Tiger Times

JRMS PTA * May 3, 2022 * Vol. 2, Issue 5

President's Message

The end of the school year is close upon us and momentum is building around plans, parties and activities leading to the final day of the 2021/22 school year.

The monthly May meeting will be held Thursday, May 5th at 9:30am. This month's Fine and Practical Arts deep dive welcomes Mr. Duffy and Mr. Ebert to share about the Music, Band, Chorus and Strings curriculums. Developed to be of interest to all students, regardless of talent, the JRMS fine arts program encourages students to become well rounded individuals through exploration and new experiences. Our Principal, Meghan Ward, will share a Principal's Update and we will share our regular PTA business recap as usual. We endeavor to record and/or stream our meetings on the John Read Middle School PTA FB page when technology permits for those who can't join us during the morning.

Our June and final meeting of the school year will be held on the evening of Thursday, June 9. Exact time and location are TBD as we endeavor to provide a relaxed and social atmosphere to recap, outline the next year, connect or reconnect and strengthen our community bond. Details to come.

Planning is underway for grade levels Socials scheduled on June 1st through 3rd. Be on the lookout for permission slips and return them promptly. The outdoor activities will include usual games, music and festivities, but the addition of inflatables should bounce the fun meter up a few notches! Plenty of parent volunteer and donation opportunities will be available through sign-up coming soon.

Rising 8th grade (current 7th grade) students receive the benefit of free entrance to Joel Barlow HS sporting events and productions (plays and musicals) on campus during their 8th grade year, with the purchase of a "Class of 2027" t-shirt. However, this program will not be possible without a parent organizer. The longstanding tradition has been made possible through partnership between JBHS and JBHS PTO, with proceeds from t-shirt sales benefitting the JBHS PTO. Chairperson would organize and coordinate t-shirt design, printer fulfillment and student distribution. Please contact Jackie Dyar at jackiefritch@optonline.net or 516-314-6718 to learn more.

The 8th Grade Graduation Luau is in need of a creative and energetic party planning chairperson (or co-team) to take the lead on everything from party invitations to securing vendors and overseeing decorating. Many helping hands are prepared to step in, but no lead has been identified. Please contact Jackie Dyar at jackiefritch@optonline.net or 516-314-6718 to learn more.

Please join us on May 5 at 9:30 in the JRMS Learning Commons. We look forward to seeing many of you there.

Seussical Jr. Spring Musical, May 5 - 7th at JRMS

The JRMS PTA is proud to support our spring musical production.

Click here: Seussical JR for tickets and performance details. We hope to see you at this very amazing show!

Artisan Fair to be Held Saturday, May 7th, 10am - 4pm

Please visit our special event this Saturday, just in time for Mother's Day shopping. If you're searching for a unique gift, or beautiful handmade crafts and wares for yourself or your home, you'll find everything you need while supporting talented local artisans an our PTA. Delicious dishes from local favorites like Dani's Pantry, Salas Foods and the Redding Roadhouse are ready to serve. We look forward to seeing you there. Please consider a volunteer shift to help make this important event a success. Easy tasks remain unfilled and community service hours qualify for responsible young adults.

sign-up to volunteer here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e084aa4a82aa75-redding2

Project COOL Update

Progress is slow and steady as we continue to move forward with the constructions of our outdoor classroom. Our general contractor, Caraluzzi & Associates, has been working hard to alleviate unanticipated drainage issues at the site. This required digging a trench to allow surface water at the entrance to the site to be drained away. A special thanks to Route 7 Masonry Supply for donating the gravel that was needed to fill the trench, and also to Roots to Shoots for assistance with tree and stump removal. The next step is for our engineer to mark the location where the pavilion footings should be installed as well as the location of the seating blocks. Once the footings are installed we can begin assembly of the pavilion. Stay tuned!

JRMS Spirit Wear Available, May 1st - 31st

Sweatshirts, sweat pants, t-shirts, windbreakers, totes, caps and more available with JRMS mascot tiger paw and official logo are available for purchase. Orders will be available for pick-up before the school year ends. Order here: www.catoonahink.com/jrms22

Slate of Board Candidates Approved

On April 7, our members approved the following candidates who will stand for election to the PTA Executive Board at our June meeting:

Darrell Bradford — Co-President

Maritza Jones – Co-President

Jenn Simpson - Treasurer

Amy Whittle – Secretary

Beatrix Eriksen – VP Communications

Sarah O’Dell – VP Programs

VP Fundraising (to be confirmed)

All active members are eligible to vote and we hope you will join us on June 2 to elect the new team. Volunteers power every aspect of our PTA. We cannot possibly do all that we do without you! We are currently seeking volunteers for key committee roles including Staff Appreciation and Membership Chairs. For Membership, familiarity with the Membership Toolkit system is a “plus”.If you have interest or know of a good candidate, please let us know at JRMSptainfo@gmail.com.

Paws Up in Appreciation

Teachers Make The World A Better Place! Thank you to our fabulous teachers and support staff, everyday and especially May 1st through 7th, during National Teacher Appreciation week! An appreciation luncheon will be offered to our teachers and staff on Tuesday, May 17th.

Pick up a "We Love Teachers" lawn sign, while supplies last in the foyer of the main lobby or at the walker pick-up drive through.

Have You Heard ?

- JRMS 2022 Summer Enrichment Program is offering tons of great summer camp fun including Sports Camp, Games, Baking, Theater and Crafts... there's even time to complete summer reading. Open to students entering 5th grade through 8th grade. Registration is filling fast so register here now: Summer Enrichment Program

- Friday, April 29th was National Poem in Your Pocket Day. Students who were prepared to read their poem out loud when requested, were eligible to receive a prize raffle ticket . Check out the FB post here for pictures shared by the school. National Poem in your Pocket Day

- JRMS Student Council is hosting a friendly competition with Hellen Keller Middle School to see which school will raise the most funds or food for PAWS in Norwalk. The fundraiser ends on May 4th. Students may place pet food donations in the box by the school entrance or in the cafeteria or gift cards can be delivered to Mrs. Hopper (room 209) or Mrs. Torres (room 216). LETS GO TIGERS!