During Open House and through email communications, families have had the opportunity to meet and communicate with teachers about curriculum, assessments, and grading policies. However, middle school is not just about growing academically. The "middle years" is a critical time for brain development and social emotional learning.
Plum Point Middle has a team of professionals supporting students beyond the classroom.
Plum Point Middle School’s Student Services (Gator Services Team) is designed to meet the needs of students. The primary goal of enhancing the instructional program to better meet the needs of individual students is best achieved when home, school, and community work closely together.
Gator Services is made up of school counselors, student services workers, school nurses, school psychologists, secretaries/program coordinators, and a school police liaison officer. These professional staff members, with the assistance of teachers, parents, community agencies, and numerous other educational and community leaders, cooperate and coordinate efforts to assist students in their academics, career exploration, health care, attendance, and personal, social, and interpersonal matters.
All students will receive guidance services during their school experience. SOME will receive services provided by a school counselor, social worker, student services worker, school nurse, and/or school psychologist. A FEW will need alternative programs or other special requirements. In order to determine the individual needs, parents and teachers play a major role in recognizing symptoms that may jeopardize a student's opportunity for success. By working closely together we can support student success. The earlier a child is identified and receives services, the greater the assurances are that worthwhile results will be achieved.
PPMS Gator Services Team (443-550-9175)
- Alissa Douglas, School Counselor (last names A-K)
- Heidi Jarman, School Counselor (last names L-Z)
- Joanne Gay, School Social Worker
- Dana Smith, R.N., School Nurse
- Dr. Rebecca Hirschman, Pupil Personnel Worker
- Erica Ferges, School Psychologist
- Cpl. Troy Holt, School Resource Officer
- Frank Winston, Safety Advocate
- Milo, Therapy Dog
Check out this article: https://www.educationworld.com/teachers/middle-matters-middle-school-years-are-important-and-theres-tools-help
~from Dana Smith, RN
Fun Facts About Apples!
That old saying just might be true..."An apple a day keeps the doctor away!". Or is it "An apple a day benefits the whole body in multiple ways!"
*Did you know apples come in more than 7500 varieties?
*They are healthiest when you eat them fresh and whole.
*A medium apple has about 80 calories, 1 gram of protein, 19 grams of natural sugar and 0 grams of fat, sodium, and cholesterol.
*That same medium apple also has 3 grams of fiber! Fiber keeps your digestive system on track and can also help you to feel fuller longer! And they have a low glycemic load - so they won't spike your blood sugar!
*Don't peel the peel! That's where 2/3 of the fiber is found!
*The skin also holds lots of antioxidants - which helps protect your cells from damage that may lead to cancer, heart disease and stroke.
*Apples have a plant-derived chemical called flavonoid that protects cells throughout your body, including ones in your brain! Those flavonoids and antioxidants may offset the memory loss caused by various types of damage to cells.
*In lab studies, the combination of the plant chemicals and fiber found in apples helped protect the heart and blood vessels from damage.
*Studies also show that fiber helps lower your LDL - the bad cholesterol that can build up in your arteries and lead to heart disease.
*Apples, like other fruits and vegetables, have natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
*They can't compete with oranges, but they do have 10% of the vitamin C you need daily!
So, enjoying "an apple a day" just might keep the doctor away 😍
It's still the season to pick a few apples, enjoy a family outing and get healthier too 🙂
Here is the complete article if you want to read more facts about apples - Health Benefits of Apples (webmd.com)
**Also, if your child requires emergency medication (Epi Pens, Benadryl, Albuterol) at school get them to me with the required paperwork. A new administration authorization form is needed each year along with the medication. I have attached the needed forms. Thank you 🙂
See You at the Pole is Wednesday, September 25th. Students can meet the flagpole at arrival time to lift up their friends, families, teachers, school, and nation to God in prayer. Contact Mrs. Criss with any questions. crisss@calvertnet.k12.md.us
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.