Week 34 - Monday, May 18 through Friday, May 22

Dear Memorial Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back after what I hope was a restful weekend. Last week was filled with a number of very exciting events. On Wednesday, our students took part in our second annual Civil Rights Day. This year, our students participated in a number of grade level activities that centered on school culture and what each student can and does do to contribute to that culture. Student leaders, members of our Civil Rights Team, led these discussions and activities. As I went to the different rooms to watch and listen to these discussions, I was struck by the students' poise as they led their peers through some very powerful conversations. The students in the groups responded to these conversations positively and also contributed to the overall success of the day.

On Thursday evening, some of these same members of our Civil Rights Team met with a small group of parents to share with them their impressions from the day. The Civil Rights Team created a movie about the tenets of Maine’s Civil Rights statutes. The students shared the same video with this group of parents. In addition to viewing the student-produced video, students also shared statements that students reported hearing in school and on the bus. These statements included insulting and cruel language that students heard other students use in the school or on the bus. Students also shared cards written by students, stating the commitments they each student has made to positively impact the school culture by changing a behavior. Their presentations were powerful and thought provoking. Our students did a fine job talking about our school and about their commitment to making Memorial Middle School a better place for all students.

This week is a busy one with our students starting their NWEA testing. There are three tests that will be administered to all students over the next two weeks. The schedule for testing has been set so that there is minimal disruption to the school day for students. In the next weeks, please do all that you can to encourage your child to eat a good breakfast and also get a good night of sleep.

On Memorial Day, our band and color guard students will perform in the South Portland Memorial Day Parade. They will step off down by SMCC at 10:30 a.m. Please come out and support our outstanding musicians.

Have a great week. As always, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Megan Welter

This week:
Events this week:
Monday, May 18- Day #3
NWEA testing begins today
2:30 p.m. - Homework Club in room 108
3 - 4:30 p.m. - Boys' Lacrosse practice
3 - 4:30 p.m. - Girls' Lacrosse practice

Tuesday, May 19 - Day #4
Connections day
NWEA testing continues
2:30 p.m. - Homework Club - Room 108
3:30 p.m. - Baseball vs Gorham @ Memorial
3:30 p.m. - Softball vs Gorham @ Wainwright

Wednesday, May 20 - Day #5
NWEA testing continues
8:30 - 12:30 p.m. - REACH step-up day to SPHS
2:30 p.m. - Homework Club - room 108
3:30 p.m. - Girls' Lacrosse @ Gorham
4:30 p.m. - Boys Lacrosse @ Gorham

Thursday, May 21- Day # 6
NWEA testing continues
3:30 p.m. - Track meet @ Scarborough vs Westbrook, Lincoln & Scarborough
3:30 p.m. - Baseball vs. Scarborough @ Scarborough MS
3:30 p.m. - Softball vs. Scarborough @ Scarborough MS

Friday, May 22 - Day # 1
NWEA testing continues
3:30 p.m. - Boys' Lacrosse vs. Westbrook @ Westbrook HS field
3:30 p.m. - Girls' Lacrosse vs. Westbrook @ Westbrook HS field

Next Week + a few dates of note:
Monday, May 25th - Memorial Day parade - 10:30 a.m. from SMCC down Broadway to Millcreek
Wednesday, May 27th - Grade 5 & 6 Band Concert @ SPHS
Wednesday, May 27th - 8th Grade Social Meeting @ SPHS at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 2 - 7th & 8th Grade Band & Chorus concert @ SPHS
Wednesday, June 3 - Grade 7 class trip to Funtown
Wednesday, June 3 - 5th Grade Parent Night - Library
Saturday, June 6 - 8th Grade Social - SPHS