LIFE AT THE LOCKE … Issue #2 2018-2019

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September 9, 2018
Dear Parents/Guardians, Staff, and Students,
We had a successful opening week at the Locke. Students and staff made it through locker assignments, bus numbers, new schedules, and the HEAT! It was great to see our students excited to be back and ready for an awesome year. I hope everyone is having a restful weekend as we prepare for our first full week of 5 days of learning!
Quote of the Week: “The time is always right to do what is right.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
CURRICULUM CORNER
Encourage nonfiction reading: Students will be reading a lot of nonfiction this year. A strong emphasis of our curriculum is on “informational text” which prepares our students for high school, college, and career. Please encourage your children to read nonfiction books about topics they are interested in.
As the year begins, we have a lot of information to provide to parents:
SCHOOL TIMES
School starts promptly at 7:30. Students should be in their homeroom at 7:30. The drop-off time for students is 7:10 -- 7:25. Students will be allowed to enter the building at 7:10. From 7:10 – 7:20, students that enter the building will be supervised in the cafeteria.
Bus students are dismissed at 1:40. Walkers and pick-ups are dismissed at 1:50.
ABSENCES
If your child is going to be absent, please call 978-528-8650 to report the absence. You can leave a voicemail at this number which goes directly to our secretary. You may also email our secretary, Ms. Battcock at pbattcock@billericak12.com
FORMS
If you have not already done so, please return the following forms to your homeroom teacher.
  • Emergency form
  • Signed agenda book (p.18)
  • Technology Release
  • Communication Preference
  • Photo-opt form (only send back if you need to)
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th, 7:00 –9:00 PM
Parents will have the opportunity to follow their child’s schedule and hear the course expectations from teachers. Prior to back to school night, we have two special presentations at 6:00 PM:
DC INFORMATION NIGHT – 8th grade parents, 6:00 PM cafeteria
There will be an information meeting for the 2019 Washington, D.C. Trip on Thursday September 13, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the Locke Middle School Cafeteria.  This is the same night as Back to School Night, so you won't need to schedule two separate evenings.
If you attended the early registration meeting in the spring, you don't need to come to this meeting as it is the same information.
Registration packets will be handed out to all 8th grade students on Monday, September 10th.  Even if you have already registered, the packet has helpful information about the trip.
PARENT TRANSITION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL – 6th grade parents, 6:00 PM, Auditorium
Everything you need to know to help your child thrive in middle school.
The transition to middle school can be a challenge - for students AND parents.  The good news: it doesn’t have to be.  There are simple strategies and routines (at school and at home) that can help your child be successful at the Locke. Mrs. Carpenter, the Grade 6 Health educator will share:
  • How your children are handling the move to middle school.
  • Top ten stressors for tweens at the start of school.
  • How to take the ‘hassle’ out of homework.
  • Routines that work for tweens (and why it’s important to establish a routine).
  • Six scenarios: how to help when things go wrong.
Solid information, a few simple strategies, and the right attitude and approach will empower you to help your middle school student have a successful year.  We look forward to seeing you at the workshop. Parents/guardians only, please.
FALL CROSS COUNTRY INFORMATION
Parents and students, it's time to sign up for middle school cross country this fall! Click on the following link register. 
An email with additional information and a schedule will be out soon. Email coach Freda Ryder with any questions: fryder@billericak12.com
GIRLS FIELD HOCKEY
Please see the attached form to participate in after-school field hockey. Field hockey starts September 24th,
PTO CORNER
Welcome to the Locke Middle School PTO. We’d like to introduce you to the 2018 – 2019 PTO Board: President – Faith Stevens; Co-Vice Presidents – Tricia LaFauci and Tricia Mahoney; Secretary – Kristen Aurilio; Treasurer – Cheri Gargalianos; Communications – Tracy Wahbeh. Please feel free to reach out to us any time at Billericalockepto@gmail.com or to Faith at 978-314-3389. We also welcome you to “Like” our Facebook page and contact us via Messenger.
This year, the PTO is honored to have sponsored 50% of the school’s agenda books. Our goal is to make your child’s time at the Locke the best experience possible and, with your help, we can continue to offer such benefits throughout the year. If anyone is interested in joining and volunteering with the PTO, please let us know.
As a reminder from last week’s email, we invite and welcome all Locke parents and friends to attend our monthly PTO meetings. The meetings are the first Monday of every month (with two exceptions this year) at 6:30 pm in the school library. The upcoming meeting dates are: September 17, 2018, October 1, November 5, December 3, January 7, 2019, February 4, March 4, April 1, April 29, and June 3. We look forward to seeing you!
The PTO will be available at Back to School Night on September 13, 2018. We will have varying items available for sale, including 6th grade supply kits and Locke apparel, as well as school and PTO information on hand. Cash, check and credit cards are accepted for payment.
We’re gearing up for the first fundraisers of the school year. On the horizon, we’ll be offering Kid Stuff coupon books and, in time for the holidays, Yankee Candle. Also, we also offer the opportunity for an Alternative Fundraiser. Information regarding the upcoming fundraisers are attached.
Finally, we would like to offer our most sincere thanks to John LaFauci Tile & Marble, as well as John and Tricia LaFauci, for their generous donation of the school’s homework folders this year.
We look forward to a great school year.
Important Upcoming dates:
  • Washington, DC information for 8th parents: Thursday, September 13th 6:00 PM (prior to back to school night)
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  • 6th grade parent presentation in the auditorium: Thursday, September 13th 6:00 PM (prior to back to school night)
  • Back to School Night is Thursday, September 13th 7-9 PM.
  • All forms, emergency information, etc.… are due byMonday, September 17th.
  • PTO Meeting: Monday, September 17th at 6:30PM – Locke Library
  • Early Release for Students Tuesday, September 18th11:40
  • School Picture Day is Friday, September 21st   . 
  • Late Buses start on September 24th : Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
  • Homework Club starts on Monday, September 24h. Homework club is held Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:45-2:45.
  • Blackout Bullying Day is Wednesday, September 26th.
  • After School Activities Begin on Monday, October 1st.
Four attachments this week:

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