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)