The EMS Gazette

Today, students gathered in their assigned House Advisory Groups for their first House Meeting of the year. During the meeting, students had the opportunity to review their grades and fill out a reflection form to assess their positive habits that contributed to their success, as well as identify any work habits or behaviors that may be hindering their academic progress. Please encourage your child to share their thoughts and reflections on their progress.

Tomorrow, Friday, September 27th will be our first conference time of this school year. Teachers should have contacted families to set up a conference to address academic and/or behavioral concerns. If you have not been contacted and would like to have a conference, please email your child's teacher to arrange a mutually agreed upon day and time to meet. This would be a great time to talk about your student's academic progress and the new curriculum for Math and Social Studies.

How to Read the Report:

The MCAP Score Report includes:

• Overall Performance: This section indicates whether your child is meeting grade-level expectations.

• Score Range: Students will be placed into one of four performance levels, ranging from “Beginning Learner” to “Distinguished Learner.” Each level provides insight into where your child stands in relation to state standards.

• Score Breakdown: The report details specific skill areas within the content area tested, showing strengths and areas for improvement.

Why It’s Important:

We strongly encourage you to review the MCAP Score Report with your child. It’s a great opportunity to:

• Celebrate your child’s accomplishments and growth.

• Identify areas that may need additional attention or support.

• Begin conversations about setting academic goals for the school year and MCAP for the current school year.

The MCAP assessments are an essential measure of how well your child is progressing toward mastering the skills necessary for future success. As students move forward through middle school, developing strong foundations in core subjects is critical, not just for current learning but also as preparation for high school, college, and career readiness.

Next Steps:

If you have any questions about the report or how to support your child based on their results, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their teachers or our school staff. We are committed to working with you to ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education. We look forward to supporting your child’s progress throughout the school year.

Please remember if your student is absent to send a note. The note can be a parent/ guardian note or a doctor's note. Students may turn the notes into the box in front of the main office, or you can email lisa.weaver@talbotschools.org. You have 5 days to get them in from the date of the absence.

At Easton Middle School we work to:

1. create a safe and empathetic environment through a culture of belonging
2. ensure student academic success through a focus on academic rigor and engagement

And these policies will help us do just that!

Expectations for Cell Phones: For any questions or clarifications purposes, please see Policy Code: 10.19 AR:

• All cell phones must be stored in your iPad case or purse. They are not to be on your person- this means it cannot be in your pocket. It must be out of sight at all times, unless permission is given by a staff member to use it.
• Phones may not be taken to the bathroom or to the nurse’s office. It must stay in your iPad case or purse.
• Phones will not be permitted to be out and/or used during the day, unless the student is granted permission from a staff member to contact a family member. (Appropriate requests would include contacting a parent/guardian about staying for correctives after school, etc.)

Expectations for AirPods/ Headphones:

• AirPods/ Earbuds/ Headphones are not needed. You may not have those in your ears or on your head. They must be kept in your locker or in your iPad case.

The Wellness Center is open at EMS on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Thursday, September 26th:

• Quarter 1 Interim Ends

Friday, September 27th:

• Schedule will run as follows: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, & 4th.
• Early Dismissal for students. Dismissal is at 11:15am.
• Parent Conferences will be held in the afternoon.
• Talbot Goes Purple Friday! Wear purple to support the cause!

Saturday, September 28th:

• Frederick Douglas Day Parade from 10- 11:30am. Advanced Band Friends need to report to EES by 9:30 in full uniform.

Monday, September 30th:

• FTO Meeting @ 5:30 in the EMS Cafeteria. This is a Meet and Greet Social.

Friday, October 18th: Early Dismissal for students.

Wednesday, October 30th: End of Quarter 1

Principal - Kelly Murdoch

6th Grade Assistant Principal - Todd Stoker

7th Grade Assistant Principal - Ashley Quicke

8th Grade Assistant Principal - Kierra Farrare

Email: kmurdoch@talbotschools.org
Website: www.tcps.k12.md.us/schools/EMS
Location: 201 Peachblossom Road, Easton, MD, USA
Phone: 410-822-2910
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EMSpantherpage