December Reflections from Mr. Geoghegan

December Reflections from Mr. Geoghegan

December is usually a time to reflect on what has happened in this past year.  Well, for me, I just want to say how great a start of the school year this has been so far. I relish getting up each and every morning coming in to this fine organization.  The students are awesome.  The teachers and staff are incredible. And the community is just as amazing.  I have been so touched by the dedication and determination of everyone to make sure the Nichols Middle School is a first-class institution for learning.  It has been a joy since my first day.

Mr. McLaughlin and I have started to change little things around the building, and many are paying off in the signs of a better school climate and culture for learning.  We believe the students want to be here and that is our goal.  We are enjoying ourselves and we hope they are as well.

In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t many reflections other than it has been a sensational beginning to the school year and we hope that it continues.

Enjoy the time with family and friends during this holiday break, and as teachers across the globe love to say on this day, “See you next year.”

Have a wonderful holiday from everyone here at NMS; see you January 2, 2013,

M. R. Geoghegan

NMS Showing Civic Pride Yet Again

NMS Student Council Up To Good Yet Again

Stephanie Fontes, one of our student council officers,
giving our penny drive check to Saint Vincent de Paul Society President Al Conin

The Nichols Middle School Student Council has facilitated the following charitable donations:

In November, we were able to collect over 2,000 food items for our community food bank.
The food bank sent a box truck to collect all the food that was donated.  Quoted from the
thank you letter we received, "The generosity by the students will help many children
have enough food so they will not have to go to bed hungry."

Our December Penny Drive raised more than $700.00 to support our local food bank;
the money will be used to help families purchase food, pay for heat, and to purchase
items for families in need in our community.

On December 21st Nichols sponsored a green and white day to show our support for the
students, families, and community of Newtown, Connecticut. Students were able to donate
a dollar towards the Newtown Scholarship Fund.   In this one day event our NMS raised
over $250.00.

Great job, NMS!

Special Message from Superintendent, Dr. Weiss

This is Dr. Roseli Weiss, Superintendent of the Middleborough Public Schools.  There are many rumors circulating throughout the schools and parent community regarding the school day tomorrow.  I am aware of these rumors as are the Middleborough Police.  We continue to work together to keep the children and staff of our school district safe.  The truth is not on facebook or through your neighbor.

I am communicating the facts.  The rumors are unsubstantiated.  However, we are on alert.  As I have stated throughout the week, there will be an increased presence of police cars at the schools on Friday as there have been all week.

I am asking for your support.  I need you to help me keep everyone safe and calm by not feeding into rumors that are unsubstantiated and escalate concern.  We have been working diligently to keep doors locked and closed, to be more aware of people coming into the schools.  We have been walking throughout the schools to identify ways to strengthen our security. 

We plan to discuss safety and security during the January 10^th School Committee meeting and plan to offer a parent and community evening focused on school safety in the near future.

Thank you for your support and I wish you all a happy holiday season.  May 2013 be a year of health, happiness and community caring.

Special Message for the Middleborough Community from Dr. Weiss & Chief Gates

http://www.middleboro.k12.ma.us/Safety/LetterFromDrWeissCheifGates12-18-12.pdf

Principal's Report on Monday, December 17

Good afternoon -

As days go, I think today was a positive one. 

Parents and guardians can be reassured that we, as a school, tried to make today just another Monday in the lives of our students here at the Nichols Middle School.

There were some small discussions, which occurred with some students, who asked questions mostly along the lines to help support them and explain to them that we are doing everything in our power to make sure that NMS is safe for them, but on the whole it was a pretty typical day in the life of a NMS Tiger.

Mr. McLaughlin and I were out-and-about all day long trying to get to the teachers and also stop by some classrooms to show that today was just another day.  The guidance staff was on-call all day long in case any student needed to talk at anytime during the day.

From what I sent out last night, we as a school faculty and staff followed the protocol I laid out for you about what we would do as a school and this morning went over the page that discussed "What Schools Should Do" from the National Organization of School Psychologists.  You can see there are 13 items and we followed these to the best of our abilities today and will try to continue during the week.  The toughest one is number 2, "Maintaining structure and stability" with also balancing the students' needs.  It is what we will try to do this week and beyond.  Please check them out to see what we did:  http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/terror_general.aspx

I just got a chance to write to you and also read this article I found from the New York Times which I feel discusses the difficulty of this situation and what to, and not, discuss with students.  Check it out if you get a chance:  http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/how-not-to-talk-with-children-about-the-sandy-hook-shooting/

But other than that, I want the Nichols Middle School Community to know that today was a day of normalcy for our students, and that is what I had hoped for them.  It is a place to start as the whole education world tries to make sense of Friday and begin to heal.

If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me at mgeoghegan@middleboro.k12.ma.us

Thanks; have a good night,

M. R. Geoghegan

A Message for Parents from Mr. Geoghegan

Dear John T. Nichols’ Community:

I’m writing to you tonight to respond to the elementary school shooting that took place in Newtown, Connecticut earlier Friday morning.  My family as well as yours, I am sure, is tearfully watching on as more horrific details come out over the local and national media on TV and on the Internet all weekend long.

Our hearts go out to those students, teachers, and principals who did not return home from school Friday and those families and friends related to the Newtown community.  We’ve found no words to fully capture the emotions so many of us are feeling right now.

Tomorrow, on Monday, parents everywhere will send their students to school.  Teachers and principals around the world will return to school with the aim of “business as usual” to provide consistency for our children in a time of great tragedy.  I am anticipating that much discussion will occur over the weekend in the homes of our families, but Monday may also bring some further questions and need for dialogue.  In the interests of home-school transparency, below I will lay out our carefully considerate plans for Monday, December 17^th, at the Nichols Middle School.

Before School:  I will host an all-staff meeting to offer dialogue amongst our teaching staff and review developmentally appropriate conversation structures for our children.  We will also begin to complete a full review of our school safety protocol in place.  As a staff, we are fully invested in being comprehensive and thorough in our daily approach, and we are always looking for new ways to be a better and safer school environment for all.

During the School Day:  Classrooms have the ability to hold “as needed” team meetings to allow students to talk about their feelings in a developmentally appropriate way.  Our guidance staff will offer on-demand guidance appointments throughout the day to talk with students who may be having trouble processing information they may have learned at home.  If your child is seen by the guidance staff, we will personally call you (parents) to review our conversation in the best interests of our home-school partnership.  *Please be advised that the details of the events in Newtown will not be discussed with any students at any time.  Details of what students are aware of are solely at the discretion of each individual family.

After the School Day and During the Weeks That Follow:  We will be having more faculty and staff meetings to more thoroughly review our safety plans and manuals.  We will not be engaged in a Crisis Drill until some point after the vacation, but please know that we will be ever-vigilant in making sure the Nichols Middle School is safe.

I have seen many Child Experts and websites flashed across the screen during the past three days, but I feel as though it is always positive to have too much information instead of not enough at all.  In that spirit, I have attached a link to the National Association of School Psychologists’ website.  Here one will find tips for parents and educators dealing with a “National Tragedy:  Helping Kids Cope.”  It is a site we as a school will be using for ways in which we can support our students.  Please check it out, if you get a chance:  http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/terror_general.aspx

Also in this vein, even in the wake of tragedy, schools continue to be one of the safest places for children to be on a daily basis.  Below are some conversational tips from Dr. Michele Borba, who personally shared on her Twitterfeed on Friday.  Dr. Borba is an internationally recognized expert and author on children, teens, parenting, bullying and moral development.  Her work aims to help strengthen children’s character and resilience, build strong families, create compassionate and just school cultures, and reduce peer cruelty.  Her practical, research-based advice is culled from a career of working with over one million parents and educators worldwide.  I hope you find her thoughts helpful:

· Turn off the TV and media on the school shooting when kids are present. Image can negatively impact children regardless of your zip code.
· Talk to the kids tonight or as soon as you see them. Open with “What have you heard?” Kids need the right facts. YOU not their peers provide the best source.
· Kids need to know it’s OK to share their feelings. It’s normal to be upset. Be calm and give only age appropriate information.
· Don’t give more information than the kid is ready to hear. More importantly, let your child know you’re there to listen.
· Don’t expect to help alleviate your kid’s anxiety unless you keep your own in check. Kids are calmer if we are calmer.
· Please don’t think because the child isn’t talking about the events that he/she didn’t hear about it.
· Give the information in small doses. Listen. Watch their response. Kids need processing time. Kids don’t need to know all the details and numbers. End with “I’m here for any questions you may have at anytime.”
· Here’s a great way to curb anxieties: Find proactive ways to alleviate fears about the tragedy. Tonight, offer condolences, draw, write letters to victims as a family.
· Stick to family routines. This soothes the stress and helps kids know that despite tragedy, that the world goes on. The sun will come up tomorrow. Hug!
· Draw kids’ attention to heroism in the tragedy. Use police, teachers, doctors, etc so kids see the goodness in the heartbreak.
· Kids respond to tragic news differently. Let your child know their feelings are normal. Help he/she express them. Follow his/her lead.
· Tonight is the first talk. Keep ongoing dialogue. Don’t explain more than they are ready to hear. Kids process and will want more later.
· T.A.L.K.
o Talk to the kid about the tragedy in an age-appropriate way
o Assess kid coping skills
o Listen, give some information and listen some more
o Kindle hope that the world goes on
· Ask your teen: “What are your pals saying?” Don’t assume they are NOT affected. Ignite their social justice. “What could we do?”
· Plan what you’ll say to your kid about the tragedy to boost their confidence and calmness. It’s OK to say “I don’t know” or “Good question. Let me find out.”

For more information go to micheleborba.com

If you have any other questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me through email mgeoghegan@middleboro.k12.ma.us or call the office at 508-946-2020.

Sincerely,

M.R. Geoghegan

Important Message About Safety from Superintendent, Dr. Weiss

To Members of the Middleborough Community,

It is with great sorrow that we learned on Friday, December 14, that children and adults in Connecticut were senselessly shot at school.  Our sympathies and prayers go out to all the parents, teachers, children and community members in Newtown, Connecticut.

I want to assure you that the Middleborough Police and I have been communicating during this school year and will continue to communicate to make the best decisions about the safety of all of our students and staff.   We have been discussing the safety procedures and protocols necessary to undertake in the event of an emergency.

Police Chief Gates, Lieutenant Ferreira, our safety officer, and I are organizing a walk-through during December vacation time so that all officers, especially new hires, will become familiar with the school geography. 

All of our principals and assistant principals are actively refreshing every staff members’ knowledge of the safety procedures necessary for daily school operation.  Keeping doors locked, keeping doors closed and not propped open, and general use of common sense help to keep us all safe.

Please know that Middleborough Public Schools is invested in the safety of all who are within our buildings.  When you speak with your children about today’s incident, please assure them that they are safe in school.

Respectfully,

Roseli Weiss

Superintendent

Term 1 Honor Roll

Quarter One Honor Roll

Below you will find our 1st Quarter Honor Roll for Nichols Middle School.  The report that was presented in the paper, the Middleboro Gazette, left off some students' names.  They will be putting in a new list next week.  We apologize for any inconvenience.  Congratulations to all students, who worked so hard to achieve this honor.

John T. Nichols, Jr. Middle School

High Honor Roll

Term 1

Grade 8

Jason Bean, Zachary Bergquist, Liam Bingham-Maas,  Jake Borges, Olivia Briggs, Summer Campeau, Alexander Cassady, Jessica Cordeiro, Sarah Cote, Katelyn Cunningham, Michael D’Errico, Maia Daschke, Jaycie DiCarlo, Kevin Donohoe, Alyssa Ezell, Sophia Falconeiri, Aoife Fogarty, Stephanie Fontes, Mikyla Hamblin, Janie Humphreys, Hannah McCarthy, Jonathan McLaughlin, Erin Mealey, Tylar Morano, Meghan Mulloy, Alina Parker, Angela Pavadore, Mary Pavadore, Kathleen Perkins, Leanne Robinson, Nicholas Sclafani, Hunter Siedentopf, Madison Studley, Logan Teceno, Abigail Wadsworth, Parker Ward, Erica Williamson, Lindsay Woodward, Noah Yeingst

Grade 7

Jack Andrade, Theresa Awad, Ryan Baker, Jr., Olivia Benson, John Boersdamm,  Daniel Bukunt, Courtney Chane,  Shane Corboy, Matthew Crowley, Sydney Curpenski, Erica Esposito, Hannah Eugenio, Benjamin Faith , Melissa Foley, Jack Gerrior, Ian Gilson, Evan Gworzdz, Kayla Hodge, Meaghan Hurley, Shannon Lawlor, Samantha Lynn, Shawn McCarthy, Kate McManus, Dorando Mobley, Allison Nickerson, Skyla Parkinson, Caitlin Peck, Madison Pirro, Timothy Powers, Lukas Sousa, Sarah Stearns, Leigha Trask, Madison Walgreen, Katelyn Wessen

 

Grade 6

Camryn Beals, Zachary Belanger, Morgan Briggs, Brandon Buote, Rachel Burroughs, Peter Calogero, Jr., Melanie Cannon, Zachary Chin, Heidi Chretien, Ashley Curtin, Natalie Dargelis, Julia Dellamano, Arianna Dones, Garrett Donohoe, Logan Duphily, Erin Egersheim, Joseph Escolas, Emily Geddes, Katelyn Harrington, Chase Holyoke, Dylan Joyce, Mikayla Kearney, Cameron LaBree,  Vyper La Tulippe, Domenic Leo, Kobe Lomba, Bridget Lynch, Liam MacCurtain, Owen McCarthy, Hannah Melendy,  Sydney Montross, Ryan Morrissey, Brendan Parker, Jalyn Peebles, Madison Roberts, Gregory Silva, Jr., Maggie Smith, Anna Souza, Jacob Stiner, Rachel Tuell, Isabella Ventresca, Ian Yeskewicz

 

John T. Nichols, Jr. Middle School

Honor Roll

Term 1

 

Grade 8

 

Maya Almodovar, Tessa Babin, Jake Belanger, Sydney Bellerive, Brett Benner, Christopher Berio, Jr., Michelle Bishop, Genevieve Blais, Kyra Blumenthal, Meghan Boucher, Dillon Brady, Delaney Brennen, Owen Brown, Julian Cassady, Mikenna Conley, Raven Davidson, Matthew Davieau, Tyler Dean,  Ryan Deutsch, Mackenzie DiNapoli, Matthew Doyle, Logan Drevitch, Luis Escribano Davila, Mackenzie Eskholme, Evan Ferris, Breighan Finch, Cory Ford, Morgan Freiday, Cassandra Fuller, Brian Gallagher, Valerie Gaouette, Michael Gately, Jr., Jonathan Gibson, Andrew Gilman, Hannah Gliniewicz, Joseph Govoni, Robert Griffin IV, Sean Hart, Zachary Heffernan, Mikayla Houlihan,  Hailey Hubble, Jack Kennedy, Jocelyn Keough, Alexandra Kielty, Madison King, Melissa Klemme, Jack Knowlton, Hailey Kosh, Kylee LaBollita, Matthew Lamoureux, Rebecca Lamoureux, Jasmine Lees, Jack Leo, Hailey Lomba, Antonio Maietta, Dylan Maini, Damian Marble, Shiloh Marchand, Ashleigh McManus, Skyeler McNeil, Tyler Melendez, Madison Melo,  Sara Micciche, Levi Michaelis, David Monreal, Devlin Noonan, Carla Pelton, Alicia Perala, Kaitlyn Perkins, Bruce Pina, Devon Pina, Jacquelynne Reynolds, Joshua Robinson, Zack Rosa, Matthew Rossi, Jenna Sabino, Daniel Seifert,  Kaitlyn Silva, Jillian Spadaro, Jacob Starr, Nicole Steeves, Tyler Stewart, John Taylor III, Evan Tipping, Travis Trocki, Michelle True, Maranda Vieira, Jessica Vilk, Alannah Weaver, Haley White, Alison Williams, Dominic Williamson, Rebecca Windle, Emily Wolfe, Noah Yeskewicz, Gehrig Zukowski

 

Grade 7

 

Matthew Abban, Brianna Alden, Emily Bell, Zachary Bell, Hayden Berio, Lianna Bernier, Eric Berry, Alexander Braddock, Hannah Bradley, James Brown, Jenna Brown, Connor Bruffee, Parker Burdick, Jack Caffrey, Makayla Capeau, Zachary Carter, Hannah Cobb, Trevor Coletti, Kassidy Comeau, Owen Connell, Elizabeth Coots, Alyssa Cordaro, Hannah DeMolles, Clayton DeMoranville, Matthew Derby, Mitchell Dias, Joshua Dimond, Alexa Epp, Sophia Evirs, Danyca Filiatreault, Thomas Fillion, Jazelle Fowler, Emily Foye, Shannon Geary, Olivia Gherardi, Benjamin Gibson, Cassaundra Golden, Tori Grab, Edward Grimes, Gavin Guerrier, Adam Hanna, Alexa Hashem, Laura Hatch, Brendon Hayes, Rhiannon Hence, Daebreon Henry, Cory Holzworth, Hannah Horsman, Jacob Horsman, Raymond Jabagjorian, Eric Jacobson, Adam Jenness, Katie Johnson, Marissa Johnson, Mackenzie Jones, Zachary Jordan, Hannah Kaliton, Stephanie Kane, Hannah Kaplinger, Kaden Kelly, Shealynn Kelly, Harrison LaPierre, Mikayla Lavoie, Gerard Leavens, Jr.,   Ayanna Lopes, Brianna Lowell, Ian Maloney, Dayna Mason, Hannah McMorrow, Olivia McPhee, Cole Megna, Mackenzie Meleski, Corrigan Metcalf, Gabriella Montanez, Logan Montgomery, Kendra Nephew, Robert Nester III, Michael O’Shaughnessy, Morgan Padgett, David Patrick, Jr., Kacy Pemberton, Dakota Phillips, Taylor Pina, Jasmine Pomerleau, Casey Quindley, Alexis Reidy, Melanie Roupa, Sean Rutledge, Elizabeth Sangiolo, Mark Scanlan, Jr., Bobbi Scully, Samantha Segreve, Bethany Seifert, Olivia Shaw, Sierra Shaw, Abigail Sheehan, Erika Short, Katrina Siciliano, Hunter Simon, Cody Soderlund, Trevor Spillane, Sarah St. John, Eric Stebbins, Jr., Alexander Steinman, Paul Steinman, Jacob Stephanian, Jake Stephenson, Eric Stoddard,  Alyssa Stone, John Surette, Briana Taylor, llana Thomas, Garrett Thompson, Michael Thompson,  Alyssa Tortora, Matthew Tortora, Tyler Urbanus, Jose Velez, John Walker, Avery Warner, Taylor Warner, Makenzie Warren, Katherine Williams, Robert Willis, Emily Wise, Luke Woodward, Nathan Yudichak

 

Grade 6

 

Charles Anderson, Thomas Babin, Troy Bailey, Andrew Balcius, Tyler Barker, Sean Barry, Ashley Blais, Hannah Blais, Daniel Botelho, Garrett Boyd, Camren Brown, Sarah Brown, Samantha Brownell, Marah Burt, Madeline Cannavo, Sean Carey, Skyla Carrasquillo, Jonathan Carter, Kristen Cassidy, Cassidy Cave, Nolan Childs, Amir Christmas, Travis Colby, Aaron Conley, Gabriel Cordaro, Erica Correia, Robert Cowing, Jr., Kassidey Cragin, Amanda Davis, Evan DeChristopher, Leah DeCosta, Thomas Devine, Andrew  DiBiase, Megan Doherty, Ryan Dragunas, Cydney Draper, Daniel Dyer, Noelle Engrassia, William Ezell, Jr., Eric Faith, John Franey, August Goldman, Kallista Goodwin, Kristen Grace, Serina Grant, Sarah Greeley, Sean Grimes, Alex Henrie, Jayda Hernandez, Brandon Hogan, Ryan Holdsworth, Mykaela Hood, Chase Iarrobino, Matthew Kelliher, Rebecca Knight, Carter Krueger, Michaela Lenahan, Rylee Leonard, Scott Levesque, Jr., Sydney Littlefield, Jaylaah Lucas, Grant Manning, Ryan Marshall, Sarah Marshall, Ethan Matos, Katherine McDermott, Nathan McDermott, Matthew McNaughton,  Mark Mendonca, Marc Millette, Danah Moore, Kasey Moore, John Mulgrew, Molly Myers, Milo Oliva, Lucas Parsons, Ruchi Patel, Christopher Patrick, Desiree Pelletier, Ryan Perry, Rachael Peterson, Matthew Pierce, Ryan Plausky, Victoria Pope, Ryan Quill, Timothy Reed, Jr., Mathew Reed, James Reilly, III, Evan Rink, Dylan Roza, Bella Ruggiero, Mitchell Salvador, Emily Sargent, Daniel Sclafani, Alexis Shaw, Shauna Sigren, Dakota Silvia, Zachary Silvia, Caitlin Sluhocki, Christopher Smith, Jr., Thomas Smith, Jacob Studley, Emma Sullivan, Tyler Tobiaz, Victoria Ulrich, Mikaila Vanderzeyde, Olivia Vieira, Abigail Wager, Jaden Weyant, Connor Wilson, Connor Wolfe

Important Messages from Ms. Walgreen

Yearbook message:
Last Chance to Order Your 2013 NMS Yearbook!
It is time to order the 2013 Nichols Middle School Yearbook. The book is 72 pages, all
color, hard cover, and full of memories for your child. The book is $21.00 with the
option of an autograph supplement for an extra $2.00. A limited number of books will be
ordered, so get your orders in early. It is recommended that you place your order
directly through Herff Jones by January 21, 2013. You will not be guaranteed a yearbook
after that date. You should have received a reminder from Herff Jones in the mail. You
can mail the payment to them or go to the link off of the school website.
Contact Debbie Walgreen if you have any questions. 508-946-2020x205.

Book fair message:
Thank you students and families for attending the fall book fair in the media center.
The book fair was a huge success. Book fair sales exceeded $5,000 which resulted in over
$2,500 worth of books for our school library. Thanks for your support and thanks to the
parent volunteers who helped during the fair.

Term 2 Progress Reports Issued 12/14/12

Good morning. 

This afternoon you will be receiving an AlertNow message to remind parents that Progress Reports for Quarter 2 will be issued this afternoon, Friday, December 14.  Your child will be coming home with the Progress Report as well as a receipt that needs to be signed and returned to school on Monday, December 17.

The marks that you find on this progress report should never be a surprise to either you or the student.  Please make sure you check out the grades as well as the comments for Conduct and Effort.  If you feel that discussion regarding your child’s progress or lack of it in any of these categories is needed, please make an appointment to schedule a time that would offer both you and the teacher enough time to adequately discuss your child's present situation.  We need to make sure there is open communication between school and home.  Remember also this is a report on progress; there are still some weeks left for those 2^nd Quarter grades and comments to change or improve, so please keep up with checking your child's agenda on a nightly basis.

Also a reminder, if you haven’t done so yet, please go to the right, here on the website and enter your email so you can receive updates on any and all important information about what’s happening or will happen at NMS.

Have an excellent weekend; enjoy.

Thank you,

M. R. Geoghegan

Important Letter about the Stomach Virus in the Schools from the Superintendent 12/9/12

On Friday, December 7th, there were 235 MKG students, in total, who
either called in sick before school opened or were sent home, who came
down with a fast spreading 24 hour stomach virus. A total of 25 MKG
teachers were ill with this virus as well. This stomach virus is
accompanied by vomiting and stomach cramps. It tends to last 24 hours.
There were some students from the HBB school who were sick as well. I
will follow-up on Monday morning to check in with HBB and MKG. It is
expected that most students will return to school on Monday. The
schools have been sanitized by custodians on Friday and Saturday.
We wish all students and staff who were ill the best and speediest
recovery from this 24 hour virus.
Thank you.

The following steps were taken during Friday, December 7th:

1. Superintendent was notified that students and staff were either out
ill or getting sick - morning.

2. Superintendent's office checked in with MKG Principal Jeff Cateon
and Head Nurse, Laurie Perkins, to confirm symptoms and ask general
questions and get answers.

3. Superintendent contacted Middleborough Board of Health to share the
situation. School Committee Chair, Sara Cederholm, was at Central
Office and was informed.

4. Board of Health contacted MKG and Head Nurse.

5. Board of Health and Superintendent agreed that custodians would
wipe down all surface areas throughout the day and on Saturday
(basketball that day).

6. Board of Health and Superintendent agreed that staff would use
non-alcoholic wipes in the classrooms to disinfect.

7. Superintendent asked Head Nurse, Laurie Perkins, to draft a note to
go home from each school (PreK-12) in the color blue explaining the
situation and the steps to take if a child was sick, etc.

8. School District sent an "alert now" to all homes indicating that
parents/guardians look for a blue sheet coming home in backpacks.

9. Superintendent spoke to MKG Principal on Sunday afternoon to check
in on any further news.

10. School Committee Chair, Sara Cederholm, checked in with
Superintendent on Sunday afternoon.

Letter from the Nurse's Office

December 7, 2012

                                                                                                             

Dear Parent/Guardian of all students in Middleborough Public Schools:

I would like to inform you that there are a large number of students at the Mary K. Goode and the Henry B. Burkland Elementary Schools who are experiencing a stomach virus. Many of the children have siblings in other schools. We ask that you adhere to the Middleborough Public Schools Health Services Illness Guidelines, outlined in our Health Services Brochure, which may be found on the district’s website at www.middleboro.k12.ma.us.

 

CHILDREN MUST REMAIN AT HOME IF THEY HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

·         If they do not meet mandated DPH immunization requirements.

·         A rash or skin condition not diagnosed and cleared by a physician.

·         A fever of 100 degrees or more. They should be fever free for 24 hours without Tylenol or Motrin before returning to school.

·         Vomiting or diarrhea. They may return to school when symptom free for 24 hours and able to eat and drink normally.

·         Red or pink itchy eyes with crusty yellow or green drainage. They may return to school when drainage has cleared or they are on medication for a full 24 hours.

·          Any contagious illness such as chicken pox, strep throat, or flu. With chicken pox they may not return to school until the rash is completely dry and crusted over.

·          If placed on an antibiotic students must be on the antibiotic a full 24 hours before returning to school. They should also feel well enough to attend school.

·         All students with head lice must be treated, have the nits combed out, and be checked by the school nurse before returning to their class. Parents must accompany their child to the health office upon return to school.

Custodians in ALL schools are working diligently to sanitize all areas of the schools in an effort to keep the virus from spreading. Your cooperation in following the district’s guidelines is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Laurie Perkins, RN

Nurse Leader

Monthly Message from Mr. Geoghegan

NOVEMBER MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  I hope all a relaxing, restful time with family and friends.

The other night showed me all that I should be thankful for.  On Friday, November 16, the NMS PTSA hosted a “Fun Night” for all of our sixth through eighth grade students.  It was a tremendous night of basketball, dancing, ‘Minute to Win It’ games, and delicious baked goods.  The kids were just being kids, and it was wonderful to see.  When people ask me, why middle school?  Nights like that prove it in spades for me.

With that, I must thank the PTSA and the parent-volunteers for hosting and chaperoning this incredible event.  It took a lot of planning and a Friday night out, but I know the students appreciated it greatly. 

I also want to thank all the teachers, who came in and participated with the students:  Ms. Kelly Rich, Mr. Tommy Thompson, Ms. Cortney Kelly, Mr. Tim McLaughlin, Ms. Amy Anderson, Ms. Beth Evans, and Ms. MaryAnne Fisher.  It was a fun night for everyone.

We are already done with one-quarter of the school year; it is truly hard to believe.  Last Friday, you received your child’s 1^st Quarter Report Card.  Parent-Teacher Conferences are on Thursday, November 29, evening, 6-8:30 PM, and Tuesday, December 4, afternoon/evening, 4-6:30 PM.  These conferences are only five minutes in duration and may not be enough time for a complete discussion regarding your child’s progress or lack of it.  If you feel that more time is needed, use your appointment to reschedule a time that would offer both you and the teacher enough time to adequately discuss your child’s present situation.  This will open the door and begin the communication that is necessary to bring all of us to the same page on your child’s educational growth.  I will repeat something I mentioned from the progress reports, the marks that you have found on the report card should never be a surprise to either you or the student.  An article by the NEA which I feel can help with conferences: “How To Make Parent-Teacher Conferences Work for Your Child” I have cut down to some helpful hints is as follows:

“You've been asked to attend a regularly scheduled ‘report card’ conference with your child's teacher.  Teachers like to meet with parents from time to time to discuss how to help students do their best in school.  All children learn in different ways.  They have their own individual personalities and their own work habits.  To help their students learn new knowledge and skills, teachers must know as much as they can about each child.  No one knows more about and has more influence over your children than you.  That's why teachers need your help to do a first-class job.  Working together, you and the teacher can help your child have a successful school year.

Here are some things to keep in mind before the conference:

• Start the conference right:  plan not to run over the amount of time that has been set aside.


• The best conferences are those in which both teachers and parents stay calm and try hard to work together for one purpose and one purpose only:  to help your child do well.  Arguing, or blaming each other for problems your child is having, helps no one.

For getting ready for the conference, each teacher will probably come prepared with knowledge or samples of your children’s work and with ideas to help them do even better in school.  You should get ready for each conference, too.  Talk to your children before the conference.  Find out how and maybe why your child is doing well or not so.  Also, ask your children if there is anything they would like you to talk about with their teachers.  

 

Before you go to the school, write notes to yourself about:

• things about your child's home life you feel it’s important for the teacher to know


• questions about your child’s progress


• how you and the school can work together to help your child

During the conference, some good questions to ask are these:

• Is my child working up to his or her ability?


• Does my child participate in class discussions and activities?


• Has my child missed any assignments?


• Have you noticed any sudden changes in the way my child acts?


• What kinds of things should I do to help my child's progress (especially in terms of Homework, studying for tests/quizzes, writing assignments, etc.)?

It’s a good idea to ask your most important questions first, just in case time runs out before you and the teacher have a chance to discuss them all.  Be sure to ask the teacher for specific suggestions on ways to help your child do better.  This is the most important part of the meeting.  It will become your action plan.  If the teacher says something you don't quite understand, don't be shy about asking for an explanation.  It's a good idea to end the conference by summing up decisions you've made together.  If needed, ask to meet again.

After the conference, one should start immediately on the action plan you and the teacher worked out together.  Discuss the plan with your child.  Make sure he or she knows that you and the teacher care.  To see if the action plan is working, watch your child's behavior and check your child's class work and homework.  Stay in regular touch with the teacher to discuss the progress your child is making.  Meeting with your child's teachers should help build strong parent-teacher partnerships—partnerships that are needed if you and your child's teachers are to reach your common goal of helping your child get the best education possible.”  The National PTA, National Education Association of the United States

The Nichols Middle School faculty, staff and I wish all of our parents and guardians the happiest and healthiest of Thanksgivings.  Enjoy the special time that a holiday like this creates among our families.

 

Thank you,

M. R. Geoghegan

1st Quarter Report Cards Distributed 11/16

First Quarter Report Cards

Good morning.  

This afternoon all Nichols Middle School contacts will be receiving an AlertNow message on the distribution of first quarter report cards, which were issued today, Friday, November 16.  They will go home with your child with a small sheet saying you received and saw the Report Card, which will need to be signed and returned to your child’s homeroom teacher on Monday, November 19.  

I have said before that communication is a powerful tool in closing the gap between home and school and ensuring success for all of our children.  The marks that you have found on this report card should never be a surprise to either you or your child.  If you feel that discussion regarding your child’s progress or lack of it is needed, please make an appointment to schedule a time that would offer both you and the teacher enough time to adequately discuss your child's present situation.  Please remember that Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 29 and December 4.  

Again, first quarter report cards went home today, please sign the sheet saying you saw your child's report card and have the receipt brought back to school on Monday.  

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.  Thank you and have a great weekend.

Message from the NMS PTSA -- Fall Frenzy Friday, 11/16

Fall Frenzy

NMS students come and hang out with your friends!

 

We have an exciting event coming to the NMS. Come hang out at the NMS Fall Frenzy.

Friday November 16, 2012
6PM-9PM
Cost $5 per person
Activities include: 3 on 3 basketball tournament, music and dancing, "Minute to Win It" challenges, crafts, face painting by "Art on the Spot", make your own commercials with "Burt Woods School of Performing Arts- Lorna Brunelle, learn new line dances, and board games.

We will be selling food as well. Our selections will include pizza, hotdogs, popcorn, baked goods, and water.

Spirtwear order forms will be available.

Tickets will be on sale at school during Lunch.

We hope to see you there! It should be a fantastic night!

All the proceeds will be used for enrichment opportunities for our students.

Great StuCo Happenings at NMS

NMS Student Council Leading the Giving

We are pleased to share that the Student Council Penny drive for the victims of Hurricane Sandy raised $560.00!  The money was donated to the American Red Cross.  Thank you to all those who contributed!!

 

The Student Council is sponsoring a canned food drive from Nov. 9-16.  All donations will be given to the local St. Vincent de Paul Society.   Please help NMS show the community that we care and help make everyone’s holiday season a bright one!!!

Nichols Middle School NCLB 2012 Report Card

NCLB 2012 Report Card

Dear Nichols Middle School Parent or Guardian:

I am pleased to direct you to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Click Here for the Nichols Middle School NCLB Report Card) to access our school “report card.”  It contains information about student enrollment, teacher qualifications, student achievement, accountability, how our school is performing relative to other schools, and the progress our school is making toward narrowing proficiency gaps for different groups of students.

Part I: Student Enrollment and Teacher Qualifications

The first section of the report card provides information about the students and teachers in our school as com‐pared to the district and the state.  If your child attends a school that receives federal Title I funds, you also have the right to request the following information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers:

                        Whether your child’s teacher is licensed in the grade levels and subject areas they teach

                        Whether your child’s teacher is teaching under an emergency license or waiver

                        The college degree and major of your child’s teacher

                        Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications

Part II: Student Achievement

The second section of the report card shows how Massachusetts’s students are performing on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a test that allows you to compare the performance of Massachusetts’s students to students across the nation or in other states.  You can also see how our school performed on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests as compared to the district and the state.

Part III: Accountability

The third section of the report card contains three important pieces of information:

                        Accountability and Assistance Levels: Schools and districts are placed into one of five accountability and assistance levels (1‐5), with the highest performing in Level 1 and lowest performing in Level 5.  Our school has been placed into Level 2 because we did not meet all gap narrowing goals set by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

                        School Percentiles:  A school percentile between 1 and 99 is reported for most schools.  This number shows the overall performance of our school relative to other schools that serve the same or similar grades.

                        Progress and Performance Index (PPI):  The PPI is a number that indicates our school’s progress toward narrowing proficiency gaps, or, in other words, helping all students reach proficiency and be prepared for success after high school.  Massachusetts has set a goal of reducing proficiency gaps by half between the years 2011 and 2017.  For a group of students to be considered to be making sufficient progress toward narrowing proficiency gaps, its cumulative PPI must be 75 or higher.

To improve student achievement in our school, we are working on many new initiatives, including:

• Studying the school’s schedule;
• Working with our Math teachers on Number Sense with Teachers21 Consulting;
• Establishing school data teams;
• Continuing to unpack and integrate the 2011 MA State Curriculum Frameworks for English Language Arts and Literacy and Mathematics while preparing for the 2014 Science standards;
• Providing research based professional development opportunities to all faculty and staff; and
• Implementing systems and structures that positively impact teaching and learning.

I encourage you to become involved in helping us improve our school.  Some of the ways you can become involved are:

• Encouraging your child’s learning at home;
• Attending parent‐teacher meetings and other special meetings;
• Serving as a volunteer in our school or district; and
• Encouraging other parents to become involved.

For more information about what we are doing to improve student achievement or to request information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers, please feel free to contact me at (508) 946-2020.

Sincerely,

Martin R. Geoghegan

John T. Nichols, Jr. Middle School Principal

Student Work Example

Personal Essay Example from the 8th Grade Comets Team

I have asked the teachers to send me examples of work the students are doing so I could post them here on the NMS blog to show off the great work we are doing here at Nichols.

Ms. Tricia Flaherty from the 8th Grade Comets Team has taken me up on this offer.  Please check out the description from Ms. Flaherty and then the essay itself; it is exactly what we are looking for at NMS to speak to student success.  Thanks.

This year the PTSA brought the Anne Frank traveling exhibit to NMS.   Students were chosen to be docents and trained to conduct tours throughout the school day.  One student, Hannah McCarthy, had the pleasure of touring to Holocaust survivors through the museum.  This experience touched her and she chose chose to write her first English essay about it.  Hannah's essay is a personal narrative, which is a narrative that tells the story of an experience significant to the writer.  Hannah captured this moment and tells a truly touching and heartfelt story.

                                       
Hannah McCarthy

October 25, 2012

Period 1 / 2

Forever Imprinted

Each of us walks through life with a memory looming deeply within our consciousness, dictating the actions that identify us as individuals. I would finally be defined by a brief moment of life. A moment caged between walls lined with jet lockers, protected by the grasps of shining metal. A moment that I would morally cling to each day.

I paced across the shaggy, grey carpet, enclosed in a maze of canvas panels, dotted with colorless pictures. Hastily, I scanned the florescent walls, a neon poster reflecting in two vast pools of hazel. "NMS Anne Frank Exhibit," it read. The crooked line then continued, "Student Docents Available." I had once been eager to spread the information I had acquired, but today my spine quivered in fear. Clumsily, I fumbled index cards through my fingers, straining to remember the tedious notes I had taken days before-hand. I am only (1 child, I thought. How could I be expected to recite these notes to a pair of Holocaust survivors? They will surely know when I mess up!

My thoughts were interrupted by a velvety voice, "Hello," it beckoned. The Nathansen's... here, already, even the voice inside my head failed to keep a steady tone. Anxiously, I made my way across the exhibit to find a. man and a woman, the crooks of their elbows linked together. Both wore warm smiles, framed with creases of age. Their brilliant smiles eased the tension in my nerves and I stuffed the written notes into the depths of my denim pocket, my confidence growing.

I smiled gently, leading the pair through the hall; a weaving tunnel of linoleum. A dim light overhead spread across the guest book, patiently awaiting recognition. Mrs. Nathansen reached for the pen, signing her name in neat cursive. I studied her signature, harrowing memories leaking from behind the careful print. The name’s symbolism sent an icy chill down the length of my spine, as the images of the Holocaust flashed before my eyes. I had been fascinated by the Holocaust, devoting a greater portion of my day to research, mostly because I could not wrap my mind around the realism of the genocide. But, those words held a significant meaning. The name was a window into the unfathomable pain endured in one lifetime, the grueling torture plaguing a past, but yet, the hope of tomorrow.

A swirl of thoughts circled my pounding head, and with multiple hasty blinks of my eyes, I became aware of my surroundings. I had noticed the tone in the silent stricken room, and immediately began to recite the exhibit’s purpose, emphasizing the enthusiasm in my voice. A dainty hand cupped over my shoulder as I turned to find carmine lips, curled into a faint smile. "If you’re going to be my tour guide, we have to do this right," Mrs. Nathansen voiced memories of pain buried beneath the gentle expression she wore. Gingerly, she tugged on the sleeves of her sable jacket, revealing a small series of numbers, crawling diagonally up the inside of her arm. The sight burned a hole into my heart, and my vision blurred, as salty tears created glue holding my eyelashes in thick spikes. Slowly, I raised my head, my eyes locking into the pale blue orbs of Mrs- Nathansen's eyes, and we both nodded as if we had not just met today. And the tattoo was once again disguised under the layer of corduroy.

From that day forward I continued my life as if a tattoo was burned into the pale skin of my forearm. The fact that human beings, just as myself, had created the hate that was responsible for murders that would plague generations to come, was despicable. However, I felt empowered, I could be the change that ceases the present world's malevolence. And just like the ink crawling down Mrs. Nathansen's arm, I was permanently changed.