Davies Dragon Pride Newsletter
April
Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month. Our Davies teachers and students have been busy educating each other on what exactly autism is in a variety of ways. A Fact of the Day is announced every morning. A door decoration contest is currently underway (see button below for pictures, winner to be announced soon). A beautiful bulletin board was created by members of our Child Study Team. On Thursday, April 28th we will participate in a "Bubbles 4 Autism" event, where over a thousand of us will blow bubbles in support of autism research. Teachers are supporting the South Jersey organization, FACES 4 Autism, by purchasing t-shirts. Both students and teachers supported this foundation by buying soft pretzels throughout April. For more information about autism, please visit faces4autism.org's website for videos on what it is like to live with autism.
Yankee Candle Fundraiser
First place: Mrs. Costello's homeroom
Second place: Mrs. Laubert's homeroom
Third place: Ms. Walton's homeroom
Thank you for your support!
Tara Lyn VanSeters
HTPTA President
10 Funny Things Overheard in Minecraft Club
1. Can I have a diamond rake?
2. He killed me with death!
3. What color do you want your LeBrons?
4. Do you want a baked egg?
5. My horse DID go into the nether, I swear!
6. Dude, you need withered skulls.
7. Relax, it’s just the Sword of Death.
8. I'll give you pumpkin pie and cooked chicken!
9. I’m not trying to take your golden pants!
10. Next time, we you need to try to stay out of the lava. (Duh.)
Ladies' Tea
The Davies Library once again transformed into a charming setting for a tea social. The morning's events included an elegant brunch with linens and table settings, a table etiquette lesson, and the opportunity for the young ladies to meet with each of the invited women. Sponsors of the Eleventh Annual Ladies’ Tea include Harrah’s Resort of Atlantic City, the Hamilton Township Education Association, Green Garden Teas, the Davies Dragon Pride Committee, the Davies Book Store, Floral Simplicity, and WAWA Community Cares. The guest keynote speaker was Ms. Kate MacHugh, a local author and professional speaker on girl bullying. She is the author of three books; Ugly: The Story of a Bullied Girl, TORMENTED, and Barefoot Johnny, as well as, a social-emotional curriculum for schools. She also travels all over the country to speak at schools and has presented at three national conferences on bullying, speaking to over 15,000 students, educators, and law enforcement personnel. The William Davies Middle School Ladies' Tea Committee (Nancy Arsenault, Dawn Duelly, Jessica Pikolycky, Annmarie Benson, Stephanie Gibbons, Lindsay Scott, Amy Carter, Charlotte Hopkins, Michele Sutley, Jennifer Conner, Michelle Magliaro, Jessica Tobin, Debbie Conrad, Wendy McKensie, Joelle Voelker, Kathleen Curtis, Kristina Morey, and Emily Walton) are proud to host this successful young women’s motivational event every year.
Thank you to Mrs. Mattina for the slideshow (below).
Performing Arts Night
Art Mural Exhibit
Elementary Honors Band Festival
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 select Davies students participated in a concert performance at Absegami High School. There were three separate Honors Bands. The following grade 6 students from our school were selected to participate.
McKenna Blair - Clarinet
Varsha Mudaliar - Mallet percussion
Sara Duran - Clarinet
Samuel Dorce - Saxophone
Olivia Edmonds - Trombone
Jayda Shehadi - Trumpet
Performance
PARCC testing
8th grade: April 4-11
7th grade: April 18-25
6th grade: May 2-9
How will PARCC be administered?
•Davies students will take the PARCC assessments on a computer.
•PARCC states that in the 21st century students need to have access to technology in the classroom throughout the year, not just at testing time, ensuring they are comfortable using the technology. Davies has prepared our students well to be comfortable with this technology.
•The technology gives students independence and is more engaging, as it includes videos and interactive tools. Students are the drivers of their own testing experience which gives them confidence.
How can parents help their children?
•Read a combination of fiction and non-fiction with your child. Look for subjects of interest.
•Discuss and “do” real life math with your child. Help him/her know basic math facts.
•Discuss the new tests with your child. Make sure he/she is not scared or anxious going into the new tests.
•Explain to your child that the tests will initially be more challenging. Tell your child to do his/her best on the test and that you are there to help every step of the way.
•After the test, review the results with your child. Bring the teacher into the discussion as needed.
•Provide a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home and make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast before the test.
•Above all, be positive and encouraging about the tests; we use them to plan for student growth, not to penalize students.
Energypath Science Fair
There is no entry fee and Sustainable Energy Fund will provide cash awards up to $1,250 for first, second, and third places. For more information about this science fair, click the button below. This is an independent project and is not associated with our school; parents are responsible for guidance, materials, and transportation.
Choir/Band
Thursday, April 28 - Volleyball Extravaganza; the William Davies Middle School PEP BAND will perform
Friday, May 6 - Teen Arts Festival, Hammonton, NJ.
About 40 eighth grade representatives from the Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Language Arts programs will attend.
Thursday, May 19 - Spring Concert, Hess Auditorium, 7pm. - featuring the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Treble Choir, Show Choir, and more!
5th grade Welcome Dance
The 2015-16 Yearbook is on sale NOW!
The Davies Yearbook is still on sale. Please see Mrs. Carter in A108 or Ms. Pickering in A200 during homeroom. $30 cash only. Last year, the support was tremendous and we sold every book! Don't miss out. Order your copy today!