UPCOMING EVENTS:

9/28: Schools and offices closed - Yom Kippur

9/29: Music Boosters, 7:00 PM

10/7: MAP Testing (Reading) 9-11 AM 

10/14: MAP Testing (Math) 9-11 AM 

10/14: Internet Safety Presentation hosted by Patapsco PTA, 7:00 PM

10/16: Schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC

11/3: Schools and offices closed - Election Day (State-mandated holiday)

11/6: 3 Hour Early Dismissal - Professional Work Day

11/16-20: American Education Week

 

Dear Patapsco Middle School Community,

I want to take a moment to recognize the excellent and professional productions that our students from the KNIGHT NEWS NETWORK (KNN) are creating. Thank you, Ms. Glass, for her support and mentorship as she works with our students who are part of the KNN team. This past week they created the next edition of the news broadcast that celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. I encourage you to view the video which is located on the Patapsco Student Resource Canvas Page under KNN news. New videos will be posted frequently on this Canvas page. Please join us as OnePatapsco as we recognize and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

Now that we are almost one month into the 20-21 school year, we understand that absences may occur. If a student is unable to attend class, please utilize the information here for reporting absences to our attendance secretary. If a student is absent due to technology difficulties, please remind them to email their teacher(s). 

Finally, just another reminder that we ask you to review the Google Meet Expectations and Code of Conduct with your child. This is a great opportunity to talk about Netiquette and being Responsible, Resilient, and Respectful towards self and others in a Virtual Learning environment. 

We wish an easy fast for those who are celebrating Yom Kippur this weekend.

Thank you for being part of our #OnePatapsco community!

Mike Babe, Principal

Don't Forget to Complete the FARMs Application

Please also be sure to complete the FARMs application, if you haven't done so already. Many HCPSS families are eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program, which provides children with a wide range of benefits including free or discounted college tuition, testing and application fees, academic and athletic program fees and many others in addition to free or discounted meals. I urge PMS families to check your eligibility regardless of whether you’ve previously participated in the program. And, I encourage you to enroll by October 10 so your application can be reconciled by October 31, 2020,

Visit the HCPSS web site for more information and to find out how to complete the FARMs application.

Here are a number of administrators and support staff available at our school:

Michael Babe, Principal, michael_babe@hcpss.org

Andrea Harmon, Assistant Principal, andrea_harmon@hcpss.org 

Morgan Kempthorn, School Counselor (M-Z), morgan_kempthorn@hcpss.org 

Kendra Lee, School Counselor (A-L), kendra_lee@hcpss.org 

Catherine Chapman, Pupil Personnel Worker, catherine_chapman@hcpss.org 

 

HCPSS Free Flu Clinics, October 2020 Free Flu Clinics.pdf

Spanish Version flu-clinic-spanish.pdf

 

Face-to-Face Supports to Small Groups of Students

In the coming weeks, HCPSS will begin providing face-to-face support to small groups of students. Identified students and staff have been invited to complete an interest survey.  If you did not receive a survey, it is because your child has not yet been identified for in-person support.  

All students who receive special education services will receive an email with directions to complete a survey.  If your child receives special education services, and you have not received an email by Friday, September 25, then please reach out to Ann Scholz (ann_scholz@hcpss.org) from the Office of Special Education Compliance, Non-Public Services, and Family Support.  More information about the HCPSS In-Person Support initiative can be found here: https://www.hcpss.org/2020-2021/small-groups/ .

GT Seminar Sign up

Seminar sign ups for 2020-2021 end on September 29th. Make sure to sign up if you haven't already! Information can be found on the Patapsco Student Resource Page under "GT", or on the GT website at http://giftedandtalentedpms.weebly.com (use the page Instructional Seminars). Make sure to sign up using your HCPSS credentials. 

Seminars will begin the week of October 5th, and the schedule will be posted on Thursday, October 1st, in the Patapsco Student Resource page under "GT".

UPDATED TIMES: MAP - Measured Academic Progress Assessment

On Wednesday, October 7th from 9am-11am, the MAP Reading assessment will be administered (students enrolled in 8th Grade GT ELA are exempt from the MAP Reading assessment). 

The MAP Math assessment will be administered on Wednesday, October 14th from 9am-11am (students taking Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or Statistics are exempt from the MAP Math assessment). 

If your student is unable to attend the designated times, makeup testing will be offered during asynchronous learning times. 

Homeroom teachers will share Google Meet and other information about testing. Please, encourage your child to check Canvas for those messages from their homeroom teachers as we get closer to the October 7th date.

The data from Measured Academic Progress (MAP) assessment will help schools and teachers measure where your child is starting the year academically. The HCPSS intends to also give the assessment in winter and spring to measure how your child’s learning is progressing throughout the year. The MAP test does not affect grades and the difficulty adjusts depending on how your child responds. It is normal for students to only answer about half the questions correctly.  To learn more about the MAP assessment, please visit the NWEA Website at https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/common-questions-families/

Feel free to contact Mrs. Harmon at Andrea_Harmon@hcpss.org if you have any questions regarding MAP.

Additional Math Online Support

Khan Academy has a new section within their site called, Get Ready Courses.  This site has the skills students will need for the next grade level.  Students can fill gaps, refresh skills, and/or prepare for the next course!  The site has activities for grades 3 through precalculus.  This is a good place for you to send your student if they don't have math this semester or are in need of extra support.  Students do not need to sign in or sign up.  

Website:  https://www.khanacademy.org/math/get-ready-courses

 

Cyber Safety: How to Keep Your Child Safe in a Digital World

Check out this amazing and informative event hosted by our PTA for our parents/families! 

Presented by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

October 14, 2020 7PM via Zoom

Register in Advance:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIlduugqj4vHdykpWkZ9ie8Y0r8pSCkm16i 

Parents will learn how to protect their children in a digital world. Topics will include: social media apps, online safety, gaming, online predators, and cyberbullying. This seminar is free and intended for parents only. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The Howard County Health Department, in partnership with HCPSS, has developed new Mental Health and Youth Suicide Prevention flier. ·     

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention.pdf 

Howard County Crisis Services

Collections for Books and Items

Do you still have items from last year or do you need to drop anything off at school? Collection bins are outside at the far left entrance for parents to drop off any materials or paperwork. Please drop off any important papers or documents in a sealed envelope addressed to the staff member or department intended and include your first and last name and the name of your student on any item that is left in the collection bins.

Music Boosters

Hello Patapsco Music Ensemble Families,

Welcome to Patapsco Music Boosters.  We are a volunteer parent group formed to support the music students and directors at Patapsco Middle School. Even though we are in a virtual setting this semester, music is still happening at Patapsco!  Even if your child will not be in an ensemble until the Spring semester, we would love to have your participation in our group all year.

Meetings:

We have scheduled 4 meetings for this school year.  They will be held via Zoom.  Please join us along with all three music directors

Mrs. Mills, Mr. Drake and Ms. Haight at our next meeting or a future meeting.

September 29th 7 p.m.

Topic: Patapsco Music Boosters Kickoff Meeting

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78185144916?pwd=MkM5ajUyVmc2WFZpMGVHTjhOc1ljUT09

Meeting ID: 781 8514 4916

Passcode: 0mfbzq

Future meetings are scheduled for:

November 17th at 7 p.m.

February 9th at 7 p.m.

April 20th at 7 p.m.

The Giving Club/Donations:

The Giving Clubs are the primary source of funding for the Patapsco Music Boosters.  We are not affiliated with the PTA. Please know that it is not a requirement to make a donation to be in the music program.  However, 100% of donations made to Patapsco Music Boosters goes back into the program to fulfill student needs in the music department.

Previous donations the Patapsco Music Boosters have been used to:

• Replace instruments
• Repair instruments
• Purchase sheet music
• Purchase choral folders
• Hire accompanists
• Replace ties and cummerbunds
• Organize department events

If you are able, please consider making a donation to support The Patapsco Music Boosters.

Due to our virtual learning environment, you may safely make a donation by check. Please mail and make your check out to:

Patapsco Music Boosters

9802 Diversified Lane

Ellicott City, MD 21042

 

Booster Vacancies:

 

The Music Boosters are in need of volunteers for specific positions during the 2020-21 school year. 

If you are willing to take on one of the following positions or shadow a position, please contact the

Music Boosters at patapscomusicboosters@gmail.com.

2020-21 President:  

The President coordinates the monthly meetings, interacts regularly with the music directors, and identifies needs to be addressed throughout the year.

2020-2021 Recording Secretary:  Takes official minutes during the (4) Music Booster Meetings and distributes them electronically before the next meeting.

Thank you for your support,

Diane Interrante

Patapsco Music Booster Treasurer

patapscomusicboosters@gmail.com

Free, Mobile, Fresh Foods Market -  Saturday, September 26th  

A FREE, mobile, fresh foods market featuring in-season fruits and veggies. Plus, learn easy nutrition tips and how to harvest your own food through our on-site and online resources. 

September 26th 

10 AM-12 PM (or while supplies last)

The Dancel Y in Ellicott City

4331 Montgomery Rd.

Ellicott City, MD 21043

Free Food Distribution

The Catholic Community of Ascension and St. Augustine has partnered with Lancaster Foods and Feed America, and have received a grant to distribute boxes of food that contain 36 pounds of fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, and meat.The boxes will be distributed on Saturdays beginning at 10:00 am on Saturdays during the month of October at Ducketts Lane Elementary. Each vehicle will be eligible to receive one box of food,and all participants must wear a face mask during pickup. There are no income or documentation restrictions. We have requested ove 2,000 boxes of food, but once the food is gone it is gone. You are welcome to come each week that the program is available to receive food.

Location:  Ducketts Lane Elementary School, 6501 Duckett Lane,  Elkridge, MD 21075 

10AM 

Saturday, October 3, 2020

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Saturday, October 24, 2020

Saturday, October 31, 2020

 

Community News and Information

Please visit the Community News and Programs page at http://www.hcpss.org/community-news-and-programs/ for announcements of upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.