Middle School Principal's Page

January 15, 2021

MRH MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

(314)644-4406

Students at MRH Middle School are immersed both inside and outside the classroom in a variety of experiences through the metaphor, “School as Expedition.”

Learning expeditions are in-depth studies of a topic that engage students through authentic projects, real-life studies, fieldwork, and service. Expeditions occur within the school walls when the community is brought into the classroom through expert guest speakers and outside of the classroom, as a journey to conduct fieldwork.

 ‌  ‌

DRAMA 2 One Act

Friday, January 15, 2021, at 7 pm

Drama 2 One Act will be live-streamed on Friday, January 15, 2021, at 7 pm!

Due to copyright laws, this is a "one time only" viewing and will not be shared at any other time.

Don't miss out on this great opportunity!

Claire Moylan is our 2021 Spelling Bee Champ!! Claire will represent MRH Middle School at the regional bee this spring!

Piper Krussel is our runner-up and Enzo Gilbonio came in close at third place!!

?Congrats to all for their hard work!!!

MRH NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!

Our federal funding for next year is based on our families turning in the Free and Reduced Meal Application for this 2020-2021 school year. Currently, we do not have enough responses to secure this funding. This funding is very important for MRH and our families!

Forms are due by Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Please visit www.mrhschools.net/programs/school-nutrition-services/free-and-reduced-meal-application to learn how to get started. 

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Sponsored by the Blue Duck

Ethan Lewis is our 8th-grade student of the week. He is a hard worker, who takes charge of his learning. Ethan is an active member of his learning community and his inclusive demeanor creates a positive classroom environment for all. He advocates for himself and asks questions to further his thinking and challenges his peers to do the same. We are lucky to have Ethan as part of MRHMS!

Joseph Lundgren is our 7th-grade student of the week. Joseph is a self-starter who has done a wonderful job managing his learning on the PLP platform this semester. He demonstrates leadership and scholarship, asking thoughtful questions, and regulating his time in order to complete assignments on time. Joseph also challenges himself, requesting to read books that were not required, but simply because he wished to experience them alongside his other classmates learning online. Thank you, Joseph, for taking such an active role in your learning this year!

WAY TO GO, Ethan & Joseph!!?

Both Ethan and Joseph will receive a free pint of homemade ice cream

?courtesy of the Blue Duck.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRHMS

REMOTE SCHOLARS!

Kristina Rivera - 1/14

Marley Mukaza - 1/16

Jashawn Price - 1/16

 We hope you ALL enjoy

YOUR day!!!

FINALS!! FINALS!! FINALS!!

Below is the middle school schedule for

?semester finals

Weekly Learning

SCIENCE

This week in Mr. Busby's 7th-grade science class, students are learning about force and motion. They are exploring the concept by engaging in digital escape rooms! Students work in teams to use hints sent to them through Zoom chat, look up past resources, and seek advice from Mr. Busby as they try to crack the codes to move onto the next "room," and ultimately escape!

In addition to the escape rooms, students are applying what they learned about force and motion in Phet simulation labs. In the labs, students can manipulate friction, speed, mass, and applied force. Then, they are able to draw conclusions like the amount of force it takes to pick up an object is the same amount of force it takes to put down the object and release it.

CALENDAR EVENTS

NO SCHOOL - January 18, 2021 ~ ML King, Jr. Day

END OF SECOND QUARTER - January 21, 2021

NO SCHOOL (Teacher Work Day) - January 22, 2021?

December 18, 2020- There will be no weekly learning email next week.

MRH MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

(314)644-4406

Students at MRH Middle School are immersed both inside and outside the classroom in a variety of experiences through the metaphor, “School as Expedition.”

Learning expeditions are in-depth studies of a topic that engage students through authentic projects, real-life studies, fieldwork, and service. Expeditions occur within the school walls when the community is brought into the classroom through expert guest speakers and outside of the classroom, as a journey to conduct fieldwork.

 ‌  ‌

Hello Parents, Students, and Staff,

As you finish up this day and run/walk/jump into these final days of learning prior to winter break (remember we still have school Monday and Tuesday), I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your time, dedication, service, commitment, and ethic of care you have shown our community this year. I am deeply grateful to have learned from all of you in my attempt to lead with my heart during this pandemic. Leading with your heart is about taking the time to build trusted relationships with students, parents, and staff here at MRH Middle. There is no doubt not seeing everyone in person has made this much more difficult. You already know how much you deserve this break and my wish for each and every one of you is that it brings you the respite you deserve, need, and want. 

Remember to wear your mask, maintain distance, and support your local businesses during this pandemic. Thank you again to all of you and have a wonderful winter break. With gratitude, from my heart to yours, whatever you celebrate may it fill you with love and peace. 

Dr. Michael Dittrich

Principal

MRH Middle

Progress reports - Many schools send out progress reports around this time in the semester. A reminder that parents can access Powerschool at any time to check grades. Teachers have worked hard this week to make sure grades are updated and ready for your viewing. If there is an issue with the grade, please reach out to the teacher directly with your inquiry. As a commitment to continuing the sustainability of resources, we do not print and mail progress reports unless requested. If you still wish to have a paper copy you can email tonya.jonas@mrhschools.net.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Sponsored by the Blue Duck

Grace Floyd is our 8th-grade student of the week! Grace is a consistently hard worker. She is a leader among her peers and takes an active role in class discussions. She is a reflective thinker, who is not afraid to take risks and ask questions to further her understanding. Grace has high standards for herself and produces quality work that exceeds expectations. We appreciate her dedication to learning!

Lucy Schmidt is our 7th-grade student of the week! Lucy puts forth a great deal of effort toward her learning. She is dependable, always fully present, and looks for creative ways to motivate herself and others. Lucy strives to make meaningful contributions and is always willing to explain her learning or make helpful connections during discussions or projects. Thank you, Lucy, for your willingness to engage and encourage. We appreciate you!

WAY TO GO, Grace & Lucy!!?

Both Grace and Lucy will receive a free pint of homemade ice cream

?courtesy of the Blue Duck.

MRH Middle will once again participate in the

Scripps Spelling Bee!

Interested students must sign up HERE by Friday, December 18th, and will then need to come to campus to take a written test the week of January 11-15.  

A school winner will be determined and that individual will represent our school at the St. Louis Bee in March.

A word list is attached HERE so you may begin studying!

FINALS!! FINALS!! FINALS!!

Below is the middle school schedule for

?semester finals

Weekly Learning

Mrs. Demijan's Mathlab

This week in Mrs. Demijan's mathlab, students are using an online, interactive tool called Whiteboard.fi. On this platform, students are provided with a virtual dry erase board in which they can write, draw, graph, type and share their learning with the teacher. It updates in real-time so students can see what the teacher is writing on their board while being able to follow along on their own board. 

Seventh graders have been using Whiteboard.fi this week to practice simplifying expressions, in preparation for the equations to come. Eighth graders are using Whiteboard.fi to review one-step and two-step equations, as well as work through the process of multi-step equations. Both grade levels are also having a little fun with the online tool and using it for brain breaks as well.

Check out some of the 7th graders' drawings of what they are most looking forward to doing on winter break!!

CALENDAR EVENTS

NO SCHOOL - December 23 - January 1, 2021 - Winter Break!!!

RETURN TO SCHOOL - January 4, 2021!! Welcome Back!!!

NO SCHOOL - January 18, 2021 ~ ML King, Jr. Day

END OF SECOND QUARTER - January 21, 2021

NO SCHOOL (PD Day) - January 22, 2021

?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRHMS

REMOTE SCHOLARS!

Marcus Brinkley - 12/20

Celia Giles - 12/21

Michael Strong - 12/21

Adia Wren - 12/28

William Harbaugh - 12/29

Hunter DeSimone - 12/29

Alejandro Campbell-Gomez - 12/31

Ahmed Al Horani - 1/1

Ammar Sakroujeh - 1/2

Gloria Acosta-Carrero - 1/3

Rebecca Cusumano - 1/3

Samantha Miller - 1/9

Satina Miller - 1/9

 We hope you ALL enjoy

YOUR day!!!

December 11, 2020

MRH MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

(314)644-4406

Students at MRH Middle School are immersed both inside and outside the classroom in a variety of experiences through the metaphor, “School as Expedition.”

Learning expeditions are in-depth studies of a topic that engage students through authentic projects, real-life studies, fieldwork, and service. Expeditions occur within the school walls when the community is brought into the classroom through expert guest speakers and outside of the classroom, as a journey to conduct fieldwork.

 ‌  ‌

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Sponsored by the Blue Duck

Blue Bynum is our 8th grade Student of the Week. He is diligent and hard-working. Blue brings positive energy to our online discussions, and through his actions, encourages his peers to do the same. He takes pride in his learning, and always strives to do his best work. Way to go Blue!

Silas Tanner is our 7th grade student of the week! Silas is consistently engaged and is always putting forth his best work. He is an innovative designer and shows a passion for computational fluency. Silas constantly applies himself to the design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful, and imaginative solutions.

WAY TO GO Blue & Silas!!?

Both Blue and Silas will receive a free pint of homemade ice cream

?courtesy of the Blue Duck.

MRH Middle will once again participate in the

Scripps Spelling Bee!

Interested students must sign up HERE by Friday, December 18th, and will then come to campus in order to take a written test the week of January 11-15.  

A school winner will be determined and that individual will represent our school at the St. Louis Bee in March.

A word list is attached HERE so you may begin studying!

Weekly Learning

7th Grade

?Communication Arts

Scholars in Mrs. Tanner’s 7th grade Communication Arts class have been working with teaching artists from Metro Theater Company, exploring the concepts of oppression and empathy through kinesthetic activities such as virtual “sculpting” (pretending to shape their partner into a stance that portrays a particular emotion), vocal exercises and choral reading. Students are currently engaged in various novels (Diary of Anne Frank, Bull Run, Farewell to Manzanar, Zlata’s Diary, and Torn Thread) that deal with conflict. Sessions with Metro have helped students bring literature alive while allowing them the opportunity to build respect for peers by collaborating as partners and in small groups. 

CALENDAR EVENTS

NO SCHOOL - December 23 - January 1, 2021 - Winter Break!!!

RETURN TO SCHOOL - January 4, 2021!!

NO SCHOOL - January 18, 2021 ~ ML King, Jr. Day

?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRHMS

REMOTE SCHOLARS!

Jamie Jones - 12/13

Alyssa Kelsay - 12/15

Aiden Bernard - 12/17

Aiden Coleman - 12/17

Xavier Posley-Solis - 12/17

Cayden Mattox - 12/18

Daria Martin - 12/19

Marissa Usher - 12/19

Hannah Williams - 12/19

 We hope you all enjoy

YOUR day!!!

MRH Tech Help Desk

A computer or other tech item can be dropped off or picked up from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Students are asked to create a tech work order by calling 314-446-3999 and leaving a message OR emailing tech@mrhschools.net (only one method is required).

Students should submit the computer or other tech device to be repaired at the Tech Help Desk located on the main floor (2) of the MS/HS building at 7539 Manchester Rd. The single point of entry to the Tech Help Desk will be through the MS/HS Gym Lobby Entrance within the Commons. Access to the rest of the building is still restricted to visitors. The permitted path to the help desk will be clearly marked. Per St. Louis County ordinance, masks are required when in the building.

Upon arrival at the Tech Desk, the repair technician will assess the device and communicate the estimated time to repair. A loaner device will be assigned if the repair is estimated to be completed after the current business day or outside regular business hours. Should the desk be temporarily closed, please make sure the device is clearly marked with the students/staff members name and contact phone number and leave it on the table.

Once the device is repaired, check email for the ticket response indicating that the computer has been repaired and is ready to pick up. Typical repair time will be within one business day. Enter MS/HS Gym Lobby and pick up your repaired device from the tech help desk. If a loaner device was issued, it will need to be returned in order to receive the repaired device. Please remember to bring the charger as well.

December 10, 2020

MRHMS Families,

This email is intended for families who are considering the MRH Virtual Academy option. A reminder that the virtual academy option does not include MRH teachers or MRH curriculum. As noted in previous communications, families choosing the MRH Virtual Academy (working from home with no option to come on campus) will be working through Launch, an online school that meets all Missouri guidelines with Missouri Course Access Program (MOCAP). Launch will be replacing Schools PLP that the middle school utilized in the first semester. In order to help you better understand this platform, we are going to host a Virtual Launch Open House on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, from 6 pm - 7 pm. This open house is an opportunity for parents to learn about enrollment, what classes will look like for students, and an opportunity to ask questions from Launch professionals.

What is LAUNCH?

Launch is a virtual course access program designed to serve Missouri students. All Launch courses are built by curriculum specialists, teachers, and digital developers and are aligned to Missouri Learning Standards. Each Launch course is taught by a highly qualified Missouri educator.

Similarities to Learning in a School Building:

• Launch courses still have teachers there to support students.

• Students still complete assignments, but they are delivered in an online format.

• Course pacing follows a similar calendar to seated courses.

Differences From the Traditional Classroom:

• Students won’t always see teachers face-to-face in real-time, although they have opportunities to conference with them.

?• Launch course content is already created for students, so they can work at their own pace.

For more information about Launch, please take a look at MS/HS Guide-Parent & Student.

If you are interested in attending our open house, please fill out this Virtual Open House RSVP. You will receive the zoom link for the open house on the day before the event.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Michael Dittrich

Principal 

Maplewood Richmond Heights School District