Don Ross Middle School Weekly Bulletin
November 3, 2023
Dear Eagle families,
I hope this message finds you well as we transition into the month of November. Thanks to everyone who made parent teacher conferences such a success, thank you it really does take a village. We are excited to welcome some new staff to our school! Casey Thomas will be our teacher liaison with our Hockey Academy and working in classrooms when not at the rink. We are also pleased to welcome two new Educational Assistants, Kayla Gilbertson and Naiomi Ashby who will be helping us out throughout the school. We know they bring valuable experience and enthusiasm to our school community. Finally, as the weather gets colder, please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the season. We want to keep everyone safe and comfortable during the school day. Have the best weekend!
Graham Jackson
Principal, Don Ross Middle School
Upcoming Dates
Nov. 13 - Stat (Remembrance Day)
Nov. 20 - Pro D Day
**Reminders**
- Please make sure your child arrives at school on time and is ready to learn each day. If they arrive late, they need to check in at the office.
- Ensure your child's contact information is up to date in case of emergencies
*Be in the know. Download the School News App. See attached document with instructions*
Parents Advisory Corner
Neufeld Farms Fundraiser - orders due Wednesday, November 8 for delivery on November 16: https://app.neufeldfarms.ca/fundraising/2023-don-ross-middle-school/ref/em
Coaches Corner
Dear Grade 7 Parents:
We will soon be starting up basketball teams for all grades. We are looking for one more coach to coach the grade 7 boys and girls together. Grade 7 is a rudimentary start to basketball focusing on basic skills. Coaching will mean coaching twice a week for about an hour and 15 minutes. We host a basketball tournament inviting all the other schools with grade 7’s in the district so there shouldn’t be any traveling. All coaches need to undergo a criminal record check, a simple online process that takes less than ten minutes.
If you are able to support our grade 7 program then please send an email to the athletic director, Sean Carter at [email protected] Many thanks for supporting DRMS sports.
Counseling Corner
As parents we often struggle to know the right way to manage technology with our children’s developing minds. A couple of lines of advice may help in establishing healthy cellphone boundaries for our children as a vital aspect of their digital well-being. Open communication plays a central role in this process, allowing parents and teens to collaboratively set rules and expectations. It's important to educate teens about the potential drawbacks of excessive screen time, and to establish clear limits, such as no cellphone use during meals, study hours, or bedtime. Parental control apps can aid in enforcing these boundaries, while modeling healthy cellphone use and maintaining phone-free zones in the home can reinforce these guidelines. Safety rules, digital etiquette, and offline activities should also be emphasized, with a reward system serving as positive reinforcement. Regular check-ins and a supportive approach help ensure that teens understand the importance of these boundaries and feel comfortable discussing any challenges they may encounter.
Community Events
- “ Parenting Strategies for Supporting Anxious Youth with Neurodivergent Needs”
It is a virtual event with presentations by Dr Melanie McConnell and a parent of 2 neurodivergent needs, Coralee Curby. Parents can register through this link. https://NDYOUTH2023.eventbrite.com
- ‘In the Know’- see attached poster