FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012
SEMINOLE SIGHTINGSSEMINOLE SIGHTINGS The Intermediate South Family Newsletter
Paul T. Gluck Thomas Regan Beverlee Tegeder, Psy.D Main Number Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal (732) 505-3900 Guidance Attendance Nurse Child Study Team (732) 505-3910 (732) 505-3906 (732) 505-3916 (732) 505-3913
Dear Parents and Guardians:
This is the final Parent Letter to be sent before
we reach our annual Spring Break, April 6th –
April 13th. In talking with the students, I know
that many of you are anxiously awaiting its arri-
val to begin your vacation plans. I also know that
our students are ready for the break, drained
from their studies and preparing for the upcom-
ing NJASK testing, and are now looking forward
to a bit of rest and relaxation. Before we get to
the break, we have a school dance scheduled for
March 16, from 6:30-8:30. An “Anti-Bullying”
theme is our goal for this dance. We continue to
focus on the important role of a bystander during
any bullying situation. Please talk with your stu-
dent about this role as we work together to pre-
vent and not tolerate these unwelcomed situa-
tions.
Enjoy your Spring Break and I hope to see many
of you at an upcoming event. Go Seminoles!
Paul T. Gluck
Principal
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Darian Tejada—Cycle 82
Shannon Kearney—Cycle 72
Sonali Chaudhari—Cycle 62
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March
5-9 Yearbook Sale
13 Lifetouch Spring Yearbook Pictures
Winter & Spring Sports
16 School Dance 6:30-8:30 p.m.
22,23 Lifetouch Spring Portraits
April
2 Marking Period 3 Closes
3 Marking Period 4 Opens
2-6 Yearbook Sale
6-13 SCHOOL CLOSED—Spring Recess
16 SCHOOL REOPENS
23-26 NJ ASK TESTING Gr. 7 & 8
30 NJ ASK TESTING Gr. 6
May
1-3 NJ ASK TESTING Gr. 6
1-4 NJ ASK MAKEUPS Gr. 7 & 8
7-10 NJ ASK MAKEUPS Gr. 6
7-11 FINAL Yearbook Sale
11 School Dance 6:30-8:30 p.m.
23 Spring Instrumental Concert 8:15 a.m.
24 Spring Instrumental Concert 8:15 a.m.
Evening Performance 7:00 p.m.
28 SCHOOL CLOSED—Memorial Day
30 Spring Choral Concert 8:15 a.m.
31 Spring Choral Concert 8:15 a.m.
Evening Performance 7:00 p.m.
SEMINOLE CLASS OF 2012!
SEND A SPECIAL SEMINOLE GRAD
A
“KISS” GOODBYE!
Send a message to a special graduate and they will receive it along with a bag
of Hershey Kisses candy!
All messages will be delivered to the graduate during homeroom, on
Tuesday, June 12th 2012.
RETURN MESSAGE(S) & PAYMENT TO THE MAIN OFFICE BY JUNE 1,2012 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Graduate’s Name:_______________Homeroom:_______From:_____________
Message:_______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
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Graduate’s Name:_______________Homeroom:_______From:_____________
Message:_______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
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Graduate’s Name:_______________Homeroom:_______From:_____________
Message:_______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
RETURN MESSAGE(S) & PAYMENT TO THE MAIN OFFICE BY JUNE 1,2012
$3.00 per message
CONGRATULATIONS
CLASS OF
2012!
SURPRISE A GRADUATE WITH THIS WONDERFUL KEEPSAKE OF THEIR
YEARS SPENT AS A SEMINOLE!
A 10” PLUSH BEAR, WEARING A SEMINOLE T-SHIRT* WITH CLASSIC
MORTAR BOARD & TASSEL
EACH BEAR IS $10.00
----------------------------------------------
GRADUATION BEAR ORDER FORM
Graduate’s Name:_____________________________Phone #______________
# of Bears:_________
Cash_____Check #________
CASH OR CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO: TOMS RIVER INTERMEDIATE SOUTH
ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY:
JUNE 1, 2012.
*T-SHIRT COLOR MAY VARY
Cycle 63 Happenings
Mail call! Prior to the winter break, our language
arts students were busy writing letters and sending
cards to soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan
through Operation Gratitude. We also participated in
The Great American Mailrace, sending letters to stu-
dents in schools in each of our 50 states. We've re-
ceived replies from students attending Kelley Middle
School in Norwich, Connecticut, Cook County Middle
School in Grand Marais, Minnesota, and Cedar Hol-
low School in Grand Island, Nebraska thus far, learn-
ing about their states and way of life. Cycles 632 and
634 are learning about people who have faced remark-
able obstacles, but have learned to overcome them
through perseverance! They are presently reading the
inspirational novel, Soul Surfer, by Bethany Hamilton,
which is an autobiographical story about a teenage girl
that had lost her arm to a shark bite. At the end of the
unit, they will be challenging each other to games they
have created based on the book. Cycles 631 and 633
are learning how to get what they want...through per-
suasion, that is. Writing a solid persuasive essay is
key, and the students are learning techniques to help
them be successful!
In science, Cycle 63 has just wrapped up our unit
on animals. We have spent the last half of second
marking period designing our own animals and also
presenting projects on the different phylum of the ani-
mal kingdom. We are all looking forward to the start
of the third quarter where we will be learning about
waves and sound. Look out for our own handmade
musical instruments in a few weeks!
Cycle 62 News
Cycle 62 has exciting news to share! Our spelling
bee has been won by one of our sixth grade students,
Serena Morris! She will now go on to the state level
which will be in sometime in March, at Monmouth
University.
Math has focused on concepts that have varied
practical applications. Covering and surrounding deals
with finding the perimeter and area of shapes. We used
some hands on activities to reinforce the concepts.
Some classes made a round band box. By figuring out
the diameter of the circle (bottom of box) we could
then calculate how long the strip of paper which would
become the side of our box needs to be. We assembled
our boxes. Surface area is also an abstract concept for
students. To make that more concrete the students
brought cereal boxes, cut them up, measured and calcu-
lated the area of the pieces. They were then able to
visualize what the surface area of their box would be
when reassembled.
In language arts, students did a great job recreating
the setting for the novel, Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen. Our
entire cycle incorporated math and language arts by
collecting project data and analyzing it. All of the pro-
jects were put on display in the cafeteria. Students then
were given a questionnaire of items that they should
look for in the diorama. Some of the projects are on
display in the showcase located in the foyer. This was a
great success. Our students relished this activity.
In language arts we are participating in the Read to
Succeed incentive from Six Flags Great Adventure.
Students will receive a one day pass to the park in Jack-
son, NJ. Our school is also sending ten sixth graders to
the Ocean County Council, Young Authors Conference
on March 3, 2012. The conference consists of a series
of workshops conducted by professionals in the fields
of writing, story telling, poetry and creative dramatics.
In science, students were fortunate to have the op-
portunity to experience three mini- lessons developed
and implemented by five High School North and High
School East Advance Placement Environmental stu-
dents. Under the instruction of Mr. Brian Vernachio,
these students focused their instruction on a few of
New Jersey‟s environmental issues including deer over
population, the growing and harvesting of cranberries,
and biomagnifications, which is the building of DDT
within the osprey‟s food chain. Students experienced
hands-on activities to further develop their understand-
ing of these concerns which directly affect New Jer-
sey‟s environment. These lessons will be extended with
the planting of Atlantic White Cedar trees to restore
the endangered White Cedar ecosystems within South-
ern New Jersey. Planting will occur mid to late April.
Mr. Mooney's social studies class has been dab-
bling in Chinese philosophy for much of the
week. Students are currently interpreting Taoist and
Confucian quotes in order to understand the ideas that
have influenced thought in many parts of the world.
Once we have gained a full grasp on the main schools
of thought, students will be asked to pick a favorite
philosophy and quote. Each student will then write an
essay on the quote, with illustrations to show what
they have learned. Next up, we will look at how well
China's emperors followed these ideas.
In math we have been working on topics which are
new to the curriculum this year, such as 3-dimensional
shapes. We have learned how to identify prisms and
pyramids and have built 3-D shapes from linking cubes,
using those shapes to investigate how to determine sur-
face area and volume. Finally, we have become profi-
cient in using the formulas for calculating surface area
and volume of prisms and cylinders.
In social studies, Cycle 63 has been busy studying
ancient civilizations. We've visited Ancient Egypt where
we learned about the Nile River, designing our own pyra-
mids. We also stopped in India where we looked at the
ruins of the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro and discussed
the beginnings of both Hinduism and Buddhism. Next
we will be studying the Shang and Qin Dynasties of An-
cient China, as well as the famous Terracotta Soldiers!
In Social Studies, Cycle 64 investigates the im-
portance of ancient civilizations. Specifically, stu-
dents recognize the value of land during this time
period, and how ancient leaders amassed large em-
pires, and in turn, dominated the world. As the geo-
graphical layout of these civilizations are studied,
certain important historical figures, such as: Buddha,
Confucius, and Alexander the Great, are also high-
lighted. In addition, students analyze the “words of
the day” of these historical figures. The opportunity
to interpret and evaluate quotes better prepares the
students for their quarterly exams as well as assists
them in their Language Arts education.
Language Arts class provides an opportunity for
students to review their grammar skills, perfect their
writing, as well as tackles some interesting literature.
Cycle 64 are currently reading the novel The True
Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Set in 1832, this sea
story focuses on the journey of thirteen year old
Charlotte; she must travel among sailors from Eng-
land to America to meet up with her family. This in-
triguing and dangerous adventure includes mutiny, a
hurricane, and ultimately murder and judgment. The
students will continue to sharpen their literary skills
with this challenging novel. The end of the novel cul-
mination project consists of the students creating a
game board that reflects key ideas from the novel.
The writing focus for quarter 3 will be a five para-
graph persuasive essay. Persuasive techniques in
writing and advertising will be shown and used in
essays as well as journal writing.
Cycle 64
Sixth grade is a time of change as students adjust to
the expectations of middle school. Cycle 64 has settled
into a routine – with academics, friends, and after school
activities. As we pass the half way mark of the 2011-
2012 school year, Cycle 64 continues to strive for suc-
cess, not only on their daily assignments but on the quar-
terly exams and the upcoming NJ ASK.
Science interactions and investigations heightened
during the second marking period when students explored
the Animal Kingdom. Students were challenged to de-
velop an understanding of how the simplest to the most
complex animals adapt to meet their life functions. Upon
completion of the unit, students had the opportunity to
investigate their own animal. The organisms were rep-
tiles, fish, birds, amphibians, or mammals. These student
animal experts presented their fact finding to their class-
mates. As the year progresses, Cycle 64 anticipates many
discoveries about sound and light and future adventures
into outer space with an astronomy unit.
Applying mathematics to everyday life is a goal of
the sixth grade curriculum. Students are intrigued as they
obtain “data about themselves” in correlation with the
Data About Us unit of study. Students use the informa-
tion to discover the measures of central tendency: mean,
mode, median, and range. In Math class, students collect
and record data as they perform the standing long jump
and jump rope activities, conduct surveys, and compare
arm span to height. These fact finding opportunities rein-
force the importance of mathematics in everyday situa-
tions.
L.E.A.D.E.R.S. and Student Council Team Up
What better way is there to promote a positive
school climate than to join forces between two large
groups of students that span the sixth, seventh, and
eighth grades. The peer mediators and the represen-
tatives of our school have teamed up to host a dance
that will stamp out bullying. Through several activi-
ties, the clubs‟ joint goal is to empower the victims
and the bystanders. The more examples and educa-
tion we provide, the more significant a difference
will be made. Encourage your child to attend the
dance, which comes packed with a few extras this
time. What‟s that you say? My child does not like
to dance. No problem. There is structured super-
vised gym time as well. At Intermediate South, the
Seminole Family aims to include everyone. Have
your child join us on Friday, March 16th from 6:30
to 8:30 and make a difference in their school com-
munity.
―Pasta for Pennies‖
The Interact club is currently conducting a
fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Soci-
ety. The program, called "Pasta for Pen-
nies" involves collecting spare change to support
the cause. Each student in the school was given a
small collection box to take home for two weeks
in which to collect the funds. For every increment
of $25 collected, students' names were put in a
drawing to win school spiritwear. Four names
will be announced at the end of the fundraiser. In
addition, the Olive Garden will reward the home-
room that raised the most money with a pasta
party for lunch!
Relay for Life 2012
Intermediate South Seminoles have been par-
ticipating throughout the school year for the an-
nual event, Relay for Life. Since the start of the
2011-2012 school year, we have raised $1,700
through various fundraisers. South Seminoles
have participated in „jersey day‟, „hat day‟, and
„pajama day‟. Also, in February, many florists
generously donated over 800 flowers for Valen-
tine‟s Day which we sold for $1.00 during lunch
periods. Another fundraiser going on now is fill-
ing up water bottles in each class room which is
equivalent to $100.00! Hopefully, we can raise
more than our goal from last year, $5,500.
To help support this cause, please join our
team online at www.tomsriverrelay.com or
www.relayforlife.org and follow the steps. If you
would like to donate also, please enter our name:
TEAM SEMINOLES. Or support us on the day
of the event at High School South on June 2nd.
TEAM SEMINOLES ―Hoops for Hearts‖
In February, Seminole students participated in
the Hoops for Hearts fundraiser during their Physical
Education class. The event raised over $1,600.00
for the American Heart Association and the fight
against heart disease. Students competed in a Hot
Shot competition in order to raise money and earn
prizes. The following students won the Hot Shot for
their grades: 6th grade - Hayley Tamaro and Dustin
Urbaczek, 7th grade - Drew Laing, Dylan Danelson,
and Brittany Harding, 8th grade - Nina Shirey and
RJ Laing. Congratulations to our Seminoles for the
generous donation to this cause.
A few notes from the Instrumental Music Depart-
ment...
Congratulations to all of our Seminole Band and Or-
chestra students. They gave 3 dynamic performances for
our student body, staff and parents on Thursday, January
19th, Tuesday, January 24th and Wednesday, January 25th.
Our students‟ dedication and commitment to the music
program was instrumental in their noteworthy perform-
ances. Great job!!
Mark your calendars early. Our spring band and or-
chestra concert will be held on Thursday, May 24th at
7pm. There will also be performances for the student
body and staff on Wednesday, May 23rd and Thursday,
May 24th at 8:05 a.m.
Miss Szakal has nominated some 6th grade students for
the All South Jersey Honors band. Students selected to
this special band will perform with students from all over
South Jersey on Saturday, May 5th at Absegami High
School in Galloway Township. Miss Szakal will find out
in early April which students have been selected to repre-
sent Toms River Intermediate South. Stay tuned!
Interested in Jazz Band? Mr. Lee‟s Jazz Band re-
hearsals are now in full swing. They rehearse on Monday
afternoons after school until late bus and will perform in
the spring concert. All band instruments are welcome in
Jazz band. For more information, see Mr. Lee in M-107.
Our Seminole Marching Band proudly represented
Intermediate South in both the annual Halloween and
Veteran‟s Day Parades. They will roll down to Wild-
wood to represent Toms River in the annual Elks‟ Parade
on Saturday, June 2nd.
Beauty and the Beast, Jr.
On February 24th and 25th, the Seminole Players
proudly presented Walt Disney‟s Beauty and the
Beast, Jr. The cast and crew of nearly eighty five stu-
dents worked tirelessly for months to capture the
magic that Disney films are known for. When the
show was selected nearly a year ago, the cast had no
idea that the film was being re-released in 3D format,
making the anticipation for the performances even
greater! The casting process began in late October,
and rehearsals ran through mid February. Some of the
featured actors included Kevin Amici as the Beast,
Kayla O‟Hara as Belle, James Parks as Lumiere,
Justin Magnaye as Cogsworth, Sean Begane as Gas-
ton, and Tiffany Thompson as Mrs. Potts. Highlights
of the show included popular numbers such as Belle,
Be Our Guest, Gaston and Beauty and the Beast. Par-
ents and community members donated their time to
make costumes, build sets, assist backstage, and or-
ganize a fantastic cast part. The show was directed by
Mrs. Erin Haskell, with musical direction by Ms. Eva
Szakal and choreography by Mrs. Jessica Falanga.
On Stage - with The Seminole Singers
Pep. Spirit. Talent. These were just some of the phe-
nomenal attributes that the Seminole Singers brought to
the stage this winter concert. Starting the concert off
with a bang, the chorus performed Jennifer Lopez‟s
“Let‟s Get Loud.” Later, the girls sang Taylor Swift‟s
“Mean” and the boys did their own rendition of Bruno
Mars‟ “Billionaire.” Of course, with guest stars known
as “The Sisters of South,” the most memorable perform-
ance was “Joyful, Joyful.” Our very own social studies
teacher, Mr. Miller, on stage in a nun costume isn‟t some-
thing you see every day. This concert was well thought
out, beautifully performed and had the audience clapping
and singing like never before.
Wrestling
Coming back this season, Coach Osborn and
Coach Austin were not sure how the season would
progress. Returning only 7 out of 20 wrestlers
with any 'A' team experience,
the team worked hard in the
practices leading up to the sea-
son. With some key new wres-
tlers, Cole Corrigan, Dave
Rodriquez, Lucas Howland,
Teddy Golumbowski and oth-
ers, the wrestlers were able to
squeeze out a 4-4 season. In
the end of the season Tournament, the Seminole
wrestlers captured 4 medals, Cole Corrigan 1st
place, Brett Golembeski 2nd Place, Dave
Rodriquez, 3rd Place and Jordan Wutzer 4th place.
Capping the season for the Seminoles was Cole
Corrigan, who became our schools first Tri-
County Champion.
Boys Basketball
The Boys Basketball
team enjoyed a productive
2011-2012 season. Although
the season started off slow,
the team managed to win 3
out of their final 5 games,
including defeating its cross town rival, Intermedi-
ate East, in a dramatic finale to the season. The
team managed 10 wins combined and showed
some real promise and hope for the future. The
All-Stars selected to represent the team were Tyler
Fall and R.J. Laing.
Girls Basketball 2011-2012
This season, the girls‟ basketball team is losing
some talented 8th graders who have been with us
since 6th grade. Nina Shirey, Kelly Porter, Shani-
yah Taylor, and Gabby Loffredo have all made an
impact on the girls‟ team for the last 3 years.
Hopefully, they will continue the tradition and
carry it over to High School South.
The A team finished their season with a 10-5
record, placing second in the division. In January,
South Seminoles participated in the St. Dominic‟s
Tournament where Nina Shirey, Kelly Porter, and
Emily Donzanti were named All-Stars to represent
our school. Also, the B team stood their ground by
maintaining a 500 record this year, and looks
promising for next year. In addition, Nina was
awarded a Sportsmanship Trophy which is highly
respected throughout all the schools. Nina Shirey
and Kelly Porter were selected to play in the
Ocean County Middle School All-Star game which
was played on February 23rd. Best of luck with
your continued success!
A MESSAGE FROM THE NURSES’ OFFICE:
Sports physicals will be held at the Pine Belt Arena at High School North from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on June 4, 5,
and 6, 2012. There will also be a make up date on August 7, 2012, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Pine Belt Arena.
These physicals are recommended for families that do not have their own physician. They are the only free
school physicals offered for the 2012-13 school year. PLAN AHEAD...if you know your child would like to par-
ticipate in a sport next year, come to the above dates so your required paperwork will be completed.
Any questions about sports physicals, please contact the nurses‟ office at 732-505-3916. Thank you!
GUIDANCE NEWS
Spring is just around the corner as is the fourth marking period! As the school year flies by, the Guidance De-
partment continues to work students and parents to help make this school year a successful one. Please remind your
child that if he/she would like to speak with the Guidance Counselor, we have appointment request slips available
in classrooms and in Guidance. At any time if you would like to speak with your child‟s counselor or set up a con-
ference with your child‟s teachers and counselor, please contact our department at 732-505-3910.
The counselor assignments continue as follows:
Mrs. Cuneo: Cycles 64, 71, 74, 75, 83
Mrs. Starr: Cycles 62, 65, 72, 84, 86
Mrs. Zsido: Cycles 61, 63, 73, 81, 82, 85
NJASK INFORMATION
All students will be bringing home a letter and a “New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge” (NJASK)
booklet with information about the exam. Please expect these to come home on the following dates:
Grades 7 & 8 – Monday, March 26th
Grade 6 – Monday, April 2nd
It is very important for you to review this booklet with your child. The NJASK exam will take place during the
following weeks:
Grades 7 & 8 – Monday, April 23rd through Thursday, April 26th
Grades 6 – Monday, April 30th through Thursday, May 3rd
Mrs. Kim Cuneo Mrs. Jaclyn Starr Mrs. Jacqueline Zsido
REMINDER!! Toms River Regional School District has gone paperless so all progress reports and report cards
can only be viewed online through the Parent Portal. If you have not signed up for the Parent Portal to view
your child’s progress reports and report cards, please do so immediately. You must be the legal guardian of the
student in order to access this information. To sign up, please visit the Guidance Department to fill out the form
and bring a photo ID with you. You may also download the form from www.trschools.com under the
“Technology” tab and bring it to the Guidance Department along with your photo ID. If you have any questions
or concerns, please contact Guidance at 732-505-3910.