Meeting in the Middle
December 2014/January 2015
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Without fail, each and every year, it seems as if December comes more quickly than the year before! Yes, 2014 is winding down! With the approaching winter break, it is so important to help your child stay focused on school. Please continue to communicate with teacher and use ParentVue to monitor you child's progress.
The last day of school before winter break is Friday, December 19th. Classes will resume Monday, January 5th. Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, January 15th. This trimester, conferences will run from 3:00-7:00 PM.
I want to continue to remind you about our Middle School Eagle Hotline. This hotline is a place where students can anonymously text in reports of bullying, harassment, suicide risk, abuse, drug use, etc. The Middle School Eagle Hotline phone number is (810) 373-2131. The line will be monitored outside of school hours/days. Community Mental Health also has a 24 hour crisis hotline for help outside of school at (810) 257-3740.
The Web link www.TeenCentral.Net helps children and young adults facing a crisis. This is an interactive Web site run by KidsPeace and is committed to giving hope, help and healing to students in crisis. The bottom of the District Web site has a link titled “Suicide Prevention-Facts, Signs, and Intervention.” This is a six-page document put out by KidsPeace to further help students and families.
Pleased never hesitate to contact the school with any questions or concerns you may have! Have a great winter break!
Sincerely,
Julie Brown
Student Council - Carriage Town Ministries
Student Council will be sponsoring a collection drive for the Carriage Town Ministries Homeless Shelter in Flint this holiday season. Please consider adding some of the following items to your shopping list. Bring these items into your Advisory classroom Dec. 10-17 and place them in the box labeled “Carriage Town.” The class that has the most donations will win a doughnut party sponsored by Student Council. These items will be delivered to the homeless before Christmas.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
LMS Student Council
Items needed (feel free to add to the list, but we do not want any medicine):
Toothpaste Toiletry Bags
Toothbrush Drawstring bags
Deodorant Scarves, earmuffs, headbands
Comb or brush Stocking caps
Fingernail clippers Face masks
Soap Socks
Shampoo Gloves or mittens
Razors Rain ponchos
Shaving cream Hand warmers
Tissues Hot chocolate
Lotion Snack cracker packs
Chapstick Candy
Juice boxes Microwave popcorn
Think Before You Click: Internet Safety Tips for Parents
MAY 31, 2012
EDUTOPIA
"Your clicks have consequences," says Clay Johnson, author of The Information Diet. Johnson writes about the impact of consuming a poor information diet, "unhealthful information deep-fried in our own preconceptions."
We are all one click away from being pulled into an information portal, filled with erroneous, distracting and at times dangerous material. We are also one click away from making a public gaffe, mistakenly sharing information not intended for a wider audience, in the form of an email, a wall post, text or chat message.
We've all heard the admonition "think before you post." The new mantra should be "think before you click." It's hard to stay true to this statement in practice, especially as we endure a fast-paced, real-time information onslaught.
TO FILTER OR NOT TO FILTER
How can parents help to instill the "think before you click" mindset in their child? Should parents use filters to help with this process? The value of filters is that they make it harder to slip easily into objectionable content. The filter wall asks the user to stop, pause and think before clicking further. The filter in essence serves as the conscience on your shoulder and slows the pace of super-fast clicks that can have consequences, in terms of both faulty information and sharing information that should not be seen by a wide audience.
One advantage of filters, particularly as mobile devices make working in one shared space more difficult to manage, is that the filter creates a walled garden to protect the online content that can enter the household when a parent is not around.
One disadvantage is that the filter creates a false sense of security and abdication on the part of the parents. If there is a filter, the thinking goes, then it's easy for the parent to say, "I'm off the hook, and now I don't need to monitor what my kid does online." Also, kids are savvy and can easily figure out ways to skirt the filter. The parent can end up playing a game of cat and mouse with the child, particularly as the child gets older and grows more sophisticated.
The ideal scenario is one in which the child listens to "the little voice" propped on his or her shoulder. For some children, that means having the additional hurdle of the filter in place, to ensure wait time before forging ahead into questionable online territory.
The key component is to engage in and facilitate regular conversation around responsible use, and help to nurture "the little voice" that sits atop each child's shoulder.
DIFFICULT CHOICES
As with any parenting choice, the question to consider is what will the child do when confronted with a situation outside of the home, away from the home ground rules, whether or not there are filters imposed.
For example, a child is at a sleepover in a household with no filters and loose supervision. The child is playing online with the friend and they explore a social networking site like Omegle, which advertises the possibility of meeting strangers. The kids start to "play" and encounter a stranger who starts asking personal questions.
What will the child do? Will the child say anything to their parent? Filters won't answer these questions, though the filter might or might not have blocked entry into Omegle in the first place.
This is a tough spot for a kid to be in and it can be especially tricky if the other child wants to continue to "play" and does not see the danger or inappropriateness of the "play."
What options does the child have?
· Stop "playing" and walk away.
· Tell the parents.
· Say nothing and continue to "play," but at a distance.
· Ask to call home and be picked up right away (some parents choose to use a conversation code for when the child wants to be picked up, so it's not obvious that the child wants out).
It's important for parents to rehearse these types of specific situations so that children can see possible, positive outcomes when uncomfortable online scenarios arise.
The parent is then helping the child develop "the little voice" to use when the parent is not around.
The "information diet" that children consume has consequences, as do the clicks. Parents need to figure out the best way to approach teaching "think before you click," and schools can serve as the sounding board for helping each parent to determine how to handle their individual child and household. It's challenging for parents to do this work alone, and they don't need to. Schools have hundreds of data points and can help parents navigate the best approach to take with their children in the area of clicks and consequences.
Winged Warriors Newsletter
In Social Studies, we are working to complete chapter three, section three. In this section, the children are learning how people are connected all over the world. The children are learning why refugees are a global problem, what causes famine, and how people in need get help. Following Thanksgiving break, the students will begin a study of Canada.
For the past two topics, math classes have been working with fraction. Students have learned to multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers and solved many story problems. Our next few topics will explore operations with decimals and integers. Students will be working with negative numbers for the first time in Topic 7. As the first Trimester comes to an end, I want to say how excited I am in the number of students earning A’s in math. There were over 30 students with a “A” grade. I am hoping to see even more students earn an “A” next trimester. Keeping up on homework and getting help before tests is crucial to earning good grades. Please encourage your child to ask questions and ask for extra help when needed.
In Science class, we will spend the month of December learning about the States of Matter and how and why matter changes state. I was pleased with the results of the Chapter 1 assessment. I wish all of you a peaceful and restful holiday season. As always, if you have questions or concerns email or call.
Language Arts classes have finished their intensive study of non-fiction reading and writing. Students will present their “How-To” projects and finish their argumentative essays after Thanksgiving break. Students will begin their study of fiction focusing on fantasy in December. Weekly spelling/vocabulary words are given on Monday, and students complete various activities using these words throughout the week. A 5-question quiz is given each Friday, reviewing the learning targets for the week. Please check ParentVue/StudentVue (online grade book) on a regular basis with your child.
Talented Talons Newsletter
Science
It is amazing how much time flies when you are having fun! We can’t believe that it is already almost the end of the first tri-mester. So far the Talented Talons have had an exceptional year. Students have successfully transitioned to the middle school and are feeling more comfortable in their surroundings. Here are just a few reminders of what it takes to be a successful middle school student:
1. Come to class prepared. This means having all the materials necessary for that class period. (pencil, books, notebook, homework, etc.)
2. Turn in all assignments – One of the biggest culprits of low grades is missing work.
3. Participate in Class – This means engaging in class discussions, working cooperatively with peers, and asking questions when needed.
4. Be Respectful, Responsible, and Safe
We are looking forward to another fun and exciting tri-mester!
Second tri-mester will start with a Density Performance task that will challenge the students to use all that they have learned from the Measurement Unit they just finished. Then we will tackle the subject of the four states of matter; liquid, solid, gas, and plasma.
Social Studies
In Social Studies, the Talented Talons finished their unit over Chapter 3, "The World's People." The students learned about culture, economics and population, and global connections. Their test scores over the chapter were fantastic. I am very proud of how the students are completing their homework with good quality work and studying for quizzes and tests. Canada is the next unit of study. Students will be learning about Canada's geography, history, and today's government and issues. This study will take the students until Winter Break.
Regal Eagles
With a new trimester comes a fresh start! It is time to discuss and enforce positive work habits. Make it routine to check StudentVue or ParentVue for homework, upcoming tests, or missing assignments. Insist that your child use their planner. Ask your child practice questions before tests and quizzes. Your support makes all the difference!
Talk about the curriculum with your child. Knowing specific questions to ask them keeps you from getting a shoulder shrug or the answer “Nothing” to the question, “What did you do today?”
In Social Studies, students are continuing their studies of Chapter 4: The history of Southwest Asia (The Middle East). Students have explored the "Cradle of Civilization" by learning about defining features and major accomplishments of early civilizations such as the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Persian empires. They will learn about the three major religions that developed in this region: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This unit will conclude with a study of the Golden Age of Islam and their first trimester common assessment. Science classes will begin looking at cellular processes such as cell respiration and photosynthesis. Students will have an opportunity to begin their own herb or veggie garden as we also focus on plants and chemistry within these units. Trimester two in language arts begins our unit on the genre Mystery. The novel And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie is always a student favorite!
All seventh graders are headed to RollHaven on December 19th. Look for permission slips to come home soon. Let’s celebrate our friendships and an awesome first trimester!
Soaring Eagles
The second trimester begins Monday, December 1. Grades will be starting over, so everyone will begin with a clean slate. Please encourage your child to turn work in on time and take ownership of that responsibility. Please remember that e-mail and ParentVue are excellent ways to keep in contact with your child’s teachers.
As the new trimester begins, Social Studies classes will be learning about Asia. Language Arts classes will be diving into the mystery genre and reading the Agatha Christie classic, And Then There Were None! Math classes will be working on multiplying and dividing rational numbers.
We have started planning our annual field trip to RollHaven in Flushing on December 19. Watch for permission slips! This is always a fun trip for the kids, and a great way to start the long winter break!
Please remember that the holiday break will begin at the end of the day on December 19, and classes resume on January 5, 2015. We hope you and your family have a great holiday and a Happy New Year!
Rude vs. Mean vs. Bullying: Defining the Differences
MEAN: Purposefully saying or doing something to hurt someone once or twice.
BULLYING: Intentionally aggressive behavior repeated over time that involves an imbalance of power.
Linden Middle School is dedicated to providing a safe environment for our students to learn. Each year we hold a variety of anti-bullying/pro-social behavior lessons, and this is a new one this year. Let's educate our kids on the differences in these behaviors!
8th Grade Newsletter
The 8th grade will be taking a field trip on Friday, December 19th. We will be traveling to Rollhaven in Grand Blanc. The cost is $12 and includes lunch and transportation. Each student will need to have a permission slip signed before they can attend. Please be looking for the permission slip to come home in the first part of December.
It is already the start of the second trimester! We would like to remind parents that ParentVue is a good way to keep track of your student’s progress. Also, teachers are posting homework assignments with due dates and upcoming tests/quizzes on ParentVue to keep you informed. If you still cannot access your account, please call the office. It is also important to keep checking your student’s Digits math account. This will help you check for missing assignments!
It is December, and it’s cold outside. Please make sure your student is prepared to go outside everyday after lunch! They need coats, hats, gloves, and all winter accessories with them at lunch.
8th grade Science classes have been exploring the Solar System. That means planet research papers are done and graded! Ask your child about the planet they chose to write about. They should be able to tell you some interesting facts they discovered while traveling through the internet at warp speed! Next stop, Stars and Galaxies!!
Mr. Gotham’s Science classes want to wish a warm welcome back to Mrs. Persyn! Mrs. Carriger has been doing an outstanding job in her absence. Thank you!
Language Arts finished the first trimester with an “Outsiders” Day. Many students enjoyed dressing as a “Greaser” or a “Soc.” This wrapped up our Realistic Fiction study. The second trimester will focus on Biographies.
Don’t forget about the Linden Follies! It is held at Linden High School on December 4th. Two shows will be held for your convenience. The first show is 5pm, and the second show is 7pm.
Linden Follies supports the Christmas Express program. It is a good time, and you can see all your favorite Linden Community Schools’ talented personnel.
November's Writers of the Month
As part of the Writer of the Month program, each month students will be honored for completing an exceptional piece of writing. These selections will be on display in the Media Center. The Writers of the Month for November are:
Keely Ferguson
Delaney Fries
Brianna Miller
Jordan Peterson
Ava Mong
Maddie Strayer
Garrett Durkac
Josephine Sokoloski
Melanea Strauss
Lewis Walterhouse
Allie Hukill
Lauren Gocha
Noah Kerridge
Emma Ford
Jillian Hegenauer
Meggison Mitchell
Elle Haney
Sabra Robinson
Madison Shier
LMS December/January Calendar
December 9 LMS Band Concert @ LHS; 7:00 PM
December 10 Student Council Carriage Town Ministries Drive begins
December 12 LMS Band Party; 5:00 PM
December 18 NJHS Cozy for a Cause Pajama Day
December 19 Winter Break begins at End of Day
January 5 Classes Resume
January 9 Progress Reporting Period Ends
January 13 LMS Parent Koffee Klatch Meeting; Media Center; 4:00-5:00 PM
January 15 Parent/Teacher Conferences; 3:00-7:00 PM
January 19 No School for Students
January 23 LMS Career Fair; AM
February 2 LMS Band Concert @ LHS; 6:00 PM