Nissitissit Middle School
Pepperell, MA
"Home of the Falcons"
November
4, 2004
Dear Parents,
School attendance is one of the most important ingredients of a successful
student. Children are required to attend school for 180 days each year. A
successful attendance standard would include less than 5 days absent in a
year. It alarms me that many children miss school for reasons other than illness.
We will continue to maintain a high standard for student attendance. I appreciate
your support in joining NMS in applauding this expectation. October attendance:
Grade 6 (97.6%) Grade 7 (96.9%) Grade 8 (96.9%)
Parents are urged to access our school website at nmiddlesex.mec.edu
for information about enrollment in the Homework Zone. You may apply electronically
at the Nissitissit homepage. Once approved, you will be able to access your
child’s schedule, homework assignments, and school calendar of events,
report card and more. Teachers will begin posting assignments next week.
We are currently looking for new activities in our CLASP program. Come share
your talents and expertise with our children. They enjoy the diverse classes
that are offered in this after school program. You may call Robin Day at 433-0114
if you might be interested in running a CLASP activity. All instructors receive
compensation for their efforts.
The VBES PTSG is sponsoring a parent workshop on November 16th titled Weather
Bug Achieve! Learn how the Weather Bug tracking system can benefit your child,
your family and your community. The workshop is presented by VBES computer
specialist Paula Grier and will begin at 7:00 PM in the VBES computer lab.
Tryouts for our girls’ and boys’ basketball teams have been scheduled
for next week at NMS. These tryouts will lead to the formation of our two
teams. This is a competitive basketball experience. The first session is scheduled
on 11/8 for girls from 3-4:30 and boys from 4:30-6:00. These tryouts are for
7th and 8th graders only. Some 6th graders may have been invited as well following
their tryout this week.
This week marked the beginning of our involvement with the Continental Math
League. Over 134 students in grades 6-8 have joined teams at their grade level.
This math enrichment opportunity is being coordinated by NMS math teachers.
I commend them for participating in this effort.
Parent conferences will be held on November 22 and 23 from 12-2:30. Evening
conferences will be held on November 22nd from 6-8:00 PM. Please watch for
information to come home with your children concerning appointments. The Unified
Arts teachers are also available to meet with parents. Art, music, computer,
health, physical education and foreign language teachers will be located in
their classrooms. Mr. Wrobel, our library/media specialist will be in the
library. Please contact these teachers if you would like an appointment.
NMS has been very involved with a white paper recycling program. We have seen
a 90% increase in the quantity of paper that is being picked up for recycling.
We thank the children, staff, and custodians for their efforts.
Term 1 report cards will be issued on November 15th. It is important to prepare
for a conference with your child’s teacher(s). You should review your
child’s report card with your child. Writing down comments or questions
in advance of your conference is very helpful. If your child is not doing
well, then try to better understand what has to be improved. Is it an issue
of homework or test preparation? Try to establish a reasonable standard of
communication with the teachers. Increased communication between the teacher
and you might help. Please remember to maintain a positive team approach when
meeting. This type of atmosphere allows all concerned parties the opportunity
to build a successful relationship, which will only benefit your child.
Success Assemblies will be scheduled for the week after report cards come
out. Each term, we recognize children in a special way at these assemblies.
I have so much fun watching your children get excited about being recognized
for their efforts. These assemblies help promote school spirit, achievement,
and our core values in CLICK!
DATES TO REMEMBER
11/8 -- Town Meeting 7-11:00 PM
11/9 -- School Council Meeting – 5:15 PM
11/11-- Veteran’s Day – no school
11/12 -- Professional Development Day – no school
11/15 -- Report Cards go home
11/19 -- Student Picture Make up Day
11/22, 23 -- Early Release Days for Parent Conferences
11/24 -- Early Release Day
11/25, 26 -- Thanksgiving – no school
Sincerely,
Michael Tikonoff, Principal