:00)

May 10: Spring Band Concert 6:30

May 11: Spring Choral Concert 6:30

May 12: Spring Strings Concert 6:30

May 20: 8th Grade Dance 7:00

This week, May 2-May 6 , is Teacher Appreciation Week. Please join me in thanking the entire MBMS staff for all they do for our students. Their efforts are outstanding and demonstrate a passion for children and helping them to reach their full potential. Our students achieve more because of these dedicated individuals.

A special thank you to everyone who donated items for our Teacher Appreciation celebrations this week.

Over the weekend, the cast of Seussical put on 3 fabulous shows for the community. Under the supervision of director, Ms. Daghir and assistant director, Ms. C. Stonewall, the cast and stage crew put on outstanding performances. All of their hard work and dedication paid off. The talents of our students have no limits!!

The dance is scheduled for this upcoming Friday, May 6. The dance will be held after school from 3-5:00 PM. The cost to attend is $5.00 and is collected at the start of the dance (not the main office). Students must bring a signed permission form to stay for the dance. The front office will not be able to accept money and/or permission slips during the school day. Therefore, please ensure your child brings both (money and the permission form) to school with them. Just a reminder that students must be in attendance at school in able to attend after-school activities. All school rules are in effect. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

As we approach the ending of the 2021-2022 school year, the media center will be reminding students of the items that are currently checked out on their individual accounts. There will be several reminders throughout the next several weeks. Please see the information below:

1. Starting in April, the students will receive an email informing students of the items they currently have checked out (overdue or not).

2. At the start of May, the students will again receive an email informing them of the items they currently have checked out (overdue or not).

3. In mid-May, at the end of May, and after the first week of June, students will again receive emails informing them of the items they currently have checked out (overdue or not).

4. Laptops will not be collected unless they are moving out of the county or state.

The world languages department of SMCPS will be offering Spanish 1 & Spanish 2 for original credit this summer. These courses will take place in person at GMHS. Rising freshmen who have not yet earned a world language credit will have seating priority. If interested, please review this flier, which includes registration links.

Just a reminder of the SMCPS dress code. We continue to see clothing that violates the school system policy. Although students are permitted to wear hats, we are having issues with students using the hats/hoodies to hide ear pods. Ear pods are not permitted to be worn during school hours. This obviously distracts students from hearing and listening to instruction while also listening to music/movies etc.

Students are also wearing midriff shirts that expose their mid-section. These articles of clothing should be worn outside of school. If worn to school, a jacket or some other article of clothing should be worn to completely cover the mid-section.

Onesies, costumes, and blankets (worn as coats) are not appropriate for the school environment. Parents of students not wearing appropriate attire will be notified.

Additionally, cell phones are to be turned off and out of sight throughout the day. Students are not focusing on their instruction when they are texting or using apps with friends, siblings as well as parents/guardians

Standards for appropriate attire and accessories shall include the following:

• Students must wear clothing that covers certain body parts. Clothes must be worn in a way such that the chest, midriff, pelvic/groin area, and buttocks are covered with opaque material.
• Clothing displaying or suggesting profanity; sexual activity through graphic images, words, or innuendos; weapons; drugs/alcohol or drug paraphernalia; violence; or tobacco products may not be worn, visible, or displayed.
• Clothing with identifiable gang/crew representation or paraphernalia may not be worn, visible, or displayed.
• Symbols or messages generally accepted to promote intolerance, hate, racial slurs (for example Confederate flag, swastika, Ku Klux Klan or KKK) may not be worn, visible, or displayed.
• Head coverings may only be worn indoors so long as the student's face is visible and it does not interfere with instruction or student safety.
• Shoes must be worn that are safe for all activities.
• Official St. Mary's County Public Schools’ athletic uniforms may be allowed at the discretion of the coach and school administrator.
• Student dress for school-sponsored activities must be in compliance with the Student Dress Code.

Just a reminder that students are permitted to bring water in clear (mostly clear) containers only. Students should not be bringing coffee, hot chocolate, Dunkin Donut drinks, Kool-Aid, Monster/energy drinks, etc in containers to take from class to class.

Thank you for your continued support.

Parents and Guardians, please be reminded that you must present photo identification when picking up a student from school.

• Emergency contacts ARE NOT permitted to pick up students unless the parent/guardian notifies the school.
• Siblings who are not at least 18 years of age ARE NOT permitted to pick up students.

These requirements are meant to keep your child safe.