In the
MIDDLE
Volume 31, Number 2
December 2012
Artwork by Madison
We Believe
The Saskatchewan Middle Years Association believes middle years students require
educators who understand and advocate for their students’ physical, emotional, social and
academic needs. The SMYA provides workshops, speakers for interested groups, resource
materials and an annual provincial conference.
Our organization has the following aims:
• To further understanding of the middle years student
• To further an understanding of programs and teaching approaches for the middle
years
• To provide a means of communication for teachers about middle years students
• To develop a positive attitude toward middle years students
• To provide a vehicle for sharing information with all partners in education
• To advocate school experiences that are developmentally responsive to the needs of
middle years students
JOURNAL EDITORS: Tina Blake and Crystal McLaren
In the Middle is published three times yearly. It accepts articles that are practical, accessible and of interest to
teachers of Grades 6 through 9. Articles should be from 2 to 15 pages in length. They can concern curriculum or
teaching methodologies, or they can concern middle years children and suggestions for working with them. Articles
published by In the Middle reflect the views of their authors and are not necessarily those of the editors, the
Saskatchewan Middle Years Association, or the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
In the
MIDDLE
Volume 31, Number 2
December 2012
President’s Message …………………………………………………………………………..…….….. Page 4
Editor’s Corner ………………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 6
SMYA Executive …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 7
ARTICLES/FEATURES
English Language Arts Resources …………………………………………………………….……
Writing Prompts…………………………………………………………………………………………….
How to Write a Paragraph…..…………………………………………………………………………
Teacher-friendly Websites …….………………………………………………………………………
Teacher-Generated Book List …………………………………………………………………………
2012 SMYA Conference …………………………………………………………………………………
2011 President’s Award Recipient .…………………………….…………………………………
2013 Conference Poster ……………………………………………….……………………………….
Rockin’ the Classroom Geoventure …………………………………………………….…………
Page 9
Page 14
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18
Page 21
Page 22
Page 24
Page 25
OTHER MATERIALS
Teaching From the Heart ……………………………………………………………………………….
SMYA Application for Membership………………………………………………………………..
Harold Schultz Middle Years Development Fund …………………………………………..
SMYA President’s Award ……………………………………………………………………………….
SMYA Youth Grant Information ……………………………………………………………………..
SMYA Application for Financial Assistance for Youth Grant ……………………………
SMYA Privacy Policy ……………………………………………………………………………………….
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
Page 26
Page 27
Page 28
Page 29
Page 30
Page 31
Page 32
President’s Message
What a Move!
By Andrew Longstaff
“Mr. L., what did you learn at your conference?”
says an inquisitive student upon her arrival the
Monday following our Annual SMYA conference.
“You’ll find out a bit later,” I replied,
knowing that I already had two new things planned
for my day, from the ideas I got from the prior
week.
This is why we do what we do as an
executive, and as a membership alike. It’s always
nice to comeback after a PD experience and have
something in your pocket that you can apply right
away. After attending such great sessions and
having an excellent keynote from Dean Shareski, it’s
now finding the appropriate places for
implementing what you’ve learned. Whether it be a
brain break, a moving activity like ‘Things that Suck’,
or how to use the SmartBoard for editing, it’s now
up to us.
We are very proud of the conference that
we organized and happy to hear the comments
from all of you, for our decision to move to Moose
Jaw and the organization as a whole. This
opportunity to take time away from your classroom
and share it with highly qualified, caring teachers
renews our love for this profession and helps us
realize why we teach in the middle.
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
I really want to acknowledge the efforts of
our co-chairs, Karla Warren and Melissa Renz, for
approaching the executive to take this venture and
attempt something new. Without their vision of
what Moose Jaw had to offer and hours on hours of
organizing, we wouldn’t have been able to have
such a wonderful experience.
Looking forward, we are eagerly anticipating
the PD opportunity we are planning for you. Many
of us on the executive can accurately say how
magnificent an experience the AMLE conference
will be in Minneapolis, next Nov. 7-9, at the
Minneapolis Convention Center. Being able to join
the thousands of teachers who will come from all
over the world to take part in this rare occasion is so
special.
Our bus will depart from Prince Albert and have pickups in Saskatoon, Regina, Weyburn and Estevan on
Wednesday, Nov. 6. We will travel through the day and arrive late that night at our hotel. The conference
begins on the following day and runs until Saturday afternoon. We are making the extra time available for you
to also enjoy your time in Minneapolis with an extra night and day to see the city. We will depart from
Minneapolis on in the evening of Sunday, Nov. 10, travelling through the night and will stop at all five pick up
locations for our drop offs.
Our rate for registering with a large group will be $850/person, being able to save each individual an
estimated $600. We can book far enough in advance to allow preference for those who would like to stay two to
a room or those who would like to stay three or four to a room. This rate is only being offered to active SMYA
members and it will be on a first come first serve basis. These people will be recognized as having paid a deposit
of $400 to book their seat. The remainder of the money can be paid by Oct. 1, 2013. The registration form can
be found on page 23 of the journal.
I again thank all of you for your time and professionalism for attending our conference and taking the
initiative of becoming a better educator. I ask you to remember the lesson that Dean shared with us, taking the
initiative to exchange ideas of what we do with one another is the strongest tool we have to offer. Please be a
part of our Professional Learning Community and share your strengths with others. Likewise, don’t be afraid to
ask for help as we want to be there for you.
Andrew Longstaff
SMYA President
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
Editor’s Corner
Welcome to our new and
improved SMYA Journal!
By Tina Blake and Crystal McLaren
We are looking for
student artwork to
showcase in the
journal. Please send
artwork to:
We are so excited to introduce you to our new and
Tina Blake
8038 Knox Place
Regina S4Y 1G5
improved online journal! If you remember back to
our conference in October, we made the decision to
put our journal onto our website, as well as emailing
it to our members. This will essentially save us
almost $1000 an issue!
Since that time, Crystal has been very busy “playing
around” with new styles, formats etc. We think it is a
fresh update to what is a great publication filled with
Please include the
student’s name, grade
and school on the back
of the work.
lots of tricks, tools, plans and ideas for middle years
teachers to use. We hope you like it as much as we do!
The SMYA executive has been busy planning, Minneapolis or
Bust II. A reminder, that this excursion will take the place of
annual conference. Our intention is to use our time on the bus to
our
share
ideas, meet and plan for another exciting school year! We hope that you will all consider joining
us for the national conference. Keep your eyes on our website for more information.
Remember that we are always looking for articles for our Journal, and now that it is all done online, it makes it even easier to submit your ideas! Once again, we are excited about some of these
changes we are making and hope that it will move us forward for 2013!
Crystal and Tina 
www.smya.ca
On Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SKMiddleYears
Meet the SMYA Executive
Andrew Longstaff - President
Andrew is in his 6th year at Robert Southey School and is currently teaching grade 6. Aside from
being engaged with his students all day long, he also coaches the Sr. Girls Volleyball team, runs the
canoe club and looks forward to time away at the cabin.
Chantel Kauffman – Vice-President
Chantel is in her 15th year of teaching "in the middle" at Pilot Butte school. She has
enjoyed her 6 years on the SMYA executive, meeting like-minded teachers, travelling to
special PD opportunities and making new friends.
Tina Blake – Co-Editor
Tina has been teaching with the Regina Public School Board for 14 years and is serving her third
year as a member of the SMYA executive. Tina teaches Grade 7/8 at Elsie Mironuck in Regina and
loves middle level education. She believes in young people and the rights of children. She enjoys
spending time with her husband and her two wonderful kids.
Crystal McLaren – Co-Editor
Crystal is new to the SMYA and brings a much needed “French” Perspective, teaching
Grade 5/6 French Immersion at École Elsie Mironuck Community School. Crystal loves
teaching in the middle and devotes many hours to yearbook and helping kids succeed.
Karla Warren - Secretary
Karla teaches at Weyburn Junior High in Weyburn. She is a Grade 7 homeroom teacher who loves teaching in
the middle because no day is ever the same and the kids have so much energy.
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
Ryan Whalley - Treasurer
Ryan is a middle years teacher at heart! He has been a grade 8 homeroom teacher for 5
years with a splash of high school subjects thrown in to keep him moving. This year, Ryan
has challenged himself to a new role in his school where he has undertaken the Vice
Principal position. So far he is surviving but already misses his homeroom role.
Experiential learning and activity based lessons are where Ryan finds the best success for
his learners and the most fun.
Derek Hyland – Social Media/Communications
Derek Hyland currently is teaching in Lloydminster, AB/SK. His focus is on ELA, Social Studies and
Performing Arts at grade 7 and grade 9. Derek loves the outdoors, photography, web 2.0 and making
films. This is his third year on the SMYA executive, and he loves it.
Angela Byrnes – Member at Large
Angela is a teacher and vice-principal at Montmartre School in Montmartre, SK. Though she
has taught subjects at Grades 2-11, her heart lies with middle level students and that is
where she considers home. She loves the spontaneity of a middle years’ classroom and that
no two days, or two students, are ever the same.
Brett Reis – Member at Large
Brett has been a member of the SMYA executive for the past three years. He enjoys both the challenge working
with middle years students brings, as well as the fun working with the students creates. Presently, he teaches a
5/6 split in Delisle, SK. In his free time, Brett enjoys coaching and playing a variety of sports, as well as spending
time with my family.
Melissa Renz – Member at Large
Jackie Therres – Youth Conferences and Initiatives
Jackie is currently a Grade 7 homeroom teacher at Hepburn School, north of Saskatoon. Previously, she taught
overseas in Seoul, South Korea, Istanbul, Turkey, and Leysin, Switzerland. She enjoys teaching Middle Years
because she loves to encourage students and build their self-confidence as they prepare for the demands of
High School.
Murray Wall – STF Liaison [email protected]
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
English Language Arts Resources for Middle Level Teachers
Every once in a while, you come across someone you wish had been your teacher, or who
you wish could teach your children. For me, one of those people is Kelly Gallagher. Gallagher
is an English teacher at Magnolia High School in California. Based on his experience,
Gallagher has published many books to help other teachers around the globe. Much of my
English Language Arts program comes from suggestions that Gallagher has made in his
publications. Below you will find a list of four of my favourite publications from Gallagher. In
the following pages, you will also see two lesson ideas that I read in Gallagher’s book, Reading
Reasons, and that I use in my classroom.
Write Like This: Teaching Real-World Writing Through Modeling and Mentor Texts
• Gallagher, Kelly. 2011. Stenhouse Publishers
• If you want to learn how to shoot a basketball, you begin by carefully observing
someone who knows how to shoot a basketball. If you want to be a writer, you begin
by carefully observing the work of accomplished writers.
Readicide: How Schools are Killing Reading and What You Can Do About It
• Gallagher, Kelly. 2009. Stenhouse Publishers
• Read-i-cide n: The systematic killing of the love of reading, often exacerbated by the
inane, mind-numbing practices found in schools.
Reading Reasons: Motivational Mini-Lessons for Middle and High School
• Gallagher, Kelly. 2003. Stenhouse Publishers
• “Why should I read?” Can your students answer that question? In Reading Reasons,
Kelly Gallagher offers a series of mini-lessons specifically tailored to motivate middle
and high school students to read, and in doing so, to help them understand the
importance and relevance reading will take in their lives.
Teaching Adolescent Writers
• Gallagher, Kelly. 2006. Stenhouse Publishers
• In an increasingly demanding world of literacy, it has become critical that students
know how to write. From the demands of standardized tests to those of the wired
workplace, the ability to write well, once a luxury, has become a necessity. In Teaching
Adolescent Writers, Kelly shows how students can be taught to write effectively. He
shares a number of classroom-tested strategies that enable teachers to motivate
young writers, understand the importance of teaching writing, and assess essays in
ways that drive better writing performance. Kelly draws on his classroom experiences
and work as co-director of a regional writing project to offer teachers both practical
ways to incorporate writing instruction into their day, and compelling reasons to do so.
All book summaries taken from www.stenhouse.com.
Kelly Gallagher’s Website: http://www.kellygallagher.org/
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At the beginning of each period, a piece of interesting reading will be shared with the class. This
sharing will take about a minute or less and there are no follow-up assignments. The shared
reading can come from a range of sources, from poetry to nonfiction. The selections may be
culled from newspapers, magazines, novels, textbooks—anywhere we, as readers, come across
interesting text. All Reading Minutes share one goal: to demonstrate that there is a world of
reading richness out there.
1. In September, your teacher will lead the reading minute. After that, a sign-up sheet will be
posted and class members will have to sign up for two time slots to lead the Reading
Minute.
2. After reading the selection, the other members of the class will turn to the Reading Minute
section of their ELA binder. On a sheet of loose leaf students will write the date and a one
sentence summary or thesis statement to help them remember the day’s Reading Minute.
***ONE SENTENCE ONLY****
3. When a student finishes sharing, the class is required to say, “Thank you.”
Ideas for Sharing During the Reading Minute
What kinds of passages should you share?









Passages you find beautiful
Passages you find interesting
Passages that exhibit great writing
Passages that anger you
Passages that trouble you
Passages that perplex you
Passages that raise your curiosity
Passages you find humorous
Passages that challenge you to think differently
Where should you find passages?
Books
Magazines
Internet material
Charts
Poetry
Speeches
Maps
Manuals
Newspapers
Essays
Graphs
Taken From: Reading Reasons –©2003 by Kelly Gallagher. Stenhouse Publishers. Page 44.
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As many of you know, I love reading. I believe that reading is rewarding. It also builds a mature
vocabulary and makes you a better writer. Reading makes you smarter and opens the door for
your life after high school. There are many people who share my belief, so I thought I would
introduce you to some of those people as well as what they have to say about reading. We will
call this our “Reading Wisdom”.
1. In your binder, make a section called Reading Wisdom.
2. Every two weeks, I will post a different quote about reading. You need to copy this onto
the worksheet in your binder.
3. After copying the thought, you will be responding and reflecting on each. You can agree,
disagree, argue, question, challenge, or make connections to other ideas or passages. The
reflections are to be completed every two weeks.
4. At the end of each term, you will have to choose one quote that you felt was the most
meaningful to you and share with the class in one of the following ways (chosen by your
teacher):
a. give an oral report on your favourite passage
b. write an essay reflecting on the meaning of your favourite passage and its
relevance to you
c. share in small groups and then nominate one quote from each group to be shared
with the entire class
5. I challenge you to find and bring Reading Wisdom quotes. I may use them as the week’s
“Reading Thought.”
Taken From: Reading Reasons –©2003 by Kelly Gallagher. Stenhouse Publishers. Page 46.
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
Reading Wisdom
My Response
Taken From: Reading Reasons –©2003 by Kelly Gallagher. Stenhouse Publishers. Page 46.
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Samples of Reading Quotes taken from Reading Reasons (page 47)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The illiterate of the future is not who cannot read or write, but one who cannot learn,
unlearn, and relearn. Alvin Toffler
To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting. Edmund Burke
In times of change, learners, inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully
equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists. Eric Hoffer
A person who doesn’t read is no better off than a person who can’t read. Mark Twain
‘Tis the good reader that makes the good book. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Literature is no one’s private ground, literature is common ground; let us trespass freely and
fearlessly and find out way for ourselves. Virginia Woolf
A good reader is one who has imagination, memory, a dictionary, and some artistic sense.
Vladimir Nabokov
A book must be an ice ax to break the frozen sea within us. Franz Kafka
The reading of all great books is like conversation with the finest men of past centuries.
Rene Descartes
A man is known by the company his mind keeps. Thomas Bailey Aldrich
We don’t always choose the books we read . . . sometimes they choose us. Rubin
“Hurricane” Carter
I read my way out of poverty long before I worked myself out of poverty. Walter Anderson
The only things worth reading are things you don’t understand. Sheridan Blau
Books impede the persistence of stupidity. Spanish proverb
Nothing can stop a person who wants to be educated. Nothing can help a person who
doesn’t.
When you finish reading a book, you are a more interesting person.
All great books are challenging and should be challenged
What’s worse than burning books? Not reading them.
Reading does not teach you how to read. It teaches you how to read better.
We read to know we are not alone.
The book that can be read without any trouble was probably written without any trouble
also.
In any one book, there is more than any one reader can see.
WARNING: reading may lead to an increase in knowledge, altered perceptions, and
deepened insight. All such reactions are normal, but may lead to a serious reading habit.
Good readers have a greater tolerance for failure.
Taken From: Reading Reasons –©2003 by Kelly Gallagher. Stenhouse Publishers. Page 47.
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
Great Visual Writing Prompts & How to Use Them with Blogging
By Derek Hyland
These past few weeks I have been lucky to discover that there is a world of very talented
people who are creating writing prompts for people to use and share! Some of them are
statements, some questions, some the first lines of a story. Some have images, some are just
words. All of them are pretty awesome. Here are a few of my favourites!
•
http://visualwritingprompts.wordpress.com/ - Prompts from Luke Neff & a collection
of others. You can search by the type of writing, or by subject. This site is great.
•
http://writingprompts.tumblr.com/- Prompts from Luke Neff. Great story ideas.
•
http://photoprompts.tumblr.com/ - A collection of prompts from the first two sites as
well as others.
In our class, we use "Blogging Challenges", an idea I have borrowed from the
wonderful Pernille Ripp (check out her blog here: http://www.pernilleripp.com). Every
Monday morning I post a new challenge, and the students have until the next Monday to
complete it. One week. We usually have about 30 minutes in a week when I unveil the prompt
and then the students have time to write and to comment on the writing of others. We have a
classroom mantra that feedback is "specific, helpful, and kind". If students don't complete
their posts during the allotted time, they use computers in the library or at home to finish.
I find that the best way to work through this writing is not necessarily just to post it and
have students write. We deconstruct the meaning of the prompt and identify what's in the
images. With some prompts, it's easy; with others, it's takes a while. We discuss the point of
view and perspective of the prompt, and what perspective they should be writing from. We
discuss their audience, and the appropriate language that they should be using for that
audience. As always, I remind them that they should be checking spelling and grammar before
they post, although they inevitably miss something.
One of the great things about blogging is that students can see it as "editable". They don't
hand it in and not think about it. If a student comments, "I noticed that you never capitalize "i"
in your writing", they can go in and edit that. If a student comments, "Your ideas are great,
but next time maybe write a bit more because it was so good I wanted to read more.", then the
author could go back in and add some more to their story.
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
The other amazing thing about these writing prompts combined with blogging is the sheer
amount of writing that students are completing. My minimum is usually two paragraphs. I
have students that consistently write stories of upwards of eight paragraphs. The kids only get
a week to complete their blog, because they are excited about the next one. And they're
building a collection of followers in the classroom and in other classes. And I find that really
exciting.
Some prompts from the links above are at a higher level, so it might take a little sorting and
tweaking to find the ones that work the best for your classroom. At the very least, I hope that
they inspire you to create some of your own! I'm working on some that I'll post to the blog. If
YOU are creating great writing prompts, I'd love to see them. Send them off to me via
email [email protected], or via Twitter @mrhyland.
If you're interested, please check out the writing that my students are doing with this work.
I have two classes. You're welcome to check out their work and comment if you like. Their
blogs can be found at:
•
http://kidblog.org/Hyland75/
•
http://kidblog.org/Hyland76/
If you want to see more about setting up student blogs, the expectations that we set, and
what we talk about when learning how to comment, check out posts here:
•
Class Blogging Expectations & Agreement
•
Ideas for How to Make Good Comments
•
The Art & Expectations of Commenting
**Note: None of these agreements are solely my own. They have been adapted from a variety of
other resources. Most should be cited on the pages.
Happy Writing!
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
How to Write a
Paragraph –
“Hamburger Style!”
Submitted by Tina Blake
I know that most of you have seen the templates out there, using a sandwich or a hamburger, to help
students in structuring their paragraphs. I know that this has always been a helpful way for me to
explain proper formatting with my students. I have recently found a great website, that not only
explains each step and provides the template, but it also includes a PowerPoint that you can use with
the kids, to walk them through each “layer” of the hamburger! It also provides an example,
highlighting each different “part” of the paragraph.
Check out http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/paragraph_hamburger/
Consulted: November 3, 2012
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
Teacher-friendly websites!
www.glogster.com – allows for students to make posters that can include sound and video
http://edmodo.com – educational Facebook. A social platform for students to interact with you and
each other in a safe, online community.Teacher maintains control of all students and content.
www.voicethread.com – allows students to post a starting question or image and then others can
comment by voice, webcam or text
www.techsmith.com/jing -- Download Jing onto your computer and you or your teachers can do a
screen capture. Visit http://www.screencast.com/t/IDsWUoMXt for an example of what Jing is capable
of. (Please be patient as it takes a while to load. This is due to the webcam video at the start.
Without the webcam, the projects are quite quick to load).
www.xtranormal.com – students can make animated videos.
Et en français!
http://science.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=Fr&n=BAF80115-1 - Des jeux pour accompagner toutes vos unités de
Sciences Naturelles.
http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/languagesonline/ - Core French fun and ESL Learning!
http://pse-esd.ainc-inac.gc.ca/pubcbw/catalog-fra.asp?cat=E&URL=www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/edu/indexfra.asp&URLDesc=%C3%89ducation – First nations and Treaty Education: tons of student information
and activities available in English and in French.
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
Teacher Generated Book List – For you or your students!
Jill Wiens and Joanne Beach
1. Best Student Recommended Books
Dust by Arthur G. Slade
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Hate List by Jennifer Brown
Inner city Girl Like Me by Sabrina Bernardo ***mature read
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Bad Girls Don’t Die by Katie Alender
April Raintree by Beatrice (Culleton) Mosionier
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
I Don’t Want to Be Crazy by Samantha Schutz (book of poetry)
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Perfect Escape by Jennifer Brown
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Thunderbird Spirit by Sigmund Brouwer
Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass
2. Best True to Life Fiction
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
The Hate List by Jennifer Brown
Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom by Susin Nielsen
3. I Can Never Keep These Books On My Shelves
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
The Limit by Kristen Landon
Holes by Louis Sachar
Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Compound by S.A. Bodeen
Crank by Ellen Hopkins ***mature read
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
The Child Called It by Dave Pelzer
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Blood Red Road by Moira Young
4. Best Graphic Novels
Smile by Raina Telgemeier
The Life of Helen Betty Osborne by David Alexander Robertson
Maus (Part 1 and 2) by Art Spiegleman
Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
5. Authors You Love
L.M. Montgomery
Jennifer Brown
Lev Grossman
Scott Westerfeld
Jodi Picoult
6. Books You Love To Share With Your Students
Frindle by Andrew Clements
Bitter End by Jennifer Brown
Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen
Sabriel by Garth Nix
Dark Life by Kat Falls
The First Stone by Don Aker
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
Charlie Joe Jackson by Tommy Greenwald
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom by Louis Sachar
Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon
Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman
7. Best Biography/Autobiography
Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
The Secret Lives of Sgt. John Wilson by Lois Simmie
Bite of Mango by Mariatu Kamara and Susan McClelland
8. Favorite Dystopian Fiction
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Gone by Michael Grant
Draco’s Child by Sharon Plumb (SK author)
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
The Chemical Garden Trilogy by Lauren DeStefano
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
Matched by Ally Condie
The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
9. Favorite Historical Fiction
The Zion Covenant by Brock and Bodie Thoene
The Zion Chronicles by Brock and Bodie Thoene
Forbidden City by William Bell
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
Nine Days Queen by Karleen Bradford
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
World Without End by Ken Follett
The Bottacelli Secret by Marina Fiorato
10. For Adults Only
Fables by Bill Willingham (graphic novel)
Blankets by Craig Thompson (graphic novel)
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Boy Toy by Barry Lyga
Shake Hands With the Devil by Roméo Dallaire (Canadian Lieutenant-General)
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
The 2012 SMYA
Conference
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
And the 2011 President’s Award goes to…
Our President’s Award recipient this year is one who’s very deserving, as they are an educator who
has made praiseworthy contributions to middle year’s education.
This special person is one who has gone out of her way to help others for a long time. Aside from
working to get a distinguishing education for herself and continuing to get her Masters degree, she
has seen to it that others should benefit within their lives too. This was displayed early in her life
when she began working for the Family Place in Weyburn and by working one on one with a boy
during recesses, to help him be more successful. She also took the time to help others as she
babysat for a family every morning before school in her grade 12 year. She is the oldest in her family,
and of course, knows everything and will tell you as well.
Among all of this, she developed strong teamwork skills by being a part softball, curling and
yearbook. I believe she still enjoys all of these activities today, and some she is a coach for at her
school.
I asked a former professor and friend to say a few words about Angela, and he shared this. “I did a
search on my computer where I keep all former student work. I noticed I still had Angela's
HyperStudio STK from Fall 2000 so I checked to see if I could still download HyperStudio Player ...
and voila, there was that amazing Marine Animal Food Pyramid I had totally forgotten about,
complete with eerie music and low-res graphics. Those were the days.
Over a decade later, I was fortunate enough to teach Angela again just recently in her Graduate
program. It was such a true privilege to have Angela in my course again. In class, she demonstrated
the characteristics of a true leader - she inspired and encouraged others, pushed herself to learn
new things, and produced wonderfully intelligent and insightful artefacts. It is clear that Angela has
become an amazing educator and leader and I feel so lucky to have been able to witness some of
that growth over the years. All the best to you, Angela.” – Alec Couros, University of Regina
Associate Professor in Technology
Moving to her education career, she hasn’t had an easy one. I believe she learned a few things the
hard way while at her first teaching job in Kamsack. While on supervision during recess one day, 2
boys began fighting. Well, taking things into her own hands, she stepped in to break it up and, as I’m
told, because of her ‘lack of height’, the kids thought that another student was trying to break them
up. She didn’t like their response.
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
She has also had more touching moments as she moved to Montmartre in 2003 for her second year
of teaching. Here she gradually moved from “junior staff member” to a reliable veteran teacher. She
turned into a “go to” person on staff and a leader on curriculum and assessment initiatives. She is a
mentor/leader for ELA teachers and always willing to help a student or staff member. And it is her
ability to see “the big picture” and truly wanting to make her school the best and most fun for her
students that makes her shine.
She shares this fun attitude with many extra-curricular activities, where she has been willing to help
out with her own curling team, and will step in to take over a team in a coach’s absence or
supervision. She has also been the SLC advisor for many years, ensuring students get the most from
their time at school.
As for Middle Years, Angela is a typical middle years teacher. That is, she looks and sounds like a
normal person, but is somewhat weird…just like middle years kids! Certain things will completely
make her rant and rave. After a timeout and some guidance (from her most beloved administrative
colleague) she is calm and can function again. (Must be that admin. training Dave gave you….:) She
is a great leader for kids, and proudly takes them on camping trips, and other out of class excursion.
It is still a wonder to why she is petrified of the dark, especially walking though the school at night!
A quirk we have learned is that she also has a very hyperactive sense of smell anyone could imagine.
She will state emphatically that there is a bad smell in her room, but neither the kids nor any other
staff member can notice anything. Maybe you need to look at yourself right…???
Angela has been an extraordinary person who always has a solution for anything and is very
approachable. She has a contagious smile that will always make you stop whatever you are doing
and smile back because you know she cares. These are clearly some of the great qualities that have
allowed her to move her career forward to become administrator and a leader in education. She has
been an integral part of the SMYA executive team and we’ll miss her immensely.
It is with great pleasure to present the 2012 President’s Award to Angela Byrnes.
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
Thursday, Nov. 7 – Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013
Minneapolis or Bust II
Come for one of the most outstanding professional development experiences
that you will ever encounter.
Be a part of the 5000+ teachers to be in attendance.
Be witness to some of the most recognized Middle Level speakers as they
discuss meaningful topics.
Return with countless ideas, resources, connections and memories.
Please print clearly all information so your registration can be processed.
RECEIPTS WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU upon full payment
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
City/Town: _______________________________________________ Postal Code: ______________
Phone: (w): ____________________________
Email: ______________________________________
School: __________________________________ School Division: ____________________________
Are you an active SMYA member? _________ Yes ____________ No
STF member – Teachers Certificate Number: ______________________
Regular Fee - $850 (includes SMYA membership, journal, bus, hotel, and conference registration)
** We will travel on Wednesday, Nov. 6 and return on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013**
Registration information below and make cheques payable to SMYA and mail to:
Andrew Longstaff, 6 Motherwell Cres., Regina, Sk. S4S3Z4 or email: [email protected]
The first 20 registrants receive a SMYA Prize!
CHECK FOR SCHEDULE, CONFERENCE INFO, AND UPDATES AT www.smya.ca
Additional AMLE conference information available at www.amle.org
24
In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
“Rock’n the Classroom” GeoVenture
SMA Teachers’ Tour
2013 date TBD
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA) offers educators an opportunity to explore the diverse aspects of
mining operations throughout the province and their links to the Saskatchewan education curriculum. Twenty-four
educators from across the province will be invited to participate in the GeoVenture which includes a ½ day
introductory workshop, followed by field stops at underground and surface potash mines, uranium mines and milling
operations, coal mines, Potash Interpretative Centre and more. Relevant curriculum teaching resources are
provided to participants.
Above Photos: Cameco Rabbit Lake Uranium Mine; Sherritt Poplar River Coal Mine; Mosaic Esterhazy K2 Potash Mine
In the words of a past participant:
This was by far the most enjoyable, most educational and most rewarding professional development activity I have ever
been a part of. Each day turned out to be more and more fulfilling. What a great opportunity!
Educators interested in this professional development opportunity, are asked to send a letter via email
indicating their interest, teaching background (# of years of experience, grade level, subject matter) and
personal and school contact information (school name, telephone, fax, email) to:
Saskatchewan Mining Association
1500 – 2002 Victoria Avenue
Regina, SK S4P 0R7
Email: [email protected]
Deadline for applications is May 24, 2013. Visit www.saskmining.ca for additional information or call
306.757.9505
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
Everyone knows a teacher who does an outstanding job in the middle. Please give that person the
recognition they deserve. Fill out the attached information, and email the information to [email protected].
Teacher’s name: _______________________________________________________________________________________
School: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Teaching Assignment: __________________________________________________________________________________
Three words describing the teacher’s personality:
A sentence or two describing the teacher’s relationship with:
a) Students:
b) Colleagues:
c)
Community:
Anything else you would like mentioned?
26
In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
Saskatchewan Middle Years Association
Application for Membership
What can the SMYA do for you?
Members receive:



Three issues of In the Middle – The only professional middle years journal published in Canada
Three issues of President’s News – Keeping you up-to-date on middle years news
In-service updates across the province
□ I hereby apply for membership in the Saskatchewan Middle Years Association.
Membership for one year is $25.00.
□ I hereby apply for membership renewal in the Saskatchewan Middle Years Association.
Membership for one year is $25.00.
Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Employed by: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Present Position: ________________________________________________________________________________
Are you an STF member?

□ Yes
□ No
Teacher’s Certificate Number: ___________________________
I have enclosed a cheque or money order for $25.00. I understand this is my membership fee for one year.
I hereby consent to the collection, storage and use of personal information by and for the executive of the SMYA for
purposes of receiving “In the Middle”, the journal of the Association, the “President’s Newsletter” and periodic
notification of upcoming professional development opportunities. Information is processed and maintained in a
confidential database by the STF.
DATE
SIGNATURE
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Please mail this application form when completed to: Andrew Longstaff, 6 Motherwell Cres., Regina, SK, S4S 3Z4
Email: [email protected]
27
In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
Saskatchewan Middle Years Association
Child.
Harold Schultz
Middle Years
Development Fund
PLEASE NOTE:
There is no application form for this award.
Candidates must submit a written application
meeting the guidelines below.
General Guidelines for Selection
1.
2.
Introduction
The need exists in Saskatchewan to encourage
continued development in the middle years area.
The SMYA is the logical organization to initiate
and encourage such development.
This development fund was established to
encourage Saskatchewan based projects and/or
programs related to the middle years child. The
fund is named in honour of Mr. Harold Schultz
who was a driving force in starting the middle
years concept in Saskatchewan. It was through
his research, his encouragement and his
dedication that the philosophy of middle years
Education took hold and continues to grow
today.
Objectives of the Fund
The monies of the fund are to assist, financially,
individuals, groups and/or schools in developing
programs or research projects that increase the
understanding and awareness of the middle
years child in Saskatchewan.
The monies of the fund may be awarded to those
projects, ideas or programs that help to increase
the understanding and awareness of the middle
years child and/or promote effectiveness of the
middle years teacher.
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
3.
4.
5.
The results of such projects, programs, or
practices supported by this fund must be made
available for the use of the SMYA and its
members.
The recipient(s) of monies from the fund must
submit a comprehensive typewritten report to
the SMYA executive upon completion of the
projects.
The SMYA journal, In the Middle, must be
provided with a synopsis of useful and relevant
results of the funded project(s) for publishing
purposes.
The recipients must acknowledge the financial
assistance of the SMYA in the text of the
comprehensive typewritten report.
The executive of the SMYA has the right to
change, delete, or add any conditions related to
the awarding of monies related to the fund.
Conditions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Payment of the monies of the fund will be 50
percent when the project is approved by the
SMYA Selection Committee and 50 percent upon
completion of the project and the submission of
an article suitable for publication in our journal.
The allocation of the monies granted will be made
at the discretion of the SMYA Selection
Committee.
Applications for the 2012 award can be made any
time prior to Oct. 1, 2013.
Each application will be acknowledged and
recipients will be notified of decisions
immediately following the Selection Committee’s
meeting.
The amount of the monies of the fund to be
allocated at the discretion of the Selection
Committee shall not exceed $1000.00.
Applications will be received in a format approved
by the SMYA Selection Committee. Interested
persons should forward inquiries to:
Harold Schultz Middle Years Development Fund
ATTENTION:
Chantel Kaufmann
Pilot Butte School, 5148 Genereux Dr., Regina SK S4X 4P2
(S) 781-4488 email: [email protected]
Saskatchewan Middle Years Association
President’s Award
The Saskatchewan Middle Years Association strives to promote an understanding of middle years
education within the province of Saskatchewan. Therefore, the President, on behalf of the Association,
annually presents “The President’s Award” to recognize individual excellence in middle years education.
Members of the SMYA are invited to nominate an individual to be considered as a recipient of this award.
Criteria
1. The award will be presented to an educator who has made meritorious contribution to middle
years education both locally and provincially.
2. Nominations must be made by a current member of SMYA.
Timeline
Applications for the 2012 award must be submitted to the President by October 1, 2013.
NOMINATION FORM
A. Nominee Information
Name___________________________________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________________________
Work Address____________________________________________________________________________
Position Held_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone – Home_______________________________Office____________________________________
B. Nominator Information
Name___________________________________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________________________
Work Address____________________________________________________________________________
Position Held_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone – Home___________________________ ____Office____________________________________
C. Point form outline of the candidate’s contributions
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
D. Attach statement supporting your nomination (Maximum 1,000 words)
Mail all submissions to:
Andrew Longstaff, 6 Motherwell Cres., Regina, SK, S4S 3Z4
Email: [email protected]
29
In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
Youth Grant
The SMYA supports and encourages special projects, initiatives and student conferences. Because
of this, SMYA has established a grant fund, which will allow our organization to support such
ventures. Money will be awarded in two installments. Fifty percent of the grant will be paid up
front while the remaining fifty percent will be awarded on submission of a written report that can
be published in In the Middle, the SMYA journal. Applications should show how the project,
initiative, or conference would enhance the education of the middle level students involved.
Priority will be given to those applicants which are organized by students, for students, or that go
beyond regular classroom excursions/trips.
1. Applications for funds must be made BEFORE the project, initiative, or conference takes
place AND before an SMYA executive meeting. The deadlines for consideration at an
executive meeting are:
a. April 30
b. June 30
c. December 30
2. Applicants must fill in the following form and include a half to one-page summary or
outline of the project, initiative, or conference on a separate piece of paper.
3. Applicants must be SMYA members.
4. Funds for grants will be set aside by the executive in the annual budget.
5. The maximum amount available for grants is $1000 per year. Amounts awarded are at the
discretion of the SMYA executive.
6. All special projects receiving the initial SMYA financial support will be required to provide
SMYA with a written report suitable for publication in the SMYA journal in order to receive
their second installment.
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
Application for
Financial Assistance for
SMYA Youth Grant
c/o Andrew Longstaff
6 Motherwell Cres, Regina, SK S4S 3Z4
(S) 781-4488
email: [email protected]
Deadlines for applications are June 30, December 30 and April 30
School Name/Group Name
School Address
School Phone Number
Postal Code
Teacher Contact
Type of Event
Date
Location
Number of Participants
For Students and/or Teachers
Anticipated Costs
Source of Funding
Food
Speakers
Accomodation
Travel
Other (specify)
Amount
Source
Total
Outline of Event
Please include a brief description of the project including rationale for the project, format and anticipated activities.
Do you have an active SMYA membership?
Have you received SMYA funding before?
Are you willing to:
a) Provide a report suitable for publication in the SMYA journal?
b) Make a presentation at our Annual Conference?
Please provide any additional information that will assist us in processing your request and attach it to the form.
Date __________________________________
31
Signature _____________________________________________________
In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
SMYA Privacy Policy
From time to time, the Saskatchewan Middle
Years Association (SMYA) will gather, maintain
and use personal information about its
members. This policy outlines the steps that
the SMYA will undertake to safeguard the
privacy of this information.
1.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2.
3.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Accountability
The Executive shall appoint one of its
members as the SMYA Privacy
Compliance Officer.
The Executive may appoint other
members of the Executive to be
responsible for collecting personal
information subject to the terms set out
in the policy.
Complaints and/or inquiries arising from
the collection of personal information
shall be directed to the Privacy
Compliance Officer of the organization.
Personal information of the membership
shall be shared with and maintained by
the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation
(STF) for grant purposes.
Personal information shall not be shared
with any other third parties.
Purposes
Personal information will be used for
communication purposes only. These
communication vehicles will include the
SMYA journal, the President’s newsletter
and periodic mail outs, which may advise
the
membership
of
upcoming
professional development opportunities.
Consent
Consent to gather personal information
shall be obtained annually from the
membership at conference.
Registration forms for new or renewed
memberships shall contain a “Consent
for Release of Personal Information”
section.
This policy shall be made available to all
members.
Information collected by the SMYA may
be disclosed to the STF for grant
purposes and/or to the members of the
SMYA Executive only.
32
b.
4.
a.
b.
c.
d.
5.
a.
b.
c.
6.
a.
b.
7.
a.
Limiting Collection
The information collected shall be
limited to:
i.
Name
ii.
Address
iii.
Postal Code
iv.
Teaching
Certificate
Number
v.
Telephone Number
vi.
Email Address
Name, Address and Postal Code
information are needed to send
communication to the member.
A teaching certificate number is
required by the STF for grant
purposes.
Telephone numbers are required
to communicate with members
quickly (i.e. in the event of a
program cancellation).
Limiting Use, Disclosure and
Retention
Membership information shall be
retained for as long as a person is
a member of the organization.
Lapsed membership information
will be retained for a maximum of
one year.
Lapsed information in electronic
or “hard copy” form shall be
securely destroyed.
Accuracy
Membership renewal information
will be checked for accuracy with
the individual member.
Individual members of the SMYA
shall be responsible for informing
the
organization’s
Privacy
Compliance
Officer
with
appropriate updates to their
personal information.
Safeguards
All reasonable measures shall be
taken to protect members’
personal information against loss
or theft.
In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2
c.
d.
8.
a.
b.
9.
a.
b.
Access to electronically stored
information shall be limited to
members of the organization’s
Executive only.
Executive members shall annually
be made aware of the need to
protect the privacy of members’
personal information.
This policy shall be reviewed
annually.
Openness
This policy shall be published on
the organization’s website.
This policy shall be published
annually in the Association
journal.
Individual Access
Upon a request by a member, the
President shall confirm the
existence of a member’s personal
information and shall provide a
copy of this policy to the member.
If a member deems her/his
personal information to be
inaccurate, the member shall be
given the opportunity to correct
any inaccuracy.
10. Challenging Compliance
a. Complaints
and/or
inquiries
regarding this policy shall be
directed
to
the
Privacy
Compliance Officer of the
organization.
b. Upon receiving a complaint
and/or inquiry, the Privacy
Compliance Officer shall attempt
to resolve
the issue as
expeditiously as possible.
ISSN 2291-0522
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In the Middle | Volume 31 Number 2