Message from the Principal

Dear Mahopac Middle School Families,

We would like to take a moment to welcome everyone back to Mahopac Middle School for the 2019-2020 School Year. It was great to see our students back in the building. Our hallways  are now filled with the excitement that comes with the first few days of each new school year. 

The summer was a busy one at the Middle School . Our custodial and maintenance staff did an excellent job and the building looks great. The summer has been spent adding new opportunities for our students as well as adding to the great things that are already taking place. 

This year we have added a new class for all of our 6th grade students. The class is called Middle School Success and will focus on our students transition to their new school. The curriculum will focus on a variety of areas including Social and Emotional well being, study skills, time management and use of technology to name a few. The purpose of the class is to bridge the gaps between middle and elementary school and help our students make a smooth transition.

We are offering World Language full time in both 7th and 8th grade this year. After a successful exploratory year we are now able to give our students an opportunity to take Spanish, Italian or German everyday beginning in 7th grade. 

Our buses will once again running separately from the High School. The buses are lined up in three zones at dismissal to make it easier for them to navigate where theirs is located. Staff will be available the first few days of school to help our students find their buses. 

Below are a few reminders for the new school year:

We ask that parents drop off any forgotten items at the window in between the doors at the front entrance. This will alleviate the number of visitors entering the building. If you are picking your child up early for any reason you will be buzzed in and directed to attendance. 

Parent pick/drop off will remain in the back of the building for the morning, regular dismissal, and after school. You can get there by going through the Falls School on Myrtle avenue. Please do not drop your children off in the front of the building. With the many buses and staff pulling in at that time, it can create an unsafe situation for all that are involved.

 Student cell phones should be placed in their lockers and remain there for the duration of the school day.

Students have been scheduled in grade level lunches this year.  Students have been assigned by team, to cafeteria 1 or 2 to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for lunch. The teams will rotate throughout the year so that every team will have an opportunity to eat together.  After lunch is served the entire grade will have twenty minutes of outdoor recess together with no restrictions weather permitting. 

Students will be assigned a different locker this year. Please remember students will need to use a lock that is issued from the school.  Students should consistently use the lock. It will keep their school supplies and belongings safe. 

Be on the lookout for Chrome book information about renewing your insurance. The information will be provided via email. Chromebooks should be charged each evening in order for students to be prepared for class each day. 

As a reminder, be sure to check your emergency contact information and email address in Parent Portal. Please make sure it is updated and accurate. 

Our school year is off to a great start. We were so glad to welcome our incoming 6th graders to the Middle School and welcome back our 7th and 8th grade students . If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at the Middle School cozzocrea@mahopac.org . 

 

Sincerely,

Tom Cozzocrea

Principal

News & Headlines

  • Summer Reading Information for Incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders

    Dear Students, Parents and Guardians:

    Over the summer months all matriculated students, grades six, seven and eight, will be required to read an assigned book.  The books were chosen for relevancy to the respective grade level, and they address issues and themes which will be a center of focus during the school year in English and/or other content areas.  They will help facilitate verbal development, maintain literacy skills and serve to optimize student preparation from the very first day of school in September.

    Download and print this letter and list here.

    We strongly recommend students and their families enjoy the books together; read aloud to one another, discuss the ideas, events, characters met, and spend some pleasant moments in the worlds these authors create.

    All incoming sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students should be prepared to participate in class discussions and/or group activities related to their assigned book upon return to school in September.  These books serve as the focus of English instruction during the opening days of the 2020-2021 school year.  Students will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of these books during the first weeks of school via reading and writing assessments. This literature will also serve as a foundation for a number of assignments throughout the year.  As an aid for recollection and comprehension, our English Language Arts Department has created a suggested  summer reading outline ; it is strongly suggested that students have this outline completed when returning to school.

    Reading is a pleasurable and life-long activity that educates, entertains and enriches the lives of all who participate; join us in making Mahopac Middle School a haven for avid readers.

    The following list has been distributed to the Mahopac Public Library for your convenience.  These books can also be obtained at local bookstores and through online shopping sites that sell books.

    Incoming sixth graders must choose ONE of the following books:

    Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
    The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
    The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin 
    A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
    Counting by Sevens by Holly Sloan 
    Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac 
    The Detective's Assistant by Kate Hannigan 
    The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder 
    My Jasper June by Laurel Snyder 
    Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
    The Giver by Lois Lowry
    Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate 
    Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur
    Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt 
    Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
    Crossover by Kwame Alexander 
    Jake and Lily by Jerry Spinelli
    The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate 
    How to Survive Middle School by Donna Gephart 
    Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly 
    Pax by Sarah Pennypacker

    Incoming seventh graders must choose ONE of the following books:

    My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier
    The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

    Incoming eighth graders must choose ONE of the following books:

    Snow Bound by Harry Mazer
    That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E. Hinton

     

    Sincerely,
    The Mahopac Middle School English Department

    MMS News & Headlines

  • Eighth Graders Move Up!

    The muggy mid-June weather, teachers and administration gathered to hand out certificates, and non-stop cheering as each student’s name was announced felt like the typical 8th grade moving up ceremony. This year, though, instead of sitting together as a class while parents looked-on from the stands, the class was divided the class into four sections for four parades of decorated cars with a DJ playing festive music as they students and their families drove from the high school parking lot to the middle school.

    Teachers held hand-made signs and waved and blew kisses to the cars as they passed to reach their final destination: the front doors of the middle school where and Principal Tom Cozzocrea, Assistant Principals Allyson Fallman and Patrick Keevins and district administrators were positioned under a ballon arch. Mr. Cozzocrea called out each student’s name with the precision and enthusiasm of a ballpark announcer:
     
    “We will miss you!”
    “We loved having you!”
    “Have a great summer!”
    “Good luck at the high school!”
     
    The team greeted each one as he or she approached the tables to accept the moving up certificate and other goodies to commemorate this milestone in their Mahopac educational journey. The last stop in their middle school moving up adventure was a picture taken in front of the Mahopac logo background before getting back in their cars and driving out of the driveway horns beeping loudly.
     
    Check out the videos all four Moving Up Ceremonies:
     
    Congratulations MMS Class of 2020!
    MMS News & Headlines

  • MMS Theatre Company Sends Message of Thanks to Sponsors and Essential Workers

    In spite of the closure of school in March and the subsequent cancellation of the Spring production Mary Poppins, the students and staff who make up the Mahopac Middle School Theatre Company  worked  very hard all year and were all looking forward to a great show. Instead they prepared a special video message to the community. In an email sent out district-wide they explained, "Because we were so close to the play, we wanted to take a minute to thank our sponsors by sending out this year's program and a song for all of our essential workers. We look forward to all getting back together in the not too distant future.  Please enjoy the video of our very talented students!"

    Watch the Supercal... Video.

    Read the Mary Poppins , Jr Program

    MMS News & Headlines

  • MMS Staff Work Together Remotely to Prepare a Video Message for Students

    Principal Cozzocrea kicks off a special message from the MMS staff to students...spoiler alert: they miss the stduents!

    https://youtu.be/RvZLUINefVc

    MMS News & Headlines

  • School Counseling Advisory Survey Closed


    Thank you to those who participated in the Guidance Survey.
    Participants will be contacted individually as the District moves forward with the formation of the Guidance Council.

    MMS News & Headlines

  • Mahopac Middle School Newspaper 'The Torch' Special Edition

    As a special treat during these tough times, the members of The Torch staff (with help from Mr. Zides!) have decided to publish this issue online so it can be shared widely with all students, staff, parents and community members.  Enjoy!

    MMS News & Headlines
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