Good afternoon,

We have had a busy week and it ended with a great PBIS assembly this afternoon! I also would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Mr. Bishop, our Interventionist of the Year. Mr. Bishop is such a positive role model to our building and also one of our wonderful coaches for both the basketball and baseball seasons. We thank him for all his hard work and dedication to our Panther community.

We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Best,

Christina & Emily

Fri. May 2nd - 7th Grade Dance

Fri. May 9th - 7th Grade Field Trip to Mystic Aquarium

Wed. May 14th - EHMS Spring Concert at 6:30 EHHS Auditorium

Fri. May 16th - EHMS PTO Panther Prowl

Wed. May 21st - 8th Grade Capstone Convention

Fri. May 23rd - Early Release for Students

Eighth-grade students celebrated the conclusion of their final reading unit with a lively Food Truck Festival! Each student designed a food truck and menu inspired by the characters, setting, themes, and issues from their contemporary novels. Many also prepared delicious dishes that creatively represented their books.

The 2025 National SAVE Promise Club Youth Summit took place on April 26 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, bringing together student leaders from across the country to promote school safety and youth empowerment. Organized by Sandy Hook Promise, the summit featured youth-led workshops, peer-to-peer presentations, and interactive sessions centered around the theme “Pave the Way.” Participants shared best practices in violence prevention, mental health advocacy, and inclusivity, aiming to create safer and more connected school communities. The event highlighted the power of student voices in driving positive change and fostering a culture of care and leadership among youth. Our EHMS Save Promise Club along with our advisors Mrs. Mercaldi & Mrs. Vasquez attending the event along with members from our EHHS Save Promise Club.

On April 28th at the Aqua Turf, we will proudly celebrated our incredible Unified Sports athletes. Congratulations to 8th graders Alyssa Arnold and Zack Lanvendar, who were recognized as our Unified Partners and Athletes of the Year! We are also thrilled to share that East Hampton Middle School were awarded with the prestigious Ann Malafronte Rookie School of the Year Award at the banquet on Monday night. This award is presented annually to a school in the early stages of its Unified Sports journey that demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusion, leadership, encouragement, and school-wide support. This recognition is a true honor and a reflection of the dedication and passion that Sue Freeman has brought to our building and growing program.

Below are students who have received Positive Office Referrals for their behaviors that have exemplified our PBIS pillars of Respect, Responsibility, Compassion and Pride. Students were able to choose a reward from our menu of options like eating outside with friends! Great job!

6th Graders

Gracie Johnson, Veda Youngs, Bronn Ewan, Tyler Claude, Arianna Slavin, Kendall Hill, Katie White, Ben Kennedy, Garret Hall, Alexa Baer, Blake Rau, Kadyel Cardona, Alexa Niosi

7th Graders

Noah Salamone, Madison Herman, Michael Misorski, Josslyn Marrero, Natalie Dean, Sophia Vargas Mendez, Mila Chipman, Nick Bagley

8th Graders

Joey Landon

Below are some pictures from this afternoon's PBIS assembly! The competition between grade levels is strong - we can't wait to see which grade-level will be the winner and take the end of the year event!

It’s amazing how quickly spring has arrived, and with it comes so much to celebrate for our 8th graders! Below, you’ll find an overview of the important dates we have planned for our students this year. As each event approaches, we’ll be sharing more detailed information through ParentSquare.

MAY 5 - MAY 9 (subject to change)

MONDAY, MAY 5

East Hampton softball at Haddam Killingworth, 2:20 dismissal, 2:30 bus, 3:45 pm game.

Site: HK middle Field 1

East Hampton baseball at Portland MS, 2:20 dismissal, 2:30 bus, 3:30 pm game.

Site: Rose Hill Park

TUESDAY, MAY 6

Griswold MS (Rocky Hill) baseball/softball at East Hampton MS, 3:30 pm game.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

East Hampton baseball/softball at Beman MS (Middletown), 2:20 dismissal, 2:30 bus, 3:45 pm game.

Site: Pat Kidney Fields

THURSDAY, MAY 8

Baseball practice 2:35 until 5 pm

No Softball practices

FRIDAY, MAY 9

Hale Ray baseball at East Hampton MS, 6:30 pm game.

East Hampton softball at Hale Ray MS, 6:30 pm game. Bus at 5:15 pm

Site: Hale Ray High School

Note: No return bus!!!!

Parents will not need to fill out a dismissal form, but we ask that parents walk over or acknowledge the coaches when taking your daughter after the game.

Recently I have seen an increase in the number of students drinking energy drinks. Some come to see me after experiencing negative effects. I am providing some information related to consuming caffeine as a child/adolescent and some suggestions for healthier alternatives.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stated that energy drinks are not appropriate for children and adolescents, due to the high levels of caffeine these drinks contain.

“While 400 milligrams of caffeine each day appears to be safe for most healthy adults, the amount of daily caffeine that would be considered safe in children is not known, and the AAP recommends limiting use in children,” says Green.

In addition, the AACAP recommends that children between the ages of 12 and 18 should not consume more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day and should avoid energy drinks entirely.

Effects of Energy Drinks on Kids

Due to children’s developing brains, decreased impulse control (placing self-imposed limits) and smaller body sizes, they are more susceptible to the effects and risks of caffeine ingestion. Children who consume caffeine can have difficulty sleeping and may develop behavioral or mental health issues, such as increased aggression, anxiety, stress and depression. Energy drinks provide those same effects, along with the added negative effects of sugar.

Additional adverse outcomes — especially after too much consumption — may include:

Sleep disturbances

Agitation

Arrhythmias (abnormal heart beats)

Diarrhea

Feeling jittery

Seizures

Increased heart rate

High blood pressure

Rapid breathing

Dehydration

Anxiety and panic attacks

Healthy Alternatives

• Unsweetened coconut water
• Diluted 100% fruit juice
• Low-fat milk or milk alternatives

If your child needs electrolytes after sports practice, you can make your own sports drink. Mix 1/3 cup of 100% fruit juice with 2/3 cups of water and add a dash of salt. This offers a healthy dose of electrolytes without the added sugar.

Source: Johns Hopkins Hospital Stephanie Green MD, MS/ Raquel Hernandez MD, MPH

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you!
Melanie King RN, BSN
East Hampton Middle School Nurse
mking@easthamptonct.org
860-365-4060 Ext 5

🎉 THE PANTHER PROWL is coming to EHMS! 🎉
FRIDAY, MAY 16 (Rain Date: May 23)
Fundraising has already begun- get your student registered!!
Get ready for the most fun, inclusive, and exciting fundraiser of the year – and it’s so easy for families to participate!
✅ Nothing to sell.
✅ Nothing to buy.
✅ Just register, share, and collect pledges!
The EHMS PTO and PE Department are teaming up to bring students a fun-filled day of outdoor fitness and team-building activities — all while raising money to support our school!
Think Jog-a-thon meets Mini Field Day — it's going to be a blast!

💥 What Does the Panther Prowl Support?

Thanks to past fundraisers, we’ve been able to fund:

• School dances & field trips
• PE equipment
• PBIS programs (team building & morale boosters)
• Teacher mini-grants
• Courtyard upgrades
• Benches
• Programs for students and parents
• Field Day fun

This year, we’re aiming to raise $10,000 — and we need YOUR help!

🎁 PRIZES & RAFFLES GALORE!

• Individual and homeroom class prizes for 3 weeks!
• Every student who participates gets a prize!
• Top fundraising homeroom = class breakfast!
• Top student fundraiser = special free-time activity with friends & entered in the top tier raffle!
• Raffles for awesome prizes at different pledge levels!

🎉 Students were asked to make suggestions on prizes to be won! There is quiet a selection from water bottles, games, sports equipment, STEM sets, gift cards, camping gear, toys, Yard Goats tickets, hammocks, in school incentives, treats and so much more!!!

📲 HOW TO REGISTER & GET STARTED:

1. Visit: https://www.getmovinfundhub.com/register?school_uuid=6435ab27ddfe7
2. Use School Identifier: 6435ab27ddfe7
3. If you’re new to FundHub, register as a parent first, then add your student and choose their homeroom teacher.
4. Already have a FundHub account? Just log in, go to the Parent Dashboard, and “Add to New School.”
5. Share your student’s fundraising page via email, text & social media. Donors can choose to cover the fee so every dollar goes to EHMS!
6. Prefer to send in a check? Make it out to EHMS PTO and include your student’s name and homeroom.
7. Want a hand navigating the site? Click on Video Tutorial at the top of the Parent Dashboard.

🎯 Bonus Tip: Check if your employer matches donations — we can provide a donation letter and tax ID!

Let’s make this year’s Panther Prowl the best yet!
💙 THANK YOU for helping us reach our goal of $10,000!
Questions? Reach us anytime at ptoehms@gmail.com

Mr. Landry's room was Thursday's winners! PTO came to bring a morning treat to start the day!

Per the East Hampton Board of Education’s Attendance Policy and Connecticut statute, parents and guardians may only approve the first 9 absences of the school year with a parent note. Absences 10 and above can only be excused with further documentation and under specific circumstances.

In addition, if a student has four unexcused absences in one month or 10 unexcused absences in a year they are classified as truant. If a child misses 18 or more days in a school year – excused or unexcused absences – the student is classified as chronically absent.

A phone call is appreciated, but only an email to our attendance inbox or written note can officially excuse absence 1 through 9. Below is our attendance email:

Note: Between the school name and the word Attendance is a underscore ( _ )

EHMS_Attendance@easthamptonct.org

If a student has four unexcused absences in one month or 10 unexcused absences in a year they are classified as truant. If a child misses 18 or more days in a school year – excused or unexcused absences – the student is classified as chronically absent.

Below is a helpful handout for families as you engage in discussions around attendance with your children.

The East Hampton Board of Education and the school community as a whole promote a secure and productive school climate, conducive to teaching and learning that is free from threat, harassment, any type of bullying behavior, and teen dating violence. Therefore it shall be the policy of the Board that bullying and/or teen dating violence committed against a student by another student is prohibited. The Board believes that a school environment in which students feel safe, supported, engaged and helpfully challenged is optimal for learning and healthy development. The Board seeks an environment in which students and adults feel socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically safe; an environment that is free of harassment, intimidation, teen dating violence and bullying. Our website provides links to various policies and reporting forms including our Safe School Climate Plan. Hard copies are also available in our main office. If at any point you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to building administration for further assistance.

A BIG thank you to our Cafeteria personnel and for all they do each day! Today was School Lunch Hero Day!

Happy New Year! Did you resolve to be more on top of your and your child’s health this year? Here’s an easy solution: Sign your child up for School-Based Health Care. Your child’s school works with Community Health Center, Inc.’s School-Based Health Care program to provide health services to your child during the school day. This means they won’t miss as much class and you don’t need to miss work to support their health care needs. Learn more about the services offered at your child’s school and enroll today at SBHC1.com!

All Sports Camp features several sports and recreation activities that campers can choose from, with both specific sports and team options as well as more relaxed, recreational options.
Our fees are more than reasonable, and our goal is to offer a summer camp that is affordable to any child that would like to attend and experience a fun and memorable summer camp. Families that have more than one child at camp always receive a discount.

The camp is directed by Coach Ruel (Memorial Elementary School PE Teacher), as well as local college graduates, local college student- athletes, and current high school student- athletes from area towns. Our Leadership Program also offers opportunities to Middle School and High School aged campers.

The camp runs July 21-25, 2025 at East Hampton High School from 8am- 5pm, with options to stay the whole day or parts of the day, there are 4 sessions daily with session 4 at Sears Park (bus transportation included in camp fee). The camp offers a great experience where all campers get personal attention, spend the whole day with their friends, and leave each day with great memories of fun, play, competition, and friendship! The camp director knows all the children that attend and whose goal is to make the week the best summer camp experience they have ever had!

Registration is through the East Hampton Park and Recreation Department and children from any town are more than welcome.

There is a 10% family discount for any additional children that register.
Contact Coach Ruel at Memorial Elementary School with any questions at all.
Location:
East Hampton High School and Sears Park
For:
Entering Grades 1 – 9
Cost:
1 session- $100
2 sessions- $150
3 sessions- $200
4 sessions- $225

Date:
Monday – Friday
July 21 – July 25
8:15AM – 5:00PM (8AM Early Drop Off)

SESSIONS
SESSION I
8:15AM--10:15AM- 1) Soccer, or 2) volleyball, badminton, and recreational games

SESSION II
10:30AM--12:30PM- 1) Basketball, or 2) Track & Field

LUNCH
12:30PM--1:00PM- (on school grounds)


SESSION III
1:00PM--3:00PM- 1) Baseball, or 2) Lacrosse, or 3) Tennis

SESSION IV
3:00PM--5PM- *Sears Park (swimming with Sears Park Lifeguards on duty), tennis, basketball, wiffleball, kickball, snack shack, etc.

*Campers are bused over to Sears Park after the completion of Session III. All campers going to session IV are picked up at Sears Park.

The attached bulletins below were developed through a collaborative effort among the Department of Children and Families, the Department Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Office of Child Advocate, the Department of Public Health, the State Department of Education, and the Governor's Office. The content includes information on suicide, helpful tips to support people of all ages, and where to go for additional support and resources.

Board of Education Statement on School Safety: The East Hampton Board of Education is committed to a safe and secure learning environment that honors and celebrates the diversity of our students, our community, and our nation. The Board of Education in partnership with the school community will not tolerate any threat of violence in the schools or any hate speech that targets any race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Each student is held to the highest standards of responsible decision making within a culture that is expected to foster compassion, caring, and empathy.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement of the East Hampton Public Schools: The school community of East Hampton is committed to the mission of honoring and celebrating the diversity of our students, our community, and our nation. We strive to guide our students to conscious, deliberate, individual and collective actions that cultivate the respect of all races, religions, and social backgrounds. Our school community endeavors to produce graduates who are equipped with a greater understanding of the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nondiscrimination Statement of the East Hampton Public Schools: The East Hampton Board of Education, in compliance with federal and state law, affirms its policy of equal educational opportunity for all students and equal employment opportunity for all persons. It is the policy of the District to promote nondiscrimination and an environment free of harassment regardless of an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, ancestry, disability (including but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability, or learning disability), genetic information, marital status, or age or because of the race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, or age of any persons with whom the individual associates. The District shall provide to all students without discrimination, course offerings, counseling, assistance, employment, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The District shall provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The District shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with federal and state statutes and regulations.

Email: camaral@easthamptonct.org
Website: https://www.easthamptonps.org/o/ehms
Location: 19 Childs Road, East Hampton, CT, USA
Phone: (860) 365 4060