POPLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS ARCHIVE
THIRD QUARTER 2020-21
JANUARY 16Â - MARCH 17
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!
March 17, 2021
St. Patrick's Day is observed on March 17 in honor of the patron saint of Ireland. Parades, shamrocks, corned beef and cabbage dinners and the wearing of green are associated with the celebration.  Learn more about the traditions of this holiday at the link below.
SPRING SPORTS PARENT MEETING AND SIGN-UP MARCH 17
March 12, 2021
The official spring sports for Poplar Middle School students include Grades 7-8 track and Grades 5-6 volleyball. A spring sports parent meeting and sign-up will be held Wednesday, March 17at 5:00 PM in the MS gym.  You can contact Mr. Coy Weeks at 768-8392 for more information.
WOJAPI AND FRY BREAD. IT'S WHAT IS COOKING AT POPLAR MS
March 10, 2021
Roxann Smith of the Chante' Project recently visited Mrs. McCabe's FCS classes to discuss traditional foods including june berries, peppermint, turnips and corn. In addition to nutritional values and food preservation practices, students learned about ceremonial uses and the importance of giving thanks and not over harvesting when gathering these foods. You can contact Ms. McCabe at the link below for more information.
SUMMER SCHOOL REGISTRATION OPEN THROUGH MAY 31
March 9, 2021
Poplar Schools is now accepting student applications for the 2021 Grades K-4 and 5-8 summer school programs. Online registration must be completed by May 31. Click the link below for more information and to access the online registration form.
MEMORY GAME CHALLENGE
March 9, 2021
Concentration, also known as Matching Pairs, Match Match or Match Up, is a card game in which all of the cards are laid face down on a surface and two cards are flipped face up over each turn. The object of the game is to turn over pairs of matching cards. Sharpen your memory by playing an online version at the link below.
DR. SEUSS DAYS UPDATE
March 3, 2021
Mrs. Schwartz, Mrs. Watts and Mrs. Reese dressed like Dr. Seuss books characters on March 2. Today is Crazy Hair Day and tomorrow, March 4, students can wear pajamas to school! Dr. Seuss days bring awareness to "Read Across America Day" which has traditionally been held on or around March 2, Dr. Seuss' birthday.  Contact Mrs. Schwartz for more information.
GRADES 7-8: TRACK AND FIELD BEGINS MARCH 22
March 1, 2021
Track and Field will begin on March 22 at Poplar MS. Sign ups will be on March 15. Track and Field at this time is only open to Grades 7-8. Check back as more details become available.
WEBSITE SCAVENGER HUNT WINNERS ANNOUNCED
February 26, 2021
The "Get to Know Poplar Middle School Online" website scavenger hunt was created to raise awareness of and to encourage students and parents to use the Poplar MS website. The lucky parent/guardian winners of $25 dollar gas cards are: Jessica Pribbernow, Naomi Montclair, Marly FireMoon, and Cheryl Sutherland. The scavenger hunt is still available to do just for fun at the link below.
DR. SEUSS DAYS MARCH 2, 3, & 4
February 26, 2021
The Poplar MS library is sponsoring Dr. Seuss Days March 2-4. Students are encouraged to participate each day as follows:
MARCH 2 - Dress like a character from a Dr. Seuss book or dress crazy
MARCH 3 - Crazy Hair Day
MARCH 4 - Wear Pajamas to School Day
Contact Mrs. Schwartz for more information.
I LOVE TO READ MONTH PRIZE DRAWING
February 25, 2021
Staff in the middle school were given tickets to give to students they caught reading in February. Students put their tickets in for library prizes AND and the grand prize winners received their book baskets of goodies today. Mrs. Schwartz and Mrs. Reese thank all the staff and students who participated!
GRADE 8 SCIENCE: WHO WILL BUILD THE STRONGEST BRIDGE?
February 24, 2021
Each year, Grade 8 students in Mr. Snyder's science classes are challenged to design a truss bridge from 900 cm of balsa wood sticks and 1 ounce of balsa wood glue.  In the end, their bridges will need to support at least 7.5 lbs. for a passing grade and 50 lbs. for an A. The students building the 5 strongest bridges will get a pizza party. The school record for the strongest bridge is 97.5 lbs. set two years ago!
I LOVE TO READ MONTH: GET YOUR TICKETS IN!
February 24, 2021
The book basket drawing will be held on FEB 25! All staff in the middle school have tickets to give to students they catch reading in February. Tickets can be exchanged for a library prize AND and a chance for a book basket of goodies. Access the library page for more information or print the flyer at the link below.
IT'S TEA TIME IN FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES CLASSES
February 22, 2021
Paula Ciniero, HPDP health educator, recently discussed the world of herbal teas in FCS classes. Students got a brief overview of the history of tea and tasted teas from other countries. Flavors included masalci chai, oolong, mint, raspberry leaf, rosehip and others. Contact Mrs. McCabe for more information.
LIFETOUCH SPRING PICTURES SET FOR MAR 3
February 17, 2021
Lifetouch spring individual and group pictures have been scheduled for Wednesday, March 3.  All photos must be prepaid. Payment envelopes (exact change required) are available at the MS office, or payment can be made online at the link below. We must limit traffic in our school and will not be able to let parents in to change clothing, pick packages, fix hair, etc. No underage siblings in the buildings the day of photos.  Remote learners can call the office for an appointment.   Please call Jackie 768-6733 with any questions.
NAME THAT STATE CHALLENGE
February 17, 2021
"Name that State" is an interactive game that will help you quickly learn to identify the states on a map. Click the link below to play.
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EXTRA: What Poplar MS teacher has been to 49 states (all except Alaska)? Hint: Check the fun facts in the staff directory.
NUMBERS DRAWN FOR "MY LIFE ONLINE PRIZE GIVE AWAY
February 11, 2021
Grade 5 Students: Check your assembly program to see if your number was drawn. The winning numbers for the "My Life Online" prize drawing are: 66, 17, 32 and 80. Bring your winning program to Ms. Lake to claim your prize.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ACCELERATED READING WINNERS!
February 10, 2021
Poplar MS students who have earned 10 or more Accelerated Reader (AR) points received prizes from the library. Access the library page or click the link below to learn more about checking out books and earning AR points. Remember, the more points you earn, the better the prizes get!
BRRRR... STAY SAFE. IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!
February 8, 2021
Extremely cold temperatures are in store for us over the coming week or two. Remember, the Poplar Middle School library has winter coats, hats, and gloves available for students. Stop in to pick up what you need. Click on the link below for information and tips on how to stay safe in extreme cold weather.
"MY LIFE ONLINE" PRESENTATION COVERS CYBER CITIZENSHIP AND SAFETY
February 4, 2021
Grade 5 students learned how their use of social media can help or hurt their chances of achieving their most important goals in life. Teachers will lead short follow up lessons to "My Life Online" in the coming weeks. Also, a prize drawing will be held FEB 11 based on numbered programs students received at the assembly. Learn more about cyber citizenship and safety at the link below.
HOMEWORK COMPLETION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
February 3, 2021
Grades 5-8 homework completion assistance (a.k.a. Tutoring) is available after school on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4 to 5 pm. Thursday is a "game day" for those students who finish their assignments early and would like to play board games and have a little fun!Â
See Mrs. Redpath or Mrs. Ferguson for more information.
SNEAK PEEK: I LOVE TO READ MONTH PRIZE DRAWING
February 1, 2021
Students make sure you have a book to read for the month of February! All staff in the middle school will have tickets to give to students they catch reading in February. Tickets can be exchanged for a library prize AND and a chance for a book basket of goodies. The book basket drawing will be held on FEB 25. Access the library page for more information or print the flyer at the link below.
NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK IS FEB 1-5
January 29, 2021
National School Counseling Week 2021 is observed to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by ASCA, highlights the impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Find out more about the school counseling program at Poplar Middle School at the link below.
STOP, DROP AND READ SCHEDULED FOR 'I LOVE TO READ' MONTH
January 29, 2021
The theme for the month is Get Caught Reading. Middle school staff will have weekly prize drawing tickets to give to students who are caught reading. The library will be open Periods 1, 2 and 8 for book checkout. Stop Drop & Read is scheduled as follows:
Monday, FEB 1, Period 2 9:37-9:57
Tuesday, FEB 9, Period 3 10:27-10:47
Wednesday, FEB17 Period 6 1:30- 1:50
Thursday, FEB 25 Period 7 2:20 -2:40
BUY A CHOCOLATE ROSE FOR YOUR VALENTINE
January 28, 2021
Valentine's Day is coming up, and For $2.00 you can buy a chocolate rose for a special person in your life. Selling dates/times are FEB 1-4 and FEB 8-11 at 8:15-8:45 and 3:30-3:40. Funds raised pay for activities sponsored by the Poplar Middle School student council. For more information, contact Mrs. Kohl at the link below.
POPLAR MS HAS A NEW SPELLING BEE CHAMPION!
January 27, 2021
Taylor Cummins is the 2021 Poplar MS Spelling Bee champion! To take the win, she correctly spelled "onwardly", an adverb meaning moving forward or advancing. Taylor will represent Poplar at the county spelling bee in Bainville. Way to go, Taylor!
READING AND ART GO TOGETHER AT POPLAR MS
January 26, 2021
Students in Ms. Hoven's class are reading Champ by Carl Hiaasen. In the classroom, they researched animals mentioned in the book. In the art room, students drew an area from the Everglades with chalk and then cut their chosen animal out of painted paper made by Grade 7 students. Check out more student work from this project in the gallery on the ACADEMICS page or at the link below.
SCAVENGER HUNT: GET TO KNOW POPLAR MS ONLINE
January 25, 2021
At Poplar Middle School, we understand the importance of a stable digital/online presence as we move into 2021.  Our school website has been created to provide an interactive and user friendly approach to staying connected where ever you are. Click link below to participate in the "Get to Know Poplar Middle School Online" website scavenger hunt. Participants will be eligible for prize drawings!
FEBRUARY IS I LOVE TO READ MONTH
January 22, 2020
Students make sure you have a book to read for the month of February! All staff in the middle school will have tickets to give to students they catch reading in February. Tickets can be exchanged for a library prize AND and a chance for a book basket of goodies. The book basket drawing will be held on FEB 25. Access the library page for more information or print the flyer at the link below.
FCS STUDENTS LEARN TO MAKE HERBAL LIP BALM
January 21, 2021
Paula Ciniero, BSN, RN, HTCP and HPDP health educator, was on hand to teach Mrs. McCabe's family and consumer science classes how to make lip balm from cedar, olive oil, beeswax and vitamin E. Students learned about some health benefits and were able to take home a self-labeled tube of the natural lip balm they made in class.
GRADE 5-6 BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL STARTING FEB 1
January 21, 2021
The first practice will be Monday, February 1, 2021 in the middle school gym. Please make sure your child has a current physical from this school year and has filled out an athletic packet from the middle school office giving your child permission to participate. An updated practice schedule will be given to the participants. The coaches for the girls are Rena Belton and Ashley Porras. The boys coaches are Scott McGowan and Ben Lovan. The coaches might have a different note of rules and expectations that are given to your child at that time. If you have any questions or concerns please call the athletic director, Coy Weeks at 768-8392.
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY JAN 18
January 18, 2020
Martin Luther King is honored on MLK Day as a leader in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Elizabeth Jean Peratrovich of the Tlingit nation was also an important civil rights activist long before MLK.  She worked on behalf of equality for Alaska Natives. In the 1940s, she was credited with advocacy that gained the passage of the territory's Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, the first state or territorial anti-discrimination law enacted in the United States in the 20th century.
NEW TUTORING RESOURCES FOR CORE SUBJECTS
January 14, 2021
A new tutoring section has been added to the ACADEMICS section of the middle school website. You can access information and fun activities to help you with your studies. Also, passes/reminder tickets are available from your teachers for regular afterschool tutoring sessions in Mrs. Ferguson's room. Check it out at the link below.
YOU COULD BE THE 2021 POPLAR MS SPELLING BEE CHAMPION!
January 13, 2021
The winner of the Poplar MS spelling bee set for JAN 27 will receive this medal and the chance to represent us at the county spelling bee in Bainville. Be sure to talk to your teacher if you are interested in participating, and get your study materials today!
FREE CLOTHING CLOSET OPEN TO MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
January 12, 2021
The free clothing closet located in the high school is ready for students to visit and take items they need!!  Available to middle school students as well, there are clothes in men's, junior's & women's sizes right now as well as quite a few pairs of shoes. Talk to a school staff member or contact Traci Sadler at the link below for more information.
STEM: TRIGGER, TRAJECTORY AND STORED ENERGY?
December 21, 2020
Grade 6 students recently built trigger launchers and learned about the terms trigger, trajectory, and stored energy in special Friday sessions with Mrs. Young. Students were able to take the launchers home to practice with or improve upon them. These STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities are designed to promote participation on Friday tutoring day, increase motivation for achieving in science and math, and also spark an interest STEM careers. See Mrs. Young for more information, and check out STEM careers at the link below. (Audio Available)