FWHMS Family Newsletter
Connecting Families to School - May 2018
MCAS Dates
Grade 8 Math
Tuesday, May 1st
Wednesday, May 2nd
Grade 8 Science/Tech
Tuesday, May 15th
Wednesday, May 16th
Grade 7 Math
Tuesday, May 8th
Wednesday, May 9th
Grade 6 Math
Wednesday, May 2nd
Thursday, May 3rd
Yearbook
This year, we have partnered with Jostens to bring you a high-quality, full-color 2017-2018 yearbook.
Yearbooks can be ordered online by clicking here. Please order by as soon as possible to ensure we can guarantee you a yearbook.
Parents Honor Your Child's Memories at HMS
Would you like to honor your child as they leave FWHMS? Make a $20.00 donation and your money will be used to buy a new book for the FWHMS school library. You will receive notification of the book that you purchased, and the book will have a book plate with your child's name on it to honor your donation. If you would like to participate, please click here to print and complete the form and send it to the main office. This is an excellent way to help the FWHMS library and honor your 8th grader!
Parent Volunteers Needed - 6th Grade Social - May 4th 6 pm to 8 pm
*Being a fan of Star Wars not required
Grade 6 Happenings
Fourth quarter brings a new reading adventure to sixth graders. Students will be reading Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan. What makes this novel so interesting is that the setting is in India and students have already learned about India and Indian culture in Social Studies class. They will be able to quickly make connections between their background knowledge of India with the novel. Koly is thirteen years old and she is the protagonist in the story who faces many challenges. As students read this novel, they will be utilizing the Notice and Note Signposts for Fiction (a close reading strategy). Be sure to ask your child to update you on Koly’s struggles in Homeless Bird.
Math MCAS is next week on May 2-3. Be sure to have students get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. Homework assignments may be lighter this week due to the testing.
As the nice weather approaches so do seasonal allergies. A classroom donations of tissues is always welcomed and appreciated. Please check to see if your child has a supply of pencils in their book bags as it maybe time to replenish them.
Grade 7 Happenings
MCAS
ELA MCAS went off without a hitch! We are looking forward to seeing and sharing students’ results in the fall. Don’t forget math MCAS will be held on May 8th and 9th and, just like the ELA MCAS, it will be taken on the computer. There are still some things we do recommend for students to do at home to maximize their scores. We encourage the following: Get a good night's sleep the night prior to each test date. A well-rested mind and body are more likely to function at full capacity! Eat a balanced breakfast (with protein) the morning of each test. Students must also bring a book to read to each test session in case time remains after they have finished.
Math
Even though April was a short month, it was jammed packed with math content. We completed our unit on ratios and proportional relationships with many types of percent applications as well as functions and the constant of proportionality. We began our Geometry unit with drawing, measuring and exploring various special angle pairs such as adjacent, complementary, supplementary and vertical angles. In the coming weeks, we will cover area, volume and surface area as well as circumference and area of circles. By the end of May, we will be working on probability and statistics.
Science
Students completed the ecosystem unit right in time for vacation. The unit ended with an online project where students created a brochure about a particular ecosystem. Students learned about the resources available, the factors that impact their ecosystem, and solutions to protect it. This will be the first assessment grade of quarter 4. Our last major unit of the year is all about cells. Students will be learning all about microscopes and then getting into the many parts of plant and animal cells.
Students recently wrapped up quarter three by finishing our study of irony, short stories, language skills, and independent novel work on Freak the Mighty. Following MCAS students began watching the film version of Freak the Mighty and they will begin quarter four by writing and presenting a movie review to their peers. Students took their language benchmark in April, and they did even better than their first language benchmark exam. This month we will begin our study of poetry, the usage of figurative language, and narrative writing.
Students have begun exploring the relationship between the ancient Etruscans and Romans. They have learned about the Aeneid and the story of Romulus and Remus, which are the founding myths of Rome. Students have looked at the cultural and religious contributions of the Etruscans and have been creating an in-depth outline for both chapters 13 and 14. Students have begun presenting a small piece of Etruscan or Roman history. At that time, we will wrap up the unit with a project on Julius Caesar and a comprehensive unit test.
As always, be sure to check the Homework Page on the school website to keep up with daily work, even if your child is absent.
Grade 8 Happenings
History
Let’s DECLARE OUR INDEPENDENCE . . . and so say our 8th grade Students. During the month of April, students explored the concepts of what it means to be independent and the Northern American Colonies declaring their independence from Mother England. Along with their study of Early American history, students spent April 27th in the company of a child of a Holocaust survivor. This moment in time helped prepare them for their study of the Diary of Anne Frank in English class. Ending the month of April, students studied and learned about the American Revolution and the outcome this had for a new, developing country. May brings in a new topic of how our Constitution was written and all the rights we enjoy as American citizens. From there, students will study how the first 5 administrations were able to apply the concepts of the Constitution to function as a new country.
Science
Students will continue the unit on Life Science. This will include DNA, cell reproduction, heredity, and factors that influence survival. While some review for MCAS may be done in class, the students should also be reviewing materials on Jog Nog which allows them to work at their own pace and focus on their own areas of need.
Math
All students worked on solving systems of equations by graphing, substitution, and elimination. They are very surprised to see that the same result is achieved regardless of the method used to get there! When this unit is wrapped up, we will be moving on to inequalities – because not all things in life are equal. We will start with basic inequalities and work our way up to graphing linear inequalities which can be fun and colorful.
English
Students will be beginning a unit on The Diary of a Young Girl (Anne Frank). Students will be reading two parallel texts: The actual narrative diary written by Anne Frank as well as the dramatic version of the diary written by Francis Goodrich and Albert Hacket. Students will also learn about the historical background and setting in these works.
Wellness Happenings
Grade 6
During the month of May, students will be focusing their learning on making decisions and SMART goal setting. Questions that students will be able to answer at the conclusion of the decision making unit include: Are you really making your own decisions? What are some reasons for saying "No" when you are feeling pressured? Why do your choices matter?
Students will participate in a Socratic Circle discussing 3 things someone could do that would help him/her make better decisions. Setting SMART goals, having a plan, working hard, and having grit contribute to one's success. Students will set their own SMART goal. By the end of the unit, they will know what to do when faced with obstacles and will learn some affirmations to use when they need some positive self talk. They will come to understand why goals are worth having and the importance of setting goals and working toward them.
Grade 7
During this month, students will learn about self- esteem, body image, and advertising techniques. Developing self-esteem supports social and emotional health and learning to accept oneself and others with regard to body size and appearance is critical for healthy emotional and social health. Students will be able to answer the questions: What do I base my self- worth on? How is perfection created in advertising?
Students will work on a project in class on a self- esteem topic. Examples include: photoshopping images, body dysmorphic disorder, body shaming ads, steroid use, and body bullies. They will participate in a Socratic Circle discussing ways self- esteem can be improved.
Grade 8
The first topic is the impact of your choices. After first reading and discussing the evidence in a court case, students will be part of a mock jury. Their authentic experience will lead them to the realization that every decision has short- and long-term consequences and making the “right decisions” are essential to healthy choices in promoting lifelong wellness.
Students will either independently or with a partner choose a topic related to decision-making, research it, create a slideshow, and present it to the class. They will be able to develop strategies for making good decisions. The next unit is alcohol and opioid use. These lessons will be co-taught with Officer Dave Laudon, our school resource officer. Our focus will be on alcohol and opiates effect on the brain, the Social Host Law, risk factors, protective factors, and addiction. Students will discuss whether they think the MLDA should be lowered to age 18 through a Socratic Circle seminar.
Spanish Happenings
Grade 6
Students worked with a partner to write a book in Spanish using the colors and animals. We also read these books aloud in Spanish to a different 6th grade class in the library. The students also learned numbers up to 30 in Spanish, as well as the days of the week and months of the year. Ask your child to sing you the days of the week in Spanish to the tune of Macarena!
Grades 7 and 8
Seventh graders learned how to express what they have and what they need in the classroom. In the semester class, the students learned how to talk about the classes they want to take in college to become the profession they are interested in.
Eighth graders learned how to express what they have and what they need in the Spanish classroom. They also were introduced to adjectives, and in small groups made up songs to teach the rest of the class their assigned adjectives.
Spanish 1
Students learned about families in Spanish speaking countries as well as the associated vocabulary. We also learned how to use comparatives and superlatives in Spanish. The students are asking and answering so many questions in Spanish, their language skills have grown leaps and bounds these last few months!
Music Department
COME ONE COME ALL to our CHORUS SPRING SHOW!
The HMS Chorus has been working hard to put together a fabulous show! Please come hear some of your favorite songs sung by some of your favorite people. THURSDAY, MAY 24 in the HMS CAFETERIA. The show starts at 6:30pm and is free to the public. We hope to see you there!
The 6th, 7th and 8th grade bands will perform their Awards Night Concert on Wednesday, May 23rd at 7:00 pm in the BMR auditorium. Hope you can make it!
The Middle School Jazz Band will perform at the Jazz Night Concert on Friday, May 4th at 7:00 pm in the BMR cafeteria. Come hear the wonderful sounds of our wonderful student musicians!
Please join us in wishing the jazz band members luck as they will be performing at the MAJE Junior Jazz Festival at Trottier Middle School in Southborough, MA at 4:00 pm on Thursday, May 10th. Good luck to all!
Information from all events listed below can be found on http://www.bmrsd.net/MusicDepartment or on Facebook on New-Friends of Blackstone Millville Music Association.
Guidance News
HELP! I HAVE A TWEEN ……..
A MONTHLY COLUMN THAT ADDRESSES EITHER QUESTIONS SUBMITTED OR SIMPLY SHARES ARTICLES THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO STUDENT GUARDIANS. THIS COLUMN IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY FWHMS GUIDANCE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT A QUESTION PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL (BMIGNANELLI@BMRSD.NET OR SRIELLY@BMRSD.NET .
How to tell what is normal teen behaviors and what could be a mental health issue?
Teens are at a time in life when they are still finding themselves, trying things out and learning to live in their own skin. This time of life it is not uncommon to find yourself not recognizing your teen and seeing unusual behavior, but how do you tell when it has crossed the line into a teenage mental health issue?
If your teen’s behavior has turned into the symptoms below, talk to them about what they’re going through or find someone they trust to talk with them.
Missing days in school or poor school performance when there was no prior concern
Avoids friends or forming a social life
Loss of interest in activities they usually enjoyed
No motivation for fun or interesting activities
Sleep disturbances including insomnia and nightmares
Can’t sit still or focus on tasks
Seems chronically anxious or worried
Lack of energy or oversleeping
Bounces between moods of no-energy and hyperactivity
Self harm
Suicidal thoughts or actions
Constantly irritable or always reacts in an unreasonable manner
Manic and risky behaviors
Smoking, taking drugs or drinking - If this is combined with other issues on the list
Many types of mental illness first emerge in adolescence such as depression, anxiety and ADHD. Mental health conditions often are contributed by a genetic factor but environmental conditions can also contribute. In many cases ADHD doesn’t manifest itself until puberty. One of two of the symptoms might not mean a mental health issue, but a cluster of them could indicate.
If after talking to your child you feel there may be a mental health issue contact your doctor . Early treatment is key to intervention.
Local Mental Health Agencies:
Riverside Community Care and Emergency Services 508-634-342- available 24 hours
Family Continuity - 508-755-0556
Grade 8 Washington, DC Trip Information
The parent meeting was held in February. If you missed it, please email Mrs. Curt if you did not download it from the email that was sent in February.
Paperwork necessary for the trip will be distributed to students this Thursday, May 3rd. Be on the lookout for it.
Dates: June 10th to 13th
Payment #4 of $148.75 is due on 5/15/18 (if you are using the payment schedule).
Cost: Price $595.00
Trip price includes: Bus, Hotel, Meals, Dinner on the way down and dinner on the way back ($30.00 for both). It includes the t-shirt and museum ticket cost.
**Make checks payable to: Hartnett Middle School
** Trip insurance is available if you would like to purchase it. Click on this link https://nta.aontravelprotect.com/index.jsf . The tour operator location number is: 386016. The estimated cost for a basic plan is $59.00 and $79.00 for an enhanced plan. Please check with the insurance company for actual prices.
Scholastica Refund Deposit Policy:
Calendar Days Before Departure Date
30 or more
Scholastica Travel Inc will retain 20% of the trip deposit. Each individual or group will receive an 80% refund of money deposited with Scholastica less any nonrefundable prepaid reservations.
14 to 29
Scholastica Travel Inc will retain 25% of the trip deposit. Each individual or group will receive a 75% refund of money deposited with Scholastica less any nonrefundable prepaid reservations, contingent on the group or individual being paid in full.
13 or less
Scholastica Travel Inc will retain 50% of the trip deposit. Each individual or group will receive a 50% refund of money deposited with Scholastica less any nonrefundable prepaid reservations, contingent on the group or individual being paid in full.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Trip Itinerary: A variety of Smithsonian Museums, Arlington National Cemetery for the wreath laying, Monuments and Dinner Cruise along the Potomac.
2. Chaperones-teachers will be chaperoning this trip-as they have done in the past.
3. Meals are included (in the price) with the exception of the meal going to DC and the meal returning from DC.
4. Hotel Rooms typically consist of 4 per room (this is always subject to change).
5. Parent Meeting will be scheduled late winter, early spring to cover any additional questions, discuss finalized information for the trip, medical concerns and communication lines.
6. Please email Mrs. Finnegan: kfinnegan@bmrsd.net with any questions.
Eighth Grade Farewell Dance
The Eighth Grade Farewell Dance will be held on Friday, June 22,2018 from 6-9:00pm in the FWH Middle School Cafetorium
I. Dress Code:
No clothing items are to be worn that are:
Girls
Backless tops/dresses
Formal gowns
Mini skirts
See-through or sheer tops/dresses
“Cut-out” tops/dresses
Low cut or plunging tops/dresses
Visible undergarments
Jeans or shorts
2 piece outfits with no more than an inch of mid drift visible
Boys
Jeans or shorts
Visible undergarments
Tuxedos
Appropriate clothing items:
GirlsDresses &/or skirts must be fingertip in length
Dress pants may be worn
Boys
Collared shirts*
Ties*
Dress shoes*
*these items are preferred but are NOT required
II. Pictures:
There will be buddy “style” photos taken at the dance. The prices will range from $3-$5 per person, per photo (depending upon the size of the photo).
III. Food/Beverages:
At the dance there will be “finger foods” (chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, etc) to snack on. There will also be drinks (soda, water, juice) as well as a “Farewell” cake. There is NO additional cost for any food or drink at the dance, it is all part of the ticket price.
IV. Pick-up:
As with all dances PLEASE have your ride come into the building when they arrive, the dance will end at 9:00pm. NO Limos please!
V. Tickets:
Ticket prices for the Farewell Dance will be $30 and an announcement will be made closer to the event when students can purchase.
If you have questions regarding any of the above items please contact Mrs. Mignanelli or Mrs. Maurice (bmignanelli@bmrsd.net or jmaurice@bmrsd.net or call 508-876-0190)
Homework
https://sites.google.com/bmrsd.net/homework/home.
Please note: TeacherWeb (previous homework website) is shutting down as of 12/31/17. In order to make the transition easier, we are not using it at the start of this school year so that we do not have to change it in the middle of the school year.
If your child needs help, teachers are available Monday to Thursday to help your child for 15 minutes after school. If you book an appointment, they are available for 30 minutes. Please email your child(ren)'s teacher to book an appointment.
Pay Online for School Lunch
You can view the account balance, see what was purchased, and schedule automatic payments if you wish.
Calendar of Events
- MCAS - Grade 8 Math Session 1
Wednesday, May 2nd
- MCAS - Grade 8 Math Session 2
- MCAS - Grade 6 Math Session 1
- 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm - Makerspace Day - Sponsored by Friends of the Library Club
Thursday, May 3rd
- MCAS - Grade 6 Math Session 2
- Period H - DC Trip Assembly for Students Only - Packet to go home
Friday, May 4th
- 2:30 pm to 5 pm - Talent Show Auditions - Sponsored by PBIS club
- 6 pm to 8 pm - May the Fourth Be With You 6th Grade Social
- 7 pm - Jazz Band Concert - BMR Auditorium
- Teacher Appreciation Week Begins
- 8 am - 6th Grade Honor Roll Breakfast
- MCAS - Grade 7 Math Session 1
- MCAS - Grade 7 Math Session 2
- Lunch for staff sponsored by the PTO
Thursday, May 10th
- 4 pm - Jazz Band Festival - Trottier School - Southbridge
Friday, May 11th
- Teacher Appreciation Week Ends
- 8 am - 7th/8th Grade Honor Roll Breakfast
Tuesday, May 15th
- MCAS - Grade 8 Science/Technology Session 1
Wednesday, May 16th
- MCAS - Grade 8 Science/Technology Session 2
- Progress reports accessible in parent portal
- 6 pm to 8 pm - All School Dance
Monday, May 21st
- 5 pm - School Council Meeting (last one of the year)
- 6 pm - PTO Meeting (last one of the year)
Wednesday, May 23rd
- Harry Potter Spirit Day - sponsored by Friends of the Library Club
- 7 pm - Awards Night Music Concert - BMR Auditorium
- 6 pm to 8 pm - 8th Grade Chorus Spring Concert - All Are Welcome!
- Periods A, B, and C - MCAS Quiz Bowl - grade level assembly
- Memorial Day - No School
Wednesday, May 30th
- BMR Graduates Walk Tour at HMS
Be sure to visit our school web site to view our school events calendar.
Parent Pointers
- Monitor daily reading by establishing a 20-minute routine with on-level books
- Create a comfortable reading environment
- Incorporate fast and fun reads like comics, magazines, and newspaper articles
- Read and ride by bringing an audiobook for a flight, car or bus ride
- Read and chat about books that your child is reading
School-wide Ongoing Fundraisers
BoxTops - You can find the tops on participating products. Cut out the top and have your child bring it to school. We earn 10 cents for each top collected. Visit www.boxtops4education.com for a listing of products.
Stop & Shop A Plus Program - Register your rewards card to help us earn $$. Log on to www.stopandshop.com/aplus to register online USE SCHOOL ID: 07080 or dial 1-877-275-2758 to register your card over the phone.
Big Y Education Express Program -
1. Visit bigy.com and log in or create a myBigY account with your Big Y Silver Savings card.
2. Select “Join Education Express”.3. Select your school.
4. Look for the Education Express logo on items in their weekly circular, online and on signs in our stores.
5. Purchase these specially marked products and your school earns points. They redeem the points for the supplies they need.
Amazon - Please click here to shop on Amazon.com. A small percentage of what you purchase will go to the Hartnett Middle School PTO to help support field trips, assemblies, special events, and after school programming. It is the same Amazon.com you may use, with a small percentage supporting middle school students.
About FWHMS
Email: tcurt@bmrsd.net
Website: http://www.bmrsd.net/frederick_home.aspx
Location: 35 Federal St, Blackstone, MA, United States
Phone: 508-876-0190
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fwhms2003
Twitter: @fwhms2003