Panther Post

Dear RNMS Families,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it is common to reflect on the things we are personally thankful for. This year, one of the things I am most thankful for is the opportunity to serve as principal of Rye Neck Middle School. It is truly a privilege to be part of this wonderful community and to support your children as they learn, grow, and thrive in our school.

Each day, I am inspired by our students’ enthusiasm, resilience, and achievements. I am equally grateful for the dedication of our staff and the partnership of our families, all of which make Rye Neck such a special place.

In this issue of our newsletter, check out our Thanksgiving-themed section outlining some of the things we have done here to get ready for the holiday. Looking ahead, next week is looking busy already. Modified sports begin on Monday for 7th and 8th graders. On Tuesday, December 3, our current 8th-grade students will attend the Incoming 9th Grade Orientation. Wednesday brings a Board of Education Planning Session meeting. Thursday is our first Student Advisory Group meeting, and on Friday, our 6th graders will experience Chemistry Chaos presentations in their science classrooms, sponsored by the PTSA STEAM committee.

BUT - before we get to next week let's enjoy this nice, long, holiday weekend. I wish you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving. And if you’re brave enough to tackle Black Friday sales, may your shopping cart be full and your checkout lines short (or maybe just stick to online shopping)!

Enjoy!

Best,

Jason Doerr
Principal

We did some great things here at the MS this week to celebrate Thanksgiving!

Gratitude Station: On Monday during each lunch period, our counselors, Mrs. Lawlor and Mrs. Sullivan, set up a wonderful opportunity for students to express their appreciation. Students were invited to write heartfelt notes of gratitude to school staff members, spreading positivity and thankfulness throughout our community. Members of the Kindness Ambassadors hand-delivered the notes to faculty and staff!

6th Grade Feast: Our annual pre-Thanksgiving feast for 6th graders was a heartwarming success, thanks to the support of our amazing parent volunteers. Students enjoyed delicious treats and shared meaningful discussions with their classmates about what they are thankful for this season.

Gratitude Board: Our Social Worker, Ana Crivorot, designed a beautiful Tree of Gratitude to celebrate the season of thankfulness. Students added their own personal touch by writing what they were grateful for on colorful leaves, which were then displayed on the tree. Check out the pictures below to see the heartfelt expressions of gratitude from our students!

Next Week:

• December 2:
• Modified Winter Sports Begin
• December 3:
• Incoming 9th Grade Orientation, 6:00 PM, PAC
• December 4:
• Board of Ed Planning Session, 6:30 PM, CSC
• December 6:
• 6th Grade Stem Alliance presentations - Chemistry Chaos

On the Horizon:

• December 11:
• MS Principal's Advisory Committee Meeting, 1:15 PM
• December 13:
• 7th Grade Stem Alliance presentations - Chemistry Chaos

Safety Drill: NYS has enacted a new law that requires schools to give communities warning about when safety drills will be happening. This is being done in an effort to mitigate potential anxiety for learners, parents and caregivers. A sheltering drill will take place next week.

Sheila Arnold Presentation: On Tuesday, Sheila Arnold visited the middle school, captivating students with her portrayal of Madam C.J. Walker, the first African-American female millionaire in the early 1900s. Madam Walker, a pioneer in marketing popular hair care products—many of which are still in use today—shared a story that resonates with students. Through the performance, she highlighted Madam Walker's inspiring journey, her entrepreneurial challenges, her relentless fight against segregation, and her unwavering commitment to the economic empowerment of all people. Thank you so much to the PTSA for sponsoring this amazing event!

Incoming 9th Grade Orientation: 9th Grade Orientation Night will take place this year on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6:00 PM. This session helps incoming freshmen and their families transition smoothly into high school. The evening's format is:

• Presentation by Counselors to share valuable guidance and resources.
• Student Panel where current students will share their experiences and answer questions.
• Curriculum and Club Fair in the Dining Hall, offering a chance to explore academic offerings and extracurricular opportunities.

Student Advisory Committee: The first meeting of our Student Advisory Committee will be on Thursday, December 5, in room A31 (the art room) during period 1. All participating students will attend this initial meeting, and absences from first-period commitments, like band or chorus, will be excused. Future meetings will be held during grade-specific lunch periods to minimize conflicts. Early next week, reminders will be sent to families of participating students. Please ensure your child joins us promptly at 7:50 a.m. in room A31. Please note that these meetings are only for students who have signed up.

Middle School Olympics – The Middle School Olympics will take place on Friday, December 20, in the high school gym. Students will be assigned to teams and will compete in exciting events like Awesome Ball, the 4-Legged Race, Balloon-Up, a Hula Hoop Contest, and more! This event is all about teamwork, good sportsmanship, and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among our students.

Artists of the Month - One student in each grade has been recognized for their hard work and effort in art class as well as their creativity and understanding of art concepts and skills. Congratulations to Matthew M. (6th grade), Davi F. (7th grade), and Jocelyn M.G. (8th grade). All of their work can be seen on display in the main office.

Peace Poster: The Lions International Peace Poster Contest is a global annual competition for children aged 11-13, inspiring them to creatively share their vision of world peace through art. This year’s theme, "Peace Without Limits," invites young artists to explore and express the boundless possibilities of peace. Check out our RNMS finalists/winner below:

Music 6: Students are having a wonderful time in music class this quarter as they explore world percussion and use technology to bring music to life. They are focusing on reading rhythmic notation while playing hand drums, such as congas. Additionally, students will use Mixcraft (a multi-track recording application) to create and share their own “ABA” songs with the class.

Music 7: Seventh-grade students have been exploring Mixcraft and recently completed their first "Loop Song Project," which they shared with classmates. Currently, they are working on composing a “Theme Song,” which identifies a person, place, or thing. After listening to examples, students created their own theme songs and are now preparing to share them in class.

Band (Grades 6-8): Band students are making great progress as they prepare for the winter concert! They’ve been working on “the art of making music,” focusing on more than just playing the notes. Morning rehearsals begin at 7:50 a.m., so families are encouraged to ensure students arrive on time. The middle school winter concert will take place on December 17th at 6:00 p.m. in the MS/HS Performing Arts Center.

Chorus (Grades 6-8): Chorus students are diligently preparing for the winter concert by mastering skills such as singing in parts, blending, and harmonization. Early morning rehearsals, held twice weekly at 7:50 a.m., are crucial to their success. The winter concert will be held on December 17th at 6:00 p.m. in the MS/HS Performing Arts Center. Chorus students are scheduled to perform last during the concert and should arrive at 5:30 p.m.

Strings (Grades 6-8): String students are refining their bow placement and two-note slur techniques as they prepare their concert pieces. Families should check Google Classroom for rehearsal schedules and reminders. Morning rehearsals start at 7:50 a.m., and punctuality is appreciated. The middle school winter concert will take place on December 17th at 6:00 p.m. in the MS/HS Performing Arts Center, with string students expected to arrive at 5:15 p.m.

Music 8: Eighth-grade students are learning to play simple songs and chords on the keyboard while improving their ability to read musical pitches. They are also studying how different elements, such as major and minor tones, create color in music. Students recently explored the innovations of John Cage and will soon record their piano performances using Sound Trap. Up next is the “Images in Sound” unit, where students will creatively connect music with visual storytelling.

Drama 7: Seventh-grade drama students have been developing their acting skills through an exciting class play. Each student takes on a unique role, including performance and behind-the-scenes responsibilities like stage crew. This project allows them to explore all aspects of theater and culminates in a video recording of their 30-minute play, which will be shared with families as a showcase of their creativity and teamwork.

Drama 8: Eighth-grade drama students recently contributed behind the scenes to a production of The Great Gatsby. They worked on costume preparation, prop design, and stage management. Currently, they are exploring the technical aspects of the high school musical Grease, gaining hands-on experience in set design, lighting, sound, and stage management. This experience provides valuable insights into theater production while fostering collaboration and creativity.

Art 6: In the 1st quarter, students explored ancient Greece and created stunning Greek vases on scratchboard, mastering scratch art techniques to bring their designs to life. The 2nd quarter welcomed a new group of 6th graders who began by crafting personalized art portfolios to store their work. They then studied Sarah Morris, diving into abstract art and incorporating elements such as value, color, patterns, and lines. Up next, they’ll take inspiration from Abbas Kiarostami to create landscape paintings using paint sticks and tempera, focusing on space, depth, and texture.

Art 7: 7th graders started the 2nd quarter learning about Henri Matisse’s “cut-outs” and applied printmaking techniques to create vibrant Gelli plate prints. They then explored Andy Warhol’s Pop Art to design celebrity-inspired self-portraits using acrylics on acetate layered over personal writing. Next, students will study Chuck Close to create enlarged candy wrapper drawings using the grid method and will later design illuminated letters inspired by Medieval Manuscripts. They’ll finish the quarter with Futurism-inspired artworks that capture motion through “lines of force” and repetition.

Art 8: The 8th grade kicked off the 2nd quarter with Stuart Davis-inspired city collages, focusing on positive and negative space. Students then began wire sculptures influenced by Alberto Giacometti, highlighting proportion and emotion. After Thanksgiving, they’ll explore Sicilian art and symmetry to create radial designs, incorporating personal embellishments. To wrap up the quarter, students will channel Andy Warhol’s endangered species series to create prints emphasizing repetition and bold compositions.

Physical Education - Middle school students are actively engaged in an exciting European Handball tournament, working on cardiovascular endurance and team strategy. Before Thanksgiving recess, they will transition to a cooperative game called Tchoukball, which focuses on defending the floor rather than the opponent. Next month, students will begin a volleyball unit that combines skills practice, drills, and gameplay within the Sport Education Model.

7th Grade Health - Seventh-grade students have been learning about social-emotional wellness by focusing on peer relationships, body image, and the importance of positive affirmations. They’ve also discussed respecting others and completed a class activity where they shared compliments with peers. As the unit wraps up, students are finishing projects on mental health topics and will soon move into lessons on communication, peer pressure, and decision-making. They’ll practice active listening, assertive communication, and refusal skills while learning how to make informed choices and seek help when needed.

8th Grade Health - Eighth-grade students have been discussing healthy and unhealthy relationships and learning how to identify warning signs. They explored themes of kindness and awareness through projects like Jimmy Fallon’s anti-bullying campaign. Soon, students will begin a unit on human sexuality. They’ll conduct research and present their findings, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed, responsible decisions.

Future Updates: The schedule below will spotlight different grades and programs in upcoming newsletters:

• December 6th – 8th Grade
• December 13th – 7th Grade
• December 20th – 6th Grade
• January 10th – Arts/P.E.

REMINDER: As part of our district’s Strategic Plan Goal #2, which focuses on creating an environment where empathy and connections are highly valued, we are offering a Social Emotional Screener program for all middle and high school students. This program is designed to assess and support students' emotional and social health, helping us ensure they feel connected, understood, and supported in their academic and personal lives.

To learn more about this program and register your child to participate, we invite you to visit the Strategic Plan page of our website and select Goal #2 to view information about the Social Emotional Screener. The site provides comprehensive information on how the screener works, its benefits, and the steps for signing up.

How to register your child:

1. Visit the Strategic Plan Website.
2. Review the information provided under Goal #2.
3. See the sample screener.
4. Complete the registration form to enroll your child before 3:00 PM on December 1, 2024.

Participation is voluntary, but we encourage all parents to consider this valuable resource as part of our collective effort to support the social and emotional development of our students. This program aligns directly with our goal of fostering a school culture that prioritizes empathy and strong connections among students and staff (#PantherVoices).

If you still have any questions or concerns after you have reviewed the information linked above, feel free to reach out to Wil Siegel at wsiegel@ryeneck.org.

Thank you for your attention to this important initiative and for your continued partnership in building a caring and supportive school community.

Registration link

Intramurals: 6th grade Intramurals are no longer running and will resume in April. If your child is interested in attending at that time, please see the information/schedule below:

6th grade intramural sessions will take place from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM on the dates below. Intramural sports:

• are run by Rye Neck Coaches.

• will consist of skill development and scrimmaging.
  

• require your child to be registered on FamilyID using this link: 6th Grade Intramurals

• only run on days when school is in session.
  

Please note that while attendance is not mandatory for participation, if you sign up we ask that you make every attempt to attend each day. A student may register for multiple sessions/sports.

Please see the schedule below:

Important Documents (please review with your child!):

Student Handbook

Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Village of Mamaroneck Bicycle Safety Brochure

MS Club Offerings

Parent Square Coming in January: Watch this video to learn more and keep an eye on your email for more information later this fall!

Use of Library: Students have the opportunity to come to the library before, during, and after school. Library hours are typically from 7:50 am until 4:00 pm and we try to give you advance notice if there is a change to the posted hours.

Panther's Den: Located in the library near the Community Room, the Panther’s Den offers students a relaxing space during lunch to play games, enjoy activities, and meet new friends. Space is limited to 8-10 students per day, so a Google Form will be sent out every Thursday for sign-ups for the following week.

Recycle Your Old Eyeglasses and Make a Difference!: Our Student Senate is collecting gently used eyeglasses to help bring the gift of clear vision to low and middle-income communities worldwide. Please drop off your old eyewear in the donation box located in the main office. Thank you for your support!

ENL Homework Helpers: ENL Homework Helpers sessions take place every Monday from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and will run through January 27, 2025, with Mr. Martinez in room L214.

Crossing Hornidge Road: Students should only cross Hornidge Road at the designated crosswalk on Post Road. Please avoid cutting through private property or crossing the street outside of the crosswalk, as it can create unsafe situations.

Cell Phones: Cell phones and other electronic devices are not to be used in the school building during school hours. Failure to follow this rule can result in confiscation of these items and they will be returned only to parents. Please find additional information about our cell phone policy in our Student Handbook.

Ongoing Feedback: To gather more feedback from parents, we invite you to use this Google Form below to share your questions, comments, concerns, or ideas. While submissions can be made anonymously, please include your name and contact information if you would like a direct response.

RNSF Give Grant Impact: "The RNSF "Give, Grant, Impact" Appeal is here! Now through December 20th, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Each donation funds grants that bring innovative resources, programs, and experiences directly to Rye Neck students, providing them with opportunities to explore, create and excel. Visit the RNSF WEBSITE to donate today!"

Cell Phone Help for Parents: Please see the Rye Youth Council Events page for upcoming events that provide parents with help as they manage cell phone use for their families. These events include:

• So Now You Have a Cell Phone... - January 13th