Unami United
February 3, 2017
Dear Unami Parents, Guardians & Students,
Well it's official, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter! We have been very lucky thus far with only one late arrival for the school year. Despite the prediction, perhaps we will make it through the year with NO snow days!
You will see in this week's newsletter how busy our students have been in driving their own learning. Featured this week are examples in history, literature, science, and art.
We were honored once again with a presentation from our Jewish War Veterans. I am so proud of the respect and reverence our 9th grade students displayed for our honored guests.
We hope you enjoy our letter!
Unami United,
Mrs. Lang
Principal
EXPERIENCING LIVING HISTORY
On February 3rd, ninth grade students had the privilege and honor of hearing two World War II survivors from the Jewish War Veterans, Post 697 speak about two distinctly different experiences.
Our assembly began with a rendition of taps and a salute to the flag. The president of Post 697, Jerry Goldsmith, introduced the speakers and stressed to the students that they are the last generation that will be able to hear these firsthand oral histories from survivors of the Holocaust. This helped set the tone and tenor of respect that was pervasive throughout the presentation. Danny Goldsmith then shared his story as a child hidden in Belgium throughout the Holocaust. His story was one of hope, courage and survival, with his biggest message being respect and forgiveness.
Bernie Lens, a 96 year old American war veteran, followed with his story and the experiences he had while liberating concentration camps. To close, students asked questions to the survivors that they had generated in their Social Studies classes. Students will take part in a reflection activity in their classes the following day. Below are some of the powerful lessons that Unami ninth grade students took away from this experience.
I think their message was never to hate and never to forget. If we hate we are giving history a chance to repeat itself. I will tell my future kids what happened during this horrible time period so that we respect and commemorate the soldiers that liberated the concentration camps, the survivors that endured the concentration camps, and the Jewish people who lost their lives.
I felt their message was to never give up. There were many times where it would have been easier for Danny to just give up and stop running and hiding. But he didn’t. He persevered and pushed through the tough times and never gave up.
I think that their message to me was to never hate. I will apply their message to my life by not hating. Be nicer to people. Don’t judge people.
Don’t let hate take over your personal ideologies or outlook on certain people. Not having the prejudice of disliking someone based on something they have no control over.
The Unami staff was extremely proud of our students as they displayed the utmost respect during the entire assembly. Thank you parents and guardians for allowing us to appreciate and see the wonderful job you are doing in raising your children to be polite and courteous. We are honored to share that responsibility with you here at Unami.
Thank you to our 9th grade social studies teachers for organizing this extraordinary experience for our students.
INSTRUCTIONAL SPOTLIGHTS
This year, along with our newsletter, we will be "tweeting" out photos and 144 character descriptions of all the fabulous happenings in our community. You can easily filter these "tweets" by using the district's new CB Mobile App.
8th grade PEN classes:
Students in 8th grade PEN class takes turns starting the class, by sharing a word of the day, an inspiring quote or an activity of their choosing. Justin chose to share his yoyo skills and even credited Unami’s Yoyo club in his presentation!
Ms. Keller Works to Make Reading Enjoyable for Students
In an effort to take the stress out of reading, Ms. Keller has embedded some low stress reading for leisure activities in her classroom. These practices are part of the philosophy of national reading guru, Penny Kittle, who visited CB and conducted workshops with our teachers last year. I had an opportunity to observe Ms. Keller recently during a lesson where 2 activities took places to encourage and foster enjoyable reading for students:
Students were given class time to read a leisure book. They could read anywhere in the classroom in a location/position that was comfortable for them. Some students chose the standard location of reading at their desks, others sat on the floor while supported by a wall, and still others found a carpet and some pillows to their liking.
Meanwhile, Ms. Keller began conducting individual reading conversations with each of her students. She gave them a “heads up” about the questions she may ask, but all were meant to foster a low-key reading conversation. She asked individual students about what they were reading, whether they faced any challenges in their reading, if reading is something they do routinely, if what they were reading connected to their lives, and much more. Ms. Keller took notes, not necessarily to “grade” her students, but to obtain information on them as individual readers. The students really seemed to enjoy the experience!
Kudos to Mrs. Keller for the work she is doing to make reading a fun activity as opposed to a chore. It seems to be working; she has many enthused readers in her classroom!
Students in 7th grade Art classes are learning about the color wheel and color theory, by mixing their own colors with acrylics.
Unami’s Connor W. Honored as the Middle School District Boomerang Winner!
8th grader, Connor W. was recently paid a visit by Nancy Santacecilia from CB Cares, as he was recognized as the District Middle School Boomerang Award Winner for the January asset – Service to Others. Connor was nominated by numerous community members for his contributions to his family and the greater community at large. Among the contributions attributed to Connor in his service to others were:
- Working for months to pack up boxes for his family when they moved, so they would not have to incur the expense of hiring movers.
- Visiting and spending quality time with his elderly relatives on a regular basis.
- Going the “extra mile” for his church youth group by staying late after meetings and cleaning up.
- Helping his neighbors with tasks whenever they need and extra hand.
- Serving as a dedicated member of his Scout troop, including involvement in many community service projects.
We stressed to Connor that being recognized as the District Middle School Boomerang winner is a pretty “big deal”. It was wonderful to recognize Connor’s many contributions in service to others, and we were thrilled that he was selected as the winner for January to represent our middle schools in CB. Connor was thrilled to be honored; his smile in the first picture below, upon being informed of the honor, says it all!
NATIONAL HISTORY DAY EXPOSITION
This past Wednesday was the National History Day viewing exposition for all 8th Grade Advanced Social Studies students in Mrs. Clifford's and Mr. Smola's classes. Students have been working hard on this project either individually or in groups since the end of September.
This year's theme was "Taking a Stand in History". Students completed many steps in this project such as learning how to create an annotated bibliography, creating and supporting a thesis, and developing either a historical paper, website, exhibit, or documentary. They used many forms of technology to assist in developing their projects such as MovieMaker, Weebly, Noodletools, Office 365, Safari Montage, and more. Any individual or group that chose could also submit their project for evaluation to try and enter the regional competition. Congratulations to all that placed and good luck at Ursinus College on March 18! All students should be so proud of the projects they created.
OH HOW THEY'VE GROWN...
It is amazing to watch young people work together in creative ways! For the final literature circle discussion of Ellen Klage’s novel The Green Glass Sea, 7th grade students in Mrs. Frederick’s 6th period class determined the structure of the discussion, without any teacher input, volunteering to create skits, performances, and board games that not only showcased their creativity and enthusiasm, but also related major themes, threads, and symbols of the text. They worked collaboratively in small groups, taking ownership of the work, dividing tasks, and pitching in. Any parent, teacher, or observing would be proud of these scholars who presented their ideas with grace, humor, and wisdom.
7TH GRADERS SWAY...
In 7th grade Science classes, students completed a project on Energy Resources using Sway, an Office 365 program. Students researched an Energy Resource such as coal, solar power, or nuclear energy and then added images, videos, and their research to a Sway. Sway creates a dynamic presentation that can be viewed easily on all devices.
Here are a few links to examples completed by students from Mrs. Caldwell's classes:
https://sway.com/YlEmcNPy3l0u0U95
and
VH1 SAVE THE MUSIC
UNAMI SPORTS
The Unami Wrestling team has had two strong matches in the past week. Will M. went 1-1 against Holland Middle school while Noah S. and Leo M. went 2-0. Against Tohickon and Tamanend, Tye H. went 1-1 while Noah S. and Leo M. also won. The highlight of the match was Luke S. getting a win in a high score battle that had the whole team standing and cheering. The team has tournaments at Neshaminy and Quakertown the next two weekends. Great job boys.
FROM THE GUIDANCE OFFICE
The Program Planning process for 7th and 8th grade is underway. Students attended grade level assemblies this week to provide them with info about the process and important dates.
Teachers are having conversations with students about their recommendations for next years academic courses. Rising 8th graders can add Advanced English, Social Studies and/or Science to their schedule as appropriate, and rising 9th graders now have the opportunity to be recommended for Honors level courses.
7th and 8th Grade Program Planning
Both 7th and 8th grade students need to decide if they are continuing with their involvement in Performing Music classes (Band, Chorus and Orchestra). Beyond the music selection, 7th graders will be placed in electives according to need, assuring they experience all five of the required courses at least once in 7th/8th grade. 8th graders moving to 9th will be scheduled for PE/ Health in order to earn 0.5 credit of the required 1.0 credit needed to graduate. Beyond PE, they will have choice of 1 (Music) or 2 electives (see list) opposite PE.
Parents of 8th grade students - please ask your student for the Electives Course Selection sheet they were given to take home and share with you this weekend. They will be registering for their electives choices in Science class on Monday, Feb. 6.
Please visit the Unami Guidance webpage for more information or email or call Mrs. Houpert or Mrs. Mallon with any questions.
For even more specific information please visit:
The 2017-2018 Grades 9-12 Program of Studies can be found by clicking here.9TH GRADE PROGRAM PLANNING
9th grade students had to be registered for courses before the Portal closed on Sunday, February 5th!
MIDDLE BUCKS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
All student's considering attending MBIT are encouraged to set up an appointment to "Shadow" an MBIT student during a typical school day. Appointments to shadow can be made by contacting Lauren Doherty, School Counselor at MBIT via email at ldoherty@mbit.org or call 215-343-8626 X243. MBIT applications are due to MBIT by April 1, 2017.
8TH GRADE PROGRAM PLANNING - 9TH GRADE HONORS COURSES
The 2017-2018 9-12 Program of Studies can be found on our website at http://www.cbsd.org/domain/387
ARAMARK STUDENT SURVEY
We’re all ears!! Your feedback is important the cafeteria is conducting the Student Viewpoint survey; it is a web based survey. They need a minimum of 60 students from our school to participate. If you take the survey you will receive a cookie and if at least 60 students participate you will have the chance to win a $50.00 Wawa gift card. They want to hear your voice so they can make the cafeteria the best it can be. The survey ends February 14th. Go to www.studentvp.com/CBSD.
Thanks and let your voice be heard.
FUTURE READY...
Future Ready - Feedback Wanted Central Bucks School District is beginning a comprehensive analysis of how we use technology in our classrooms, as part of an exciting nationwide initiative called Future Ready, and we need your input. For more information, click here for a message from Superintendent John Kopicki.
BROADWAY CARE EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS BENEFIT CONCERT
The CB East Patriot Players will once again host a BCEFA Benefit Concert on Wednesday, February 15 at 7:00pm in the East auditorium. East, South West, Holicong, Tamanend, Unami and Lenape will present selections from their spring musicals: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Big Fish, Catch Me If You Can, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Guys and Dolls, Once Upon a Mattress, Crazy For You .
In addition, there will be a silent auction of Broadway memorabilia. Admission is $5, and tickets will only be available at the door on the night of the show.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
February 16th & 17th - No School for Students - Professional In-Service for Teachers
*For more details please visit the Unami website
2016-17 District Calendar
Click here for one-page calendar and monthly calendar of events.
Fundraise for Unami While You Shop-- A Fantastic Way to Support Your School!
If you use the following vendors, please think about supporting UMS while you shop:
- If you shop at Target and have a Target Red Card, you can register your card for Target's Take Charge of Education program so that Unami receives a percentage of your spending. Thank you to all Target shoppers!
- Giant Food Store has an A+ School Rewards program through their clip-less coupon card. Note, each year you need to reselect Unami so that your shopping benefits UMS.
- Clip and send in Box Tops to the attention of NJHS; or, shop at the Box Top Market Place where you will find vendors such as Best Buy, KMart, Justice and more.
- If you like to shop online, check out the eScrip Online Mall. When you sign up for an account, selecting Unami earns money for our school.
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Follow Central Bucks School District @CBSDInfo for up-to-the-minute notifications of school delays, closures and emergencies
Unami Middle School
Email: cbsdunami@cbsd.org
Website: cbsd.org/unamims
Location: 160 S. Moyer Road, Chalfont, PA
Phone: 267-893-3400