Week #16- December 2, 2024
I trust that MES families enjoyed a holiday break with family and friends this past week. This traditional time of reflecting on our blessings and giving thanks was especially well-timed for me this year. I am grateful for the MES school community, and for the advocacy and support we enjoy. Monday, December 2, the school reopens and a fifteen-day stretch to the Winter Break begins. These few weeks will be very busy- full of opportunities to learn, celebrate and have fun. In addition, there will be some required assessments conducted by the literacy team. The information from these assessments will provide valuable feedback on the progress of students and the effectiveness of the new Reading curriculum.
The Duke Dog Reading Program is here!
This past week, you received information about the Duke Dog Reading Program and we are excited to get MES kids reading for the program! Once reading goals are met and verified by parents, students earn tickets to several JMU basketball games.
Reading goals are: Pre-K through Grade 3: Five (5) grade-level appropriate books and
Grade 4 & 5: Three (3) grade-level appropriate books.
This program runs through February 2025 and parents are asked to verify that their child(ren) met the goals on the Duke Dog Reading website. Dates of the games are listed on the Duke Dog Reading website and on the letter that came home last week. Here is the LINK to the JMU Duke Dog Reading Program.
Have fun reading and have a great week!!
Other Announcements/Reminders from the MES Office:
Ten-Day Attendance Challenge starts Monday, December 2.
The MES office has several student admission tickets for upcoming JMU basketball home games. If you would like a ticket to the game, please contact the school’s office. Adults attending with the student would still have to pay the general admission price.
Holidays with Heart Update
Families Providing Support-- Information for the need/student you are matched with will be coming home with your child on Monday/Tuesday. So, please check your child's bookbag.
Families Signed Up to Receive Assistance- You will be contacted by phone/email the week of December 9th to schedule for the pickup of items. Pickup will take place the week of December 16th.
If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Mitchell, School Counselor, at wmitchell@rockingham.k12.va.us or by calling the school at (540) 289-3004.
The MES Fall Service Project was a great success again this year. MES donated 393 items to the EAUS. The Eagle House collected the most, with 160 items being turned in. Thank you!
MES Library Information: Library Catalog Tutorial explains how families can access the MES Library Catalog and how to use the search, history and hold features of the catalog. Learn more at the MES Library Website.
Attendance Tip: Many families have busy schedules in the month of December and the days leading up to the Winter holidays. I encourage families to try to attend each day of school, even if just for a portion of the day. Attending for even a couple of hours can help students stay connected and appreciate the importance of positive attendance.
Parent & Family Resources & Information:
Activities & Events at MES:
MES Book Fair- December 2-6
MES PTO Meeting- December 4 (6 PM)
MES PTO Ornament Night- December 5 (5 PM)
MES Book Fair with Santa- December 5 (5:30 PM)
Bring Your Adult to PE- December 6-12
MES Spelling Bee- December 5
MES Winter Concert (K & 1st Grade)- December 17 (6 PM)
MES Holiday Sing Along Assembly- December 20
Winter Break- December 21-January 3