Attendance

The importance of school attendance to academic success is well documented and supported by data. Our goal as always is to meet the state measure for excellence at 96%. To date our attendance rate is 96.5%. This is excellent but must be maintained. Test scores rise when students attend school consistently. Every one of the top middle schools in Baltimore County have attendance rates above 96%. To be one of them our students need to be in school on a consistent basis. Please do your best to help us encourage excellent school attendance.

Early Dismissal Requests

                  If your child should need to be dismissed from school during the school day, the emergency cards you completed are an important verification document we use.  Students will not be dismissed to leave with anyone other than the parent, guardian, or individual listed on the front of the emergency card (unless that person is identified in a note, which is signed by the parent/guardian).  Additionally, the school requires a photo ID of any individual picking up students. 

 The Three A’s

                  Educators often talk of the three R’s when speaking about education.  Certainly reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic (mathematics) are important.  Just as important to achievement in school are three A’s: Attendance + Attitude + Application = Achievement in school.  Students who attend school consistently, have a positive attitude, and apply themselves while at school always achieve at higher levels.  These are traits that work well anywhere and when all three are consistently present, success is there as well.   

Messages

In an effort to limit the number of interruptions caused by relaying personal information to students and cutting into valuable instructional time, we are asking parents to double check the following with your middle school student each day: lunch/lunch money, gym suit, absentee/lateness note, required permission forms, after-school responsibilities, knowledge about after-school care and  the specific time, and place a student is to report after the school day, other family responsibilities.

Donations from the Community

              DMS extends its heartfelt appreciation to the following community establishments for the donation of school supplies:

American Legion Women’s Auxiliary

Church of God at Dundalk

Community Christian Church of  Maryland

Thrive Baltimore

After-School Activities

The after school activity bus is now running Tuesday-Thursday at 4:00 p.m.  Students should acquire permission to ride this bus from parents/guardians prior to boarding.  See the front office for a permission slip to ride the activity bus.

Students of the Month

Congratulations to our September Students of the Month. These students were selected by their grade level teams for displaying outstanding school citizenship and academic achievement. 

Grade 6

Youssef Sanhaji

Angelo Carter

Grade 7

Austin Bennett

Jacquelyn Knisley

Grade 8

Kyle O’Neill
Dashawna Atkins

 Mark your calendar !!

American Education Week November 16-20, 2008. Stop in and visit your child during school day. 

 Nov. 16 -6^th grade—parent visitation

Nov. 17- 7^th grade—parent visitation

Nov. 18 -8^th grade—parent visitation

       School Portrait Day

School Portraits will be taken on

Friday, October 2

              Students will given a payment envelope 2-3 days prior to picture day.  Additional copies are available in the school office.  In the interest of safety, a check or money order is preferred.  All students will be photographed for the yearbook and school records.  Only those students with payment and a completed order form on picture day will receive a portrait package.

Our school has contracted Lifetouch  as the photographer.   A variety of  portrait packages and several background choices will be offered. Lifetouch can provide additional  information to you directly by calling 1-800-445-1189.

New and

Returning Faces

Welcome back:

Sarah Bishop, CCBC Classroom Intern

Ms. Mary Ann, Office Volunteer

Welcome for the first time:

AVID interns from CCBC

Milagros Montalvo

Justin  Salas

Zanetta Wetzel

 Keith Jeffries  - Physical Education

We are happy to have all of you at DHS!

How Parents Can Help Their Children Learn Mathematics

              In today’s highly competitive economy, solid skills in mathematics, including algebra, are a necessity– not just for scientists and engineers, but for everyone.  Being proficient in mathematics helps to improve students’ college and career options and to increase their future income levels.  Beyond the education, career and economic benefits, a solid background in mathematics helps students to better understand their world and to become good citizens.

As a parent, you may be anxious about your own math skills or perhaps feel challenged by the difficulty of your child’s math homework, but your child will benefit greatly in you maintain a positive, encouraging attitude.  And whether or not you completely understand your child’s math assignments, you can still help as he or she progresses through school by asking the right questions, helping your child approach the problems with the tight attitude, and getting extra help from the teacher or a tutor as needed.

We now know from the findings of the National Mathematics Advisory panel that there are several things parents can do and must do to help ensure that their children succeed in mathematics.  Read on for some suggestions:

Positive Parent Attitudes About Mathematics Education Are important to Student Success

· Research shows that a child’s goals for and beliefs about learning are related to his or her performance in mathematics.  Even if you as a parent feel you are not good in math or perhaps feel uncomfortable with the mathematics being taught in a given day’s lesson, you can still support your child’s mathematics learning by showing you value mathematics.  Your child will follow suit.

· Students who believe that their hard work makes them “smarter” are more likely to try harder in mathematics, and their efforts result in better performance.  On the other hand, students who believe that intelligence is inborn generally do not achieve as well, and they do not take full advantage of feedback or constructive criticism regarding their performance.

Mathematics Education Begins at Home

· In the early years, your child has an opportunity to jump-start his or her mathematics learning through informal activities.   Talking about mathematics in a positive manner and involving your child in activities that incorporate basic mathematical concepts will lay the foundation for your child’s success in mathematics at the preschool and elementary school levels.

· Before kindergarten, most children can acquire considerable knowledge of numbers and other core mathematical concepts.   For example, your children can understand certain basic aspects about fractions, like sharing half a sandwich with a friend.

· The more mathematical knowledge that kindergartners bring with them to school the greater their chances for success in mathematics in elementary, middle, and high school.

Why Algebra is Important

· Math does make a difference.   Whether your child is headed for college or the workforce, he or she needs to graduate from high school with solid mathematics skills.  Job growth in the fields of science and engineering is outpacing overall job growth by a rate of three to one, which means there is a critical need for proficiency in higher-level mathematics now more than ever before.

· Students need to learn the mathematical building blocks for algebra.  Algebra represents the key to entry into higher-level mathematics, which often correlates with success in higher educations and the potential for greater earnings.

(Recommendations from the National Mathematics Advisory Panel)

Dundalk Youth Service Center

Anger Management Group

Boys and girls grades 6 & 7 who want to understand their anger better and learn how to handle it should call 410-288-4356.  A six-week group focused on identification and healthy expression of anger for young boys and girls through the use of interactive activities, games, and discussion will be provided  to those who qualify.  The fall group will consist of 7th graders and the Spring group will consist of 6th graders. This group meets at the Dundalk Middle School on Tuesday at 12:15 PM and Thursday from 3:00—4:00 PM in room 101.

 PTA Updates

Our next two meetings are Tuesday, October 6, and Tuesday, November 3 at 6:00 PM in the conference room. We will have a few samples of the G&A candy on hand to sample at the October meeting. Can’t attend the meetings but still want to be kept informed, send me an email at JErickson83@comcast.net with “PTSA” in the subject line. It’s not too late to become a PTSA member. If you have not received an envelope and need one, send me an email or call me at 410-285-5609.

One of the PTA’s fundraising efforts is Market Day.  These prepared food products are listed in the Market Day flyer that comes home with your child monthly.  DMS receives 10% of the total sales. If you haven’t received one, they are also available on the counter in the school office.  Order sheets are due October 1. Internet orders (www.marketday.com) are due by 11:00 PM on October 2. Pick up is October 8 from 6:30-7:30 PM at Dundalk Elementary School cafeteria. Please call Mrs. Bishop at 410-887-7018 if you have questions about the program.

Don’t forget the no brainer fund raisers. We are collecting Box Tops so keep sending them in. Please remember to reregister for Giant Bonus Card by going to GIANT.com or to the customer service desk, Our code is 01489. If you have a Target Visa card, visit target.com/tcoe or call 1-800-316-6142 and designate Dundalk Middle. Our school ID is 57659.  Lastly, don’t forget to sign up for OneCause.com. They literally have hundreds of online stores, including Amazon.com! These stores will donate 2-8% of your total purchase to our school! So when you are shopping online, especially this holiday season, remember OneCause.com and help our school just by shopping!

The G&A Fundraiser is well on its way and it is a very exciting one for the students. Don’t forget to share this information with family and friends that don’t live close but still want to help our school. The web address is GAFundraising.com. Items can be shipped directly to their door and your child will receive credit for their orders and be eligible for prizes! The BMX Bike show is coming up in the near future. All money and orders are due October 8, 2009. Make checks payable to DMS PTSA. When you turn in your envelope, please write a contact name and phone number on the envelope in case there is a question. We will not be able to turn in orders that are questionable.

This year the PTSA’s of Dundalk Middle & High schools are trying to work together and be more visible in the community. Look for our tables at the Dundalk Family Fall Festival on October 31st in Veterans Park from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Last year they had about 1000 people participate, so the DRC is looking for volunteers, young and old. This is a great opportunity for kids in school to earn community hours. They are also looking for donations of candy and old clothes for Scarecrow making. If you want to know more, visit the DRC’s website: dundalkusa.org. If you are able to volunteer at our table please contact Maxine Erickson:  JErickson83@comcast.net or 410-285-5609.

2009-2010 PTA Meeting Dates

October 6, 2009

November 3, 2009

December 1, 2009

January 5, 2010

February 2, 2010

March 2, 2010

April 6, 2010

May 4, 2010

June 1, 2010

Counselor’s Corner

Hello, from the School Counseling Office. My name is Ms. Jessica Cordova and I am the new School Counseling Department Chair to Dundalk Middle School. I will be working with 6th and 7th graders this year.  Mrs. Parsons will be continuing on with 8th graders.  Previously, I have been a Social Studies teacher as well as an elementary, middle, and high school counselor for the past 17 years.  I have also worked in BCPS at two different Magnet Schools.  In addition, I am a Nationally Certified Counselor and am Maryland State Licensed.  I am very excited to be here at Dundalk Middle School and I look forward to getting to know the students and their families.

What Does a School Counselor Do?

The role of the school counselor is to support the development of students in school to help them achieve their goals. School counselors coordinate a program of counseling and consultation services to assist students in school success, intrapersonal self-management and relationship skills, and decision making and career development. School counselors offer counseling in the form of individual counseling, small group counseling, and classroom guidance. School counselors consult with teachers and parents to assist them in understanding student behavior and develop strategies to assist them. School counselors work to identify students in need of additional resources and help connect families with those resources. In addition, school counselors help implement school-wide initiatives, develop peer helper programs, provide referrals to outside resources, and collaborate with others on student programs such as college awareness events, career exploration activities, character and value education programs, student recognition, child abuse prevention, and staff development. In summary, school counselors serve as an advocate and support for students and their families. If you have any type of concern, big or small, don’t hesitate to contact us. We want all of our students to be safe, happy, and successful here at DMS.

Magnet Program Information

On September 16th, Magnet Program brochures and applications were distributed to 8^th grade students. These brochures/applications contain important information about magnet programs, admission criteria, and transportation. Please discuss this information with your child as you plan for the next phase of your child’s education.

Magnet School applications must be completed and mailed to the Office of Magnet Programs at 6901 Charles Street, Towson, MD 21204.  ALL applications must be postmarked by the deadline date, November 30, 2009, in order to be processed.  Applications postmarked after the deadline date will not be processed.

Students were also provided with information about Magnet EXPO!, Magnet Information Meetings and Magnet Open House dates during the months of October and November. Discuss this information with your child and plan to attend these important events. See the attached flier for Magnet Fair and Open House dates and information.

Take the time to talk with your child about the opportunities that magnet schools provide. More information about the BCPS magnet programs is available at www.bcps.org/offices/omp or by calling the Office of Magnet Programs at 410-887-4127. 

Students requesting copies of their 7th grade report cards for magnet applications should do so in the Guidance Office with Ms. Cegielski as soon as possible.

Principal’s Corner

              We have completed the first month of school and the first marking period has reached its midpoint.  I have been impressed with our students’ application, attitude, and attendance thus far.  Maintaining this positive start to the school year is important as we work to improve student achievement. 

Student attendance has been excellent at 96.5%.  Making attendance a family priority will support the success of our students in school.  Interim reports were distributed on Friday, October 2^nd and parent conferences are scheduled for Thursday, October 8^th. 

Interims are a great opportunity for parents to discuss school with their children.  Spending quality, uninterrupted time discussing the importance of school and good grades goes a long way to insure success in school.  Educational studies show that success in middle school is a strong predictor of success in high school and beyond. 

Mr. Foley

Att

The importance of school attendance to academic success is well documented and supported by data.  Our goal as always is to meet the state measure for excellence at 96%. To date our attendance rate is 96.5%.  This is excellent but must be maintained. Test scores rise when students attend school consistently.  Every one of the top middle school in Baltimore County have attendance rates above 96%.  To be one of them our students need to be in school on a consistent basis.  Please do your best to help us encourage excellent school attendance.

Mr. Foley

Mr. Foley

The imporented and supported by data.  Our goal as always io meet the state mesure for excellence at 96%. To date our attendakknce rate is 96.5%.  This is excellent but must be maintained. Test scores rise when students attend school consistently.  Every one of the top middle school in Baltimore County have attendance rates above 96%.  To be one of them our students need to be in school on a consistent basis.  Please do your best to help us encourage excellent school attendance.

Mr. Foley

Mr. Foley