J.M.S. News...
JANUARY 2020
Quotes for the Month of January:
January 6- “When I see you through my eyes, I think that we are different. When I see you through my heart, I know we are the same.” – Doe Zantamata
January 13- “United we stand – divided we fall.” – (Aesop (620-560 BC)
January 20- “We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.” – Kofi Annan
January 27- “Be true to your work, your word, and your friend.” -Henry David Thoreau
JMS GIRLS ON THE RUN
Monthly SEL Theme for the Month of January: Cooperation (Tolerance and Brotherhood)
Brotherhood is the habit that reaches beyond comfortable relationships to extend a welcome to those who may be different. Brotherhood demonstrates the dynamics of Understanding, Tolerance, Sensitivity, and Acceptance.
These dynamics are such powerful habits of the heart that even when only one person reaches out to do right, the impact can be life long.
I would like to share a beautiful and meaningful story entitled “Starfish.”
"The Starfish Story"
There was a man who lived along the ocean. One morning, at about 5:00 a.m., when he could sleep no longer, he decided to take a walk along the beach. It was a foggy morning, and the first rays of the sun were slipping above the horizon. The man enjoyed the walk; it was as if the beach belonged to him. He glanced down on the beach and saw a figure that seemed to be dancing. He wondered why anyone would be on the beach so early; his curiosity caused him to quicken his pace. As he drew nearer, he realized that the figure was that of a young man, and he wasn't dancing --- he was throwing something into the water. As he drew very close, he realized that the young man was picking starfish off the beach and was tossing them back into the water.
"Why are you throwing starfish into the water?"
"The tide is going out, the sun is rising, and the starfish that are left on the beach will surely die." said the young man, continuing on his task.
"But that's such a waste of time and energy! There are so many starfish, and there are miles and miles of beach. What difference does it make?"
The young man thought for a moment. He reached down to pick up a starfish and said, "It makes a difference . . . to this one."
Adapted from “The Star Thrower” by Loren Eiseley
As you can see, brotherhood, to be preserved, must be practiced and lived each and every day. A good community cannot exist without it.
MS Play: Madagascar Jr.
Classroom News!
Team 6A:
Our young mathematicians have worked on conquering areas of 2 dimensional shapes and composite figures. In science they witnessed sugar become carbon in undergoing a chemical changes as it combined with sulfuric acidJ Science Rules! We are prepping for our first ever ‘Game Camp’ where student will get an opportunity to engage in the joy of the board game
Team 6B:
Team 6B has been exploring various ways to describe and classify matter. Recently, we used may different colored paper clips to discover the differences among and relationships between: atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, and mixtures. We had some paper clips that stood alone, some that were linked together, some combined with other colors, and some that were all mixed up! It was a fun and productive learning experience for all. Please ask your child to show you the link to the, “Meet the Elements” song by They Might Be Giants. This song and video is helping our Team 6B scientists to better describe matter as well!
Team 6C:
Students on team 6c have been very productive this month. In math, students are measuring polygons using formulas and computational skills. In Science, students have modeled the Law of Conservation of Mass using model magic and laboratory equipment. All students wrote an informative essay on Sumer and the characteristics of a civilization. In ELA, students are analyzing their favorite songs to find figurative language. We are also creating Weebly digital portfolios of all of our work which you can view in June!
Team 6D:
Team 6D has been busy learning about elements, compounds and mixtures! Our expert Mr. Grossman came in to show us how we can break apart compounds like water using the Hoffman Apparatus, and even showed us how to break down sugar into water vapor and carbon! We were able to produce our own physical and chemical changes during our most recent lab and loved using vinegar and salt to clean tarnished pennies! We can’t wait to see what else is in store during our chemistry unit!!
Team 6E:
Students on Team 6E have finished studying the majestic civilization of ancient Egypt. Topics included the Nile River, farming and irrigation, pyramids, hieroglyphics, the Sphinx, the Rosetta stone, the gods and goddesses, the Valley of the Kings, the temples at Abu Simbel, Pharaohs Tut, Hatshepsut, Menes, and Khufu. We finished up by creating a replica of the famous gold Tutankhamun funeral mask. When students were asked where they wanted to go on their next vacation they replied in unison, “Egypt! “ We would like to wish everyone in Jericho land a happy and healthy New Year!
Team 7A:
Students on team 7A have been learning about the establishment of the 13 colonies. For a spooky Friday the 13th lesson, we learned about the Puritans who settled in Massachusetts. The Puritans based their colony on the laws of God. This lead to a strict lifestyle with harsh punishments to anyone who broke the laws. We took a “How Puritan Are You?” quiz and, not surprisingly, found we would have been strictly punished had we lived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 17th century! The most infamous punishments of the Puritans are the Salem Witch Trials. We watched a documentary about the trials, and had some fun with a silly Simpsons parody about life in Salem.
Team 7B:
Students on Team 7B have explored Gregor Mendel's work with pea plants to learn about chromosomes, genes and patterns of inheritance. As their studies move toward mutations and genetic disorders, they are learning about DNA and have made several types of models to understand better the structure of this remarkable molecule!
Team 7C:
Team 7C has been excelling in simplifying algebraic expressions and polynomials. Students are currently applying these concepts to solving multi-step equations, which is an essential part of algebra. Team 7C has been having a blast demonstrating their understanding in classroom activities, such as Clue, Gimkit, and Digital Breakouts! The students love algebra and are super "X-cited" to see what's next!
Team 8A
8th grade students have been hard at work on their Roem projects in ELA class. Students collaborated across all three academic teams for this assignment. Students had a choice of books to read, and then wrote their roems and created and edited videos using imovie to present their projects. As part of a unit of study on figurative language, the roems were required to use ten different kinds of figurative language. The students are looking forward to viewing their classmates projects!
TEAM 8B
This month, as a fun, culminating activity for their poetry units, all eighth grade students participated in an ROEM (rap poem) project in their ELA classes. For this project, students were given the opportunity to work in small groups with students on other teams. After selecting and reading one of six popular verse novels, they composed roems filled with figurative language and set to the music of their choice. Next, it was time to record and edit, which gave students an opportunity to learn and utilize video-editing apps such as iMovie and Final Cut Pro. We ended the month with students enjoying the "BIG ROEM REVEAL," where students were able to showcase their final video productions. We have some serious rapping skills in this grade!
TEAM 8C
Dates to Remember...
January 1 - Schools Closed
January 7- MS/HS Evening Guidance Hours 7:00PM-9:00PM
January 8- MS Orientation Incoming Gr. 6 Parents Mtg-MS/HS Auditorium- 7:00PM
January 9 - MS PTSA Exec Mtg-Faculty Meeting- 8:30 AM
January 9 - MS PTSA Mtg & Principal's Coffee Hour- MS Library- 9:15AM
January 10- SEPTA Exec Mtg- District Conference Room- 9:30AM
January 15- MS PTSA Mtg & Incoming 7th & 8th Grade Parents Mtg-MS/HS Auditorium- 7:00PM
January 15- MS Play Auditions
January 16- MS Play Auditions
January 17- National History Day
January 20- Schools Closed
January 21- MS Winter II Sports Begin
January 23- MS Parent Brunch & Learn- MS Library- 9:00AM-10:30AM
January 24- MS Spirit Day & School Store Open
January 24- MS Geography Bee
January 24- MS/HS 2nd Marking Period Ends
January 28- MS Winter Bands Concert-MS/HS Auditorium- 7:00PM
January 28- MS/HS Evening Guidance Hours 7:00PM-9:00PM
Tips from the School Nurse
Gratitude Improves Psychological Health
Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Researchers have conducted multiple studies on the link between gratitude and well-being. The research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.
Gratitude has a long-lasting, positive effect on the brain. Therapists are beginning to implement gratitude intervention to help those with depression and anxiety. An Ohio State University study revealed that those who incorporate gratitude into their everyday lives tend to have higher levels of self-esteem and are less depressed.
Next month we will explore how gratitude effects empathy and aggression.
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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