MMS WILDCAT NEWS I S S U E 2 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8

A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Mattoon Middle School 1200 S. 9th Street, Mattoon, IL 61938 (217) 238-5800 www.mattoon.k12.il.us

It is hard to believe we are halfway through the school year. To say it has been a great first half is an understatement! All MMS students and staff have done their part to make our success possible. During second quarter last year, MMS had 442 major discipline referrals. This year, during the same time frame, we managed 170! This is a decrease of 62%. With a decline in discipline, we have seen a drastic improvement in academics. Last year, MMS ended the quarter with 78 students having a failing grade. This year, we only have 32 students on that list, representing a 59% change. The achievements obtained by MMS thus far are mind boggling compared to the previous year. We currently have a total of 296 major discipline referrals, whereas last year at this time, MMS had compiled 792 write-ups. Moreover, for first semester we had 72 students with a failing letter grade compared to 147 from the previous year. Beyond the fantastic data this quarter, many MMS students and staff had a very special opportunity to witness the reuniting of Staff Sergeant Rodriguez and his daughter Carmen. Mr. Rodriguez returned home early from his yearlong duty in Korea and surprised his 6th grade daughter in the cafeteria. It was a very humbling experience, and we thank Mr. Rodriguez for his time served. Sixth through eighth graders at MMS held a student-led EdCamp on 11/30/18 during Period 1. A student-led EdCamp is also called an “unconference” where students collaborate, discuss, and problem-solve about current middle school topics and issues. The Voice student group came up with several topics specific to MMS and then students were able to choose the ones they wanted to participate in. The student-led EdCamp was so successful, the teachers and students are begging for more! MMS would like to recognize our parents, guardians, and community members for their assistance in our tremendous accomplishments. We look forward to our great feats continuing throughout the school year. Sincerely, Nathan Pugh Mattoon Middle School Principal

SPANISH AT MMS BY HOLLY PUCHETA Students are learning Spanish through comprehensible input and TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). The basic idea is that language learning occurs through input that is personal, compelling, and understandable. This quarter, classes have created stories with the target Spanish vocabulary. The stories come to life with actors and props. We used the class stories for discussion and practicing target vocabulary structures. Students have also enjoyed using the Señor Wooly onlinelearning program. Students watch music videos and completes the computer activities at their own pace. We also watch the music videos in class and students can sing along if they choose.

Here, 8th graders are retelling the class story in Spanish to a partner.

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Students in Ms. Esker and Mrs. Craft’s enrichment completed a quarter long community involvement program. The long-standing Partner Reading Program required students to read a novel with their paired community member, make weekly blog posts, converse with their partner and literature circle members, and complete a project. Projects included the following options: interviewing community members, using technology to create Kahoots, and creating raps, children’s books, or board games about their novels. This program culminated with a morning “Meet & Greet” where students and community members alike met one another to talk about the book, enjoy refreshments, and students shared their projects. They were so excited to be reading with adults who personally invested time and effort into the seventh graders. Another successful year for the MMS Partner Reading Program thanks to our awesome Mattoon community and seventh grade students!

PARTNER READING BY JEANA CRAFT

MMS ATHLETICS

The 6 Band has been working towards the Winter Concert and working hard on their instrument skills.Similarly, the 7 & 8 Band has been doing a variety of things. At the beginning of the year, they competed in the Oblong "Spooktacular" Parade, where they came in 3rd in their JH Class and were awarded the following captions: 3rd in Drum Major, and 2nd in both Percussion and Flags. They also marched in the Mattoon Holiday Parade. The Band has also performed as a Pep Band at several MMS Basketball games. Most recently, they performed their Winter Concert on 12/20.

MMS BAND & CHOIR NEWS

December has arrived in the Wildcat Den, and although the weather outside is frightful, the action in our gyms and other spaces is delightful. Girls’ Volleyball just began practices, while our Boys’ Basketball team plugs along in the second half of their season, heading closer and closer to their post-season. We have two new volleyball coaches this year, 7th grade – Coach Huwe and 8th grade – Coach Quick, leading the Lady Wildcats on the court.

BY GREG DOWNES

BY JAMIE SHARP ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Monday, January 7, 2019 : Boys Basketball (Gold – B) – 8th Grade Plays FIRST! Thursday, January 17, 2019 : Boys Basketball (Blue – A) , Cheer, and Purrfections Thursday, February 7, 2019 : Wrestling Thursday, February 21 , 2019 : Volleyball

8TH GRADE PARENT NIGHTS

Athletic Fees are due upon making a team. Remember, you are asked to pay your fees prior to any interscholastic competition. If you are Free or Reduced, please see Mrs. Ferrar, Athletic Secretary.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 Volleyball

NANCY CONLON KINDNESS FOR KIDS NIGHT

Proceeds from this athletic event will go toward theNancy Conlon Kindness for Kids Fund, created toassist students at Mattoon CUSD 2 schools in memoryof our beloved teacher, Nancy Conlon.

Reminders

BUILDERS CLUBBY KIM MCQUEEN

We also volunteered at the Peterson Park Lightworks on November 17 and gave out candy canes and collected donations. On November 28, we met at Walmart and shopped for two names from WMCI Country Cares for Kids. We then met and wrapped the presents for those kids. In order to pay for our endeavors throughout the year, we start each year selling caramel apple suckers during the lunch hours.

Builders Club, in conjunction with the Mattoon Kiwanis group, has been working on several projects this semester. We have collected items for shoe boxes that were sent to Appalachia.

Kiwanis Club donated $150 for purchasing school supplies, health and beauty items, toys, hats, gloves and socks along with the items that our students and families and their group donated. We were able to have a packing party on November 17 and pack 64 boxes for kids aged 2 to 12!

Wrestling, a co-ed sport at MMS, is busy practicing and has two successful meets under their belt already. They practice at the Mattoon Kids Club, over on 22nd St., in what used to be the Cater- Vend Facility. We have a full contingent of coaches and volunteer assistants associated with Wrestling – Mike Stanley, Pete Stanley, Troy Howell, Ron Bateman, and Mike French.

Scholastic Bowl, coached by Coach Koon, just began their try-outs, and they look to begin competing later in January. We’ve been adding their meet dates to our school and 8to18 calendar, so that you can keep up on the latest information we have on ScoBo.

As always, any news, special announcements, schedules and results, and registering your child for Athletics can all be done at il.8to18.com/MattoonMS.

Mr. Pugh accompanies the MMS band in "A Visit from St. Nicholas".