Island Trees Memorial Middle School

Dear ITMMS Families,

I hope you all had a wonderful and restful weekend!

As we begin our fourth week of school, I want to once again thank our families for the tremendous support, enthusiasm, and partnership you have shown throughout the opening weeks of the school year. Our students have made a terrific start, and it has been wonderful to see them becoming comfortable with their routines, building relationships, and embracing all that ITMMS has to offer.

This week, we are putting a special focus on school spirit and community as we celebrate ITMMS Spirit Week! Throughout the week, our students and staff will have opportunities to show their Bulldog pride through a variety of fun spirit days. We encourage everyone to participate, have fun, and help us unleash our school spirit! Here is what we have planned:

Tuesday, September 22nd

Red & White Day: Wear red and white as we get ready for our ITMMS Pep Rally during 9th period in the Big Gym.

Wednesday, September 23rd

Color Wars: Each grade will represent its designated color: 5th Grade – Orange, 6th Grade – Yellow, 7th Grade – Blue, and 8th Grade – Green.

Thursday, September 24th

Say It With Your Shirt: Students are encouraged to wear their favorite graphic tee and let their shirts do the talking!

Friday, September 25th

Fan Favorite Day: Show your spirit by wearing something representing your favorite team or the team you support!

In addition to our Spirit Week activities, we will also be holding Picture Day 1 on Wednesday, September 23rd, and Picture Day 2 on Thursday, September 24th. Please remind your children to be prepared for their scheduled picture day.

Finally, on Friday, September 25th, we will conduct our scheduled “Go Home Early Drill.” Students will be dismissed at 2:19 PM. This important safety exercise allows us to practice our emergency procedures and ensure that our students and staff are prepared should an actual emergency situation ever occur. We appreciate your cooperation and support with this drill.

It promises to be a fun and spirited week at ITMMS! Thank you for helping us create a school community where students feel connected, supported, and proud to be Bulldogs. We look forward to seeing everyone unleash their school spirit throughout the week!

Let’s have another great week!

Sincerely,

Mr. Keegan

The Week Ahead

Tuesday, September 22nd

ITMMS Pep Rally - Big Gym - 9th Period

Wednesday, September 23rd

Picture Day 1 @ ITMMS

Thursday, September 24th

Picture Day 2 @ ITMMS

Friday, September 25th

"Go Home Early Drill" - Dismissal @ 2:19 PM

Looking to Next Week

Tuesday, September 29th

Grade 8 Washington DC Trip Parent Meeting - GPR @ 6:00 PM

Meet the Teacher Night @ 7:00 PM

Wednesday, September 30th

Grade 8 Panoramic Photo - 1:30 PM

Friday, October 2nd

National Custodian Day

Looking Two Weeks Ahead

Tuesday, October 6th

SEPTA Meeting - Library @ 7:00 PM

Wednesday, October 7th

Boston Parent/Student Meeting - GPR @ 6:00 PM

Friday, October 9th

Fire Prevention Assemblies

Grade 5 - GPR @ 9:04 AM

Grade 6 - GPR @ 9:48 AM

It is the mission of the School Library Media Center to ensure that students develop the skills necessary to become independent, capable, competent information users and lifelong learners. These skills include the ability to locate, access, evaluate, organize, integrate, use and communicate information and ideas from a wide variety of sources and formats. Instruction, therefore, integrates information skills into curriculum units rather than teaching them in isolation. Student-centered research projects are developed and coordinated through a cooperative effort with classroom teachers.

While social media streams and incessant texting and digital communications play an increasingly large role in the lives of our students (and many of us), I ask for your support as we speak with one voice regarding phones, smart watches, and other personal electronic devices in our school.

From the moment our students enter our school building until the moment they exit our school, we will expect that all phones, smart watches, and personal electronic devices are "Powered Down and Put Away." We will again this year require that our students store their cellphones, smart phones and other internet-enabled devices in their lockers from the start of our school day-dismissal at 2:34 PM.

Please join us as we make this expectation clear to your children from Day 1. As with other policies, it is important when working with adolescents to explain the "why" behind the policy. Please join me in clearly articulating our belief that our kids deserve it; that 6 1/2 hours of a day without a text tone, vibration, or push notification is healthy and will help to promote focus and their full presence.

Please note that our office phones will always welcome students needing to contact home, and if there is anything essential that must be communicated to our students, we will be sure to relay messages from home to our students.

Let's do this together!

Please note that our Guide to Student Success will also be shared via Parent Square. If you find it easier to review and sign via this online platform, this is another option. Thanks for your support.

Communication between home and school is crucial to so many areas, including attendance. I am writing to remind you that it is a parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify the school whenever your child is absent. We ask that you report your child's absence via our online portal, which integrates seamlessly with your Parent Portal account. More information will follow.

Please also be reminded to send in notes from your doctor or dentist to confirm visits. Strong communication allows us to keep updated and timely records, and it also helps our teachers best assist students who will be missing classes.

Thank you for your support.

Enhancing Safety & Attendance: New Student Identification System for 2026–2027 🎓

As we continue to prioritize the safety and security in our schools, Island Trees secondary schools will be implementing a new student identification system beginning this school year.

Our goal is to be proactive in ensuring that everyone in our buildings is easily identifiable and accounted for throughout the day.

Beginning in September, all students will be issued identification badges that must be worn during the school day. These badges will be used to “tap in” for attendance in key areas such as:

• Lobby Entrances🏫
• Classrooms 📚
• Cafeteria 🍎
• Library 📖
• Bathrooms 🚻

This system will help us ensure that students moving throughout our hallways are where they are supposed to be and are members of our school community.

We will be utilizing the MOOV platform, a comprehensive school safety and engagement system already used in many schools across the county. This platform allows staff to quickly and efficiently:

• Monitor student attendance and movement in real time
• Manage hall passes digitally
• Identify students using handheld scanners
• Enhance visitor screening and building security

Why this matters:

• ✅ Strengthens school safety and security
• ✅ Improves attendance accuracy
• ✅ Helps staff quickly identify students and visitors

We understand that this is a change, but it is one that reflects our commitment to maintaining a safe and structured learning environment for all students.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping Island Trees schools safe and strong. 💙

Here is the link to membership for PTSA:

https://itptsa.memberhub.com/store?limit=21&live=true

High School students must be a member for all the years you have attended to be eligible for the PTSA Scholarship given senior year.

8th grade PTSA gives an award at the end of the year. You must be a paid member in 8th grade.

Bus Transportation

The Transportation Office will send home information regarding your child's bus stops and times. Typically, our buses arrive to our school between 7:55-8:05. This allows students to get to their lockers and then to their morning Advisory. Students are always welcome to visit our cafeteria between 7:30-8:09 for morning breakfast service.

Walkers & Family Drop Off

• When using the front circle to drop off a student, please pull up as far into the drop-off zone as possible before allowing your child to exit the car. Please pull up as close as possible to the end of the circle to ensure student safety.

• All students must exit at the curb and on the passenger-side of the car. Allowing a student to exit on the driver’s side of the car is dangerous and prohibited.

• When student drop-off is completed, please signal to notify oncoming drivers that you are set to merge into our second (left) lane.

• Parents may not exit their vehicles during drop-off. Parking and/or waiting in the circle is not permitted during morning arrival. A constant flow of traffic must be maintained.

• If short-term school business (under ten minutes) or a drop-offs requires that you leave your car, please park in the spots closest to the end of the circle. If you have a morning meeting that will exceed ten minutes, please park in our side parking lot (closest to Stop & Shop) and walk to the front.

• Students who walk to school and students who are dropped off at our school are expected to arrive between 7:50-8:05.

• Because the back of our school building is the location for bus drop offs, we encourage parents and guardians to use our school's front circle for drop off.

• If you are dropping off at our school's back door, please be advised that this door is not open for student drop-off before 7:50. Additionally, the back door is not open for student entry after 8:10.

Dismissal

Our last class ends at 2:34. Students are dismissed at this time for family pick up, to walk home, and to get to a bus. Because our buses receive students in the back of our school, families are strongly encouraged to pick up their children in the front of our school.

With the ongoing success of our 1:1 Chromebook model, our teachers have collaborated to create supply lists that will limit the amount of binders and paper being carried by students this school year. By making this conscientious change in our supply lists, we believe the weight carried by our students throughout the school day will be significantly reduced.

Please note that lockers will be assigned during the first week of school. Our teachers and staff will work with your children to ensure that they are supported and guided throughout this process.

Additionally, we ask that you remind your child(ren) that Chromebooks must be kept in the school-issued case when not in the classroom. This requirement will help to prevent damage to this learning device and promote hallway safety and efficient hallway movement.

We are asking parents/guardians to join in our efforts to ensure that student backpacks remain light, manageable, and safe. As always, we continue to encourage our students to use their lockers to help decrease the amount of items they carry during the school day. Additionally, we will have routine notebook and locker inventories, which will allow students the opportunity to clean out binders and backpacks.

Please feel free to contact the Main Office if you have any questions. We hope you all continue to have a great summer.

Did you know that our Daily Bulletin is also posted within the Parent Portal. Please take a look at this helpful resource.

Dear Island Trees Memorial Middle School Families,

Please note that during the course of the school year, photographs and video footage of students participating in school activities are taken for use in school district publications as well as in local and regional print, radio, television, the website and social media. At times, students are also identified by name when appropriate, which may accompany a photograph or video footage. Parental permission is assumed for all school related usage as stated above.

In the event that you wish to expressly withdraw permission, please forward a letter so indicating to my attention at the address below. You may also fax the letter to me at (516) 520-2168.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Daniel Keegan

45 Wantagh Avenue

Levittown, NY 11756

Level Up Your Middle School Game: The Ultimate Kickoff Guide! 🚀

Welcome to middle school! This is where things get real, get exciting, and—yes—get a little busier. Whether you’re a student ready to conquer the hallways or a parent helping steer the ship, starting the year with the right game plan makes all the difference.

Here is your official playbook for an unforgettable, stress-free, and epic school year!

🗂️ 1. Dominate the Morning (By Winning the Night Before)

Nobody wants to start their day screaming, "Where is my left shoe?!" or scrambling to find a homework assignment while the school bus is pulling away.

• The Secret Weapon: Take 10 minutes before bed to pack your backpack, prep your tech, and lay out your outfit.

• The Payoff: You get to sleep in later, stay chill, and breeze out the door with great confidence. Good habits started on Day One will support your success all year long.

🔐 2. Master Your Locker (Your Personal HQ)

Think of your locker as your ultimate home base. It’s your charging station, your wardrobe, and your vault all in one. To keep your HQ secure and running smoothly:

• Keep it Private: Your combination is top-secret. Do not share it with anyone (even your best friend).

• No Swapping: Lockers are assigned just for you—no trading spaces or co-renting with classmates.

• Declutter Weekly: Avoid the dreaded "locker avalanche." Keep it organized so you can grab your gear and get to class on time.

👋 3. Unleash Your Friendly Side

Middle school is the perfect time to expand your friendships. Everyone is a little nervous, which means a little kindness goes a long way!

• Bring the Good Vibes: Show up with a positive attitude. A simple smile can totally change someone's day.

• Start the conversation: Ask people about what they love—video games, sports, music, art—and watch how fast connections happen.

• Mix it up: Partner with new people in class. Your next best friend might be someone you haven't even talked to yet!

🎉 4. Plug In and Make Connections

Middle school is so much more than just tests and textbooks—it’s about finding your people and having fun!

• Find Your Pack: Join a club that matches your interests, whether it's art, gaming, coding, or cooking

• Show Up: Don't miss out on the epic stuff! Make memories at school dances, field trips, Sports Nights, and spirit weeks.

Are you ready to make this your best year yet? Let’s do this!

Each student’s appearance should reflect a positive image of our school and uphold the spirit of “Bulldog Pride”. Our school welcomes and appreciates the support of parents in upholding these guidelines.

In order to maintain a safe, orderly, and respectful learning environment, all students are expected to adhere to the following dress code guidelines:

• Students should NOT wear clothing which is unsafe, dangerous or a health hazard

• No outerwear of any kind shall be worn during the school day

• No clothing may contain offensive or obscene language, symbols, signs, or slogans

• No clothing may endorse violence, sex, gangs, or illegal substances

• Attire may not be disruptive to the educational process

• Airpods, headphones, Apple Watches, or any other wearable electronic devices are not permitted

• Hats and hoods are not to be worn in the school building

If a student is in violation of the aforementioned guidelines he or she will be offered the opportunity to change clothing immediately or be referred to the Student Support Center. Parents/Guardians may be contacted to bring alternative attire to the school should it be required.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

On behalf of the National Forum, I would like to offer you our heartfelt congratulations on being re-designated as a School to Watch school! What an exciting thing you have embarked upon and your recognition shows the world that your school is indeed advancing excellence in the middle-grades. We truly cannot thank you enough for your dedication to young adolescent students and strong programs, practices, and cultures that enable you to meet their needs and propel them further. You are making an impactful difference in their lives and we are grateful beyond words.

Again, we are so proud of you and your accomplishments on becoming a Schools to Watch school! Your students are so very fortunate to be part of your school and we are anxious to learn from you at the conference and through other interactions with your team. Thank you for being a leader in middle-grades education and for your strong dedication to young adolescents.

With admiration, appreciation, and respect,

Important School Phone Numbers

Main Office: 520-2157

Student Support Center: 520-2169

Health Office: 520-2164

Dean of Students: 520-2177

Special Education: 520-2175

Curriculum: 520-2185

Health & Athletics: 520-2173

Attendance Office: 520-2166

We are a Nut Aware School

Please refrain from sending your child to school with snacks containing nuts. Peanut butter and other nut-related items are not sold in our cafeteria. Nut-free sections are designated in the cafeteria. If you have concerns about your child’s allergies, please contact our nurse at 520-2164.

Nutrition

To foster good health amongst our students, the following guidelines have been established:

• Energy drinks and coffee drinks are not permitted
• No food or drinks in the hallways
• No use of snack machines until lunch periods
• Delivery of fast food/take out is prohibited during the school day

Hallway Passing

Your children are reminded that they are expected to move between classes efficiently and to be safe, respectful, and responsible. All students are expected to walk on the right-side of the hallway and to walk in a manner that is respectful of others. There is no acceptable excuse for pushing or making physical contact with another student. With many students moving through our hallways during passing, pushing, running, and other similar behaviors can create a health and safety concern.

Lockers

Lockers will be assigned during the first week of school. Please be sure to encourage your child to routinely use his/her locker during the school day. There is time between classes for students to get to lockers, and I believe with greater practice and consistency, our students will see that more routine use of the locker will lessen the weight of a backpack. Those with gym lockers (student-athletes included) must lock belongings in our school-issued lockers.

Headphones & Phones

This note speaks to the power of one voice. I ask that you join me in reminding your children to remove headphones/Airpods when arriving to school in the morning. Additionally, please be sure to remind your children that phones must be fully powered down and placed in lockers while in school. We have had great success with our "Powered Down & Put Away" policy, and we ask for your support in this area.

Smart Watches

As we continue to strengthen our Powered Down & Put Away program, we share with you that smart watches are not permitted to be worn during the school day. Any watch that allows for photography, texting, internet searches, and/or e-mail must be placed in a locker during the school day.

Social Media

How familiar are you with TikTok, Instagram, and SnapChat? Do you know who your children communicate with on these open social media platforms? Do your children go to YouTube the way you as a child may have gone to Nickelodeon, ESPN, or some other afternoon tv show?

As a father of twin seventeen year-olds, I have been forced to confront the powerful force that is social media. I would strongly encourage each of you to review the resources found below as they relate to screens and social media.

I do believe these resources will help you (us) better understand the powerful pull of social media and technology while also providing ideas for families and parents to help children navigate the digital world.

Personal Items

Please do not bring personal items, money or jewelry of value to school. It is important for you to remember that the school cannot assume responsibility for the safekeeping of your personal items should they become lost or stolen. ITMMS is not responsible for loss or theft of phones, Airpods, watches, etc. No electronic equipment, aside from school-provided devices, are to be used during school. Recording and/or photographing staff and other students is strictly prohibited in school, on the bus, and at any school sponsored events.

We know some of this comes with the age of our students, but please be sure to remind your child to routinely check the lost and found for items that may have gone missing or might have been left behind.

The Dignity Act was signed into law on September 13, 2010 and took effect on July 1, 2012. "New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.

The Dignity Act also amended Section 801-a of New York State Education Law regarding instruction in civility, citizenship, and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others and dignity to include: an awareness and sensitivity in the relations of people, including but not limited to, different races, weights, national origins, ethnic groups, religions, religious practices, mental or physical abilities, sexual orientations, gender identity, and sexes." (NYSED.gov)

In each school, a Dignity For All Students (DASA) Coordinator is trained to handle human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (identity or expression) and sex. The DASA coordinators are available to assist families with any concerns.

Email: dkeegan@islandtrees.org
Website: https://itms.islandtrees.org/
Location: 45 Wantagh Avenue, Levittown, NY
Phone: (516) 520-2157
Twitter: @Islandtreesmms