Good Afternoon EMMS Community, 

 

As we close out the first quarter of virtual schooling in such polarizing and difficult times, I feel it is important to reaffirm a couple of commitments.  

 

First, thank you for your continued support navigating virtual schooling. It seems like September 8th was just yesterday, and we were struggling with meet codes and getting acclimated to virtual classrooms. Thank you for supporting your children and providing them with the best environment possible to learn while juggling the realities of Covid-19 and working from home. Additionally, I want to thank the EMMS staff for adapting their teaching practices in seemingly unlimited and creative ways to meet our students' needs. Though the realities of virtual learning are far from perfect, together we have adapted and grown in our capacity to not just to teach kids, but provide our students with a rich and differentiated learning experience. Thank you for your patience, partnership, and resolve.  

 

Secondly, I would like to acknowledge that our school community may have varying feelings on the Presidential Election results, but regardless of the results, Ellicott Mills Middle School will remain committed to our core values. We will continue to be a school that values the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We will continue to foster a safe and positive school climate that promotes growth, respect, and acceptance for ALL. We will continue to teach and lead with love and compassion, especially during these turbulent times.  

 

Thank you.

1. Best Buddies is now accepting applications from students who would like to be a peer in this amazing program. Please go to Best Buddies online application and fill out the application form. Best Buddies is where you sign up to be peer buddy who commits to a one-on-one relationship with a student who has intellectual or developmental disabilities for an academic school year. We will also participate in group activities throughout the year. Come support a fellow student, make new friends, and have fun! To find out more information Check out the Best Buddies website. Should you have any questions, please contact Ms. Eikenberg (deborah_eikenberg@hcpss.org).
2. EMMS Open Up Student Book Club on Thursdays from 3:15-4:15pm. Check out this flyer to learn more about this terrific opportunity for students to read high-interest novels that focus on themes of inclusivity, cultural identity, and lived experiences different from your own. Each Thursday afternoon, you will participate in engaging and meaningful discussions with your peers in a Google Meet setting. If this sounds like something your student is interested in, please complete this application and permission slip by October 30th. Reach out to Mrs. Batelka with any questions (christina_batelka@hcpss.org).
3. EMMS Council of Student Voices Hey Eagles! on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30pm for 18 weeks starting November 10th. Looking for a way to get involved? There's a new intramural opportunity; The EMMS Council of Student Voices! Please have your student complete this interest form and review this Video from EMMS teaching staff; Slide show from EMMS Staff. We can't wait to collaborate! Ms. Hoffman and Mrs. DePola (NOTE: Links may only be accessible through your students Canvas log-in information) .

EMMS CELEBRATING OUR EAGLES

 

HCPSS Invites Stakeholder Input on the School Resource Officer Program: The Howard County Public School System invites students, parents and guardians, staff members and community stakeholders to share their input about the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program in HCPSS schools. Feedback about the program may be provided by emailing SROinput@hcpss.org. All messages will be reviewed; however, due to the anticipated volume, individual responses should not be expected. The feedback provided will inform HCPSS' ongoing review of the roles, purpose and outcomes of SROs in Howard County schools. An update was presented at the October 22, 2020 Board meeting.