MIDDLETON REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

OCTOBER 2019 NEWSLETTER

Principal: Greg Bower

Grade 6-9 Vice-principal: Ben McNeil

Grade 10-12 Vice-principal: Chad LeBlanc

Phone: 902-825-5350 | Fax: 902-825-5355

Email: mrhs@avrce.ca

Website: www.middleton.ednet.ns.ca

DATES TO REMEMBER

October 2-3 - School Photos

October 7-18 - Grade 6 Provincial Assessments

October 14 - Thanksgiving (No School)

October 16 - Grade 11 & 12 Parent/Guardian Mtg. re: Post-Secondary Planning—6:30-7:30 pm

October 18 - Early Dismissal—12:15 pm—No Cafeteria Service

October 25 - Provincial Conference (No School)

October 31 - Grade 7 Immunizations

BUS PASSES

Students requesting bus passes to travel on a bus other than their own must have a note from home. These can be redeemed at the office before school and during recess and lunch breaks only—not at the end of the school day. We cannot accept phone calls through-out the day to issue bus passes. Please make certain the note has been dated and the bus route number included.

SCENT AWARENESS ENVIRONMENT

Students, staff and visitors to the school are asked to please consider the sensitivity of others and help contribute to a scent-reduced envi-ronment by refraining from wearing strongly-scented products.

MRHS SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL—PARENT/GUARDIAN MEMBERS

MRHS will be forming a School Advisory Council (SAC) this year. The role is to advise the principal, the regional centre for education and the EECD on the following matters:

Policies that promote student achievement and a safe and inclusive school

School practices and initiatives

Communication among the school, parents/guardians and the community; and

Any matters that are referred to the SAC by the principal, the regional centre for education, or the Minister.

The SAC will meet 4-6 times annually and will be comprised of MRHS staff, students, parents/guardians and community members. We are looking for two parent/guardian nominees to sit on the SAC. Interest in serving on the committee has been expressed by two parents/guardians—Frances Webber and Lisa Salley. If other parents/guardians would like to serve on the SAC, please email Principal Bower by Wednesday, October 9. If necessary, an election will take place on Friday, October 11, 2019 to select two parents/guardians to sit on the committee.

ATTENDANCE CALL OUT SYSTEM

Schools in the Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education have the option to use an automated call out system. MRHS uses this module to inform parents/guardians of special events, as well as distributing information such as fundrais-ers, parent/teacher, etc.. MRHS uses the attendance call out module as well, which will contact parents/guardians when a student is unexcused for one or more classes–-the calls go out at approximately 5:45 each evening.

Parents/guardians will receive emails, texts and phone messages from the school, as well as emails and texts (including school cancellation notices) from AVRCE, unless parents/guardians have changed their preferences. If parents/guardians would like to make changes i.e. to receive only texts but no emails or phone messages, the change can be made through the Power School Parent Portal or by contacting the school office. If you do not have access to the portal, please contact the school office for login information.

AVRCE also provides a secondary notice service, Notify Me, so school community members (such as grandparents and childcare providers) can sign up to receive school cancellation notices by text or email. Notify Me has not been reset; all subscribers from previous years remains in the system. School community members can unsubscribe from Notify Me at www.avrce.ca/content/notify-me.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE AND ENGAGEMENT POLICY

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The Student Attendance and Engagement Policy is designed to identify and address absenteeism before it becomes a problem for students through early and targeted interventions.

Under the policy:

● Students will be considered absent unless they are attending an activity that directly relates to their learning, or a school activity.

● Addressing absenteeism or chronic lateness will vary based on the age, grade and the individual circumstances of the student. Parents/Guardians of students whose attendance pattern is of concern will be contacted by the school at various intervals to discuss attendance issues and to strategize on steps to improve attendance for the student.

● Teachers will not be required to prepare additional materials or release test and exam information ahead of their release to the class.

● Grade 10 to 12 students who miss more than 20 percent of class time for a given course may lose a credit for that course based upon individual circumstance and the professional judgement of the teacher and principal.

A copy of the policy, operational plan and more information is available at www.ednet.ns.ca/student-attendance-and-engagement-policy. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school.

PEANUT SENSITIVE SCHOOL

A reminder that all AVRCE schools are peanut-sensitive due to allergies.

Mi’kmaq History Month

October is Mi’kmaq History month in Nova Scotia. The goal of the month is to help Nova Scotians build aware-ness of Mi’kmaq history and heritage, and to increase understanding of the province’s rich Mi’kmaq culture.

Treaty Day, held annually on October 1, celebrates the signing of the 1752 Treaty of Friendship and Peace. In 1986, Grand Chief of the Mi’kmaq Nation, Donald Marshall Sr., invited all Mi’kmaw to “observe October 1, 1986 and every year thereafter as Treaty Day to commemorate the unique and special relationship that exists be-tween the Mi’kmaq and her Majesty”. The purpose of Treaty Day is to promote public awareness about the Mi’kmaw culture and heritage for all citizens of Nova Scotia.

In 1993, Premier John Savage and Mi’kmaw Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy declared October as the official month to recognize and celebrate Mi’kmaw culture and heritage. Each October, community activities, events, sharing and showcasing Mi’kmaw history will take place across Nova Scotia.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Community Outreach is excited to begin the new school year under the leadership of Taylor Stidham. Any in-terested students may attend meetings at any point in the year. Listen to the announcements for updates on activities or see the bulletin board outside Ms. Cole’s room (204).

This October, Community Outreach will be partnering with the Town of Middleton to host a Halloween House Decorating contest. If you live within the town of Middleton, you could win one of three gift cards!

Details:

Register your house by emailing lmcole@gnspes.ca before October 19—include your name and address.

It is FREE to register.

Prizes are awarded for Best Decorated, Most Creative Idea, People’s Choice.

All houses will be given a sign for their lawn to indicate that they are participating. On Halloween night, trick or treaters can use an online map of all houses to view and vote for their favourite.

Adult judges will tour the route on Halloween night and communi-cate the results on the following day.

Check the Town of Middleton Facebook page for updates!

We hope to raise some community spirit through this competition and make Middleton the best decorated town for Halloween!

ATHLETICS

Cross Country Running

Cross Country Running has had an excellent season so far. The team has tripled in size from last year. Thanks to all the runners who are making the commitment during a very busy athletic season! Region-als will take place in Barrington at Pubnico Point on Monday, October 28, 2019 in the Northumberland Region.

UPCOMING HOME SOCCER GAMES

Friday, October 4—Junior Girls vs Bridgetown—4:15 (MRHS Field)

Monday, October 7—Senior Boys vs West Kings—4:30 (Rotary Field)

Tuesday, October 8—Junior Girls vs Digby—4:30 (MRHS Field)

Thursday, October 10—Senior Girls vs KES—4:30 (Rotary Field)

Wednesday, October 16—Junior Boys vs Bridgetown—4:30 (MRHS Field)

SCHOOL PHOTOS

School photos will be taken on Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3, 2019. The plan is for grade 6 to 11 students to have their photos taken on Wednesday. Grad photos will be taken on Thursday. However, if the photogra-pher runs short on time, some classes may have to have their photos taken on Thursday as well.

PLEASE NOTE: Parents/Guardians will be able to see a proof before pur-chasing. A proof will be sent home approximately one week later with students, and parents/guardians can then decide if they want to order a package. The proof will have infor-mation on which type of packages are available and costs. A reminder that no hats or bandanas are to be worn in school photos. All students will have their photo taken as they are used for student ID cards, school database and yearbook.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS CONTACTING STUDENTS DURING CLASS

Parents/Guardians are asked to please not text or call students during class time—this interrupts the class. If there is an emergency, please call the school office (902-825-5350) and we will have the student call you back immediately.

CANADIAN TIRE JUMPSTART PROGRAM

Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a national charitable program that helps financially disadvantaged kids participate in organized sport and recreation. The program helps to cover registration, equipment and/or transportation costs.

The total funding that each qualified child can re-ceive in any one submission period (e.g. spring/summer for baseball, fall/winter for hockey) will vary based on budgets and demand.

For more information on this program, you can visit www.jumpstart.canadiantire.ca or contact your local recreation office. Application forms/fund allocation guidelines are available at the school office.

JUNIOR STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS

Mrs. Barteaux and Mrs. Crouse are pleased to announce that the following students are the successful candidates for our Junior Council executive:

Co-presidents: Tyler Wood and Sklya Gidge

Treasurer: Carter Wilkins

Secretary: Jorji Chiasson

Spirit Committee: Isabel Crouse, Regean Asbury and Sarah Beals.

Meetings are held in Room 103 on Day 1 of each cycle.

HELLO FROM STUDENT SERVICES!

Here are some exciting events coming up in October:

* Monday, October 7—12:00—St. Mary’s University rep in Student Services

* Tuesday, October 8—12:00—Student Assistance Program about financing post-secondary options

* Wednesday, October 16—Grade 11 & 12 Parent/Guardian meet-ing—6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the School Library

Come learn about high school credits, ask questions about post-secondary options and meet the new Grade 9 to 12 School Coun-sellor, Mrs. Coombs.

If you have any questions or concerns, please see Mrs. Coombs in

Student Services!

ABSENT STUDENTS

PLEASE NOTE: If a student is going to be absent or late, parents/guardians are asked to contact the school at 902-825-5350 before morning classes begin. School office voice mail is available as well to leave messages. By parents/guardians calling in, it will help to avoid unnecessary contact.

Parents/Guardians will not be contacted if the school has been notified.

STUDENT SUPPORT WORKER PROGRAM

Upcoming SSW Educational Trips (Gr. 9-12):

Oct 4 – “Manufacturing Your Future” event at NSCC Kingstec Campus

Oct 17 – NSCC Open House

Nov 4 – SSW High School Regional Trip to St. Mary’s University

Please note: These trips are open to students who are involved in the SSW Program. Interested students should see

Carmelita Johnson, SSW as soon as possible as spots are limited. Transportation provided!

SSW on-site days at MRHS are Tuesdays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

“Dedicated to enhancing the learning environment and school experiences of students of African Descent”

STUDENT INSURANCE PROGRAM

Basic Plan Coverage: The student accident in-surance program provides coverage for medical, dental, disability and accidental death & dismem-berment on behalf of Nova Scotia students. Eve-ry eligible student is automatically insured for Stu-dent Accident Coverage, without deductible and at no cost to students, parents or guardians. This coverage applies during school hours, school ac-tivities and travel directly to and from school.

For more information on this coverage, or to buy extended Gold Plan coverage, you can visit www.sip.ca.

MRHS Cafeteria Menu October 2019

Mon Ham Egger Thurs Bacon Egger

Tues Bacon Egger Fri Ham Egger

Wed Sausage Egger

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

1 Chili or Corn Chowder—$4.00/$2.50

2 Mac-n-Cheese or Perogies $4.00/$2.50

3 Chicken Burger—$3.50

4 Pizza Sub—$4.00 Pizza Bun—$1.00

7 Pizza- $3.00—Small $4.00—Large

8 Chicken & Rice $4.00/$2.50 Egg Rolls—$1.25

9 Garlic Slice—$3.00

10 Three-Cheese Broccoli Fettuccini-$4.00/$2.50

11 Pizza Sub—$4.00 Pizza Bun—$1.00

14

Thanksgiving

No

School

15

Spicy Wedges-$3.00

Perogies-$4.00/$2.50

16

Chicken Alfredo -

$4.00/$2.50

17

Pizza Sub—$4.00

Pizza Bun—$1.00

18

Early Dismissal

21

Pizza- $3.00—Small $4.00—Large

22

Shepherd’s Pie

$4.00/$2.50

23

Chicken Tetrazzini

$4.00/$2.50

24 Chicken Burger $3.50

25

Inservice

No School

28

Pizza- $3.00—Small $4.00—Large

29 Sweet & Sour

Meatballs

Over Rice

$4.00/$2.50

Egg Rolls-$1.25

30

Spicy Wedges-$3.00

With Chicken

Tenders—$4.50

31

Garlic Slice

$3.00