MTMS Wolf Wire

September 8, 2023

Important Dates

Cross Country -

September 9 - @ Olathe Twilight Run (Optional)

September 13 - @ BVSW

September 16 - @ Trail Ridge

Football -

September 12 - 7th vs Lansing

September 12 - 8th @ Lansing

Volleyball -

September 9 - 7th B @ Pioneer Ridge

September 9 - 8th B @ Mill Valley High School

September 12 - 7th @ Turner

September 12 - 8th vs Turner

September 14 - 7th vs Piper

September 14 - 8th @ Piper

September 16 - 7th A @ Prairie Trail

Restaurant Fundraiser

September 12 - Goodcents 9am-9pm

Jazz Band Meeting - Thursday, 9/14, During ELT in the Activity Center

Picture Retakes - October 5, 2023

A Few Words from the Principal

It's true that technology has brought numerous benefits to our lives, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and potential stressors, especially for teenagers who are growing up in the digital age. The desire to always be connected and stay updated can indeed lead to increased stress and anxiety, and social media plays a significant role in this phenomenon.

Research has consistently shown that there is a correlation between the amount of time spent on social media and the mental well-being of teenagers. Excessive use of social media can contribute to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. It can also expose young people to cyberbullying and online harassment, which can have a detrimental impact on their mental health.

All of us working together to help our students navigate social media is critical to their success.

Below are some strategies that we all can use to help teenagers navigate the challenges of social media and technology while promoting their mental well-being:

Teach them about online etiquette, privacy settings, and the potential consequences of sharing personal information.

Encourage them to share any concerns or instances of cyberbullying with trusted adults.

Encourage them to take breaks from social media and digital devices to focus on other activities, such as hobbies, physical exercise, and face-to-face interactions.

Teach students strategies for dealing with online negativity and cyberbullying, such as blocking or reporting harmful accounts.

If you would like more information about tools to keep your student safe while navigating social media, please join us on October 2 for the Sunflower House's Zoom presentation.

Save the Date-Keeping Kids Safe Online presentation with Sunflower House!

Learn more about the possible dangers of internet usage, practical safety tips & tools, and the cybercrime reporting process.

Thursday, September 14 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM at Sunflower House

Monday, October 2 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM via Zoom

Register here: https://sunflowerhouse.org/keeping-kids-safe-online/

Take care!

Dropping something off for your student

We call students to the office during passing period to retrieve any drop-off items.

However, there are times that students do not listen to the announcements and they do not stop by the office.

To help assure that students get items dropped-off for them, please remind them that if they ask you to bring something for them that they need to listen for their name over the intercom during passing period and to come to the office and pick up what was dropped off.

Any items not picked up during the day will remain in the office for the student to pick up the next day.

Jazz Band Informational Meeting

On Thursday during ELT, there will be an informational meeting about Jazz Band with our new Jazz Band Director Mr. McWilliams in the Activity Center. Please encourage your students to attend the meeting to get more details.

Attendance Reminders

Absences must be reported by calling our absentee line or through the online reporting form. Please report absences as early as possible, as well as if your child has an appointment in the morning and will miss first hour. You do not need to report an absence if your child has an appointment later in the day and you will be signing them out.

A reminder that this year, parents/guardians (or other previously authorized third parties) must come into the office to sign out their students. To minimize the amount of class time a student misses, we will not pull students from class early and have them waiting in the office. Parents/guardians are not required to sign students back in when they return to school from an appointment.

Link to online attendance reporting and absentee phone line:

https://www.usd232.org/Domain/3784

From StuCo

Student council wants to thank students and staff for the successful fundraiser last Friday. We sent $629 to World Central Kitchen for Maui food relief following the wildfire.

8th Grade Affirmations

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Parent Teacher Conferences

Here is the structure for Parent Teacher Conferences this fall:

Wednesday, September 27 -

4:00pm - 7:30pm - Open conferences in the gym and commons

Thursday, September 28 -

9:30am - 4:00pm - scheduled by teams
4:00 - 5:00 - Dinner provided by PTA
5:00 - 8:00 - Open conferences in the gym and commons

Teachers will be reaching out to parents soon regarding scheduled conferences.

From PTA

Happy Friday, Timberwolves! Please help us spread the word to your packs about our next fundraiser at a local, Kansas City favorite - Goodcents at 22724 Midland Dr. It's National Hug & High five Day on 9/12! Score a bunch of hugs from your family by planning a picnic dinner with delicious subs and freshly-baked cookies while enjoying the beautiful weather. Order ahead NOW and get loads of high-fives from your colleagues with a catered lunch. Beat the rush and place your order online or on the app for Tuesday, anytime, all day. Proceeds fund amazing initiatives for MTMS PTA like Staff Appreciation Breakfasts, Student Socials, Teacher Grants, 8th grade Farewell, and more! Feel free to reach out to Andrea Lerner with any questions (620)757-0349.

Don’t forget to download the Band App and request to join the MTMS PTA band to get quick updates and reminders. https://band.us/@mtmspta

And follow us on our website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Get Ready for the Scholastic Book Fair at MTMS!

Exciting news for all you book enthusiasts! The Scholastic Book Fair is heading to MTMS, and we can hardly wait to dive into the world of fantastic reads and literary adventures. Mark your calendars because here's what you need to know:

**Preview Days:** From September 13th to September 15th, our ELA classes will have the exclusive opportunity to explore the book fair, discovering new titles and exciting stories.

**Shopping Days:** The book fair will be open for shopping from September 19th to September 21st. Encourage your child to browse and pick out their next favorite book!

**Parent-Teacher Conference Access:** Don't miss out on September 27th and September 28th, during our Parent-Teacher Conferences. The book fair will be open for you to explore, so you can find the perfect books for your child's reading journey.

**Coin Drive Competition:** Get ready to jingle those pockets! From September 19th to September 22nd, we're hosting a coin drive competition among our ELA classes. All the proceeds will go toward purchasing new books for our ELA classroom libraries.

Plus, for added convenience, you can create a Scholastic e-wallet for your child. This digital wallet allows them to shop cash-free at the book fair. To create an e-wallet, simply visit https://www.scholastic.com/bf/monticellotrails

We can't wait to see you at the Scholastic Book Fair, where every book purchase supports our school and encourages a love for reading. Thank you for your continued support!

From Nurse K.

Seasonal Allergies

The nurse doesn’t have medication for seasonal allergies. Please give allergy medication at home. There are several over the counter brands that last 24 hours and there are eye drops specially formulated for seasonal allergies.

Immunizations

Thank you to everyone who has sent in immunization information. I will be continuing to update health records in Skyward for the next few weeks.

The Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and the Meningococcal vaccine dose 1 are required for 7th grade students.

Please use the following link for USD 232 Vaccination Policy and Requirements

https://www.usd232.org/Page/3183

If your student has received or when he/she receives these immunizations please send documentation to the MTMS school nurse. Documentation includes-records from health care provider, copy of immunization card, or a copy of the bill with name of immunization and date received noted on the bill.

Documentation can be mailed to MTMS, faxed to MTMS, e-mailed to school nurse, or brought to the school during school hours by parents or student.

Documentation of Immunizations must be turned into the school by the 2nd Monday of October, October 9, 2023. If vaccinations are not completed, students may not attend school after that date until the required immunization is completed.

Both of these vaccinations can be given at the same time.

If you have turned in immunizations please give the nurse a few weeks to enter into Skyward.

Please contact MTMS school nurse with questions. Vaccinations on file can be viewed in Skyward Family Access under Health Info then select Show Vaccinations in the Display Options.

Illness and Covid

Please report any symptoms of illness to the school. Please be specific.

Remember students are to be fever and/or symptom free 24 hours before returning after an illness.

Illness and Covid policy can be found by clicking on the following link:

https://www.usd232.org/Domain/4076

https://www.usd232.org/Page/3195

Hearing and Vision Screening

Hearing and Vision Screening will take place throughout the school year. Screening are required for all 7th grade students and students new to the district. Any student may be screened by parent and/or teacher request. Please contact the school nurse with questions or concerns regarding screenings.

For more information about health screenings click the following link: