FEBRUARY 2, 2025

MSMS Families,

As we conclude the month of January, I am grateful for such an outstanding start to 2025 at MSMS! Our teachers continue to deliver meaningful and engaging lessons to our students, challenging them to reach their personal best in every situation.  Collectively our students continue to achieve high levels of academic and behavioral success. I am proud of both of their efforts!  There is such value in a shared commitment, at school and at home, to being the absolute best that we can be, every day, in every situation.  We are truly striving to build the highest level of character and success within each of our students and in ourselves!

 As we begin the month of February, our focus will move to the monthly character trait of Positivity (Attitude).  The Dalai Lama says that, “In order to carry positive action we must develop here a positive vision.”  Throughout our lives, tough, challenging situations will arise.  Perhaps it is in our learning, athletics, families, friendships, situations, or work, but our ability to choose a positive attitude will carry a huge impact for us in dealing with these times and in moving forward.  Charles Swindoll said, “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.”  This month, at MSMS, we will challenge our students to maintain a positive attitude, regardless of circumstances, and to continue to see their cups as half-full instead of half-empty.  We want them to know that their positivity can impact their life and the lives of those whom they encounter.   Please have conversations with your students about keeping a positive attitude, with themselves and with others.  Ask them what this positivity might look like, sound like, or feel like.  Discuss what the impact of a positive attitude might have on their relationships, grades, or self-perception.  With the sunshine and warmer temperatures hopefully right around the corner, let’s all work to bring some more positivity into our lives and into the lives around us; let's maintain a positive attitude as we encounter the challenges of February and in life

I know there are a number of items below, but PLEASE take the time to read through them.

• JANUARY CELEBRATION VIDEO  ||  HERE is a video that we have made for January and have/will share via social media.  Feel free to watch it as you find time.  It simply has some pictures of our students involved in a variety of learning and social activities throughout the two months. 

• MSMS CONFERENCES  ||  The details and structure are shared below and were sent out last week.  As always, you can reach out and connect with any of your child’s teachers at any time throughout the year.  This may include setting up a time to talk via phone, meet virtually, communicate via email, or connect face-to-face during the school day.  They would love to hear from you and answer whatever questions you might have.   

• OFFICIAL WINDOW  ||  February 3 - February 28 (excluding the winter break)

• MODES  ||  Phone, Email, Virtual, Face-to-Face

• CONTACT  ||  Any content or crew teacher you would like to connect with, you may reach directly out to them to set a time and mode that works best.

  • CLICK for website contact information

These opportunities are to provide flexibility and a variety of opportunities for all families.  Again, you are welcome, at any point in the year, to reach out and connect with your child’s teachers.

• MSMS PLAY  ||  This past weekend our MSMS Allegrettos performed Into The Woods Jr. at the High School.  What an amazing production with some incredibly dedicated and talented students!  Huge shoutout to all of our students, volunteers, and certainly Mr. Closz.  Know that your dedication and hard work is recognized.  Thank you for sharing your talents and for representing MSMS. 

• 7th GRADE VISION TESTING  ||  7th Gr. Vision testing will take place on Thursday, February 6th and Friday, February 7th. If you do not want your student to have their vision tested, please contact the front office at 231-332-8598.

• FRIENDLY REMINDERS  ||    

  • ARRIVING TO SCHOOL ON TIME  --  We know with weather, traffic, and transportation that it is sometimes a challenge to arrive at school on time.  Please make every effort to ensure that your student is at school by 7:30.  This will give them plenty of time to get to their lockers and classes by the time class starts at 7:40.  As you know, traffic builds up around 7:20, and even sooner with inclement weather.  

    • NOTE:  Please DO NOT PARK in the Drop Zones.  This should be utilized to drop students and leave.  You may utilize the parking lot if you wish to wait in your car.  

    • NOTE: Please DO NOT DROP OFF or PICK UP in the staff lot or the bus loop.  

  • STUDENTS NEEDING PASSES  --  If there is the need to sign a student out for any reason, PLEASE call in advance so that we can have a pass ready,  get it to your student, and then have them in the office for your pick up.  If this call occurs right before you arrive or shortly before, we are forced to interrupt the class and disrupt the teaching and learning of your students and others.  Attention to this is greatly appreciated! 

• PARENT ARTICLE  ||  Here is a link to Teen Text Speak Codes That Every Parent Should Know (I have shared in the past).  This article shares raw, honest codes that our students use when texting or using social media (or even in conversation).  While some of their meanings and/or innuendos may be edgy/inappropriate, we felt that they would be important to share with parents.  We hope that this article provides parents with some background knowledge on some of the text-speak that our students may be engaging in.

I am encouraged by the partnership between MSMS, our parents, and community as we continue our focus on academic success, high quality character, and modeling compassion towards others. I hope you all have a great week and a wonderful month of February.

With SAILOR PRIDE,

Doug Ammeraal
Principal

Email  |  ammeraad@monashores.net
Facebook  |  Mona Shores Middle School
X (Twitter)  |  @msms_sailors
X (Twitter)  |  @dougammeraal
Instagram  |  msms_sailors
Hashtag  |  #msmspride

2024-2025:   COLLECTIVE FOCUS.  COLLECTIVE STRENGTH.  COLLECTIVE IMPACT.

MSMS FOCUS:  Culture  ||  Curriculum  || Literacy  ||  Effective Instruction  ||  MTSS  ||  Social Emotional Learning