Mustang News for October 11, 2020
Our first quarter is quickly winding down while we are gearing up for 2nd quarter and the return to in-person learning for Plan B students. As a reminder, students in regional programs will return to in-person learning on October 26th in 3-week rotations. The rest of the students in Plan B will return in 3-week rotations starting November 9th. The calendar is linked here. Please note that students returning on November 9th will be Cohort C/3 students. Virtual Academy students will continue to learn remotely.
Plan B cohort assignments were emailed to families last week. Cohorts were established to allow for social distancing on transportation and to keep siblings in the same cohort. Please contact the school if you have siblings in different cohorts and we will work to address.
The PTA is in the final week of the No Fuss Fall Fundraiser. Please consider donating to the Martin PTA to support our staff, students and programing. We appreciate the support of our PTA and our entire Mustang community.
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. Applications are due on Monday, October 12th.
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. Please take a moment to review the linked directions for Materials Pick Up.
Student Government: The Martin Student Body Election will occur next week! Voting will occur online and the ballot will be posted on the Student Council website. You can find a link with more information about the candidates on the Martin Homepage or by clicking here.
This week is Spirit Week and all are encouraged to participate. The schedule is:
- Team Spirit Monday: Wear your favorite sports attire.
- Bring Your Pet to School Tuesday: Have your pet on camera during class.
- Martin Maniac Wednesday: Dress up to show off your crazy school spirit.
- Wacky Tacky WakeID Thursday: Change your WakeID profile pic to something funny and school appropriate.
- Character Day Friday: Come to class in a costume.
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.
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.
Returning to in-person learning: Over the next several weeks, we will share safety protocols and measures that will be implemented at Martin to maintain the safest learning environment possible.
Students are reminded that, while on campus, they are required to wear a face covering at all times. If you are not used to wearing a face covering for extended periods of time (think 6+ hours), please use the next several weeks to get used to having one on.
All Mustangs are reminded of the 3 W’s to keep each of us safe. Wear a face covering, Wait 6 feet apart and Wash your hands frequently. Wear, Wait, Wash because We Are Family!
We have also installed hand sanitizing stations throughout the building, including at the entrance to each classroom.
Begin talking with your student about how school will be different when students return to campus. Classroom seating will be physically distanced with most classrooms having 12 or less students in the classroom. Students will maintain physical distancing in the hallways during arrival and transition. Students will not use lockers. Students will not dress out for physical education as locker rooms are closed.
A few notes from the PTA:
MMS PTA puts the FUN in fundraiser!
The No Fuss Fall Fundraiser is back. This annual tradition funds essential programs at Martin, including teacher stipends, student clubs, Cultural Arts, technology, and online education subscriptions. We’ll get everyone involved between now and October 16th to make sure we can support students, staff, and teachers all year long. Every time you give, your student’s name goes in the hat to draw for prizes. So give early and often!
- We’ll raffle off a gift card per grade per day and give away a t-shirt to 3 lucky winners!
- Grade level competition: every student in the grade that raises the most money gets a homework pass!
- If we raise $25,000, grade level teachers have a fun surprise ready to go!
- If we raise $30,000, Ms. Mondora and some of the admin team will showcase their Tik Tok dance moves!
Your contribution makes a difference for Martin students, staff, and teachers. Donate now!
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!