This week Dr. Townsel, Superintendent of Schools, spent the morning with students reviewing Student Code of Conduct updates, changes, and expectations. Dr. Townsel stressed to students the opportunities Calvert County Public Schools offers as a top tier school in Maryland. He also noted the achievements of students at Plum Point Middle School.

Additionally, students were introduced to various other adult supports to help all aspects of learning and growing at Plum Point Middle School.

The results of the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) have been released by the state and are ready for sharing. Individual Student Results (ISR's) will be going home on Wednesday, Sept. 18th. Advisory teachers will distribute the results to students and spend time helping interpret scores. You can find detailed guides for understanding students' performance attached.

Complete school level results will be available on the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) website in the near future.

For those who need to re-apply for Free and Reduced Meal benefit for 2024-25, a letter will be going home with your child. This benefit will end unless a new application has been submitted and processed prior to October 9, 2024.

If you have any questions about your child’s application, you may contact Mr. Holm, the FARMS administrator. holme@calvertnet.k12.md.us

Mrs. Music has joined the Gators this year and is setting up for a fantastic year in the library!

Welcome to the PPMS Library!

Library Hours: 7:50 AM – 3:20 PM

Book Checkout:

• Standard Checkout: Up to 3 books at a time
• Research Checkout: Up to 10 books if needed for research
• Self-Checkout Stations: Available for student use if Mrs. Music is teaching

Orientation & Usage:

• Library Orientation: All students (6th, 7th, 8th) will receive orientation by the end of September. This will cover the sections of the library (Fiction, Non-fiction, Biography) and using Destiny to find books. Students were encouraged to check out at least one book during this visit.
• Class Visits: Students will visit the library during ELA classes at least once a month to check out new books. They are also welcome to visit anytime to check out or exchange books.

Library Website & Resources:

• Website: calvertnet.libguides.com/ppmslibrary
• Access: Students can access all CCPS databases 24/7 through the library website.
• Database Lessons: Students will receive lessons throughout the year on how to use these databases.

We’re excited to see everyone in the library!

Students should submit an 8.5x11 sheet. There should be at least a 1-inch border that should be the same color as the background but with no images or words around all sides. Plum Point Middle School and 2024-2025 need to be on it somewhere. You may also want to include our Gator mascot. A front and back cover can be designed together. No color restrictions. Turn in a hard copy to the main office or a high-resolution digital image to eversolec@calvertnet.k12.md.us

by Friday November 22nd.

Prizes will be awarded, and First Place will be on the cover!!!

Hello PPMS families! Welcome back to another amazing school year! If your student needs emergency medications in the health room, please get those administration forms filled out and bring in the medications. We are into week 3 and I am missing a lot of medications. I have attached the administration forms.

Thank you for all you are doing to keep our community safe and healthy. Keep screening your kids for any signs or symptoms of illness. Please feel free to call me with any questions or concerns you may have. Here's some tips to help build a healthy immune system 🙂

Quick facts about vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc; and why they are important when thinking about our immune system! And right now, we all need strong immune systems. All 3 are not meant to treat or prevent COVID - 19 but they may have a positive effect on how our immune system works to fight off infections, as well as inflammation and swelling.

So how do we get it and how much do we need daily?

Vitamin C - best obtain by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables - oranges( 1 cup =96mg), kiwis (167mg), mangos (60mg), strawberries (98mg), bell peppers (152mg), guavas (377mg), broccoli (81mg), and kale (23mg). To name a few! The daily amount recommended is 65 - 90 mg a day with an upper limit of 2,000 mg daily. Too much vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful but may cause uncomfortable side effects - abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, headache.

Vitamin D - best obtained by consuming low-fat milk, fortified milk alternatives, seafood (such as salmon, rainbow trout, tuna), and mushrooms. You can also get a dose of Vitamin D from the sun through your skin, so get outside and get some fresh air and sunlight! You can get too much Vitamin D if taking too many supplements but just through food and sunlight it is unlikely to consume too much.

ZINC - is best obtained through foods such as lean meats, seafood, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Our first SGA meeting was a huge success. Our next SGA meeting will be on Thursday, September 19th at 7:00 am in room 316. All students are welcome to attend.

Student government helps develop public speaking and leadership skills which will help your student throughout life. Students get to practice these leadership skills at county and statewide general assemblies and conferences. SGA also plans and executes many schoolwide events.

Past and current PPMS SGA leaders have served on the Calvert Association of Student Councils, Maryland Association of Student Councils, and Calvert County Board of Education!

We are very happy to announce the schedule for SGA meetings for the 2024-2025 school year. We will begin meeting on Thursday mornings, except the first Thursday of every month, in Mrs. Kelly’s room, 316.

Feel free to attend our next meeting and learn more about the Student Government Association at Plum Point Middle School. All the paperwork needed for joining SGA will be distributed at this meeting. We always welcome enthusiastic student leaders! If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Kelly. kellyd@calvertnet.k12.md.us

SGA Spirit Night at MOD Pizza

Please consider supporting the PPMS SGA by attending a Spirit Night at MOD Pizza in Prince Frederick. The event will be running from the time MOD opens until they close on September 26th. Come out to MOD and have a great meal while supporting the PPMS SGA. Your support is greatly appreciated. Please see the attached flyer for more details.

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

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

Note the grade level participating on the calendar.

Students must have all paperwork turned in to stay after school and participate.

Student pick up is 5:00pm.

September

26 - Fall Picture Day

26 - SGA Mod Pizza Night in Prince Frederick

27 - School Closed

30 - 2-hour Late Arrival

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.

Nondiscrimination Statement

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, or genetic information in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

• Director of Student Services 443.550.8000
• 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 he or she has 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 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.