Mustang News for October 4, 2020
I hope you are taking in this wonderful taste of fall! It seems like just a couple weeks ago that we were welcoming students to Martin. The next few weeks will be busy ones on The Ranch.
We are excited to soon be welcoming our students back to in-person learning in October and November. In preparation for the return to the building, we ask that students become comfortable with wearing face coverings for extended periods of time. We are busy finalizing protocols to keep students and staff safe and it begins with the three Ws: Wearing a face covering, Waiting 6 feet apart, and Washing hands frequently.
Asynchronous Wednesday: We will have an Asynchronous Learning Day on Wednesday. This will be an opportunity for students to work, on a flexible schedule, to catch up on outstanding Majors and Minors as well as taking a break from their computer screens. Teachers will use this time to offer office hours for students who need them and prepare instruction for the rest of the quarter. Families are asked, in preparation for Wednesday, to review HomeBase/Parent Portal and identify Majors and Minors that need to be done or revised and resubmitted. Students should prioritize Majors and then move to Minors. Please email your teachers if you need help or clarification. All students will need to check in to each teacher’s Google Classroom or Canvas site on Wednesday for updates and announcements.
Science Olympiad: Science Olympiad is back and open to both Plan B and Virtual Academy students! If your student enjoys science, competing, and working with others, check out this link for applications and more information about the Martin Science Olympiad Team.
Welcome to The Ranch: We would like to welcome to The Ranch and the Martin family Susan Rodriguez. Ms. Rodriguez will join the 8th grade and science department as she will take over for Mr. Floyd who left Martin at the end of September. Mr. Rodriguez has a wealth of experience in teaching both in person and virtually. She will be an excellent addition to the team. She officially begins on Tuesday.
Fall Pictures: We are excited to offer opportunities for Martin students to have school pictures taken, including by appointment next week. Families can sign up for a time between 9am and 4pm on Thursday, October 8th and 8am and 3pm on Friday, October 9th. Pictures will be taken in the media center and all students will have a health screening prior to entering the building. Face coverings will be required in the building but they can be removed for the picture. Families will be asked to wait in the car as only students will be permitted in the building, unless the student requires adult assistance.
To book an appointment, please visit https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/cxhkghhs/. We will have additional opportunities for students to have their portraits taken later in the 2nd quarter. More information can be found on the Martin website.
Martin Yearbook: We have some exciting news with you regarding the 2021 yearbook. Yes, we are having a yearbook, and guess what? You’re officially on the yearbook staff! Yes, you read that right! This year, more than ever, we ask that you join us. This is going to be an unbelievable book and one that will be treasured forever.
What are some ways you could help us achieve this task? Consider:
-Follow us on Social Media. We will post invites to share your pictures on various topics. Just use this link to send us photos. https://images.jostens.com/415464906
-When you see an email regarding the yearbook, open it! Complete the form requesting information and pictures. Easy!
-If you or a parent you know takes pictures at student events, please let us know. We want to feature every student in various aspects of their life. Look for those moments when they are just playing with their pet, working in their virtual learning space, playing their instrument, or enjoying a family meal. Other options include students participating in sports outside of school, virtual club meetings or events, theatre performances, art projects or just candids of your kids. You get it! Send us pictures of everything so your student can be included.
This yearbook is unique in that it will be created by the whole school. Thank you in advance for being a part of this historic year. Don’t forget to reserve your copy at www.jostensyearbooks.com or call 1.877.767.5217. The book is on sale for the lowest price of the year until 10/23.
2nd Quarter Materials: We will have our 2nd Quarter Supply Pick Up on Wednesday, October 14th from 8am to 3pm. Families are asked to make a sign for their car that identifies their student’s name and grade level. This information will help us identify the materials that need to be distributed.
A few notes from the PTA:
PTA No Fuss Fundraiser starts this week October 8-16th!
This school year might look a little different than a traditional school year, but our teachers, staff and students still need our help! Every dollar raised goes directly to support our amazing Martin Middle School family. Look for a fundraiser full of prizes, carpool crazies, and some surprises from our teachers and administrative staff.
If you’d like to volunteer, click here to find out more!
Ready to make your donation to support Martin students and staff? Click here!
CHALK THE WALK at Martin Middle - Saturday, 10/10
Join other Martin Students to beautify the sidewalks at school and celebrate gifts and talents through CHALK ART. Registration is required so that we can adhere to the mandated maximum of 50 people for outside gatherings. And, everyone in attendance will be required to wear a mask and social distance. There are multiple time slots available: 11am - Noon, Noon - 1pm, & 1pm - 2pm! We’ll provide chalk, but feel free to bring your own. Be sure to sign up here!
Donate School Supplies to Students in Need
Counseling and Student Services is gathering school supplies for our students who may need them. If you’d like to contribute, check out the CASS wishlist. Be sure to send the supplies to Counselor Ashley Hicks, 1701 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Thank you so much for your continued support of Martin Middle School students and families!
Stay up to date with PTA by following us on Social Media and joining MemberHub!
Instagram: @martinmiddleschoolpta
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1701mustangs
Twitter: @MartinMSPTA
MemberHub: http://bit.ly/MemberHubMMS
Have a wonderful Sunday evening!