News from McCourt Middle School

October 20th Newsletter

October 20, 2007

Progress Reports

Enclosed please find the second progress report of the school year.  We are generating these reports to give parents important information about your child’s current academic progress.  Our hope is that equipping you with this information will provide you with the opportunity to talk with your children about the importance of consistent academic effort.  If your child is performing below your expectation, please contact your child’s guidance counselor so that we may discuss a strategy for improvement.

Parent Visitation

Our dates for parent visitations have been scheduled.  These nights provide you with a few moments to talk with your child’s teacher and discuss their progress.  If you have concerns that you believe will need more than a few minutes to resolve, I encourage you to call your child’s guidance counselor and schedule an appointment.   We are asking parents to adhere to the following schedule:

November 29^th 6:00-8:00PM – Parents of students with last names A-K

December 4^th 6:00-8:00PM – Parents of students with last names L-Z

More information about parent visitation will be included in our next newsletter.

Principal’s Coffee Hour

Earlier this month we held the first Principal’s Coffee Hour.  This event provided Mrs. Pendergast, our assistant principal, and I the opportunity to meet with parents about upcoming events, answer questions, and share ideas in an informal setting.  We thoroughly enjoyed the coffee hour.  The following is the schedule for our monthly coffee hour for the remainder of the school year.  Informational items shared at the coffee hour are also shared at the PTO meetings.  The coffee hour will begin at 8:15AM and take place in the cafeteria.  Meeting dates are below:

November 6, December 10, January 16, February 14, March 18, April 22, May 14

McCourt PTO

The McCourt PTO remains without leadership.  At this point there are no parents that have come forward willing to lead the PTO.  I view the PTO at this school as a critical component in improving the social and academic experiences of our students.  If you are interested in supporting McCourt by leading the PTO, please contact me.  In hopes that some parents will come forward to lead this group, I have scheduled monthly PTO meetings for the school year.  The meetings will take place in the

McCourt

Middle School

library at 7:00PM.  Meeting dates are below:

November 13, December 11, January 8, February 12, March 11, April 8, May 13,

and June 10.

School Dance

Our first school dance of the school year was a great success.  We had more than 225 students and 22 faculty and staff chaperones.  Students behaved well and everyone seemed to have a great time.  We will be planning additional dances and other social activities for students this school year.  It is important to remember that only students who are eligible may attend these events.  Criteria for eligibility may be found on page 49 of the

McCourt

Middle School

handbook.

Parent Volunteers

We are always looking for parent volunteers.  Specifically we are looking for parents who are willing to tutor students after school or who would like to coordinate an after school activity (e.g. chess club, book club).  If you are interested, please contact our assistant principal, Mrs. Pendergast, at 725-2092.

Fundraising

I want to thank our McCourt Community for their support with our Entertainment Book fundraiser.  Although we missed our sales by only a few books, the benefits of this fundraiser will be experienced by all of our students at McCourt.

McCourt Middle School Website and Electronic News (www.mccourtmiddle.com)

We have a new feature on our website!  On the top menu bar click the ‘calendar’ tab.  We will include school events on this calendar, so our community can stay informed of the activities here at McCourt.

If you haven’t already done so, please sign up to receive our newsletter electronically.  Simply visit our web site (www.mccourtmiddle.com) type your email address into the space provided on our website, respond to the email generated, and you will begin to receive this and other important McCourt news electronically.

Upcoming Dates

November 5    Picture Retakes

November 6    Principal’s Coffee Hour @ 8:15 in the McCourt cafeteria

November 7    No School for Students

November 13 PTO Meeting @ 7:00PM in the McCourt Library

November 16  End of Quarter 1 (Report Cards will be mailed the following week)

November 29  Parent Visitation, 6:00-8:00 PM (Parents of students with last names A-K)

December 4     Parent Visitation, 6:00-8:00 PM (Parents of students with last names L-Z)

FROM THE NURSE’S DESK: FLU FACTS

What is Influenza (Also Called Flu)?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness.  Every year in the

United States

, on average:

·         5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;

·         more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.  Another key prevention is practicing good health habits, like hand washing.

Symptoms of flu include:

• fever (usually high)
• headache
• extreme tiredness
• dry cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle aches
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

Complications of Flu

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

If you have any questions regarding the whether or not your child should attend school, please do not hesitate to call the school nurse.

October 1, 2007

Progress Reports

Enclosed you will find your child’s progress report.  This report provides an early indicator of your child’s current academic performance.  I encourage you to review the information with your child.  Your child should have received a grade and/or comments from each class.  If you have any questions about the progress report you are asked to address them to the teacher directly.

McCourt Book Club

We have started a student book club!  We have more than 30 students who signed up to take part in our book club.  The book club will be lead by Mrs. Faubert, McCourt Librarian, Ms Beieremen, Cumberland Public Librarian, Mrs. Luiz and Mrs. Baczynski, both of whom are grade 6 teachers.  The club will read one book each month and participate in the Rhode Island Teen Book Award Program.  The club will meet on the first Tuesday of every month.  If your child is interested, please encourage them to see Mrs. Faubert in our library.  There are only a few spaces remaining.

Communication

We have set a school wide goal of improving our communication with McCourt families.  I encourage you to visit our website, www.mccourtmiddle.com, and sign up for our school listserve.  This newsletter as well as other important information will be sent to the email address of your choosing.  Our hope is that we will be able to quickly communicate with our McCourt families.  Please sign up for the listserve as soon as possible.

Parent Volunteers

We are always looking for parent volunteers.  Specifically we are looking for parents who are willing to tutor students after school or who would like to coordinate an after school activity (e.g. chess club, book club).  If you are interested please contact our assistant principal, Mrs. Pendergast, at 725-2092.

Late Bus

McCourt

Middle School

will provide a late bus on Tuesdays and Thursdays for use by our students.  The bus will depart McCourt by 3:10.  Students staying after school for extra help or who are participating in clubs or activities are eligible to take the late bus. 

School Dance

Our first school dance has been scheduled for October 12 from 6:30-9:00PM.  Permission slips will be available for students the week prior to the dance.  I will also post a permission slip on our website (www.mccourtmidde.com) in the principal’s message tab.  The dance is scheduled after first quarter progress reports.  Any student who is not meeting our academic or behavioral expectations for participation in extracurricular activities will not be allowed to attend.  These policies are found on page 49 of our student handbook.

Student Absence

Please be sure to call McCourt and leave a message on our student absence line (725-2092) if your child is out of school for any reason. 

Fundraising

Each student has received a demonstration Entertainment Book  and order form.  As you may know, these books offer thousands of dollars in discounts to restaurants, shopping, and services.  The cost of each book is $25.  We encourage students to participate in the fundraiser by selling books to friends and families.  Thank you for your continued support of

McCourt

Middle School

.

Grade 7

Parents are asked to return physical forms, immunizations, and dental cards to our school nurse, Mrs. D’Aguanno, as quickly as possible.

Grade 8 News

Quebec City

,

Canada

Last year 23 eighth grade students participated in a field trip to

Quebec City

,

Canada

.  This trip immersed students in the history and culture of our neighbors to the north.  It was a wonderful experience.  We will again be offering this opportunity to our grade 8 students.  Any parents of grade 8 students who are interested in learning more about this trip are invited to an informational meeting on October 11 at 7:00PM in the McCourt Middle School cafeteria,

Upcoming Dates

October 2-October 12             NECAP Testing (Grade 6-8)

October 3        PTO Meeting – Mrs. Susan Soares will be our guest speaker and

will discuss the emotional changes of the typical middle schooler

October 8        No School – Columbus Day.

October 11      

Quebec City

,

Canada

Informational Meeting (7:00PM in McCourt Cafeteria)

October 12      School Dance (permission slips available on www.mccourtmiddle.com)

November 6    Principal’s Coffee Hour at 8:15AM in McCourt Cafeteria

November 29  Parent Visitation (A-K)

December 4     Parent Visitation (L-Z)

September 28, 2007

Dear Parents/Guardians of

McCourt

Middle School

Students:

Throughout the first three weeks in October, students at

McCourt

Middle School

will be taking state assessments known as the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP). The assessments will be given in the following subject areas:  Reading (Grades 6 – 8); Math (Grades 6 – 8); and Writing (Grade 8 only). A schedule of testing days is listed below. It is extremely important that students are present and on time for each of the testing days. Students must make-up any portion of the tests that they miss and we have a very short window to do this in. The results of these assessments are usually sent to schools sometime after the new year. Please be sure to discuss the importance of these tests with your child and ensure that they get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast each day throughout the testing. If you have any questions regarding the testing, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Mr. Armand Pires

Principal

armand.pires@cumberlandschools.org

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MMS NECAP Testing Schedule

October 2, 2007 Reading Session 1 (Gr. 6-8)

October 3, 2007           Reading Session 2 (Gr. 6-8)

October 4, 2007           Reading Session 3 (Gr. 6-8)

October 5, 2007 Make-up Session (Gr. 6-8)

October 9, 2007 Math Session 1 (Gr. 6-8)

October 10, 2007 Math Session 2 (Gr. 6-8)

October 11, 2007 Math Session 3 (Gr. 6-8)

October 12, 2007 Make-up Session (Gr. 6-8)

October 16, 2007  Writing Session 1 (Gr. 8), Make-up Session (Gr. 6-7)

October 17, 2007 Writing Session 2 (Gr. 8), Make-up Session (Gr. 6-7)

October 18, 2007 Make-up Session (Gr. 6-8)

October 19, 2007 End of all make-up testing, materials processed for shipping

September 14th News

September 14, 2007

Communication
We have set a school wide goal of improving our communication with McCourt families.  I encourage you to visit our website, www.mccourtmiddle.com, and sign up for our school listserve.  This newsletter as well as other important information will be sent to the email address of your choosing.

Principal’s Coffee Hour
We are beginning a monthly coffee hour to meet with the principal and assistant principal.  We will provide updates on activities at McCourt and try to answer any questions you might have.  The first Coffee Hour of the year will be on October 3rd at 8:15AM in the Cafeteria.  We invite all McCourt parents to attend.  Parent

Volunteers
We are always looking for parent volunteers.  Specifically we are looking for parents who are willing to tutor students after school or who would like to coordinate an afterschool activity (e.g. chess club, book club).  If you are interested please contact our assistant principal, Mrs. Pendergast, at 725-2092.

Late Bus
McCourt Middle School will provide a late bus on Tuesdays and Thursdays for use by our students.  The bus will depart McCourt by 3:10.  Students staying after school for extra help or who are participating in clubs or activities are eligible to take the late bus. 

School Dance
Our first school dance has been scheduled for October 12 from 6:30-9:00PM.  Permission slips will be available for students the week prior to the dance.  I will also post a permission slip on our website (www.mccourtmidde.com) in the principal’s message tab.  The dance is scheduled after first quarter progress reports are scheduled to arrive home.  Any student who is not meeting our academic or behavioral expectations for participation in extracurricular activities will not be allowed to attend.  These policies are found on page 49 of our student handbook.

Student Absence
Please be sure to call McCourt and leave a message on our student absence line (725-2092) if your child is out of school for any reason. 

Fundraising
McCourt Middle School conducts a number of fundraising activities throughout the year to support school activities.  In the past we have used funds from these activities to defray costs of class trips, purchase educational supplies, and offer additional academic and social programs.  These funds have become important in offering students a rich academic and social experience at McCourt.  We regularly accept donations of the following items:  empty ink or toner cartridges from printers or copiers, old cell phones, and box tops for education.  You can send your child to school with the items you wish to donate.  They may turn them in to their homeroom teacher.

In another week we will begin our fall fundraiser.  Each student will receive an order form for Entertainment Books.  As you may know, these books offer thousands of dollars in discounts to restaurants, shopping, and services.  The cost of each book is $25.  We encourage students to participate in the fundraiser by selling books to friends and families.  Thank you for your continued support of McCourt Middle School.

Grade 6 News
Team Building/Ropes Course
Sixth graders will have the opportunity to attend a trip to a ropes course to engage in team building activities.  As a component of their transition to McCourt, we believe it is important that students get to know their classmates.  A permission slip has been sent home with your child.  I have also included another permission form on our website under the principal’s message tab (www.mccourtmiddle.com).

Grade 7 News
Washington D.C. Trip
Last Spring we announced that grade 7 students would have the opportunity to attend a field trip to Washington D.C.  An informational meeting is scheduled for September 20th at 7:00PM.  There are still a few spaces available for students who are interested.  Please attend the informational meeting for details.

Grade 8 News
Quebec City, Canada
Last year 23 eighth grade students participated in a field trip to Quebec City, Cananda.  This trip immersed students in the history and culture of our neighbors to the north.  It was a wonderful experience.  We will again be offering this opportunity to our grade 8 students.  This year, however, a passport will be required to attend the trip.  The lead time to obtain a passport is 4-6 weeks and the cost is $97.  If your child needs a passport the Cumberland Police Station has a passport office that is open daily from 8-3. 

Upcoming Dates
September 20 Grade 7 Washington Trip Informational Meeting (7:00PM in Cafeteria)
October 3-October 7 1st Quarter Progress Reports to arrive home by mail
October 3 PTO Meeting – Mrs. Susan Soares will be our guest speaker and will discuss the emotional changes of the typical middle schooler.
October 3 Principal’s Coffee Hour at 8:15AM
October 12 School Dance (permission slips available on www.mccourtmiddle.com)

McCourt Middle School - Opening Day Newsletter!

Opening Day Newsletter
2007-2008

Welcome Back!
It has been a busy summer at McCourt.  From scheduling to a new phone system, there has hardly been a dull moment.  I hope that our McCourt community enjoyed their summer and are ready to be back to school.  I am including some important information as we begin school.  Please contact us if you have any questions.

Grade 6 Orientation
Thanks to all faculty and staff who made grade 6 orientation a real success.  Our newest McCourt students and their families were treated to a magician to kick off their experiences at McCourt.  It was great to meet everyone before the school year began.

First Day Activities for Grade 7 and 8 Families
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for grade 7 and 8 families to participate in “First Day” activities (firstday.org). As part of these activities, you will have the opportunity to meet school administration, guidance, the school nurse and your child’s teachers.  The schedule for First Day activities is below.

“First Day” Activities for 7th Grade Students and Parents – Thursday, September 6, 2007
7:45 a.m. – All students report to homeroom.  7th grade parents meet in cafeteria.
7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. – Presentation and tours for 7th grade parents (Administration and Guidance)
8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. – Team meetings with 7th grade parents (Cafeteria and Gym)
9:15 a.m. – Parents depart.  Students resume abbreviated B Day schedule.

“First Day” Activities for 8th Grade Students and Parents – Friday. September 7, 2007
7:45 a.m. – All students report to homeroom. 8th grade parents meet in cafeteria.
7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. – Presentation and tours for 8th grade parents (Administration and Guidance)
8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. – Team meetings with 8th grade parents (Cafeteria and Gym)
9:15 a.m. – Parents depart.  Students resume abbreviated C Day schedule.

Athletics
Students have the opportunity to try out for soccer or cross country during the fall season at McCourt.  I would like to remind anyone interested that athletes must have three forms on file (physical form, parental permission and assumption of risk) in order to try out for athletics.  These forms are available in the main office or can be downloaded from our web site (www.mccourtmiddle.com).

Have you signed up for our electronic newsletter?
Visit our website (www.mccourtmiddle.com) and sign up for our listserve.  You can sign up by entering your email in the box at the top of our web site.  The listserve will be used to send newsletters and other announcements.  It is a great way to stay in touch with school events.      

Upcoming Dates
September 6 - Soccer Informational Meeting for Students (immediately after school)
September 24 - Picture Day (Information on available packages will be sent shortly.) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

September, 2007
Dear Parents,
We have just been advised by David Abbott, Deputy Commissioner, Rhode Island Department of Education, that all elementary and middle schools must designate tables in the cafeteria as both “peanut/tree nut-free” and “peanut/tree nut” tables.  This means that if your child brings any peanut or nut products to school for lunch, he or she must sit at one of the peanut/tree nut designated tables.  It does not mean that your child with a peanut/tree nut allergy is required to sit at a nut-free table.  Students will be made aware of the designated seating on the first day of school and the information will be reinforced regularly during the school year. Due to the new legislation there will be signs posted at all entrances to the school and in the cafeteria stating that we have children with tree nut or peanut allergies in the school and peanut/tree nut products will not be sold in the school. All of these modifications will be in place immediately to ensure the safety and comfort of all our students.  Please do not hesitate to contact the school for any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Mr. Armand Pires                 Gina D’Aguanno, RN
Principal                             School Nurse/Teacher

Welcome!

I would like to welcome you to the News from McCourt Middle School blog.  I hope to post timely and useful information and ideas for the McCourt community. Please visit frequently for updates.

-Armand Pires
Principal