Eagles' Notes
Madras News: October 1, 2018, Lorraine Johnson, Principal
Madras Middle School
Email: MadrasNews@cowetaschools.org
Website: http://www.cowetaschools.net/mms
Location: 240 Edgeworth Road, Newnan, GA, United States
Phone: 770-254-2744
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MadrasEagles
Twitter: @MadrasEagles
Nine Weeks Exams are October 1-4
In middle school students are given nine week's exams to assess mastery for the grading period. In sixth grade exams are weighted 10%; in seventh grade 15%; and in eighth grade 20%. Below are tips to help your child stay organized and set good study habits. Review these suggestions with student and help him/her develop a plan that works.
Make academics a priority.
Students have many distractions outside of school, and studying takes time and effort. Help your student get organized, and encourage him/her to learn good study habits now.
Dedicate a space for every class in your book bag.
In the department store aisles, there are boxes and boxes of binders, folders and organizational tools. For every class, dedicate a binder, folder or notebook. (Some of you have ISN's.) There should be a place for class notes, handouts and homework assignments. Some of the larger binders can accommodate all classes. It is really a matter of personal choice; just keep papers separated by class.
Use your agenda.
Students have an agenda notebook, but they don’t always use it. Each day, write down assignments or projects as they are given. Most teachers have them posted in the classroom as well as in Google Classroom.
Don’t wait until the last minute.
Know the testing schedule (which will vary by grade and team), and study a little every night instead of cramming late the night before the test. A good night’s sleep helps students do their best.
Select a consistent place to study.
Some people need total quiet while others can study well with music in the background. The key is to find a comfortable place and study there regularly, such as the kitchen table, a desk, a favorite chair, bed, etc. Make sure it has adequate lighting and keep all your study supplies in reach.
Make study cards.
On the front of a note card write the word or idea. On the back, write the definition or important information. Have a friend or parent ask you about the word and/or provide a definition. You can also make these online at sites like: https://quizlet.com/ or https://www.cram.com/ Often times teachers have made online flash cards, quizzes, or study guides that can help students prepare.
Make your own study guide.
One great way to study is to make a list of the important information from a chapter or unit of study and write it in your own words. Copy down any words that are written in bold or in italics. Look at chapter headings, section headings and review sections at the end of a chapter for other important information to add to your study guide or look at highlighted information from your notes or slide presentations. Merge this information with class notes.
Talk about assignments with friends.
Discussing assignments with friends is another great way to study. This is very helpful when studying for novel tests. Friendly discussions about books help deepen understanding.
If you are struggling, ask for help.
Start by talking to the teacher. The guidance counselors have a list of tutors in the area, and your teachers are available each week for tutoring or lunch 'n learn. Check to see tutoring times that are offered.
Stay organized throughout the year.
Most students have many binders and folders, but they don't always use them. Many will stuff every single paper from school into one binder. Half of their papers become misplaced or lost. Do not use the “shove" method when papers are returned, i.e. shove everything in one binder. Place them in the correct folder.If you are using a three-ring binder to keep papers organized, take the time to open the metal prongs and place them securely in it. If someone helps you organize your papers, take the time to continue putting everything in its place. If you are using an ISN, make sure papers are glued securely.
Habits developed in middle school become building blocks for high school and college. Starting good study habits now will help students later in life. It takes more effort to study and to become organized; however, being prepared gives students more confidence and puts them on the road to academic success.
Reference: Bright Hub Education, 2013
Attendance Counts!
Missing too much school can adversely impact a student’s chances of success. Studies show that kids who are frequently truant are more likely than their peers to repeat a grade or to drop out of school, so casually missing school can be a big deal, despite what students may think. Attendance is vital--and it's every student’s responsibility to attend school and to be on time for classes.
To make sure your child's attendance doesn't suffer this year, remember to be firm. Every vague headache complaint shouldn't be an automatic day off. It’s also important to be proactive. If your student is clearly avoiding school, find out why. Start by talking to a teacher or guidance counselor to see if there may be another reason your child is avoiding school. The staff at Madras is here to help. Please let us know if you have concerns regarding your child’s attendance.
Helping Students Take Charge of Their Own Learning
Middle school marks an important new phase in your child's education. Students are expected to take increased charge of their own learning. Instead of being teacher-led; learning in the secondary years becomes student-led. To help increase teenage responsibility, it is helpful for students to:
- Advocate for themselves and their education. Students should think about what they need in order to be successful and ask for it. Teachers and staff are here to help and are happy to answer questions or help students navigate their way.
- Participate in class. It’s important for every student to actively participate by asking questions and offering opinions.
- Get help at the first sign of a problem. Students should be aware of when teachers are available to work with those who need extra help. Teachers offer a variety of extended learning opportunities including Lunch ‘n Learn and before and after school tutoring.
- Work to get along with teachers and with other students. Everyone learns better when in a positive, productive environment. Working to get along with peers and school staff helps create a constructive learning climate.
- Think about his/her learning! Instead of just memorizing information, students should ask themselves, "How does this relate to something I have learned or experienced before?"
- Review Learning Targets: Ask your student to show you how he/she is monitoring content learning targets and/or goals. Is additional studying or tutoring needed to meet mastery?
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Students
Coweta County and Madras Middle School are committed to providing high-quality instruction and support for all students. The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework used to help all students succeed. MTSS focuses on high-quality instruction and supports based on student need. It is not a separate program or class, but it is a way of organizing instruction and interventions to help all students.This framework also helps educators by providing information (data) to identify students needing additional academic or behavioral support.
There are several key components of MTSS:
- Tier 1 instruction is for all students. At Madras, our Tier 1 instruction includes academic classes, connections classes, and a social-emotional component taught through our morning advisement classes. Universal screeners, such as STAR Math and STAR Reading assessments, help us identify students needing supplemental support.
- Students needing Tier 2 supports will receive small group intervention which may be done during additional tutoring times, varied instruction during class time, or lunch and learn.
- Students needing more intensive interventions may receive Tier 3 supports, which are the most intensive supports based on individual needs. Tier 3 support involves team-based problem-solving, increased time for interventions, and narrowed focus of instruction. Parents are invited to attend Tier 3 problem-solving meetings on a regular basis to help support their student.
For each level of support, educators provide ongoing progress monitoring of student performance to determine if the interventions being used for students are effective. If they are effective, they will be continued. If they are not effective, they will be adjusted.
If your student is receiving additional tier supports through the MTSS framework, you can expect information on your child’s progress in meeting grade-level standards, notice of academic or behavior concerns, instruction and intervention that is matched to your child’s needs, feedback on how your child is responding and making progress, and involvement in individual, data-based problem solving for your child. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Dr. Eskut at donna.eskut@cowetaschools.net.
Madras Parent Volunteer Training
- October 15, 8:30 a.m.
- October 15, 2:45 p.m.
8th Grade REACH Physical Science Students Explore Chemical Changes
8th Grade Novel Outsiders "Greaser/Soc Day"
FCA Small Groups
Fall Pep Rally
More from around the Nest
Noah Rudny is the Chick-fil-A Student Athlete of the Month!
Check our website regularly for updates or changes.
Monday, October 1
- Lady Eagles Step Team Practice, 3:30-4:30
- Math Counts Meeting, 3:30-4:30
- Football Practice, 3:30-5:30
- Pep Squad Practice, 3:30-5:00
- Volleyball Practice, 3:30-5:30
- Pet Lovers Club, 3:30-4:30
Tuesday, October 2
- 9 Weeks Exams
- MMS All-State Chorus Rehearsal, 7:30-8:20 a.m.
- Academic Bowl Practice, 3:30-4:30
- Drama Club, 3:30-4:30
- Eagles Extraordinaire Club, 3:30-4:30
- Elite Force, 3:30-4:30
- NJHS Membership Forms Due
- Science Olympiad Practice, 8:00-8:50
- Football: First Round Playoffs (Arnall at Madras), 5 pm
- Volleyball Practice, 3:30-5:30
Wednesday, October 3
- 9 Weeks Exams
- TMX Rehearsal, 3:30-5:00
- CANCELLED: Girls of Faith, 3:30-4:30
- Football Practice, 3:30-5:30
- Lady Eagles Step Team Practice, 3:30-4:30
- Volleyball Tourney (First Round: MMS vs ECMS) at Arnall, 5:30
Thursday, October 4
- 9 Weeks Exams
- 6th Grade Band Concert, Madras gym, 6:30 pm (warm-up at 6:00)
- Academic Bowl Practice, 8:00-8:50 am
- Lady Eagles Step Team Practice, 3:30-4:30
- Science Olympiad Practice, 3:30-4:30
- Pep Squad Practice, 3:30-4:30
- Volleyball Tourney (Semifinals) at AMS, 4:30
Friday, October 5
- Teacher Workday
Monday, October 8
- Holiday; Schools Closed
Tuesday, October 9
- Band Fundraiser Kick-Off
- Chorus Fundraiser Kick-Off
- District 6 Honor Chorus Rehearsal, 3:30-5:30
- MMS All-State Chorus Rehearsal, 7:30-8:20 a.m.
- Academic Bowl Practice, 3:30-4:30
- Lady Eagles Step Team Practice, 3:30-4:30
- Science Olympiad Practice, 8:00-8:50
- CCSS Board Meeting
- Madras Art Displayed at Board Meeting
- Pep Squad Practice, 3:30-5:00
- First Day of Soccer Tryouts (Boys and Girls)
Wednesday, October 10
- Girls of Faith, 3:30-4:30
- Lady Eagles Step Team Practice, 3:30-4:30
- Student Council Officer Elections
- Football: Semifinals, 5 pm
Thursday, October 11
- Chorus Uniform Payment Due
- Academic Bowl Practice, 8:00-8:50 am
- Lady Eagles Step Team participates in NHS Homecoming Parade
- Science Olympiad Practice, 3:30-4:30
- Football Practice, 3:30-5:30
- Pep Squad Practice, 3:30-4:30
- Volleyball Championship at AMS, 5:30
Friday, October 12
- TMX Rehearsal, 3:30-5:30
- ECHS Homecoming
- Snack 'n Chat
The Eagles host Arnall in the first round of the playoffs, Oct 2nd
Lady Eagles are Seeded 3rd in Post-Tournament Play; Madras vs ECMS Wednesday, October 3rd (5:30) at Arnall
Parent Letter Archives
Safety Letter (8-6-18)
Health Alert (8-6-18)
Open House Letter (8-7-18)
Box Tops Are Back!
Madras would like to thank parent Jamie Bowne for serving as this year's Box Top coordinator. The first round of Box Top collection will be now until October 24th.
Clipping Box Tops is an easy way to help earn cash for our school. Each one is worth 10¢ for our school! Just look for the pink Box Tops on hundreds of products. All you have to do is clip them and send them to school.
Last school year, we earned over $1,500 for our school from Box Tops and used the money for our teachers. For more information on Box Tops, including a list of participating products, go to BTFE.com. Be sure to sign up as a member (it’s free!) so you can check out our school’s earnings details and get access to coupons and bonus offers.
Box Tops can be submitted by students to homeroom teacher in a plastic bag or taped to a collection sheet. Be sure to label collection sheet(s) or baggie with student’s name & homeroom teacher to obtain credit.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Madras PTSO. We want to help make our school’s Box Tops for Education™ program a huge success this year.
Thanks for your help!
PTO: Join the Team!
Amy Brandon, PTO President
Welcome to Madras! The purpose of our PTO is to help improve our school by combining the efforts of parents, students, and teachers.
We invite you to join PTO to help make our school a better place to work and learn! Our fundraising efforts have benefited a variety of projects in the past including school building improvements, teacher instructional requests, equipment for the fine arts department, instructional technology purchases, and athletic programs.
This year, one of our major goals is to raise enough funds to purchase an electronic sign in front of the school to replace the old signage. We didn't quite reach this goal last year but are hoping to earn enough early this year to update it. We ask that each family join PTO with a $12.00 (or more if you choose) contribution. You can join and pay directly online by clicking the ONLINE MEMBERSHIP (You can also send a check with your child to the homeroom teacher or to the front office. Checks should be made payable to Madras PTO.)
We also need your volunteer time! If you are interested in assisting with any of the areas below, please select from the choices on the online form. You will be contacted as the events take place. There are many opportunities to serve:
- Hospitality Committee - Teachers' Luncheons and Special Events
- Box Tops
- School Store - helping in the store 8:00-8:30 AM on a rotational basis
- Membership
- Snack n Chat (monthly)
- Media Center (1-2 hrs per week)
- Battle of the Books
- Book Fair - Fall and Spring
- Scoliosis Screening - one time event
- School Pictures
- Lamination/Copies for teachers
- 8th Grade Dance Setup
- Special Event Assistance
- PTSO Board
MMS PTO Annual Project: Electronic Sign in Front of the School
If you wish to make a donation to this project, please send it in with your child address to the MMS PTO. Contact Amy Brandon at amysbrandon97@gmail.com with any questions.
Thanks in advance for your support!
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