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October 2018 Newsletter

Potomac Middle

School "Staff, Students, and Parents Working Together as One"

3130 Panther Pride Drive, Dumfries, VA 22026

703.221.4996 Fax: 703.221.4998

Dear Potomac Parents and Guardians:

The 2018-2019 school year has gotten off to a fast and fantastic start! We had a wonderful

opening day as well as a productive first few weeks of school. It was wonderful to see so

many parents and guardians during the Back to School Nights in in Mid-September.

Parents and Guardians please note that Monday, October 8, 2018 is a Professional Work

Day for teachers and there is no school for our students. Students will return to school on

Tuesday, October 9, 2018.

The Interims are Coming! The Interims are Coming! Parents be on the lookout for

your child’s Interim report. Interims will be coming home on October 11, 2018.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Book Fair. The dates are October 18-October 26,

from 8:00 to 3:00. For your convenience, our Book Fair accepts credit cards! Discover,

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and secured debit cards (with MasterCard or Visa

logos on them) are all welcome.

If you are a returning parent or a new parent to the Potomac Middle School Community

and you would like to find out about other ways to connect to the Potomac Middle School

Community, then please consider joining our PTSO. We will be holding our Officer’s

Election meeting on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 6:00pm. For information regarding

Officer roles and descriptions please see the school’s website.

As school continues, I want to wish every member of our school community success and

fulfillment as we strive together to provide the best possible education for each student. I

am personally grateful to the many staff members, parents, and students who do so much

to make Potomac Middle School an exceptional place to work and learn.

Mr. Kevin J. Smith

Principal

Upcoming Events

October 8

Columbus Day – No School

for Students

October 18 - 26

Book Fair

October 18

PTSO Meeting at 6:00 pm

Important Information:

1st Quarter Interims go home

with students on October 11.

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Counselors’ Corner: Students have adjusted well to the start of the new school year. New students have learned their way around the

building and have established new friendships, while those returning are learning the names of their teachers and what is expected of

them.

Eighth grade students who are interested in applying to Thomas Jefferson have been busy getting their application in before the

deadline. More information will be provided about making the transition to high school and the different specialty programs that are

offered. Mrs. Ranson, our 8th grade counselor will be presenting guidance lessons on both topics.

Mrs. McPhatter, our 7th grade school counselor has been making her rounds welcoming the 7th graders back for another exciting year.

Students enrolled in the Career Exploration course will begin developing their Academic and Career Plan this quarter. Once the

students have completed their Plan, parents will be able to go online and review their child’s Plan. Be on the lookout for additional

information as the Plans become available online.

All 7th graders have participated in the Signs of Suicide and Depression guidance lesson. Students in attendance have learned the

acronym A.C.T., Acknowledge, Care, and Tell, when they are aware of the signs.

Sixth graders have settled in and have adjusted well to having several teachers; a locker, PE, and no recess. When asked what they like

best about middle school, many responded, “The lunches, because we have choices, and we get bigger portions.” It is also the time when

they get to sit and talk with their classmates. The first guidance lesson they will receive will be “Is it Bullying or Is It conflict?” Mrs.

Bratton, the 6th grade counselor, will help students learn the difference between bullying and relational conflict. Students will be able

to define both and be able to use their words to describe what bullying and conflict look like. Students will know how to seek help

when needed and who to seek help from when necessary.

There is still room in our Military-Connected Programs. Patriotic Leadership Ambassadors Club is open to any student whose parent is

active duty, retired, in the reserves, National Guard, or a civilian who works on a military base. We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of

each month immediately after school. The Aviation Ed program has four slots left. Students enrolling in this program must commit to

attending all five sessions that are left. This group meets every Thursday immediately after school, through November 8th. Applications

are located in the Counseling Dept.

Looking ahead this month: Red Ribbon Week, Oct.23rd- October 30th.

The Counseling Office is open from 8:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. Students may sign in to see their counselor during this time. It is also

recommended that parents make an appointment if you wish to meet with your child’s counselor, or call to arrange a Parent/Teacher

Conference. The counselor’s schedule may not always accommodate walk-ins, so please call first.

Mrs. Bratton, 6th grade brattokx@pwcs.edu Mrs. McPhatter, 7th grade McPhatma@pwcs.edu Mrs. Ranson, 8th grade

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PTMS “Jewel of the East “Administrative Team

Kevin J. Smith, Principal

Brian Coleman, Assistant Principal

Latanya Haskins, Assistant Principal

AFRICAN DANCE TEAM: PTMS African Dance Team provides an outlet for dancers to express

themselves through the art of movement while building self-confidence, teamwork, leadership

skills and school spirit. The primary purpose of the dancer is to be a member of the team, which

supports strong bodies, minds and PTMS. Dance Team members may perform at football games,

basketball games, pep rallies and other school programs. Team is not based on try-outs.

Sponsors:Ms. Proudie

Meets: Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:50

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Potomac Middle School

3130 Panther Pride Drive • Dumfries, Virginia 22()26

703.221.4996 FAX 703.221.4998 • potomacms.schools.pwcs.edu

Kevin J. Smith, Principal

Dear Potomac Families,

To keep the lines of communication open with all our families, I wanted to inform you of the new Cafeteria Balance

Process that will be in place to recoup negative balances on student accounts. This process is in accordance with

Regulation 460-1.

The 2018-2019 Policy for negative cafeteria balances is as follows:

• A negative balance of ANY amount is put through the auto dialer by Food Services (3x a week), as well as a letter

sent out by Food Services.

• Once the student's account reaches a negative $35.00, there will be a talk with the student by an administrator.

• Once the student reaches a negative $55.00 balance, the administration will contact the parent.

• If payment is not made before the account reaches a negative $75.00 balance, the student will have his/her

charging privileges revoked and will be offered an alternative lunch.

Principal

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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PROFESSIONAL LIBRARY

The Professional Library is an education research library providing services to Prince William County Public

Schools (PWCS) employees, graduate and undergraduate students, and others who need access to materials

related to education. The library is located on the first floor of the Kelly Leadership Center.

Library patrons have access to over 6000 professional titles, more than 20 educational journals, and several

online databases. Computers are available for research during normal business hours.

You can access the website for Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) at library.pwcs.edu. Search under the

Professional Library link.

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Earthquake drill Day

October 18, 10:18 a.m.

1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop to the ground, take Cover under a table or desk, and Hold On to it as if a major earthquake were happening (stay down for at least 60 seconds). Practice now so you will immediately protect yourself during earthquakes!

2. While still under the table, or wherever you are, look around and imagine what would happen in a major earthquake. What would fall on you or others? What would be damaged? What would life be like after? What will you do before the actual earthquake happens to reduce losses and quickly recover?

A great step for after your "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" drill is to practice how to

communicate with family, friends, and co-workers. Texting first before making phone calls

is highly recommended. Learn more from ShakeOut partner Safe America Foundation and

their "Text First. Talk Second." campaign, including how to hold a texting drill

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Student Absence Policy

Under Virginia State Law, students are expected to be in school and on time every day. Absences, tardy arrivals and/or early

dismissals must have documented approval from a parent/guardian and/or school personnel. A statement, which provides the

reason and is signed by the parent, is the preferred verification. Class work for excused absences may be made up per Regulation

724-1. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any missed assignments from all teachers and to complete and turn in the work in

the allotted time. Middle school students who miss 10 or more days per year of school, excused or unexcused, for which little

or no make-work was completed may be considered for retention.

Tardy Arrival to School

Students are expected to arrive to school before 8:05 am to get breakfast, go to their lockers, etc. The front doors will be locked

promptly at 8:00 am. Students arriving to school after 8:05 must report to the main office for a pass before going to class. The front

doors for students at 7:30 am. It is not necessary for a parent to come into the office to sign a student in if the student has a

written note signed by the parent/guardian explaining the reason for the late arrival.

Early Dismissal from School

Students will be called for dismissal when the parent arrives in the main office to check him/her out of school. Students are not

allowed to wait for dismissal in the office as the parent’s arrival may be unexpectantly delayed, resulting in him/her missing

valuable instructional time. The parent, guardian or approved contact signing the student out of school must provide proof of

identification via photo ID.

PLEASE NOTE: To ensure an efficient and safe dismissal for all students, the office will not dismiss individual after 2:40

p.m. Students leaving school early must be picked up no later than 2:40 p.m. If a parent/guardian arrives after the 2:40

p.m. cut-off time we will add that student’s name to our afternoon announcements and he/she will be instructed to report

to the office for dismissal.

Attendance Requirement to Participate in After School Activities

NOTE: Students may not participate in any after school activity on the day of an absence from school. Students must be present at

least one- half day (3 hours + 20 minutes) to participate in any after school activity. Students who arrive tardy to school must be in

school by 11:30 am to stay after school for any activity. Students who have early dismissal from school must have been present in

school for at least 3 hours +20 minutes to return to school for any activity.

ATTENDANCE

MATTERS

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From the Office of Safety and Security

Each year, it is our goal at PTMS for everyone to have a safe and successful school year and as you know, I always takes a team-

staff, students, and parents. I would like to take a moment to remind everyone of a few important items.

VISITORS TO PTMS

We welcome visitors to our school; however, all visitors must sign in with proper identification in the main office and obtain a

visitors badge. For our student’s safety, visitor’s badges must be visible and are to be worn during the entire visit.

CAR RIDERS

In an effort to make dropping your student off in the morning run more smoothly and effectively, please pull your vehicle up as far

as possible in the car loop and not at a specific door (to include the front door). Drop Off Begins at the cross walk along the car

loop sidewalk. Please pull up as far forward as possible. This will help to move traffic quickly through the parking lot.

Please do NOT park your car in the parking space and expect your child to enter or exit your car from that parking space.

ALL CHILDREN SHOULD BE DROPPED OFF AND PICKED UP FROM THE SIDEWALK AND NOT ATTEMPT TO

CROSS TRAFFIC FROM THE PARKING AREA.

Finally, when bringing your child(ren) to school in the morning and picking them up at dismissal, we ask that you please exercise

patience and courtesy toward other drivers and keep a watchful eye out for our students who walk to and from school.

WALKING TO SCHOOL

For students who walk, everyone will cross at the crosswalks where our crossing guards and security specialist are located. No one

will be permitted to cross in the middle of the street. All walkers will enter building through the front door.

BUS RIDERS

Please make sure your child has their bus number written down and, in their possession, until they have it memorized.

Buses will line up in the bus loop and students will enter the building through Door 1 if they will be eating breakfast and Doors

15,16,17,and 18 if they are not.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Students are advised not to bring personal property such as toys, expensive watches, jewelry, large sums of money, etc., to school

and does so at his/her own risk. Potomac Middle School cannot be responsible for lost or unsecured stolen items.

LOST & FOUND ITEMS

Small found articles such as jewelry, eyeglasses and keys are turned in and kept in the main office. Coats, backpacks and larger

items are collected in the wooden bin located outside of the cafeteria across from the gymnasium. Articles found in and around the

school should be turned into the main office or placed in the lost and found bin near the cafeteria. If your child has lost an item,

please remind him/her to check both areas as well as all his/her classrooms.

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PARENT INFROMATION RESOURCE

PWCS POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

The Policies and Regulations governing Prince William County Public Schools may be accessed online at http://www.pwcs.edu/.

The link can be found in the blue ribbon on the left of the home page of the Prince William County Schools website.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES/CELL PHONE POLICY

Students may possess electronic devices on school grounds provided that these devices are not visible and are not activated before

or during the school day except at the direction of the teacher for educational purposes. When the devices are not in use, they

should be stored in the student’s locker and either placed on vibrate or silent.

Students may utilize electronic devices while traveling to and from school provided these items are not a distraction to the bus

driver and /or do not compromise safety. In addition, the use of these devices should not distract from or disrupt activities.

STUDENT PHONE CALLS/PHONE MESSAGES

PLEASE NOTE: Students will not be pulled from class for phone calls. Emergency phone calls will be handled between class,

during lunch time or after school. For our students’ safety, we do not give phone messages due to our inability to verify the

identity of the caller.

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Concussion Training Dates:

Potomac Middle School (703.221.4996) – 3130 Panther Ride, Dumfries, VA 22026

Tuesday, August 21, 2018 7pm

Thursday, November 1, 2018 7pm

Thursday, January 10, 2019 7pm

Friday, March 15, 2019 7pm

Come out and cheer on the Panther Fall Sports Teams!! (Home Games)

Football – October 11 vs Graham Park

Boys Soccer – October 10 vs Graham Park, October 17 vs Woodbridge, October

24 vs Rippon

Volleyball – October 10 vs Graham Park, October 17 vs Woodbridge, October 24

vs Rippon

Girls Track – October 9 vs Fred Lynn, October 12 vs Woodbridge

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Panther of the Month

Potomac Middle School’s Panthers of the Month! This award honors children who deserve special

recognition for outstanding abilities, achievements and efforts.

Panther of the Month/Year Criteria

1. Student must have the cumulative, non-rounded GPA of 3.0 or higher for the month receiving

award. * For a student to be eligible for Panther of the Year Award they must have earned the

Panther of the Month Award.

2. Leadership:

A. Student exemplifies positive attitude.

B. Demonstrates reliability and dependability.

C. Is a leader in the classroom and in school activities.

3. Service:

A. Works well with others and is willing to take on various responsibilities.

B. Volunteers and provides dependable and well-organized assistance and is gladly

available to offer assistance to others.

C. Shows courtesy in and out of classroom by assisting visitors, teachers, and students.

4. Character:

A. Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise,

composure).

B. Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office,

and hallways.

C. Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability.

D. Regularly shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others.

E. Engaged during instruction, observes rules, and is punctual.

F. Actively helps promote Potomac Middle School in a positive manner!

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“Let’s GO Panthers”

** Please send in your completed form and dues with your student. **

Dear Parents,

We invite you to help make a difference in your child’s Middle School Experience by

joining the PTSO. The PTSO has partnered with Potomac Middle School to help expand

several great programs that include:

1. Make PTMS a place where parents want to help out and be involved.

2. Create opportunities for parents to be involved and have a place where they can

share their concerns and ideas.

3. Help raise money to help teachers with additional learning tools for our children. Our

goal this year is to donate new laptops for teachers and students.

4. Have more fun family events throughout the school year.

We have a page on the Potomac Middle School website. We will update with all our

latest information of upcoming events, program updates and ways you can help our

students, school, and community.

You can also “Join” our Facebook Page “Potomac Middle School PTSO”. If you have any

questions or would like more information on the PTSO, and volunteer opportunities please

contact us at potomacmiddlePTSO@gmail.com

Please fill out this form and return along with payment with your student. Checks can be

made out payable to Potomac Middle School PTSO. Returned checks will be subject to a

$36 service charge.

Sincerely,

Potomac PTSO

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** Please send in your completed form and dues with your student**

Student Name (s) _______________________________________

Grade 6th 7th 8th Homeroom Teacher ____________________

Parent/Guardian ______________________________________

Address ______________________________________________

City __________________ State_______________ Zip ___________________

Email (Please print clearly) __________________________________

Telephone _________________________ Cell Phone _____________________

I prefer to be contacted by ____Email ____Phone _____Text

PTSO FEES

______ $ 15 per family

______ $ 5 per facility member (Must be part of PTSO to request funding and

supply donations)

______ $ 150 Business donation and membership. This will insure your

advertising of business on the bulletin board at school throughout the school

year. As well as advertising on the PTSO web page and the PTSO newsletter.

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Right to Special Programs/Services

The Prince William County Public Schools Division is required to inform the community of a

student’s right to a free, appropriate public education and the availability of programs and

services, including a special education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education

Improvement Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) are federal

laws that give the School Division certain responsibilities with respect to providing such

educational programs to students with disabilities. Under the IDEA and Section 504, the School

Division has the responsibility to actively and continuously identify, locate, and evaluate those

children, infant to age 21, living in Prince William County who may be in need of special

education and/or related services, or adaptations or accommodations to regular education

services.

These laws also require the School Division to:

• Refer for possible evaluation any student of school age living in the School Division who a

school staff member suspects may be disabled.

• Provide appropriate educational and school‐related opportunities to students with disabilities

in an inclusive setting to the maximum extent appropriate.

• Provide notice of the availability of services and types and location of services to nearby

private schools, pediatricians, and the Health Department.

• Provide parents/guardians of students with disabilities with notice of their rights annually,

and prior to their student’s evaluation and placement, or any significant change in their

student’s placement.

• Develop and implement procedural safeguards with respect to actions regarding the

identification, evaluation, and placement of students with disabilities.

• Provide written notice of the School Division’s procedural safeguards to parents or guardians.

If you suspect that your student may have a disability affecting your student’s development or

academic performance, or may have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits a

major life activity, please contact the Director of Special Education at 703.791.7287 for further

information.