___________________ MAPLE AVENUE MIDDLE SCHOOL _______________________
515 Maple Avenue
518-587-4551
Robert Loggins |
Gerald Leger |
Susan Kichton |
Roseann Jackling |
|
Assistant Principal |
Assistant Principal |
Assistant Principal |
Assistant Principal |
|
Columbian Springs |
Hathorn Springs |
Excelsior Springs |
Red Springs |
October 12, 2007
Dear Parents/Guardians:
I would like to praise our student body for the very smooth and successful start to the school year. Thank you for your help and support in helping your child to successfully adjust to the new year. It is our hope that your child feels they have adjusted well to the school year and their teachers.
Enclosed you will find the first 5-week interim progress report. Please be aware that 7th grade Health, 7th and 8th grade Art, and 8th grade Computer Explorations are alternating day courses. Grades for these courses will be done on the 10-week report cards, and therefore interim comments may not be indicated at this time. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this progress report, please contact your child’s team of teachers and/or Guidance Counselor. The counselors and corresponding Houses are: Ms. Triolo, Columbian Springs; Mrs. Plante, Hathorn Springs; Mr. Muldner, Excelsior Springs; and Mrs. Young, Red Springs.
I’d like to thank everyone for their help and cooperation in the dropping off and picking up of students in the morning and at both the 2:20 p.m. and 3:10 p.m. dismissal times.
Friday, October 19th is a Regional Conference day and there is no school. Picture retakes will occur on Wednesday, November 7th. Students eligible are those who were absent and missed photos in October, or those who want pictures retaken because of a problem. November 9th will also be our yearly “Emergency Release Day” drill. Students will be dismissed approximately 15 minutes early that day. November 13th will be a staff development day in the afternoon. This will be a half day for students, with dismissal at 10:45 a.m.
Teams of Two began their first eight week session on Wednesday, October 10, 2007. Anyone interested in mentoring/tutoring a student in this program should contact Mrs. Jackling at 587-4551, Extension 2013.
Maple Avenue has several groups that will be participating in the Fall Festival in downtown Saratoga Springs on October 27th and 28th. This is part of the district’s participation with the Chamber of Commerce in promoting our character education themes and programs. The emphasis this year will be on character education and wellness.
The PTSO would like to thank all of you who have chosen Maple Avenue Middle School as the recipient school for a donation from Target when using your credit card. We recently received a check from Target in the amount of $374.78.
We are participating in an aluminum can pull-tab collecting program that benefits the Shriners Organization. Once collected, the tabs are given to the Shriners. They, in turn, recycle them, using the money to pay for services and equipment for their Children’s Hospitals. They also use the money to help families cover the high cost of medical services such as dialysis and other medical treatments. Have your children bring the tabs in a zip lock bag, and deposit them in the receptacle in the cafeteria.
I’d like to remind everyone of the Gun Free Schools Notice, included below. It is illegal for any firearm to be brought onto school property by any individual other than a peace officer in the discharge of legal duties.
Enclosed you will find a flyer entitled “Middle Years,” which contains articles that may be of interest to you.
Sincerely,
Stuart F. Byrne
Principal
SFB/jec
Enclosures
GUN FREE SCHOOLS
It is important for all members of the public to understand that it is illegal for any firearm to be brought onto school property by any individual other than a peace officer in the discharge of legal duties. According to the Gun Free Schools Act, starter pistols, explosives, other weapons able to expel a projectile, even portions of a workable weapon, are all covered under this legislation. This information is extremely important, not only for students who could suffer severe mandatory penalties of one-year removal from school, but also for parents and community members who might face legal prosecution for violating this act.
The full impact of this legislation makes it illegal for someone to drive onto school property with a firearm or similarly defined weapon in their possession or in their vehicle. This means a parent returning from a day of hunting should not have the rifle or shotgun in their vehicle if they come to school to pick up their child or attend an evening meeting. Beyond strict compliance with the law, there is also the concern for the potential of some unintended tragedy whenever firearms are brought in close contact with large numbers of people. Please use particular caution at this time of year when so many citizens may be involved in hunting or target shooting activities.