Gator News Plum Point Middle

Band ~ From Mr. Hanson

The band was given a Superior Rating in Concert, and Sight-Reading. That was straight across the board from 4 different judges. They represented themselves and Plum Point well.

Orchestra ~ From Mr. Somerville

Today at Orchestra Adjudication, the 7th/8th grade orchestra received an overall rating of II (Excellent), with a I (Superior) in sight-reading. I’m very proud of their performance and they represented PPMS well. Shoutout to our parent chaperones!

Chorus ~ From Ms. Jacobs

Our 8th grade chorus students received a rating of a II—Excellent at our District Adjudication! With one of our judges, we were one point away from a Superior rating, which is amazing!

I am incredibly proud of their hard work. They represented PPMS with great attitudes, respect for other groups, and a fantastic energy. One judge even commented on how mature and polished they were on stage and in the audience.

This week, students learned about the national program No Place for Hate. During lunch this week, students and staff signed the No Place for Hate Pledge.

According to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) there are many reasons why children might benefit from having breakfast available at school including: parents’ work schedules, extended commutes and early morning bus schedules. Schools around the nation will be celebrating National School Breakfast Week, March 3rd through March 7th. This celebration helps promote the importance of starting the day off with breakfast, being fueled up and ready to learn!

According to the School Nutrition Association, “children who eat breakfast are more likely to…

• Reach higher levels of achievement in reading and math
• Score higher on standardized tests
• Have better concentration and memory
• Be more alert and maintain a healthy weight”
  
  

Breakfast…it’s not just important during testing season!

To celebrate, Elementary School Café Staff will be handing out little promo gifts each morning next week as a thank you to students who receive a breakfast meal 😊.

Just a reminder that all students who receive free or reduced-priced lunch benefits at school are eligible to use those benefits at breakfast! In addition, breakfast is also available to all students not receiving meal benefits for $1.65. This price includes an entrée, fruit (up to 2 servings) and milk.

Please help us celebrate NSBW week by encouraging students to start their day off with breakfast and thanks so much for your continued support!

CCPS Math Department and Special Education Family Support Services will be hosting the 1st Annual Math Learning Festival. This family event is free and open to the public. The Math Festival will showcase activities and displays that support connecting math as being all around us. Stations are designed to spark excitement for mathematics through recipes, reading, arts, and music for families with students of all ages.

Math Learning Festival

Calvert Public Library, Prince Frederick Branch

March 19, 2025

5:30-7:30

All 8th Grade students will be taking the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA 8) on Tuesday, March 11th and Wednesday, March 12th during 2nd and 3rd period. The test consists for four sections each taking 40 minutes. Both multiple choice and constructed response questions will assess students content knowledge and skills from students' Middle School Science curriculum. Students will complete two sections each day. Any student missing one or both days of the exam will need to complete a retake. Students will need a charged Chromebook for testing along with a pair of corded/plug-in headphones.

The MISA 8 is a mandated exam by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). As such, MSDE requires strict security measures be taken to ensure all scores are valid. Students will NOT be allowed to have any cell phones or electronic devices in their possession (ex. pockets, under their desk, pouch of their hoodie, smart watch on their wrist, etc.) unless they have an approved accommodation for a health monitoring device. CCPS policy is that all electronic devices need to be off and away during the Middle School Day. Failure to follow this policy may result in individual scores being invalidated or disciplinary consequences according to the CCPS Code of Conduct.

If you have any questions about the state testing, please contact Mr. Tyler. He is the School Testing Coordinator and Assistant Principal.

Registration for Summer 2025 Maryland Leadership Workshops is now open. Please share with your students and parents. They are inviting middle and high school students to join them this summer at Washington College for a transformative weeklong experience.

Program dates:

· Middle School Experience in Leadership (MSEL): July 13-18 for students entering grades 6-8 in Fall 2025

· Senior High Workshop (SHW): July 20-25 for students entering grades 9-12 in Fall 2025

· Advanced Leadership Seminar (ALS): July 13-18 for students who have completed grades 9-12 as of July 1, 2025 and have previous leadership experience

Learn more about MLW and our summer programs at mlw.org.

PPMS Student Government Association News

SGA meets on Thursday mornings at 7:00 am, in Mrs. Kelly’s room, 316. Our next meeting will be an optional meeting on Thursday, March 6th in the FACS kitchen, starting at 6:45 am. We will be making homemade dog treats for CAWL. Please contact Mrs. Kelly with any questions.

kellyd@calvertnet.k12.md.us

Love All Pets Drive-

Sponsored by the PPMS SGA

PPMS SGA is sponsoring the Love All Pets Drive. Collection efforts will run through March 7th to benefit the pets at the Calvert Animal Welfare League, CAWL. This date has been extended one week! Please bring all pet donations to Mrs. Kelly’s room, 316, in the morning when you arrive at school. SGA members will be on hand to tally the items collected by each Advisory/ FLEX classroom.

The Advisory/ FLEX class with the most donations will win a donut party, sponsored by the SGA!

Help us show some love for pets at the Calvert Animal Welfare League! Please see the flyer below for donation ideas and additional details.

If you prefer to make a monetary donation, please use the link below. The SGA will use all monetary donations to shop for needed items to deliver to the Calvert Animal Welfare League.

Donation Link- https://osp.osmsinc.com/CalvertMD/

Butter Braid Sales-

March 3rd- March 24th!

The PPMS SGA will be selling delicious Butter Braids beginning March 3rd. All Butter Braids will be delivered to PPMS the week before Spring Break, during the week of April 7th. The exact delivery date will be finalized in early April.

Butter Braids can be ordered in our online store, using the online link below or by using the order form attached below. If using the order form, please give your order form to Mrs. Kelly and make your check payable to Plum Point Middle School.

The PPMS SGA appreciates your support!

Butter Braid Online Store Link-

https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/SelectProducts/3ce358a4-b339-44e8-9a2d-9b180b867eea/3917921

PPMS Flashback Neon Dance &

After School Social-

Friday, April 4th – Save the Date!

The PPMS SGA and PTO will be hosting an after-school dance/social on Friday, April 4th. Please see the attached flyer for more details. A Sign-Up Genius link will be posted in early March for chaperone volunteers and donation sign-ups for this event.

Tickets will cost $5.00 and be available beginning March 17th online. Tickets will also be sold during all lunches beginning March 31st. If a ticket is purchased online, a hard copy will be delivered to the student during FLEX. Online sales will stop on the evening of April 3rd.

There will be a staggered pick up for this event to help with traffic flow. Pick up times are listed on the attached flyer. We hope to see you at our Flashback Neon Dance/Social!

Spring sports(baseball and softball) will begin on March 3rd and forms are due by this Friday. We will start track on March 17th.

March

19 - Two-hour Late Arrival

28 - Two-hour Early Dismissal

31- (makeup for January 6th): This will be an A Day for middle school.

April

1 - the end of MP3.

4 - After School Neon Dance

June

12 - (makeup for January 7th): This will be a B Day for middle school.

13 - (makeup for January 8th): This will be an A Day for middle schools.

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.

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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.