Clay GREATNESS NATION NEWS Clay Middle School 5150 E. 126th Street | Carmel, Indiana 46033-9747 P 844-7251 | F 571-4020 | www1.ccs.k12.in.us/clm/home May 2015 Todd Crosby, Principal | Mark Smith, Assistant Principal John Corcoran, Athletic Director | Lori Katz, Assistant Principal Dear Clay Nation, IHello Clay Nation! I am excited to be writing this month’s newsletter so I can recognize all the great things that are happening at Clay. We continue to find ways to celebrate our successes both in and out of the classroom. As we look to place value on both student and teacher successes, we would like to acknowledge some examples of how Clay students and staff are finding GREATNESS. We thank you for all your support to Clay Middle School. Clay Highlights Clay Leadership Breakfasts—This month we have had our class leadership breakfasts. These breakfasts are about recognizing GREATNESS. We host these twice a year (once a semester). The teachers are able to nominate student leaders that exemplify leadership traits and are living out the Clay Way. Each grade level breakfast allows us to recognize approximately 15 students. The student and their parents are invited and the teachers get an opportunity to stand up and talk about their chosen leader in front of their families. It is truly a very powerful breakfast. In a middle school of approximately 1,230 students we are continuing to find ways to celebrate the GREATNESS of our students. We worked with our wonderful PTO to organize these events. Clay Field Trip—On April 21 we organized a field trip from Carmel Middle to Clay Middle for our students that have been impacted by redistricting. This was a great way to welcome our new students into the Clay Nation. The event went from 11am-1pm and with organization from both Carmel Middle and Clay Middle administrative teams and also their support staffs, we were able to plan a very fun and informative day for our incoming students. Students enjoyed lunch, tours, team building activities and each student was given a Clay greatness t-shirt. We organized student ambassadors to show our new students around. Special thanks to our Clay guidance department, support staff, and administration for helping to deliver a phenomenal experience and a memorable Clay welcome. Clay Spring Open House —On April 22 Clay had its annual Spring Open House where we had approximately 400 students and their families come through Clay for an interactive scavenger hunt. This event is traditionally our 5th grade open house, but this year it was also extended to our new redistricted students and their families as well. This event included a QR code scavenger hunt experience where parents could walk the building with their son / daughter and learn through technology and a simple video important information about Clay. Several stations were set up and student ambassadors were moving throughout our building to help assist parents and new students as needed. The administration worked alongside our guidance department to deliver an informational program in the auditorium for any parents that had missed our parent coffees offered earlier in the year. In addition, there was a presentation about social media for parents. As these informational meetings for parents were taking place, the kids that attended that night were doing interactive activities with members of our administrative and guidance teams. It was a wonderful event with a great deal of positive feedback from our parents as they left for the evening. Administrative Professionals Day—On April 22 Clay enjoyed celebrating and stopping to say thank you to our great administrative professional for all they do to help make Clay great. We appreciate you very much! Congratulations to the Clay Best Buddies Chapter—On April 26, the Clay Best Buddies chapter participated in the annual Friendship Walk for the state of Indiana in downtown Indianapolis. Madison Ferguson was awarded the Best Buddies Indiana Middle School Chapter President of the year at the celebration after the walk. We are happy to announce to that this is the second year in row the Clay president has won this award! We had a great showing of over 50 Clay chapter members and their families. Special thanks goes out to all the sponsors and parents for all you do to make this chapter so great. Lots of Clay Pride—thanks for all you do to support the Clay chapter! Clay Walk of Champions – In early March we had a Walk of Champions for our Wind Ensemble Band being selected as one of five national bands to perform at the Music for All National Conference at Butler University and we also had two of our wrestlers who were county champs. This tradition at Clay is a school wide recognition where all staff and all students pour out into the hallways and they line the hallway by standing against the lockers outside their classrooms the last few minute of the day. They are supervised by their teachers and they applaud the people/person being recognized as they walk the championship route throughout our building. This is the ultimate recognition (you are being praised by your fellow classmates and teachers if you are a student and if you are faculty member (teacher/coach/ (continued on page 2) Dear Clay Nation, continued MAY EVENTS 5/4-8 Teacher Appreciation Week 5/5 8th Grade Softball vs Carmel Middle......................................................... 5:00PM 7th Grade Baseball vs Noblesville West.................................................... 5:00PM Track and Field vs Belzer Middle.................................................................. 5:00PM 5/6 National School Nurse Day 5/7 Track and Field – Red & White Relays......................................................... 5:00PM 8th Grade Baseball vs Zionsville West Middle........................................ 5:00PM 5/8 8th Grade Performing Arts Cincinnati Trip 5/11-15 National Police Week Spring Orchestra Concert: Beginning Band & Symphonic Band..... 6:00PM Concert Band & Wind Ensemble.................................................................. 7:30PM 5/12 8th Grade Baseball vs Noblesville West.................................................... 5:00PM 8th Grade Softball vs Noblesville West..................................................... 5:00PM 5/13 8th Grade Softball vs Doe Creek Middle................................................... 5:00PM 5/14 7th Grade Softball vs Fall Creek Valley Middle....................................... 5:00PM 5-15 Clay Dance Marathon............................................................................ 3:15-5:00PM 8th Grade Celebration (sponsored by PTO)......................................... 7-9:00PM 5/18 7th Grade Baseball vs Westfield Middle.................................................... 5:00PM Track and Field vs Noblesville West Middle............................................. 5:00PM 5/19 7th Grade Softball vs Carmel Middle......................................................... 5:00PM 8th Grade Baseball vs Carmel Middle........................................................ 5:00PM Spring Choir Concert....................................................................................... 7:00PM 5/20 7th Grade Baseball vs Creekside.................................................................. 5:00PM Spring Choir Concert....................................................................................... 7:00PM 5/21 Global Connections Club............................................................................... 3:10PM 5/27 Last Day of Student Classes 5/30 Report Cards Available Online REMINDER: LOCKER CLEAN OUT DAYS Friday May 22: 8th grade students ONLY Tuesday May 26: 6th and 7th grade students ONLY Please remember that locker shelves cannot go home on the bus. sponsor) then you are being recognized by fellow colleagues and our student body. Mr. Weaver will read the recognition followed by the playing of our school fight song. This recognition is done for special events only—things like national or state recognition for a group or a team, a perfect season (undefeated in sports, etc.), a retirement of a teacher to say thank you for all you have given to Clay, or a teacher receives a special award. This is a tradition that I brought to Clay as principal and each year we have a couple Walk of Champions. Our student editors take pictures for our yearbook and school newspaper and our digital video production students create positive videos for our video announcements so we can capture the idea of GREATNESS. The purpose of this event is Building our Clay Culture— “If you build it, they will come” mentality—and good things will happen. IT’S ALL ABOUT PRIDE AND SHARING OUR GREATNESS! We are very proud of our staff and students and want to say THANK YOU! ISTEP+ testing has begun—REMINDER to please check schedules in an effort to avoid taking students out during testing times for various appointments. There has been information already sent out via school messenger regarding testing times and dates. Also as we look to prepare for testing, there is nothing that is any better than proper sleep and nutrition for our students while they test. GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF OUR STUDENTS ON ISTEP + TESTING. Teacher Appreciation Week is coming soon— May 4-8 Please take the moment to reach out and thank a teacher for all they do. I would like to encourage everyone to go to our school website for updated information from our past parent coffees, followed up by FAQs. It has truly been a TEAM effort by our administrative and guidance team to always keep communication as a top priority. As we look to finish this school year on a very positive note, I would also like to invite everyone to come out and see a performing arts concert or a sporting event at Clay and share in an excitement as we celebrate GREATNESS. As I have mentioned in the past, I truly realize that success cannot be accomplished without a TEAM effort from so many people within our school and throughout our community. As principal, I believe it is my position to help provide vision, leadership, oversight, safety, and the best instruction to every student that attends Clay Middle School. I am happy to announce that the Clay Nation is alive and well. Thank you for your continued support. Reminder to follow us on Twitter: @ClayTrojans #ClayGreatness. GO TROJANS! Sincerely, Todd A. Crosby, Principal CLAY ATHLETICS Spring has sprung and so has Clay’s spring sports! Track, baseball, and softball are all off to furious starts and are looking forward to the rest of their seasons. We have over 225 Clay student-athletes participating in spring sports this season. Thank you to everyone who supported Clay athletics at our City Barbeque night last month. We were able to raise over 300 dollars for our athletic programs. Important Dates: Fall sports call out meetings..................Wednesday, May 6, 3:30PM City BBQ night.......................................................... Wednesday, May 6 Hamilton County Track meet........................... May 22 @ Fishers HS 2015 SUMMER RUN CLUB Starting June 22-July 29 • 6:30pm-7:30pm Monday: River Road Park Wednesday: Northview Church There are not summer runs or practices the week of August 3-7 If you have further questions, please contact Coach Carter at [email protected] ARE YOU INTERESTED IN PLAYING TENNIS THIS SUMMER? This year Clay will be holding the second annual Clay Tennis Camp. The camp is open to players ages 5-14. We are looking for players that are beginner level to lower level intermediate skillset. See attached flyer for more details! CLAY COUNSELING STUDY TIPS The middle school years are a time for children to balance increased independence with family structure. Tweens and teens are in a developmental stage where they are finding their way, but still need the support of rules and guidance from parents. Children in this age group can feel empowered by making more of their own choices, especially when those choices build skills or help others. Parents can help by providing a framework that has the desired amount of structure, but still allows kids to develop independence incrementally. Ideally, summer can be a mix of family time and activities with peers. Here are some suggestions to explore with your middle school child: Incorporate friends into summer activities. If your family takes a summer vacation, consider allowing your child to invite a close friend to come along for company. Or coordinate with the families of your child’s friends to select summer camps where your child will have friends to share the experience. Explore hobbies and interests. Summer is a fantastic time for students to delve deeper into activities such as sports, hobbies, or other passions. Give back. Children who volunteer in an area of interest learn responsibility and independence while developing an increased awareness of the needs of others. Research options for community service with local libraries, religious institutions, and other nonprofit organizations. Maintain academic focus. Build time into your child’s daily schedule for reading. Just like during the school year, it is important to keep your child on a reading schedule. 8TH Grade FAREWELL CELEBRATION Friday - May 15, 2015 7:00 p.m. DJ Photo Booth Sweet treats Refreshments You won’t want to miss this FUN celebration of GREATNESS! As children progress through the middle school years, the summer months are a time for families to plan a varied schedule of relaxation, family time, activities with peers, and some coursework to maintain intellectual involvement. The key is to find a balance that allows children to have time with friends as well as memorable family experiences. If you have older or younger children, learn more about our recommended summer activities for elementary or high school aged children. John, S. (2012, May). Making Summer Count: Middle School. http://laurelsprings. com/2012/05/09/making-summer-count-middle-school/ Normal Teen Moodiness vs. Mood Disorder What Causes Moodiness? The teen brain is changing rapidly once puberty hits. The prefrontal cortex of the brain is where more complicated behaviors are regulated, more complex decision making, expressing one's personality, and one's social interactions. Teen brains also grow more white matter in certain areas of the brain during this time, in the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe. These areas of the brain deal with many different processes, including reasoning, judgment, and impulse control. This is why teens seem to demonstrate more moodiness. Tips to Reduce Symptoms Make sure your teen is getting about 8-9 hours of sleep per night Spend time with teen especially on days they seem moody Make sure they are eating a healthy diet Eating breakfast helps reduce moodiness Regular physical activity References: 1. http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/kids-teen-moods 2. http://teenhealth.about.com/od/emotionalhealth/a/moodyteen.htm 3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/two-takesdepression/201410/is-it-teen-angst-or-depression Anger Hostility Low- Self Esteem Fatigue Lack of Energy Grooming Issues Irritability Missing School Poor Grades Physical Aches or pains Restlessness Risk- Taking Behavior Spending A lot of Time Alone Isolation Intensity •Intensity Involves the kinds of thoughts and feelings a teenager is experiencing. If they come and go or are mild they are normal teenage feelings. If they are chronic and disrupt their life, they may be indicative of a mood disorder. Duration •If the duration of the symptoms is chronic for 2 weeks or longer. Domains •Teen angst can usually be reeled in among peers and is the worst with teachers and parents. A mood disorder, however, will present itself in all sitations, so a teen would have difficultites functioning in school, at home, with peers, and in social events. ICTM MATH CONTEST On Saturday, 24 Clay students attended the annual ICTM math contest at Butler. This is a challenging test, and Clay scored exceptionally well, with the following results: Pre-Algebra 2nd Place Site Winner: Ray Mo Algebra 1 Scholar and 1st Place Site Winner: Nathan Wang Scholar and 2nd Place Site Winner: Abinay Devarakonda Geometry Scholar and1st Place Site Winner: Akio Fujita, Jerry Wang and Iris Yan Scholar and 2nd Place Site Winner: Satvik Kumar, Gary Zang Scholar and 3rd Place Site Winner: Tony Ou, Chris Zou Scholar: Yosuke Yanagida, Daniel Cui, Matthew Fu, Nicole Segaran, Sophia Wang Front Row from left to right: Alana Tragesser, Laasya Mamidipall, Michael Rooney, Parker Jou, Akio Fujita, Abinay Devaraknoda, David Wang, Ray Mo, Gary Zhang Back Row from left to right: Daniel Cui, Nicole Segaran, Rachel Jones, Yosuke Yanagida, Iris Yan, Matthew Fu, Jerry Wang, Tony Ou, Emily Sun, Satvik Kumar, Sophia Wang Congratulations to all! Algebra 2 Scholar and 1st Place Site Winner: Parker Jou MEDIA CENTER NEWS CHEERS to our YOUTH! MADISON FERGUSON Thank you for your generous support of the Clay Middle School Chapter of Best Buddies Indiana. Over 50 Clay students and family members walked to support inclusion in downtown Indianapolis in the annual Best Buddies Indiana Friendship Walk. Through your support, our Clay chapter raised over $3,000 for the walk. At the award ceremony following the walk, our own Madison Ferguson was named Middle School Chapter President of the Year! I am so proud of our students and grateful to be a part of Clay Middle School. Thank you again for your support! Wow! It’s hard to believe another school year is almost over but what a great year it has been! We’ve been reading (so far over 30,000 books have been checked out this year), participating in contests and Media Center activities, sharing our favorite books and characters and learning through fiction and nonfiction! The Indiana Library Federation has released their 2015-2016 YHBA book nominations for middle grades so if your child is looking for FUN summer reading they can find that list here. Remember we will have monthly prize drawings for reading these books again next school year! PARENTS! We have 10-12 media center parent volunteer openings next year due to graduations and we will need your help! Volunteers serve on a bi-weekly rotation but we also have a sub list that you can join. Volunteer duties are numerous; a few examples include student book check in/check out, book covering, media center displays and projects and shelving books. A background check through Carmel Clay School is required of all volunteers. If you are interested in joining our media center team please contact Marcia Ruderman at [email protected] Have a great summer and happy reading! A few dates to note: May 15..............................................ALL BOOKS ARE DUE May 19...........Carmel Clay Public Library will be here sharing their Summer Reading Programs May 22...................................... 2014-2015 Media Center Parent Volunteer Luncheon CHEERS to our YOUTH! NICK KATSIS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEE Nick Katsis is a pro under the pressure! He has shown amazing geographical knowledge as he qualified to become the finalist of Clay Middle School’s Geography Bee on Tuesday, January 27, 2015. Nick then took another exam that was submitted to National Geographic and word reached Clay in February that Nick had qualified for the National Geographic Bee to be held on Friday, March 27th at IUPUI. Each year thousands of schools in the United States participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness about geography. Schools with students in grades four through eight are eligible for this entertaining and challenging test of geographic knowledge. Nick entered the preliminary round, at IUPUI, as one of over sixty students competing in the Geographic Bee. He answered five of eight questions correctly. Although Nick did not make it to the finalist round, he represents the top 1% in the country of all students in grades four through eight in terms of geographic literacy. He did a great job and Clay Middle School is proud of his efforts. Way to show your greatness, Nick! CHEERS to our YOUTH! IRIS YAN Iris Yan, Clay 7th grader, was recently awarded Gold Medal Status for her near perfect results in the National Spanish Exam for 2015. She took the exam designed for middle school students, and achieved 99%, a remarkable result for a student who has had only 4 quarters of Spanish. The exam tested her proficiency in vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening. “Iris is a wonderful student, and cares very much about succeeding at whatever she does,” says her teacher Molly Maher. The test is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Portuguese and Spanish. ONLY 12 DAYS UNTIL CLAY DANCE MARATHON Clay Nation, First of all, I know there is a great deal going on leading up to the end of the school year, but as principal of Clay Middle School I am asking for you to consider allowing your son / daughter to attend Clay’s Dance Marathon held at Clay Middle School on May 15 th, 2015. As you will see the only fee that is required is the $5.00 participation fee. If you feel you would like to donate additional money, please see the form on the back of this sheet. On the back of this sheet you will find a permission slip allowing your child to stay for the Dance Marathon, along with a donation sheet that we are asking students to return to the main office by May 13 th, 2015. I have been working with Sarah Wolff and the Dance Marathon Team at Carmel High School to help bring Riley’s Dance Marathon back to Clay Middle School. It has been a few years since we have hosted this event but with the incredible success over the last 10 years that Carmel High School, we felt now is a great time for our school to partner again with the high school. We also wanted to be able to offer to our students the same opportunity to participate in a day focused on students and the importance of giving to help support the important work done at Riley Children’s Hospital. As you can only imagine an event of this magnitude cannot be done at any level (middle school or high school) without parents allowing their son/ daughter to attend this event. Student involvement is the major factor when it comes to this event and I would love to see a gym full of Clay Trojans creating crafts, learning dances, and playing games. Over the next 12 days we will our best effort to promote our best and encourage our students and staff to get involved and support this great cause. Thank you for all of your support to Clay Middle School. Todd A. Crosby Principal “Sharing Our Greatness” TOGETHER CLAY MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE MARATHON FOR RILEY HOSPITAL Dancer Permission Slip & Registration Dancer Information: Name:_________________________________________________Grade:__________________ Parent/Guardian Name:__________________________________________________________ Home Phone Number:____________________________________________________________ Parent Cell Phone/Emergency Contact Number:_______________________________________ I give permission for my son/daughter to participate in this after school activity on Friday May 15th, 2015 from 3:15-5:00 p.m. Parent Signature:_______________________________________________________________ ____ I will pick up my son/daughter at 5:00 p.m. at the front entrance of Clay Middle School. ____ I have made arrangements so that my son/daughter can ride home with the parents of ________________________________________. A minimum $5 donation is required to participate in this event which pays for a tee shirt and a snack for your child. All Donations are tax deductible. Checks can be written to Riley Hospital for Children. Riley Donation Attached: ___$5 ___$10 ___$25 ___$50 ___$100 ___Other__________ ____ My son/daughter cannot attend the event but, I would like to make a donation to Riley Children’s Hospital and it is attached. Permission Slips are due by Wednesday May 13th, 2015 to the main office. Donations to Riley Hospital for Children can be attached to this permission slip or turned in at the event on May 15th. 2nd Annual Clay Middle School Summer Tennis Camp 2015 Presented By Clay Middle School Coaches: Kevin Gill & Steve Sturgis The goal of our camp is to provide the highest level of coaching with personal experience to all players regardless of the level. We believe in a personal caring teaching environment emphasizing improvement in an engaging, structured, and fun atmosphere. Main Coaches: Steve Sturgis: Clay Middle School Head Tennis Coach for the past 3 years; 6th Grade Science teacher at Clay Middle School; 3 years of varsity tennis experience for Hamilton Southeastern and Fishers High School from 2004-2008; played both singles and doubles as a member of a top 25 ranked FHS tennis team; Coach of the 2012, 2013, and 2014 Undefeated and County Champion Clay Boys Tennis Team Kevin Gill: Clay Middle School Head Tennis Coach; full time Indianapolis Racquet Club Pro; USPTA certified. Began teaching at a very young age, helping his Grandfather (Paul Gill) at West Indy Racquet Club and is a 3rd generation coach in his family. Through hard work, and by developing his game, he was able to achieve Butler University Male Athlete of the Year, 2004; experience playing at professional level in a number of USTA pro futures; three time state champion at Park Tudor. Coach of the 2014 Undefeated and County Champion Clay Girls Tennis Team 2 Week Camp Dates: (Week 1, June 15-18 & Week 2, June22 – June 25) (Monday-Thursday, *Fridays will be used as a rain makeup if needed*) Location: Clay Middle School 5150 E 126th Street, Carmel IN: Accessible restrooms, shade, and bleachers for spectators. Camps: RISING STARS (ages 5 & 6) ACES (ages 7 & 8) Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. This Camp is geared towards beginners learning the very basics of tennis with a focus on getting the campers playing points, learning to rally and building the skills necessary to enjoying the game with friends and family in a high energy fun environment. Class will utilize the Red and Orange Dot Balls. 2 Week Camp Rate - $80 Week Camp Rate- $50 (Minimum of 5 campers). YOUNG STRIKERS (ages 8- 10) Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. This Camp is geared towards the young player with some tennis experience looking to build upon what they know. Players will spend more time on court learning the game though fun drills, footwork skills, stroke production techniques, and intro to match play with the goal of learning to play competitively. Class will use a combination of regular and Green Dot Balls. 2 Week Camp Rate - $120 Week Camp Rate- $70 Daily Rate - $20. (Minimum of 5 campers). Middle School Camp (11-14) Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. This Group is geared towards Middle School aged campers playing for the first time wishing to get the basics of tennis and for players with some experience wishing to participate on the Middle School team. Focus will be on skill building and learning how to play points, games and matches. 2 Week Camp Rate - $120 Week Camp Rate - $70 Daily Rate - $20 (Minimum of 5 campers). Kevin Gill: Email: kgill@[email protected] Steve Sturgis: Email: [email protected] Phone: 317-403-8743 Phone: 317-362-1709 Payment: Checks payable to Clay Middle School. Payment may be delivered in person or mailed. Mail checks, along with bottom portion of form to: Clay Middle School Attn: Athletics, John Corcoran Jr. 5150 E 126th St. Carmel, IN 46033 Total Amount Due: $________ Amount Paid or Deposited: $______ Cut and Return: I will participate in the following camp (check box and check amount, also what weeks/days will participate): Rising Stars Aces Young Strikers Middle School Weeks 1&2____ $80/per 2 week camp Weeks 1___2___ $50/per week camp Weeks 1&2____ $80/per 2 week camp Weeks 1___2___ $50/per week camp Weeks 1&2____$120/per 2 week camp Weeks 1___2___$75/per week camp Daily___________________________________________@ $20/per day Weeks 1&2____$120/per 2 week camp Weeks 1___2___$75/per week camp Daily___________________________________________@ $20/per day Name: __________________________________Age:______ School__________________________2015-2016 Grade:__________ Address: _______________________________________________E-mail:_______________________________________________ Phone Home: ________________________________Cell:_________________________________ Emergency Phone: ______________________________Parent Names:________________________________________________ I do hereby waive, release, and discharge Clay Middle School and respective staffs and employees from any and all rights and claims for damages resulting from injuries to my person or property which may be sustained by me or my child in connection with my association with or participation or arising out of my travelling to and from other Clay Middle School. We, the parents or guardians, agree to the above participation in program including emergency and referral services if necessary. I have read and hereby accept these conditions. Signature of Parent/Guardian:__________________________________________________________________________________ HAMILTON COUNTY HEALTH AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PRESENTS: ARE YOU DISASTER READY? EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EVENT COMMUNITY MEMBERS + FAMILIES WED. MAY 6, 2015 CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL 6:00pm-8:00pm GET INFORMED Learn about how you and your family can be disaster prepared and what your county is doing to prepare for the next disaster. GET INVOLVED Learn how you can get involved by joining Hamilton County’s Medical Reserve Corps and Community Emergency Response Team. KEY SPEAKERS Chad Jenkins Chief Operating Officer MESH Coalition Carl Erickson Deputy Director Emergency Management Click Here to Register for the Event
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