Friday Focus

Frances C. Richmond Middle School

Friday, January 8, 2021 (or, as my brother has taken to calling it, December 39th, 2020)

 

Dear Parents/Caregivers:

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR.  We all came back to school ready to recommit to our mission to maintain our in person status.  Everyone was ready….even the cows.

But, what a week!  As adults we knew that coming back after the holiday break to a full 5 day week would be a challenge.  Voices grew tired and we all missed our naps, but these predicted hardships paled in comparison to the unique issues we have faced since Monday.  Demonstrating once again the remarkable calm adaptability that has become a hallmark of RMS, we worked together to process all the news of the week like no other.  We maintained our commitment to caring and kindness in our conversations and discussions.  On this Friday we all feel happy and lucky to be back at the unique community of RMS, where people listen and care.  Thank you to our parents, students, and teachers for serving as great role models in these trying times.  

Next week is the last week of the 2nd Quarter.  Please work with your student to check their schoology accounts to assure work has been completed.  Schedules for Q3 are being finalized and will be ready next week.

Please enjoy our wonderful winter weather this weekend.  

Please be well, stay safe, and take care of each other.  

Warmly,

 

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Important Dates

• Friday, Jan 8th - PowerSchool unavailable until Sunday, Jan 10th (upgrade)
• Friday, Jan. 15th - End of Q2
• Monday, Jan 18th - MLK Day, no school
• Tuesday, Jan 19th - Start of Q3
• Monday, Jan 25th - Report Cards available

 

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Please Help the Yearbook!

Hello Richmond families,

We are reaching out to you for help with the yearbook. As you know, this is the year of everything being different. 

Because of mask rules, and distancing we don't get to see the faces of our students. Thus, our options at school are limited. We are hoping to collect photos from home also. Family groups, students doing things– ski trips, sports, maybe a group shot of your "bubble", pets, hobbies– all are welcome. We will select any and all that work for the book.

Photos would be used for the yearbook and for our lobby slideshow. There will be no internet accessible use.

For the yearbook, we may include notable quotes, strange observations, artwork, and poetry. This will be ongoing into spring. 

Later on we will ask for baby pictures... a favorite section of the yearbook every year. 

Please send any submissions to this email address:

rmsyearbook@hanovernorwichschools.org

 

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Win and iPad with Math

For the fifth year the Dartmouth Mathematics Department is sponsoring an Essay Contest on "Biographies of Contemporary Women in Mathematics."  We are very excited to share this program with our community and hope to receive some outstanding essays.  In the past we have had quite a few students receive recognition or win the national AWM Essay Contest, including RMS students!!!!  See the links to past winners on the website below.

This contest is open to ALL 6-8 and 9-12 students (all genders) in the Upper Connecticut River Valley, including home schooled students.  The grand prize will be an iPad for each of the two age groups. Depending on the quantity and quality of essays there could be additional prizes.  While the subject of the essay is "women in mathematics" the contest is open to all genders.

https://math.dartmouth.edu/~awmcontest/

See Mrs. Lepene with any questions. Good luck winning an iPad or more!

 

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PTO News

PTO meeting, Monday Jan. 11 @ 630pm

Agenda: Bylaws draft, PTO leadership roles in 2021, Book Group (see below), and more.

Join Zoom Meeting ID: 651 482 6638 Password:05055

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6514826638?pwd=dVBGZjlmakl5d2tQNVNaWWdJTHJmUT09

 

Together We Read: Parent / Child (RMS Student)  Book Group

Middle Grades Book Discussion with RMS and the Marion Cross 6th Graders

Join us for a book club that brings together parents and kids to talk about some fun books that everyone will enjoy. Our conversations with parents and kids (together and in small groups based on parent or kid status) will invite everyone to think, share and explore.  Here’s the schedule. All conversations will be from 7-8 pm. 

January 28 – The Perfect Score by Rob Buyea

Click this link to RSVP the  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9OzEHXWPfaTQn4plRgY5V2uwiZn1YhoQqap54oHuE-b-mhQ/viewform

 

These books are available at libraries and you also have the option to purchase the books at a discount contact Tracey Hayes at traceyhayeswarren@gmail.com, I have 8 copies left. 

 

March 25 – From the Desk of Zoey Washington by Janea Marks

May 13 – A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen

 

If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Dollhopf-Brown at edollhopfbrown@gmail.com or 585-406-1634.

Sponsored by the Richmond Middle School PTO.

 

Interested in Subbing?

This week has shown us that we will probably be in need of adults to supervise remote learning offered in the school building.  If you are interested in being a substitute teacher, please follow this link: https://sau70.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=19

 

RMS CAFE

Price List - and January’s Menu Here. 

If you have any questions, please contact Austin Jacobs

RMS does offer a lunch program for families who may need assistance or special needs.  Please contact Robin Morley-Ploof in the office for more information.

 

 

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RMS Health Office Updates

 

 

COVID Update

We understand that the current COVID-19 situation leads to anxiety, questions and worry when one hears rumors regarding cases.  We notify students and staff when they are considered close contacts to a person who has tested positive.  Although one may learn of cases first-hand or through others, we would like to remind you that it is imperative that you maintain strict confidentiality regarding these cases.  Information of this nature may not be shared with others. It is important that we remain respectful of the privacy of all members of our community.  

 

Prescription Medications

Does your child need to take a prescription medication during school hours? Students must keep all prescription medications in the health office and have a signed medication form as well. The medication form and additional information can be found here: Health Office Website

 

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Parent Resources 

Links to parent resources aimed specifically at Middle School aged students.  

 

How to talk to your student about gender

RMS is committed to building an inclusive school environment, and beginning discussions around identity for all students.  The following article can help you join those discussions with your student. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxjmcJln7VwrMGc3ZWNnbnEtVjFxZ0oxc1p3LVBYN0pnNE1B/view?usp=sharing