Tales From The Nest
January 12th, 2024
Important Reminder - 2026 Fall PTCs Next Week
Parent/Teacher Conferences are an important opportunity for parents & guardians to connect with your child’s teachers and learn more about their progress so far this year. Each family will have the chance to schedule a 10-minute conference during the following times:
- Wednesday, October 28th – Evening conferences
- Thursday, October 29th – Evening conferences
- Friday, October 30th – Afternoon conferences
You may use the link provided below to sign up for a conference with your child’s classroom teacher:
https://ptcfast.com/schools/Urbana_Middle_School_2026
If you would like to schedule a conference with one of our Counselors or Instructional Specialists, please reach out to them directly by email.
We look forward to seeing you at conferences and working together to support your child’s success.
Drew Kibler
UMS Principal
Oct. 23rd: End of Term 1
Oct. 23rd: Spirit Day - Crocs & Socks
Oct. 26th: No School - Teacher Work Day
Oct. 28th: 4 Hrs. Late Arrival, Parent/Teacher Conferences
Oct. 29th: 4 Hrs. Late Arrival, Parent/Teacher Conferences
Oct. 30th: 3.5 hrs Early Dismissal, Parent/Teacher Conferences
Oct. 30th: Spirit Day: Costume Day (guidelines shared in the 10/9 newsletter)
Nov. 3rd: No School - Election Day
Nov.6th: Author Visit: Nilah Magruder (optional)
Nov. 9th: Picture Day
Nov.23rd: UMS's Turkey Trot
Nov. 24th: 2 Hr. Early Dismissal
Nov. 25-27th: No School- Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 1st: Picture Retakes
Dec. 3rd: 2 hr Early Dismissal
Dec. 3rd: Scholastic Book Fair Community Night 1:30pm-6pm
Monday, 10/26 - No School
Tuesday, 10/27 - Reg Day of School
Wednesday, 10/28 - 4hr late arrival
Lunch will be available during arrival from 11:30 to 12. There is not a scheduled lunch.
Thursday, 10/29 - 4hr late arrival
Lunch will be available during arrival from 11:30 to 12. There is not a scheduled lunch.
Friday, 10/30 - 3.5 hr early dismissal
Students who wish to wear a costume to school on October 30th must follow these guidelines:
All FCPS Dress Code Policies
No inflatable costumes
No masks or face coverings
No weapons of any kind (plastic, foam, metal)
No body/face paint may be applied during the school day
Thank you to our families who have supported the UMS School Store this year! The store is mobile and travels each week to a different wing of the school. The store also visits the school-wide MTSS Events each month to give students more opportunities to shop! If you would like to donate, please check out our Amazon Wish List!(https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/67VI1ENMBFAN?ref_=wl_share)
PTSA Membership - we still need members to meet our goal!
Thank you to everyone who's joined the PTSA. For those who haven't joined, please help us meet our goal of 200 members and support students and our school. Click here to join: https://umsptsa.givebacks.com/shop
Reflections - Student deadline, Monday, November 16th
The 2026-2027 Reflections program theme is "What My Culture Means to Me." Check out resources for families and students at https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections/for-students-and-families#explore. Please encourage your students to participate in this national arts contest.
Spiritwear Pickup - Good news! Spiritwear orders are ready for pickup! Please stop by UMS parking lot near the front office on Saturday 10/24 from 12-2pm to pick your order! Please check your email for additional information regarding pickup. Thank you for supporting UMS PTSA!
Busy End of October! Here are some upcoming PTSA activities:
· Tuesday, October 27th from 5 - 7 pm, Trunk or Treat. UMS PTSA is participating in Villages of Urbana's Trunk or Treat event. We would love for families to participate. Please sign up below and drop off donations by Monday, October 26:
📍 3812 Carriage Drive, Frederick, MD 21704
📍 9723 Braidwood Terrace, Frederick, MD 21704
Sign up to donate:
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C044CACAA2AA2FFC34-65735692-trunk?useFullSite=false
Questions or need to coordinate a different drop-off? Email UMSPTSAboard@gmail.com. Thank you for helping UMS PTSA treat our community! Stop by our trunk (and 25+ others) at the event on October 27 from 5–7 PM.
· Thursday, October 29th, Teachers dinner for Parent-Teacher conferences. The PTSA is hosting dinner for our teachers and staff on Parent-Teacher Conference Day as a small thank-you for all they do for our students and families.
· Friday, October 30th, Boo Crew is back! The PTSA will be at dismissal handing out candy to students to kick off Halloween weekend.
Mark your calendar! Next PTSA General Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4th at 6 pm at UMS Media Center. Please be sure to sign up for PTSA membership if you would like the virtual link prior to the meeting.
Please reach out to the UMS PTSA with any questions by emailing umsptsaboard@gmail.com
Mark your calendars for Nov. 9th. Retakes will be done on Dec. 1st. Information about ordering photos will be added shortly.