Summer greetings from the Mount Nittany Middle School Red Team!  We are happy to have you as a student on our team, and we look forward to a successful school year.

Meet the Red Team teachers:

Ms. Julie Hnath   (jdw38@scasd.org)                   Academic Literacy                                    

Ms. Amy Anderson  (axa14@scasd.org)     Art - Spring Semester

Ms. Lori Duffy  (lss11@scasd.org)               English

Ms. Rebecca Henry (reh15@scasd.org)        Math

Ms. Heather Brewer (hgb14@scasd.org)     Music - Fall Semester 

Ms. Jane Rubba  (jer23@scasd.org)           Science

Ms. Susan Anderson  (sla11@scasd.org)    Social Studies                          

One of our Red Team goals is to help our students with organization.  With that goal in mind, please refer to the list below when purchasing your school supplies. Students may combine subjects in their binders.  Please make sure that binders are clearly labeled in order to avoid any confusion that may lead to late homework and lower grades.

Supply List                       

Homeroom: 2 boxes of tissues to help ensure an adequate supply during the cold and flu seasons

Advanced Algebra & Algebra/Geometry 8: 3-ring binder, pencils

Recommended, but not required, is a Texas Instrument (TI) Graphing Calculator - TI 83+, TI-84, or TI-84+. Although not required, purchasing a graphing calculator is a good investment. These calculators are approved for use in high school and college math courses as well as on standardized tests such as the PSSAs, Keystones, SATs and ACTs.
An engraver is available at school if you wish to have your calculator marked. Students who do not own a graphing calculator will be provided one for use at school as needed.

Advanced Geometry:  3-ring binder

Art: 2-pocket folder, a 9X12 sketchbook or 15 pages of unlined printer paper, four #2 pencils to be donated and used in the art classroom

Social Studies: 3-ring binder or folder to keep handouts, pencils, highlighter, and Charged Chromebook, 1 set of wired earbuds ** (Please see Chromebook note below.)

English: Charged Chromebook, 3-ring binder or folder for papers, pencils, 1 set of wired earbuds** (Please see Chromebook note below.)

Academic Literacy: Charged Chromebook, pencils                   

Music: Charged Chromebook, 1 set of wired earbuds ** (Please see Chromebook note below.)

Science: 1 folder that can fit into a binder or 1” 3-ring binder, 1 composition style notebook - either college rule or graph paper (no spiral bound notebooks), pencils           

All students should have and maintain an ample supply of #2 pencils, erasers, pens (blue and colored for self-correcting), highlighters, and loose-leaf wide-ruled notebook paper.

**Since all eighth graders will be using Chromebooks in school, we are asking that all students purchase 1 set of personal earbuds to keep at school. The earbuds will be needed daily for classroom computer activities that require the use of sound and for music keyboard activities.  (As a reminder, AirPods are not permitted for use in school.)

 Snacks            

Teachers permit nutritious snacking as long as it does not disturb the class.  Each student must bring his/her own nutritional snack; sharing distracts others.  Please do not send candy or full-size bags of snacks. Water in plastic bottles is the only drink permitted.

Mark Your Calendar: 

MNMS 8th Grade Back-To-School Night

                                          Eighth Grade is a Pivotal Year  

Students must be prepared for class.  They should make sure that they have all the materials needed before class begins. Students may go to their lockers between classes.

Students must bring a fully-charged Chromebook to school every day.

It is an expectation that students check their SCASD email every day.

In order to receive full credit, homework must be completed and turned in on time. Individual teachers will determine how much credit will be received for late assignments.

Homework is not late if a student is absent.  However, students are responsible for turning in past-due assignments upon their return to school. Tests need to be scheduled and made up in a timely manner, as well.  Students who will miss part or most of a school day due to medical appointments, field trips, extracurricular activities, etc. are expected to turn in homework and obtain assignments before they leave and make up any quizzes or tests as soon as possible.  Students who arrive late to school are responsible for seeing the teachers of the classes missed prior to their arrival. 

If students are absent, they are expected to check Google Classroom for each class. Next, students should check their SCASD email for additional information that may be sent about missed assignments.

Academic integrity is critical for success.  If a student is caught copying another student’s work, the school discipline policy will be followed.  

As a part of our school-wide positive behavior program, we expect all of our little lions to ROAR by demonstrating their skills in the areas of Responsibility, Organization, Attitude, and Respect. We want to create an atmosphere where all students feel comfortable learning and socializing.        

                           Study Skills Tips     

Study skills are a very important part of your child’s education.  Students need to establish strong skills at an early age.  Here are some helpful hints:  

•      Students should establish a specific schedule for doing homework and studying.
•      Students should study in several short sessions of 30 to 40 minutes each with a few minutes break between each session.
•      Students should take notes as they read. 
•      Encourage your child to review class notes and readings each day as an integral part of his/her study time. Review time will improve overall comprehension and long-term retention.
•      Review previous quizzes and tests with your child.
•      Students should use an assignment book or an electronic source daily to record all assignments.

                             Enjoy the remainder of your summer vacation!