EYMS Knightly News
Volume 7, Issue 1 Fall Edition
About Us
Assistant Principal: Mr. Matthew Fried
Website: http://www.easternyork.com/buildings.php?id=middleschool
Location: 746 Cool Creek Road, Wrightsville, PA, United States
Phone: (717)-252-3400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eastern-York-Middle-School/321801714532595
Twitter: @eyms_york
EYMS Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS)
Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) is a researched based program meant to improve and maintain a positive school climate conducive to academic success, as well as social and emotional growth. To make this possible, we have established clear expectations for for students who, as EYMS Golden Knights, should be wearing their A.R.M.O.R. (right). These behaviors are explicitly taught to students at the beginning of every school year, and reinforced as the year goes.
To maximize learning by maintaining a positive school climate, we track behavioral trends in our school so we can frequently recognize and reward students who are exemplifying these positive behaviors in various school settings (classrooms, cafeteria, gym, etc.). When demonstrating these traits, students can earn ARMOR Bucks, which can be spent on prizes or fun activities.
Conversely, if students are not “wearing their ARMOR”, they may receive “Dents”. A “Dent” is a way for our staff to track and address problematic behaviors that do not align with our core values and may be disruptive to the learning environment for the individual student or those around them. The accumulation of Dents in a marking period may result in warnings and phone calls home (3 Dents), teacher assigned detentions (6 Dents), or referrals to the office (9 Dents). Each teacher will keep track of their own dents and contact families accordingly. If behaviors being exhibited are overtly disruptive or disrespectful, they may directly result in an office referral where the issue would be addressed by administration.
While all of our students come here with their unique sets of needs, we strive to consistently address both positive reinforcement and consistent consequences as best we can by making these expectations uniform across the whole building (and even across the district). By detailing every expected behavior and teaching in a positive way, we will provide a common language for everyone in our building including students, teachers, front office staff, and our paraprofessionals. Our school rules will specifically address bullying behaviors, provide for a safer school environment, and give more time for instruction. We will apply consistent consequences and positive reinforcement for all students.
We believe we believe that by helping students practice positive behaviors, we will build a school community where all students have an environment where they can succeed and grow. We would much rather prevent problem behaviors by proactively teaching and reinforcing expectations than be forced to react to situations with disciplinary consequences.
In order for us to have a successful year, we must all work together. We crave your input and your involvement! Here are some ways you can help up create a positive climate for your children:
In order for us to get better, we need your feedback. As much as we’d love your praise when things are going well (as we try to do with our students as part of PBIS), it is even more important that you keep us informed if you are experiencing any problems or have concerns. As with our students, we’d like to handle issues proactively, so please keep our staff informed as issues arise:
- Academically - Struggles with specific content, difficulty completing work/studying at home, grade discrepancies, etc.
- Behaviorally - Issues outside of school that could be contributing to behavioral issues, suggestions/tips for working with your student, changes in medications, etc.
- Socially/emotionally - Monitoring social media use, bullying, mental health, etc.
Please stay informed. The more you know about your child’s education, the more you can help support it at home. In addition to establishing open lines of communication with teachers, counselors, administrators, etc., please be aware of the following:
- LiveSchool - This is where we track “ARMOR Bucks” and “Dents” for our PBIS program as explained above. On their website and mobile app, you can follow how your child is maintaining their ARMOR. Use this information to talk with your children; ask them about the ARMOR Bucks they earned that day, the exciting rewards they might earn, or why they may have received a dent recently. Additional information about ARMOR and what happens when students accumulate Dents can be found below. As we strive to hold consistent expectations for our students at school, you can help by using some of the same language at home as well.
- Skyward - This is our Student Information System (SIS). This is where we maintain grades, attendance, lunch account balances, office discipline, and much more. Did you know that you can see a list of your students missing work? Skyward can be accessed online or using their mobile app.
- Canvas - This Learning Management System (LMS) is your window into your child’s classroom. Starting this year, all teachers will be using Canvas to post assignments, grades (syncs with Skyward), and house much of our online content. This should ease some of the confusion as this information can all be found here now instead of being spread across multiple LMS’s (Google Classroom, Schoology, etc.)
- Our online presence on Facebook (@eymsyork), Twitter and Instagram (@eyms_york) and our website (easternyork.com) have much more information about the day to day operations of our building.
Liveschool Parent Information
The goal of Eastern York Middle School is for all of us to have a successful year. In order for us to accomplish this, we must all work together. The following list of behaviors we need from the students to be successful include, but are not limited to, the following expectations.
Attending
What is it? – An attending student will be present both physically and mentally.
What does it look like? – An attending student is listening, following directions, taking turns, paying attention to teachers and peers, and is on time.
What does it not look like? – An attending student is NOT sleeping in class, calling out, having off-task conversations, doing as he or she pleases, or ignoring directions.
Respectful
What is it? – A respectful student shows care and consideration for himself/herself and others, uses resources properly, and gives care and consideration to the thoughts and feeling of others.
What does it look like? –A respectful student is kind, well-mannered, cares for all property, and asks for permission.
What does it not look like? – A respectful student does NOT talk back, put others down, steal, break or misuse items, lean on chairs, or mock others
Motivated
What is it? – A motivated student is an active participant in his or her education, stays on-task, and cooperates with others.
What does it look like? – A motivated student participates in activities, stays on-task, tries to achieve, communicates appropriately, and works well with others.
What does it not look like? – A motivated student does NOT sleep, demonstrate off-task behavior, refuse to do assignments, or give up on oneself or others.
Responsible
What is it? –A responsible student is honest with self and others, stays on topic, and speaks and acts appropriately.
What does it look like? – A responsible student takes ownership of his or her actions, stays on task, is honest, carries a positive attitude, encourages others, and sets realistic goals.
What does it not look like? – A responsible student does NOT bully, blame, make excuses, put people down, lie, or use profanity or racial slurs.
Organized
What is it? – An organized student is prepared to learn and follows procedures.
What does it look like? – An organized student has assignments completed on time, follows the rules and procedures of the classroom, team, and school, and has the Forever Assignment.
What does it not look like? – An organized student does NOT refuse to follow directions, arrive unprepared for class, or procrastinate.
This year we will be using LiveSchool, an app that will help us share behavior feedback with you and your child. Your child will receive positive points (ARMOR bucks) in LiveSchool for hard work and good behavior. We will also give feedback on negative choices (dents) your child may make. Disciplinary actions will be taken each marking period according to the number of dents a student receives. Students can receive dents in their ARMOR if they do not follow the expectations listed above. Those students who keep their armor shiny will be rewarded by the teams throughout each marking period. Each teacher will keep track of their own dents and contact parents accordingly.
You will be able to access all of this information right from your computer or phone by downloading the free LiveSchool app. You will be receiving another sheet that explains how to set this up.
We also want to make learning fun for your child this year! As part of our use of LiveSchool, your child will be able to spend his or her points on various classroom and school-wide rewards. We are going to be focusing on positive reinforcement and encouragement and hope that your child earns lots of exciting rewards!
We will be working hard to make this the best school year yet for your child! To learn more, please visit the links below.
EYMS Maker Space Creation in Process!
The Eastern York Middle School is in the process of re-creating our library space to meet the ever changing needs of the 21st century learner. The goal is to promote a strong student centered and interactive environment, providing exploratory and active learning experiences through collaboration. Through the process of guided discovery learning activities, learners will encounter real world scenarios incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) subjects, systems thinking, critical thinking, and design thinking.
Two main installments that we are working on this summer is installing a One Button Studio and 3 Collaboration Stations.
The One Button Studio (www.onebutton.psu.edu) is a simplified video recording setup that can be used without any previous video production experience. The design of the studio allows students to create high-quality and polished video projects without having to know anything about lights and cameras. They only need to bring a flash drive and push a single button.
The Collaboration Stations will allow students to work in groups on projects and connect each of their chromebooks at the same time to the large monitor in the room. The students will be able to alternate projecting their computer screen to the monitors. This is great for students creating and researching.
ABC Keystone Center for Construction Careers - Construction Wars
Exciting News From the EYSD Orchestra
On August 26, 2017, three Eastern York orchestra students were selected to participate in the York Junior Symphony Orchestra.
The York Junior Symphony is a local orchestra for students in grades 5 through 8, and entry into the organization is by audition only. Each student must memorize several scales, prepare a solo piece, and sight-read a short selection on the day of their audition.
The following students were selected to represent our district this year in this organization:
Zoe Mitchell - 5th grade violist, Canadochly
Liam Jensen - 5th grade cellist, Wrightsville
Abigail Solihin - 6th grade violinist, EYMS
In addition, three Eastern York High School students have gained admission to the York Youth Symphony Orchestra. This one hundred musician ensemble plays a challenging repertoire of classical music with musicians representing fourteen districts and home-schooled students from York and Adams counties. The York Youth Symphony performs three concerts a year.
Isabella Jensen, 10th grade violinist, Abigail Wood, 9th grade violinist, and Madeline Furino, 10th grade violist, will be representing Eastern York High School this school year. Each of these students have been auditioning and gaining admission to both the YJSO and YYSO for their middle school and high school careers!
These students prepared diligently throughout the summer in order to prepare for their audition. The music department is very proud of their achievement. Congratulations!
Tree Planting in Wrightsville
Students from the middle school and several high school/younger scout groups ( troops from Hellam, Writghtsville, and Ironville ) planted over 100 trees/shrubs and 2000 plants. Two teachers helped- Mrs. Barnhart and Ms. Luckenbaugh. The trees were planted near the old canal areas of the Wrightsville River Front Park. Ben Craddock, Mike Grumling ( from the Wrightsville Borough) helped with writing the grant for the supplies, engineering the landscape plan and preparing the ground. Gary Peacock from the Watershed Alliance of York helped in providing funds. It was a great project and it took place on Sept. 23- Watershed Weekend.
Miya Mithel, a 7th grade participant, remarked, "It was fun. We got to collaborate with alot of people". She went on to state, " We made the air more suitable for breathing, created new habitats for animals, and helped the erosion problem by planting trees and shrubs.". Miya lives a few blocks away from the tree planting site.
Students giving back to the community and serving. I was very proud of the students and the local adults who came together for this project.
7th Grade Young Men's and Women's Leadership Conference
Young Men's Leadership Conference: By: Joshua Houseman
Mark Brown gave a leadership speech to the seventh grade boys of Eastern York Middle School on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at the York Learning Center. At the same time, the girls were with Kathleen Hassan at the York College. Mark Brown turned the word scream into an acronym. This is what it stood for:
- Service
- Commitment
- Responsibility
- Education
- Attitude
- Motivation
Mark Brown’s message was that to be a leader and a better you, you needed to do Service to other people, be Committed to activities, be Responsible for your actions, get an Education from all different sources, have a good Attitude, and be Motivated. The theme is to be the best man you can be. In summary, his speech was a great moment of education.
Young Women's Leadership Conference Aspire to Inspire: By: Noelle Hodgdon
On October 17, 2017, the seventh grade girls at Eastern York Middle School attended a leadership conference at York College, led by Kathleen Hassan. The goal of the trip was to inspire girls to chase their dreams and gain confidence. Kathleen’s tagline was, “Find your inner treasure.” She talked about her childhood and how she was orphaned at sixteen. Kathleen also talked about how she was teased and criticized for not being the perfect picture of a perfect woman. Her own mother even called her flat-chested. Kathleen talked about how that was wrong. She said that a year after that, her mother died on the operating table during open-heart surgery. She was an orphan. She also talked about how a girl she had been talking to at a former conference committed suicide. She was devastated. After that, she talked about how, “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” She aspired to inspire girls to achieve their goals and chase their dreams. To choose love over hate.
What's Going On in 6th Grade?
English Language Arts:
In sixth grade English Language Arts, students began the year focusing on two acronyms: PIPES and GLIDE. PIPES- Projection Inflection Pacing Eye Contact and Stance- is an approach to not only public speaking, but speaking in class in general. Students are expected to participate in class daily, so practicing how to speak properly in class is essential. GLIDE is a reading strategy used from 6-8 grade at the middle school as a way to interact with any and all texts; it bolsters comprehension, analysis, and enjoyment. As we have progressed through the early parts of this year, we have also began the first unit with our Code X Textbook. Each class has read the story “Tuesdays of the Other June” and the poem “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me at All.” Each text centers around the theme of bullying, which has led to riveting discussions in both the N team and I team classrooms about issues that our children face constantly. We look forward to continuing to work with the students and are excited about the possibilities this year presents!
Math:
In 6th grade math, students are finally finishing up our 5th grade review units on decimals, divisibility, greatest common factor, least common multiple, and fractions. We are eager to begin our fourth unit on integers where students will really start learning the foundational skills for algebra and will finally be able to use the forbidden calculators!
In 6th grade pre-algebra, students are building on previously learned topics such as decimals, greatest common factor, least common multiple, distributive property, and fractions to get started in the challenging world of algebra. We will continue to work without a calculator for our next few units in order to really build on the foundations that will be needed once we get to the tougher algebra that they will be learning later on in the year.
For both math and pre-algebra, it is important that students are keeping up with their practice tests so that they are prepared for the unit tests. These practice tests are like study guides and are very similar to the test. Students are doing a great job staying organized and keeping track of the remediation they need to do in order to retake an objective when they may not have done so well on the test.
Science:
Currently in the 6th Grade Science Room we are gaining an understanding of how to effectively use proper tools to create accurate observations. More specifically, students are utilizing the Metric Measurement System (Length) and will begin to use microscopes.
Once completing our Tools Unit, students will be fully submersed in Biology. The rest of the year will have a focus upon Biological studies. To begin with, students will look at what life truly is. Must an organism breathe to be living? Must it move? Does it need to have a heart? What does living really mean? This foundation will lead to units of studies upon bacteria/viruses, plants and animals.
World Geography:
Geography is starting out reviewing the basic concepts from elementary school and taking an in depth look at the Five Themes of Geography. Location, Place, Human Environment Interaction, Movement, and Region will be taught to give students application to real life situations. Current events will also be utilized daily so that students see the importance of how our class relates to real life situations. Our World Map project just concluded and we will be looking at a newspaper project about the 5 Themes of Geography. Soon, we will begin our informative writing journey which will be practiced throughout the year.
Life Skills Class
The life skills class has been very busy so far, this school year. The students have been working at a job site (cleaning a church) one time per week. The students are also working the school store three days a week, which allows them to work on money skills and customer service skills. As always, the students are working on increasing their reading skills, math skills, social skills, and cooking skills within the classroom. They are also a part of an intergenerational group at Country Meadows Retirement Community. The students work with residents one time per month on activities that include, preparing food for the soup kitchen, soap making, games/puzzles, and bingo.
What's Happening in 7th Grade?
Ancient Civilizations
Over the next few weeks, we will be wrapping up our study of ancient Greece. We are currently looking at Greek mythology and how it is connected to literature. From there we will look at the influence of major Greek philosophies and the role of Alexander the Great in the spread of Greek culture. Following our study of ancient Greece we will be looking at the early cultures of India.
ELA
In class, students started the year with an intense focus on Text Dependent Analysis and Central Idea Skills. We read several stories by Gary Soto and an excerpt by Bethany Hamilton. After analyzing the narratives, students wrote a text dependent analysis before diving into their own narrative memoir about an important event or decision in their lives. Seventh graders have collaboratively reviewed basic grammar in ten centers; a fun and active way to learn about sentence structure and parts of speech. Outside of class, students are reading books independently and completing weekly work. We are enjoying our mini book talk discussions that reflect on the reading. In the future, we will be learning about reading informational non-fiction texts and making inferences while we read “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. We will be continuing to write text dependent reactions and learning new grammar skills with our clauses and phrases unit.
Math
In math, we began the year with a basic review of number sense where students were required to perform basic operations without the use of a calculator. We began with fractions and decimals and then transitioned into positive and negative numbers (Integers.) We have since then began to apply these concepts to our algebraic thinking by simplifying expressions, solving equations and graphing inequalities. We will soon be applying these concepts to real world applications using scale and percents to help determine distances on a map or calculate the amount of tip to leave at a restaurant.
Science
In Science, we started off the year with a mini measurement unit on Volume and have just wrapped up a chapter on the Scientific Method. Right now we are lighting Bunsen burners! The students are doing really well and following the safety rules and are having lots of fun in the process. Next up we will start our Geology unit and will be studying Minerals.
What's Happening in 8th Grade?
ELA - Written by: Jillian Malone and Isabella Bailey
“Johnny, don’t die!” Wait, what? Welcome to 8th grade ELA with Mrs. Brown and Mr. Little. In class so far, we have read the book The Outsiders, a story of the struggles between social classes. In ELA, we go even deeper than those struggles, with “The Little Rock Nine” and “Elizabeth and Hazel.” In these stories, we learn of the difficulties of ending segregation. However, the class is called English Language Arts for a reason, as we learn about noun roles and prepositions.
The Outsiders was a book written by S.E. Hinton. In the story, the main character, Ponyboy faces the challenge of conformity versus individualism. Ponyboy must choose whether to follow what his gang is doing or what he believes is right. This lesson of conformity and individualism is told throughout the entirety of the story. We also wrote an essay about the theme of this book.
The next stories that we read were “The Little Rock Nine” and “Elizabeth and Hazel.” In these stories we learned about discrimination and how steps were taken to end the days of segregation. With those stories we wrote about how racial identity could change our experiences and perspectives. After writing about this subject we participated in a Socratic Seminar. A group that discussed topics through questions that prompted in depth responses. This seminar allowed the students in the different ELA classes to learn more about how each other thought, while letting them understand what similarities different races shared.
However, not everything is critical thinking. ELA is also where we learn about noun roles. Specifically, the subject, predicate noun, direct object, indirect object and the object of the preposition. Using these nouns we were able to write more complex sentences.
To conclude, ELA has been wonderful so far and we can’t wait to learn more about interesting topics and thrilling books. We are very thankful for both of our teacher’s determination and knowledge.
Math - Written by: Adam Reinhold and Ryan Townsley
Geometry - At first, I was expecting Geometry and this year to be very boring. Throughout other math courses, I just didn’t find it very enjoyable. But this year, it was different. Mr. Goodman has found many interesting ways to teach the subject. He has a great sense of humor and has a lot of energy. He is one of my favorite teachers so far. We learned all about the different types of lines and how to find their distance and midpoint. We have learned about different angles and how to find their measure. I can’t wait to learn more.
Algebra - At the end of last year we learned a piece of algebra, and it was difficult. Since I have been in 8th grade, Mr. Goodman made it so easy to understand the stuff we are learning. We have learned up to six units already. The coolest thing that he allows us to choose the due dates that fit us best as a class. He makes math fun and intrigues us to the point that we want to learn more. He is most definitely one of my favorite teachers. I can’t wait to learn more the rest of the year.
Science - Written by: Brody Hinkle, Vic Zerbe, and Brandyn Myers
Science this year has been very fun and interesting. What we have done in science this year is a few labs, there was one with clay, one where we made Cartesian divers, and the one we are doing right now is finding out how high a ball will bounce from a certain height. Mr. Fisher has been great this year, Mr. Fisher is the ideal teacher, he is very good at making learning fun and also strict when a student needs it. He has given us many chances to get our highest grade, because he has given us multiple extra credit assignments.
American Foundations - Written by: Freya Himes and Blaise Schober
Being the type of student madly interested in history, I was very eager to find out that in eighth grade we would study the beginnings of America. Our teacher, Mrs. Schoelkoph, is remarkable, having her own personality and interesting ways of teaching. She’s very considerate of her students and how they excel. She also tends to be super-organized and runs the class in an orderly manner. It is also important to note that Mrs. Schoelkoph is flexible with assignments.
Another significant thing to note is her ways of teaching. She uses fake money called “Colonial Dollars” to encourage students to participate, do their best, and behave in class. We can get fined this fake money for not following directions. I think this is a great idea for an American Foundations class because of how it’s incorporated into the course.
It would be difficult to understand how America came to be without prior knowledge of who came here before the pilgrims or the English settlers. We have briefly studied the first people who came to migrate to the Americas. We have also studied the Native Americans, and did a fun board game activity on the topic. We then sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to research about the Europeans. We learned about their interest in exploring the world and their greed for trading, gold, and precious items like spices. Countries such as Spain and Portugal hired explorers to find paths to India, China, and new lands. As a class we learned about these explorers and their interactions with native people’s in the Americas. We also did a trading card project about a chosen explorer, which helped to deepen our knowledge about the Spanish conquistadors and European explorers.
In conclusion, I’m excited for what the future of my American Foundation course holds. I hope to learn more about major events that shaped the country we live in today.
Student Spotlight
Skyward Family Access Information
Absence Reporting Available Electronically Through Skyward Family Access
Parents/Guardians at the middle school are now able to notify your student's attendance office about an absence using the online absence request feature within the Skyward Family Access Center.
The absence excused cards will remain acceptable and available for parents/guardians who wish to continue with this method.
- Online Absence Request - You can notify your student's attendance office about an absence using the online absence request feature.
- Log in to the Skyward Family Family Access Center
- Click on the "Attendance" button on the left side of the Home Screen.
- Click on "Enter Absent Request" blue link on the top right of the Attendance Screen.
- Click on the 'Add Request" link next to the student or students who will be absent or late.
- On the next window, enter the date of the absence along with the reason (Illness or Other), and detailed comments about the absence reason.
- Doctor notes still need to be handed in for tardy/early release for doctor appointments and for absences for more than 3 days, as outlined by Board policy.
**Please Note - the Skyward Family Access Center Mobile App is not fully functional at this time. If you try to use certain features in it, they will not work properly, including Attendance/Absences. When the app is ready for use, we will share it with ALL families to make sure you can access it.
Parent's Access to Canvas App
This year teachers at the high school and middle school have started using a learning management system called Canvas. Canvas is a system that helps teachers and students create, manage and deliver class content. Parents can also engage in their children’s education by reviewing upcoming or past assignments, checking on assignment grades in Canvas, and receiving course announcements. In order for parents to access Canvas, they will need to download the Canvas for Parent app on any Android or iOS device. Instructions on how to set up your parent account can be found by clicking on the link below.
Skyward is still the official record for student grades. Grades from Canvas do transfer over to Skyward but all assignments might not be completed in Canvas. All assignments are recorded in Skyward and Skyward produces the official report card for all students. You should still rely on Skyward as the official class grade.
Giant A+ School Rewards Program
Welcome to the start of a new school year and a year of A+ School Rewards. Beginning October 9, 2015 through March 17, 2016 Eastern York Middle School will have the opportunity to earn cash through the Giant A+ School Rewards Program.
All you have to do is:
- Log on to www.giantfoodstores.com/aplus to designate our school online using your Giant BONUSCARD,
- Call the A+ Hotline at 888-448-4642 for assistance
- School ID: 20690
REMEMBER: If you registered your card last year, you DO NOT need to re-register this year. You can visit the website to verify correct school assignment. Also, don’t forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same. It could mean more CASH for our school.
After you register your card, each shopping trip at Giant using your BONUSCARD earns CASH for our school. Each month, the amount of CASH awarded will be updated on the Giant A+ website. You can track the amount of points you earn for our school by checking your grocery receipt and online when you create an account at www.giantfoodstores.com. Our school will receive a check at the end of the program and the money can be used for any of our school’s educational needs.
Thanks for supporting our school.