LIFE AT THE LOCKE … Issue #3 2018-2019

September 16, 2018

Dear Parents/Guardians, Staff, and Students,

We made it through our first full week and the students and staff are settling in. Summer won’t quit and we had more hot days, but everyone managed well. We have another busy week ahead with a full 5 Days of Learning! Let’s see what’s happening …

Monday, September 17^th is an “A” Day. Please plan accordingly for the week.

Quote of the Week: “An investment in knowledge pays the best dividends.”- Benjamin Franklin

EARLY RELEASE DAY

Tuesday, September 18^th is an early release day. Students will be dismissed at 11:40 AM.

PICTURE DAY

Smile!! Friday, September 21^st is picture day.

CURRICULUM CORNER

Inquiry-based learning: A goal of our school and district is to promote and support inquiry-based learning. What does this look like? Students will be asked to explain their thinking in collaborative groups and in their writing assignments. Students will develop their own contexts and meanings for the concepts they are learning, retain more knowledge, and develop deeper understandings of the content they are studying.

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)

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. Registration ends on September 18^th.

https://www.familyid.com/programs/middle-school-athletics-fall-2018-2 

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 24^th.

 HOMEWORK CLUB

HW club will start on Monday, September 24^th. It will be in the library every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Students do not need to sign up ahead of time for HW club. They will report to the library immediately after school. Students can attend as many days as the parent/student believes are necessary. Students are expected to stay for the full hour.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

The flyer for after-school activities will be sent home later this week with students. It will also be sent in a separate email. Activities start the week of October 1^st.

LATE BUSES

Late bus runs begin on Monday, September 24^th and will run on every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The buses usually arrive at the Locke at 3:10PM. Please see the attached for the late bus stops. One of our buses does drop off at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club.

FALL MUSICAL

Marshall Middle School Theater Club will be having AUDITIONS for our fall production of Elf Jr.  Auditions are on Wednesday the 19th or Thursday 20th at 2 in the auditorium.  How long it will take will depend on how many students turn out. (We hope to be done by 4.)  Callbacks, if necessary will be Monday the 24th and rehearsals will begin Wednesday.

This club is open to both Locke and Marshall students in the fall.  Locke students will need to have their own transportation, but if your student can get there, they can participate.

Students need to bring a signed permission slip/audition form that will be available in the office or from Mrs. Gagnon or Mrs. Moriarty at the Marshall or Mr. Ashe at the Locke.

The show goes up the first weekend in December.

PTO CORNER

Thanks to everyone who stopped by during Back to School Night. We hope to see you tomorrow, September 17, 2018, at our first PTO meeting at 6:30 pm in the school’s Library. Please find our meeting agenda attached.

Yankee Candle products make homes, and cars, smell amazing! Whether you want to get a jump on gift shopping or treat yourself, simply use the fundraising packets sent home or shop from the comfort of home while supporting the Locke Middle School. Just go to www.yankeecandlefundraising.com. Our group number is 999972037. Sale dates are 9/14/18 to 9/28/18. Orders from packets arrive at the school 2 to 4 weeks from order. Pickup date and time will follow. Online orders are delivered directly to you. 

KidStuff Coupon Books are available for purchase by reaching out to the PTO at Billericalockepto@gmail.com. Books are $25 each and often pay for themselves in just one use while supporting the Locke. A definite win-win! Purchase of coupon book now included a 12-month subscription for their app which provides savings nationwide! Please see attachment for more info.

If you do not want to participate in our fundraisers, but still want to make a donation, please see the attached Alternative fundraiser form.

 "Like" the Locke PTO on Facebook for PTO, school, and district updates, email us at billericalockepto@gmail.com or call Faith Stevens at 978-314-3389 or 978-667-6676 with any questions.

Important Upcoming dates:

• All forms, emergency information, etc.… are due by Monday, September 17^th.
• PTO Meeting: Monday, September 17^th at 6:30PM – Locke Library
• Early Release for Students Tuesday, September 18^th 11:40
• School Picture Day is Friday, September 21^st   . 
• Late Buses start on September 24^th : Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
• Homework Club starts on Monday, September 24^h. Homework club is held Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:45-2:45.
• Blackout Bullying Day is Wednesday, September 26^th.
• After School Activities Begin on Monday, October 1^st.

Six attachments this week:

• Late Bus Routes
• PTO agenda for 1^st meeting
• Field Hockey Form
• PTO Alternative fundraiser
• PTO Fundraiser – Kid Stuff
• PTO Fundraiser – Yankee Candle