Ponaganset Middle School
Newsletter
May 1, 2024
Dear PMS Families,
Is it really May?! We are in Trimester 3, the final marking period of the school year. Students may begin to have “spring fever” and think they don’t have to work. This is not the time for them to shut down as we are not at the end of the school year, which ends Wednesday, June 12.
This time of year is very busy as we plan activities for our students to wrap up this school year and begin to plan for the students for next year. It is important to stress to our students that they must continue to study and complete their school work; it could affect their placement for next year and/or require summer learning. Please be aware that no students will be promoted to the next grade level without passing their present grade level. It is a good time for you to contact your child’s teachers and/or the school counselor if you have any concerns regarding your child’s progress – it will be too late to help your child in June. We want all of our students to successfully complete the 2023 - 2024 school year.
There are many activities planned for our students. It is important for students to stay on task and behave accordingly – PRIDE – so that they may end this school year on a positive note and enjoy the last weeks of school with their teachers and friends.
Kind Regards,
Pat Marcotte
Health & Wellness
Grade 7 and 8 Required Immunizations
RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
In accordance with the Rhode Island Department of Health Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Immunization and Testing for Communicable Diseases (R23-1-IMM):
Requirements for students entering 7th grade
A student entering 7th grade must have met the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten immunization requirements, plus:
- 1 dose of HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine
- 1 dose of Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4) vaccine
- 1 dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine
All children entering 7th grade are required to be up-to-date on their immunizations as well as have a physical exam.
Requirements for students entering 8th grade
A student entering 8th grade must have met the 7th grade immunization requirements, plus:
- 2 doses of HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine
Important reminder about flu vaccination:
An annual influenza (flu) vaccination is recommended for all students. Influenza vaccine is available from October through April each year. Be sure to ask your doctor about flu vaccine.
For more information, please visit: www.health.ri.gov/immunization/for/schools
PRIDE Spotlight
What is PRIDE in our ABCs?
Academics: Prepared, Responsible, Independent, Determined, Effort
Behavior: Positive, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Excellence
Community: Partners, Recognition, Inspiration, Distinction, Enthusiastic
Shout Out to Students for State Assessments
Our students diligently worked on all sessions of RICAS!
Teachers and staff were impressed with how students took their time to read, write, and respond to the various questions. They used their "test taking strategies" and we look forward to seeing the results next fall.
Thank you for your support of RICAS.
PMS PRIDE - Show What You Know!
Physical Education
All PE classes in grades 6-8 are currently participating in a Golf Unit of instruction. We have done driving ranges indoors with irons, outdoor driving ranges with woods and tees, plus a mini-golf course designed for putting practice. To work on golf etiquette, scoring, and vocabulary, we also are competing on a 9 Hole Disc Golf Course around campus. Golf vocabulary words and definitions are on every target and tee as part of a vocabulary scavenger hunt graded assignment as well.
Unified Basketball - PMS v BMS
PMS welcomed Burrillville MS for our annual game taking place during the school day.
Our soon to be Chieftains, grade 5 students, joined us as we cheered on the athletes of both teams.
I Choose To Include!
News to Use & Important Dates
Dance - Sponsored by Student Council
Friday, May 17, 2024.
7:00 - 9:00 PM (Gr 6 and any students riding with a 6th grader, dismissed for pick up at 8:45 PM)
Admission may be purchased at the door, $7.00 in cash. Water and snacks will be available to purchase during the dance with cash.
PMS Dances are for PMS students only. Students must be in good standing in their ABCs - academics, behaviors, community.
All school rules apply during dances. More information regarding Dance Procedures can be
found here.
2024 Eighth Grade Dance
The Eighth Grade Dance is Tuesday, June 11, 2024. This Dance is an opportunity for students of the eighth grade class to celebrate the end of their middle school years.
Information will be sent home with students regarding expectations for the Dance. All students must be in good standing in their academics and behaviors in order to attend the Eighth Grade Dance.
Handbook Highlight - Dress Code
Students are expected to dress in a manner appropriate for attending school. The clothing that students wear should conform to reasonable standards of modesty, cleanliness, good taste and good manners. Therefore, for all students certain guidelines are noted in the Handbook.
Students are not allowed to wear hats, hoods, bandanas, colors or any perceived gang related attire or anything covering their faces or heads.
Upcoming Dates/Events
Important dates to note for May
2 - Gr 6 Chorus to ASFMS of Coventry
3 - No School (Grades 6-11; Senior Passion Project Day)
6 - Mid-Trimester Progress for Trimester 3 Marking Period
7 - NGSA (Science Testing for Gr 8)
7 - School Store (last one for 23-24 school year)
8 - NGSA (Science Testing for Gr 8)
9 - School Committee Meeting (Thursday)
10 - Student of the Month Ceremony
13 - Grade 7 Field Trip (Boston)
20 - Chorus Concert
21 - Chorus Concert
27 - Memorial Day - Band marching in the Parade!
28 - Gr 8 Field Trip (Whitewater Rafting)
29 - Gr 5 Visit (West Glocester)
29 - Band Concert
30 - Gr 5 Visit (CIPaine)
31 - Six Flags Music Festival (Grades 7 & 8)
(Please be mindful of the band's morning marching practices during the week of May 20 - 24 for the Memorial Day Parade; enter the driveway with caution.)
Important Dates to Note for June
4 - STEAM Expo
5 - Gr 5 Visit (Fogarty)
10 - Gr 8 Field Trip
11 - Gr 8 Dance (Gr 8 students only; 6:30 - 8:30 PM)
12 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Parent Resources
Ponaganset Middle School
Website: http://fosterponagansetms.ss11.sharpschool.com/
Location: 7 Rustic Hill Road, Glocester, RI 02857
Phone: (401)710-7500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ponaganset