Maple Place Weekly Wrap Up

Good Morning, Maple Place,

Next week, Maple Place will join schools across the nation in celebrating Red Ribbon Week! This annual observance serves as an important reminder of the power of making healthy choices, staying drug-free, and taking responsibility for our well-being. During the middle school years, students are navigating new experiences, growing independence, and increased peer influence, making it especially important to develop the confidence and decision-making skills needed to make positive choices.

Throughout the week, students will have the opportunity to participate in our themed spirit days as a way to show their commitment to healthy choices and a drug-free lifestyle. We encourage all of our Chargers to get involved and help us spread this important message throughout our school community!

Red Ribbon Week is also a great opportunity to continue these conversations at home. Take some time to talk with your child about handling peer pressure, making responsible decisions, surrounding themselves with positive influences, and taking care of their physical and mental well-being.

Thank you for your continued partnership in helping our students build the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to make healthy choices and become the best versions of themselves!

Have a great weekend,

Melissa Keiser

Red Ribbon Week began today with students and staff wearing PINK to support Breast Cancer Awareness. Next week - our spirit week continues starting with Pajama Day on Monday! Homerooms will tally up their participants each day, and the winning homeroom at each grade level will get HOUSE points!

Halloween is almost here, and we are looking forward to a fun and festive day at Maple Place! On Friday, October 30th, students are invited to come to school in costume and participate in our indoor Halloween parade. While we do not hold an outdoor parade, this is a great opportunity for our Chargers to show off their creativity and Halloween spirit with their teachers and classmates!

If your child plans to wear a costume, please remember that students will be wearing their costumes throughout the school day. Costumes should be comfortable, manageable, and appropriate for the school setting. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for everyone, please review the following guidelines with your child:

• Masks and costume accessories: Masks and costume accessories should not be worn during the school day. Students may bring a mask to wear during the indoor parade, but it must remain in their locker before and after parade time.

• No realistic weapons: Toy guns, knives, swords, or other realistic weapon accessories are not permitted.

• Makeup and face paint: Please avoid excessive makeup or face paint so students can be easily identified and remain comfortable throughout the day.

• Bulky or inflatable costumes: Costumes that interfere with students' ability to move safely and comfortably through classrooms and hallways should not be worn during class time. Students who choose to wear a bulky or inflatable costume for the parade will need to change afterward.

We look forward to seeing the creativity and Halloween spirit our Chargers bring to Maple Place! Thank you for helping us make this a safe, enjoyable, and memorable celebration for our students and staff. Have a spooktacular Halloween! 🎃👻

This week, our Mission Moments focused on Habit 1: Be Proactive and the importance of recognizing our Circle of Control. Students reflected on the many things that happen each day and learned to distinguish between the things they can control, such as their choices, attitudes, effort, and how they treat others, and the things that are outside of their control. Through our daily discussions, students explored how focusing their time and energy on what they can control helps them become more positive, productive, and proactive leaders. They also considered how this mindset can help them navigate everyday challenges, work toward their goals and dreams, and respond to difficult situations with greater confidence and responsibility. By learning to focus on what is within their Circle of Control, our Chargers are building the habits and skills they need to take ownership of their choices, overcome obstacles, and become the best versions of themselves!

We have received a few questions regarding homework at the middle school level, so we wanted to take a moment to share some information with our families. Homework plays an important role in helping students practice skills, reinforce classroom learning, and develop responsibility and independence. As a general rule of thumb, students may expect approximately 10 minutes of homework per grade level each night. For our students in grades 5–8, this translates to roughly 50–80 minutes of homework nightly, although the amount will vary depending on the assignments and individual student needs. Most teachers do not assign homework on Fridays.

One of the most important ways students can manage their workload is by taking advantage of opportunities to begin assignments during the school day. Depending on the class and the day's schedule, students may have time to get started during class, during study hall, or during a teacher-help period within their FLEX rotation (grades 6–8). Our fifth-grade students also have an Academic Support block at the end of each school day, providing an opportunity to work on assignments, ask questions, and seek additional support when needed. Encouraging students to use these opportunities wisely can help them stay on top of their work and reduce the amount they need to complete at home.

Establishing a consistent homework routine at home is equally important. Setting aside a regular time and a quiet, distraction-free space for completing assignments can help students stay organized, meet deadlines, and develop effective study habits. As students progress through middle school, learning to prioritize assignments, manage their time, and take ownership of their responsibilities becomes increasingly important.

By working together, we can help our students build the independence, responsibility, and time-management skills they need to become confident and successful learners!

Oceanport School District is pleased to announce our continued participation in the Governor's Educator of the Year program. Information and nomination forms are available at the link below. Nominations close on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

In addition to participating in the Governor's Educator of the Year Program to honor teachers and educational service professionals, the Oceanport School District is accepting nominations from the school community to honor a Support Staff Member of the Year. This local award was established to highlight and celebrate our non-instructional team members who have a profound, positive impact on our district daily, but fall outside the scope of the state program.

Staff members in any of the following roles may be nominated:

• Custodial staff

• Technology staff

• Secretaries

• School safety and security personnel

Please submit your nomination by Wednesday, November 4, 2026 using the link below.

This week, our 6th grade scientists explored how Earth’s tilt and its position in orbit around the sun create the repeating pattern of the seasons. We looked at how these factors change:

• whether we receive direct or indirect sunlight
• how high or low the sun travels across the sky
• how many hours of daylight and darkness we get
• how warm or cool it feels outside

Here’s a fun fact to share at dinner: seasons are not caused by Earth being closer to or farther from the sun. Earth is actually closest to the sun in January, in the middle of our winter!

The stars follow a seasonal pattern, too. Today we set the scene for next week’s study with our marshmallow constellation lab. Students built models of winter and summer constellations and found out why different star patterns appear at different times of the year.

Weekend challenge: Step outside on a clear night with the fall constellation map and see what you can spot! Look for the Great Square of Pegasus and the “W” shape of Cassiopeia. Early in the evening, you may still catch the Summer Triangle in the western sky before it sets for the season. For the best view, give your eyes a few minutes to adjust and find a spot away from bright lights. That’s light pollution in action, which we talked about in class!

Happy stargazing!

Our sixth-grade STEAM students wrapped up their Evolution of Technology timeline posters this week! Students explored how technology has changed over time, tracing the development of innovations that have shaped the way we live, communicate, travel, and work. By organizing key inventions and advancements chronologically, students were able to see how technological innovations build upon one another and influence the world around us. Their completed posters showcase their research, creativity, and understanding of how technology has evolved throughout history. This project also encouraged students to think about how today's innovations may inspire the technologies of tomorrow!

Our seventh-grade Social Studies students explored the events and growing tensions that led to the American Revolution through creative, informative posters focused on British taxation and the colonists' fight for representation. Students researched acts such as the Sugar Act and the Townsend Acts, examining why the British government imposed these taxes, how the policies affected the colonists, and why they sparked growing frustration and resistance. Through their posters, students highlighted key historical facts, illustrated the impact of taxation on colonial life, and explained how protests and opposition to British policies helped fuel the movement toward independence. Their work demonstrates an understanding of how the colonists' demand for a voice in government became a defining issue in the lead-up to the American Revolution. These projects brought history to life while helping students connect the colonists' struggles to the enduring importance of representation, rights, and civic responsibility!

Our eighth graders are kicking off their cooking elective with a delicious taste of fall! Students rolled up their sleeves and got to work baking pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, filling the kitchen with the warm, comforting scents of the season. As they begin exploring the world of cooking, students will have opportunities to build their kitchen skills, practice following recipes, measure ingredients, and learn the importance of teamwork and kitchen safety. What better way to welcome autumn than with a homemade treat that combines two fall favorites: pumpkin and chocolate chips? We look forward to seeing what our aspiring chefs whip up next!

This week the 8th graders started their Leader in Me service learning project: visiting with and helping out in the Pre-K classrooms at Wolf Hill. The 8th graders learned about the Pre-K students from our Director of Preschool Ms. Niers. The students learned about setting good examples for the students, using positive talk to help them learn, and how they can empower the younger students to do things for themselves. Students were assigned to each of the seven Pre-K classrooms and helped with small groups, chasing each other on the playground, painting pumpkins, building with blocks, reading books, and helping with snack.

The 8th graders reflected on their time in Pre-K during advisory, and many of them wished to go back to the fun days of Pre-K before tests and homework! Mrs. Richter and Mrs. Daley enjoyed seeing the 8th graders step up and be amazing role models. Sometimes we forget that 8th graders are kids too. What a fun experience for everyone, and we can't wait to go back soon!

Thank you to our wonderful school community for supporting our student-led Dermer Dreams Food Drive! Your generosity, kindness, and willingness to give will make a meaningful difference for families in need. These donations will go to Lunch Break and other local food pantries throughout Monmouth County. We are so proud of our 6th-8th grade Student Lighthouse Community Service team for leading this initiative from start to finish and leaving their mark on our community.

The Maple Place Boys and Girls Soccer seasons have come to an end, but the Lady Chargers Field Hockey Team is heading to the playoffs this week! The girls were 10-0-2 for the regular season! Please come out to support our girls as they head into the biggest week of their season! Go Chargers!

Monday, October 26th:

Field Hockey - Playoff Game vs. West Long Branch - Home (Gatta) - 3:45pm

Tuesday, October 27th:

Field Hockey - If Monday is a win - Practice!

Wednesday, October 28th:

Field Hockey - If it's a win on Monday - Championship Game at Home (Gatta) at 3:45pm vs. either Spring Lake Heights or Fair Haven (depending on who wins their game)

Thursday, October 29th:

Field Hockey - If Wednesday is a win - Practice!

Friday, October 30th:

Field Hockey - If it's a win on Wednesday - League Championship Game - details TBD!

Please see below for Club & Activity Information:

Monday, October 26th:

None

Tuesday, October 27th:

Running Club - 2:45-3:45pm - Meet in Room 115

MP Alliance Club - 2:45-3:45 - Room 117

Wednesday, October 28th:

Chorus - 2:45-4:00pm - Band Room

Running Club - 2:45-3:45pm - Meet in Room 115

Volleyball Club - 2:45-3:45 - Meet in Room 110

Thursday, October 29th:

Chimes - 2:45-4:00pm - Media Center

Friday, October 30th:

None

NJHS Donut Days - Starting this Wednesday, October 28th and continuing each Wednesday through December 16th! Donuts will be available for purchase in the 7th & 8th grade hallway during homeroom!

Support the 8th Grade Class of 2027 by purchasing Turkey Trot Swag! See the flyer below for more details!

Please be sure to join the PTO this year. The Oceanport PTO does amazing things for our students and staff, none of which will be possible without your membership. Check out their new PTO website link below.

The Maple Place and Wolf Hill chorus students will be performing at the annual Holiday Extravaganza hosted by Oceanport Parks & Rec. The chorus performance will take place at 5:30pm. We hope to see you there!

• Monday, October 26th-Friday, October 30th - Red Ribbon & School Violence Awareness Week

• Friday, October 30th - Student Council Halloween Dance - MP Cafeteria - 7:00-9:00pm

• Monday, November 2nd - ADL Meeting - Maple Place Media Center - 6:00pm

• Thursday, November 5th & Friday, November 6th - Schools Closed - NJEA Convention

• Tuesday, November 10th - PTO Meeting - Maple Place Media Center - 7:00pm

• Thursday, November 12th - End of Marking Period 1

• Saturday, November 14th - PTO Turkey Trot - Blackberry Bay Park - 9:00AM

• Monday, November 16th - School Picture Retake Day

• Wednesday, November 18th - Board of Education Meeting - Wolf Hill School - 6:00pm

• Friday, November 20th - Marking Period 1 Report Cards available in the Parent Portal at 4:00pm

• Wednesday, November 25th - Early Dismissal Day - 12:10pm dismissal

• Thursday, November 26th-Friday, November 27th - Thanksgiving Recess - Schools Closed

Email: mkeiser@oceanportschools.org
Website: https://www.oceanportschools.org/Domain/8
Location: 2 Maple Place, Oceanport, NJ, USA
Phone: (732) 229-0267
Twitter: @MaplePlaceMS

Instagram: @MaplePlaceOP