J.M.S. News...
By Donald F. Gately, Ed. D - May 2017
Quote of the Week of May 1-5:
“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” – Brian Herbert
Quotes for the Month of May:
May 15-19: “A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new.” – Albert Einstein
May 22-26: “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” - Socrates
May 29-June 2: “The only person you should try to be better than… is the person you were yesterday.”
New York History Day
Last month, seven Jericho Middle School students and projects qualified for competition at New York History Day in Cooperstown. That competition was held on April 24th. Four of those seven projects placed in the top two in their categories and are advancing to National History Day at the University of Maryland this June. Here are today's winners:
- 2nd Place Research Paper: Allison Lee (Ms. Cantwell)
- 2nd Place Individual Exhibit: Sara Chan (Mr. Kovoros)
- 1st Place Individual Website: Naomi Yu (Ms. Vevante and Ms. McDonough)
- 2nd Place Individual Website: Catherine Kim (Ms. Cantwell)
- Catherine Kim also won a special award for best Labor Studies project
Long Island is sending ten middle school projects to Nationals. Four of those are from Jericho. Best results ever, and directly attributed to students and teachers working many hours individually and collaboratively. Nothing great is achieved without a lot of work and collaboration. I’m especially proud of the teamwork exhibited by everyone in the middle school social studies department and by Ms. Valerie Mignone and her library staff.
Eric Sundberg, Ed.D.
Curriculum Associate for Social Studies,
Business Education and Libraries Jericho UFSD
Monthly SEL Theme for the Month of May : ATTITUDES & VALUES
As Viktor Frankl said, "The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes."
Classroom News!
Team 6A:
In Social Studies, we have recently completed our study of ancient China. We enjoyed imagining what it would be like if social media existed during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang with student-created Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat feeds for the emperor and his subjects! Now we are moving westward to explore ancient Rome's geography and its evolution from a kingdom to a republic to an empire. In ELA, we are delving into the exciting world of Greek mythology. In Math, we have completed a hands on unit on 3 Dimensional shapes and are gearing up for Statistics. In Science, we have begun exploring the Periodic Table of Elements…musically. Check out our google classroom to hear all of the songs about the periodic table! We were so proud of our Team 6A students who performed in the Diversity Day assembly!
Team 6B:
To commence our study of China, the students investigated the geography of China. Acting as cartographers, they created posters that included a relief map and information about the country's five important regions. Next, they became data specialists as they researched and charted climate in each of these areas. Armed with this information students then choose their preferred region in which to live and presented the reasons for their choice.
Team 6C:
Students on Team 6C are working on a Blendspace to understand how the Silk Road opened up trade between China and the rest of the ancient world. Students analyzed products and ideas that were exchanged on the Silk Road route. Students will connect information about the Silk Road with modern day trade and commerce.
Team 6D:
Team 6E:
Congratulations to Mr. Kuehn for the amazing job directing and advising “Diversity Day.” A time when all students come together to show what makes us different makes us strong. TEAM 6E is SOOOOO proud!
Team 7A:
As a review of content related vocabulary for the 3rd quarter, students on Team 7A played a version of the popular game “Hedbanz.” Students held up a card with a science term to their forehead while their partners provided clues to try to get the student to say the term. The students were given 1 minute to get as many terms out of 10 as possible with 12 rounds total. The students came up with many unique and creative clues to get their partners to say each term.
Team 7B:
On Thursday, April 20, Team 7B traveled to Philadelphia for the annual trip to the city of brotherly love. While studying the foundations of our democracy, students enjoyed seeing the birthplace of three American staples: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the cheesesteak! Students visited Independence Hall, the Constitution Center, and the Liberty Bell. This was certainly a highlight of 7th grade!
Team 7C:
Team 7C students went to Philadelphia on 4/20 and 4/27. They visited the Constitution Center, The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, as well as other memorable sites, and were able to see history come alive. They have been studying the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence and America's humble beginnings. A great time was had by all!
Team 8A:
Students on team 8A became experts in an area of astronomy and created google slide shows to teach their topics to classmates.
Team 8B:
Students on Team 8B recently completed a unit on the comma. As a culminating activity, students took a comma quest which required them to place commas as well as to be able to identify in context 15 rules of the comma. Four students in Ms. Scalera's ELA 8 classes were crowned Comma Kings and Queens after having received a perfect score on this challenging task.
Team 8C:
Team 8C just completed season 1 of the Hey, JMS! What Should I Read Next? podcast show. In preparation for the creation of their very own podcasts, students listened to episodes of popular podcasts shows such as Radio Rookies, The Memory Place, and This American Life. Students then read an independent reading book of their choice, wrote a book review script, and recorded their voices using podcast-creating apps such as GarageBand and Audacity. To match the tone of their scripts, students also incorporated music and sound effects. Not sure what to read next? Then click this link to check out the full season of Hey, JMS! What Should I Read Next playlist! https://youtu.be/JJyNzsUe3dU?list=PL_DsLXKHFlMLNh992Lyo4a1TfV70XRliS
Cooking class suggestions by the World Language Department
Last month World language teachers shared their favorite recipes. There was such excitement about the recipes, that this month we wanted to share some cooking classes here on Long Island and in New York City that you might want to check out for your child, or even better, to do with your child. What a fun way to connect and learn together.
Some of the foods that you can explore at one of these establishments are homemade tortillas and enchiladas; macarons and croissants; fresh pasta and gnocchi; and scallion pancakes and homemade dumplings.
Check out some of these places for a fun and delicious cultural outing.
Tips from the School Nurse!
Let’s talk Sun Safety……
Fresh air, sunshine and exercise are essential to the healthy development of pre-teens and teenagers. Adults can encourage children to be outside, active and safe...this includes sun safety.
Here are a few things you can do to stay safe while outside:
- Apply sunscreen before going outside-Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA and UVB protection every time your child goes outside. For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. Don’t forget the ears, nose, lips, and the tops of feet. Take extra sunscreen with you to reapply later in the day.
- Seek shade- UV rays are strongest during midday (10am-4pm) so try to keep out of the sun during those hours. If this is not possible, seek shady areas such as under a tree, an umbrella or a tent.
- Wear protective clothing- A hat is a must. A wide brimmed hat that shades the face, scalp, ears and neck is best. If your child is wearing a baseball cap, make sure to apply sunscreen to exposed areas.
- Wear clothing made of tightly woven fabrics. Cotton clothing is cool and protective. When your child is swimming choose specific sun-protective swim shirts.
- Wear sunglasses-Wearing sunglasses now will protect your child’s eyes from UV rays which can lead to cataracts later in life. Choose sunglasses that 100% against UVA and UVB rays.
- As always, check with your child’s healthcare provider as they know your child best.
Resources: https://healthychildren.org/English/news/PagesSummer-Safety-Tips-Sun-and-Water
Dates to Remember...
May 2-4: Grades 3-8 Math Assessments
May 10: National School Nurse Day
May 11: MS PTSA Exec. Meeting - MS Library Computer Lab - 8:30AM
May 11: MS PTSA Meeting & Principal's Coffee Hour - MS Library - 9:15AM
May 16: MS Spring Chorus/Orchestra Concert - Auditorium - 7:00PM
May 18: Board of Education Meeting - MS Library - 7:15PM
May 19: Grade 6 Mini-Olympics (Raindate 5/22)
May 23: MS Spring Band Concert - Auditorium - 7:30PM
May 23: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Guidance Evening Hours - 7:00PM–9:00PM
Recognizing that other commitments often make it impossible for parents to find time to meet with counselors during the regular school day, we will continue a program of evening meetings this year. If you would like to meet with your child's counselor but are unable to do so during the school day, please call the counselor in order to schedule an evening appointment.
May 26: SCHOOLS CLOSED
May 29: SCHOOLS CLOSED
May 30: SEPTA Meeting - MS Library - 7:00PM
May 31: Grade 4 & Grade 8 Science Assessments
Jericho Middle School
Email: dgately@jerichoschools.org
Website: jerichoschools.org
Location: 99 Old Cedar Swamp Road, Jericho, NY, United States
Phone: (516) 203-3600
Twitter: @JerichoMS