fsus middle school seminole spotlight · fsus was the only middle school in the ... they are...

FSUS Middle School Seminole Spotlight

Fall Semester Quarter 2January 2018

NOTEWORTHY NOLES Students earn Noteworthy Nole Notes for going above and beyond expectations in the classroom and anywhere in the school. When students earn five Noteworthy Nole Notes, they receive a special certificate and recognition from the teacher. At the end of the year, the top 33 students with Noteworthy Nole Notes in each grade level get to go on a special field trip thanks to Mr. Bailey, Coach Kelley, and Mrs. Wilkinson.

Noteworthy Nole Notes 6th Grade: 302 7th Grade: 379 8th Grade: 225

Middle School Total: 906

October 2017 Vol. 1, Quarter 1

DANCE MARATHON

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

PARENT LISTSERV Please make sure to sign up for the Secondary Parent Listserve: https://lists.fsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/fsus-parent-secondary Please also make sure your current email is in our FOCUS system.

FROM COACH KELLEY

I am excited to start my second full semester as Academic Dean for our Middle School students. Our 6th graders have adjusted well to middle school and our 7th and 8th grade students are contin-uing their academic excellence. If you have any questions or concerns about your students’ academic progress, please do not hesitate to call or email me. GO NOLES!

Congratulations to the FSUS middle school students and teachers for a very successful first Dance Marathon on Friday, December 1, 2017. FSUS was the only middle school in the area to hold a dance marathon!

Over 80 students participated, and raised $800 for Children’s Miracle Network! Way to go!!

Dear FSUS Middle School Parents – I could not be more proud of our FSUS middle school students and teachers. Our second 9 weeks was filled with fun activities, inside and outside of the classroom, with incredible learning opportunities all over campus. There is a strong sense of pride throughout our school as teachers stay busy preparing students for the upcoming Spring Assessments. As we begin 2018, I am convinced the best is yet to come! Go Noles! Suzanne Wilkinson, Ed.S.

https://lists.fsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/fsus-parent-secondary

https://lists.fsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/fsus-parent-secondary

FSUS MS Seminole Spotlight October 2017 Vol. 1, Quarter 1

Spotlight on Sixth Grade

Fall Semester Quarter 2 January 2018

All students are continuing to work on critical thinking, comprehension, vocabulary, and organiza-tional skills! We are very lucky to be a technologi-cally rich school and students are accessing content and resources via their Chromebooks, Google Classroom, the interactive SMART Board, and more! Language Arts students have been delving into nar-rative and expository text, grappling with complex skills like inferencing and analyzing character traits. They are benefiting from our newest curric-ulum resource, called Collections, reading notewor-thy short stories like “The Ravine,” superlative po-ems like “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me,” by the incom-parable Maya Angelou, and informational arti-cles. They are involved in important discussions, reflective writing, and thoughtful analysis and eval-uation. Digital Literacy Skills students thrilled and amazed as they read background information, brain-stormed, researched, and created research presen-tations about traditions and holidays! This project required much application of the skills they are learning and practicing, including conducting mean-ingful research, evaluating sources, using digital tools, creating citations, practicing paraphrasing and summarizing, and public speaking…to name a few! The students became resident experts in local and international celebrations and holidays – and everyone, including Ms. Clawson, learned a lot!

DIGITAL LITERACY—MRS. SCOTT

Mrs. Scott's 6th grade Digital Literacy Skills students spent most of the second quarter working collaboratively to become better writers by focusing on grammar. They learned the importance of proper writing conventions, such as using commas correctly to avoid communicating the wrong message. The example found in our classroom reads: "Let's eat Grandma" and "Let's eat, Grandma." Commas save lives!

LANGUAGE ARTS & DIGITAL LITERACY —MS. CLAWSON

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Eryn Files Andrew Weber Fabian Delgado Victoria Garcia




This nine weeks, Ms. Olgar’s World Geography students thoroughly enjoyed creating their own Paleolithic cave drawings in the model of prehistoric art. Using natural materials, like chalk and charcoal, we recreated prehistoric pictographs and symbols. Also, students examined how humans lived in early agricultural communities, like Çatalhöyük, and how that life compared to hunter-gatherers of earlier time periods. We began our study of civilizations with the earliest known civilization of Mesopotamia. In January, we will continue to explore life in ancient civilizations.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY—MRS. OLGAR

Mr. Williams-Clark’s (aka Mr. WC) World Geography class is currently learning about the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia. The students have created little passports where they record information learned and paste archaeological photographs as they go through each civilization or empire.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY—Mr. WC

In Language Arts, Ms. Moloney’s students got moving with SCOOT! to practice finding figurative language in poetry and other types of writing. Students used Chromebooks at stations and worked around the room with partners. This past nine weeks, we focused on learning about elements of fiction and nonfiction.

LANGUAGE ARTS




During the second nine weeks, Mrs. Lovel's science classes studied Earth's Systems. We ended our study of Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition with a fun lab that used Skittles to model the breakdown of rocks. Students enjoyed the lab and it was a hands-on way to remember scientific processes.

SCIENCE

For the past two weeks in math, students have been learning all about ratios, rates, and proportions. Many lessons introduced the terms, meanings, and use of these concepts. These topics are some of the most useful math concepts in real life! Over the past few days we have brought math to life by engaging in real-world activities that incorporate math. Students calculated ratios of basketball shots made vs. shots taken and worked in groups to calculate ratios of jumping jacks per minute. They then used their personal ratios to create equivalent ratios and apply it to real-world questions. Students also created new shades of familiar colors by combining different ratios of paints and were introduced to calculating percentages by participating in the “Bottle Flip Percentage Challenge.” Ms. Williams and Mrs. Crombie have been working to make math come alive and are incredibly excited to jump into the next semester.

MATH


Spotlight on Seventh Grade


Zoie Jackson Gunnar Lanham C'Nyah Catron Jacob Rackley


In ELA, Ms. Julian’s students started the Collections Textbook with a focus on learning literary elements, such as plot diagrams and characterization. In December, students began learning how to write an argumentative essay using claim, counterclaim, and rebuttals.

LANGUAGE ARTS

CIVICS

In October, our 7th graders went on a field trip to the Leon County Courthouse and were able to experience our American legal system firsthand. First, the students were given a tour of the courthouse, including areas not open to the public like the holding cells and the judges' chambers. We also sat in on some first appearances so the students could witness actual court proceedings, and we then performed our own mock trials in a real courtroom, with our students acting as the lawyers, witnesses, and jury members. This experience helped our students make connections between what they are learning in civics to the real world and also learn courtroom expectations and demeanor that is only learned through experiencing it.


Spotlight on Seventh Grade


Comprehensive Science used their inquiry skills to explore the exterior and interior of the Earth this quarter. Environmental STEM learned about keeping our water clean by touring the Thomas P. Smith Water Reclamation Facility and building their own water filters.

SCIENCE

In 7th grade, math students have been learning how to apply percentages to real-world situations. The next time your family eats at a restaurant, ask your 7th grader to calculate the tip. They also learned to solve problems with taxes, commission, profits, and items on sale. They are also working on solving one-step and two-step equations with variables as we set the foundation for algebraic thinking.

MATH


Spotlight on Eighth Grade


Congratulations!

Isabella Guerrero Srihari Sankuratri Michael Boland Amelia Kraemer


In 8th grade Language Arts, students are working diligently on Argumentative Essay Writing. This particular day, students were working on a Pear Deck presentation having to do with Transition Words and Phrases. This lesson focuses on the use of transitional words and phrases, or so-called signal words and phrases, to show the reader that the writer is shifting to a different time or place or setting up, developing, challenging, or summarizing a set of ideas.

LANGUAGE ARTS—MRS. LARKINS

U.S. HISTORY

In US history class, students created body biographies after reading about Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. They used their new knowledge and represented important details on a body outline for each man.


Spotlight on Eighth Grade


MATH

Students in Mrs. Harley's class were engaged when playing Kahoot and practicing multi step equations.

LANGUAGE ARTS—MRS. PERRY

SCIENCE

Mrs. Bickel’s science classes have recently completed their chemistry unit in Physical Science. Students learned how to balance equations. They also learned about ionic and covalent bonds. As part of the unit, students also completed a lab exploring the relationship between volume and the temperature of a gas. Next, students will study physics!

Our class read the personal essay “Bonne Annee” by Jean-Pierre Benoit, whose family fled Haiti and emigrated to the U.S. during the reign of Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier. They then did research on Papa Doc and his son, who succeeded him in 1971, and created informational posters.


Spotlight on Fine Arts, Technology & PE


UPCOMING CONCERTS & PERFORMANCES

BAND With the rain delay on October 28, many people were not able to make it to see the Marching Braves compete at MPA. We wanted to share the video with you so you could see what the kids accomplished. They were amazing! We truly appreciate all of your support this year. Please congratulate the band students on a job well done. Their score was the highest you can achieve! Here is their "straight superior" show! https://youtu.be/9UhhchBRW2Y

ALL-STATE MUSIC

FSUS Music department took 3 middle school students to All-State, FMEA, Tampa, on January 10-13, 2018:

Mary Lengacher Josanice Soares Ashley Casciotti

ORCHESTRA All-District Orchestra auditions were on January 23 FSUS Orchestra students will be participating in the North Florida String Festival, FSU College of Music, on

Saturday, February 3 FSUS Chamber and Concert Orchestra will have their Pre-MPA Concert on February 12 FSUS Chamber and Concert Orchestra will have their MPA (Music Performance Assessment) on February

27. All-District Orchestra, March 22-24 Orchestra and Guitar Spring Concert is May 7 at FSU's Opperman

Music Hall

BAND All-District band January 25-27, 10 students participated Concert Pre-MPA on February 6-7 Rehearsa-thon is on February 10 Solo & Ensemble MPA, February 16-17, at FSUS Concert MPA is March 1-3

CHORUS Solo and Ensemble - Feb. 9 Concert Pre-MPA - Feb. 21 Concert MPA - Mar. 1 & 2 Shrek the Musical -May 3-5 Chorus Concert - May 9- Opperman

May 3

https://youtu.be/9UhhchBRW2Y


Spotlight on Fine Arts, Technology & PE


THEATRE

Students in the middle school theatre classes have been learning about and practicing tech-niques to create bruises with theatre make-up. Students were challenged to create new bruises and old bruises, using different colors and techniques.

TV PRODUCTION

Middle School students in Coach Allen’s TV Production classes worked in groups to create stop motion videos with still photos, using Lego people.

ART

Ms. Wallheiser’s students have been working on the "Super Heroes in the Holocaust" project by studying gray scale values and making drawings of women of the Holocaust. The most popular female that most people know about is Anne Frank, so we have encouraged students to find and research other women and children of the Holocaust and create drawings of them. These drawings will be presented when Linda Stein comes to our school to speak about these "Super Heroes of the Holocaust."

PE Coach Wheeler’s PE classes learned and practiced volleyball skills this grading period. They practiced their bumping, setting, and serving skills. Students also worked on dynamic warm-ups and movements to help them succeed in live volleyball matches. Coach Harley’s PE classes have been working on their softball skills. Sixth grade students have been learning the basic skills and elements of the game of softball, such as hitting, catching, throwing, and running the bases. Coach Hickman’s and Coach Wheeler’s HOPE classes have been learning about healthy lifestyle choices while balancing school, athletics, and other hobbies.

Please join us on the evening of Wednesday, January 31 for the Middle School and High School

History Fair!

HISTORY FAIR - Jan. 31


Spotlight on Literacy


FROM THE LIBRARY

Congratulations to the following middle school students who have already read 3 or more Florida Sun-shine State Young Readers Award (SSYRA) books this year! Great work! All middle school students who read 3 or more SSYRA books by April 1 will be invited to a Voting Party on Friday, April 6 during lunch. They will use official Leon County voting machines to vote for their favorite SSYRA book, and then they will enjoy pizza with their classmates. Additiionally, students who read SSYRA books earn: a coupon for Krispy Kreme (3 SSYRA books); a coupon for Chick-Fil-A (6 SSYRA books); a free book (10 SSYRA books); and a special prize at the voting party (all 15 SSYRA books).

FROM THE LITERACY COACH—MRS. BROOME

I was recently walking around a first grade classroom checking on a new monolingual student to our school. I happened to walk in during a scheduled “Reading Buddy” time with a secondary English class. I observed the older students reading and speaking to the new student in his native language, making him feel welcomed. This warmed my heart and reminded me of how important and rewarding “Reading Buddies” programs truly are. Reading Buddies programs promote a higher interest and engagement in reading, and improvement in social and communication skills, particularly for students learning English as a second language.

6th Graders Giselle Birriel Kira Claypool Maggie Copa Ava Corley Eryn File* Caitlin Hall Leah Keller Onyinya Okoli Teagen Olson Maddox Vos Madison Wenhold*

7th Graders Grace Alday Veronica Dingus* Ronin Gibson Samantha Johnson Saumyaa Misra Luxmi Narayan Chichi Okoli Hakeem Olgar Emma Rodgers Michael Rubin

8th Graders Aidan Knipple Eric Srinivasan* Zoe Weddington Vivian Williams

Molly Russell Shruthi Sankuratri* Ashton Srinivasan Jasmine Srinivasan Matt Tabet Aubrey Tangen Evelyn Truitt Riley Walsh Brooke Windom Grace Williams

*These students have read all 15 middle school SSYRA books!

As we return to school from our winter break, I’m reminded of all the benefits of the amazing partner reading programs that happen throughout FSUS, including our successful Reading Buddies programs. I know our students look forward to more of these types of reading opportunities in 2018.


Spotlight on FSUS Teacher of the Year


Spotlight on Fall Carnival

Congratulations to Mrs. Kerr!

We are proud to announce that 7th grade Civics teacher Danielle Kerr has been chosen as the 2019 Middle School Teacher of the Year and as the 2019 FSUS District Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Kerr will represent FSUS at the state level as our district’s Teacher of the Year. This summer she will attend the Florida Teacher of the Year conference sponsored by the Florida Department of Education.

Middle School Principal Suzanne Wilkinson, 2018 FSUS District

Teacher of the Year Lisa Kelley, and 2019 FSUS District Teacher

of the Year Danielle Kerr


Spotlight on FSUS Middle School Fall Dance


Spotlight on Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week was a positive affirming opportunity for everyone to celebrate being “Drug Free” and to “Take a Stand Against Bullying”. We had students participate in dress up days, making signs, class assignments and creating anti-bullying videos. The culminating activity was a big dance party with all the middle school and elementary students in the elementary courtyard.

Spotlight on FSUS PTSA Your FSUS PTSA Did you know that your FSUS PTSA’s

efforts focus on improving the lives

of students of our school through

family involvement, volunteering and

effective partnerships with our

teachers and administrators?

These activities and initiatives would not be possible without the financial support and involvement of all our members. Membership to the PTSA is just $5 per family member. We use our funding for school improvement items, academic items like teacher mini-grants and senior scholarships and of course events like our brand-new Daddy Daughter Dance on February 24th.

Volunteering is an important part of making school feel like a family and there are opportunities to do as much as fits your sched-ule. There are opportunities at all times of the day with shifts as short as 30 minutes. We want to be sure everyone can join us with no pressure of mandatory volunteer hours – sign up today at http://bit.ly/2018PTSAvolunteer.

Join Us in 2018-2019 in Re-Imagined PTSA! If you would like to get more involved at FSUS, to casually interact with other parents, teachers, and students all while helping our great school – PTSA provides you that opportunity. Are you worried PTSA participation requires a lot of time? Don’t be… the PTSA Board appreciates any time you can give. Check out our opportunities for next year on our Interest Form.

Upcoming PTSA EVENTS February 8: Skate World Share Night

February 12-14: Wooden Rose Sale

February 21: Boosterthon Pep Rally

February 24: Daddy Daughter Dance

February 28: Walking School Bus

March 2: Boosterthon Fun Run

March 28: Walking School Bus

April 25: Walking School Bus & Muffins with Mom

May 1-5: Teacher Appreciation Week

See all our events on our website.

Have Questions?

Email us at [email protected]

https://fl01903484.schoolwires.net/cms/lib/FL01903484/Centricity/Domain/111/2017-2018%20PTSA%20Membership%20Form.pdf

https://fl01903484.schoolwires.net/cms/lib/FL01903484/Centricity/Domain/111/2017-2018%20PTSA%20Membership%20Form.pdf

http://bit.ly/PTSAdddance

http://bit.ly/2018PTSAvolunteer

http://bit.ly/ptsaleadership

http://bit.ly/skateworld2018

http://bit.ly/PTSAdddance

https://www.fsus.school/Page/1613

mailto:[email protected]

fsus middle school seminole spotlight · fsus was the only middle school in the ... they are...

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