Plum Point Middle Gator News

November

2- Volleyball/Soccer Practice

3-Schools Closed for Students (Election Day)

4- PPMS Improv Players (after school), Lego/Robotics (after school), DI Team Practice (afterschool), Volleyball/Soccer Practice, Sunshine Committee Spirit Night (Mexico Restaurant)

5- Art Club (after school), Volleyball/Soccer Practice, All-County Chorus Concert 7pm (NHS)

6- No activities

VISION THE PPMS COMMUNITY:

• PROMOTES HIGH STANDARDS

• PROVIDES POSITIVE EXPERIENCES

• MAKES A DIFFERENCE

• STRIVES FOR EXCELLENCE

Mission: At PPMS, we believe that all students can reach their potential to become well-rounded, life-long learners who are contributing community members. Our academic focus is on critical thinking, self-direction, and proficiency with technology. We strive for an inclusive climate and culture that is safe, caring, and accepting.

At PPMS We Believe in the Gator Way:

• We embrace our differences.

• We do not give up on each other.

• We respect each other.

• We all have a voice.

• We value our wellness both body and mind.

• We rise to the challenge and opportunities for excellence.

• We are in this together.

• Athletic Games
• Both our Soccer and Volleyball teams will compete in the middle school semi-finals on Monday, November 9th.
• Volleyball will host NMS @ PPMS and Soccer will travel to Ward Farm to take on WHMS, both games start at 4PM.
• All winter registrations must be submitted by Friday, November 13th, clinics will begin the week of November 16th.

• Marking Period One Report Cards
• Marking Period One report cards will be live in HAC on November 9. Please be sure to check HAC for final grades as report cards are not printed quarterly for students.

• Thank You Thank You
• Thank you to our students, families, volunteers, and staff for helping make Red Ribbon Week, the NJHS Zombie Run, and PTO Trunk or Treat such memorable events. Your participation, donations, and support helped create a fun, engaging, and festive week for our school community. Be sure to check out photos on our Facebook page to see all the excitement and school spirit on display!

• Book Fair: We're having a BOOK FAIR!
• 11/16 - 11/20: The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! Get ready for an event made especially for middle schoolers, featuring the newest books, bestselling series, and beloved characters. Plus, every purchase earns funds for our school. We can’t wait to have you join us for the Best. Fair. Ever!
• Students may bring cash or you may set up an E-wallet for them.: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/plumpointmiddleschool

• Winter Whimsy
• Winter Whimsy is CCPS' student artwork contest where students can submit eligible designs for CCPS' holiday card. If your student is interested, please see the flyer down below with all specifications. All entries are due 11/20/26.

• Yearbook Photos
• Please help us make our yearbook special by sending in pictures so we can fill the yearbook with as many moments from students as possible. When sharing, please be sure to include first and last name, grade level, and event. To add pictures, visit: Memento Yearbook. Once you click "Candid Photos" you will be prompted to enter a password, please use: PlumPointMS27!

• Fellowship of Christian Athletes

• Please join the remind app https://www.remind.com/join/fcappm

• TShirt Sales are live! https://mockabeedesigns.com/collections/plum-point-middle-fca

• Feel free to reach out to Mrs. Arter with any questions.

• Lost and Found
• PPMS has collected a great deal of items in lost and found. We are asking parents to remind students to check lost and found cart outside of the cafeteria for missing water bottles, hoodies, hats, and lunch boxes. If your student is missing a pair of shoes, they should see Ms. Fleet. Any items not claimed at the end of the month will be donated.

• Academics
• Please use the link to access the most recent grading procedures update: Middle School Grading Procedures Guide for Families.pdf
• For curricular overviews, visit the district's Academics Page >>> MS Academics

• Volunteering for SY26-27

• Calvert County Public Schools uses Raptor for visitors and volunteers to sign in and sign out. All volunteers will need to review the volunteer handbook and watch the volunteer training video before completing an Online Volunteer Application. Volunteers must be approved before they may begin service as a volunteer in any school buildings. Please note, the procedures for policy 8123 states that all volunteers must be at least twenty-one years of age unless he/she is the parent of a child in school.

• Only complete this application if you intend to volunteer with Calvert County Public Schools. The volunteer application is not used for visitors.

• Read the volunteer handbook.
• Complete the Online Volunteer Application. CCPS Volunteer Application
• The application may be completed on a computer or a mobile device.
• You are required to watch the CCPS Volunteer Training Video (approximately 14 minutes) before you can proceed with your application.

Pumpkins are the unofficial mascot of fall 🎃 Enjoy these fun and unusual facts about pumpkins!

1. Pumpkins are technically fruit! - They contain seeds and are a type of winter squash, closely related to cucumbers and melons.
2. Pumpkins are packed with nutrition! - They are a nutrient-dense and naturally low-calorie food. They contain 49% of your daily needs for vitamin K, along with vitamin C, potassium, vitamin E, iron, folate, and niacin. So, pull out those pumpkin recipes 🙂
3. Pumpkin offers plenty of health benefits! - They contain plenty of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Which has shown in studies to help fight off infections, prevent age-related vision problems, and may help protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

4. Each pumpkin produces about 500 seeds! - These seeds make a delicious and nutritious snack - packed with antioxidants, magnesium, zinc, iron, and fatty acids! https://therecipecritic.com/roasted-pumpkin-seeds/

5. Canned pumpkin isn't always an actual pumpkin. - Turns out that "pumpkin" puree sold in a can is usually made of Dickinson squash, a relative of butternut and acorn squash. https://myhomebasedlife.com/how-to-make-your-own-pumpkin-puree/
6. Pumpkins grow everywhere except Antarctica. - The top producers of pumpkins include China, India, Mexico, and Ukraine
7. The U.S. produces 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins every year! - Every state grows some pumpkins, but most of our supply is grown in 5 states - California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
8. Cinderella popularized pumpkins! - The story of Cinderella wouldn't be the same without that pumpkin carriage! Pumpkins were first named by French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1584. He called them "gros melons," which translated to "pompions" in English. Pompions eventually evolved into pumpkins, and the first known use of the word in literature was in the story of Cinderella!
9. Pumpkins weren't always popular on Halloween! - The tradition of carving pumpkins on Halloween started from a scary Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack.
10. That's a great pumpkin, Charlie Brown! - Mathias Wellemijins holds the title of Heaviest Pumpkin. The Belgian man grew a pumpkin that weighed in at 2,624.6 pounds. That's big!

🎃Nurse Smith

Attendance updates are handled by Mrs. Mongello, PMMS Guidance Secretary. Notes should be delivered to the Guidance Office (Gator Services) or sent to PPMSAttendance@calvertnet.k12.md.us

When your student arrives late or leaves early due to a Health-Related Appointment (Doctor/Dentist/Therapist, etc.): A note is required to code as Legal. Please send a note in with your child when they return to school or email a note to PPMSAttendance@calvertnet.k12.md.us

PPMS Career Exploration Update

It was another great week for Career Exploration at PPMS! Selected 7th grade students had the opportunity to hear from a local professional whose company specializes in electrical work and employs more than 6,000 skilled tradespeople across the country. The guest speaker shared valuable insight into the skilled trades industry, helping students learn about potential career opportunities and consider future career pathway options.

Meanwhile, our 6th grade Family and Consumer Science students explored different career fields and activities that align with their interests. They also received a take-home interview assignment, giving them the opportunity to speak with a family member or friend currently in the workforce. This activity helps students strengthen their communication skills while learning the importance of researching careers and gathering information before making future decisions.

PPMS is proud to provide our students with meaningful opportunities to explore their interests, learn from professionals, and begin thinking about their futures. We are always looking for volunteers who would like to come and be guest speakers for our amazing students. This was another successful week of career exploration, and we look forward to many more opportunities ahead!

Please feel free to reach out with questions.

Terry Pentecost

Career Advisor

Plum Point Middle School

Room 241

Email: pentecostt@calvertnet.k12.md.us

Our next meeting will be for officers only on Thursday, November 5th at 7:00 am in Mrs. Kelly’s room, 316. Our next full meeting will be on Thursday, November 12th at 7:00 am in Mrs. Kelly’s room, 316.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Kelly.

kellyd@calvertnet.k12.md.us

END HUNGER NOW- FOOD DRIVE

October 1st- November 2nd

The Plum Point Middle School’s SGA will be sponsoring the End Hunger Now Food Drive through the entire month of October. End Hunger Now benefits hungry families in Calvert County. All donations will be collected before school in Mrs. Kelly’s room, 316.

We will award the mentoring class with the most donations a donut party, courtesy of the SGA. Please keep in mind that only non-perishable food items can be collected. Your help with donating items for this worthy cause is greatly appreciated!

“FIELD OF FLAGS” DISPLAY- VETERANS DAY

PPMS SGA will be organizing a “Field of Flags” to support and honor our veterans. This event will help bring our school and community together while creating a moving tribute to the brave men and women who have served in our military. Please consider donating a flag for this important event. Student leaders will help set up this inspiring display of service and patriotism before Veterans Day in front of Plum Point Middle School.

You can donate any amount to this event online using the link below and selecting SGA Donations. Please enter Field of Flags in the “Description Area”. The SGA will then forward all donations to this project by November 2nd. Thank you for your help in honoring our veterans!

SGA Donations

📣 WE NEED MORE GATOR FAMILIES ON THE TEAM!

Our school has hundreds of families, but we currently have only 30 PTO registrations. Every membership helps us support students, show appreciation to our teachers and staff, host memorable events and strengthen our school community.

You do not have to attend every meeting or volunteer at every event to make a difference. Every membership, donation, shared post and helping hand matters!

💙 Family Membership: $20

💚 Teacher Membership: $10

Register here:

https://forms.gle/FJMRFuagZXFrCGF69

Calvert County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry or national origin, familial status, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth programs.

Calvert County Public Schools does not refuse enrollment of a prospective student, expel a current student, or withhold privileges from a current student, or prospective student, or the parent or guardian of a current or prospective student because of an individual’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national original, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Calvert County Public Schools does not discipline, invoke a penalty against, or take any other retaliatory action against a student or parent or guardian of a student who files a complaint alleging that the program or school discriminated against the student, regardless of the outcome of the complaint.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

• Director of Student Services

• Director of Human Resources
  443-550-8000

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.