Report Cards
Please take time to review your child's report card. The end of the trimester is a great time to set goals for the second trimester. Stay in touch with your child's teachers. If you wish to set up a conference with a particular teacher, email or call the teacher directly. As the vacation time approaches, there are many distractions. We would appreciate your support in keeping all students focused and on track through the 16th.
Mathletes in Action
True or false? "Mathletes are to mathematics as athletes are to sports." The answer is a resounding " yes! " Ross School sponsors its own mathletes team which competes again other middle schools in Marin. The seventh and 8th grade teams are made up of 5 students and one alternate. Anyone can join and participate in mathletes. The team meets on Tuesdays at lunch and are coached by Mr. Nelson and Mr. Zimmerman.
Mathletes is a wonderful way for students to stretch and challenge themselves by using new ways to think about numbers. Weekly, they are presented with a variety of problem solving tasks and are required to use their math skills within a time limit format to complete each individual problem. Discussions follow that shows how to process the problems through to solutions. This is an ideal venue for math students who seek extra enrichment in math, as well as an opportunity to represent Ross in the county wide competitions.
There are four competitions through the winter. the meets take place at San Jose Middle School in Novato and start at 4:00 PM.
Student Council
The student Council is in the process of organizing a Spirit Week prior to the winter break. Kris Krigle names and gifts will be exchanged two out of the three designated days. The students are asked to keep the price range under$5.00 for day one and $7.00 for day 2. If your child does not remember who their Kris Kringle classmate is or if there are any issues, please contact Mr. Bloom or Mr. Myers.
Middle School Recognition
Each trimester, Middle School students are recognized by their teachers in several ways. The most traditional way has been through our ROCK Award assemblies. At the assemblies students are recognized for academics, demonstrating either excellence or improvement, leadership and school service.
We have students demonstrating excellence by performing for their classmates. We have had students play musical instruments, perform gymnastic or dance routines, or share a school project. At the upcoming Rock Sssembly the middle school bands will perform. We will also see videos that were produced in the students literature classes. The students will exhibit different elements of a story (setting, scene, mood, and atmosphere) through video.
Teachers also recognize students throughout the trimester for exhibiting positive character traits. Students as well can recognize classmates for demonstrating positive character traits. All students who have received character awards over the trimester will be recognized.
Students who have participated in a school sponsored activity will be recognized. This could be participation on an after school sports team, mathletes, or other school sponsored activities. Students who attain a grade point average of 3.0 or better, will be recognized for academic excellence and have their names posted on the Middle School bulletin board. Students with an average of 3.0 -3.59 are Merit List recipients and those attaining an average of 3.6 or above are placed on the Honor Roll.
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Winter Sports
The winter Basketball season is underway. The teams have started practicing and games will begin when the students return in January from their winter break. Scott Carroll will be coaching the 6th grade teams, Jessa Hager the 7th grade girls, Jessica Meyer the 7th and 8th grade boys and Tom McAllister was corralled back to coach the 8th grade girls. Good luck to all the teams.
Please link to the PE homepage for the latest info. on practice times and the specifics when games will begin.
A few Friendly Reminders
Please do not bring birthday treats for middle school students.
Please sign in at the front desk when volunteering at school and remember to pin on your volunteer badge. In our efforts to focus on safety and security, we require all parents and visitors to log in and wear a badge.
Thanks for your cooperation.
Community Service
We ask our students to volunteer 20 hours of community service between 6th and 8th grades, Historically, we get 100% participation with almost 90% of the students fulfilling all of their hours. Please visit the link for ideas on how your student can complete their hours.
Toy and food drives are being spearheaded by some of our middle school students. Both drives will continue until December16th. Please drop off your items to the school lobby. This is one way students can attain their 20 hours of community service.
Final Note
Communication between home and school is important to ensure success for your student. Encourage your student to ask for assistance when needed and to be proactive in any homework issues. Please review the homework policy within our handbook. If time spent doing homework in any class goes over thirty minutes, the student should let the teacher know. If you have any educational or social concerns about your child, be sure and let their teacher know immediately.
Another key ingredient for student success is parental involvement. Often middle school students do not want their parents involved in their classroom, but there are many ways to volunteer and stay connected to middle school. Some volunteer activities include: driving on field trips, assist in finding experts to compliment the curriculum, working the Margie Burke Speech Tournament, helping with Yearbook or community service, assisting with coaching or working in the library.
Calendar of events
Dec. 12 ROCK Awards
Dec. 9 Holiday Sing
Dec. 9 Middle School Dance
Jan. 2 Teacher Training Day
Jan. 13 Minimum Day
Jan. 16 Martin Luther King Holiday observance
Jan. 20 Mid Term ends
Jan. 23 - 27 Middle School Election Week
Jan. 27 Mid terms mailed home
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