J.M.S. News...
By Donald F. Gately, Ed. D - February 2017
Thank you letter from John Theissen Children's Foundation for our Toy Drive!
Quote of the Week of January 30-February 3:
Quotes for the Month of February:
February 13-17: “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” – Albert Einstein
February 20-24: Schools Closed
February 27-March 3: “Don’t tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon.”
Monthly SEL Theme for the Month of February: LOVE
"...what lies beneath us and what lies ahead of us are insignificant compared to what lies within us." For it is what lies within us that, ultimately, defines the course of direction awaiting our walk through life.
Classroom News!
Team 6A:
This month students on Team 6A are completing their reading of The Girl Who Owned A City and are reading an independent book in the fantasy genre. In Social Studies they are diving into Ancient India. In math, students have learned how to find the percent of a number…ask for their help tipping the server next time you go out to eatJ In science they created projects to demonstrate their understanding of the scientific method. The entire Sixth grade went to NYC to watch the NY Philharmonic perform and ate lunch at Planet Hollywood! We love JMS!
Team 6B:
Students imagined they were travel agents who spent several weeks in Egypt touring some monuments built by the pharaohs in ancient times. They created travel brochures encouraging tourists to visit four sites to learn about the accomplishments of the pharaohs.
Team 6C:
Team 6C enjoyed watching the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center with the entire 6th grade. Then it was off to Planet Hollywood in Times Square where we ate a delicious lunch and sung along to popular music. The best part of the meal: giant chocolate chip cookies!
Team 6D (Room 115):
Team 6E:
The sixth graders were working with the Scientific Method for the month of January! Here students tested their hypothesis whether or not bubbles would pop on objects that were dry or covered in a bubble solution.
Team 7A:
In social studies class, students have been working on creating their projects for Jericho History Day! Students have been using their research skills to create exhibits, papers, websites, documentaries and performances. We look forward to this event on January 27. We hope to see family members there to acknowledge the achievements of our students!
Team 7B:
Team 7C & 8C:
Teams 7C and 8C have been studying plays by William Shakespeare in their ELA classes this month. The seventh graders just finished reading A Midsummer Night's Dream and are excited to begin the process of performing key scenes from the play. Students will take a close look at scripts, cut scripts as needed, make costume decisions, and have plenty of rehearsal time to prepare for their performances. The eighth graders have embarked on a close study of The Taming of the Shrew. Students are regularly on their feet to act out key scenes as well. In addition, students have been examining essential questions about topics such as society's role in marriage, the role of parents in children's happiness, whether society is inherently sexist, and the features of a successful relationship.
Team 8A:
Students on Team 8A have been working for the last few weeks on completing their National History Day projects on the American history theme of "Taking A Stand." Team work and research inquiry and skills all came together for a big success!
Team 8B:
Students on team 8B are using Nearpod to share and discuss ideas from their mobile devices. The Nearpod application engages students and allows everyone to share their ideas with the teacher simultaneously. Students can collaborate with their peers from anywhere in the classroom right from their device.
World Language Department!
Globetrotters
Sra. Bolton
Where did you learn Spanish?
-I studied Spanish at La Universidad de Valencia, España and el Centro Bilingüe en Cuernavaca, México.
What is one of your favorite experiences using Spanish?
-For 39 years, I have loved teaching Spanish language and culture. I am now thrilled to pass it on to my granddaughter Viola Hazel Bolton and to my grandnephew Oak Skudin.
What is a favorite place you have travelled to using your Spanish?
-I love to travel to Spain. My favorite cities are Barcelona, Toledo, and of course, Madrid!
If you could travel anywhere in the Spanish-speaking world, where would you go and why?
-I would love to visit South America, especially Machu Picchu, Perú.
Ms. Guo
Where did you learn Chinese?
-I was born in China. Chinese is my first language and I learned English when I was in middle school, just like my students are learning Chinese now.
What is one of your favorite experiences using Chinese?
-Teaching Chinese at Jericho Middle School! I get to spend my days sharing my language and culture with my students.
What is a favorite place you have been in the Chinese-speaking world?
-I loved living in Shanghai. It is a beautiful city with lots to do.
If you could travel anywhere Chinese is spoken, where would you go and why?-I would like to go to Tibet. Tibet has a very different culture than other areas in China and I hear that Tibet has beautiful scenery.
Signora Gangidino
Where did you learn Italian?
-I learned Italian at home from my parents who were both born in Italy. I grew up speaking a dialect of Sicily, Italian, and English.
What is one of your favorite experiences using Italian?
-I love teaching my students about Italian culture, history, and art. Italian art is my passion. I dream of being a tour guide in the Vatican museum in Rome after I retire.
What is a favorite place you have travelled to using Italian?
-I have been to Italy & Spain. My favorite cities are Burano, Siena, Urbino, and Rome.
If you could travel anywhere new where Italian is spoken, would you go and why?
-I would love to travel to Corsica, France. Corsica is an island west of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea which once belonged to Italy. I have heard such wonderful things about Corsica and I have never been to France. The dialect spoken there is closely related to the Italian language. I am curious to see how both the Italian and French culture merge.
Madame Mueller
-I grew up speaking French in Les Pavillons-sous-bois, France.
What is one of your favorite experiences using French?
-Teaching French to my students and helping them develop a love and appreciation of the French culture.
What is a favorite place you have travelled to using French?
-I love traveling to places like Morocco, Tunisia, Canada, and of course, France.
If you could travel anywhere in the Francophone world, where would you go and why?-I would go to St Martin because I love the beach.Sra. Vidal-Nuñez
Where did you learn Spanish?
-I learned some Spanish from my father who is from Spain, and I started learning Spanish in school in 7th grade. I would come home everyday and practice with my dad and ask him to teach me new words. By senior year of high school I only spoke Spanish with my dad. I then went on to study it in college and abroad.
What is one of your favorite experiences using your language?
-My favorite experience has been working as the administrative director for a summer study program in Spain. I worked in Conil, España, a quaint beach town every July for 15 years.
What is a favorite place you have travelled to using your language?
-I really enjoyed Mexico and visiting the ruins and natural water parks.
If you could travel anywhere in the Spanish-speaking world, where would you go and why?
-I would love to visit the Dominican Republic because my husband's family is from there. I would also like to go to Cuba to experience the art, music, food and architecture.
Sra. Waters
Where did you learn Spanish?
-While I majored in Spanish in college, I really learned my Spanish living abroad. I spent three summers in high school living in Spain, Perú, and México and never stopped traveling. I later studied abroad in Madrid and returned there to teach English, studied in Mexico for a summer, and I directed a service-learning program in Perú for two summers.
What is one of your favorite experiences using your language?
-While working in Peru I hiked the Inca Trail. I loved speaking with other hikers on the trail where Spanish was our common language.
What is a favorite place you have travelled to using your language?
-I loved spending two summers in the Valle Sagrado de Perú working on a construction based service project. It is a very special part of the world.
If you could travel anywhere new where your language is spoken, where would you go and why?-I would love to visit Bolivia and las Islas Galapagos.Tips from the Middle School Nurse!
Is Your Middle Schooler Getting Enough Sleep?
Often I am asked how many hours of sleep are required for 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Please read below for Childhood Sleep Guidelines as suggested by The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. These guidelines are endorsed by The American Academy of Pediatrics.
Children aged 6-12 years should sleep 9-12 hours per 24 hours. Children over age 13 need 8-10 hours of sleep per 24 hours.
Listed below are some helpful tips for getting your child get to sleep:
Set regular routines- Keep the same wake time, meal times, and bed time. Routines make a child feel safe and secure.
Be active during the day-Make sure your child has varied physical activity and fresh air during daytime hours.
Limit Screen time- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping all screens (phones, tv’s, computers) out of kids’ bedrooms and turn off all screens 30 minutes before bedtime.
Avoid overscheduling- Many middle school children have evening activities (sport games, religious classes, lessons) in addition to homework. Allow your child to take time to wind down prior to getting ready for bed.
Monitor for sleep problems- If you notice your child is having difficulty falling asleep or waking up during the night, snoring or if you receive a report that your child is falling asleep in class, discuss these habits with your child’s health care provider.
Dates to Remember...
February 2: MS PTSA Exec. Meeting - 8:30AM - MS Library Computer Lab
February 3: SEPTA Exec. Meeting - 9:30AM
February 3: MS/HS Quarterly Grades Posted Online
February 9: Board of Education Meeting - Budget Workshop #2 - 7:15PM - MS Library
February 17: MS Personal Best Day
February 20-24: SCHOOLS CLOSED
February 28: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Guidance Evening Hours - 7:00PM–9:00PM
Recognizing that other commitments often make it impossible for parents to find time to meet with counselors during the regular school day, we will continue a program of evening meetings this year. If you would like to meet with your child's counselor but are unable to do so during the school day, please call the counselor in order to schedule an evening appointment.
Jericho Middle School
Email: dgately@jerichoschools.org
Website: jerichoschools.org
Location: 99 Old Cedar Swamp Road, Jericho, NY, United States
Phone: (516) 203-3600
Twitter: @JerichoMS