The War Cry
Everyone, Everyday; High Standards, High Achievement
Volume 15-16: September 11, 2015
Principally Speaking
Parents, Guardians, and Community,
We are coming up on the midterm date which is next Friday, September 18. We have asked all teachers to have grades updated for all students by that day, and we will run student progress reports for each student. Those reports will then be emailed to the addresses that we have in Harmony for each student. If you have questions about your student's performance, please contact the respective team or teacher by calling the school at 317.745.5491.
Midterm time is a great time to do a "gut check" with your student in terms of how he or she is performing academically and in terms of his or her demonstration of character as it pertains to being a student i.e. responsible, respectful, and reliable. We all know middle-schoolers are making choices right now as they attempt to learn who they are and in what they believe. They may act one way one day and do a complete turn around the next. This is a normal function of adolescence as their bodies are growing at a faster rate than they have since the ages of 1 to 2 years old and are getting spurts of hormones about every thirty seconds.
Regardless of their body changes, middle-schoolers must be challenged to take steps to become independent and responsible for the choices they make. The choices they make now do have an impact on their future especially if they are choices that become habits.
“No other age level is of more enduring importance because the determinants of one’s behavior as an adult, self-concept, learning interests and skills, and values are largely formed in this period of life.”
-John Lounsbury, in reference to the middle school level
As hard as it is, I encourage you to allow your student to make independent decisions, yet still provide coaching and guidance. When mistakes are made (and they will be made), allow your student to experience the consequences rather than attempt to fix it for them. Mistakes are an important part of the learning process. It usually only takes a time or two, of some discomfort help students make a better choice.
As always, I am so honored and privileged to serve the students, staff, and families of the community of Danville. Thank you for the opportunity. Have an excellent weekend.
Marsha Webster
Principal
Danville Community Middle School
Help! Book Rental Payments!
Your student's book rental is now past due. Please help us by remitting your payment as soon as possible. Should you need to make payment arrangements, please contact the school @ 317.745.5491 and ask to speak to the treasurer. You may view your book rental statement in Harmony. To access Harmony, go to danville.k12.in.us and click on the quick links for Harmony.
- Life Skills - $100.00
- 5th Grade - $118.00
- 6th Grade - $119.00
- 7th & 8th Grade - Determined by each student's schedule the second week of school.
Focus on Character - September/October is About Responsibility
Borrowed from the Parent Toolkit found at http://www.parenttoolkit.com/index.cfm?objectid=731D1AD2-1CF5-11E4-826A0050569A5318
Responsibility is being accountable for one’s actions. Taking on more independence and responsibility is part of your adolescent’s growth, and teaching the value of responsibility goes a long way in guiding him into a responsible adult. Responsibility is not just about how the choices your child makes affect him, but also how his choices and actions affect others. In order to learn to make responsible decisions, your teen needs to know what responsibility is and what your family holds him responsible for. This could range from household tasks like feeding the family pet and taking care of his room and belongings, to following through on schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
Talk about responsibility and accountability. Accountability is an important aspect of relationships, and one of the best ways to teach your adolescent about this is to talk about the role responsibility plays in your family. Director of Rutgers Social and Emotional Learning Lab Maurice Elias recommends asking your child, “How am I going to know that you followed through?” This is a good way to talk about accountability, and it gives your child a way to show you that he is responsible. At dinner time, try to have a natural conversation about responsibilities that each member of your family has had to fulfill recently and why it was important for them to do so. Be sure to point out that people who are responsible behave in ways that make others trust them, and they take ownership of their actions. They don’t make excuses for bad behavior or blame others when something goes wrong. Tell your child that it is good to take responsibility for his actions, and that by shifting the blame or playing the victim he is only contributing to the problem.
Have your adolescent get a small job or spend some time volunteering. For example, he could get a job helping a neighbor with a small yard project, tutoring a younger child, or babysitting. Not only will your child take on more responsibility, but he’ll also earn some money, which can teach him about managing finances. Volunteering also provides your child responsibility without the financial incentive, which can be a good learning experience. Service is a great way for your child to expand many social and emotional abilities, including responsibility, empathy, kindness, and relationship skills.
In the DCMS SPOTLIGHT: Mike Mays
21st Century Scholars Indiana
Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars is a needs- and performance-based program that provides students the opportunity to earn up to a four-year scholarship at an Indiana college or university.
Hoosier students who meet income criteria can enroll during their 7th- or 8th-grade year of middle school. Students commit to maintaining academic success, remaining drug and alcohol free, and completing college-preparation activities.
Scholars are provided resources and assistance to help them plan and prepare for college and pay for expenses not covered by their scholarship.
Applications must be submitted by June 30 of the student's 8th grade year.
Apply online only. Eligible 7th and 8th grade students and their parents or legal guardians can access the online application at www.Scholars.IN.gov . Please review income eligibility requirements online before applying by visiting www.Scholars.IN.gov/enroll .
New to ScholarTrack or have questions about completing the Scholar Success Program? Watch this online presentation to view how to register an account and record your progress as you complete the Scholar Success Program through ScholarTrack.
Athletic News - Football vs Southmont
Builders Club
WHO WE ARE
Builders Club is the largest service organization for middle school and junior high students, with more than 45,000 members worldwide. Members learn to work together and develop servant-leader skills as they serve their school and community. Builders Club is a student-led community service organization that operates under school regulations and draws its members from the student body. The Kiwanis Club of Danville, composed of like-minded, service-oriented people from the community, serve as the club’s sponsor and will have a club advisor at each meeting. Mrs. Staigl from Danville Middle School will act as the Builders Club faculty advisor and will be in attendance at all Builders Club meetings.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Motto: Building leaders
Vision: To develop competent, capable, caring leaders through the vehicle of service.
Mission: Builders Club is an international student-led organization providing members with opportunities to perform service, build character and develop leadership.
CORE VALUES
Character building: The ability to do the right thing, even when it might be the unpopular choice.
Leadership: The ability to listen, communicate, serve and guide others.
Inclusiveness: Accepting and welcoming differences in other people.
Caring: The act of being concerned about or interested in other people or situations.
Pledge: "I pledge on my honor to uphold the objects of Builders Club. To better my school, my community, my nation, and myself. To aid those in need while enhancing leadership capabilities, and to encourage the fellowship of all mankind."
If you are interested in your child participating in this club, please fill out information form in the main office and return it as soon as possible.
Meetings will take place on the following dates after school until 4:30. Dates as follows: September 15, 29, Oct. 20, Nov. 10, 24, Dec. 15, Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 9, 23, Mar. 15, Apr. 12, 26, May 17. Dues of $15.00 per student will be collected at the first meeting payable to Danville Middle School. Dues go toward the cost of T-shirts and club expenses. Transportation will not be provided.
FREE Math & Science Help!
Danville Parents Supporting Students
PTO Fund Raiser - Spirit Wear
Create or sign in to your Google account using the link to Google below to retrieve an order form for new Danville Spirit wear. Paper copies of the order form are available in the middle school office for pick up. All proceeds will to the Danville Community Middle School Parents Supporting Students Group to help the school provide needed materials, scholarships, and equipment for our middle school students.
New Partnership with Cummins Behavioral Health Systems
How Can the Partnership Benefit Students and Families
- School personnel and Cummin's staff are able to quickly identify needs that students may have.
- Cummins staff are located at the school and work hand in hand with teachers, school counselors, parents, and students.
- Parents/guardians are consulted each step along the way and are active participants in planning and carrying out treatment.
- Most services can be provided at the school or in the home, making it more convenient - and they are available year round.
- Services are strictly confidential and no care will be provided unless the parent/guardian gives permission.
All we ask is that you become actively involved in your child's care. When parents, school, and behavioral health professionals combine their knowledge, amazing things can happen!
Upcoming Events
9/14
- CC vs Tri-West & B. Burg @ HOME - 4:30 PM
- School Board Meeting @South Elementary
9/15
- FCA Mtg @ 7:30 AM
- FB vs Northridge @ HOME - 5:30 PM
- VB vs Crawfordsville @ HOME - 5:30 PM
9/17
- CC vs Avon South @ HOME - 4:15 PM
- VB @ Plainfield - 5:30 PM
9/18
- 7/8 Student Council Meeting - 8:00 AM
- Fundraiser Pick-Up - 3:30 PM -7:00 PM
9/19
- Fundraiser Pick -Up - 10:00 AM -2:00 PM
9/21
- VB vs Tri-West @ HOME - 5:30 PM
9/22
- FCA Mtg @ 7:30 AM
- FB @ FRANKFORT HS - 5:30 PM
9/23
- VB vs N. Putnam @ HOME - 5:30 PM
9/24
- VB @ B'burg East - 5:00 PM
- CC Dave Landes @HOME - 5:00 PM
9/25
- NJHS Meeting - 7:45 AM
- HS Homecoming vs Southmont - 7:00 PM
About Us
Please call by 8 AM if your child will be late to school or absent all day.
Student Hours
- Doors Open - 8:15 AM
- Locker/Breakfast - 8:22 AM
- Warning Bell - 8:31 AM
- Classes Start - 8:33 AM Be in your seat, please.
- Bus Rider Dismissal - 3:24 PM
- Car Riders/Walkers - 3:30 PM
Bus Transportation Line - 317-745-6875
Email: tlucas@danville.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.danville.k12.in.us/Domain/9
Location: 1425 W Lincoln St, Danville, IN, United States
Phone: 317-745-5491