Middle School Newsletter

December 21, 2018

MS. WRIGHT'S WRITINGS…
I recently read the following quote, “Family isn’t defined only by last name or by blood; it’s defined by commitment and by love. It means showing up when they need it most. It means having each other’s backs. It means choosing to love each other even on those days when you struggle to like each other. It means never giving up on each other!” I know our teachers, students, parents, friends and families have often heard me refer to PCS as a family. I really do believe this to be true. And as I prepare to begin winter break, I realize that I am so very lucky and thankful to be part of two families, the one I come home to and the one here at PCS.

If you were to randomly ask anyone of our teachers about our students at PCS I am confident you would get the same response...they are the BEST. After 19 years I can unequivocally tell you that I continue to come back year after year because of our students. Each and every child that walks through those front doors is part of our family. Every student I have had the privilege to work with will forever have an impact on my life. I know that as adults, we are here to teach and guide our students but I often find it is the students who are doing the teaching and guiding. PCS is such a special place that many former students come back to visit their “home away from home”. This is so special for me to have the opportunity to catch up with them and maintain our relationship as they experience the next chapter of their lives.

I am sure many of you have heard me speak so very highly of our MS teachers and support staff. These amazing individuals show up everyday and give their very best for our students because they love them so much. I am in awe of the dedication and compassion they have for education but more importantly, for your children. They never shy away from challenges and will always do WHATEVER it takes to make sure all students are truly cared for. I know what an honor it is to have such an incredible staff who push me to better everyday.

Over the years I have had the opportunity to talk, meet and really get to know many of you. These relationships mean so very much to me. You trust us everyday with your most precious gift in life and I thank you for the opportunity to get to know, care for and love your child everyday. As a principal, I strive each and every day to form meaningful connections with all of my families and to work together so that our children have wonderful experiences daily. If we haven’t had the chance to connect this year, I would really love that opportunity moving into 2019. On January 16th I am going to have a casual meeting where we can have coffee and conversation...please save the date! I will be sending more information home about this after winter break.

As with any job, this one can be tiring at times but I can honestly say I can’t imagine doing anything else. However, even when the days are long and exhausting, they are so worth it because family is worth it! I want to thank each of you for allowing me to be part of your family. Best wishes to you and yours during the winter break.

Kindly,

Kim

314.645.9600 (607)~kwright@premiercharterschool.org

UPDATES:

6th Grade…

6th Grade has been filled with kindness the past couple weeks as we completed many 12 days of kindness activities! Thanks to all of our wonderful students who built people up, took care of our space, and put smiles on faces! A hot chocolate party and pajama day is well deserved! Wishing all students and families a safe, fun, and restoring winter break!

-Ms. O’Brien, Mr. Orelup, Ms. Deason, Mr. Graczyk, and Ms. Berwick

7th Grade…

Na na na na... Na na na na... Hey hey hey... Gooooodbyyyeeeee.... Until next year ;)

7th grade keeps it real! Remember we love you, stay warm, go outside, and enjoy your break.

8th Grade…

Wow!

Winter break is already here

which means the end of semester 1 is near.

Please check IC to see your child's grades

Will you be dismayed?

Or does your kid have it made?

Either way

They need your support.

Regardless of the report,

encourage them to read

or complete their work at an appropriate speed.

Be sure to build in some time for rest.

We really think your kids are the best.

Here's to the new year,

don't shed a tear,

they're still your babies a little bit longer.

In semester two, let's help them grow stronger.

In many ways,

remember, these are the days.

With the new year approaching, there's so much excitement...and so few supplies. 8th grade classrooms could benefit from donations including tissues, hand sanitizer, pencils, and paper towels. Let's also support the kids by helping them remember all they need to be successful: bringing headphones to class, completing homework on time, and doing their best! This is the time for the class of 2019 to shine!

Specialists…

The specialist corner would like to wish everyone a delightful winter break and a happy new year. As the semester winds down, we look forward to fostering our students' creativity and curiosity further in 2019! Please enjoy the rest of your 2018, and we'll see you in the new year.

Lottery…

Does your current student have a sibling who wants to come to PCS? Do you have a family member, friend, or neighbor who has a child ready for school?

It is that time of year again…Pre-Kindergarten thru 8th Grade applications for new students in the 2019-2020 lottery are now open!

Families can apply today through Schoolmint. If you do not already have a Schoolmint account, begin by going to premiercharterschool.schoolmint.net and create a secure account with a username and password. From there, you can fill out an application for your student for the grade they will be going in to next year.

Our first-round new student lotteries will be held on the following dates:

Kindergarten: February 1, 2019
Pre-Kindergarten: February 25, 2019
1st – 8th Grade: April 1, 2019

Should you have any questions regarding your student’s application, your Schoolmint account, or the lottery, please feel free to contact PCS admissions at admissions@premiercharterschool.org.

Safety Awareness…

As it starts getting dark earlier and we are reminded of situations as we watch the news, please have a conversation with your child about being aware of what is going on around them as they walk home from school. If your child has permission to walk to the park, YMCA or QT etc. please remind them not to accept a ride or engage with any strangers. While we are sure you have already had these conversations with your child we want to reiterate the importance so that your child can continue to make smart decision for themselves.

We want to remind you that PCS has safety structures in place if we were ever to be in a lockdown situation because of an outside threat. Please rest assured that we understand communication in these situations are of utmost importance. Parents will be notified through the automated school system; calls texts and emails. We have a very good relationship with the police department down the street and if we hear of or are made aware of a situation where lockdown might be a possibility, we will be in contact with district 2. They will be able to provide accurate details of the situation and from there we can receive their recommendation on our course of action. At all times, student safety is on our minds and we will always communicate with what you need to know. As always please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Dress Down…

On the last Monday of the month any student who has earned 80% or higher on their homework completion grade may dress down. Students can check their grade on Infinite Campus to ensure that they have indeed earned this privilege. Please remember that all clothing must be school appropriate.

Message from the nurse…

The Center for Hearing & Speech will be screening PCS students during the weeks of December 3 and December 10 this year. All students are eligible for free hearing and vision screenings with the goal of identifying any hearing or vision problems that may improve with early intervention. There is no charge for this service. After the screening is performed, a report will be sent home to all parents for your review.

A parent/guardian form is attached in this newsletter. This form is an opt-out form, which means you only need to sign and return the form if you do NOT want your child to participate in the screenings. If you want your child to participate in the screenings, you do not need to do anything; your child will automatically be included in the screenings.

If you have any questions concerning the screenings, feel free to call the nurses at the following numbers.

Bonita Mitchell in the Early Childhood Building 314-645-9600 extension 108

Annette Gerwitz in the Elementary Building 314-645-9600 extension 244

DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

SPECIALISTS UPDATE:

We will have updates in 2019!

STUDENT CLUBS:

ATHLETICS

Cheerleading:

Cheerleading practice will continue on Wednesdays and Thursdays after school .

REMINDERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Middle School Trip…

Middle School Trip: Colorado 2019

Middle School Trip Fundraising Update: We have finished our third fundraiser for students going to Denver, CO in the spring of 2019. The coupon books that were purchased will be passed out the week of December 17th. We will complete our fundraisers with Popcornopolis in January. Thank you to everyone who participated in our last fundraiser!

If you have any questions regarding the trip please email Ms. Rhine, mrhine@premiercharterschool.org. If you have specific payment questions please contact Denise Matthews at AST, (877) 397-5700. When calling please tell the AST representative that you are with the Premier Charter School group.

BAC Update…

Dear PCS Families,

As the weather starts to turn colder we want to take a minute to remind everyone of our morning drop off and Before Care procedures. All students must be walked into the building and signed in at the office if they are dropped off prior to 8:00 am. If any student is at PCS prior to 8:00 am, we will bring them to before care and will charge the regular $5 drop in fee. In order to maintain a safe student/adult ratio and ensure we have adequate staffing in our BAC program, students are only allowed 5 drop ins over the course of the school year. The safety of our children is our highest priority and we thank you for your adherence to these procedures.

Just a reminder our next half day is December 21st, school will dismiss at noon. Please make sure your students have a way home. If they attend aftercare, it will end at 4:00 pm. If your student(s) are not enrolled in aftercare but need the program please let us know ahead of time, half day drop ins are $25 per child. Just remember that students are only allowed 5 aftercare drop ins per year.

Fundraising Opportunity…

Please see attached flyer for a Martial Arts Fundraiser
$49 will give the students 4 weeks (8 lessons)
100% of all money raised will go back to PCS

This is valid for both elementary and middle schools.
Contact Shelby Ford at Karate Life Studios, 314-352-6166

PCG Update…

The PCG is a support group for the students, teachers and parents of Premier Charter School.

Parent volunteers promote social and extracurricular activities, which will lead to successful and

positive experiences for the students. We want to welcome you and encourage all parents to

become involved in PCS. The best way to become involved is to volunteer or help out in any

way you can and you can do this through the PCG.

Please take a look at the attached letter and PCG events for the year.

Fun Around Town…

If it's fun, free, and family friendly, it's listed below. Have a wonderful weekend.

Every Thursday though Sunday evening from now until Dec 30 5-11 p.m.

Anheuser Busch Holiday Lights

https://saintlouis.kidsoutandabout.com/content/holiday-lights-anheuser-busch-0

Fri Nov 16 through Jan 1

Our Lady of the Snows Holiday Light Display

https://saintlouis.kidsoutandabout.com/content/shrine-our-lady-snows-annual-way-lights

ONGOING FREE EXHIBITS

Oct 19, 2018 through Feb 10, 2019

Kehinde Wiley: St. Louis at the St. Louis Art Museum

Artist Kehinde Wiley gained national notoriety for his work on the official portrait of Barrack Obama. Mr. Wiley now is exhibiting portraits of ordinary St. Louisans in his ongoing exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum; free now through 2/10/19 in Galleries 249 & 250 in the East Building.

Note: Due to construction directly in front of the Art Museum, Fine Arts Drive is blocked in front of the statue of St. Louis overlooking Art Hill but you may reach either one of the 2 free parking lots coming from the Zoo side or from Skinker Ave side but you currently cannot drive past the statue of St. Louis going in either direction.

https://www.slam.org/exhibitions/kehinde-wiley.php

Now extended through March 24, 2019

Panoramas of the City at the the Missouri History Museum

Panoramic photos of St. Louis as large as 10 feet x 30 feet taken from 1900 to 1950 tell the history of St. Louis is the first half of the 20th century.

Exhibit date has been extended through March 24, 2019. http://mohistory.org/exhibits/panoramas-of-the-city/

Through June 2, 2019

Muny Memories at the Missouri History Museum

The nations oldest outdoor theater celebrates its 100th birthday. Learn about past performances, take a peek backstage, vote for your favorite star, & learn a dance step at the free ongoing exhibit now through next June. http://mohistory.org/exhibits/muny-memories/

Through December 21, 2018

Riverbend Public Art at the Gateway Arch

The 100-foot-long artwork, made of silver, mirror-like material that references the Arch, shows the navigable Missouri River, highlighting it as the primary means of Westward Expansion and Gateway to the West for Lewis and Clark and many others. Riverbend will represent the confluence with the Mississippi on the east and extend westward. Artist Margaret Keller won the Critical Mass for the Visual Arts Public Works Project commission to create this artwork.

Important Upcoming Dates

12.21.18-Noon Dismissal

12.22.18-1.2.19-No School

1.10.19-Parent and Board Coffee

1.16.19-Coffee & Conversation with Ms. Wright

Included Attachments