Departments

Vex IQ

Milton M. Somers Middle School’s counseling program functions as a continuous process to assist students through identifying and meeting their needs in the educational, career and interpersonal domains. Although personal counseling is a major aspect of the counseling department, other responsibilities and involvements include, but are not limited to, staff consultation, parental assistance, student self-appraisal, education information and planning, referral to community agencies and public relations.

New Student Registration Requirements

CCPS Online Registration

Please call the Student Counseling Office to schedule an appointment for registration.

Attendance

Good grades come from good attendance. In accordance with the Code of Maryland State Law 7-301 and the Charles County Public Schools attendance policy, students are expected to:

• Arrive to school every day
• Arrive at school on time
• Provide written documentation for each absence (parent note, Medical excuse)

Residency Verification

Two acceptable proofs of domicile are required for each student’s file. It is very important to keep your child’s records updated throughout the school year. If your address, telephone numbers, or emergency contacts change during the year, immediately inform the school in writing. It is extremely important for the school personnel to be able to contact parents/guardians in case of an emergency situation.

Student Transfers/Withdrawals

When moving out of Milton Somers’ school zone, please notify the Counseling Office at least 48 hours in advance of the student’s withdrawal date so the proper documentation can be completed. Failure to give required advance notification will result in at least a 2-hour delay, so that the withdrawal process can be completed. Only a biological parent or legal guardian may withdraw a student. At the completion of the withdrawal process, a withdrawal packet will be given to assist with the registration process at the next school.

If you would like any additional information, feel free to contact your child's teacher, or the Language Arts Department Chair, Valerie Amend.

Mission

The mission of the Milton Somers School Library is to empower students and staff to become thoughtful and effective information users, to empower them as learners, and to foster a love of reading.

Vision

The library media center is the central knowledge hub of the school. The Library Media program seeks to provide access to information skills and support curriculum needs, while assisting students in developing their visual, print, and media literacy. It provides a diverse selection of materials in order to meet student needs in a welcoming and attractive environment that supports intellectual freedom, inquiry, and creativity. The Library Media program engages students in become enthusiastic readers and learners.

Checking Out at the Library

All students are encouraged to use the library's resources. They may come to the library any time during the day with a pass from their current teacher. Students may check out up to 3 books or 2 books and a magazine. Students may not check out if they have overdue materials or a fine. Students are encouraged to check their Destiny library accounts every time they come to the library. They can also access this from home via the CCBOE website. Students use their student I.D. number and first name to log in.

The Milton Somers library checks out materials for 3 weeks at a time. Students may renew a book one time. The library does not charge any fines for overdue books – we encourage students to return their materials in a timely manner.

Helpful Links

Khan Academy

Purple Math

Study Island

eMath Instruction – Algebra 1

If you would like any additional information, feel free to contact your child’s teacher, or the Mathematics Department Chair, Lauren Bonn.

The Charles County Middle School Essential Curriculum is based on the Next Generation Science Standards. The sixth grade students study geology: earth's structure, plate tectonics, seafloor, weathering, rock types, natural resources; meteorology: earth's atmosphere and hydrosphere, weather system, climate; astronomy; relationship between Earth, Moon and Sun; asteroids, comets, meteors, movement of objects in space. Seventh graders study Life Science. They explore diversity of life, flow of matter and energy, ecology; genetics, body systems; cell biology; natural resources and human needs, environmental issues. The focus for eighth graders is Physical Science. They will analyze mechanics, thermodynamics, wave interactions, electricity and magnetism, properties of matter, physical and chemical changes, classification and structure of matter.  In the fall, enrichment students will participate in our school science fair. Click here for more science fair information.

Our department focuses on an active "hands on" approach to science. Students are encouraged to become independent thinkers through their lab work and class discussions, which are structured on inquiry based instruction.

If you have any questions regarding the science program you should contact your child's teacher or the Department Chair, Ms. Erin Rhoades

The Charles County Middle School Social Studies Essential Curriculum is based on the Maryland Social Studies State Curriculum and Social Studies Content Standards as well as the Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards in Reading, Writing, and Literacy.  Sixth grade students study world history from prehistoric times to the Renaissance. Their assigned textbook is A Journey in Time. Seventh graders continue their global studies by examining contemporary world cultures and geography. Their assigned textbook is World Cultures and Geography. The focus for eighth graders is American history from the American Revolution through Civil War and Reconstruction. The assigned eighth grade textbook is American History: Beginnings through Reconstruction.

In all grade levels, teachers work to have students understand the many elements of our culture, which are deeply rooted in the past. Students are asked to make meaningful connections with the past and present by asking questions about historical topics. Students engage with historical content through primary and secondary source analysis, development of historical argument, and through the completion of various short-term and long-term projects.

This school year promises to be an exciting and productive one for the Social Studies Department. In December students will participate in the National Geographic Bee which tests student knowledge of national and world geography. The National History Day Exhibition is scheduled for February (school level) and March (county level). Additional information can be found on the National History Day website. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in these enriching and meaningful activities.

If you have any questions regarding the social studies program you should contact your child's teacher or the Department Chairperson, April Thompson.