October 2015
La Mesa Junior High School
A Message from the Principal...
La Mesa
Junior High School
26623 May Way
Santa Clarita, CA
91351
Website:
www.hartdistrict.org/lamesa
Webmaster: Ms. Laura Beers
Principal:
Mrs. Michele Krantz
Assistant Principals:
Dr. Ana I. Dwork
Mr. José M. Malavé
Counselors:
Mrs. Kathy Gorlick
Mr. Bob Kerman
Mr. Steve Paterson
The new school year has begun. I want to say thank you for the support from our
La Mesa families already this year through participation in our ASB directdonation fundraiser, and attendance at Back-to-School Night and the Fall Family
Fun Night. Forty percent of our families were represented at Back to School
Night.
There is plenty of research that supports the fact that poor attendance has a negative impact on grades and behavior in the classroom. The loss of instruction
from even one missed day of classes can result in enormous amounts of stress
for a student that needs to make up work from the missed day, while simultaneously keeping up with the current work being done in and out of class. Please
continue your support by ensuring your child is present each day and on time.
Schedule doctors’ appointments whenever possible outside the school day.
We have a significant number of students arriving to school after the bell.
Please have your child at school by 8:30 to allow them time to get to class.
Please note that vacations, a headache, or assisting with childcare are not appropriate reasons to miss school. In fact, California law requires all students between the ages of six and eighteen years of age to attend school. There are only a
limited number of reasons that qualify for not attending school. If your child does
have a valid excuse for absence, please be sure to call in to the school attendance office, ext. 135, or send in a note in order to ensure it is recorded as an
excused absence and not a truancy.
Please make sure you share our new La Mesa Text-a-Tip number. It is 661-5245166 . It would be great if you could take a moment to have your student enter
the number in their cell phone. Safety is always our first concern for all of our
students. Parents can also use this number to report emergency issues to school
administration.
Newsletter
Editor, Designer, & Advisor
Ms. Jan Lynch
Published by:
Wm. S. Hart School District
La Mesa Junior High School
Here is a reminder if you are having problems accessing your Parent Portal
online. Remember that you can check on your student’s grades, attendance, and
assignments. Go to http://www.hartdistrict.org Click on Campus Portal on the
right side of the page. Then click on "Account Support." There is a form to fill out
and leave specific details about your issue in the comments section.
Thank you for your ongoing support of La Mesa Jr. High. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with families for the shared goal of student success!
Michele Krantz, Principal
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PAW PRINTS
Helping you help your child
Welcome to a new school year! We are often asked how parents can best prepare their children for
the junior high experience. Many parents feel that now is the time to let go; however, parental involvement is more crucial than ever during these transitional middle school years. With the busy
schedules of both parents and students, it is often difficult to take time out to effectively communicate about school… and life. Our goal for the “Counselor’s Corner” is to provide parents with strategies and tips on how to help your child succeed and how you and your child can share a healthy relationship.
Make a strong start this school year! The strategies for success listed below will help your child
achieve to the best of his or her ability.
1. Binder Reminder
Student
 Uses daily to list homework in each subject
 Writes “none” if no homework is given
 Asks for teachers’ signatures daily
Parent
 Checks work for completeness and quality daily and signs
 Assigns consequences (such as grounding for the evening) if signatures are missing.
2. Organization
Student
 Places completed homework in proper section of 3-ring binder or in interactive
notebook per teachers’ instructions.
Parent
 Checks binder reminder nightly for proper organization.
 Checks backpack nightly for no loose papers.
3. Study Habits
Parent
 Provides a quiet place to study
 Visually monitors student regularly during study
 Schedules a consistent starting time and length of time for study
 Assigns reading or other academic task if student finishes early
 Sets a timer 30-45 minutes of concentrated study time then for 5 minutes of break
time if student has trouble staying on task
4. Monthly/Weekly Planning Calendar
Parent
(Continued on page 9)
PAW PRINTS
Team Falcons is off to a great start this year. Team t-shirts are
on their way, complete with an awesome lightning bolt decal. Let the
whole school know that you are part of the best team on campus!
It was so nice to see so many parents at Back to School Night. The importance of parental involvement can’t be overstated. Experience and
research show a strong connection between family support and academic success, especially in the middle school years. Thanks again parents.
In History class, we are going back in time to the days of gladiators and barbarians, to the days
of war and famine. The students are analyzing the factors that led to the fall of the Western Roman
Empire, with an emphasis placed on the internal problems that threatened Roman stability. Once we
are finished with Rome, we are off to the Middle East and caravan trade routes.
Math had a great start. Accelerated started with statistics and probability and now both classes
are working the number system - fractions, decimals, and integers. Both classes have started strong
with the following students earning an A+ on their first chapter test: Ainsley DeMuth, Joshua Lopez,
Vanessa Martinez, Mark Moreno, Andrew Oh and Annie Rosado. We ar e looking for war d to
many more great scores from the team.
Team Falcons’ English students have been learning how to read carefully and write clearly.
We've been looking at how authors use plot, character, setting, and theme to create powerful, lasting
works of fiction. We've even written our own stories--ask your child about the autobiographical incident assignment. Keep up the great work!
The following students were selected as student of the month for September: Ainsley DeMuth,
Andrew Oh, Zion White and Matthew Gonzalez.
ADDRESS/PHONE CHANGES
Address changes require proof
of new residence. FYI – the post
office will not forward school
mail; it is returned to La Mesa.
[email protected] —
(661) 250-0022 x 132
PAGE 4
Team Tritons
The inaugural quarter of Team Tritons kicked
off with a splash! First of all, thank you to all the wonderful parents and guardians who attended our Backto-School Night Bonanza! Attendance was higher than
ever before, and your involvement is already reaping
benefits for our team. Now, on to the subjects!
In Ms. Dabbeekeh’s math class, we finished
up an engaging transformations unit. In this unit, students learned to translate, rotate, reflect, and dilate
figures on a coordinate plane. Currently, we are working the Angles and Triangles unit. Students will use
algebra to solve for missing angle measures of angles
on a transversal and in a triangle.
In Mr. Galarza’s science class, we are learning
the difference between heat and temperature. Our
science investigations, writing, and assignments have
dealt with energy transfer and how a thermometer
works. As a culminating project, each pair of students
is building working thermometers that will need to be
calibrated to the Celsius scale.
In Mrs. Rojas’s history course, students studied the roots of the American government and learned
about the foundation of our country (valuable
knowledge as we move into an election year!). Currently we are studying causes and effects that lead to the
American Revolution. Upcoming Common Core projects will include creating a convincing propaganda
poster and writing an argumentative essay on the side
of the either the Loyalists or the Patriots.
Finally, in Mr. Strauss’s English class, students have been pairing fiction with non-fiction in fascinating ways. First, students read the beloved short
story “Charles” by the legendary Shirley Jackson and
discussed its striking similarities to the “Catfish” phenomenon that has been sweeping the world of social
media. Later, students read about the world’s first
women to qualify for service in the Army Rangers and
are using classic Civil War stories written by Ray Bradbury and Stephen Crane to analyze how warfare has
changed over the course of history, with a little help
from former marine and current Assistant Principal,
Mr. Malave (pictured). They even dramatically recreated their civil war scenes in the library with the help of
their multi-talented librarian, Mrs. Leavitt (pictured).
Students are eagerly anticipating this month’s “Freak
Week,” in which Mr. Strauss will plunge his class into
total darkness and read classic horror literature by
flashlight!
As a final announcement, thank you to all of
the students and families who partied with us at the
Fall Family Fun Night Fundraiser (pictured). We raised
more funds than ever, but we are still a far cry away
from our $2700 goal of taking our students to the
“Operation Urgent Fury” fieldtrip on November 25th.
PAW PRINTS
For more information, head to:
mrstraussonline.weebly.com, and don’t forget to sign
up for our Free Homework Reminder Service by texting @TeamTritons to 23559.
PAGE 5
PAW PRINTS
Team WIldcats
absolute value equa ons and absolute value inequali‐
es. Once we complete this unit, we will begin to dis‐
cuss func ons and the graphing of func ons.
Team Wildcat English
Our first quarter has been such
fun ge ng to know each other
and learning the expecta ons
for our year ahead. We have
focused in this first quarter on
how do master storytellers engage their readers?
And, what are the characteris cs of a well‐wri en nar‐
ra ve text? We have wri en our first essay and soon
will take our first literature test. Students are reading
independently each day. Every quarter students will
earn 10 points in Read N Quiz, our computerized read‐
ing program, and any points earned above the ten
required points will go to extra credit! Happy Read‐
ing!
Team Wildcat Math
It has been a busy start of the school year in math.
Math 8 began the school year in a Geometry unit and
we learned about rigid mo on through the use of
transforma ons. We discussed how figures such as
triangles and rectangles can be moved around a coor‐
dinate grid. A er the comple on of our Transfor‐
ma ons Unit, the Math 8 classes started working with
Parallel Line Geometry and angles.
The Algebra class started the school year working with
equa ons, inequali es, and absolute values. We re‐
viewed how to solve equa ons and inequali es while
incorpora ng many word problems and real‐world
scenarios. This moved us into solving and graphing
Team Wildcat US History
We are off to a great start! Students have been busy
learning the answers to such ques ons as “Where did
our government come from?”, “What is a democra‐
cy?”, and “What is the responsibility of ci zens in a
democracy?” In the next two weeks, we will be learn‐
ing about how the United States won its independ‐
ence from England as American colonists increasingly
began to ques on and understand the ideas of free‐
dom, self‐government, and ci zens’ rights.
As we head into the 2016 presiden al elec on year,
conversa ons will get interes ng ‐ maybe even heat‐
ed! Students will express their opinions about current
presiden al candidates, learn about the elec on pro‐
cess (i.e., electoral college), understand the job of our
chief execu ve officer (the President), and be able to
ask ques ons and debate their views. A er all, in
about four short years, this year’s 8th graders will be‐
come voters! Be sure to include your children in your
discussions and debates at home!
Team Wildcat Science
In Wildcat science, we are studying ma er‐ what is it,
how it’s described, and how it’s measured. Later in
September and into October, we will study the states
of ma er and the composi on of ma er.
Happy
Fall !
PAGE 6
PAW PRINTS
First quarter report cards
were available for viewing
on the parent portal,
Tuesday, October 20th.
Bull Dogs
Team Bulldogs is off to a great start
and these new seventh-graders have
hit the ground running. There are so
many talented and bright students.
Congratulations to Shahryar Chaudhry and Alexis Sayre on their selection as Students of the Month.
Bulldogs have conquered the Roman Empire with some inspired projects. Students were allowed to select the
final product and their efforts included slideshows, posters, models, and even a couple of videos. Looking forward to the next unit on Islam.
In English, we are well into the novel, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. It's fun looking for foreshadowing clues and wondering how Charlotte will escape the clutches of the evil Captain Jaggery. We have started
working on writing well developed paragraphs with clear topic and concluding sentences.
In chapter 3, we used integers to count and compare, solve problems, and describe distances. Integers often play
a role in the decisions we make. For example, you may decide not to buy a pair of jeans because they cost $29
and you only have $20.
You can encourage your child by having them describe situations that might be positive or negative:
What was today’s low temperature?
How much money did you spend today?
How many minutes does it take you to travel to school?
How much money did you spend last week?
How many homework assignments did you turn in this week?
Shout-Outs! Highest integer quiz scores:
Shahryar Chaudhry, Kadyn Nguyen, Lance Jimenez, Francisco Romero, Exnider Gamez
Students in Science have been learning the steps to go about doing a scientific inquiry investigation. They have
done a few hands on activities and one lab to practice these steps. We are currently moving on to study cells and
will be doing many labs using the microscopes to view and compare animal and plant cells. I am looking forward to seeing my students use the microscopes and discover the microscopic world!
PAGE 7
Team Spartans is having an exciting start to the
new school year. Here is what is happening in
the classrooms:
Spartan science students are finally
starting life science with the cell! We will be
using microscopes and exploring cells in the
very near future. Students will be learning the
functions of cell organelles and discussing the
specific differences between plant and animal
cells. This will then lead us into photosynthesis and cellular respiration. We have a lot to
cover!
In English, we started the year with a
Getting to Know You project. Using a guide,
students interviewed a partner, and then composed an informational essay discussing why
their partner would be a good friend. This project not only encourages students to meet and
get to know someone new, it gets students writing! Our next focus in ELA will be storytelling. Students will be exploring the ways authors engage their readers, and the characteristics of a good narrative.
In World History, we have finished the
fall of the Roman Empire and have moved on
to the Byzantine Empire. In this unit, students
will have the chance to examine 2000 year old
coins from Byzantine era and make their own
historical connections with coins from the present day.
Did you KNOW??? Mrs. DesChamps
has a test correction party on Fridays!!!!
Students can come in during lunch and earn
points back on previous tests. All are welcomed to join. ANY missing assignment can
also be turned in for points!
Congratulations to Spartans Students of the
Month: Nicholas Storch, and Lexi Pedersen!!
PAW PRINTS
After learning
where all fifty states
in our country are
on a map and being
able to recognize the
major mountain
ranges, rivers, and
lakes in our country's part of the
North American
continent, Mr. Schulman's history students examined primary source material to investigate the following mysteries of our country’s unique history:
What happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke?
Does the Disney movie “Pocahontas” show an accurate representation of her saving the life of Jamestown leader John Smith? Who fired the first shot at
Lexington? After studying the various causes of
animosity between the Parliament of Great Britain
and the British colonists, Bronco students then recreated an exciting event from 1775-1776, the Second Continental Congress. Students assumed the
roles of colonists who were determining whether
they should fight for their independence from England or remain loyal to the British Crown. Excellent speeches in favor of fighting for independence
were made by Adolphus Jones, Carleigh Johnson,
Chloe Phan, Liliana Rivera, Aidan Odel,
Jaydeep Athwal, Juan Palare and Peter Agban.
Assuming the roles of Tories, colonists wanting to
remain loyal to Britain, was an extremely difficult
task. Outstanding Tory speeches were delivered by
Chloe DeLaPena, Chris Jimenez, Karina Nunez,
Mauricio Deguchi, Eric Baez, Katelynn Sulett
and Ben Shapiro.
In science we have been having fun learning about
how to use the equipment to measure mass and volume. Check out the pictures at the Blog on my
website. Our upcoming unit is about what matter is
and how it behaves. As the quarter closes, encourage your science student to keep their notebook up
to date and turn in missing work. Assignments do
expire about 2 weeks after they were due.
Congratulations to September Students of the
Month Katelynn Sulett and Devin Patel and October Students of the Month Delaney Pineda, Mauricio Deguchi and Elizabeth Streb.
PAW PRINTS
PAGE 8
A RT
La Mesa art students began the quarter in art
by exploring the creative possibilities within
different drawing materials and developing
their observational drawing skills. By practicing both blind and monitored contour drawing, students learned the importance of using their eyes to look
closely at the objects they are drawing when creating observational representations. Students have also
completed small still life drawings of cups using pencils and blending stumps, and have learned to pay close
attention to light and develop a range of value in their artwork. (See examples below!) Currently, they are
learning about basic color theory and beginning to explore the possibilities for color mixing with tempera
paint. See a couple of our pencil drawings below!
Amanda Salcedo (7th grade)
Cassandra Santander (7th grade)
PAGE 9
PAW PRINTS
(Continued from page 2)
 Provides student with a monthly or weekly calendar (30 day dry erase board works
well.)
 Helps student write all assignments/ projects and tests on calendar with due dates
 Helps student break long-term projects into smaller parts and schedule each part
5. Tutoring
Student
 Attends team study club if offered or
 Asks teacher when they offer extra help and then shows up for it
 Gets a study buddy and exchanges phone numbers
6. Weekly Progress Report
Student
   Asks teachers for weekly comment in binder reminder or
 Picks up blank progress report from counselor or the front desk on Fridays and has all
of the teachers sign it
Parent
   Checks binder reminder for comments or weekly progress report
   Gives positive rewards if student follows through
   Imposes a negative consequence such as a weekend grounding if student does not follow through
7. Communication
Parent
  Calls teachers for input or advice if necessary
  Gives strategies 3-4 weeks to help
  Calls counselor @ 661-250-0022 if strategies are not successful
8. Use of Infinite Campus
 Go to www.hartdistrict.org
 On the menu bar, locate “Campus Portal” and click once
 If you have never logged in, Click on “Create an Account”
 Fill out the form using the drop-down menus when required.
 Press the submit button when the form is complete.
 Your login will be your e-mail address. The district will e-mail your password in a couple of days.

After you receive your password, you can return to the district website and again click on
Campus Portal.
 Under the section “For Parents” click on “login.” Type in your e-mail address and the
password provided by the district.
PAGE 10
PAW PRINTS
LIBRARY NEWS
Welcome back to another school year! The La Mesa Library has been busy distributing textbooks,
checking out library books, and teaching students how to use the library.
We are looking forward to another year filled with fun activities for students both inside and outside of class. Thank you to all the students who participated in our Summer Reading BINGO contest. A special congratulations to Serenity Bull, Evelyn Kang, Odate Oboba, and Kaylee Toma, our
top prize winners in the BINGO contest.
If you didn’t participate in summer reading there are still several ways to get involved in the library in the coming weeks. Grapic novel club meets in the library on
Tuesdays to discuss favorite series and to work on artwork. Tabletop club meets on
Fridays. You are always welcome to bring a favorite brainy game to play. In addition
we will have special events in the month of October. Come to the library Monday the
19th for our annual teen read week scavenger hunt. It’s sure to test you skills of observation and maybe you will even win a prize.
For more information about the La Mesa library visit our website,
http://lobolib.weebly.com . See you in the library!
Reading Programs at La Mesa
La Mesa is proud to offer the Read n Quiz program to encourage pleasure reading
for our students. Read n Quiz is a program that provides computerized multiplechoice tests for books that is similar to the AR program. Students select books
from the list on the Read n Quiz website which lists all books with tests. Tests are
administered by appointment with the student's English teacher. Points are earned
according to the difficulty of the book. Neither reading level nor point value rate
books based on subject matter, however often higher values are associated with
more mature content level. New books are constantly being added to the Read n'
Quiz list, so students should check back periodically to see if their book is on the
list.
Please remember:

The title list is not meant as a blanket recommendation of titles

Not every book is for every student
Before you checking out a book, the student should read a few pages and be sure that they have
found a book that suits his or her individual ability and that is appropriate for the student. For a
complete listing of La Mesa’s Read n’ Quiz books visit our Read n’ Quiz portal on the library website: http://lobolib.weebly.com/read-n-quiz.html