J.M.S. News...
DECEMBER 2017
A message from our PTSA...
There have been several requests from our community for information about where one could make a donation in memory of Karen Kweit, our former treasurer and an ardent supporter of our school and PTA. Karen's family has informed us that, as someone who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 20, it has always been a goal of Karen's to try and help find a cure for this disease. Therefore, per the family's wishes, anyone wishing to make a contribution in memory of Karen may choose to do so by making a donation to the Lymphoma Research Foundation by:
1) Going to www.lymphoma.org and clicking on “Donate” in the upper right hand corner of the webpage. Then, on the left hand side of the webpage, choose “Honor/Memorial Gift."
OR
2) Mailing a completed donation form (below) to: Lymphoma Research Foundation, Wall Street Plaza, 88 Pine Street, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10005.
Quotes for the Month of December:
December 4-8: “Education means inspiring someone’s mind, not just filling their head.” – Katie Lusk
December 11-15: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill
December 18-22: “Do not wait for someone else to come and speak for you, it is you who can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai
Monthly SEL Theme for the Month of December: Respect and Responsibility
“Self-Respect is like wearing a coat of armor that no one can cut through.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This coat of armor allows us to demonstrate the importance and necessity in being dependable and responsible. Dependability is being there for others through all the times of their lives, as well as, showing and encouraging a personal commitment to each task.
Responsibility is being accountable in word and deed. It understands the need to fulfill tasks with reliability, dependability, and commitment.
Parents and educators model and demonstrate respect, dependability, and a sense of responsibility for you. We need to help you understand and internalize how you can and will change the lives of all with whom you come in contact.
Classroom News!
TEAM 6A:
In Math, students have begun their Geometry journey with tremendous success. In Science, we are continuing to learn about physical and chemical properties including density. In ELA, Students wrote persuasive essays and created trading cards to represent certain immortals and mythological characters who they deemed worthy to represent Mt. Olympus Academy as their school mascot.
Team 6B:
Team 6B explored various stations to discover physical and chemical changes. Teams were invited to create their own aluminum foil boats to explore the property of heat conductivity. Boats were filled with crayon shavings for their hot water journeys. You can guess what happened next... We had some beautiful colored wax lining the insides of our boats! This station was even more popular than the one where we explored digestion of crackers. Science is fun on Team 6B!
Team 6C:
Team 6C has been investigating the Law of Conservation of Mass in inquiry based investigations. After many attempts and revisions to our procedures we are excited to see we are getting close to something that works. Check out this picture of our scientists in action!
Team 6D:
Team 6E:
Team 6E wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who came to our open house. Students are working on developing a growth mindset. We want our students to embrace the idea that every mistake they make is progress. After all, you have only failed if you have given up. Until then . . . it’s learning. Through effort, the right strategies and getting help from others, everyone can achieve. For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction. Let us all embrace a growth mindset in our daily lives!
Team 6F:
Team 6F loved cheering on our speller in the school-wide spelling bee! In math and science, we have been busy multiplying and dividing decimals and learning about the foundations of chemistry. We’ve explored density through a lab investigation and pondered the physical and chemical changes involved in making s’mores. We have also been exploring early civilizations in social studies and creating comic strips about prehistoric life. In ELA, we enjoyed celebrating with a bagel breakfast while sharing our personal narratives at our publishing party!
Team 7A:
Students of Team 7A presented three dimensional cell models in Science. The projects were creative and gave students the opportunity to use their verbal skills to present and describe the projects. Materials used for the models ranged from 3D printed cell parts to cakes. Everyone is a few pounds heavier, but more knowledgeable about cells, after presenting these creative and delicious projects!
TEAM 7B:
Students are diligently working on their National History Day Projects in Social Studies. Students are learning research skills and applying their knowledge to this year's theme of Conflict and Compromise. They are getting ready for Jericho History Day on January 12th.
Team 7C:
November has wrapped up and Team 7C had an action packed month. With preparations for National History Day in full swing, students are working hard to research their topics and creating wonderful projects. I can't wait to see what they come up with! Math has been a blast as well, as students took the AMC 8 competition and are also beginning to dive into some Algebra. We've been using Quizizz, scavenger hunt activities, and so much more to help us understand the topics better! Here's to an even more exciting December!
Teams 8A, 8B & 8C:
This year teams 8A, 8B and 8C embarked on a new adventure to and through our nation's capital city Washington, D.C.
Students toured through the National Museum of American History, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and viewed the illuminated monuments and memorials at night on the first day.
The second day was followed up with a tour of other impressive monuments and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Students enjoyed the beautiful historic city!
SEEDlings: Learning About Ourselves & Others
In November students from Ms. Waters eighth grade SEEDlings elective spent the day at the Long Island Adventure Park. After a few days of team-building and problem-solving initiatives on the ground at school, students had an amazing time challenging themselves individually and collectively, this time, up in the trees. What an amazing experience for all!
Dates to Remember...
December 4 - MS Coat Drive Begins- (Ends 1/26)
December 7- MS PTSA Exec Mtg- Faculty Cafeteria- 8:30AM
December 7- MS PTSA Mtg & Principal's Coffee Hour- MS Library- 9:15AM
December 12- 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.
December 14- MS Play (Musical)- Jackson Elementary School-3:45PM
December 14- Board of Education Meeting- Jackson- 7:30PM
December 15- MS Spirit Day
December 15- MS Play (Musical)- Jackson Elementary School-7:00PM
December 22- No MS After School Clubs
December 22- All MS/HS Athletic Teams Practice
December 25- January 1 -SCHOOLS CLOSED
Tips from the School Nurse
December is National Heart Month
This is a great time to talk to your child about healthy eating and healthy living to promote heart health.
1- Healthy eating:
The best way for a parent to teach children about healthy eating is to make it a family affair. Encourage your children to help you plan and cook healthy family meals. Children are more apt to eat healthy food they helped prepare.
2- Family exercise:
Exercise can be fun when it’s a family affair!! Take your family biking, hiking, swimming or dancing.
Remember to aim for at least 30 minutes several times week.
3- Family time:
Never underestimate the importance and benefit of family time. Have family dinners as often as possible. Play board games and card games with your children. This is the time to build family foundations and values.
4- Talk to your teens about the dangers of smoking and drugs.
Make sure your children know the lines of communication are always open for them to confide in you..
5- Tell your children you love them everyday!!
Self esteem in children starts with feeling loved, accepted and protected in their home!!
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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