Unami United
November 4, 2016
Dear Unami Parents, Guardians & Students,
It was a great week with all of our Red Ribbon Week activities. You can see a sampling of the students and staff in costume below. Our 9th graders were very attentive at our Drug Awareness Assemblies. We asked them to have a conversation with their parents about the topics that were discussed. The 7th grade students had cyber-bullying lessons in their science classes on Monday and Wednesday. Presenters talked to them about "empathy" and how to develop a positive digital profile.
We have another busy week planned with our district-wide mock election on Monday and our Veteran's Day Assembly on Friday. We will be holding parent-teacher conferences on Tuesday from 12pm to 8pm (see details below).
Hope you enjoy our letter!
Unami United,
Mrs. Lang
Principal
PARENT CONFERENCES
INSTRUCTIONAL SPOTLIGHTS
This year, along with our newsletter, we will be "tweeting" out photos and 144 character descriptions of all the fabulous happenings in our community. You can easily filter these "tweets" by using the district's new CB Mobile App.
PROUD 7TH GRADERS PUBLISH THEIR MEMOIRS!
Students in Mrs. Frederick's 4th and 5th period writing classes recently celebrated the publication of their personal memoirs. This writing process took students on a journey to discover a crucial moment that brought change in their lives-- no easy task for writers. However, after much thought and careful revision, they have pieces that shine brighter than even those smiles. Here are some captivating lines from their writings:
- “A counterfit smile is plastered on my face; it conceals my real emotions about facing the task that is currently staring me down.”
- “I always thought I knew what friends were. I was so wrong. My cheeks became wet. Looking up at the flaming sky, I knew it was not raining. I knew I had found my best friend. Even if it only was for a week.”
- “Yet, that was no normal goodnight, but a goodbye.”
- “I feel different walking out. Not bad different. Not upset or sad. Just different.”
- “It was one of the best feelings ever, like a rock of frustration was lifted off my whole body, and I feel like a water spider gliding on the surface. The feeling wouldn’t be as satisfying if I had got it the first time. As I effortlessly ride the wake, my mom’s camera gets a ‘hang ten.’ But when I fell, it was the best fall yet.”
PEER LEADERSHIP ROCKS....
On October 27th and 28th, thirty 7th, 8th and 9th graders had the opportunity to spend two days in a Peer Leadership Training experience of distinguished accord. Facilitators from the Anti-Defamation League’s A World of Difference Institute® led students through numerous interactive, educational activities designed to help students develop the necessary knowledge and skills to be leaders in our school to combat bigotry and discrimination of all kinds.
The students spent the first day getting to know each other, building cohesiveness as a group, and then going through a process of examining themselves as people, including their strengths and weaknesses, skills and limitations, attitudes and values. Students learned the definitions of various terms associated with prejudice and discrimination in an effort to develop a common language for understanding and dealing with intolerance. They learned about and had the opportunity to practice specific strategies for acting as an ally in response to bullying and “intervening in the moment”.
The next steps will be for the group to debrief from the training and begin to develop goals and action steps to make a difference and move Unami to being a more respectful, inclusive and equitable environment for all students.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS...
ELECTION UPDATE
All Unami students will participate in mock election on Monday, 11/7.
7th grade will represent the state of Vermont (3 electoral votes).
8th grade will represent the state of South Carolina (9 electoral votes).
9th grade will represent the state of Illinois (20 electoral votes.)
Students will vote online and the results will be compiled with results from all three high schools, five middle schools, and each of the elementary schools in the district to complete the electoral map.
Each class is learning about the political process in their Social Studies classes (these lessons include 1. a critical examination of the platforms of the major political parties, 2. a review of the Electoral College and political process, 3. analysis of critical issues facing America, 4. the impact of social media in the election, 5. state and national candidates and their stances).
Red Ribbon Week at Unami
- Decoration of the building to highlight the themes of Red Ribbon Week;
- Daily drug, alcohol, and tobacco public service announcements;
- Red Ribbon Week Unami United lessons for 7th and 8th grades;
- Drug/alcohol awareness assembly, presented by the Bucks County District Attorney, for 9th grade students;
- Spirit Days (Halloween Costume, Wear Red, Hat Day, Clash Day, Crazy Sock Day), with all participants entered in a series of Red Ribbon Week prize drawings;
- Prize drawings for Red Ribbon Week spirit participation. Prizes included red water bottles, Phillies' hats (red, of course!), and red socks.
Thanks to all students who participated and to our staff members who helped organize events. The week was both fun and informative, focused on some serious challenges facing teens each day.
RED RIBBON WEEK ASSEMBLIES
On Tuesday, November 1st, during Unami United time the District Attorney from Bucks County spoke with 9th grade students about the health dangers and serious legal consequences of drug and alcohol involvement.
On Monday and Wednesday, representatives from NOVA (National Organization for Victim Assistance) presented a Cyber-Bullying lesson to all 7th grade students during their science classes. Some topics of discussion will include the importance of creating a positive digital profile, the dangers of "accepting" friend requests from unknown individuals, the serious impact of negative comments on social media/texting, and the legal consequences of posting negative or inappropriate comments, photos, posts.
A Cast of Characters Visited Unami on Monday
Here's hoping you enjoyed a safe and happy Halloween!
Take it easy on that candy, too... the feast of Thanksgiving is just around the corner!
UNAMI SPORTS...GO WARRIORS!
SPORTS UPDATE - November 4
Varsity grade soccer/ field hockey
The varsity field hockey and soccer teams competed in the Central Bucks end of the season tournaments and represented Unami proudly. Though the varsity soccer team lost 2-0, they played one of their best games of the year and showed tremendous character. The varsity field hockey team played Holicong in the tournament semi-finals. They played extremely tough but lost 2-1. Erin K. played amazing in goal while Nicole P. and Braylee W. played great in the field.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
November 7th - Kids Vote (Bring cell phones to homeroom)
November 11th - Veteran's Day Assemblies
November 12th - 8:30 to 11:00 Link 2 Unity
November 17th--Parent Council 9AM
*For more details please visit the Unami website
CENTRAL BUCKS SCHOOL DISTRICT MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS' LACROSSE CLINIC
Date: Saturday, November 5th, 2016
Where: War Memorial Stadium at Central Bucks West
Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
(open to all Central Bucks 7th and 8th grade Boys)
All participants must provide their own stick, helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, mouthpiece and appropriate athletic shoes.
(If inclement weather, the clinic will be held in the CB West Gym. Please make sure to bring sneakers)
Clinic includes instruction from the head coaches from Central Bucks West, Central Bucks South and Central Bucks East high schools.
Cost: Free!
Register: Go to www.cbsd.org & click on “Community School”
Next, click on “Extended Learning Programs-Online Registration.”
Follow directives provided to register for a free MyPaymentsPlus Account.
Once you are registered with MyPaymentsPlus, you may register for the clinic. If you need assistance call 267-893-5708.
CENTRAL BUCKS SCHOOL DISTRICT MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS' LACROSSE CLINIC
Date: Saturday, November 19th, 2016
Rain Date: Sunday, November 20th, 2016 from 1pm-3:30pm
Where: War Memorial Stadium at Central Bucks West
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
(open to all Central Bucks 7th and 8th grade girls)
All participants must provide their own stick, goggles, mouthpiece and appropriate athletic shoes. Clinic includes instruction from the coaches from Central Bucks West, Central Bucks South and Central Bucks East high schools.
Cost: Free!
Register: Go to www.cbsd.org & click on “Community School”
Next, click on “Extended Learning Programs-Online Registration.”, then Sports/Camps/Clinics. Follow directives provided to register for a free MyPaymentsPlus Account. Once you are registered with MyPaymentsPlus, register for the clinic. If you need assistance call 267-893-5708.
BOOMERANG AWARD
The Boomerang Youth Recognition Award is a monthly program which recognizes and honors youth in our community for exemplifying and living by one of 9 chosen Developmental Assets (one asset for each month from Sept.-May). The ballot box is located in the main office at Unami Middle School or you can go to the nomination link here. Students can be nominated for the award by any member of the community, including students nominating each other.
Here are the remaining Developmental Assets for the 2016-17 School Year:
Young person cares about others. They place a high value on helping other people. He/she thinks about ways of helping others and is motivated to initiate kind and thoughtful acts.
December #24 BONDING TO SCHOOL
Young person cares about his/her school. The students is actively engaged in promoting a positive school community.
Young person values service to others, in their family, school, or community. He/she commits to meaningful and caring actions.
February #33 INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCE
Young person has empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills. MYoiungdp@ersoBn coardesyabout and is aware of other people’s feelings.
March #17 CREATIVE ACTIVITIES
Young person participates in creative activities which have a direct positive impact on him/her and others. Their creative activity can take a variety of forms– music, drama, art, or any other creative activity.
April #25 READING FOR PLEASURE
Young person reads for pleasure most days of the week, either alone, with family members, or with friends.
May #37 PERSONAL POWER
Young person has a healthy sense of personal power. He/she believes they can effect change and make a difference in their school and /or community. They believe they have some control over things that happen in their world, that things just don’t happen to them.
CB CARES
NOVEMBER PARENT COUNCIL
As a Unami parent or guardian, you are invited to attend and participate in our monthly parent council meetings. This is an opportunity for you to be an informed member of our learning community. We make it a practice to highlight our many students' accomplishments and update you on coming attractions.
Parent Council typically meets on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. There is no obligation to attend all Parent Councils and there are no elected positions. We make it a practice to highlight our many students' accomplishments and update you on coming attractions. Please consider joining us!
Thursday, Nov 17, 2016, 09:00 AM
Unami Middle School
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Unami will be hosting a blood drive sponsored by the American Red Cross on Tuesday, November 22nd from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm. You can sign up using the following link (CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.). You can also log on to redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: unami.
2016-17 District Calendar
Click here for one-page calendar and monthly calendar of events.
Fundraise for Unami While You Shop-- A Fantastic Way to Support Your School!
If you use the following vendors, please think about supporting UMS while you shop:
- If you shop at Target and have a Target Red Card, you can register your card for Target's Take Charge of Education program so that Unami receives a percentage of your spending. Thank you to all Target shoppers!
- Giant Food Store has an A+ School Rewards program through their clip-less coupon card. Note, each year you need to reselect Unami so that your shopping benefits UMS.
- Clip and send in Box Tops to the attention of NJHS; or, shop at the Box Top Market Place where you will find vendors such as Best Buy, KMart, Justice and more.
- If you like to shop online, check out the eScrip Online Mall. When you sign up for an account, selecting Unami earns money for our school.
Follow @ CBSDInfo on Twitter
Follow Central Bucks School District @CBSDInfo for up-to-the-minute notifications of school delays, closures and emergencies
Unami Middle School
Email: cbsdunami@cbsd.org
Website: cbsd.org/unamims
Location: 160 S. Moyer Road, Chalfont, PA
Phone: 267-893-3400