Gator News Plum Point Middle

Check out the Plum Point Middle School Library Site. https://calvertnet.libguides.com/ppmslibrary

There is a tab for History Fair which includes the 2025 video introduction of this year's theme.

Here is a listing of the databases that are included on the library page.

Gale Student Resources

http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/hunt93449?db=MSIC

Password: hunt_log

Encyclopedia Brittanica

school.eb.com

Username: calvertcty

Password: access

SIRS

Username: MD1214h

Password: 20678

Sailor and Calvert County Public Library

https://cosmos.somd.lib.md.us/online-resources/

Every student has a virtual public library card called the CRAB card.

They can access all of the public library databases as well as use the CRAB card to check out books from the public library.

Virtual Library Card #- calv<student id #>

Password is student birthdate <mmddyyyy>

Library of Congress

Home Library of Congress (loc.gov)

NoodleTools

Log in using Office 365

Personal Id : School email address

Password: student's personal password

Red Riboon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, smoking, and other drug and violence prevention and awareness campaign observed in October in the U.S. This year PPMS will show our support the week of Oct. 21st-25th. We have different theme days to help support this program. Please encourage your child to participate by dressing up. Please note the Calvert County dress code needs to be followed (nothing that covers your face, etc.).

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here is some information I gathered from the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

*1 in 8 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Chances are you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.

*It is estimated that in 2024, approximately 30% of all new female cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.

*On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.

*Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among American women, 2nd only to skin cancers.

*Approximately 15% of women diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer. Women with a mother, sister, or daughter who has breast cancer are nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer themselves.

But there is always HOPE!

*Medical advancements in early detection and treatments have increased the survival rates in recent years.

*There are currently 4 million Breast Cancer Survivors in the US.

*Approximately 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage before cancer has spread outside of the breast tissue.

*The 5-year survival rate for cancer diagnosed at the localized stage is 99%.

What is Breast Cancer? It is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in breast tissue. There are several different types that affect both women and men. Early detection is the best defense against receiving a late-stage diagnosis. The earlier, localized stages give the best survival rates. Per the National Breast Cancer Foundation early detection includes doing monthly self-exams, having regular breast exams by your gynecologist and annual mammography. Generally speaking, earlier detection equals the greater likelihood of a successful outcome.

No one likes those monthly self-exams, but they could save your life! Here are some tips on what to look for. Every person should know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and anytime an abnormality is found, it should be assessed by your medical team. By performing monthly self-exams you will be able to more easily identify any changes in your breasts. Be sure to talk to your physician if you notice any changes or anything unusual. Here is a quick overview of different signs and symptoms.

*A change in the skin texture or enlargement of pores in the skin of the breast.

*A lump in the breast. (All lumps should be assessed by a healthcare professional but not all lumps are cancerous).

*Unexplained swelling of breast.

*Unexplained shrinkage of breast.

*Recent unequal or sameness of the breasts.

*Nipple that is turned inward or inverted, or nipple drainage.

*Skin changes of the breast, areola, or nipple that becomes scaly, red or swollen.

For more details see the link below.

Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms - National Breast Cancer Foundation

PPMS Student Government Association News

SGA meets on Thursday mornings at 7:00 am, in Mrs. Kelly’s room, 316. We do NOT meet on the first Thursday of every month. Please contact Mrs. Kelly with any questions.

kellyd@calvertnet.k12.md.us

PINK GATOR NATION T-SHIRTS

& PPMS PINK DAY!

Pink Gator Nation Shirts are currently being sold online and before school in Mrs. Kelly's Room, 316. If you order online, your shirt will be delivered during 3rd period. You can wear this shirt on Pink Day and all year long as PPMS spirit wear!

Pink Day will be on Friday, November 1st. PPMS students and staff will be wearing pink apparel and accessories on November 1st to support breast cancer awareness.

All profits from our Pink Gator Nation Shirts will be donated to the Sheldon Goldberg Breast Center in Prince Frederick. Please consider buying a Pink Gator Nation Shirt to support this important cause. Sizing is limited- so order early! See the attached flyer for additional information and a picture of the shirt.

The order link for shirts is open!

https://osp.osmsinc.com/CalvertMD/

END HUNGER NOW- FOOD DRIVE

The Plum Point Middle School’s SGA will be sponsoring the End Hunger Now Food Drive through the entire month of October. End Hunger Now benefits hungry families in Calvert County. All donations will be collected before school in Mrs. Kelly’s room, 316.

We will award the mentoring/flex class with the most donations with a special treat, courtesy of the SGA. Ms. Novick’s class is currently in the lead with 14 items donated. Please keep in mind that only non-perishable food items can be collected. Your help with donating items for this worthy cause is greatly appreciated!

Middle and Elementary Aged Students:

• Must be accompanied by an adult (21 or older) who has purchased a ticket.
• Chaperones are required to stay and supervise students for the duration of their stay at the event.

Spectator Guidelines:

• No gathering outside of seating areas will be allowed before, during, or after the event. Spectators must remain in the stands or at the fence line during the event.
• Failure to abide by event expectations will result in spectators being removed with no refund and a loss of privilege to attend subsequent events.
• The following items are prohibited from entering HHS stadium events:

1. Bags/Backpacks

2. Outside food or drink

3. Open or unopened containers

4. Athletic equipment

All the above are part of HHS’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and enjoyable experiences for participants and spectators at our school events. Our priority is to ensure a positive experience for our students, staff, and families who attend events to support HHS.

PPMS Zombie Run is Friday, October 25th from 1-3pm. Packages are being sold online beginning today until 10/20 and in school during the week of 10/21 until the day of the event. Students must have atleast one "life" to participate in the Zombie Run rotation, but all students participate in the Glow Dance and Recess rotations. All proceeds benefit the PPMS Student Activities Fund.

Our soccer game vs CMS for Monday 10/21/2024 has been moved to CHS, still 4PM.

Winter Sports will begin on Nov 12th. If your child is interested in Boys BB, Girls BB, Poms, or Cheer they need to have all items turned in by Nov 8th. Sign-ups sheets have been posted outside of the gym.

Here is a link for the needed forms.

Middle School Athletics - Calvert County Public School District (calvertnet.k12.md.us)

Watch email for possible changes due to weather. Decisions will be made by 2:30pm.

October

21 - 25 - Red Ribbon Week

• *21 - Wear as much RED as you can.
• *22 - Dress decades 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, 00"s
• *23 - Wear patriotic colors
• *24 - Wear your favorite sports jersey
• *25 - Crazy sock day

22 - Virtual PTO Meeting

25 - NJHS Zombie Run

31 - End of 1st Marking Period

November

1 - Two-Hour Early Dismissal - Teacher Work Time

5 - Election Day -Schools Closed for Students and 10- and 11-month Employees

11 -Schools Closed for Students - Parent/Teacher Conferences for Elementary and Professional Development for Secondary

27 - Schools Closed for Students and 10- and 11-month Employees

28-29 - Schools and Office Closed - Thanksgiving

VISION THE PPMS COMMUNITY:

• PROMOTES HIGH STANDARDS

• PROVIDES POSITIVE EXPERIENCES

• MAKES A DIFFERENCE

• STRIVES FOR EXCELLENCE

Mission: At PPMS, we believe that all students can reach their potential to become well-rounded, life-long learners who are contributing community members. Our academic focus is on critical thinking, self-direction, and proficiency with technology. We strive for an inclusive climate and culture that is safe, caring, and accepting.

At PPMS We Believe in the Gator Way:

• We embrace our differences.

• We do not give up on each other.

• We respect each other.

• We all have a voice.

• We value our wellness both body and mind.

• We rise to the challenge and opportunities for excellence.

• We are in this together.

Calvert County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry or national origin, familial status, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth programs.

Calvert County Public Schools does not refuse enrollment of a prospective student, expel a current student, or withhold privileges from a current student, or prospective student, or the parent or guardian of a current or prospective student because of an individual’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national original, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Calvert County Public Schools does not discipline, invoke a penalty against, or take any other retaliatory action against a student or parent or guardian of a student who files a complaint alleging that the program or school discriminated against the student, regardless of the outcome of the complaint.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

• Director of Student Services
• Director of Human Resources

443-550-8000

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.

************************************************

Anti-sexual, Anti-racial and Anti-disability Harassment Statement
Discrimination can manifest itself in behaviors such as bullying, harassment, or intimidation of individuals.

Calvert County Public Schools does not tolerate any form of harassment including, but not limited to, sexual, racial, or disability. Any individual (student, employee, or community member) who believes that they have been subjected to any form of harassment is encouraged to report the allegation of harassment. Students, parents, and community members may report allegations of harassment to: Ms. Cecelia Lewis, Director of Student Services, Calvert County Public Schools, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Employees may report allegations of harassment to: Mr. Zachary Seawell, Director of Human Resources, Calvert County Public Schools, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Calvert County Public Schools is committed to conducting a prompt investigation for any allegation of harassment. If harassment has occurred, the individual will be disciplined promptly. Disciplinary actions for students found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or expulsion. Disciplinary actions for employees found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or termination.

Calvert County Public Schools encourages all students, parents, employees, and community members to work together to prevent any form of harassment.

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.

Calvert County Public Schools Antiracism Statement

Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) explicitly denounces racism, bullying, discrimination, white supremacy, hate, and racial inequity in any form within our school community. Furthermore, CCPS will not tolerate the values, structures, and behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism.

Each member of the district, individually and collectively, is responsible for creating and nurturing a safe, antiracist learning environment where each student, staff member, and community partner is a respected and valued member of the CCPS community.