The PAW Print
March 26, 2023
Calendar Events and Updates
- Calendar Updates: Spring break is just around the corner, beginning with a two-hour early dismissal on Friday, March 31, 2023. Please note that Schools are closed for all students and 10-11 month staff from April 3-6, and all schools and offices are closed April 7 and 10. Students will return to school on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
- Additionally, the Superintendent and staff presented updates to the calendar to the Board of Education on March 8 identifying potential changes to the end of this school year, pending approval by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County. These changes are based on a mild winter - and therefore no snow days this year, as well as recent guidance from MSDE that allows for the use of virtual learning days in our calendar. We encourage you to view the March 8 Board Meeting presentation and provide input through this brief survey.
March 31: Two Hour Early dismissal, End of 3rd MP
April 3-10: Spring Break
** Looking Ahead- MD State Testing (MCAP) begins soon. Tentative dates are provided below for reference when scheduling student appointments. All testing will take place during the morning. More exact dates and times will be provided once they are confirmed.
- ELA Testing -Week of April 17
- Social Studies (8th -grade) - Week of May 1
- Math Testing Week of May 15
Joe Corbi Fundraiser Pick Up Day
Rising 7th Grade Students and Parents
There will be an upcoming Vaccine Clinic at MBMS. The clinic is a free offering of the 7th-grade entry, required, Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines.
You can click the link to register and get more information.
LINK~~~MBMS Vaccine Clinic Registration
Please also see the attachment.
Please contact the nurses at MBMS if you have any questions.
SMCPS Text Alert Services
Please consider opting in to receive School Messenger text messages.
In order to receive texts, you must have your cell phone number correctly designated in our eSchool recordation system and then you must opt-in by texting the word "YES" to 67587 from your wireless device. You have the option of declining or stopping notifications at any time.
For more information, click on this flyer. There is also a FAQ with additional information.
Student Debt Information
Parents and guardians should be mindful of all debt that their students accrue throughout the 2022-2023 School Year. Student debt could take any one of the following forms:
Lost/Damaged Computer Devices
Lost/Damaged Textbooks
Lunch Debt
Parents/Guardians play a key role in monitoring not only their student's actions but also their fiscal responsibilities regarding lost/damaged issued devices (such as computers and textbooks) and/or food purchases made by your child in our school cafeteria. Payment can be made in the form of cash or check and should include your child's five-digit Student ID# (e.g., #12345). For further convenience, families may also pay by credit card online at http://www.myschoolbucks.com/. All questions and concerns should be directed to the school bank or the principal's secretary.
School Lunch Highlights
SMCPS Job Fair Is Coming
Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey
We want to hear from you.
OPTION 1: Complete the hard copy survey that was recently sent to you and return it in the postage-paid envelope by May 19, 2023, or
OPTION 2: Complete the survey online at www.mdparentsurvey.com.
Questions? Please contact Kenneth Hudock, MSDE, at 410-767-7770 or Kenneth.Hudock@maryland.gov.
Rising 9th Grade Scheduling Begins
Ms. Ripple, the 8th counselor, will meet with each student in 8th grade to make their schedule for 9th grade. The schedule below has been created and shared with parents to keep everyone informed as we assist our students in transitioning to high school.
March 27- April 11 McKinley's classes
April 12 - 19 Starkey's classes
April 20 - 27 William's classes
April 28 - May 13 Counselor will continue to meet with students with any changes, etc.
Virtual Academy information for rising 9th graders can be found at the link below.
Virtual Academy Open House Info
The Virtual Academy will host an open house. Anyone interested in attending the Virtual Academy next year should attend.
Summer Spanish 1 & 2 Course Enrollment Opportunity
Student Resource Accountability
Students are responsible for the care and upkeep of all of their SMCPS assigned resources: print and technology. This document outlines all of the policies and procedures in addition to pricing for lost or damaged devices.
Additional Information on Student Resource Accountability
My School Bucks and the Media Center: Please see the following files for more information about how My School Bucks
PTSO
Thank you to all the volunteers and students who attended the 7th grade dance. Everyone had a great time.
MTSS Store Donations
- We are looking for donations to keep the MTSS store stocked with goodies for the students The students purchase these items with their "Paw Prints" they receive from teachers and staff as rewards for good behavior and going over and beyond what is expected of them. If you have any donations, please send them to Cindy Garrison in the Front Office.
2023-2024 PTSO Board Election
- Are you interested in being on the PTSO board? If so, please email us your name and the position you are interested in (President, Vice President, Treasurer or Secretary) and we will put your name on the voting ballot. You must be a PTSO member. If you are not a current member, it only costs $10. The voting will be held at our PTSO meeting on 5/17.
Pizza Hotline Gift Cards
- Do you order your pizza from Pizza Hotline? If so, you can support the PTSO by purchasing a $10 gift card. Order form is attached. If you email us your child's name and homeroom teacher we can send a form home also. Croc Charms Fundraiser - First come, First serve – limited quantity available. Orders will be delivered to students during homeroom as orders are placed. May also be purchased during lunches the first Wednesday of every month. Order form is attached.
Gift Card Fundraiser
- Need a last minute gift or just want an easy way to support the PTSO? Look no further. Purchase your gift cards through us. Parents will purchase the gift cards to use themselves when they shop. Go to this link and enter the enrollment code JJCJE4A6X9H9.
Business Connections?
- Do you have any connections to local businesses or have a small business yourself? We are looking for volunteers who would like to ask local businesses for donations to raffle during our events. If you are interested, please let us know.
Exciting things we are working on:
- "Paw Print" Shopping 4/12
- Teacher Appreciation Week May 8-12
- PTSO Meeting 5/17
Order Your 2022-2023 Yearbook Now!
2022-2023 Yearbook
Yearbooks are going quickly! Do not miss out on your chance to get a copy. This year's theme is Adventure Awaits. You can get your copy now by going to the link below.
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1066787/Margaret-Brent-Middle-School/
2022-2023 Yearbook Ad (Student Recognition Ad)
Student Recognition Ads are available to purchase and are a great surprise to students when they receive their yearbook. A Student Recognition Ad comes with a picture of your child and a message from you! A $10 Silver Ad donation includes a picture and a message of up to 20 words. A $20 Gold Ad donation includes a picture and a message of up to 40 words. Once an ad is purchased, you will receive an email from Mrs. Kamp asking you for your message and picture.
Ads can be purchased online or with cash/check. Checks should be made payable to Margaret Brent Middle School. Cash/check should have Attention: Mrs. Kamp on them. See the link below for yearbook ad purchasing.
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1066787/Margaret-Brent-Middle-School/
Student Recognition Ads should be purchased by February 17, 2023.
Adventure Awaits Themed Yearbook
Our yearbook theme focuses on adventure and features the many adventures one can have in St. Mary's County. Our cover will showcase St. Mary's City and the beauty our county offers. The yearbook adviser, Mrs. Kamp, is looking for pictures of your child/family adventuring in St. Mary's County. She is looking for pictures that showcase the many wonderful events and fun being had locally. Pictures should include the students name and grade level. Pictures can also be landscapes of places in St. Mary's County. Please email your pictures to jmkamp@smcps.org