The 2020-2021 school year has been a different one to say the least. Mask mandates, social distancing, altered schedules, quarantines, vaccinations, etc... However, there have been things learned through it all. What we are most proud of is how resilient our students and staff have been. And, while it may not have looked like a normal year, we have many successes to celebrate. We have had students in-person all year, provided live-stream virtual options, continued to engage students in meaningful instruction, implemented a reset room and explicit social emotional learning lessons; we saw our students progress in their academics, specifically reading, writing, and mathematics. And students had the opportunity to participate in an outdoor day of team building and physical activity during Wellness and Unity day. While we certainly hope that next year has a greater sense of normalcy, we hope that we take our lessons of perseverance to strengthen our resolve and move forward in putting our strengthened skills to good use.
As we enter the summer months, we are hopeful that you will find time to relax with family and friends and reflect on the growth that occurred over the past 15 months, as well as the growth opportunities that still exist. As we "send off" our students for the summer, we want to provide you with some summer resources for learning opportunities, community and service learning opportunities, and social/mental health agency information. Below are lists of resources and information you may find useful for the summer.
Reading, Writing, and ELA Resources
Math Resources
Mrs. Dennis at the High School runs a Summer Zone course that is a great refresher for the kids before they go to the High School Algebra.
Community Service/Service Learning Opportunities
Summer is a fun time to hang out with friends, soak up the sun and sleep late. Many teens however, while enjoying these activities, feel the need - and want the opportunity - to connect with others and provide a service that adds value to their community. Check out the links below which provide your youth to continue to make a difference in our community. Feel free to email Mrs. Jennifer Myers, VOICES teacher, (jennifer.myers@gmsd.org) with questions or for more information on volunteer opportunities for your teen.
Share your talents and knowledge with others and make a positive change in your community by volunteering.
Social, Emotional, Mental Health Resources
Free or Inexpensive Local Activities
Berks Lanes – Summer bowling passes for up to 2 free games per day (does not include shoe rental or extra game fees) – passes can be found in the office
Shillington Pool/Park Disc Golf – Disc golf course is free to use, just supply your own disc(s) (approx.. $10+ per disc)
South Mountain Adventure Course – enjoy rock climbing, ropes courses, zip-lining & much more at South Mountain YMCA – fees apply (Registration Links)
Local Parks
Shillington park: trails, playground, basketball courts, baseball field, tennis courts, pavilions, volleyball, disc golf, fishing pond, wetlands observation
Mohnton park: baseball field, basketball court, stream for fishing, walking/running path, pavilion, stage
Summer Book Bag Information for Students:
Would you like to stock up on some books to read over the summer? The library is now offering summer book bags! (You must have no library books overdue or in obligation in order to be eligible for a summer book bag.)
Here’s how to participate:
1. Go to the library catalog and login to Destiny. (Library website is found under MS Bookmarks>Destiny>Login on upper right hand> Sign-in with Google.
2. Look for books that you want. Make sure they are available (“IN” vs “OUT”) click on the book then click the “HOLD” button..
3. Please make requests no later than Tuesday, June 1, so that we have time to process your requests. Online students will be notified via email when their books are ready to be picked up in the main office. If you’d rather pick out your summer books by browsing in person, please ask one of your teachers for an eHall pass to the library.
4. Limit of 10 books per student.
5. We will email you when your books are ready for pick-up in the library. Please ask one of your teachers for an eHall pass or simply swing by the library when you can. Your books will be in a special READ bag and a print out of all your materials will be included.
6. Take good care of these books over the summer and return them to the library by the date due on your print out. 8th graders please bring books back to the high school library on the first day of school or by September the 1st at the latest.
7. Going on a road trip? Don’t forget to put the free Mackin App on your device and download some audio and eBooks to make the hours fly by.
8. Visit the Mifflin Community Library for more summer reading opportunities!
9. Happy reading! Enjoy your summer and stay cool with a cool book!
We hope that you find some of these resources useful this summer and make the best of what this summer has to offer! And finally, we want to THANK YOU for all of your support, patience, and perseverance through this year. There was nothing that could have prepared us for how to navigate many of the things we all had to deal with, let alone run a school. But here we are, finishing up another successful academic year!
On behalf of the entire Middle School staff, we wish you a great summer and look forward to next school year with anticipation of great things to come.
Sincerely,
Chris Killinger
Middle School Associate Principal
