J.M.S. News...
By Donald F. Gately, Ed. D - January 2017
Thank you letter from The Marian & Aaron Gural JCC for our candy drive!
Quote of the Week of January 2-6:
Quotes for the Month of January:
January 16-20: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
January 23-27: "If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results." - Jack Dixon
January 20-February 3: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss
Monthly SEL Theme for the Month of January: COOPERATION (TOLERANCE & BROTHERHOOD)
These dynamics are such powerful habits of the heart that even when only one person reaches out to do right, the impact can be life long.
I would like to share a beautiful and meaningful story entitled "Starfish."
"The Starfish Story"
There was a man who lived along the ocean. One morning, at about 5:00 a.m., when he could sleep no longer, he decided to take a walk along the beach. It was a foggy morning, and the first rays of the sun were slipping above the horizon. The man enjoyed the walk; it was as if the beach belonged to him. He glanced down on the beach and saw a figure that seemed to be dancing. He wondered why anyone would be on the beach so early; his curiosity caused him to quicken his pace. As he drew nearer, he realized that the figure was that of a young man, and he wasn't dancing --- he was throwing something into the water. As he drew very close, he realized that the young man was picking starfish off the beach and was tossing them back in the water.
"Why are you throwing starfish into the water?"
"The tide is going out, the sun is rising, and the starfish that are left on the beach will surely die." said the young man, continuing his task.
"But that's such a waste of time and energy! There are so many starfish, and there are miles and miles of beach. What difference does it make?"
The young man thought for a moment. He reached down to pick up a starfish and said, "It makes a difference... to this one."
As you can see, brotherhood, to be preserved, must be practiced and lived each and every day. A good community cannot exist without it.
Classroom News!
Team 6A:
This month students on Team 6A are reading The Girl Who Owned A City and studying the Geography and the Early Settlement of Egypt, Kush and Canaan. In math students have begun their lifelong journey with unit rates and in science they are learning the steps of the scientific method and applying it to new situations. Go team!
Team 6B:
Team 6B participated in an exciting STEAM activity. Students were challenged to think outside of the box, as they designed and built cars. The cars had to be made from household items, and our students had some amazing ideas! We raced our cars using an electric fan to propel them through the classroom and down the hall. Team 6B will never run out of STEAM... Great job, kids!
Team 6C:
Team 6C created Study Proofs to help review complex material. The creative ideas students came up with was amazing. Divided page notes, one pagers, Bingo, Kahoot, Twister, and Tiff's Twist and Turn were some of the crowd favorites! Students were excited to explore fun new ways to study.
Team 6D:
Team 6E:
Team 6E enjoys another adventure in “Readers Theater.” It's a great way to involve students in reading aloud. “Readers Theater” is a strategy that combines reading practice and performing. Our goal is to enhance students' reading skills and confidence by having them practice reading with a purpose. It's hard for a child to be a passive observer when you have a script in your hands. “Reader's Theater” motivates reluctant readers and provides fluent readers the opportunity to explore genre and characterization. Plus – it’s fun!
Team 7A:
Dr. Mollick joined Team 7A for a presentation on skin. A well respected dermatologist, he taught the kids about the structures and functions of skin, dangers of skin cancer, and proper skin safety. Dr. Mollick answered many of the students’ questions regarding skin safety and health in general. Everyone enjoyed his very informative and engaging presentation.
Team 7B:
Sublimation was just one of many phase changes Team 7B students explored during their unit on States of Matter.
Team 7C and 8C:
Team 7C/8C social studies students are diligently working on their National History Day Projects. This year's theme is Taking A Stand In History. Students can demonstrate their research and knowledge of their subject through a performance, paper, exhibit board, website or documentary. Jericho History Day will take place on January 27th and all are welcome to view the final projects on display. Students have a chance to advance to the local, state and national levels of competition. Good Luck, Jericho students!!
Team 8A:
Team 8B:
Students on team 8B are using Desmos as a way to pull together mathematical concepts . Desmos eliminates some of the abstractness that comes with mathematical investigations and allows the students to play with the numbers. With Desmos, the students can see what a Domain to a function truly is. The Desmos application engages students and encourages them to share their ideas and discuss relationships.
Notes from the World Language Department!
APPlicable tools for World Language Students
When you can’t beat them, join them! Smartphones and tablets are here to stay. The world language teachers love their smartphones, and want to share some of their favorite apps to help students stay connected to language and culture
No matter your language, Mind Snacks is sure to keep your child engaged. It was rated one of the best education apps by Apple, and it has various games and activities that will help your child build vocabulary and conversation skills.
Word Reference is a favorite dictionary translation site. What we love is how it puts the language in context so students can see if it is the correct form of the word they need.
Memrise is a new app for learning French words. It’s an excellent choice for students looking to develop their French vocabulary.
Tips from the Nurse for Dressing your Child for the Cold Weather.
The winter is officially upon us so… here are a few tips on how to dress your child so they can stay warm and dry while playing outside or waiting for the school bus.
Dress in layers- During the cold months, dressing in layers is the way to go. This will allow your child to move about easily and to remove clothing if needed. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:
1. Inner (Base) Layer-Your child’s arms, legs, feet and torso should be covered in a thin layer that helps to move moisture away from the body. The best materials to look for are polyester, silk, or wool.
2. Middle Layer- This is known as the insulating layer. Good fabrics to choose from for this layer are wool, down or fleece.
3. Outer layer-This layer is the wind and water protection layer. A jacket, gloves and boots made of a waterproof material is advised.
Cover all Extremities- Extremities are at the highest risk for cold exposure. It is suggested that your child wear a hat and neck warmer to cover their head and ears, gloves or mittens on their hands and socks and boots on their feet. Always check with your child’s healthcare provider for their specific advice for your child.
Resources: American Academy of Pediatrics-Winter Safety Tips-https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room-media-center/pages/wintersafety/.aspx
Dates to Remember...
January 2 - Schools Closed - New Years Day Observed
January 5 - MS PTSA Exec. Meeting - Principal's Conference Room - 9:00AM
January 6 - SEPTA Exec. Meeting - 9:30AM
January 11 - MS Orientation - Incoming 6th Grade Parents Meeting - Auditorium - 7:00PM
January 13 - MS Geography Bee
January 16 - Schools Closed - Martin Luther King Day
January 17 - MS Winter II Sports Season Begins
January 18 - MS PTSA Mtg. & Incoming 7th and 8th Grade Parents Mtg. - MS Library - 7:00PM
January 18-19 - MS Play Auditions
January 24 - 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Guidance Evening Hours - 7:00PM–9:00PMRecognizing 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.
January 25 - MS Winter Band Concert - Auditorium - 7:30PM
January 26 - MS Parent Brunch & Learn - MS Library - 9:00AM-10:30AM
January 27 - MS/HS 2nd Marking Period Ends
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