Python Press
Pikesville Middle School Newsletter | March 2018
From the Principal's Desk
Dear Pikesville Middle School Families,
I can’t believe we are already in March! March is an exciting time here at Pikesville Middle School. On March 6, we inducted 53 students into our National Junior Honor Society. I would like to offer my congratulations to the 53 new inductees into the National Junior Honor Society. Congratulations to the parents and families of these remarkable young people.
On March 21-23, our 6th grade students will be traveling to NorthBay Adventure Camp in North East, MD! This 3 day/2 night field trip will provide students with a once in a lifetime opportunity to build relationships with other Pikesville Middle 6th graders, all while participating in character building and environmental science-based lessons. I know our 6th grade students are excited about this opportunity!
I am delighted to share that Mr. Chad Koehler is the Teacher of the Year Nominee for Pikesville Middle School. Mr. Koehler is a 6th grade teacher who teaches Math and AVID. Mr. Koehler believes in, “the importance of building genuine relationships with students and how this contributes to a meaningful, productive classroom environment. Often student’s defense mechanism is to create classroom distractions and disruptions. As teachers, it is our obligation to start everyday fresh with students who continuously try to have us give up on them. By being patient, consistent, and reliable, this wall that students can build slowly fades away. Developing meaningful relationships and pushing students to meet their potential will keep this wall from reforming and students knowing that we are in their corner”. Kudos to Mr. Koehler for his dedication to the students of Pikesville Middle School. Thank you for being Python Phenomenal!
Finally, the Python Pride motto states that students are Prepared, Respectful, Inclusive, Diverse, and Engaged! I encourage you to remind your child daily that embracing the Python Pride motto will ensure they are a successful student at Pikesville Middle School.
#WeArePikesville #Python Pride
Sincerely,
Kalisha T. Miller
Important Dates to Remember
March 5-9 Book Fair
March 9 North Bay Field Trip Forms Due
March 10 Spelling Bee
March 12 Eighth Grade MISA testing
March 14 Parent Focus Group on School Uniforms, 5:00 p.m. in the library
March 14 PTA Meeting, 6:00 p.m. in the library
March 20 Third Quarter Incentives
March 20 Free Parenting Seminar: Prevent, Protect, Empower | Addressing Sexual Assault with Teens and Young Adults, JCC in Owings Mills 7:00 p.m. in the Performa REGISTER HERE
March 21-23 6th Grade NorthBay Trip
March 26-29 Spirit Week
March 29 Third Quarter Ends
Parent Focus Groups: School Uniforms
Teacher of the Month
Congratulations!
Teacher of the Year
6th Grade Math & AVID
Congratulations!
Dad of the Month
Thank you for regularly attending PTA meetings!
Middle School Night with the Orioles!
Tickets on Sale Now
Firework Night!!!!
Pikesville Middle School night at the Ball Game
Friday, May 11th, 2018
7:05pm
Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Tickets are $20.00 and are located in lower reserve in section 79
To purchase your tickets, fill out this form and send it in with cash or check made out to the PTA at Pikesville Middle School. Questions? Contact PTA Orioles Chair, Allyson Simon.
6th Grade News Flash by Ms. Luechtefeld
Hello 6th Grade Families!
Sixth grade AVID students went to Morgan State University on February 22nd to investigate future academic possibilities. The students enjoyed the tour, getting all of their questions answered and of course…the food!
The book fair is back at the Pikesville Middle Library by popular demand. Due to student interest Ms. Getty is hosting another Book Fair the week from March 5th through March 9th. Students have received catalogs from their ELA teachers that list all of the exciting items that will be for sale. Parents are also free to come down and check out the merchandise, please sign in at the main office.
Also, our 3rd quarter incentive will take place on Tuesday, March 20th. Students with no office referrals, no more than 2 minor reports, no outstanding financial obligations, no more than 2 excused absences and no Ds or Es as of March 9th will be eligible to attend. Please encourage your students to check their grades and submit re-do assignments if possible.
Last but not least, all payment and forms for the North Bay field trip are due on March 9th. Students will soon be gathering to make cabin arrangements and that date will be announced later. There are a few spots remaining for your student if you have not yet signed up or would like to help to sponsor a student.
We have a busy month ahead of us and are looking forward to having a lot of fun with our students!
Ms. Sheila Luechtefeld
The 7th Grade Scoop by Mrs. Hammel
Greetings 7th Grade Family and Friends,
It is hard to believe that we have already reached the middle of 3rd quarter! The school year is moving quickly, and we are enjoying the learning and fun activities we have shared along the way.
Interim reports were distributed to students on Thursday, February 22nd, and conference night was held on Thursday, March 1st. Please continue to encourage your students to work hard and put forth their best effort in all their classes. Also, remember coach classes are available for students. Please be sure to attend to help improve understanding when necessary.
As mentioned in the February newsletter, we celebrated Valentine’s day with our first “I Heart 7th Grade VALENTINE’S DAY Social”, on Wednesday, February 13th during 2nd period. This event was a huge success! Students participated in several fun activities, such as BINGO, Raffles, Arts & Crafts and dancing, with music provided by our very own DJ Black Wizard. It was a time for students to have fun, mingle with their peers, and share nice thoughts about one another. Thanks to all the 7th grade teachers who helped make this day an awesome experience for the students!
In celebration of Black History month, the 7th grade Science teachers, along with 70 students, participated in George Washington Carver Day at the Baltimore County Agriculture Center. Students learned about the many contributions to Science and Agriculture made by George Washington Carver. They were also able to make fresh strawberry jam, butter, taste soy butter (alternate to peanut butter), make paper flowers, and even try pizza and other flavored bugs! The students really enjoyed their day at the Agriculture Center and learned many new things about George Washington Carver. Thanks to the parent chaperones and teachers that helped make this trip a success.
Finally, the next school-wide incentive will be held on March 20th. As always, students must have no minor or major incidents to attend. We look forward to a great remainder of the year, and a great 4th quarter!
Thanks for all you do! From your 7th grade team.
Mrs. Anne Hammel
8th Grade Updates from Mr. Sullivan
March always proves to be an exciting month and this March is proving the same. Weather aside we have much to get ready for as the year continues to click away at a feverish pace. On February 12, 2018 an eighth grade class meeting was held to go over the planned end-of year activities. Hopefully by now you have reviewed and signed the activity letter.
The activities include a Spirit Week ending with a Field day the week of March 26-29. The much anticipated Spirit of Baltimore Boat trip will occur on May 30, 2018- Please note that students will need a ride home that afternoon as we will return to school after the busses have departed for the day. The festivities will continue with an eighth grade dance on Friday, June 1, 2018, from 6-8pm. Finally, the Farewell Ceremony will be the last week of school with the exact date to be announced. All of these activities have attendance, behavior and grade criteria that each student must meet in order to attend. Students also need to have all financial obligations settled before the dance and farewell. Again all of these activities were outlined in the letter sent home. If you need a copy of the letter, your child can get one from Mrs. Hummel, Mr. Laraia or Mr. Sullivan.
During the week of March 12, eighth grade students will be taking MISA. This is the state science test. Students need to come to school with their device fully charged as this is an on-line test.
We cannot stress enough the importance of students attending school every day with an attitude for positive learning. Do not let the work wait and try to play catch-up at the end of the quarter. The 3rd quarter ends on Thursday, March 29 with a half-day of school that day.
Mr. Sullivan
It's Academic
English Language Arts
Congratulations to Macy S. and Yuxin Z. who will represent Pikesville at the Baltimore Spelling Bee on March 10th! Poetry March Madness has begun with a Sweet 16 of fantastic poems. Students read two poems each time they attend language arts and then vote for their favorites. Students can watch their favorites progress through the larger-than-life bracket on the wall outside room 28 and the gym. Thanks to Mrs. Getty and parent volunteers for another successful Book Fair! The language arts and reading departments are joining Mrs. Getty in getting ready for our Literature Luau this month, as we celebrate literacy school-wide. In their classes, students will begin working on their final assessments (PBAs) as the quarter draws to a close.
Social Studies
6th Grade Ancient World is finishing up Unit #3 Ancient Greece and Ancient Persia. Students will be completing the unit exam in order show their knowledge of the geography, primary sources, and achievements of these ancient civilizations.
7th Grade Medieval World will be attending a field trip to Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament on Thursday March 15th. Students have been learning about institutions that helped Medieval Europe become self-sufficient and have political stability after the Dark Ages. Feudalism, Manorialism, the Catholic Church, Towns and Guilds, Art, Architecture, and Literature, as well as technology.
8th Grade American History is concluding the quarter assessing student’s on their knowledge of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. They will then be investigating the policies and presidencies of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson.
Math
Please make sure you are checking BCPSOne regularly to see how your child is performing in their mathematics class, only 3 more weeks in the third quarter. Students have taken the Winter MAP Assessment, please ask your student about their progress. Math 6 is working on Algebraic Expressions, Numeric Expressions, and Equations; Math 6 GT is working on Solving and Graphing Equations and Inequalities; Pre-Algebra 7 is working on Solving Multi-Step Equations; Math 8 is finishing up Solving Equations and Systems of Equations then moving onto Statistics; Algebra 1 is working on Geometric Sequences and Exponential Functions then moving to Quadratic Functions; Geometry is working on Properties of Triangles. Remember the textbook is online in BCPSOne – Digit Content.
Science
Physical science is in the air this month! Our 6th grade students are studying forces and motion and are preparing to make a helmet to protect precious cargo. Our 7th grade students are studying the Chemistry behind natural and artificial sugars. In 8th grade, the students are investigating the mechanics behind Newton’s Laws of Motion.
Environmental Science students will be investigating alternate energy sources. In Engineering, students continue to apply the Engineering Design process as 6th graders create and evaluate circuits, 7th graders learn and apply the physics behind simple machines and 8th graders use their own robotics design to complete challenges.
World Languages
Bonjour et Hola!
We are learning a lot in our World Language classes this month. Students in our level 1 French classes have just finished comparing school lunches in France and the United States, and are learning about clothing and fashion. Soon we will be discussing activities we do after school and what we wear in different weather conditions. Spanish 1 students are moving from food to clothing and activities using some real-world sources and websites. Spanish 2 students are talking about the body and healthy lifestyles, and will soon be making workout videos in Spanish! French 2 students are working on communicating about themselves and the things they do after school and continuing to talk about the past. They will also be learning about what it is like to rent a home or apartment in France through exploration of some authentic resources. Very exciting things happening in World Languages in March!
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”
‒Nelson Mandela
For additional practice and enrichment at home, your child can use https://quizlet.com/ to review vocabulary, we also like https://www.duolingo.com/ to track progress and https://conjuguemos.com/ for extra practice.
The PTA @ Pikesville Middle: We need you!
Next Meeting: March 14 at 6:00pm in the Library
February's PTA meeting had 30 parents and teachers in attendance! Have you come to a meeting yet? Please join us!
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
- We need 2-3 parent chairs to help organize this event.
- We are in need of raffle donations for teachers. This can include gift certificates, gift cards, salon services, food, bling--all appropriate gift items accepted!
Please contact Beth Rheingold if you are interested in chairing, organizing, or donating.
It's never too late to join the PTA!
PTA BOARD FOR 2017-18
President: Adrienne Gordon
Vice President: Alicia Danyali
Treasurer: Chava Elgamil
Secretary: Regina Gee
Google Phone Number: 443-738-4660
NEVER FORGET A MEETING AGAIN!
Would you like text reminders for upcoming PTA meetings? If so, click HERE to enroll. Your cell phone number will remain private, and you will receive text reminders before meetings.
DON'T FORGET TO like us on Facebook and check your news feed for important updates!
Valentine's Day Chocolate Bar is a Wrap!
Thank you to all of the parents who sent in candy to support our teachers on Valentine's Day! The Chocolate Bar was a huge success, and teachers and staff were very grateful. Check out our photo array below.
Local Parenting Seminars
Prevent, Protect, Empower | Addressing Sexual Assault with Teens and Young Adults
March 20 7:00 p.m.
Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC | Morstein Performa in the Adalman Auditorium
Join us for some straight talk as we discuss how to equip our teens, young adults and ourselves with the necessary skills to combat sexual assault and harassment.
In partnership with Kennedy Krieger Institute Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress
Speakers Casey Anderson, LCPC, RPT and Betsy Offermann, LCSW-C
Registration for this FREE event is strongly encouraged. Please call 410-843-7582 for more information or register here.
Show Your Python Pride on Social Media
To get your social media frame for Facebook and Twitter, click on the links below and celebrate your Pikesville Pride!
WE COLLECT BOXTOPS ALL YEAR LONG!
Congratulations to our Boxtops Winners!
- Eighth grader J. Schotto brought in 198 boxtops and will receive a gift card from our community partner, CHAI.
- Mrs. Ceasar's homeroom that brought in the most Boxtops and will receive a treat from the PTA!
- The sixth grade class brought in the most Boxtops--thank you!
If every family brought in 10 boxtops a year, the PTA would raise $1,000 for our school. SAVE YOUR BOXTOPS OVER SUMMER BREAK, TOO!
Bring your boxtops to the main office. You can put your Boxtops in ziploc baggies with your child's name and homeroom written on them for credit for future prizes, or print out a collection sheet here.
Boxtops are often found on name-brand items like cereal, sandwich bag boxes, food boxes, kleenex boxes, etc. Thank you for your support! Want to know what products have box tops? Click boxtops. Questions? Contact Yesenia Alsina, our Box Tops Coordinator.
REMINDER: JUST CHARGE IT!
Pikesville Middle School Vision
Pikesville Middle School students will develop excellence in academics, character, and habits of mind by participating in student-centered learning experiences that promote 21st century skills.
Pikesville Middle School Mission
Pikesville Middle School aims to promote a safe, equitable, learner-centered environment for all students. In order to prepare our students for high school, college and careers, we will:
- Provide rigorous, relevant, and responsive instruction to all students.
- Establish supportive respectful relationships that encourage responsive behaviors.
- Instill healthy habits to support positive social, emotional, physical, and academic development.
- Establish strong values and citizenship within and beyond the school community.
About Us
Assistant Principals
Grade 6: Ms.Luechtefeld sluechtefeld@bcps.org
Grade 7: Mrs. A. Hammel ahammel@bcps.org
Grade 8: Mr. M. Sullivan msullivan2@bcps.org
To report an absence, please send a note in with your child upon their return to school.
FAX 410-887-1259
Other Important Numbers:
Guidance: 410-887-6725
Cafeteria: 410-887-1209
Library: 410-887-1272
Nurse: 410-424-9347
Email: lsilverman2@bcps.org
Website: https://pikesvillems.bcps.org/
Location: 7701 Seven Mile Lane, Pikesville, MD 21208, United States
Phone: 410-887-1207
Twitter: @PikesvilleM