Island Trees Memorial Middle School
The Home-School Connection
January 22, 2018
Hello All.
Inspired by the words and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, and understanding adolescence as a critically important stage in human development, the Island Trees Memorial Middle School staff has created a month-long, character-centered calendar to help our students "practice" ways to grow the traits associated with high character. I ask that you continue to speak to each "task" at home and support our school-wide efforts to support the growth of our students in all ways.
To the extent possible, please continue to reference this calendar at home and with your children. This four-week stretch leading to Winter Recess provides a focused period for us to rally around around character development and to promote the habits that support positive behaviors and student growth.
As you peruse this newsletter, please review the materials related to IT Community Learns Night. This important evening has been created to highlight issues associated with the health and wellness of our children. Workshop topics will include risks and signs of substance abuse, the dangers and health impact of social media, and nature of cyberbullying in our digital world.
I would also ask that you carefully review the PTSA's Board Nominations Form as well as the information regarding the PTSA Honorary Life Award. Your continued support of our PTSA is an integral part of the Home-School connection.
You may also be interested in one or more of the programs listed under Contests & Competitions. These competitions are beyond the curriculum but do hold the possibility of inspiring, motivating, and tapping into the areas that most interest our students.
Additionally, I would encourage you to review the Healthy Kids section of this newsletter. This section includes a number of resources that promote safe and healthy behaviors for our adolescent learners.
As always, thank you for all that you do to support our school and connect with us in so many meaningful ways.
Please enjoy this week's newsletter.
Mr. Keegan
IT Community Learns
Jamie Bogenshutz and Corinne Alba of the YES Community Counseling Center will be engaging parents and students (Grades 5-12) in open dialogue about the risks and signs of substance abuse and the power of making healthy choices in today's world.
Danielle Messineo of the Federal Bureau of Investigation will captivate both parents and students with hard-hitting information about social media safety, digital footprints, and the positive effect of making sound decisions when posting, texting, and communicating.
Please complete the registration form posted below.
PTSA Nominations
PTSA Honorary Life Nomination
The Honorary Life Award is the highest recognition annually awarded by the Island Trees PTSA at the Island Trees District Dinner. This award is bestowed upon an individual who has been outstanding in his or her dedication and service to the children in our community.
Is there a person who has generously donated his/her time, talent or skill to improve or enrich the lives of the youth in our community? Do you believe this person deserves to be honored in a special way?
If you would like to nominate a member of our community who you feel is deserving of this award, please send us the name of the candidate, together with a brief summary of his or her contributions. Please be sure to sign your letter. Anonymous letters will not be considered.
Please submit your recommendations to ITPTSA Honorary Life Committee, Attention: Maureen Dieppa, madieppa@gmail.com, by March 1, 2018.
The Honorary Life Committee will read all of the nominations and choose the candidate that has the most outstanding letter. If your letter is chosen, please make sure you are available on April 26th to read your letter at the District Dinner, where the winner will be announced.
If you have any questions, please call Maureen Dieppa at 796-6563.
PTSA Founder's Day
Yearbook News
Healthy Kids
Grades & the Growth Mindset for Parents
In Case You Missed It
The Harlem Wizards
The Winter Wonderland Dance
Ancient Civilizations in the 6th Grade
Acrylic Pouring in Art Class
Virtual Museum Tour with Mrs. Nieves
Island Trees Memorial Middle School Spelling Bee
History Bee
Congratulations to the Island Trees Memorial Middle School's five finalists in the National History Bee. Each of these students demonstrated great skill in their classroom and school-wide competition.
Aidan Coffey (8)
Nicholas Isaacs (8)
Aarshia Sharma (8)
Sukhman Jaswal (7)
Maximillian Reilly (7)
When national testing results are returned, we will be sure to share with the community!
Thank you Mrs. Azar and the Social Studies Department for leading this initiative.
Brown Bag Bonanza
Our Hallways are Popping with Student Work
The Mission of Common Sense Media:
Common Sense is the leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. We empower parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all kids’ lives.
Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. We offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites, books, and music. Our Parent Concerns and Parent Blog help families understand and navigate the problems and possibilities of raising children in the digital age.
No Place for Hate
With public displays of hate on the rise, it is more important than ever for schools to commit to programs that clearly define expectations in behavior for all members of the community. Whether you are a student, educator, or family member, you have a role to play in combating bias and bullying as a means to stop the escalation of hate.
Island Trees Memorial Middle School is excited to announce our partnership with the ADL's No Place for Hate Movement. No Place for Hate is a self-directed program helping all of the stakeholders take the lead on improving and maintaining school climate so all students can thrive. To be designated No Place for Hate, a school must complete the following:
- needs assessment
- formation of a No Place for Hate committee
- signing of the Resolution of Respect
- one A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute anti-bias or bullying prevention training program (optional in some regions)
- design and implementation of three school-wide anti-bias or bullying prevention activities
We look forward to your support and ideas as we work with our students and school community to promote respect, understanding, and positive interpersonal behaviors.
Read Every Day Initiative
Read Every Day Initiative
Island Trees Memorial Middle School requires all students to have a book of their choice with them at all times. Teachers often set aside 5-10 minutes of class time to silent reading in order to promote reading stamina and skill development.
We also have students read whenever there is any downtime in class. Most importantly, teachers very often to read with their students. This has really had an impact on students reading because they see our love as well. We have had kids make quick review posters for other classmates who might need an idea of a book to read.
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Contests & Competitions
Please encourage your child to participate in competitions and contests that speak to his/her passions and interests.
Choose a provision of the U.S. Constitution and create a video illustrating why it's important to you.
Parenting & Middle School
Essential Resources
Follow Us
Email: dkeegan@islandtrees.org
Website: http://www.islandtrees.org/itms/index.htm
Location: 45 Wantagh Avenue, Levittown, NY
Phone: (516) 520-2157
Twitter: @Islandtreesmms