The Weekly Update #4
June 25th, 2024
September 8,2024
SCHOOL UPDATE
The school year is off to a great start! The first two days we spent going through expectations, routines, and learning about middle school. Teachers participated in different community building activities with their classes. Our new Chargers are learning their locker combinations and their routes for their classes. All in all we have had a great first couple of days as we work through the transition with our students. Next week, we will continue to have community building lessons to help students to acclimate to middle school. All students will receive an assignment notebook from the district and an accordion folder.
GIRLS BASKETBALL ANNOUNCEMENT
Tryouts for girls basketball will be next Monday and Tuesday for ALL grades. Students should have gym shoes and appropriate attire for basketball. Students will need to have a current physical on file. Any questions, parents should reach out to Mr. Bruns, Mr., Pike, or Mr. Hamann.
Thank you,
CROSS COUNTY
If your student will be participating in Cross Country, you have the opportunity to purchase some PGMS Cross Country swag. You can find items at https://waistupstores.com/plum_grove_xc/shop/home
If you have any questions please reach out to Mr. Lightfoot.
Boys' Soccer
Boys soccer tryouts will begin next week on Monday, September 9. All players will not be trying out Monday as certain days will be for specific grade levels. Monday will be for 6th grade ONLY. Tuesday will be for 7th grade ONLY. Wednesday will be for 8th grade ONLY. On Wednesday evening, an email will be sent out to players at all three grade levels who are invited to Thursday’s callback tryouts. Further cuts will be made following Thursday and teams will be finalized the following week. Players must be registered and have a current physical on file at the beginning of Monday’s tryouts in order to participate. Students have been directed to see Ms. Lucash, Ms. Rodino, or Mr. Arnieri with any questions.
ART CLUB
Art Club will be starting on October 1st. Mrs. Shapera is the club sponsor and will host the club in her classroom after school hours. Students can take the activity bus home at 3:55.
KPOP CLUB
KPOP club at PGMS offers interested 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students an opportunity to wind down from academics and share their love and appreciation of Korean pop (Kpop) music and culture. Students will listen to Kpop songs, watch and critique performances, play games, and discuss their favorite artists. This club will start on September 30th. Any questions please reach out to Ms. Kanda.
ANIME CLUB
CELL PHONE USAGE
As we prepare to welcome students to the new school year, I want to emphasize the importance of creating a focused learning environment for all students. To ensure that our classrooms are conducive to learning, the expectation is that cell phones must be kept powered-off or silenced and out-of-sight during the regular school day. Please review the student-parent handbook for additional details. By following these guidelines, we can create a positive and productive classroom community where students can fully engage in their education.
MAP TESTING
All students will participate in Fall MAP testing in District 15. PGMS students will begin testing the week of the 15th. Please read this letter from our district's Teaching and Learning Department.
At Plum Grove our students will take their Reading MAP test on Monday the 16th and the Math MAP test will take place on Tuesday the 17th.
PARENT ORIENTATION
We are excited to host Parent Orientation on September 12th at 6:00 p.m. We hope you are able to attend and learn more about your child's school year. Parking is limited and we ask that you consider carpooling if possible.
8th Grade Parents
District 211 will be mailing out information to parents by October 1st to provide information for parents and students. They are in their final planning stages and will have more information coming out to families. The district has a website that will have all the necessary information you will need. Your 8th grade students will take a freshman placement test on Saturday, October 26th. This will take place at the high school. If you have questions about the testing or any other information about the transition please directly contact the high school. Mrs. Brand, our associate principal, that will work directly with our 8th grade families this year.
P.T.A.
Our PTA will have their first meeting on September 12th, after our parent orientation. The P.T.A. is currently selling PGMS Spirit Wear. You can purchase Spirit Wear at tinyurl.com/plumgrovetees.
If you have any questions you can reach out to the PTA at plumgrove pta@gmail.com.
YEARBOOK INFORMATION
Make this year's PGMS memories last a lifetime with our personalized yearbooks! Each book includes TWO customizable pages for your unique touch. Don't miss out on this special opportunity to capture your school experience. Order before October 31 and enjoy a 10% discount! Full details on ordering are here!
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY ROUTES
If your child is staying for a club or sport there are Activity Routes for students. These routes are different than their regular bus route. Please look at the attached photos and review with your student what route they should take home.
UPCOMING INFORMATION
Below are some key dates for families for the upcoming 2025-205 school year.
- September 12th-Parent Orientation 6:00-7:00 p.m.
- September 12th - P.T.A. Meeting after parent orientation
- September 18th - Picture Day
- September 26th-Half Day Of Student Attendance
You can also access the official district calendar for all important dates on the district's website