November 2017

Leah Gruenholz

When thinking of students to nominate for responsibility and accountability I had many students who qualify, but one stands above the rest, Leah Gruenholz. Leah is always punctual, polite, and helpful to her peers and other members of school. One recent example demonstrates her responsibility and accountability. Leah missed a day of school before fall break where the rest of the class took a test. Upon returning from break she walked up to my desk while I was talking to another student. She waited patiently and once I had finished talking with the other student she asked me how my break was and then asked me when she could take her test. This was extremely impressive to me as a teacher for many reasons. One, she waited until I was done speaking with the other student, demonstrating the extreme respect she has for others. Secondly, she showed a genuine interest in me and my break and asked follow up questions to my answers. What may be the most impressive part of this is that the bell to begin class hadn't rang! She was responsible and accountable enough to be thinking about this test before class even started. This was extremely impressive to me. Leah has done multiple things this year that represent her high level of responsibility and accountability and that I why I nominate her for Value Student of the Month for October.

Nathan Ellis

Each month 2 students from each grade level are chosen for student of the month at PCMS. These students demonstrate excellence in the areas of academics, character values, and dedication to our school community.

The following students were chosen for October.

6th Graders: Abigail Gadia and Brent Chilcote

7th Graders: Kelsey Bennett and Matt Boger

8th Graders: Gabby Lewis and Jackson Scott

Each year we have a few students who are selected for the IBA All-Region Band. I have attached a picture if you want to post it to the website or tweet it or whatever! From left to right the students are: Cameron Sharp, Mallory Chestnut, Caecey Franz, Erika Colee, and Matea Parks.

The PCMS robotics team traveled to Columbus, Indiana to participate in their 5th annual First Lego League Qualifying Tournament! It has taken three months of 3+ hour practices, and meeting five to six days per week to get prepared for this three part competition. They have built and programmed a Lego based robot from scratch, created games, activities, and challenges that forced them to grow as a team, and researched tirelessly to develop a unique solution and presentation for a water quality problem! After driving an hour for this seven hour competition, these 20 kids brought home the hardware! Out of 22 teams they placed 6th overall, 2nd for project presentation, and FIRST for innovation! We are excited to announce that for the first time ever, your PCMS FLL Robotics team has been invited to participate in the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP being held December 2nd at USI in Evansville, Indiana! Good luck team, we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

Cold and Flu Season

It is important to know the differences between a cold and the flu. Common symptoms of the flu include high fever, severe headache, severe muscle and body aches, severe sore throat, exhaustion and a dry cough. Often cold symptoms come on gradually and they include stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and a hacking cough.

You can prevent the spread of illness to others by keeping your sick children home from school until it has been 24 hours since they last vomited and until they have been fever free for 24 hours (without the use of fever reducing medication). It is important for your sick child to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids (water, electrolyte replacements).

Helpful tips

1. Frequent handwashing

2. Eat healthy foods

3. Get the flu shot

4. Exercise regularly

5. Get plenty of rest

6. Stay hydrated

MEET THE STAFF:

6th School Counselor and Director: Mrs. Stacy Mattern

P- 317-838-3947, Email- smattern@plainfield.k12.in.us

7th School Counselor: Mrs. Katee Schrage

P-317-838-3674, Email- kschrage@plainfield.k12.in.us

8th School Counselor: Mr. Wes Woodson

P- 317-838-3673, Email- wwoodson@plainfield.k12.in.us

Guidance Secretary: Mrs. Doraine Chapman

P-317-838-3672, Email- dchapman@plainfield.k12.in.us

PCMS HELPFUL RESOURCES

The following programs can be found through QUICKLINKS on our PCSC Website

Powerschool:

Utilize this program to stay up-to-date on your child’s grades. Parent Usernames and Passwords can be provided through the guidance office.

Schoology:

Utilize schoology to stay informed on your child’s homework, quizzes, and tests for the week. Parent Usernames and Access Codes can be provided through the guidance office.

Clever:

Students have been provided with a login to Clever. Through this program students can access their online Math and English books.

Here Comes the Bus:

This app. allows you to view the real-time location of your child’s school bus on a smartphone, tablet or computer. You will need the PCSC school code (82021) and your child’s lunch /student #. Your child should know their lunch/Student # or you can find this information in powerschool.

E-Funds:

This program offers various options for parents/guardians who choose to make payments on-line for lunch accounts and textbooks.

GUIDANCE NEWS

All Students are currently participating in guidance lessons provided by their grade level school counselor. Each lesson is designed around self-exploration and what that might exploration might mean for their future career.

In the month of November, our 7th grade Business IT students will be finishing a computer-based program called, Character Playbook. This program was made possible through efforts by United Way and focuses on teaching students how to cultivate and maintain healthy relationships. At the end of this program, PCMS counselors will provide guidance lessons to reiterate and help students apply several key topics such as: effective communication, resolving conflicts, and making decisions.