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Volume 13, Issue 5

December 21, 2018

Maize Middle School News

Principal's Message

We are at the end of the 1 ^st semester and it was a whirlwind to finish these last 4 weeks before break. We had a lot of activities and athletic events going on and I want to thank the students for doing the best they can to Make Today Matter. I am proud of our students and staff for a great first semester. We have had a lot of great things going on here at MMS this 1 ^st semester and I am so blessed to get to be a part of this Incredible school. Thank you for sharing your children with us and enjoy watching them learn and grow during these middle school years.

I am excited to share that we have been nominated for Capturing Kids Hearts National Showcase School from the Flippen Group. The teachers have done a fabulous job of implementing the EXCEL model into their classrooms. I believe our teachers/staff already do a great job with building positive relationships with our students and the CKH model helps foster even a more positive relationship with each other throughout Maize Middle School. The EXCEL model is Engaging, exploring, Communicating, Empowering and Launching with each piece just a part of the classroom flow from greeting kids at the door, sharing Good Things, journaling, empowering our kids in the classroom and ending the class with a positive launch before they go out into the halls for their next class. The Flippen group will be here sometime during the second semester to walk through and talk with staff and students. We will find out towards the end of the 2 ^nd semester if we are selected as a National Showcase School.

My hope is for a positive and productive second semester with students focused on doing well and being respectful of themselves and others. I know the students will live up to our expectations. Please encourage your child to give their best and have a great 2 ^nd semester.

Just a reminder we do not have school from December 22 through January 6. Students will start back on January 7 ^th . Please check your students schedule for the second semester so they are aware of any changes. We did not print schedules for the students since they can access their schedules on Skyward.

I have some parent drop off reminders:

Please make sure to only drop off in the zones established from the front yellow line to the back solid yellow line.
Please have your student ready with their belongings so they can get out once everyone gets stopped for drop-off. This helps the line move more quickly.
Please pull all the way forward to the custodian with the stop sign so we can fit as many cars in the line as possible.
When exiting the parking lot please pull into the lane for right and left turns so it helps make two lanes and lets more cars out. they have newly painted lines for the exit area.

On behalf of the staff at MMS we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Brian

Make Today Matter

Nurse's Notes

I am excited to be Maize Middle School's new school nurse! My name is Shelley Funk and I've spent the last 32 years as a registered nurse at a Family Practice office here in Wichita. I love the school environment and am happy to serve the students and staff at MMS. Jennifer Gonzales is still the nurse para and is a wonderful asset to the nurse's office. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to contact us. My extension is 2308 and Jennifer's is 2309.

Here is an article about how to manage stress. This would be great to share with your son/daughter!

This time of year can be stressful. Managing stress is important to mental and physical health. Stress is a normal part of living and keeps one alert and motivated. Stress that is not kept in check can result in depression, panic attacks, and sleep deprivation brought on by worry.

Stress can disturb the body’s internal balance or equilibrium, leading to physical symptoms such as headaches, an upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Emotional problems can also result from stress. Try these tips for coping with stress:

1. Take deep slow diaphragmatic breaths throughout your day.

2. Use regular relaxation periods for work breaks.

3. Get regular exercise. Aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, biking, etc. for 20 minutes three times per week is minimum. Recommended is 30 minutes or more, four-six times per week.

4. Eat sensibly. Avoid caffeine. Do not cope with stress by using alcohol or drugs. If you are stressed out, caffeine is like throwing gasoline on a fire to put it out!

5. Get focused on new directions and regular planning. Give yourself positive options if you feel trapped.

6. Use and develop your humor! Positive attitudes really help difficulties when viewed as opportunities for growth. But do not bury your anger, fear or sadness.

7. Protect yourself from negative co-workers and relationships! Do not get caught up in other peoples’ negative thinking or let them rip off your peace of mind and positive energy. Take good care of yourself!!

8. Get back in control! If you cannot control all the people and situations that happen around you... at least you can control the way you respond!

9. Give sincere compliments freely and smile! Be positive and let it shine on all that surround you. It will come back many times more.

10. Learn to really listen! It is the best communication technique that you can develop!

I've enjoyed getting to know the students that have stopped by the nurses office. I'm looking forward to a great school year at MMS! Jennifer and I would like to wish you and your family a joyous holiday season!

-Nurse Shelley Funk

MMS PTO

The MMS PTO is regrouping this year! We have met a couple of times in the fall semester. During those meetings we have discussed the direction of the PTO as well as planned a few events. Our goal is to Stay Connected in Middle School . We really want our entire Eagle Family to get to know one another. This includes MMS kids and parents with other MMS families and our fabulous MMS staff. Activities we plan will keep that connection as the focus. Money raised at any events, Spirit Nights, and even the recent spirit wear sales will be used to help fund various classroom and school projects at Maize Middle. We would love to see parents connect together through PTO (among other activities) and we welcome you to join in when and wherever you can!

Current updates:

-in process to become a 501c3 nonprofit

-appointing board members for this process

-Skate Night brought in over $200

-Spirit wear sales were a hit! We raised over $1000.

-PTO will serve in the concession stand February 7 th and will need some volunteers!

-MMS PTO General Meeting: Join us January 8 th at 6:30 in the library

Dillon's Community Rewards

We're giving away $2 MILLION to local organizations!

Where Shopping and Giving Come Together!

Use your Plus Shopper's Card & help us grow!

Supporting our organization has never been easier-just shop at Dillons and scan your Plus Shopper's Card!

Here's how to enroll:

Visit www.dillons.com/communityrewards
Scroll down to find your location and click "Enroll Now"
Sign in to your online account, or create an account
Find and select our organization, and click "Save"

You'll start earning rewards for our organization right away on qualifying purchases made using your Plus Shopper's Card!

Everyone must enroll in the Reward Program. This is necessary in order for purchases throughout 2018 to credit Maize Middle School. Sign-in and make your contribution selection using this new 5 digit NPO number, NI311.

Counselor's Corner

Resiliency was our topic for sixth grade lessons this month. We had a guest speaker, Master Police Officer Matt Liston, with the Derby Police Department. He told the story of his son, Colby, who lost his legs in an accident his first week at Kansas University. Colby could no longer run track at KU, but set a goal to be able to walk to class again. His message was to work hard to overcome challenges and focus on what you can do not on what you can’t do. The following week, Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Hoheisel did a follow up lesson on ways we can be resilient by using coping skills in some common situations we may face in middle school. Two commons examples were forgetting our homework or having a disagreement with a friend. The students did a great job brainstorming ways to be resilient in tough situations.

To see more of the Coping Skills presentation click the link below:

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Ac82ec153-efc0-4785-832b-c53fa88e208f

January’s lesson will be Human Growth and Development. Please contact your student’s counselor if you have any questions.

Human Growth & Development

During the month of January the 6th graders will be watching films with regard to Human Growth & Development in their classrooms. If you have questions or prefer for your student to not watch these films please contact your counselors Kathy Hoheisel, Caitlin Hamilton or MMS nurse Shelley Funk at 729-2464

From the MMS Front Office

To help the Front Office of MMS run as smooth, friendly and efficiently as possible and communicate important information, please be aware and reminded of the following processes:

Front Office Hours:

6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

When your student is absent:

Please call 729-2464 and leave a message with the students name (and spelling)
Provide a reason for the absence (ill, out of town, appointment, etc.)
If you plan to have your student out of school for 3 or more days stop by the MMS office to pick up an administrative approval form

When dropping off something for a student:

Please have it labeled with their first/last name
Checks/Cash in envelopes with student name
Front office is not responsible for any items left for students

When you have to leave a message for your student:

Please call 729-2464
Provide your student's name/spelling
Concisely state your message
Your student will be notified through instant messaging with the teacher, or a note will be delivered wither 4th hour or Encor through an office aide
Messages must be received 30 minutes prior to dismissal

Students will not be called out of class and to the office until a parent is present to sign them out. Our goal in the Front Office is to not disrupt classrooms except in the case of an emergency.

Are You Moving?

If you are moving out of district, please contact Dawn Ingram, MMS Registrar/Data Secretary, at dingram@usd266.com or by phone at 729-2464. Please include the new school, city and state you will be transferring to so we can prepare your students records for transfer.

If you have moved or will be moving, but are still in district, please send a Proof of Residency to the MMS office as soon as possible. You can email it to dingram@usd266.com, or fax it to our office at 316-729-2479.

A utility bill is preferred, but a mortgage/lease agreement can be temporarily accepted. If you have any questions regarding Proof of Residence, please don't hesitate to call the MMS office.

Important Dates

Winter Break-No School No School-January 21

December 24-January 6 Martin Luther King Jr. Observed

Monday, 1/7

7/8 Girls Basketball @ MSMS Friday, 1/25 & Saturday, 1/26

7/8 Boys Basketball vs. MSMS John Phillip Sousa Honors Band

@ Kansas State University

Monday, 1/14

7/8 Girls Basketball vs. Valley Center

7/8 Boys Basketball @ Valley Center

Thursday, 1/17

7/8 Girls Basketball vs. Derby North

7/8 Boys Basketball @ Derby North

Thursday, 1/24

7/8 Girls Basketball @ Andover Central

7/8 Boys Basketball vs. Andover Central

Monday, 1/28

7/8 Girls Basketball vs. Andover

7/8 Boys Basektball @ Andover

Thursday, 1/31

7/8 Girls Basketball vs. Derby

7/8 Boys Basketball @ Derby

Student Council

MMS Student Council had their Christmas party on December 11th. The highlight of the evening was buying and wrapping gifts for children in foster care. Mrs. Gould is very proud of their hearts and all they do for MMS.

MMS Cheerleaders

MMS Cheerleaders are full of Spirit at their Christmas sock exchange.

Seventy two Maize Cheer Athletes participated in the Wichita Heights Battle of the Cheer Squads. Cogratulations MMS & MHS Cheer for bringing home 3 Superior Top Team Trophies!

Homework Request

When your student is absent from school and you would like to pick up homework, you must request it by 10:00 a.m. The MMS office will only put the request in when a student has been out for two days in a row. All homework will be in the office after 2:00 p.m.

Thank you.