TCA Times
Wayne Central Middle School Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2019
Dear Middle School Families,
We hope everyone is staying warm as we head into February and the heart of winter! We have a lot of great information in this week's edition of the newsletter that we think you'll enjoy. Students and staff are working hard and the first part of the year has flown by. We are into the second semester and the second half of the year is under way. We encourage students to take advantage of the fresh start that a new quarter and new semester affords. As always, if there is anything we can do to enhance your child's school experience or if you have questions about anything, feel free to reach out!
Sincerely,
Holly Armitage 5th & 6th Grade Principal
Derek DeMass 7th & 8th Grade Principal
School Procedures
Holly Armitage is the 5th/6th grade Principal
Derek DeMass is the 7th/8th grade Principal
The phone number is: 315-524-1080.
The nurse's phone # is 315-524-1084
Morning drop-off: 7:15am (no earlier please)
5th Grade Pick Up at the end of the day:
If parents choose to pick up their 5th grader they can be signed out at the south door (side door) at 2:15pm. There will be a sign-out table at the door.
Band, chorus and all clubs are after school. There will be sports study hall and late buses to accommodate these students.
Visiting School: Please buzz at the main door to get in. If you need to go into the building you will need to have your license scanned in order to get a badge printed to wear in the building.
OFFICE HOURS & STUDENT DROP OFF
- Just a reminder: Students may not be dropped off at school prior to 7:15am.
- The office closes at 4:00pm, so there will be no access to the building after 4:00pm.
February's Calendar of Events
2/1: 1/2 day for all students: Staff Development Day
2/7: 6:00pm: Friends of Music Meeting--MS Library
2/7: 7:00pm: Board of Education Meeting @ DO
2/8: 1:20pm: 5th/6th Grade EAGLE PRIDE ASSEMBLY
2/14: Valentine's Day
2/18: SCHOOL CLOSED: PRESIDENT DAY HOLIDAY
2/18-2/24: SCHOOL CLOSED: FEBRUARY BREAK
2/28: 1:30pm: 7th/8th Grade WE CARE ASSEMBLY
5th & 6th Grade Eagle Pride
5th Grade Academic Awards:
Daylin Seymour
Kara Krajeski
Cassidy Wiegand
Bailey Cook
Madelyn Vance
Caleb Celso
Jaden Marrero
Jacob Albright
Jaden Ruggieri
Jake DelleFave
Sydney Howard
Kenzi Jagoda
5th Grade Character Awards:
Kylie Tucker
Alex Bianchi
Jahdiel Marrero
Nate Schwartz
Timothy Bishop
Jimmy Steffen
Wyatt Murray
Shelby Suwyn
6th Grade Academic Awards:
Lucy Valvo
Cassidy Swanson
Ethan Eddy
Jamie Taillie
Natalie Curtis-Braley
Annabelle Heiden
Logan DuVall-Swartzenberg
Josh Ford
Grace Smith
Ella Frick
6th Grade Character Award:
Kyle Serotta
Jacklynn Addley
Addison Rice
Bella Veltre
Kenzie Lamb
Kaya Lamb
Brock Phillips
Nicholas Wing
Savanna Hyland-Houser
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GEOBEE
Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic GeoBee held by the National Geographic Society. TCA Middle School grades 5-8 participated in the GeoBee competition for the first time this year! The contest motivates students to learn about the world and how it works. There are three levels of competition: school, state and national. Our school competitions resulted in the following students being in the final round of competition:
Brian Dennie
Logan Duval-Swartzenberg
Kasey Eaton
Zachary Dastyck
Sandra Evans
Seanna Stringer
Morgan Claypool
Michael Schneider
Jonathan Carbone
Gabby Taylor
On January 25th, the final round of the GeoBee took place, and TCA Middle School is proud to announce that Zachary Dastyck, a 6th grader, is the school champion for 2018/2019. Brian Dennie, a 6th grader, came in second place and Gabby Taylor, a 6th grader, came in third place. Congratulations to all GeoBee participants! Ms. Eaton, Mrs. Bristol, and Mr. Shoemaker encourage all students to start studying for next year’s GeoBee!
Please check out a few pictures from the GeoBee below!
YEARBOOKS: 2018-2019
Order your Yearbook today!
The 2018-2019 Thomas C Armstrong Middle School Yearbook is now on sale.
Visit www.jostens.com
$25.00 plus tax...all sales are online only!
Attention All TCA Students and Parents!
Yearbooks are now on sale. To purchase a yearbook head to www.jostens.com and find Thomas C Armstrong Middle School as your school and select a yearbook for $25.00 plus tax. Head to the cart, and with help and permission from your parent/guardian, pay using credit card. Remember all sales are pre-sale only, and must be purchased online. This means, if you want to make sure you get a book, you must order online. Books will be passed out mid-June 2019, but they will not be available for purchase at that time.
The deadline for purchasing a yearbook is March 1, 2019.
Please direct any questions to Mrs. Feola at afeola@wayecsd.org
STUDENT COUNCIL
Student Council supported the character trait of the month--TOLERANCE.
Tolerance is seen when people recognize and respect the rights and beliefs of others.
This was put into practice as the student body was asked, "What are you proud of? Responses were posted in the cafeteria for all to enjoy.
We continue to try to share our similarities while we celebrate our differences.
NJHS Lollypop Farm Fundraiser: 2/12-3/1/19
Hello parents of TC Armstrong Middle School students. We, the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), are doing a donation drive for Lollypop Farm. NJHS is a student-based organization that helps and serves our community. This will be the first time that Wayne Middle School is doing a project with the whole NJHS involved.
The fundraiser for Lollypop Farm consists of collecting items for taking care of the animals. These items can be dropped off at the designated boxes outside of the MS cafeteria. Please consider donating a new or used item for this worthy cause. New items (bought from the store) consist of laundry detergent, paper towels, dog treats, and dog/cat food. Used items consist of newspapers (no glossies), stuffed animals (small), sheets, blankets, and towels.
Our drive starts on February 12th and ends March 1st. Our goal is to collect over 200 items. We thank you for your time and donations.
Counselors Corner
As kids enter the middle school, they also enter the age range of when
puberty starts. One sign that kids have entered puberty is body odor. Being
around the kids all day, in the halls, classrooms, lunch/recess and
especially in PE classes, I can tell you that some kids have definitely
started going through puberty. Not only have I picked up on some
unpleasant odors, but many kids report to me that some of their classmates
“smell bad”. This leads to the kids not wanting to be partners or being near
the “smelly” kids. While I reinforce with the kids that they need to be
tolerant of all kids and work with whomever the teacher assigns them to
work with, I can certainly understand their feelings. Body odor can also lead
to some kids being excluded during unstructured times such as lunch and
recess.
As kids enter puberty, it becomes more important to be aware of good
hygiene habits. Even though we expect more of our children as they get
older, they are still just kids and need their parents/guardians to guide them
through these years. Here are some tips for good hygiene:
1. Shower (or bathe) every day or every other day.
As you get older, the glands under your arms start producing more
sweat. When sweat comes into contact with bacteria on your skin, it
creates an unpleasant odor. To clean the sweat & bacteria away, you
need to USE SOAP- water alone will not clean sweat & bacteria off
your body!
-it will also be necessary to shower or clean under your arms after
any physical activity where you work up a sweat.
2. Wash your hair more frequently.
Hair doesn’t need to be washed every time you shower, but it should
be washed more frequently. As kids go through puberty, the oil
glands on the scalp work overtime so more washing is necessary.
-Washing with soap is the only way to clean the oil off the hair.
3. Start wearing deodorant or antiperspirant!
Another defense against underarm odor is to use deodorant or
antiperspirant. Deodorant should be applied in the morning before
kids come to school. However, kids can bring deodorant into school
to reapply after PE class- many kids already do this!
4. Clothes need to be clean.
Even though previously worn clothes might not smell bad at first,
sweat & bacteria stick to dirty clothes which causes them to smell
very quickly.
-Pets such as cats & dogs can also cause clothes to smell and get
dirty faster. Because most people are used to the smell of their cats
or dogs, they do not even notice the smell on their clothes- but other
people and kids around them sure will.
-Backpacks may also need to be washed as often times they pick up
pets odors.
-At this age, parents often start to put laundry responsibilities on their
kids. Parents need to check that the laundry is being done, the
responsibility ultimately falls back on the parents if kids don’t do the
laundry!
5. Keep brushing & flossing teeth.
Good oral hygiene is very important. Kids should be brushing their
teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once. In addition to
brushing your teeth, it is also a good idea to brush your tongue to
wash out all the bacteria and get rid of bad smelling breath.
-Using mouth wash is also recommended to help wash out bacteria,
keep your mouth clean and your breath smelling fresh.
READ TO RIDE: 2019 (5th Grade)
The Darien Lake Read to Ride program rewards your 5th grade son/daughter with a one-day free ticket to Darien Lake in July or August, 2019 for students who meet the following criteria:
Complete 7 hours of recreational reading between January 1st and February 28th, 2019.
The tracking sheet is due to Mrs. Waring no later than Friday, March 1st, 2019. No late entries will be accepted due to Darien Lake’s Rules and Procedures.
- Forms will be sent home through your son/daughter's ELA teacher.
5TH GRADE NEWS
ELA--In Mrs. Herendeen’s classes, we have begun our unit on Human Rights. We are learning about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its impact on not only our country, but the world. We also began reading a book about Jackie Robinson called Promises to Keep. We are seeing the connection this story has to the topic of human rights. In addition, we continue to work on our skills using IXL each week. For writing, we have been concentrating on writing quality short responses using the CEEC acronym--Claim, Evidence, Evidence and Conclusion. Ask your child about the book The Revenge of the Shadow King!
ELA- In Mrs. Welch’s classes, we have begun Unit 3 in Journeys. Unit 3 focuses on human rights with texts that center around the American Revolution. Our skills work through those texts and IXL will focus on main idea, cause/effect, fact vs opinion, and drawing conclusions about characters. We continue to work on our survival themed guided reading books as well. For writing, we have been concentrating on writing quality short responses using the CEEC acronym--Claim, Evidence, Evidence and Conclusion. It is important for students to stretch these paragraphs to really show how their evidence supports their claim.
In Mrs. Zilliox’s ELA class we finished our book study of Old Yeller by comparing and contrasting the book with the movie. We are wrapping up Unit 2 in Journeys where we have been challenged with homophone spelling words, subordinate conjunctions, dialect, idioms and adages, direct and indirect objects, and citing proof from the text when writing short answers to questions.
In Mrs. Dysart’s ELA class is reading a variety of stories in Unit 3 of our Journey’s program. The stories include historical fiction and narrative nonfiction from the Revolutionary War time period. In addition, there are also some biographies about the African-Americans’ struggle for freedom. Some of the skills that students will be learning are cause & effect, fact & opinion, and conclusions & generalization.Students have also finished their animal reports and are anxious to share their knowledge with their classmates. In writing, students will continue to use the acronym for writing paragraphs and essays, which is RASeeSeeC (Restate, Answer, Support, Evidence, Explain, Support, Evidence, Explain, Support, and Conclusion. Please continue to read and discuss your child’s AR book along with encouraging them to meet the deadlines.
In Math, we are working hard on multiplying decimals. Practicing and mastering their math facts at home is extremely beneficial to this unit. The students are doing well as we near the end of the unit. Unit 5 is coming soon and focuses on division of whole numbers and decimals. This unit always seems to bring difficulty for the students as they may feel uncomfortable with the long division process. Practice at home would ensure their future success. Keep working hard!
In 5th grade Computer class we have been working on a United States slide show. The students have each been gathering research on one of our 50 states and putting this information into a Google slideshow. They have been able to use the skills we have been practicing throughout the year such as changing font styles, size and color, adding backgrounds and borders, among many others. So far they are doing a great job on these slides!! Our next lesson will be working in a Google Spreadsheet and they will be including information they will gather from their peers.
Science (Martin) class we have finished up our first unit about controlled studies and are now beginning to learn about cells. To do this we are using microscopes to study the similarities and differences between animal and plant cells. This includes looking at onion cells along with scraping the inside of our cheeks with a toothpick to see our own cells.
Mr. Liseno and Mrs. Becker’s Science classes are exploring our Infection Detection Unit where they are learning about viruses and bacteria and how they are spread. They have done several labs on testing different types of soap to see which one cleans our hands the best. Eventually they will study evidence of an outbreak at a fake school to try to determine who started the disease and exactly how it spread to everyone.
In Mrs. Zilliox’s Social Studies class we are finishing the five themes of geography as they relate to the United States southeast and the link between that information and the Civil War. Hopefully we have gained a better understanding of the causes, people, battles, and results of the war. We have also continued to do map work related to topics we are studying. We will be moving on to the United States Midwest next which will include our study of Westward Expansion.
Social Studies: We have been learning about the geographic regions of the US as we continue to study US Geography and Native American history and cultures. We are comparing and contrasting states’ statistical data, such as size/area compared with population. Other topics: US Government; Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement, which we will continue to explore during February. Our political and election systems are part of our current events discussions, as 2020 presidential election candidates announce their plans to campaign around the country.
WORLD LANGUAGE INFORMATION: 6th Graders
Dear Parents/ Guardians:
If you haven't already, you should be receiving this letter in the mail, along with a World Language Selection sheet. This explains the process in choosing another language for 7th and 8th grade. Please make sure you read this information carefully and send the selection sheet back to the Middle School Counseling office.
This is the information letter you will receive in the mail:
Beginning in 7th grade, your child(ren) will have the opportunity to take a world language class of their choosing. The three language classes offered at the middle school are Spanish, French and German. The information provided below is to assist you and your child(ren) in making the best selection. This decision is important as your child(ren) will be taking this language for both 7th & 8th grades- they can not switch their world language selection.
In order to receive a Regents Diploma, New York State education regulations require that all students complete one credit of a world language by successfully completing the course and passing the course assessment by the end of 8th grade. Two years of combined classes in the middle school equal one credit. In order to earn one world language credit students must:
achieve a final 7th grade average of 65% or higher
Students who don’t achieve a final 7th grade average of 65% or higher will be required to complete work for credit recovery while still enrolling in the language for 8th grade.
achieve a final 8th grade average of 65% or higher
achieve a final grade of 65% or higher on the regional exam given at the end of 8th grade
If students do not receive their world language credit by the end of 8th grade, they will be required to take the level one Spanish course in 9th grade. (German 1 and French 1 are only offered in the middle school.)
Students planning to attend college are advised to complete further world language courses as one of the options available for earning an Advanced Regents Diploma. This language pathway requires a minimum of an additional two years of the same world language at the high school level. In other words, if a student successfully completes Spanish 1 in the middle school, he/she would take, at least, Spanish 2 and 3 at the high school to complete that sequence. Therefore, it is advisable that they select the language they would most like to learn.
Selections will be considered on a first come, first served basis. We have had good success assigning students to their first choice selection, provided that forms are returned on time. Please complete, sign and return the attached form to the Counseling Office by Friday, February 15, 2019. If we do not have your child’s selection form by the deadline, they will be assigned a world language class. Please note that we cannot guarantee first choice, however, we will do our best.
Additionally, you have the option of submitting this form online. Please visit www.waynecsd.org, >TC Armstrong Middle School> scroll to the bottom and select “Important Links”> click on “World Language Selection Form.”
If you have any questions, please call the Counseling Office at 524-1082.
6TH GRADE NEWS
February and winter weather are here! The 6th Grade is working on some interesting topics, concepts ,and projects. Check it out! Remember to check agendas and homework hotline to stay current with work. Thank you!
ELA 6
Students in ELA classes are completing the “Facing Fears” unit and looking forward to the new unit, “Dealing with Disaster.” During the “Facing Fears” unit, as well as nonfiction articles and poetry, ELA classes have completed the Depression Era novel, Bud, Not Buddy. The main character, Bud, has a list of rules to help him with his life. Ask your child about his/her own “Rule to Live By” – you may be surprised by their insight!
In the new unit, students’ focus will continue to be on nonfiction articles as well as the novel, The Cay. Students use questioning, clarifying, summarizing/gist, and making connections as they read in order to more fully comprehend the text, while using text evidence to prove their claims. Look for your child to create a “Phillip’s Journal” at home to use for text responses. Students should be creative with the journal cover – make writing fun! Additional writing activities will include RASeeSeeC paragraphs, as well as expanded RASeeSeeC essays. We are excited to begin - discussions during this unit are usually lively and motivating as students bring unique points of view to comprehension of the text.
Students are studying astronomy in Science! Kids are learning about the planets, meteors, constellations, comets, the world around them and space. An exciting event coming at the beginning of February is the star lab. Make sure to ask your child about the star lab (tent).
Students took their midyear lab assessment in Science. This took place during class time. There was nothing to study or prepare for. Students worked independently at a station, following the directions on the lab sheet, and answering a few questions along the way. Skills such as using scientific tools and following lab procedures carefully will be assessed.
Also, ask your child about his/her new vocabulary in his/her IN. Reviewing these words regularly will help your child on future tests, quizzes, and in class discussions.
Science (Gray)
Sixth grade students are continuing in their unit of astronomy. Classes will be learning about how the moon causes the tides on Earth and about solar and lunar eclipses this week. We will spend early next week talking about the sun. Ask your child about the Star Lab!
Our next unit is all about the weather. Students will learn about the layers of the atmosphere and complete a lab in class that studies how different materials absorb heat. Other topics that we will cover in this unit include air masses, winds, high and low pressure systems, fronts, weather instruments, weather maps, severe storms, and climate. Students will also be discussing factors like the greenhouse effect, and how it is affecting Earth’s climate.
Math
Pearsonrealize.com is the best resource to review materials and complete work.
Real world applications! Check it out in the pictures below.
We are wrapping up Ancient Mesopotamia with an essay defending Sumer’s claim to be a civilization. Our students have enjoyed seeing the link between early humans and the creation of civilizations and even dynasties in Mesopotamia. In February, 6th graders will examine the culture of another ancient river valley civilization- Ancient Egypt. There are sure to be many fun and exciting adventures ahead for our historians.
Below are examples of “cuneiform tablet writing” from Ms. Eaton’s SS students:
7TH GRADE NEWS
7th Grade Life Science (VanOrman)- As part of an extension of our understanding of the Immune System and Pathogens, student completed a small research project that focused on the concerns around vaccinations. Students utilized the PBS special (Vaccines- Calling the Shots) as part of their resource along with many other resources that were available with the help of our librarian to ensure the use of reliable resources.
Students will then begin our unit on digestive system by solving the problem; Why does the food we eat not look the same going in as it does going out? Students will discover how the structures of the digestive system work together to create the “perfect poop.”
ELA
7th Graders continue their novel study of Touching Spirit Bear. As part of our work, folks from the Rochester organization Partners In Restorative Initiatives (PIRI) will visit the school and conduct Listening Circles with the students. In the novel, Cole Matthews heals through work with Circles, so kids will get a first-hand understanding of restorative practice.
Math
We have been learning about how to write equivalent algebraic expressions using the Distributive property, combining like terms, and other properties of numbers. Soon students will also be writing and solving algebraic equations and inequalities.
Please don’t forget that all students should have their own calculators so that they have lots of practice with a consistent tool. While there are ones to borrow in class, we are finding that we don’t always have enough for all the students, so they need to share (which is not always the best way to master all the functions of a calculator).
Math 7Accelerated:
Students are learning to solve and check multi-step equations. These equations include combining like terms, variables on both sides of the equals sign, and writing/solving equations from word problems. Next month, we will transition to solving Inequalities using similar algebra skills.
Health: In 7th grade Health we have just started the Safety and Sanitation Unit which we will be covering all aspects of keeping ourselves and others safe while working in the kitchen. Some aspects we will be discussing are safety with appliances and procedures, along with learning about sanitation before, during and after cooking. We will also learn about different pathogens that can enter our body from the environment, our hands and food that can make us very sick and how to help prevent this from happening.
8TH GRADE NEWS
Physical Science 8
Mrs. Becker’s students finished up Quarter 2 learning about Physical Properties and Physical Changes in matter such as filtration, distillation, dissolving, and solubility. We start Unit 3 learning about atoms, elements, and the Periodic Table in order to better understand Chemical Properties of matter and why substances engage in Chemical Reactions. Throughout February, students will participate in labs involving flame, acids, and Bunsen burners. Please remind your child to dress appropriately for these labs. As always, please track your child’s progress weekly using School Tool and the Homework Hotline. Student supplies are getting low by this time of year, so please check inventory of pencils, erasers, a working calculator, and student agenda (needed for all hallway passes).
Spanish 8
As of the beginning of January, I have been updating Google Classroom with an overview of what we did in class and a PDF of any homework that was assigned. I try to post this by 4pm each day. Students who are absent are expected to look at Google Classroom to see what they missed and to make up any projects or homework. Homework assignments can be printed from Google Classroom at home or from a school computer.
The first unit of Quarter 3 will be “Clothing and Shopping.” Students should continue to review their vocabulary words outside of class to support their in-class learning.
Algebra (Math 8 accelerated)
Students are deep into unit 4 on Functions. The unit test is scheduled for February 7th and 8th depending on your students class schedule. Unit 4 IXL skills are always due the same day as the unit exam. Students are typically given one month to work on these skills to develop deeper understanding and mastery of skills. A monthly 20/20 assignment is also due on the 20th of each month and counts 20% of the students grade.
Math 8 w/ Mrs. Peck
Students began our 3rd quarter by exploring systems of equations. We learned that solving a system can help with making decisions in life. Systems of equations can also be used in Economics with the concepts of supply and demand. We will conclude our unit on Febraury 13th and will begin our study of 2D geometry after the February break. As always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
WAYNE JUNIOR HIGH ALL COUNTY CHORUS
Sopranos: Zoe Cook, Elise Goupil, Jaci Jackson, Kaelyn Merrill, Tori Mueller and Mara Salce
Altos: Lauren Akerley, Sydney Kachmaryk, Anna Malbone, Sydney Smith, ,Abi Sullivan and Annaliese Ziegler
Baritones: Ayden Pollot, Dominick Sacco and Sammy Sozio
Congratulations to these exceptional students!
PTO News
Our last meeting included the presentation “Hidden in Plain Sight”, given by the Council on Alcoholism and Addictions of the Finger Lakes. It was a very informative evening and we want to thank all the parents who came to check it out.
We are super excited to announce that we have a date for the 5th and 6th grade Adventure Night. What better way to beat the winter blues than indoor climbing!! We have asked Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures to come to our gymnasium and set up an aerial ropes course. We will have other activities planned in the Cafeteria as well. More details to follow!
Stay tuned as we are narrowing down the date for the upcoming 7th and 8th grade Winter Fun Fest. It should be sometime in March or April so keep checking the newsletters for more information or “like” our Facebook page.
Our next meeting is Monday, March 18th at 6pm in the middle school library. Please join us! We value your input.
After School Clubs
5th and 6th Grade Clubs and the Advisors:
Art Club: Mrs. Feola
Games Club: Mrs. Bristol
Lego League: Mrs. Uerz
History Club: Mrs Waring
Intramurals: Mrs. Quick/Mr. Luke
7th and 8th Grade:
Newspaper: Mr. Smith
Yearbook: Mrs. Feola
Games Club: Mrs. Dempsey & Ms. McCollister
Art Club: Mrs. Feola
TSA (technology student association): Mr. Gauthier & Mr. Powers
Skateboard: Mr. Gauthier
Science Olympiad: Mrs. Sozio
Intramurals: Mrs. Doyle
Student Council: Mrs. Mateo & Mrs. Mangos
National Junior Honor Society: Mrs. Kittleson & Ms. Peters
Grades 5-8:
Musical: Mr. Allen & Mr. Kittleson
Ski Club: Mr. LaBarge
Media Club: Mrs. Brewer
TC Armstrong Middle School
Email: ddemass@waynecsd.org
Website: http://wayne.k12.ny.us/Middle.cfm?subpage=83211
Location: 6076 Ontario Center Road, Ontario, NY, United States
Phone: (315) 524-1080
Twitter: @WayneCentralMS