The Family "Celebration" Chronicle

Greetings Margaretta Middle & High School Families,

It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of the first quarter! October has been a busy month full of exciting activities and achievements, with even more opportunities ahead in November. This month we will highlight some of our October events and share what is coming as we enter November. At Margaretta we strive to support our students’ growth both inside and outside of the classroom.

Fall Sports Recap

Our fall sports teams wrapped up their seasons, showing awesome teamwork and school spirit! Thank you to all the athletes, coaches, and families who supported our students. You make us Margaretta proud! A shout our to senior cross country runner, Caiden Fultz, as he represented Margareta at the state. Go BEARS!

October Highlights

• Erie County Commissioners Debate: Our students had a unique opportunity to participate in the Erie County Commissioners debate. High school students prepared questions for the candidates and learned about relevant issues in Erie county from our local leaders.

• Field Trip Opportunities

  • Anatomy Class Cadaver Lab: Our anatomy students experienced an unforgettable visit to a cadaver lab, providing real-world insights into human biology.
  • Environmental Class at Castalia Trout Farm: Students learned about local ecosystems and conservation efforts on a field trip to Castalia Trout Farm.
  • 6th Grade at Seneca Caverns: Our 6th graders explored Seneca Caverns, engaging in hands-on learning about geology and Earth sciences.
  • FFA’s Erie County Food for America: Our FFA program participated in this important event, contributing to agricultural education and food security awareness to Erie county 4th graders.

• National Honor Society (NHS) Tapping and Induction Ceremony: Congratulations to our newest NHS members! We are proud of these students for their dedication to scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

• FFA National Convention: Our FFA members represented Margaretta at the national level, gaining insights and making connections with peers from across the country.

• 8th Grade Band Trip to the Cleveland Orchestra: Our 8th-grade band students experienced an exceptional performance by the Cleveland Orchestra, expanding their appreciation of music and live performance.

Looking Ahead to November

As we enter November, we look forward to continuing our commitment to excellence in academics and personal growth. Here are a few key focus areas and planned events:

• Classroom Standards and Literacy Development: Our teachers are emphasizing high academic standards and engaging in professional development with Rachel Daniels, our adolescent literacy specialist. They are committed to addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students, ensuring that each student feels supported and prepared for success.

• Career Exploration: Opportunities for career exploration continue to expand as we connect students with local professionals and hands-on learning experiences.

Finally, our robotics teams at both the high school and junior high are entering their competition season. These students have been working hard, learning valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and engineering as they prepare for competitions. We’re excited to see the outcomes of their dedication and innovation as they represent Margaretta.

We are grateful for the many opportunities available to Margaretta students and for the commitment of our teachers for creating a positive learning environment. Thank you for your support and involvement. We greatly appreciate the support of our families.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, concerns or need further information about upcoming events at 419-684-5351 or at jtheis@margarettaschooldistrict.com.

Dr. Jennifer Theis

Parent teacher conferences are Thursday, November 14th and Tuesday, November 19th from 3:30-7. We encourage all parents to schedule a conference. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, discuss ways that will help your child do better and succeed in the classroom and to hear the success your child has had thus far in our school year. To schedule and appointment you can email your child’s teacher or call the Middle / High School at 419-684-5351.

Thank you for continuing to call 419-684-5351 or email jmorriscox@margarettaschooldistrict.com with your absences and doctor's notes.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving break with your family!

Ohio administers assessments in the spring in the following subjects: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. You can familiarize yourself and your student(s) with the test by taking a practice test. Go to the website https://oh-ost.portal.cambiumast.com/families.html under Students and Families click on the red box to take a practice test.

AP TESTING

If students are planning on signing up to take an advanced placement test this spring then they must register in Students Services to do so by November 10th. Each test costs $99, however our Board of Education will be offsetting the cost of each test by paying $49. This means that for every test that a student signs up for they only need to pay $50 per test. Checks can be made to Margaretta Local Schools and are to be turned into The Student Service Office on the day that the student signs up. It is important to know that if a student signs up, the tests are ordered. Because of this if a student decides that they will not be taking the test that they signed up for, then the portion that the student paid for the test will be forfeited and students will be responsible to pay Margaretta Local school back for the portion that they paid ($49) to offset the cost for them. If a student is on free or reduced lunches please see Mrs.Lott for payment information.

Upcoming Career Exploration Opportunities

On November 5th Erie Business Advisory Council in partnership with Greater Sandusky Partnership and North Point Educational Service Center will be facilitating an Advanced Manufacturing Student Career camp. We will be taking a group of students on this trip. Students are selected to participate based on data from an assessment called YouScience, which measures student aptitudes and interests for certain career paths. Utilizing YouScience data helps us as educators bring a customized approach to career exploration and exposure.

We will be participating in the following career camps in the future;

February 13th: Business

March 18th: Human Services

Interested students can see Mrs. Lott.

On November 12th Mr. Miller & Mrs. Lott will be taking the group of students that signed up to tour EHOVE on an exploration day.

On November 14th Terra State Community College will be hosting a Total Patient Encounter, This event will highlight various health programs through hands-on activities & lab tours. The event is from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. Students will be permitted to attend this event as long as they have parental or guardian permission and can provide their own transportation. Interested students should see Mrs. Lott.

Writing/Speech Contest Opportunities

The American Legion has two contest opportunities that they are offering to our students again this year. The first opportunity is for middle school students to participate in an essay writing contest called Patriots Pen. The second opportunity is for high school students to participate in writing a speech and presenting the speech to a panel of judges. This opportunity is called The Voice of Democracy. Students that are interested in these opportunities should contact your Social studies teacher.

Stop The Hate Essay Contest

The Stop the hate youth speak out essay writing contest celebrates Northeast Ohio students in the 6th -12th grade who are committed to creating a more accepting, inclusive society by standing up and speaking out against bias and bigotry as they compete for a chance to win prestigious awards. Interested students should ask your English teacher about this.

Mrs. Lott, High School Counselor

If you have questions or concerns about your student(s), please contact me at hwiley@margarettaschooldistrict.com or call the MS/HS office at 419-684-5351.

Seventh grade students in my 1st Quarter Essential Skills class did an outstanding job. We learned how to communicate with others, to solve conflicts positively, ways to relieve stress, and about the importance of a positive mindset in our daily lives.

The ROX (Ruling Our eXperiences) program is getting underway soon for our 6th grade girls who have enrolled. There are still a few spots left-find out how your student can join by emailing me at hwiley@margarettaschooldistrict.com or by visiting the ROX website at www.rulingourexperiences.com.

Mrs. Wiley, Middle School Counselor

Parents,

Sources of Strength is a student-led program focused on promoting mental wellness and building a positive school culture. The program empowers students to identify and develop their own strengths and support systems, fostering resilience and emotional well-being. By connecting with peer leaders and trusted adults, students learn to navigate life’s challenges in healthy, constructive ways. "Sources of Strength" emphasizes the importance of hope, help, and strength, encouraging students to reach out for support when needed and to be a source of encouragement for others.

As parents, you play a crucial role in supporting your child’s mental health. Below are some images that provide conversation starters and questions you can use to engage your student about various aspects of their life, from friendships to coping with stress. Additionally, we’ve included at-home activities that your family can participate in together to reinforce the positive themes of the program.

We encourage you to use these resources to create meaningful conversations and strengthen your family’s connection.

FAMILY SUPPORT

CHECK-IN PROMPT

Who are the people that provide you with family support? These can be people in our foster families, step families, biological families, extended families, and chosen families.

ACTIVITY

Chose someone your home considered family, thank them as a group for the family support they provide and send them some extra care and attention. You could mail or deliver a physical package with letters, artwork, a homemade meal/treat, or a small gift. You can also connect with them virtually for an online chat, phone call, or send emails from everyone in your home to them.

GRATITUDE PRACTICE

Ask each person in your home to write down or share three new things they are thankful for.

POSITIVE FRIENDS

CHECK-IN PROMPT

What qualities make a Positive Friend for you?

ACTIVITY

Ask each person in your home to write down a memory of a time a Positive Friend brought them strength, and if possible, reach out to that friend and relive that memory with them.

GRATITIDE PRACTICE

Ask each person in your home to write down or share three things they are thankful for.

HEALTHY ACTIVITIES

CHECK - IN PROMPT

What Healthy Activities help you feel joy? What Healthy Activities help you to calm and unwind? What are things you do to energize?

ACTIVITY

Create a household bucket list of Healthy Activities you can complete together. These can be new skills you are learning together (playing an instrument, yoga, new recipes), favorite pastimes that bring energy (game nights, evening walks, dance parties), and ideas for bringing calm to the the home (reading, meditation, writing). See how many Healthy Activities you can complete together!

GRATITUDE PRACTICE

Ask each person in your home to write down or share three things they are thankful for.

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