Greenfield Middle School Newsletter
January 2019
GMS Social Media
Sixth Grade Student Praised by Code.org and Pop Star Sia for Her Creation
Computer Science Education Week took place December 3-9. Students in Ms. Bunker's Computer Science class took a break from their normal CS curriculum and joined hundreds of thousands of other kids participating in 'The Hour of Code' that week, an annual event sponsored by Code.org and its many partners.
Hour of Code week is aimed at getting students worldwide to spend at least one hour learning something about Computer Science (and coding). In addition to numerous other programming opportunities via Code.org and their many other partners, Code.org also released "Dance Party"- the ability for kids to program different characters with the choice of music by a variety of popular musicians including Imagine Dragons, Katy Perry, Madonna, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, among many others.
During the week, Ms. Bunker tweeted out links to projects kids had created in class. Impressively, among the over 200,000 tweets Code.org received that week, the founder of Code.org, Hadi Partovi, took notice of Lindy T.'s creation, tweeting that it was, "among the best student projects" he had seen. Partovi reached out to Ms. Bunker and asked if Lindy would be up for the challenge of creating another animation for the song "Cheap Thrills" by Sia, a song nominated in 2016 for Best Female Video. Lindy's second animation gained the praise of Sia herself and was shared via Sia's Twitter page to her almost 4 million followers and via Code.org to over 1 million of its followers all over the globe.
Congratulations to Lindy on her accomplishments! If you want to try out Dance Party Yourself, just go to Code.org. Be warned, it's fun (and addicting!).
Check out two of Lindy's creations here:
Lindy's First Project (music by Yolanda Be Cool)
Lindy's Sia Project (music by Sia)
GMS Hosts History Exhibit
Early Release/Parent Conferences
9th Grade Course Selections
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The following are important upcoming dates regarding 9th grade course registration:
● Friday, February 1: Greenfield High School counselors will visit GMS to discuss high school course registration with 8th grade students. During this student-based discussion, students will receive a 9th grade course selection form, which they will bring home and have signed by a parent or guardian.
● Monday, February 4: Orientation Night at Greenfield High School is for all 8th grade GMS parents and students. The goal of the event is to learn about and gain a deeper understanding of all that GHS has to offer. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. The sign up link is included below: https://goo.gl/forms/CK5LVdRUWbJBPpr33
● Thursday, February 14: Completed high school course selection forms are due back to the GMS Counseling Office with a parent or guardian signature.
● Friday, February 22: Online course registration for all 8th grade GMS students. Students will use their completed course selection form to input their course selections into Infinite Campus. This activity will be done during school hours in Social Studies class.
The GMS school counselors will continue to meet individually with all 8th grade students who have not yet had their Future Planning Conference during the months of January and February. These valuable meetings last 30-45 minutes and will focus on your student’s future planning into high school and beyond.
Please do not hesitate to contact the GMS Counseling Office at (414) 281-3321 with any questions regarding the above information. Thank you for your continued involvement and support.
Sincerely,
Mr Langenfeld (A-L) Ms. Randazzo (M-Z)
Upcoming 2019 Band and Choir Concerts
MS & HS Jazz Band Concert – Wed, Feb. 26th ***NEW DATE***
6th – 12th Grade Band - Pops Concert* ----
(GHS New Gym) Tues, March 12th
8th Gr Choir & HS Choir – Tues, May 14th
6th & 7th Grade Choir – Thurs, May 16th
HS Band – Mon, May 20th
6th & 7th Gr Band & Jazz - Wed, May 22nd
8th Grade Band – Wed, May 22nd starting at 8 pm
*all concerts (except the Pops Concert) will be held in the GHS PAC and start at 7 p.m.
Optional Music Event:
Solo & Ensemble - Saturday, March 9th at St. Francis HS (8 am – 4 pm)
Band News
On Thursday, December 13th the 8th grade band traveled to the State Capitol. They took a tour of the Capitol Building and then performed a concert in the Rotunda at noon. It was a great learning opportunity and performance site for all the students. They did a great job representing the Greenfield community.
On Tuesday, January 29th the 8th grade band members are invited to join the high school pep band at the boys' basketball game that evening.
On Saturday, March 9th band and choir students have an opportunity to participate in the Wisconsin School Music Association's Solo and Ensemble Festival at St. Francis High School. Students may perform solos, duets, trios, quartets or large ensembles (like brass choir, flute choir, etc) for the event. Many students are busy preparing for this event already.
2019 Forensics Season
The 2019 GMS Forensics Team has already begun to prepare for our competition season! Forensics is a public speaking and acting extracurricular activity for Middle School Students. Students choose from 18 different categories and prepare a piece to perform during the season. This year, the forensics team will travel to Starms, Oak Creek East, St. John the Baptist, and Nature Hill to Compete. Students who qualify for the state Forensics Meet will travel to West Bend in April.
Best of luck to the team this season!
Coach Schramm
Coach Wisniewski
Coach Lester
Ski and Snowboard Club
Gamer's Club
Art Studio
Yoga Club
It is not too late to start your New Year's Resolution and join Yoga Club as a way to increase your fitness and decrease your stress. Students that are interested can stop by Mrs. Wittig's room for a permission slip. We meet on occasional Wednesdays throughout the school. Don't worry if you don't have any experience, each time we meet we start with very easy stretches and sometimes throw in some challenges but always end with some relaxation in Savasana.
Mother Teresa
May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
Roller Skating
Tuesday, Feb 19, 2019, 06:00 PM
Incredi-Roll Skate & Family Fun Center, West Oklahoma Avenue, West Allis, WI, USA
Family Activity Night
Dodgeball Tournament/Open Gym
Board games with friends and family!
Snacks and refreshments!
Come and have some family fun!!!
Friday, Mar 1, 2019, 06:30 PM
Greenfield Middle School, West Barnard Avenue, Greenfield, WI, USA
Portillo's Dining Fundraiser
Tuesday, Mar 5, 2019, 05:00 PM
Portillo's Hot Dogs, Sura Lane, Greenfield, WI, USA
G.E.F. FAMILY & FRIEND BOWLING PARTY
Join us for the 2nd Annual
G.E.F. FAMILY & FRIEND BOWLING PARTY
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Classic Lanes
Click the flyer and registration below for more information.
Learning Commons News
The Learning Commons has become a busy place bustling with activities:
After - School Library Program takes place on most Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:40 pm - 4:00 pm. This program allows students to get additional support for homework. To participate,fill out a permission slip (found online on the library webpage on the After School Library tab at After School Library Permission Slip and Schedule ) or visit the GMS library to learn more about the program.
Library Lunch - Takes place Tuesday through Fridays during student lunch periods. We have 10 passes per grade level given daily on a first come, first served basis for students to have lunch in the library. This is a great way to have lunch in a quiet setting and explore more of what the library has to offer!
Library Book Club - Mondays during student lunch periods we welcome students who are excited to explore the library shelves. Students can choose any genre book or topic and join us for book chats and other activities that enforce the idea that reading and writing skills are everywhere. Join us in exploring some reading activities, book discussions, poster making, games and more in the Library on Mondays!
6th Grade Lego Club - Do you like Legos? Join the 6th Grade students for this student led activity, during lunch on Thursdays to BUILD and CHAT while enjoying their lunch.
Reading with Archie - Began on Friday, January 11th as our newest library activity! On select Fridays each month, Archie, GMS’ favorite therapy dog, shares storytime in the Library during HawkTime. Sign up to participate and you will have the opportunity to join in the fun. Each week up to 5 students per grade level are chosen to visit the Learning Commons to “Read with Archie”. Students are given a dog bookmark and the opportunity to checkout a variety of animal/pet books. Archie may even demonstrate a few of his tricks!
8th Grade News
GMS 8th Grade Band Field Trip to Madison
The 8th grade band had been working on many songs for the concert at the capital. Non-band students were selected to go to the capitol as well by submitting an essay explaining how and why it would benefit their learning. When the band students arrived, we grabbed our instruments and headed down to a room where we could put our bags and equipment. We then took a tour around the building, and ate lunch there. After lunch we toured again but this time we got to go into a couple of important rooms. One was a room full on chairs with buttons on desks. The buttons were used so people can speak or get any needed items while making a decision for Wisconsin. Another room we toured was the room with the most gold in it. It was enchanting and beautiful. The room had an oval table and was painted a dark red color. It had many painting on the walls and on the ceiling. One thing that really stuck out at me was the story of the red color. The women giving us the tour told us that the wife of the governor at the time wanted to “fix” the room. She was an interior designer and wanted to design the room differently. The governor let her but he didn't know what she was going to to. Turns out she painted the a maroonish red color. After the touring the band had to gear up and get ready for their big performance. The band was ready a little too early and had to a wait which just made us more and more anxious. Finally it was time for us to play. We were happy with our performance, and helped put people in the holiday spirit.
Written By Ava Schowalter
7th Grade News
Blue House
Hello Greenfield Students!
This month we are learning some very interesting things. Here is a small summary of what has been going on this month.
Science: We are learning about how bees pollinate flowers, the different parts of a plant, and how seeds are spread.
English: We are learning how to write a realistic fiction story with a lot of dialogue in it.
Design & Modeling: We are building therapeutic toys and board games for kids with cerebral palsy to help them with their cognitive and sensory skills.
Social Studies: We are learning about what happened in the American Revolution.
Math: We are using algebra to learn percentages and how to apply it to our daily lives, like buying cars.
Yellow House
Yellow House has been busy in each of their classes this month!
SCIENCE:
In Science, we finished 2018 learning about Viruses and Bacteria. We discovered their similarities, differences, and how they work. From there, we worked in groups to research a specific viral or bacterial sickness to inform our peers. Since then, we’ve been washing our hands and staying as healthy as possible. :-) Since returning from break, we’ve been exploring plants - learning about their seeds, stems, roots, and leaves. We learned about pollination and photosynthesis and have incorporated our writing skills in Science class by writing about these two processes. We’re excited to plant our Fast Plants this week and watch them grow from a seed to a mature plant. After our plants unit, we will be studying animals -- their classification, behaviors, and anatomy.
MATH:
In Math, students have been working through percentage problems. They started out by showing their work with different representations such as, a double number line and tape diagrams. Then students were searching for a faster way by using the Math Practice Standards (MPS). The MPS that we were working towards was number 7 which states, “look for and make use of structure.” The structure from the earlier representations was getting students towards a mathematical equation used to solve percentage problems. Since then we have started finding tax and tip on customer receipts. The unit will end at the end of January and our next unit is rational numbers (positive and negative whole numbers and fractional numbers.)
SOCIAL STUDIES:
In Social Studies, we have begun a brief unit on American history. More specifically, we are studying what led to the American Revolution, the war itself, and the aftermath. This will lead into our study of American government and how it compares to the governments of other nations. A CSA wrapping up the West of the Mississippi River unit will likely occur early in February.
ELA:
We finished our first book club before break, and completed a visual project in order to show character growth and development. We also started drafting a Realistic Fiction story about a character who had struggles, strengths and goals. Over the next month, we will begin our second book club, which will allow students to choose whether they would like to be in a group or read an independent novel. Each novel will need to relate to a Social Justice Issue, and students will be responsible for finding their own copy of the book. Please be on the lookout for a letter home!
6th Grade News
6th Grade - General Info
Welcome back after Winter Break! All the staff here in 6th grade hope that you had a wonderful and relaxing time off with family and friends. The New Year brings some changes and a reminder that Violet and Orange House will be switching between Mrs. Bunker and Mr. Witham’s classes on January 22nd. Now would be a great time to also check with your student to see if school supplies need replenishing, particularly pencils, coloring supplies, and any organizers (Some of those folders are starting to fall apart!). Below is an outline of some of the learning experiences that students have been having in their individual content areas!
Orange House
Communication Arts - In Communication Arts we are nearing the end of our time with Orange House. Students have been hitting argumentative and persuasive essays hard since coming back from break with great success! Monday and Friday Writing Circles continues to be a success and students look forward to sharing their creative writing with their peers. We look forward to finishing strong before swapping to Violet House!
English Language Arts - We have started our Poetry Unit! Students are writing their own poems and will be sharing them with classmates - encourage them to share their work with you as well! Wednesdays we are working in Writing Circles. This is a great time for students to be creative and WRITE! Students enjoy sharing and giving feedback to one another’s work.
Social Studies - Students will be going on a learning expedition to Ancient Egypt, India, and China as we continue to study the Ancient River Valley Civilizations. We will use the GRAPES traits to focus our learning. (Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economics, Social Structure) Students will create a project and will share their learning throughout the unit in order to analyze and compare the civilizations.
Math - Students have been continuing our study of rates and ratios by applying their knowledge to many real world problems. They are becoming quite the critical thinkers! Coming up we are jumping into percents which will be another area for students to apply some real world problem solving skills. I am so proud of the hardworking 6th graders in Orange House!
Science: In science, we continue to study thermal energy which will prepare students for the study of weather and climate.
Violet House
English Language Arts - We have started our Poetry Unit! Students are writing their own poems and will be sharing them with classmates - encourage them to share their work with you as well! Wednesdays we are working in Writing Circles. This is a great time for students to be creative and WRITE! Students enjoy sharing and giving feedback to one another’s work.
Social Studies - Students will continue their study of the River Valley Civilizations by analyzing Ancient Egypt, Ancient India, or Ancient China. Students will be working their choice of a Physical or Digital Learning Expedition Book that analyzes the aspects of one of these civilizations using GRAPES (Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economics, Social Structure) to guide them through their study. Students will be collaborating and sharing out their learning with each other to identify similarities and differences between the civilizations. We are also continuing to practice and develop our Map and Geography Skills through the use of Daily Geography Warm-Ups throughout the RIver Valley Civilization Unit.
Science - This month, students continued their work on our “Thermal Energy” Unit. Students are doing a great job engaging in non-fiction texts, utilizing on-line simulators and reacting to in class demos that help them to understand the key concepts of this unit. From here, we will move onto our “Ocean, Atmosphere and Climate” unit.
Math: Students have been working hard with ratios! Before Winter break, students did a recipe project. They had to use their knowledge about ratios to increase their recipe to feed the entire class. We spent a day celebrating and tried some different recipes. Thank you to all the students and families who took the time to make something for the class to try. Everything was delicious and turned out amazing!
Computer Science - The end of semester one is quickly approaching, but before students switch classes and head to Communication Arts on January 22, they are working hard on creating animations in Unit 3 (Animation and Games) on Code.org. Students have learned how to create drawings on the grid in Game Lab using multiple parameters, how to create and manipulate sprites, and how to use loops and the counter pattern to control sprite movement. In addition, students have been learning about boolean logic in conjunction with learning how to use conditional statements in their code. In December, students participated in the annual Hour of Code along with hundreds of thousands of kids worldwide. In addition to many great creations by students in Violet House, Lindy T.’s program, set to music by pop music star Sia, received high praise from the founder of Code.org, Hadi Partovi, and Lindy’s program was shared by Sia herself to her 3.8 million fans! (Read more about it above.) It’s been an exciting and fun semester and students have learned so much about Computer Science. Ms. Bunker will be sad to say ‘goodbye’ at the end of January, but hopes students keep learning beyond class this year, and wants to thank her students for a truly meowsome semester.
Greenfield Middle School
Website: https://www.greenfield.k12.wi.us/schools/middle/
Location: 3200 West Barnard Avenue, Greenfield, WI, USA
Phone: 4142824700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMSHawks/
Twitter: @gms_hawks