• Schools Closed

• iReady Diagnostic, 8:30 a.m.
• MBMS Football @ Waccamaw Middle School, 6:00

• PTO Meeting, 8:30, Cafeteria

• Picture Day 2023
• MBMS Football @ Ocean Bay Middle School, 6:00

• Hawk Card Pay Day / Hawk's Nest Open During Lunch

• MBMS School Improvement Council, 8:30, Front Conference Room
• MBMS Title I Meeting, 9:30, Front Conference Room
• Grade 6 Social, 3:30 - 5:45
• MBMS Football, Home vs. North Myrtle Beach Middle School, 6:00

• 4:00 Gifted and Talented Meeting, Band Room
• 5:00 Annual Title I and Parent Involvement Planning Meeting, Room 16
• 5:30 ESOL Meeting, Orchestra Room
• 6:00 Follow Your Child’s Schedule

• 2023 MBHS Homecoming Parade, 9:40

• MBMS Football, Home vs. Ten Oaks Middle School, 6:0

• Ground Zero Assembly, 9:00 (parent permission required)

• Hawk Card Pay Day / Hawk's Nest Open During Lunch

• All Region Orchestra Auditions, Sumter High School

Order forms for school pictures will be distributed to students on Friday, September 8. Pictures will be taken by Strawbridge on Tuesday, September 12. Pictures may be ordered using the form students bring home or online at strawbridge.net using the code FM425422.

Please click on the MBMS Procedures to review information that has been shared with students through classroom discussion and class meetings. Please reach out to your child's grade level administrator or to Principal Christy with questions.

Grade 6 Administrator, Mr. Kyle Franey, kfraney001@horrycountyschools.net

Grade 7 Administrator, Mrs. Cassie Bonnell, cbonnell@horrycountyschools.net

Grade 8 Administrator, Mrs. Andrena Baker, abaker@horrycountyschools.net

Students who use their MBHS Booster Athletic Pass must be accompanied to the event by a parent or guardian.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

4:00 Gifted and Talented Meeting, Band Room

5:00 Annual Title I and Parent Involvement Planning Meeting, Room 161

5:30 ESOL Meeting, Orchestra Room

6:00 Follow Your Child’s Schedule (SEE BELOW)

7:15 Back to School Night Ends

Do you remember Hurricane Florence in 2018 when schools were closed for an extended period of time? During that event, Dr. Janice Christy, the school’s principal, received a note in the mail, along with a check, with directions to “help the children.” She was well-aware of the various needs of the students of Myrtle Beach Middle School, and once school reconvened and the MBMS SIC met again, the check was presented with an idea to begin an outreach program that would permit school counselors and administrators to immediately meet the needs of students. The MBMS School Improvement Council took the reins, and very quickly an office was transformed into Juli’s Closet, named for the very first donor who sent that note to help the children. Juli’s Closet is a discreet service, funded fully by willing donors. While some students are comfortable just asking for a visit, others request visits privately using email or a Google form. Our community is very generous in contributing to Juli’s Closet, and Juli herself sends a note and a contribution each and every month - she has not missed a month since September of 2018. If you would like to support Juli's Closet, please consider using the "wishlists" for Amazon or Walmart - questions should be directed to Mrs. Jessica Grimes, Family School Facilitator.

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/62P4W2BZZJSI

https://www.walmart.com/registry/ER/fffedb83-a051-40a3-a5b7-c773bb7f8304

The School Improvement Council is intended to advise the prinicial and the school, focusing on school improvement. Parents, teachers, and community members serve on the SIC. State law requires that every public school in South Carolina convenes an SIC. The SIC is advisory only, and parents who want to serve are nominated and elected by other parents. If you would like to serve on the MBMS School Improvement Council, please notify Janice Christy via email at jchristy@horrycountyschools.net. More information is available here: https://sic.sc.gov/sic-information/faqs-about-sics.

Parents--please be on the lookout for appointment invitations for your child’s individual grade-level conference (6th and 7th) or Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) conference (8th). During these conferences, counselors review:

• Student’s 2023-2024 Academic Progress

• Student’s Individual Career Assessment Results

• SC High School Graduation Requirements

• SC Uniform Grading Scale - Grade Point Average (G.P.A.)

• Horry County Schools Secondary Program Options

• SC Education Lottery Scholarship Opportunities

Conferences will be held in the parent’s absence if a parent misses or chooses not to attend their child’s meeting.

How Can My Student Reach The Counselor?

Students are often referred to counselors by teachers and administration if they are having a problem. If your student would like to talk to their counselor, he or she can request to see their counselor through SmartPass. Parents are also encouraged to reach out to their grade-level counselors if they feel that their student would benefit from counseling services. See contact information below:

Catherine Curtiss - Lead Counselor/8th Grade

ccurtiss@horrycountyschools.net 843-839-7124

Gina Mahoney - 7th Grade

gmahoney@horrycountyschools.net 843-839-7105

Hallie Caroway - 6th Grade

hcaroway@horrycountyschools.net 843-839-7117

Greta Pratt - 8th Grade IGP Counselor

gpratt@horrycountyschools.net 843-839-7123

Myrtle Beach Middle School is designated as a federal Title I school because of the percentage of students attending our school who also receive assistance from the federal government. MBMS meets with a group of parents and teachers three times each year to plan how to use these special funds to ensure that our students, all of our students, benefit. All parents, guardians, and community members are invited to attend these meetings. Meeting dates are as follows:

Fall Planning Meeting, September 19, 9:30, Main Office

Annual Title I Meeting, September 21, 5:00, Room 161

Winter Planning Meeting, February 13, 9:30, Main Office

Spring Planning Meeting, May 7, 9:30, Main Office

Myrtle Beach Middle School is required to share information with parents/guardians about Title I at MBMS. Please review the documents attached and please reach out to Jessica Grimes, MBMS Family School Facilitator, or Principal Janice Christy with questions, comments, ideas, or concerns.

All students in Horry County Schools will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2023-2024 school year as part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program.The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a non-pricing meal service option for qualifying schools and school districts. CEP allows breakfast and lunch to be offered to all enrolled students at no cost.

This year, CEP in South Carolina has expanded to include students who receive Medicaid benefits, enabling all HCS schools to qualify for the 2023-2024 school year. Participation in this program also eliminates the requirement for parents/guardians to fill out Free and Reduced Meal applications.

Students will still have the option to purchase additional meals, food & snack items, and beverages at à la carte prices. À la carte items can be paid for in cash or by prepayment on the student’s cafeteria account. Charging for à la carte sales is not allowed. Prepayments can be made by cash or check at your child’s school cafeteria or with a debit card by setting up an account at myschoolbucks.com. Any charges remaining on a student’s cafeteria account from a prior school year are still the parent’s responsibility. If needed, payment arrangements for larger balances can be made by contacting the school cafeteria manager.

All 8th grade students at Myrtle Beach Middle School will be taking the PSAT/NMSQT on Wednesday, October 11th, 2023.

Why the PSAT/NMSQT Is Important

Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is more than just good practice for the SAT, and the scores are more than just a number. With your child’s results, they can:

• See where they are and set a target: You’ll get details on the exact skills and knowledge they need to focus on, while they have plenty of time to improve. If they’ve taken the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10, they’ll also see how much progress they’ve made between the tests. They can also use their score from the PSAT/NMSQT, along with some research about their college and career goals, to set their own personal target SAT score. Historically, students who took the PSAT/NMSQT scored better on the SAT, on average, than those who didn’t take the test.
• Find out about their AP Potential: Students who take an AP® course are better positioned to succeed in college. Your child may not realize that they’re ready to take college level courses and that they have the potential to succeed. Using their personalized view of AP Potential , found in their score report, they’ll get recommendations for courses that may be a good fit for them.
• Enter the National Merit Scholarship Program: Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT and meet other program entry requirements specified in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide will enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) Visit NMSC’s website at www.nationalmerit.org for more information..
• Help pay for college: Taking the PSAT/NMSQT gives your child the chance to access over $300 million in other scholarship opportunities.
• Connect to their future: When your child takes the PSAT/NMSQT, they’ll be asked for their mobile phone number so they can download the free BigFuture School™ mobile app and have their PSAT/NMSQT scores delivered right to their phone. They’ll get customized career information and guidance about planning and paying for college. Depending on their school or district, they can use the Connections feature, which lets them here from nonprofit colleges, scholarships and educational organizations interested in them—without having to share any personal information.

If you do NOT want your student to take the PSAT/NMSQT on October 11th, please fill out this Google form by Friday, September 8th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Catherine Curtiss at 843-839-7124 or ccurtiss@horrycountyschools.net.

Thanks to all who have paid the HCS Technology Fee for the 2023-2024 school year. The fee saves families a lot of money should the laptop be lost or stolen. Please see the costs below and please know that if the technology fee is not paid, parents/guardians assume responsibility, in full, for the cost to replace or repair the device.

Laptop Repair Policy for 2023-2024

• If damage occurs this year and the $25 tech fee has been paid, the first repair only costs an additional $25.
• If damage occurs this year for a 2nd time and the tech fee has been paid, the 2nd repair costs an additional $75.
• If damage occurs this year for 3rd time, the repair is full price of the computer.
• If damage occurs this year and the $25 tech fee has NOT been paid, the repair is the full price of the computer.

Students should be in their first class, ready to begin working at 8:20 am each school day. Any student who is not in the building and through search by 8:20 will be marked tardy to school. Consequences for arriving tardy to school are as follows:

1st offense: Verbal Warning and parent notification

2nd offense: Verbal Warning/Parent Contact to make them aware of after school detention (and consequences for subsequent tardies)

3rd through 5th offense: After School Detention/Parent Contact. A one hour after school detention assigned and supervised by school staff; assigned one week to be served the next week.

Note: If students do not attend after-school detention consequences of ISS will result (step 7)

6th offense: Suspended pending parent conference; possible revocation of waiver, if applicable.

7th offense and beyond:

7th - 1 day of ISS

8th - 2 days of ISS

9th - 1 day of OSS

10th - 2 days of OSS

11th - Evidentiary Hearing

It is the responsibility of the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to provide timely pickup and transportation home from an after school tardy detention.

We are excited to announce that the MBHS All Sports Booster Club has provided all students a free student pass for all fall, winter and spring regular season sports events. Digital passes were emailed out 8/15/2023 to all student school email address. All home games, including b teams are included. Tickets are available digitally for $6 and/or HCS booster club passes will be accepted. Please see link below to purchase your tickets.

https://iloveuguys.org/ provides information about the Standard Response Protocol. MBMS has reviewed and practiced this protocol with all students. Please review this protocol and reach out to Principal Christy or the MBMS Safety Office, Cassie Bonnell, with questions.

https://www.help4kidssc.org/ is a community outreach organization which supports students and children throughout Horry County. Myrtle Beach Middle School is able each Friday to send a bag of easily prepared food home with students who sign up for this support. Interested parents or guardians should complete the form below or reach out to Jessica Grimes, MBMS Family School Facilitator.

Students interested in running for a Student Government Officer position can receive an application from Mr. Mau in room 202. The deadline to submit applications isSeptember 15th. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Mr. Mau at: jmau@g.horrycountyschools.net.

We are looking for students from each grade level to take leadership roles this year. Student Ambassadors will assist with introducing new students to our school and its culture. Students who are interested in becoming a Student Ambassador can attain an application from Mr. Mau, Room 202. Applications are due September 8th. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at jmau@g.horrycountyschools.net.

Ground Zero of Myrtle Beach provides students access to assemblies that students may attend with parent/guardian permission. The presenters and topics are outlined below, to include links where parents/guardians can learn more about each presenter.

September 27: Motivational speaker Austin Lanier encourages students to embrace their unique identity, to never give up during difficult times, and to make the right decisions to turn their dreams into reality.

October 25: Motivational speaker Sean Emory focuses on finding the value in who you are - identity vs. action.

January 31: Keith Davis is a former NFL linebacker who encourages students to pursue a lifestyle of excellence.

February 28: (tentative) Tim Byrne is a professional skateboarder who will offer a message of encouragement to students.

ATTENTION any rising 7th, 8th and 9th grade boys and girls: Do you want to get involved in athletics, like to be outside, then please join the Myrtle Beach Cross-Country team!!! No experience necessary. It is a fall sport, and we need runners! We start practice in the summer, and you must have a completed physical and all documents on planeths uploaded to participate.

Please contact Coach Meredith Jiorle at mjiorle@horrycountyschools.net if you are interested and please reach out if you have any questions.

If you have any questions about joining the MBHS swim team, feel free to reach out to Coach Kaitlyn:

Mobile # (724) 840-0798

Email: KaitlynEarnest@hotmail.com

A physical and a planeths.com account are required.

All 6th graders need a Tdap immunization before entering the 7th grade. This immunization needs to be received after the age of 10. We need a copy of that immunization in the Health Office for your student's health record, 30 days from the first day of 7th grade or your student risks being suspended until we obtain the immunization document. Please try not to wait until the last minute as appointments fill up quickly.

Nurse Penny

• Chris Paul, Secretary II

• Kelli Garguilo, ESOL

• Stephanie Welak, Grade 7 ELA

• Dean Parker, Grade 6 Science

• Matthew Howlett, Grade 6 Social Studies

• Carol Ritter, Grade 6 Science

• Steve Paratto, Grade 7 Social Studies

• Hayden Hedrick, Grade 7 Science

• Lucas Britt, Grade 8 Social Studies

• Dr. George Connell, Grade 8 Science

• Rosemarie Giacchetta, Paraprofessional

WHAT IS THE SPIRIT ROCK?

• The spirit rock is an exciting way to celebrate birthdays, accomplishments, celebrations, well wishes, congratulatory messages, upcoming school events or inspiring messages.

• The rock is a fun way to spread any kind of positive message. Please note any use of profanity, symbols, offensive and political messages are not permitted.

• Painting the rock is one of many traditions that people can participate in with their friends and family. RENTER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING SUPPLIES AND PAINTING THE ROCK. RAIN OR SHINE.

• RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE TO PAINT THE ROCK.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

• RESERVATIONS ARE FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS.

• The cost is $15.00 per day and can be rented for no more than 2 consecutive days at a time.

• You may begin painting the spirit rock at 4:00 PM on the day BEFORE your reserved date and your session will expire at 3:59PM the day of your reservation, to ensure anyone scheduled the next day has time to paint.

• STEP 1 - Check the availability of the date you would like to reserve on Myrtle Beach Middle School’s website, PTO tab https://www.horrycountyschools.net/Myrtle_Beach_Middle_School **PTO SPIRIT ROCK**

• STEP 2 - If your date is available, send an email to myrtlebeachmiddlepto@gmail.com requesting to reserve the date, please

include your name, child’s name and type of message you are painting and how you will be paying.

• STEP 3- The Spirit Rock Coordinator will respond to confirm that the date is available for rental.

• STEP 4- You must pay within 24 hours after receiving the confirmation email to secure the reservation. At this time, and due to COVID restrictions, we are encouraging payments be made through the PayPal link on the PTO Sprit Rock page. Paypal “Add to Cart” link is included on the school’s website, PTO – SPIRIT ROCK PAYMENT INFORMATION. If you utilize a card payment,

you will be charged a service fee.

• STEP 5- Your reservation will be published to the calendar and reserved once payment has been processed and you will receive a 2nd email confirming your reservation. If your payment is not received in the time frame, PTO reserves the right to offer the date to someone else.

Email: jchristy@horrycountyschools.net
Website: https://www.horrycountyschools.net/Myrtle_Beach_Middle_School
Location: 3101 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC, USA
Phone: (843) 448-3932
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyrtleBeachMiddleSchool/
Twitter: @MBMSeahawks