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:_______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

---------------------------------------------------------------

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.