bulldog newsbites · 2018-09-18 · magnet program not my child yearbook order info afterschool...
TRANSCRIPT
Sept 14, 2018
Southern Middle
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Back to School Night . 1
Clubs &STAR time ….2
PARCC Results ……...2
6th Grade News ……...3
Calendar .................... 4
Guidance News ......... 4
PTA News ……………...5
Free/Reduced Lunch ……………………………...6
Let me Introduce you ……………………………...7
Attachments:
Magnet Program
Not My Child
Yearbook Order Info
Afterschool Activities Flier
CREATING
CURIOUS AND
JOYFUL
LEARNERS
Bulldog
Newsbites
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
WE WERE VERY IMPRESSED BY OUR GREAT TURNOUT FOR BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT. AS MENTIONED, THE GOAL OF THE SCHOOL IS FOR ALL TO BE VERY
PROUD TO CALL SMS THEIR SCHOOL.
Education costs money, but then so does ignorance . Claus Moser
This past Thursday individualized PARCC re-
sults from last year were handed out to all stu-
dents. Please make sure to review this care-
fully with your child. Why these scores are im-
portant:
• Since much of what we cover is to prepare
for these tests, it is a true measure of what
students learned.
• Middle school leveling is based upon these
results.
• High School courses students are able to
take .
• Looking ahead to college, the # 1 thing col-
leges look at is the # of advanced/honors
courses the student has enrolled in.
CLUBS & STAR TIME
PARCC RESULTS
This week our Activity Bus-
ses will start. They will run
every Tuesday and Thursday
providing students transpor-
tation so that they can stay
after school. Star time is
time allowing students to
meet with teachers to get ex-
tra help, make-up assign-
ments or redo ones. Clubs
are also available both days.
Students came home with a
list of all the club offerings
available. Please see attach-
ments for a copy of our offer-
ings. Read carefully as some
require approval from teach-
er. Please make sure per-
mission is granted in ad-
vance.
TEAM NAMES
THIS YEAR OUR TEACHERS HAVE DECIDED TO ADOPT SU-PER HEROS AS THEIR TEAM NAME. HERE ARE THEIR SELEC-TIONS:
GRADE 6:
6 A—WOLVERINES
6 B—AVENGERS
GRADE 7
7 A—CAPED CRUSADERS
7 B—HULK
GRADE 8
8 A—JUSTICE LEAGUE
8 B—INCREDIBLES
2
Science: Students in Science 6 are using technology and real-
world readings to conduct investigations and complete projects that
simulate the work of scientists and engineers as they study atoms.
Water quality issues in Flint, Michigan are being used to help stu-
dents explore the concepts of atoms, molecules, chemical reac-
tions, weathering and erosion and the water cycle. This information
will then be used to introduce students to chemical reactions, with
a specific focus that the properties of the substances before a reac-
tion are different from the properties after the reaction. Weathering
and erosion will also be explored to help students gain an under-
standing of how materials can end up in waterways that can cause
harm to humans and other organic life. This will also incorporate
the concept of the water cycle so students can see the movement
of water and how that also played a part in the Flint, Michigan is-
sue.
Social Studies: 6th Grade Social Studies can’t wait to go around
the (ancient) world in 180 days! We are starting off our study with
geography and will move into early river civilizations
(Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China) soon!
Math: 6th Grade Math students started the year off making the per-
fect shade of green! They were able to precisely replicate this
shade of green by using the same ratio of blue to yellow paint each
time. Students will be exploring different types of ratios and scaling
up/down by using tape diagrams, ratio tables, double number lines,
and equivalent fractions.
Language Arts: The 6th Grade Language Arts students are work-
ing on research this marking period with a focus on analyzing and supporting a claim. The students will read about people in history. Each student is required to bring a book to class daily for moni-tored reading.
INTRODUCING….
New Cell
Phone Policy:
Please encourage
your child to follow
the county ap-
proved policy of “off
and away”. All stu-
dents should have
brought home a
copy of the new pol-
icy to share. Couple
main points:
2nd offense = lunch
detention
3rd offense = phone
taken and parent
must pick up.
Continued offenses
will require parents
to pick up along
with other sanctions
against the student.
“
3
6th Grade News
Calendar of
Events:
Sept 18—Fall Pic-
ture Day
Sept 19—No School
Sept 21—PTA
Fundraiser starts
Sept 25 Activity Bus
Starts
Oct 8—Interims
sent home
Attention 8th Grade
Parents/Students:
Magnet Information
Sessions: SAVE THE
DATES!
Fall Information Sessions to
learn about all Magnets:
October 3rd at Annapolis HS
@ 6 PM AND October 6th at
North County HS @ 9 AM
*For 8th grade students in-
terested in attending a Mag-
net Program in 2019-2020,
applications open October
15th, 2018 and close at noon,
November 30,
2018* (see flyer attached)
*The Magnet Office will al-so be coming to SMS to pro-
vide a student only infor-mation session to all 8th grade students on Sept.
26th!*
8th Grade CAT-South
(Career and Technolo-
gy) Field Trip
SAVE THE DATE: Decem-
ber 7th, 2018!
*More information to come*
Medal of Honor recipient; Gary Rose address-
ing our 7th grade on his experiences in the
Vietnam War. 4
PICTURE DAY On Tuesday Sept 18 we
will be having our Fall
Picture Day. All stu-
dents even if they are
not buying pictures will
be getting their pictures
taken that day. In or-
der to order pictures
students need to have
brought in their money
the day of pictures. to
bring home. All stu-
dents already received a
packet.
Cameras:
Southern Mid-
dle School is
equipped with
a video camera system.
It covers selected inte-
rior and exterior public
portions of the build-
ing and grounds. It is
NOT monitored con-
stantly, but it is moni-
tored during emergen-
cy situations. During
certain events, when
the safety or security of
the students may be in
question, authorized
personnel from local,
state or federal police
or fire emergency units
may be given access to
view images projected
on the camera system.
If you have any ques-
tions about the system,
you should call the Su-
pervisor of School Se-
curity at 410-222-
5083.
PTA NEWS
5
We want to thank all the parents for joining our PTA. If you join before Sept 30 you will be eligible for a $ 50 gift card. Drawing will take place on Oct 4.
A couple of additional reminders:
We need parent volunteers to assist with Pic-ture Day on September 18.
Claire's Gourmet Fall Fundraiser packets will be coming home Friday, September 21.
Next PTA meeting is Thursday, October 4 @ 6:30pm in the media center.
Important School Poli-
cies to Know
Below are some of the school
policies we have shared with
students this week.
•Drinks in school: We on-
ly allow students to have
water. We encourage dis-
posable plastic bottles but
insist it is only water.
•Lockers: This year students
need to provide locks for
both their hall lockers and
gym locker. Securing their
belongings is essential and
responsibility of each stu-
dent.
•Book bags: Students can
use traditional large back
packs going to and from
school. During the school
day the only book bags al-
lowed are string back-
packs. Size: It must fit in
the space inside their desk.
•Hats/head coverings :
AACPS policy is that un-
less there is a documented
religious or medical need,
no hats/head coverings are
allowed. This includes
hoods.
SOUTHERN MID-DLE’S MISSION
THERE ARE NO LIMITS ON WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE AT SOUTHERN MIDDLE AND WE WILL NEVER UN-DERESTIMATE THE ABILITY OF OUR STUDENTS TO BE SUCCESS-FUL .
PICS OF THE WEEK
School Lunches Free and Reduced Meal Applications
School lunches will be served for $3.00 Start your family’s meal bene-fits early by going online to https:// applyformeals.aacps.org/ and en-tering the requested information as accurately as possible. All data will be instantly and securely sent to the school district for processing and you will receive a letter in the mail with the status of your application. MyPaymentsPlus Free registration gives you 24/7 access to: · Student cafeteria balances and purchase history · Prepayments for breakfast/lunch, with auto-pay capability · Low balance e-mail reminders To sign up, go to https://www.mypaymentsplus.com
LET ME INTRODUCE
YOU TO…...
Lisa Thomas
Counselor
I have the pleasure of
working with our new
6th grade students.
I grew up in Washington,
D.C., and later moved to
Prince George’s County for
high school.
I attended Frostburg State University and I majored in Child Psychology. Several years later, I attended Bowie State University where I re-ceived my Master’s in Educa-tion degree in School Coun-seling.
I became a School Counse-lor, because I wanted to em-power my students to advo-cate for themselves.
I am happily married to my wonderful husband Russell. We have three chil-dren, Mikaela, who is 23 in her last year of graduate school, Dylan, who is 16 in his junior year at Arundel High, and Allison, who is 13 in her 8th grade year at Crofton Middle school. We also have a sweet rescue dog that we adopted 5 years ago named Finn.
When I was in middle school, I was a full-time working actress. So, I didn’t have a “typical” middle school experience. I traveled with a touring compa-ny, and performed in numerous shows on, and off broad way. I also per-formed regionally at the Kennedy Center, National Theater, and Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. When I wasn’t on the road, I had the opportunity to attend school with my friends. On the road, I had a tutor that taught all of the children in the cast. We had school for about three hours of our day.
Again, not a very typical middle school experience.
What is a Magnet Program? Magnet Programs, part of Anne Arundel County’s Programs of Choice, offer
motivated students the opportunity to engage in a specialized course of study that differs from the tradition-
al curriculum offered in AACPS. Eligible Magnet students will have the opportunity to gain rigorous and rel-
evant learning experiences in subject areas in which they have great interest.
• A student’s Magnet School is determined by their home middle school. (Exception: A student’s PVA High
School is determined by his or her Arts Major.) • These are public school programs and are offered at no cost
to students. (Some programs may have lab, field trip, or exam fees.) • Transportation is provided from con-
solidated bus stops.
AACPS Magnet Program Overview
What Middle School Programs are available? The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB
MYP) provides a student-centered education that challenges students to make connections between educa-
tion and the real-world as they consider their roles in both local and global communities.
The Performing Visual Arts Middle School (PVA) Magnet Program offers advanced arts instruction and per-
formance opportunities through a strong academic curriculum interwoven with the arts.
The Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math Middle School (STEM) Magnet Program immerses students
in an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based, and technology-rich curriculum where they will apply STEM subjects
to the world around them.
Students apply to these Middle School programs in the fall of Grade 5.
What High School Programs are available? The STEM Biomedical and Allied Health (BMAH) Magnet Pro-
gram offers students hands-on experience to learn and discuss relevant 21st century biomedical and allied
health issues. Students apply to this program in the fall of Grade 8.
The Centers of Applied Technology (CAT) Magnet Program offers students the opportunity to apply theory
and knowledge towards skills proficiency through hands-on technical experience similar to what they would
receive in the commercial/industrial workplace. Students apply to this program in the fall of Grade 9, 10, or
11.
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years/ Diploma Programme (IB MYP/DP) offers a broad and bal-
anced curriculum designed to promote student centered inquiry, creative and independent thinking, and
effective communication. Students apply to this program in the fall of Grade 8 or 10.
The Performing Visual Arts High School (PVA) Magnet Program immerses students in a cutting edge, arts
infused college and career preparatory curriculum designed to foster effective communication and creative-
critical thinking. Students apply to this program in the fall of Grade 8.
The Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math High School (STEM) Magnet Program uses problem/ project
-based learning and cutting-edge technology to expose students to the importance of STEM subjects in the
world today. Students apply to this program in the fall of Grade 8.
¿Qué es un programa Magnet? Los programas Magnet, parte de los Programas de elección del con-
dado de Anne Arundel, ofrecen a los estudiantes motivados la oportunidad de participar en cursos
especializados de estudio, diferentes a los del currículo regular de AACPS. Los estudiantes elegibles
para el programa Magnet podrán ganar experiencias de aprendizaje importantes en áreas acadé-
micas en las que tengan interés.
• La escuela Magnet de un estudiante se determina a partir de su escuela intermedia. (Excepción: la
secundaria PVA a la que asistirá un estudiante se determina por la rama artística.) • Estos son pro-
gramas de escuelas públicas y se ofrecen gratis a los estudiantes. (Algunos programas cobrarán por
laboratorio, excursiones y/o exámenes.) • Se provee transportación desde paradas determinadas.
¿Qué programas de escuela intermedia hay? El programa de Bachillerato internacional de interme-
dia (IB MYP) ofrece una educación centrada en el estudiante y retos para que descubran nuevos nex-
os entre la educación y la vida diaria, mientras consideran sus roles en las comunidades local y glob-
al.
El programa Magnet de Artes visuales y escénicas de intermedia (PVA) ofrece instrucción avanzada
en las artes visuales y escénicas mediante un currículo riguroso que combina artes con materias
académicas.
El programa Magnet de escuela intermedia Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas (STEM)
ofrece a los estudiantes un currículo interdisciplinario basado en la investigación y la tecnología para
que aprendan a aplicar las materias STEM al mundo que los rodea.
Este programa de escuela intermedia se solicita en el otoño de 5º grado.
© 2012 • AACPS • Department of Advanced Studies & Programs • DPS/SG • 2594/358a (Rev. 9/17)
Side 1
AACPS Resumen de los Programas Magnet Sólo son disponibles para los residentes de Anne Arundel
County.
¿Qué programas de escuela secundaria hay? El programa Magnet de STEM Biomedicina y materias
de salud (BMAH) ofrece a los estudiantes un aprendizaje práctico así como les instruye acerca de los
temas más relevantes de la biomedicina y la salud en el siglo XXI. Este programa se solicita en el
otoño del 8º grado.
El programa Magnet de Centros de tecnología aplicada (CAT) ofrece a los estudiantes la oportunidad
de aplicar conocimientos teóricos y prácticos para dominar las destrezas mediante experimentos
prácticos similares a los que encontrarían en un ambiente laboral industrial/comercial. Este pro-
grama se solicita en el otoño de los grados 9, 10 u 11.
El programa de Bachillerato internacional de intermedia/Diploma (IB MYP/DP) ofrece un currículo
amplio y balanceado, diseñado a promover la creatividad e independencia de pensamiento, así como
una comunicación efectiva. Este programa se solicita en el otoño de los grados 8 y 10.
El programa Magnet de Artes visuales y escénicas (PVA) ofrece un currículo de avanzada, combi-
nando materias artísticas con las académicas para fomentar el éxito artístico y académico y el pen-
samiento crítico y creativo. Este programa se solicita en el otoño del 8º grado.
El programa Magnet de escuela secundaria Ciencias, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas (STEM)
ofrece un sistema de aprendizaje por proyectos y tecnología de punta para educar a los estudiantes
en la importancia de las materias STEM en el mundo actual. Este programa se solicita en el otoño del
8º grado.
Sea Perch Club
Sponsor: TBA
Meeting Day: Tuesdays in Room C307
This club is a STEM program that is all about de-
signing and building an underwater robotic vehi-
cle. We’ll meet to discuss what goes into creating
a successful vehicle and students will work in
teams of 3 to design and construct their projects.
The ability to work collaboratively and safely use
tools will be important to each team’s success. The
teams from our school will compete against other
schools in the county at a tournament to be held at
the Naval Academy in Annapolis in the spring.
Please listen to morning announcements for the
starting date of the club. Feel free to come to see if
it’s something that may interest you.
Dance Company: Thursday and Friday
(Pre-Rep is Friday 7am-8am)
Info Meeting : Tuesday, Sept 18th STAR time
Auditions: Thursday, Sept. 20th STAR time
Student Choreography Concert: Tuesday (Fall)
Info Meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 2nd STAR time
Concert: December 14th
Open Dance Company
Meeting Day: Tuesdays (Jan-June)
This dance ensemble performs at the Arts Are Everywhere
Gala and the SMS Spring Dance Concert. No audition is
necessary, but students are expected to be at all rehearsals .
DANCE
Southern Middle
School
Sponsor: Mrs. M. MacAdams
Meeting Day: Tuesdays in the Media
The NJHS promotes academic excellence,
community service, leadership and charac-
ter. Seventh graders with a cumulative
GPA of 3.6 apply in February. Meetings
begin September 25th. Eighth Grade mem-
bers in
Tuesdays
and
Thursdays
from
3:05-4:15 p.m.
Students may ride
the activity bus on
these days or par-
ents may pick up.
Advisor: Mrs. N. Fitzgerald/Mrs. K LaBrutte
Meetings: Thursdays in C310
Do you want to make a difference this year? Do you want school to be an even more fun and excit-ing place to be? The SGA plans and organizes events for SMS. Who Can Participate? The SMS SGA consists of the students in Grades 6-8. Anyone who would like to be a part of the student government is welcome to join. Interested students MUST be ready to make a commitment – This is a year-long activity and you will be expected to attend all meetings. Benefits of Participating— Students should con-sider SGA as it helps build character, leadership, decision making, organization skills and responsi-bility. We are also the leaders of the school and are
Student Government Associa-National Jr. Honor Society
Sponsor: Vacant Meeting Day: TBA More information to come. Sorry for the inconvenience
SMS Newspaper
Sponsor: Ms. A. Ring
Meeting Day: Thursdays in B105
Want to create art but also be a part of an hon-
or society? In this club, we will make art,
Terrapin Club
Sponsor: Mrs. Jorgensen & Ms. Harris Meeting Day: Thursdays in A306
Students will be participating in authentic
research in coordination with Arlington
Echo Outdoor Education Center. Club mem-
bers will be required to measure and mass
the terrapins, graph data and clean the ter-
rapin tank. Students will be able to attend a
field trip to Poplar Island in May to release
National Junior Art Honor
ELA/Homework
Sponsor: Mrs. Rhinehardt
Meeting Day: Thursdays in A208
This program provides English Learners
with academic support after school in
order to complete homework assign-
ments with assistance from the ELA
Yearbook
Sponsor: Ms. Lisa Moore
Meeting Day: Thursdays in B203
All students who have some skill taking
pictures are welcome to join. Listen for
announcement of start date. Sponsor: Mrs. M. Thompson
Sponsors: Mr. Latta, Mr.
Wojciechowski, Mrs. Lewnes Sponsor: Ms. Laura Bardill
Meeting Day: Thursdays
Required for all band students in 6-8th grade
Students may alternate or split time with other clubs
Meeting Day: Mondays 3:05 -4:15
Start Date: Sept. 24th
(no activity bus available)
Students must be picked up by 4:15pm.
Anyone that reads music can join.
Meeting Day: Tuesdays
Required for strings students in 6-8th grade
Students may alternate or split time with other clubs
Meeting Day: Every other Thursday
See the Music Handbook for more infor-
mation
Meets during STAR time every-other Tuesday
See the Music Handbook for more infor-
mation
Meeting Day: Fridays 3:05-4:30
(no activity bus available)
Open to band and strings students preparing
for auditions or festivals
Students must be picked up by 4:30pm
Sponsor: Ms. Kayla Swift
Meeting Day: Thursdays in C107
The Show Choir is an ensemble open to any stu-
dent at SMS. Repertoire will focus on pop, jazz,
and a cappella styles. Minimal choreography will
be incorporated into performances.
Sponsor: Mrs. C. Lewnes
Meeting Day: TBA— (3rd MP)
This intramural activity is for any student look-
ing to get fitter, faster, and stronger! Whether
it is for a sport or just for general fitness goals,
every student can benefit! We will use all kinds
of equipment from basic body weight exercises
to the weight room.
Meeting Day: Tuesday and Thursdays
Intramural Athletics Concert Band
Jazz/Rock Ensem-
String Orchestra
Strength & Conditioning
The objective of intramural athletics is to pro-
vide an athletic, competitive, and non-
competitive environment outside the normal
instructional physical education program; to
emphasize fitness; to develop positive social
skills; to foster the development of motor
skills; and to develop awareness of team cohe-
sion and sportsmanship. Intramural athletics is
an ongoing activity. Students are encouraged to
listen to the morning announcements for infor-
mation about what intramural activity is com-
ing up. Descriptions of all intramural activities
will be made by the P.A.
Wind Ensemble (Advanced
All-County/All-State Free
Sponsor: Ms. Peddicord/Ms. K. Lawall
Meeting Day: Tuesdays in room B212
Explore a variety of theatre techniques; includ-
ing improvisation, design, and drama while
preparing for a spring theatrical production. No
prior acting experience necessary. Creative
minds welcomed.
SMS Theatre Company
Show Choir
Chamber Orchestra (Advanced