MTMS Wolf Wire

December 6, 2024

MT's purpose is to educate and empower students to become responsible citizens.

A Few Words From the Principal

It is hard to believe that we only have two weeks of school left in this semester. The morning weather sure makes it feel like break should be here. With the cold weather we do have more people using the car loop, which means that it takes a while longer. Thank you to those of you who are kind, courteous, and patient while dropping off and picking up. Please keep in mind, more students being brought to school means more traffic and more time needed. Allowing a little extra time will help to assure that your student is not tardy to school.

Preparing for next semester -

This week we did have several students submit schedule changes. Our counselors are working on these and the changes will be made before we leave for winter break. As the course change request form stated, "There are no guarantees that your request will be granted as many classes are already full." We will do our best to accommodate as many requests as possible.

A Common Questions that has been asked: Why is my math class a different hour next semester?

In previous years, if a student had math first hour first semester they also had math first hour second semester. This year that is not the case. A student may have math first hour now, but have math third hour next semester. Teachers will not change, but hours might.

Important Dates

December 11 - Band Concert

December 13 - Winter Social

December 17 - Choir Concert

December 20 - Early Release @ 11:12

December 23 - January 6 - Winter Break

January 7 - School Resumes

January 13 - Skate City Glow Skate Party 6:00-8:00pm

After-School Activities

December 9

Musical Tryouts
Boys Basketball Tryouts

December 10

Musical Tryouts
Boys Basketball Tryouts

December 11

Girls Basketball KVL Tournament - 7th @ Piper/8th @ MCMS
Boys Basketball Tryouts
Winter Band Concert

December 12

Girls Basketball KVL Tournament
Boys Basketball Tryouts

December 13

Fall Social
Boys Basketball Tryouts

News & Information

Play Tryouts December 9th & 10th

The audition scripts for our upcoming middle school play are now available! There are scenes for one, two, or three people, so whether you're ready to tackle the role of a mighty ogre or a quirky sidekick, there's something for you—just like the adventures of Shrek in his swamp! 🌲💚

Auditions will be 5 minutes long, and if you're aiming for a bigger role (think Shrek-sized! 👑), you’ll need to sing a 20-30 second song of your choice. You can sing a capella or with background music—just like Donkey, you can pick whatever song makes you feel like you’re ready to take on a dragon! 🐉🎤
You don’t need to memorize your script, but you should be familiar enough to act out the scene with the heart of an ogre 🏞️—not just read it! Show us your best swamp-style acting, whether you're a tough ogre or a sassy princess. 💪👸
Don't forget to sign up for your audition time! 🗓️ Just click the Sign-Up Genius link, and pick a time that works for you. Once you’ve chosen your time, you're all set!
Good luck, and may the best ogre (or princess) win! We can’t wait to see you perform in your very own fairytale. 🌟💚

Link for audition scripts:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1584_uSaka6B-Oa-42thpGKnQgFQ6ckTiLc7PJlKbzrs/edit?usp=sharing

Link for sign-up genius audition time slot:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CABA823ABFCC43-53632821-mtms#/

Toy Drive for City Union Mission

FCA is hosting an item/toy drive for the City Union Mission now through December 13th. We have a barrel set out by the doors to the gym for kids to drop off items in the morning or you are welcome to drop off items in office during the day.

Suggested items include toys, arts and crafts kits, sports equipment, and games for children of all ages. Household essentials such as comforters, kitchen supplies, fans, heaters, mops, tool kits, and tools are also appreciated.

If you are interested in checking out the City Union Mission website to get more involved, please see website below…

https://cityuniond.wpengine.com/missionchristmas/

Great History Challenge

We are excited to host our first Great History Challenge at MTMS on December 12th!

What is the Great History Challenge?

The Great History Challenge is an exciting, school-wide academic competition designed to bring history to life for our students. With engaging and confidence-building games, every student from grades 6-8 can participate and be celebrated for their knowledge and effort.

This competition will test students' knowledge of history aligned with their specific grade-level content. Depending on their performance, students may be invited to compete in the regional championship—and possibly the national championship!

If you have any questions, please contact our competition coordinator, Ross Schaffer (8th Grade Social Studies, Explorers).

Yearbook Deadline

The deadline to order a yearbook is December 20th at noon. Log into your Skyward Parent account and navigate to "fee management" to determine if you have already paid the $32.00 yearbook fee. If not and you would like a yearbook, please pay online or drop off a check in the office.

Good Things at MTMS

Students in Ms. Ketterling & Ms. Katsbulas' Life & Leadership classes created books for their Kindergarten buddies at Clear Creek.

Students walked to Clear Creek and read the stories with their buddies in the afternoon.

Our students were just as excited as their buddies to share what they had created!

FROM THE PTA

Stay up to date! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and our website! Email MTMS.pta.wolves@gmail.com with questions or to find out how to get involved.

Important Dates:

12/13 – Winter Social Glow Party 6th Gr. 3:05-4:30pm; 7th & 8th Gr. 5:30-7pm
1/13 – Skate Night @ Skate City Merriam 6-8pm

Winter Social:

Friday, December 13th will be our winter social. 6th graders will party from 3:05-4:30pm while the 7th and 8th graders will socialize from 5:30-7:00pm. No RSVP necessary and admission is free. Refreshments will be provided. The theme is Glow Party so students are encouraged to wear white or neon colors to show up in the DJ’s lighting. There will be a DJ in the commons and the gym will be open for games.

Parents, we need chaperones! Volunteers will help with set up, snack distribution, student supervision, and clean up at the end. If your student cringes at the thought of your presence at the party, consider chaperoning the social they won’t be at! We greatly appreciate your gift of time. We also need help with a few refreshments. If you are willing to help, use the link to sign up.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B44AAA822A6F49-53611124-mtms

Nurse's Newsletter

Hearing and Vision Screenings 7th Grade

7th grade students will have their hearing and vision tested during their PE class during November/December. Those students who have PE 1st semester will be screened beginning on Monday. Those students who have PE 2nd semester will be screened in January/February. Students who are screened will be given a letter with the results to take home to parents. Please check with your student for letter. You can also view results in Skyward under the Health tab, change display option to Show Tests. If you have questions please contact the school nurse. If your student failed the screening you will also receive an e-mail.

Illness

Please report any symptoms of illness to the school. Please be specific- report symptoms such as sore throat, nausea, and fever instead of reporting “ill” or “sick”. Giving symptoms helps with Health Department Reporting and to see illness trends in the district.

It is district policy to keep your student home until symptom free/fever free for 24 hours without medication. It will help to prevent the spread of illness.

Illness and Respiratory Viral Illness Policy (Covid, Influenza, RSV) can be found by clicking on the following links: https://www.usd232.org/departments/health-services/policies-screenings https://www.usd232.org/departments/health-services/respiratory-illnesses

Free Covid Test

Families, the State of Kansas provided free over-the-counter covid tests, which are located in a basket in the front office. Free to take, no names or sign up required; no need to share the result with the school nurse unless you choose to do so.