The PAW Print

October 21: 2 Hour Early Dismissal

October 22: MTSS Panther Prowl 5K

October 28: 2 Hour Early Dismissal (end of 1st MP)

We are seeing a huge increase in the number of toys coming to school. Please talk to your child about keeping their toys at home so they do not distract from learning, or get lost, damaged, or stolen. Additionally, as the temperatures are getting cooler, we are seeing students coming to school wrapped up in blankets. Students should wear appropriate clothing, sweatshirts, coats/jackets, and leave their blankets at home. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.

Unfortunately, we are experiencing quite a bit of vandalism in our boys' restrooms. A student or students continue to pull the toilet paper holders off the walls and then jam the entire roll of toilet paper into the toilets. All of the soap dispensers have also been torn off the walls. There were even ceiling tiles ripped down, broken, and also stuffed into the toilets. One of the toilets has also been pushed/pulled away from the floor and the base cracked/chipped. It then takes quite a bit of time and expense to order and replace the broken items just to have them destroyed again.

We are working to identify the students responsible for the damage and hold them accountable for their actions. This is not the type of behavior that we expect from our students. These types of things are usually the result of a small number of students and are not representative of the many great students at MBMS. Please speak to your child or children about appropriate behavior when at school. If anyone has any information about these incidents, please contact the school and ask to speak with an administrator. Thank you.

Families must complete the Acceptable Use Policy for SY 22-23. Students MUST have the form on file to use Google Apps for Education and for Schoology. Please click on the link below to complete the form if you have not already done so. As of today, there are 540 students without completed forms.

Secondary Link: https://bit.ly/2022-2023_Secondary_AUPForm

Our schools are heavily impacted with federally-connected students – those parents/guardians who work on federal property in Maryland, live on federal property in Maryland, and/or are active duty military personnel. Because of this impact, we receive federal grant funds to operate and maintain our schools and enrich school programs. To receive these funds, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) requires us to survey each student to determine eligibility.

SMCPS is encouraging all parents/guardians to please take the time to access and complete the Impact Aid Survey Form online, located in the Home Access Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. The form can now be accessed in Spanish by clicking on the Globe in the top right-hand corner once the form has been started. The deadline for the online submission of Impact Aid Program Survey forms is November 14, 2022.

We currently only have 110 out of 938 forms complete.

The student information update forms also need to be updated through HAC. They are due by October 31st. We can provide paper copies to anyone who needs one. Simply notify the main office for a paper copy. We currently only have 90 out of 938 forms completed at this time.

All current SMCPS 6th grade students will be swapping out their current laptops for NEW laptops. MBMS will begin this process the week of October 17.

The device you were issued from the school needs to be returned and in good, working condition. All resources that are property of SMCPS need to be maintained and taken care of by the student. Our student account ability guidance is located in our Student Handbook. Pages 49-51 outline the Acceptable Use Policy and page 61 explains the accountability of student resources.

When a student returns their laptop it will be inspected for any damage that needs repair.

Broken keyboards, screens or other issues do incur a cost as outlined in our Accountability Guidance. Both the laptop and the charger need to be returned. The current 6th grade laptops cost $380.00 and chargers are $40.00. Our new 6th grade laptops are $530.00.

When your student returns their device any damage will be reported and a fine will be assessed in Destiny. Destiny is the online platform we use to check out and track our print and technology resources. This is also used to assess fines. Any fines assessed in Destiny can be remedied online via My School Bucks or paid at the school using cash or check. The document below outlines the payment process via My School Bucks and details how you can create an account if you do not already have one set up for your student(s).

My School Bucks

All SMCPS students need a school issued device for their learning. The way in which your student uses their laptop is dependent upon how often their classroom teachers assign work. Additionally, all SMCPS students must use a school issued device for testing.

Care and upkeep of devices is located within our Accountability Guidance.

To report any damage in need of repair, students can submit their own HELPDESK tickets.

LINK to HELPDESK

Directions On How To Use the Helpdesk

Helpful Links:

1. Student Accountability Document

2. Student Accountability Newsletter

3. My School Bucks

4. LINK to HELPDESK

5. Directions On How To Use the Helpdesk

Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022

Location: Start and Finish at Laurel Grove Park via the Three Notch Trail

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Margaret Brent Middle School’s MTSS team

Event Times:

● 7:00-8:00am Race Day Check-In and Packet Pick-Up (Packets can be sent home with a student, if requested.)

● 8:15am 1 Mile Fun Run

● 8:35-40am 5K Run/Walk

● 10:00am Raffle Drawings and Awards Ceremony

Are you not able to attend Margaret Brent Middle School’s 5K Panther Prowl on Saturday, October 22nd but wish to support this awesome event to raise funds for our school’s MTSS team? If so, please consider donating a gift card, gift basket or other item to our 5K raffle that will be held at the Panther Prowl. Please send in any donations by Wednesday, October 19th. Thank you for supporting our students!

Celebrating Life Living Drug Free

Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don't; yet, only a quarter of teens report having these conversations. Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the nation, is your opportunity to get the ongoing conversation started. We are celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 24th-October 28th. This year's theme is Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free. Visit www.redribbon.org to learn more about Red Ribbon Week and get tips for talking to your kids about drugs. The life you save may be that of your own child or a dear friend.

Thank you to the Student Council and Mrs. Edwards for selecting the theme days. Please be sure all clothing follows the student Code of Conduct.

Monday 10/24- Maryland Pride Day!- Wear the state colors/flag themed clothing of Maryland.

Tuesday 10/25- Sock it to Drugs Day!- Wear mismatched or wacky socks.

Wednesday 10/26- Stay in the Game, be Drug Free Day!- Wear clothing of your favorite team.

Thursday 10/27- Lei off Drugs. Make healthy choices!- Hawaiian shirt day.

Friday 10/28- MBMS Spirit Day!- Wear school colors to show your support of

RRW and MBMS

School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) are a partnership between St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) and St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS). The centers assist families with meeting the healthcare needs of students to include treatment of acute illness, management of chronic conditions, health education and promotion. If you are interested in additional information visit the SMCHD website.

We have the capabilities to send messages and updates to parents via text. You can opt-in, and you have the option of declining or stop notifications at any time. If you are new to our school or have new number and you would like to receive school messages, text the word “YES” to 67587 from your wireless device. For more information, click on this flyer. There is also an FAQ with additional information.

As part of the statewide prevention program, SMCPS counselors conduct annual classroom presentations to students in grades 6 through 12th grades. The goal of these presentations is to communicate to students that suicide is preventable. MBMS counselors will be conducting these lessons in October. If you have questions regarding the program, please reach out to your child's counselor. Please see the attached letter.

Thank you for your support with the Joe Corbi Fundraiser. For those who we still owe items to, please watch your email and the announcement on Facebook for when pickup will be.

Thank you to those who attended our Spirit Night on 10/11 at Chipotle in Lexington Park.

Bus Driver Appreciation Week is 10/17 - 10/21:

- We will be providing the bus drivers with special cake pops to show us our appreciation for them.

- We would like to show our bus drivers how much they mean to us by writing letters and making cards for them. If you would like to join us in thanking them, please have your child turn them into their homeroom teachers.

Homeroom Door Decorating Contest for Halloween on 10/26:

- Judges will be Mr. Peeler, Ms. Bosse and Mr. Kent Winner.

- Each grade winner will be announced on 10/28 and donuts will be served on 10/31!

Sneak Peak of fun things coming in November:

- PTSO Meeting 11/9 at 3pm in the media center. We welcome all members to attend.

- 6th Grade Dance on 11/18 from 2:30pm - 5pm. We will be looking for volunteers.

We have $10 Pizza Hotline gift cards for sale. If you are interested in purchasing, please email us.

If you would like to become a member, please email us your child's name and homeroom teacher. We will send a form home with your child.

Don't forget to Like us on Facebook - MBMS PSTO

Contact us by email - mbmspanthers@gmail.com

Do not miss out on our 2022-2023 yearbook. Get your yearbook now for the cheapest price. Our theme this year is all about adventure! Check out the link below for purchasing.

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1066787/Margaret-Brent-Middle-School/

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

• Student/Family Information