Things You Need to Know

Greetings and Happy New Year.  The 2nd semester is off to a great start.  We had a record number of students make the A and A/B Honor Roll and will have an Honor Roll Assembly on January 26th during 3rd period.

Coming up this month (January) will be Day in the Life of  Middle School Student.  If you know of a family that has a prospective 7th grade student invite them to visit our Middle School Campus.   This is a great opportunity to get to see what happens at a middle school and can help remove the nerves of the first day in August.

There will also be an Open House on Sunday, January 22nd.  We encourage all new families including our families from St. Bede to come and take a tour.  Our SGA and National Junior Honor Society members along with the Administration and Faculty will host the event.  For more details visit www.montgomerycatholic.org

At the end of this month our school will celebrate Catholic Schools Week.  This is an annual event that honors our students, our faculty, our community, our parishes and our nation.  There will be several events planned including inviting Grandparents and Parents to eat lunch with their middle school student.

As always there’s lots going on at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School.  Visit our calendar and also sign up for our e-news to be sure not to miss anything.   For questions please feel free to call the middle school office at 334-272-2465.

God Bless.  Mrs. Rech

Cold Weather Brings 1st Semester to an End

It’s hard to believe that there are only 12 days to semester exams and 16 days to the Christmas Break.   Exams count 10 percent of the semester grade and are comprehensive.   It is typical to wait to the last minute to study for exams but to keep away test anxiety and improve grades have your student start reviewing a little bit each night now.   Sit down and help them write out a plan or time journal to see how much material needs to be covered and how much time to spend on each subject.   If your student has a subject they are weaker in than others it might be good for them to go back and rework homework from previous chapters.

For more advise on studying for exams visit: http://www.studygs.net/

The exam schedule for the Middle School is as follows:
Thursday, December 15th – English / Science
Friday, December 16th – Math / Social Studies
Monday, December 19th – Religion

Fall Mid-Quarter

Fall is in the air…but don’t let your student fall behind in their grades.   With so much going on here at school it’s easy for students to get wrapped up in extra-curricular activities and forget about academics.  This week marks the middle of the 1st quarter and 2nd quarter will be here before we know it.  Please make sure to check Parent Portal for a mid-quarter progress report this week.

Over the last few weeks we have been reviewing study skills in Advisory classes and our students seem to be applying these new skills to their classes.  If you notice your student struggling with a subject please be sure to have them at school in time for tutorials, Monday through Friday morning from 7:35 to 8:00am.  Teachers are available for individual or group instruction, students can study for an upcoming quiz or test, finish homework or work ahead on the next chapter.

Our faculty is here to assist your student succeed, however, we always need our parents to reiterate the importance of good study skills at home.  If you have questions about your students classes we are available by email or in person by setting up a parent / teacher conference.   The end of the quarter is October 13th so please don’t wait until it too late to address any concerns about grades, assignments, or performance on test or quizzes.

Also, your student should be writing everything down in their agenda book.  Take the time to review and make sure it’s not a “blank” page.  Not sure when your student has test or quizzes?  Check the Daily Bulletin on the Parent Portal.  These are posted weekly every Monday afternoon and can give you great insight into what your student should be studying at home.

Until next time,

Mrs. Rech

Are you ready for a New School Year!

Can you believe it’s time for a new school year? The halls are already full of students getting their lockers ready, practicing sports and band camp.  How exciting to see the anticipation on the faces of the students and the faculty.  We have a great group of students this year (as always) and are looking forward to getting to know everyone.  Last night’s Parent Meeting was packed with lots of information.  Check out the Behavior Progam and Homework Detention links on this site to get a recap of the new policies.

This year we are re-introducing Advisory in the Middle School.  Each morning your student will meet in Advisory for team building and a topic of the month.  Our first month’s topic is Study Skills.  Students will learn about time management, priorities, note taking and more.  On Fridays during Advisory the classes will compete against each other with fun games and activities.

Your student will be bringing home a statement on bullying.  Please review with your student, sign and return to their teacher.  Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School has a no tolerance policy when it comes to bullying of any sort.  If you or your student feels they are being bullyed physically, verbally, emotionally or via cyber space please contact us immediately. 

Please contact us with any concerns, advise or ideas to make this school year even better.

God Bless,

Mrs. Rech

Summer is Here!

Happy Summer!!!  After another successful school year at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School summer is finally here!  Report cards, ITBS scores and information packets were mailed on June 3rd.   If you haven’t received your copy please contact the office to make sure one was sent for your family.

For those of you who received the packet you will notice the summer reading list was enclosed.  We hope you are enjoying your time off, but don’t wait until the last-minute to read your books.  

You will also find an elective form was included in the packet.  Please be sure to complete and return to the middle school office by July 8th.  Classes are filling up fast.  Please be aware that class spaces are on a first come first serve basis.

Mrs. Rech will mail placement letters next week (June 20th).  You will find information regarding the Math and English class you were assigned.  Please call 334-272-2465 ext. 28 if questions.  Complete schedules will not be available until Registration night, August 1st.

Just a reminder our summer hours are Monday through Thursday from 10am to 2pm.  Have a great summer!

Tips to Keep Summer Learning Alive:
by www.hotelfun4kids.com

Visit museums, art galleries, theme parks, zoos, sea aquariums, waterfronts, cultural centers, historical sites and ethnic festivals to create learning experiences for the whole family.

Listen to “talking books” from a cassette tape or CD during long car rides. This will broaden your child’s vocabulary, reinforce grammatical skills and expand his or her knowledge.

When driving, teach your children directionality, names of towns, cities, capitals, provinces and states. Engage in word and memory games to reinforce learning.

Take supplemental learning materials with you in your travels so that children can practice skills on a daily basis, whether on the road, at the cottage or on the beach.

Plan camping excursions to national and provincial parks and sign-up for nature hikes, canoeing trips, walking tours and survival training.

Visit forests, ravines, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and natural wonders (e.g. caves, mountains, escarpments) to pave the way for informative discussions.

Take the family to historical sites such as forts, castles and monuments as alternatives to shopping malls. Aboriginal sites and cultural centres give everyone the opportunity to experience Native Canadian art, customs and traditions.

Purchase or put together a journal that kids can use to record their vacation experiences. Take time every day to add an entry.

Encourage children to write postcards and letters to friends while on vacation.

Semester Exams

The Semester Exam schedule has been posted and the faculty has begun reviewing with the students.  Just a reminder that exams are comprehensive over the 1st and 2nd quarter material and count 10% of the final grade.  The schedule is as follows:

• December 13  –  Religion
• December 14 –   English
• December 15 –   Science
• December 16 –   History
• December 17 –   Math

Please encourage your student to begin studying now and not wait to the last minute.  They can prepare by reviewing their notes, flashcards, past homework assignments and outlining the chapters in their textbooks.

It is not uncommon for students to have test anxiety over comprehensive exams or time tests.  The easiest way to conquer this fear to spend lots of time reviewing the material and knowing the information frontwards and backwards.  If your student is still expressing concern there are several websites that address ways to achieve success.

Here are some websites to help you find the information:
www.how-to-study.com/study-skills/en/taking-tests/47/test-anxiety/
http://kidshealth.org
http://www.counselingcenter.illinois.edu/?page_id=114
http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/01361anxiety.pdf

Happy Studying!
God Bless, Mrs. Rech

Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 25-29, 2010

This week is Drug Awareness Week aka Red Ribbon Week.  The students will participate in several events to help bring awareness to our campus.  There will be a Poster contest for the best Drug Prevention Message.  On Tuesday, we will Band Against Drugs by wearing our favorite headbands or bandanas.  Wednesday is Rally in Red day and the students may wear red to support Drug Awareness.  Friday, if our spirit shirts are in we will Team Up Against Drugs.

Our two  speakers during our Elective time on Monday and Wednesday will be  Robert Thornhill who is a Drug Addiction Counselor and a recovering addict.  (As a matter of fact on Tuesday, Oct. 26th, he will celebrate 16 years of sobriety.)  Robert will discuss drug addiction with the students through music and sharing his testimony.  Dr. Gerry Otero and the staff from the Civil Air Patrol will be here on Wednesday to share about their Drug Reduction Program.

We ask you to take the time this week to talk to your student about Drug Use and educate them on what they can do to get away from peer pressure.  It takes everyone to fight against drugs and we ask you to join us in this fight.

Blessings, Sarah Rech

End of 1st Quarter

It’s hard to believe but the end of the first quarter is fast approaching.  If you haven’t checked your student’s grades recently please log onto your Parent Portal account.  If you have questions feel free to contact the teachers via email (the best way) or by phone.

The end of the quarter is Wednesday, Oct. 13th and report cards will be sent home to parents on Monday, Oct. 18th.  If you would like to schedule a parent/teacher conference please call Mrs. Hayden in the Middle School Office at 334-272-2465.

Just a reminder that tutorials are available every morning from 7:40am to 8:15am.  We encourage your student to attend if they are having difficulty grasping a concept.  Our teachers are willing to assist but explain to them they need to come prepared to ask questions.

We at MCPS Middle School want to work with you to help your student succeed.  Please let us know any concerns that your student is dealing with which may give us insight.  We look forward to working with you.

Blessings, Sarah Rech

Welcome Back!

As summer comes to an end Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is getting ready to welcome back our students.  Schedules were handed out  the night of registration.  If you have any questions or issues with your schedule please contact the Middle School office (334-272-2465) and we will be able to assist you.

To help you with the new school year here are a few reminders:
- No rolling backpacks are allowed.
- Put your name in your PE uniform and books.
-Label  school supplies so when they end up in the lost and found they can be returned.
- Remember no electronic devices are to be used on campus so if you have one keep it in your locker.
-Review the dress code section of the handbook before you start the school year.

AND remember if you are not sure ask an adult.  If you rely on a friend’s information sometimes it can be incorrect.  The faculty and Adminstration are here to make your school year a success but we need you to be on our team.

See you in the Hallways!
Mrs. Rech

School’s Out for the Summer!

MCPS Middle School dismissed for the summer on May 28, 2010, and will begin our 2010-2011 school year on August 12th.  If you need to reach us during the summer, our office hours are 10am to 2pm Monday through Friday.  For questions via phone please call 334-272-2465 or email us at srech@montgomerycatholic.org

For those looking for the textbook and/or summer reading list information can be found on our website at www.montgomerycatholic.org   You can also find upcoming dates to remember for the coming school year.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy summer and look forward to seeing new and old faces in August.  Be sure to stay sharp by reviewing your Math, English, Science, History and Religion skills online at such sites as:

www.brainpop.com

www.coolmath4kids.com

www.mathplayground.com

www.yourdictionary.com

www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities.html

www.kids.gov

www.kids.nationalgeographic.com

www.catholicmom.com/catholic_kids.htm

God Bless,  Mrs. Rech