east shore middle school milford public schools · year by doing a 9/11 interview. the purpose of...
TRANSCRIPT
East Shore Middle School Milford Public Schools 240 Chapel Street Milford, CT 06460 (203) 783-3559
Volume 25, Issue 1 October 2015
Principal’s Message – October 2015
Dear East Shore Community, The school year is in full swing and our start could not have been better. Each and every day, our students enter the building with enthusiasm and curiosity. In addition, the daily feedback that we receive from them demonstrates their positive attitude and genuine like and appreciation of their teachers and of their classes. Our 6th graders have transitioned seamlessly to their new surroundings. Our 7th graders are eager to tackle the new challenges posed by a more demanding curriculum. And finally, our 8th graders have demonstrated that they are ready to assume the role of leadership as they begin their final middle school year at East Shore. As we move into our second month of school, it is a good time to review the Core Values of East Shore Middle School: ~ Be Accountable ~ ~ Be Respectful ~ Be Safe ~ Please remember to sign up for Parent Conferences on October 7th & 8th. Thank you for your support and for your continued involvement in the education of your child.
October dates: October 1st – Parent/Child Google Drive workshop (Media Center) Week of October 5th – After School Activities begin October 7th & 8th – Early Dismissal – PARENT CONFERENCES October 14th – PTA (Media Center) October 21st – Early Dismissal Sincerely, Mrs. Williams, Principal Mr. Piselli, Assistant Principal
Statement of Compliance In compliance with Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Milford Public School system does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability in establishing and implementing hiring and employment practices and establishing and providing school activities and educational programs. The Title VI and Title IX Coordinator and Compliance Officer is Wendy Kopazna. The Section 504 Compliance Officer is Susan Kelleher. They may be contacted by mail at the Milford Public Schools, 70 West River Street, Milford, CT 06460 or by phone at (203) 783-3400. Questions, concerns or comments regarding possible discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should be made in person or in writing to the following: Regarding Facilities: James L. Richetelli, Jr./Chief Operations Officer Regarding Employment: Wendy Kopazna/Director of Human Resources Regarding Programs: Susan Kelleher/Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Contact Information School Phone Number: (203) 783-3559 Principal’s Email: [email protected] Assistant Principal’s Email: [email protected] School Secretaries: Mrs. Sheryl Carpenter Ms. Molly Dryman *All staff email addresses are first initial last name @ milforded.org (i.e.John Smith would be [email protected])
Inside this issue:
Team Pages: Grade 6, Team 1……page 2 Grade 6, Team 2…….page 4 Grade 8, Team 4 ……page 9 Grade 7, Team 3 ……page 12 Humanities ……………page 13 Support Services …..page 15 Library/Media……….page 16
Team 1
SS: Always Remember
We are thrilled to be starting another exciting year of ancient history! We will begin the year by doing a 9/11 interview. The purpose of this unit is to educate students in a meaningful approach that will highlight the historical significance of 9/11, dissolve stereotypes and ignorance through enlightened education that encourages students to be pillars of the future in order to make a positive impact in a post 9/11 world. Students will interview a family member or friend who lived through the events of September 11th. They will create an oral history that describes the events, emotions, and opinions of that interviewee. We will then move to an overview of geography and map skills before starting our studies of the ancient world. We are looking forward to working with our Team 1 students! Parent tip: Please help your student with organization at the beginning of the year. Feel free to check their assignment pads. Once they master organization, they will feel much more confident! We are looking forward to a wonderful year! Social Studies – Mrs. Balamaci (Team Leader) – [email protected] Mrs. [email protected]
Math
6th Grade Math – Team 1 students have transitioned nicely into sixth grade. Our Common Core units will include Operating with Positive Rational Numbers, Ratios and Rates, Using Expressions, Understanding Positive and Negative Numbers, Using Equations, Applications of Geometry and Statistics and Distributions.
6th/7th Grade Advanced Math – Besides the above units, two additional units will be included: Statistics and Distributions and Operating with Rational Numbers.
Common Core Math Practices will be utilized throughout the units. Students will: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Reason abstractly and quantitatively. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Model with mathematics. Use appropriate tools strategically. Attend to precision. Look for and make use of structure and Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Team 1 – Grade 6 – Page 2
Please encourage your child to check over their homework for accuracy as they go through their work. I am looking forward to an exciting year with our students! Math – Mrs. Wells – [email protected]
Science
Team 1 students are getting settled in and are eager to begin their scientific journey this year. Students have been provided with an overview of this year’s activities. Team 1 scientists will be developing their science process skills of making scientific observations, inferences and predictions, asking questions and solving problems, measuring, identifying variables and accurately recording and presenting data in experiments. Textbook units will include Chemistry, Weather and Climate, Water on Earth and Environmental Science.
I am looking forward to working hard this year with the students as they put their best effort forward. Daily preparation is necessary. It is going to be an exciting year of knowledge, skill and character development, improved self-confidence and overall student success. Science – Mr. DeBassio – [email protected]
English/Language Arts
The children are transitioning nicely into our classes and routines! So far, we have discussed classroom expectations, as well as the curriculum for Language Arts. We will start the year reading short stories from our Anthology as we begin the unit of Realistic Fiction. In addition, we will delve into our Great Books program and participate in shared inquiry. Please stress the importance of reading and coming to class with a book. Your child should make reading a priority by reading at least 100 minutes per week. We look forward to working together to make this a successful school year!!
English Language Arts – Mrs. Higley– [email protected] Mrs. [email protected]
Team 1 – Grade 6 – Page 3
Team 2 – Grade 6
Core Math & Advanced Math ADVANCED -Students will be starting off this year with Operating with Positive Rational Numbers. We will be following the common core content standards and using the common core standards of practice that make for good math learners, thinkers, and problem solvers. Operating with Positive Rational Numbers In this unit: Students will learn how to divide two fractions and learn the relationship between multiplication and division. Students will learn how to divide multi-digit numbers by using the long division algorithm. Students will use their knowledge of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers to perform the same operations with decimals. Students will determine the factors of two numbers and determine the greatest common factor. Students will use the greatest common factor to decide how to share or distribute items in a collection. Students will determine the least common multiple of two numbers and solve real-world problems involving the least common multiple. CORE - Students are currently in Unit 1: Prime Time. Students will explore the properties of whole numbers and their relationship to multiplication and division. The investigations will help students understand factors, multiples, divisors, and products. Students will also learn how the distributive property relates multiplication and addition. Prime Time In this unit: Students will find the greatest common factor and least common multiple of two whole numbers. Learn to use and evaluate whole number exponents. Write expressions with numbers and with letters standing for numbers, and evaluate them. Apply the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions and identify equivalent expressions. Use the distributive property to relate multiplication and addition. The Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice will be integrated into every mathematics lesson.
Team 2 – Grade 6 – Page 4
* Standards for Mathematical Practice Explanations and Examples 1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. In grade 6, students solve real world problems through the application of algebraic and geometric concepts. These problems involve ratio, rate, area and statistics. Students seek the meaning of a problem and look for efficient ways to represent and solve it. They may check their thinking by asking themselves, “What is the most efficient way to solve the problem?”, “Does this make sense?”, and “Can I solve the problem in a different way?” Students can explain the relationships between equations, verbal descriptions, tables and graphs. Mathematically proficient students check answers to problems using a different method.
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively. In grade 6, students represent a wide variety of real world contexts through the use of real numbers and variables in mathematical expressions, equations, and inequalities. Students contextualize to understand the meaning of the number or variable as related to the problem and decontextualize to manipulate symbolic representations by applying properties of operations.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. In grade 6, students construct arguments using verbal or written explanations accompanied by expressions, equations, inequalities, models, and graphs, tables, and other data displays (i.e. box plots, dot plots, histograms, etc.). They further refine their mathematical communication skills through mathematical discussions in which they critically evaluate their own thinking and the thinking of other students. They pose questions like “How did you get that?”, “Why is that true?” “Does that always work?” They explain their thinking to others and respond to others’ thinking. 4. Model with mathematics. In grade 6, students model problem situations symbolically, graphically, tabularly, and contextually. Students form expressions, equations, or inequalities from real world contexts and connect symbolic and graphical representations. Students begin to explore covariance and represent two quantities simultaneously. Students use number lines to compare numbers and represent inequalities. They use measures of center and variability and data displays (i.e. boxplots and histograms) to draw inferences about and make comparisons between data sets. Students need many opportunities to connect and explain the connections between the different representations. They should be able to use all of these representations as appropriate to a problem context. 5. Use appropriate tools strategically. Students consider available tools (including estimation and technology) when solving a mathematical problem and decide when certain tools might be helpful. For instance, students in grade 6 may decide to represent figures on the coordinate plane to calculate area. Number lines are used to understand division and to create dot plots, histograms and box plots to visually compare the center and variability of the data. Additionally, students might use physical objects or applets to construct nets and calculate the surface area of three-dimensional figures.
Team 2 – Grade 6 – Page 5
6. Attend to precision. In grade 6, students continue to refine their mathematical communication skills by using clear and precise language in their discussions with others and in their own reasoning. Students use appropriate terminology when referring to rates, ratios, geometric figures, data displays, and components of expressions, equations or inequalities. 7. Look for and make use of structure. Students routinely seek patterns or structures to model and solve problems. For instance, students recognize patterns that exist in ratio tables recognizing both the additive and multiplicative properties. Students apply properties to generate equivalent expressions (i.e. 6 + 2x = 3 (2 + x) by distributive property) and solve equations (i.e. 2c + 3 = 15, 2c = 12 by subtraction property of equality, c=6 by division property of equality). Students compose and decompose two- and three-dimensional figures to solve real world problems involving area and volume.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. In grade 6, students use repeated reasoning to understand algorithms and make generalizations about patterns. During multiple opportunities to solve and model problems, they may notice that a/b ÷ c/d = ad/bc and construct other examples and models that confirm their generalization. Students connect place value and their prior work with operations to understand algorithms to fluently divide multi-digit numbers and perform all operations with multi-digit decimals. Students informally begin to make connections between covariance, rates, and representations showing the relationships between quantities. *Parents please help your child in math by making sure they know their multiplication facts. Just reciting a few of their most problematic tables each night will have them in shape in no time!! Mathematics – Mrs. Casey (Team Leader) – [email protected]
Social Studies Welcome to Sixth Grade Social Studies!! It has been a pleasure getting to know all of the students on team 2. During September, students will be learning about 9/11. They will be able to describe the sequence of events up to September 11, 2001 and differentiate between primary and secondary resources. Students will analyze how the scope of a timeline can dramatically change one’s perception of a historical event. They will conduct an interview and submit an oral history report at the end of the unit. Before moving on to learning about ancient civilizations, students will learn about geography and practice map skills. I look forward to working with all of my students this year and meeting their families.
Team 2 – Grade 6 – Page 6
Parent Tips: 1. Please check your child’s assignment pad for homework. You can also access their homework assignments on my web page or the team 2 web page located on the East Shore website. 2. Encourage your child to keep their binder neat and organized. 3. Do not hesitate to email either one of us at any time if you have questions or concerns. Social Studies – Mr. Hribko/Mr. Cannizzaro – [email protected]/ [email protected]
Science
Team 2 scientists are off to a fantastic start. We began the year with learning basic science skills such as safety, measurement tools and lab activity procedures. Students have completed a baseline assessment and have learned to write a scientific evidence based explanation. We have worked in groups to practice writing claims and using data to support them. Our mini lessons on the metric system were entertaining and the students had a variety of hands on experiences with measuring length, liquid, volume, and weight. Chemistry is our first unit and students will work on analyzing scientific text as well as making real life connections. “No we will not be blowing anything up”……..Stay tuned for more information from Team 2 Science. Excellent start to this new school year :)
Science – Mrs. Cruciani – [email protected]
Team 2 - Grade 6 – Page 7
Language Arts
Grade Six Language Arts – Students will be diving into close reading skills by becoming text detectives, using Notice and Note Signposts to get more meaning from texts.
Signposts are strategies that author’s use to make their stories exciting. These techniques will also clue readers into lessons we can learn about ourselves, others, and the world around us by detecting on the road map of discovery that authors have created throughout their writing. For example, the first signpost “Contrasts and Contradictions” is all about when a character reacts to something differently than reader would. It makes us stop and think, is there more than one acceptable way to react to a situation? It makes us wonder about people when we start to question their behavior, and thus, by questioning other’s behaviors we can learn about ourselves. “Aha Moment” is the second signpost that help readers gain insight into theme and life lessons a story has to offer by looking at a character’s discovery about themselves or a situation that allows them to transcend to their next level of development. Sometimes a “Tough Question” is written into a story that can be found in the author’s words or character conversations. These questions can give hints to plot development which can help a reader comprehend more if they stop to reflect on the question to see how it will affect the character’s growth. They can also help identify themes and major lessons as it alerts readers to the inner turmoil of the main characters. “Words of the Wiser” are moments when an elder gives a younger character something to think about. This “something to think about” is not always straight forward, but the metaphoric language often allows the character to see the symbolic connection to their life, and it pushes the character to reflect and grow. When an author repeats something, “Again and Again,” they are often trying to clue the reader into something about the character or a plot event that has shaped the character, negatively or positively. By stopping and thinking about these repeated words or phrases, readers can get a deeper understanding of why a character is the way he or she is. More importantly, repeated words can give aspiring writers cool ways to increase their writing skills by looking at author’s craft. “Memory Moments” will also provide insights into characters for readers. By giving readers a glimpse of a character’s past events, we can see the importance of relationships, events, and places.
As we go through the signposts, students will read, highlight, and then take notes on the readings in order to get better adept at using these skills. On their note sheets, there are always questions to help prompt their thinking. Thus, parents can assist by reminding the student to refer to the questions as they review their evidence from the text. Parents may also want to read the excerpt
Team 2 - Grade 6 – Page 8
Ms. Johnston – [email protected]
with their students and engage in a discussion about their notes to see just how the signposts work. You may be amazed at the things it helps all readers discover! Students will be using a variety of text excerpts to explore this concept, such as The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963, Crash, Hatchet, Tuck Everlasting, and Among the Hidden.
What does our reading teach us about life, people, the human condition, and social and cultural issues in the world around us? We will use this general question to discover more and become wild readers!
English Language Arts – Mr. Hribko/Mr. Cannizzaro – [email protected] / [email protected]
Team 4 – 8th Grade
Ways to help your 8th grader be successful:
Encourage your child to be a self-advocate. 8th grade is a year of independence, especially as they move to the high school. Model this behavior at home. Show them appropriate ways to ask
questions or to ask for help on their own. If your child feels they are struggling in a particular class, urge your child to speak with their teacher. Teachers are available before and after school,
as well as during flex periods on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It’s hard to believe that it is October already! In Language Arts class, eighth graders are now actively involved in their short story unit. They are practicing the Common Core Standards of reading by citing textual evidence from a story to support their thoughts about characters and theme. For the performance task of the unit, students will demonstrate their understanding of the Common Core Standards of writing with an expository essay. Please remember that district policy states that students should pleasure read for 100 minutes per week. Hopefully, you are seeing some of that reading being completed at home. English Language Arts – Ms. Buckley – [email protected] Ms. Johnston – [email protected]
Team 4 – Grade 8 – Page 9
Team 2 - Grade 6 – Page 9
As October begins, things are moving right along in 8th grade Social Studies. We completed our 9/11 unit and your children are to be commended for the maturity and compassion they demonstrated while discussing such a sensitive topic. We have now begun our examination of U.S. History. We are in the midst of studying the first explorers and settlers to the "New World.” Your children are just finishing up an examination into the life of Christopher Columbus, where they not only had read historical documents, but also used them to evaluate the life of this historical figure, and made an argument based on their findings. Our study will shift to the first American colonies in the coming weeks. Specifically, the students will be comparing the Jamestown and Plymouth colonies to determine how an economic colony and a religious colony were both similar and different. We are off to a great start in 8th grade Social Studies! Social Studies – Mr. Storey – [email protected] Mrs. Rossi– [email protected] Eighth grade science students are moving full speed ahead describing and measuring motion. Students are measuring distances and times of moving objects and describing that data in line graphs that represent velocity and acceleration. These students will be asked to analyze their graphs and write explanations describing the motion of their object. These activities will be the springboard to the next question about our world, “What causes motion?” Science – Mrs. Coulson – [email protected] Mr. Thomas – [email protected]
8th Grade Math – Welcome Back 8thGraders! This year 8th grade math classes will be starting with a unit on “The Number System.” Students will be exploring how to categorize numbers (rational, irrational, natural, whole numbers, integers…). Following this introduction, Students will apply their learning to the concepts of Integer Operations, Squares and Square Roots, and Cubes and Cue Roots. The units will be full of many exploratory investigations involving hands on applications of the concepts learned. Key Vocabulary: Real Number, Rational, Irrational, Not Real, Natural Number, Whole Number, Integer, Square, Square Root, Cube, Cube Root Algebra I - We have finished our unit on volume and have moved on to our first Algebra unit on Patterns. The units come with multiple investigations that your students will work their way through in class. We will be finding ubiquitous patterns in nature and man-made objects, and using those patterns to make predictions. Following our unit on patterns, we will start our study
Team 4 – Grade 8 – Page 10
of linear equations and inequalities. This is a very important unit to the study of algebra and we will be spending a good amount of time working here. The classes had a good start to the year; we hope they will keep it up!
Mathematics – Mr. Lombardi – [email protected] Mrs. Astrosky (Team Leader) - [email protected] In the upcoming months, we will continue to broaden the students’ vocabulary and language skills. As we finish our “refresher” of 7th grade, we will start to work on describing clothing and shopping in Spanish. Students will be able to develop more complex forms of communication, while working on their fluency and accuracy. Ask your child to share some of the new vocabulary they have learned and have them answer the question: ¿Qué llevas tú? (What are you wearing?) Spanish – Mrs. Einstein (Team Leader) – [email protected] Ms. Hannigan [email protected]
7th Grade Math – We are off to a busy start this year in math. In September, students learned about rational numbers and how to add and subtract the numbers. During the month of October we'll be multiplying and dividing all rational numbers. Do you remember what rational numbers are? If not ask your student! Classes will also be determining the difference between expressions and equations. Freyer Models will be used to illustrate the differences. Ask your child to come up with real life situations of multiplying or dividing rational numbers.
7th/8th Grade Advanced Math – Advanced 7/8 math students will be completing their unit on Algebraic Reasoning (examining and differentiating arithmetic/algebraic solutions, Order of Operations, etc.) and moving on to proportional relationships. They will be finding unit rates and graphing various scenarios to determine the constant of proportionality. How do we use them in everyday life? How can these studies help to determine tax or commissions? Perhaps they'll be able to help you figure out your income tax) In addition, your child will eventually be able to determine missing measurements in geometric situations. Mathematics – Mrs. Mahon (Team Leader) – [email protected] Mrs. Astrosky (Team Leader) – [email protected]
Team 4 – Grade 8 – Page 11
Team 4 Grade 8 – Page 11
Welcome back! By the end of September, students in the seventh grade will wrap up their discussion of 9/11 and move on to a unit called Major World Religions. During this unit, we will explore three of the world’s major belief systems: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Despite many misconceptions, these religions are actually very much alike! As a class, we will look at how and where each faith began, how they have spread throughout history and continue to gain followers today as well as compare and contrast the main tenets of each religion. Did you know that millions of Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca each year and feel it is their duty to help the poor? Many other interesting facts such as this will be revealed as we discover the region known as the “Crossroads of the World.” Social Studies – Ms. Lucibello – [email protected] Mrs. Rossi – [email protected]
During the month of October, the 7th grade science classes will continue our units in biology by taking a look at how cells exchange materials. We will study the movement of materials through the processes of diffusion, osmosis, active and passive transport. We will also work on understanding cellular respiration, photosynthesis and fermentation. Our exciting take home lab is called "The Eggsperiment.” We look forward to tracking the progress of our eggs as they take on and lose fluids. We will keep detailed data and share the results with classmates. Happy experimenting! Science – Mrs. Theriault – [email protected] Mr. Thomas – [email protected]
In Language Arts class, seventh-graders are moving along in their short story unit. Classes will continue to read stories in the Language of Literature textbook, including “Zebra” and “Harrison Bergeron.” Then, we will end the month with a spooky story for Halloween! Students will continue to practice the Common Core standards of Reading by citing textual evidence from stories to support their thoughts on literary elements, including conflict and theme. We will end the unit with an expository writing performance task where students will demonstrate their understanding of the Common Core standards of Writing by applying the elements of a short story when they write their own short story. English Language Arts – Ms. Richiski – [email protected] Ms. Johnston – [email protected]
Team 3 Grade 7 – Page 12
¡Hola! It has been a pleasure to meet the students and we are impressed with their enthusiasm and dedication to their new Spanish class as we embark upon their adventures learning Spanish! Most of the students have selected a new Spanish name. They are expressing greetings in Spanish and learning facts about the Spanish speaking world! How do you say Hello, Good day and Goodbye in Spanish? What are some of the Spanish speaking countries and capitals? Ask your child! This month, Spanish classes will be studying conversational expressions and dialogue. ¡Viva el español! Spanish – Mrs. Elgart – [email protected] Ms. Hannigan – [email protected]
Humanities News
Physical Education
Mr. Conrad and Mr. Kirkpatrick are looking forward to an exciting and enjoyable year of Physical Education! The P.E. program starts with a unit on football, followed by soccer, and the annual Connecticut Physical Fitness Assessment. The assessment consists of curl-ups, push-ups, PACER run, and the sit and reach flexibility test. Our students will also be able to make extensive use of our fitness room and all the fitness equipment. Have a great school year! Mr. Conrad- [email protected] Mr. [email protected]
Speaking of Music
General Music Mr. Bednarsky [email protected] Band and Strings and Chorus We would like to welcome all of our performing musicians back for another great year of music making!
Humanities Team – Page 13
Team 3 – Page 13
For Band: Students should drop off their instruments in the band room in the morning before homeroom. At the end of the day, students will need to stop by the band room on their way to homeroom to pick up their instrument and bring it home to practice. This process was explained to all your children during the first day of class. Remember, the most important way that you can help support your child in band is to encourage them to regularly practice at home. Practicing a few times a week for 20-30 minutes at a time will go a long way towards your child mastering their instrument and having a blast playing music!
It has been so fun to see everyone again and to meet the incoming 6th grade band and chorus students. We are so looking forward to working with them and performing for you! Mr. Boccia – [email protected] Mr. Juhasz – [email protected] Mrs. Friedman – [email protected]
Health 6th grade- We are extremely excited to meet our new 6th grade students! In health class we start the year
talking mainly about character education and how to maintain healthy relationships in our lives. We have a discussion about the meaning of being truly healthy in every aspect of life by introducing the health triangle.
Throughout the year in 6th grade the students also learn about how to research valid health information on the internet so that they can be independent learners throughout their life. This skill will allow them to be able to gain information that is reliable and will help them to answer questions they may have regarding their health.
************************************************************************************* 7th grade- We welcome back our 7th graders to what will be another amazing year! In 7th grade this year we are starting with a quick unit on first aid and safety. We will go over topics such as abdominal thrusts, steps to
stop bleeding, injury prevention, and the appropriate steps to take when calling 9-1-1. *************************************************************************************
8th grade- We welcome back our 8th graders to what will be a great last year at East Shore! In 8th grade we start our year off with the mental and emotional health unit. The student will learn about different mental
illnesses and reliable sources of help. The students also learn about stress and effected stress reduction techniques.
If you have any questions at all please feel free to contact one of us at any time! Ms. [email protected] Mrs. Moore- [email protected]
Visual Arts Welcome!!! We are looking forward to a fantastic year of ART with our students.
We are beginning the year accessing our students’ skills in art to better address their needs throughout the year. All grade levels will be learning and using the Elements of Design; different grades will be more specific
with individual Elements. Mrs. Dotson’s grade 6 students are creating Zentangles focusing on the Elements of Line and Value. Grade 7
students are focusing on the Element of Shape while creating a “popcorn” design using both organic and geometric shapes and positive and negative space.
Humanities Team – Page 14
Grade 8 students are creating self-portraits using Tim Burton’s macabre style of exaggeration and simplification while focusing on the Element of Line and Value to create different textures.
Mrs. Mary Jane [email protected] Mrs. Deanna Dotson- [email protected]
TEC Ed
Technology Engineering Communication Education Greetings:
The new trimester started with both 7th and 8th grade students working on communications unit of drafting.
Now the students are starting the following: 7th grade TEC ED has started a new unit of Construction. The students will learn: 1-To work in teams; 2- Vocabulary associated with construction; 3- Types of construction and bridges; 4-Build a structure of their own design then apply the destructive test method to it. 8th grade entered the transportation unit. They will learn: the types of transportation; specific focus will be on air transportation. In this unit they will construct and launch a model rocket (weather permitting); construct and fly a balsa wood/paper/rubber band powered airplane. Through these activities and associated lessons the students learn the 3 major differences between rockets and airplanes and the physics of flight (how and why airplanes fly). Mr. David Kania- [email protected]
Support Services
What is inclusion?
Many of you may have heard the word “inclusion”, but might not know what it means at East Shore Middle School. Inclusion is the belief that all students be included in the general education setting. In an inclusive classroom, a general education teacher and a special education teacher work together to meet the needs of ALL students. There are many benefits to this type of model. Having two teachers in a classroom allows more opportunities for students to ask for and receive help. Inclusion enhances skill acquisition and generalization for all. It’s also rewarding for students as they become aware and accepting of individual differences among their peers. Because the philosophy of inclusion is aimed at helping all students achieve high standards, everyone in the class benefits.
As always, thank you for your time and effort in partnering with us to ensure your child’s education. Above all, let us know how we can help. We are dedicated to your child’s social/emotional, academic and future career success.
Mrs. Murphy – Social Work – [email protected] Ms. Megan Marcarelli – School Psychologist – [email protected] Mrs. Rubino / Ms. Szabo – Guidance Counselor / Speech – [email protected] / [email protected]
From the Desk of our Support Staff – page 15
Humanities Team – Page 15
News from the East Shore Library: On Thursday, October 1st we are offering a free parent/child workshop on using google drive and other tools for homework. It will be at 6pm in the East Shore Library Computer Lab. Hope to see you there! The East Shore Library is open and ready for student book check-out. We offer a wide variety of novels, non-fiction, comic books, graphic novels, and audio books. We have over 13,000 books. Students may check out up to three items at a time and may keep them for two weeks. The library is open from 7:30 am and also during most flex periods. Starting in October, the library will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 4 pm.
From The Desk of Our Library/Media Specialist Mrs. Begin – page 16