Jonas Clarke Middle
News and Notes | April / May 2017
From the Principal
Spring is my favorite time of year. Although it is jam packed with activities both personal and school based for all of us, the promise of summer and warmer weather is just around the corner. I hope that you found some time to take a break and spend time with friends and family during vacation last week whether it was far and away or right here in Lexington. We are in the home stretch now!
As you can see by the calendar of upcoming events, we have a lot going on this spring. It appears that our last day of school will now be Thursday June 22, 2017. This will be an early release day for middle school students with school ending at 11:45AM. In addition, it is our tradition to have our 8th grade Moving On Ceremony the evening before the last day of school. The ceremony scheduled for Wednesday June 21, 2017 will take place at the LHS auditorium at 7:00PM. More info to come!
Have You Heard about 13 Reasons Why?
As you may have heard there is a new television series on Netflix that many of our middle school students have seen and are talking about called 13 Reasons Why. This is a fictional story based on the novel 13 Reason Why, by Jay Asher. The series contains graphic scenes of suicide and sexual assault and address issues of cyber-bullying, alcohol use and depression.
Given the nature of the show and the challenging issues it tackles, we suggest asking your child if they have heard of, watched, or plan on watching the show. We want to ensure that families are not only aware of the show and its content but are also equipped with resources to help facilitate conversations about it. Below are some talking points that you may find helpful.
13 Reasons Why - Talking Points
We hope you find the talking points helpful and are happy to talk with you further.
Order A Clarke Yearbook
MCAS 2.0 Update
We have successfully wrapped up our MCAS 2.0 testing in English Language Arts this month. Our first round of computer based testing for 8th graders was not without challenges but overall a success! Next we move onto Math testing for all grades and Science for 8th graders only. Testing will continue on the following dates:
May 11, 2017 Math - All grades
May 16, 2017 Math - All grades
May 17, 2017 Science - 8th grade only
May 19, 2017 Science - 8th grade only
Construction Corner
Visual and Performing Arts at Clarke
In addition, Clarke students have been working hard for their upcoming spring drama performance, Still Life with Iris to be performed on Thursday May 11th at 4:00PM and Saturday May 13th at 7:30PM. If you have seen a Clarke Drama production in the past, you will know that this show is a must see! I am so proud of all of our students and their hard work with these shows. Please come and support Clarke and see an amazing play as directed by our very own talented Drama teacher, Alyson Brown.
Finally, Ms. Brown has organized a very special event on Friday May 19, 2017. The Rubbish to Runway Fashion Show is a student designed fashion show using all recycled materials! You won't believe the creations that our students have come up with. The talent is incredible and students have been designing, collecting materials, and building their fashion creations for months. All the proceeds from this event will go to support Long Way Home and the building of a school for children in Guatemala. You can get tickets here and also visit www.clarkedrama.com for more info. We hope to see you at some of these exciting events!
Clarke Talent!
Walk and Roll to School
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Schools in Lexington and all over the world are celebrating the environmental and health benefits of walking and biking to school. Join fellow walkers and bikers for a gathering on Wednesday May 10, 2017 starting at 7:20 am in front of the school on the far side of the island. There will be music, raffle, snacks and prizes for the homeroom with the highest number of walkers and bikers. Don’t miss the fun!
Did you know that Lexington has a series of walking paths called Across Lexington? You may find there is an alternative walking route to Clarke that you hadn’t thought of - click here for more info and a link to maps.
Walk and Roll to Clarke!
Hydroponic Lettuce
Mrs. Welsh and the lettuce!
Lettuce in our very own cafeteria
Upcoming Dates
K-12 Visual Art Show | May 4 - May 17
Central Administration Building - 146 Maple Street, Lexington
Early Release | Tuesday May 2
Dismissal for middle school students only at 11:45 - 5th grade move up day
5th Grade Parent Orientation | May 2
Clarke Auditorium 7:00PM
5th Grade Parent PTO Coffee | May 4
8:45 AM Clarke Cafeteria
Walk and Roll Day at Clarke | May 10
Still Life With Iris - Clarke Drama Production | May 11
4:00 Clarke Auditorium
6th Grade Social | Friday May 12
3:00 - 5:00 Clarke Cafeteria - sponsored by the Clarke PTO
7th Grade Social | Friday May 12
6:30 - 8:30 Clarke Gymnasium - sponsored by the Clarke PTO
Still Life With Iris - Clarke Drama Production | May 13
7:30PM Clarke Auditorium
Rubbish To Runway Fashion Show| May 19
7:30 PM - Tickets are $10.00
MCAS Testing - Math | May 11 and May 16
All Students Grades 6 - 8
Early Release | May 18
Dismissal at 11:45AM - Teacher Professional Learning
MCAS Testing - Science| May 17 and May 19
8th Grade only
No School | May 29
Memorial Day
8th Grade Quebec Trip | May 31 - June 2