The Kenmore Cougar
November 2016
Volume 16, No. 3
KMS+Amazon=PTA Funding
Nancy Birnbaum, PTA President
Happy November
As you begin your holiday shopping, please bookmark
the following Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/?_
encoding=UTF8&tag=kenmorepta-20 – using this link
provides Kenmore with 4 to 7% of your purchase at no cost
to you.
We had a great turn-out for Kenmore’s first Halloween 5K
on Oct 29th. An awesome time was had by everyone. Thank
you to Lori Engelken for her hard work on this event. Congratulations to all the runners!
A big thank you to Kate Kerr for her hard work on the
Reflections contest. Please see her article for information on
the results of the contest.
Kenmore Cougars Roar at APS College
Night
Last month we determined the allocation of our fall grants.
Continued on page 2
Leslie H. Stockton, Minority Achievement/ Testing Coordinator and Allie Weber, Gifted Resource Teacher
Fifteen excited and eager 8th Graders spent the evening of
Tuesday, Oct 18th exploring their options for college. APS hosted
the annual College Night at Washington Lee High School and
some members of Kenmore’s College Bound Group (CBG), along
with a few of their parents, went to talk to and ask questions of
the college representatives in attendance. For many, this was their
first experience interacting with college reps.
Principally Speaking
David McBride, Principal
The start of the 2nd quarter brings with it a moment to reflect
on our school’s successes as well as our opportunities for
growth. Our focus this year is providing high-quality instruction
that supports student growth, and we are excited to see the academic development of our students continue to unfold. We have
accomplished a good start through a variety of measures, but we
have much more work to do. Forty-two percent of our students
earned honor roll for the 1st quarter, and we had many students
who tried their very best. These collective efforts to achieve
academic success are appreciated. Thank you for partnering with
the school to send the shared message that education is valued
and achievement—no matter how great or small—matters.
CBG was created three years ago to address the academic and
socio-emotional needs of first-generation students who were
unable to participate in the GMU Early Identification Program
due to space limitations. CBG enables these students to gain
the college preparatory skills they need within the support of a
consistent, nurturing community of learners. One of the goals of
the group is to provide opportunities for exposure to college and
career throughout the year and College Night was the first college
event of the year. Many CBGs ended the night by saying “the
world opened up for them tonight” and they were “sure they were
going to be successful…[they] had the vibes…[and were] college
ready!”. Future college and career visits are in the planning stages
so please look out for more news to come about our CBGs and
their adventures!
Continued on page 3
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November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
KMS+Amazon=PTA Funding Continued
Vol. 16, No. 3
KENMORE ADMINISTRATORS
Continued from page 1
Please see Sylvie Mortimer’s column for details on how the $12,000 PTA funding was allocated. A second round of grants will be distributed in the spring.
Thank you to Sylvie Mortimer and all members of the grants committee for their
efforts in allocating these funds.
Our next PTA meeting, Jan 10, 2017, will include a presentation from Second
Chance Arlington, an educational program for Arlington middle and high school
students who have been experimenting with alcohol and/or drugs. The program
helps teens learn how substance use affects their physical and mental health so
they can avoid using drugs and alcohol. This meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. in the
Kenmore cafeteria. Our subsequent meetings will be Feb 14, Mar 14, Apr 4 (1st
Tues), and May 9th. We generally meet in the Kenmore library.
Our silent auction is coming up in February. We’re putting together a great selection of items for you. To whet your appetite, here are a few of our supporters:
Principal
David McBride
(703) 228-6804
[email protected]
Assistant Principal
Angelique Close
(703) 228-6805
[email protected]
Assistant Principal
Christine Joy
(703) 228-6774
[email protected]
Director, Counseling Services
Louis Villafane
(703) 228-6806
[email protected]
KENMORE PTA OFFICERS
President - Nancy Birnbaum
[email protected]
Vice President – Aquila Stewart
[email protected]
Secretary – Connie Sherman
[email protected]
Treasurer – Tim Watson
[email protected]
Teacher Liaison – Ed Bracken
[email protected]
CONTENTS
KMS+Amazon=PTA Funding ��������������� 1
Principally Speaking�������������������������������� 1
Cougars Roar at APS College Night ��� 1
PTA Funding Continued������������������������� 2
Principally Speaking - Continued�������� 3
2016-17 PTA Reflections Contest�������� 8
Special Olympics������������������������������������ 12
Box Tops for Education������������������������� 12
KMS Book Fair������������������������������������������ 13
Author Visit ���������������������������������������������� 13
GIS Day at Kenmore ������������������������������ 14
Page 2
KMS Online Store is Open ��������������������� 14
Kenmore PTA Grants�������������������������������� 15
Students of the Month��������������������������� 20
Focus News ������������������������������������������������ 22
Theater Students Perform��������������������� 24
8th Grade News����������������������������������������� 25
7th Grade News����������������������������������������� 25
6th Grade News - Trailblazers �������������� 27
6th Grade News - Visionaries ��������������� 29
Kenmore Calendar����������������������������������� 33
Save the Date �������������������������������������������� 36
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
with their respective colleagues to enhance student writing across
these content areas. Parents should see more writing from a
variety of classes as we look at differentiation and how to provide
rigor and challenge within our current structures.
Principally Speaking - Continued
Continued from page 1
Students engaged in many instructional activities that included:
the social studies mock election, a study in proportion and scale
in math, reading and writing across the curriculum, the Pacer
in PE, studying population growth and cartograms—and much
more. Students are taking advantage of our flexible teacher advisory period, which we call Flex EXCEL, to get extra help in math
or English or to extend their learning in a variety of settings. One
Flex EXCEL group of students works with our MIP-A class to
ensure these students are engaged with the general population.
Other groups are working on activities such as communications
skills and entrepreneurship…we even have a group devoted to
chess.
Kenmore has a continued focus on literacy development, and
we are pushing writing across the content-areas this year. Our
talented faculty is working hard to engage students in relevant
educational experiences. They have taken part in professional
learning on literacy development and writing instruction, and
they continue to hone their practices. Specialists from English
language arts, math, social studies, and science have worked
Members of the Department of Instruction have visited Kenmore to look at how we can further enhance offerings in science,
technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). We added an
extra 6th grade STEAM class to accommodate interest this year.
A school committee has formed to look at how this enhancement can be folded into our current program of students. We
have crafted a shared vision for STEAM and will be looking to
expand these offerings in the future. Interestingly, in a recent
meeting I attended, administrators were shared survey data that
indicated the following top three areas of student interest: 1. art
and graphic design, 2. performing arts, 3. computer science and
coding. The top three are all connected to Kenmore’s focus! I
marveled at how perfectly this fits our program and how well it
aligns with where education appears to be heading. These results
also connected to the need for students, especially girls, to be
supported in exploring STEAM fields.
One quick example you may find of interest as a parent comes
from a recent house-warming party I attended for a former Kenmore student and Washington-Lee High School graduate. Chris
attended Kenmore in the early 2010’s. While in high school he
was dually enrolled in both high school and NOVA Community
College for computer science. He successfully earned an associate’s degree in computer
science and graduated from NOVA before
W-L. He is now working for the Census
Bureau full time, and he is getting his own
apartment. Chris took advantage of educational opportunities, and doors began to open
for him. The most important take away for
me as a parent with two of my own children
in school is this pathway was accessible and,
most importantly, affordable. His pathway is
proof that technology careers are in demand,
especially in the Metro DC area, and here
is an accessible pathway for success for our
students.
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November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
ing the APS pyramid choral concert at Wakefield High School
and the dramatic Edgar Allan Poe garden tour at the Glencarlyn
Library. During Middle School Information Night, our student
panel shone. Our students provided authentic answers to a variety
of questions posed to them. We also had great community support for the Election Day bake sale, the Craft Fair fundraiser for
the arts, and the Hispanic Heritage Festival.
On a final note, regarding the Presidential Election season and
the ramifications for our students and families, I wanted to pass
along a few thoughts. At the October PTA meeting a parent asked
about the climate regarding the Presidential Election. I reported
only one incident I knew of, which was addressed.
Here are a few thoughts I shared over the PA with the school
the day after Election Day:
Kenmore’s instructional and enrichment opportunities have
extended beyond the classroom as many of our students have
had field trips and other experiences that took them beyond the
classroom walls. Students visited college campuses such as
George Mason University, Mary Washington University, Marymount University, and Randolph-Macon College. A small group
attended the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. We are hopeful the entire school will be able to
visit this sought-after Washington, DC landmark in the coming
months—stay tuned.
The entire 6th grade went to the Smithsonian Educational
Research Center at Edgewater, Maryland. Our students took part
in leadership conferences such as the Latino Youth Summit as
well as the Girls’ Leadership Conference. We had the 1st and
2nd place winners in the countywide Hispanic Heritage Visual
Arts Contest. Our boys’ soccer team are county champs again
this year going undefeated for the season. Girls’ soccer is off to
a good start, as well as boys’ basketball. We had a fantastic 5K
which was a lot of fun for our community. And our Ultimate
Frisbee team is competing well on the field of play.
Our students showcased the power of the performing arts dur-
Page 4
As we prepare to depart this day, I just wanted to mention
appreciation for the thoughtfulness and sensitivity our staff
members displayed today regarding the results of the Presidential
Election. Today as I visited classrooms, I marveled at how our
Social Studies Teachers used the election as an authentic occasion for learning and discussion. I was impressed by the many
thoughtful questions our students asked and also by the professionalism of our teachers.
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
This morning our Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Patrick Murphy, sent a
reminder to school leaders that I wanted to pass along to you this afternoon. Dr.
Murphy reminded us that our purpose has not changed. We are here to provide a
safe and nurturing environment that welcomes and supports all students.
Our mission has not changed, and we remain steadfast in pursing excellence
for everyone connected to our wonderful school. In the days ahead, if a student
is having difficulty or is worried about the ramifications of the election, please
direct them to Counseling Services where they can get the support that they
need. Thank you to our counselors and other personnel who were present on the
floors this morning to help counsel students.
Thanks for a great start to the 2nd quarter and for encouraging your child
to achieve success in whatever capacity. Effort, hard work, determination,
and caring all pay off in the long run. We hope to see you at upcoming music
performances, fundraisers, and The Nutcracker. Tell your friends and family
to come out to see us as we showcase our performing arts students. This is a
great way to be introduced to Kenmore and to see some of what we are about.
We seek to bring our very best to our school each day, and we thank you for
your continued support.
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November 2016
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The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
Arlington Special
Education Resources
Arlington SEPTA
(Special Education PTA)
Arlington SEPTA provides information to special education parents and
teachers, helps parents and teachers understand special education issues, and
equips parents and teachers achieve effective educational results using
research-based methodologies and collaborative efforts.
Arlington SEPTA does the following:
• facilitates events and resources about special needs services in the
Arlington Public Schools (APS) system and Arlington community.
• provides a voice of advocacy for the good of our children and families.
• supports APS teachers and administrators to achieve the best outcomes
for students with special needs, including mini-grants for educators.
• raises awareness and acceptance of disabilities and special needs
• hosts social events with for special needs families
Annually Arlington SEPTA awards Mini-Grants up to $500 to support any
teacher or staff (OT, PT, SLP, etc) who works with students with an IEP or
504. Applicants must be members and application deadline is October 15th.
Special Education
Parent Liaisons
The Arlington Public School’s Parent
Resource Center (PRC) and the
Arlington Special Education PTA
(SEPTA) work together to provide a
liaison to each school in the District.
• Liaisons support and encourage the
flow of information between each of
the schools, the PRC, SEPTA and the
community.
• Liaisons serve as points of contact for
families interested in connecting with
another parent of a child with special
needs in individual schools.
Visit www.ArlingtonSEPTA.org to join and learn more. Annual
membership to SEPTA is $10.00.
Arlington Special Education Advisory Committee (ASEAC)
As described by the VDOE, Special Education Advisory Committees “are extensions of local school boards since members are
appointed by them, and SEACs provide reports and recommendations to their school boards.” ASEAC provides an annual
report to the School Board, but also submits comments and recommendations throughout the year as needed.
ASEAC provides an opportunity for parents to have a voice in the way APS provides services to students with disabilities, from
preschool to age 21. A majority of ASEAC members must be parents of students with disabilities, but the committee also
welcomes other parents and community members, and must include one teacher.
ASEAC meets monthly and meetings are open to the public -- parents, teachers, and community members are welcome to
attend. Every month, the committee sets aside time to hear the concerns of parents of student with disabilities. If you wish to
speak to the committee or join in committee discussions, simply attend a meeting. You are encouraged to let one of the
officers know ahead of time so they can set aside enough time on the agenda, but that is not required. Meeting dates are
posted on the website http://www.apsva.us/page/1290.
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November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
2016-17 PTA Reflections Contest
Kate Kerr, PTA Reflections Chair
Congratulations to every student who submitted their beautiful work for the PTA Reflections contest and
especially to Ari Alexis (Film Production), Abigail Burkholder (Literature), McCarley Keish (Photography) and
Lauren Puttock (Visual Arts), whose entries have advanced to the Arlington County level of the national contest.
Full result details are shown below.
Thank you to parents and teachers for supporting your students in their creative endeavors, and to our judges
for generously volunteering their time and knowledge. A special debt of gratitude is owed to Shauna Dyer, Holly
Ousley, Judith Freeman, Michelle Van Lare and Karen Sosnoski for their invaluable support of the program.
Mr. McBride or one of our Assistant Principals will be recognizing some of the winners during the Principal’s Forum on Friday,
November 18th.
All the work not being sent to the County will be returned to students during the school day within the next couple of weeks.
We also want to recognize the talented judges who generously donated their time evaluating Kenmore Middle School student submissions. They are:
Patricia Fuentes Burns is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in TriQuarterly, Another Chicago Magazine, Quarter
After Eight, Phoebe, So to Speak, and elsewhere. She earned an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University where she
taught writing and literature for several years. She lives in Arlington with her husband and three young daughters. Colleen Coyne studied Applied Classical Piano at VCU and was a professional musician in Ireland, both for performance (mandolin) and conducting (musical theatre). Currently, she teaches piano in Arlington, in addition to playing multiple instruments.
Sean Dudley is an artist raised in Tennessee and Arkansas who specializes in figurative paintings and portraiture. He lives and
works in the greater Washington DC area with his wife and two sons.
Julie Eill is a clinical psychologist and an award-winning writer.
Luann Moy recently retired after 35 years of service from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), where she was an
Be a Part of PTA’s Reflections® Program
assistant director and social science analyst. As a retiree, she enjoys volunteering with the
Arlington County public schools, reading literary fiction and mysteries, listening to music,
and playing tennis. Luann is married to Phil Neel. Their daughter recently graduated from
college, and attended APS.
Tom O’Day is an Instructor in Television & Multimedia Production at The Arlington
Career Center.
Kristina Chan Sickmond is originally from Rochester, NY and started her dance training at the age of four. In 2010, Kristina received her Bachelor of Science in Dance and
Finance and is currently a full time ballet teacher at Adagio Ballet and Dance School in
Arlington, VA.
2016–2017 THEME:
What Is
Your Story?
Karen Sosnoski is a writer, documentary filmmaker and mother with two children in
APS. She is secretary for Arlington SEPTA.
Fred Zeytoonjian is a documentary filmmaker and an avid amateur photographer. He has
Entries from all grades and all abilities welcome.
worked in US politics and government relations for over 20 years and currently manages state and
local government affairs for Apple
Thursday, October 20, 2016, place in the Kenmore Library
Inc.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES:
The theme for the fall 2017 Reflections contest is: “Within Reach”
PTA.ORG/REFLECTIONS
Medium Last Name First Name Title
Page 8
Alexis
Burkholder
Oliver
Puttock
Ortiz
Ari
Abigail
Danielle
Lauren
Alejandro
See Reflections page on Kenmore web site / Kate Kerr, [email protected]
Learn more and get involved!
Well done again to the following students: Film
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
FOR DETAILS, CONTACT:
About Me
Fireflies
Portals of Light
A Good Friend
UnFell Tree
Place
1st Place
1st Place
2nd Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Medium Last Name First Name Title
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Ruth
Ley
Messman
Flores
Stevens
Roberts
Taylor
Mahmood
Oliver
Bau
Jacobs
Cordova
Nowalk
Martinez
Weaver
Hartman
Wilson
Ali
Ali
Aramendia
Avalos
Barua
Benitez
Bunting
Burkholder
Cassatt
Christensen
Cole
Colmie
Copa
Dinan
Dooley
Edwards
Fuss
Guerra
Ibrahim
Jordan
Khan
Lakew
Mansour
Martinez
McMahan
Montano
Carson
Thi
Shea
Arianna
Magdalena
Declan
Ra'Nya
Rafay
Danielle
Qide
Benjamin
Susan
William
Dalila
Emma
Kendall
Chiara
Najla
Najla
Natalie
Alexis
Shushantika
Cristina
Shannon
Abi
Ben
Regan
Tico
James
Evelyn
Casey
Ariel
Conor
Nolan
Brianna
Emory
Miles
Malka
Mikeyas
Naomi
Richard
Sophia
Jade
The Drifter
The Story That Never Ends
It Started As An Innocent Place
On Strings
Beautiful and Dangerous
Ready, Aim, Miss
The Goddess of our Solar System
Lost in DC
The Expanse of my Existence
Comprehensive
Unusual Atmosphere
Left Out
The Celestial Star
Shrouded
Graceful
Bricoleur
More than a Quiet Wave
Rage and Respect
Life in Green Eden
Flower Dancer
Small but Mighty
Night Shade
The Perks of Being Cristina
Underground
Inside Jokes
Glistening Sea of Light
Hidden Joy
Deep Waters
My Story Through My Birthdays
Whoosh Whoosh
New neighbors
How it is to be a Cat 1
Solitude
Rhythm
In Place
Freedom
I Am A Soul With A Body, Not A Body With A Soul
My Shiny Self
Unknown
Duckling
Quality and Luxury
A Dance Destroying the Darkness
Predators Eye
Vol. 16, No. 3
Place
3rd Place
3rd Place
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
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November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Medium Last Name First Name Title
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Literature
Photography
Photography
Visual Arts
Visual Arts
Visual Arts
Visual Arts
Visual Arts
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Naff
Nassim
Ogbe
Ovando
Palacios
Paz
Qureshi
Reyes
Riordan
Rojas
Salahadin
Salome
Sarreas
Sasaki
Schroeder
Shapiro
Shvedova
Solomon
Tran
Van Lare
Warren
Watson
Wien-Herman
Willis
Wyman
Keish
Wilcox
Puttock
Kerr
Aramendia
Smiltneks
Dooley
Timothy
Asmaa
Elena
Cindy
Claudia
Fancisco
Zahra
Alexa
Anders
Katty
Luqman
Daniel
Athina
Jack
Quinn
Kara
Leah
Hairmon
Quynh
Julia
Marilyn
Lily
Nora
McKenna
Ella
McCarley
Kate
Lauren
Finlay
Natalie
Carolina
Ariel
Beyond the Banks
Lost
Adaptability
The Tempest
Keeping Ahead
Freedom at a Cost
Sturdy On My Place
Loving with a Limit
Unstoppable
Loyal
The leader I am
Walking through life
Quick like a Cat
A Flash in the Field
The Bronze Giant
Ocean
Gray
Devil Within, Devil Without
Void
Driven Force
Wild Ride
A Floating Bloom
Humanity’s Core
Dance Competitions/Competition With My Friends
Texas Story
Friends through the eyes of nature
Moon through my eyes
Visiting my Grandfather
The Heart of my Story
Library of Memories
Story Flys
How it is if you’re a shoe
Vol. 16, No. 3
Place
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
Participants
1st Place
2nd Place
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
3rd Place
Participant
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
Honor the contributions of African Americans by engaging in writing!
The Over Here in Arlington Being Excellent writing contest honors the contributions of African
Americans during Black History Month.
The goals of the contest are:
§  To encourage student authors by including their writing in the celebration of African Americans.
§  To honor the accomplishments of African Americans in science, technology, education, politics,
and the arts
How Can You Get Involved?
APS students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to submit poems, short stories, or short essays in the
creative writing competition.
The submission deadline is December 2, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.
All entries must address the following prompt in some way: Write about an
African American whose contributions make a positive impact on your
daily life through science, technology, education, politics, or the arts.
The application process includes two parts:
1.  Complete the entry form at: http://tinyurl.com/APSBHM2017
2.  Email narratives of no more than TWO (2) typed pages to the following address:
[email protected]
Office of Minority Achievement
Department of Instruction
Syphax Education Center
2110 Washington Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Arlington, VA 22204
703-228-6152
*Entries will NOT be considered unless the entry form has been completed AND the writing has been
posted by the December 2nd deadline.
Questions? Contact Dr. Teri Adkins at [email protected]
Artwork created by Kenmore Students
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November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
KMS Special Olympics Unified Basketball
Ed Bracken, Legends Team, PTA Teacher Liaison
Beginning in December, the Kenmore Cougars
will start practicing for the Special Olympics Unified Basketball season. A unified basketball squad
consists of three players with intellectual or physical disabilities and two players without disabilities. Ms. Bowen, Ms. Lindquist, and Mr. Bracken
are organizing the Kenmore team right now. Mr.
Bracken will coach the team at the Kenmore gym
after school one day each week during the season.
There will be games and tournaments in northern Virginia every weekend
throughout the winter starting Jan 7th. There is no cost.
All Kenmore students who participate in the Best Buddies program will
tell you how much they enjoy spending time with Kenmore’s Life Skills and
MIPA students. This is a unique opportunity for your child to do something
he or she will remember for the rest of their lives while playing on a competitive basketball team. Please consider this with your child and feel free to
contact Ms. Bowen in room 159 ([email protected]) to register or if
you have any questions.
Box Tops for Education
Helen Parkhurst, Math Teacher
Just as a reminder: we are participating
in Box Tops for Education. The money
collected from this worthwhile program is
being put into a fund to be used as scholarship money for students who are in need
of financial support throughout the year.
The program is very simple. If you purchase an item that has the
“Box Tops For Education” logo on it, simply clip along the dotted edge of the logo and return these box tops to school. It brings
sunshine to my day when the box tops are cut along the dotted
edge. Each “Box Top For Education” is worth ten cents. There is
a collection box in the main office. You can also put the box tops
in Helen Parkhurst’s teacher box in the mailroom.
There are over one hundred participating products. These
products include General Mills cereals; Betty Crocker; Pillsbury;
Ziploc; Kleenex; Pop Secret; to name a few. You may log on to
www.boxtops4education.com for more information.
Thanks so much for saving the box tops and participating in
such a worthwhile project. The first submission for this year was
Nov 1st and we earned $180 which is a submission of eighteen
hundred box tops. Even though I was happy to receive 1800 box
tops, I think we can submit even more with the next submission
date (Mar 30th)
The 8th grade enjoyed an informative assembly from Arlington
Tech followed by a field trip for 50 students to the Career Center
to tour the program.
Page 12
Thanks again to Ms. Bowen and the Life Skills students for the
cutting and bundling. It is so appreciated.
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
KMS Book Fair
Holly Ousley, Kenmore Librarian
Our annual Scholastic Book Fair will take place in the Kenmore Library, Dec 5th - December 9th during regular school hours.
This year’s Fair will again feature an online store that will begin this Friday, Nov 18th and run through Friday, Dec 2nd. Online
purchases will be delivered to Kenmore.
Our Scholastic Book Fair is a reading event that provides the books kids want to read. It's a wonderful selection of engaging and
affordable books for every reading level.
Reading for pleasure inside and outside of school has real and long-lasting benefits. It unlocks the power of information and imagination and helps children discover who they are. Please make plans to come to our Book Fair and be involved in shaping your child's
reading habits.
Remember, all purchases benefit our school. See you at the Book Fair in the library.
Artwork created by Kenmore
Students
Author Visit
Holly Ousley, Kenmore Librarian
Arlington native and historic Freedom Rider, Joan
Trumpauer Mulholland,
will be visiting Kenmore
on Thursday, Dec 15th.
She will be sharing her newly released book,
She Stood For Freedom, to HILT, 6th and 7th
grade students. The author visit and book signing will be held in the auditorium from 10:15
a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Books can be purchased at
a discounted price through One More Page
Books, order forms will be sent home with
students this week. If you need additional
information please contact Ms. Ousley. For
book information and to find out more about
this legendary civil rights activist follow the
link http://anordinaryhero.com/
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November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
GIS Day at Kenmore
Brendan Blackburn, Comets Geography Teacher
Students in Mr. Blackburn’s world geography classes celebrated
GIS Day a few days early, but the spirit of GIS was captured nonetheless. GIS Day, observed on Nov 16th, showcases the capabilities
of GIS in real world applications. A GIS, or Geographic Information
System is a computer-based system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographical data.
Students used their iPads to browse remotely sensed images of
natural disasters presented in GIS. These images use satellite and
aerial photographs, and radar or sonar projections to capture geographic data at a distance. Students reviewed before and after photos
of events like Hurricane Sandy, the Joplin F5 tornado, and the Japan
earthquake and tsunami. Following a short web-quest to research GIS
and remote sensing applications, students brainstormed about how
these advanced systems can help save lives.
Students were highly engaged during the lesson, and surprised
about the cutting edge technology used in geography. Students later
submitted their responses digitally via Google Classroom.
KMS Online Store is Open
Cinnamon Melchor, PTA School Supplies
We know teachers have
plenty of classroom needs. We
started a Sign-Up Genius board
for teachers to request items for
their classes; parents can sign up
and send the items in via backpack mail or drop them in the
office. That URL is http://www.
signupgenius.com/go/30e094da9a72aa7f94kenmore1.
If you have any questions about school supplies or want to help, email kenmore.store@
gmail.com.
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Artwork created by a Kenmore Student
Vol. 16, No. 3
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
Kenmore PTA Grants
Sylvie Mortimer, PTA Grants Chair
The Kenmore Grants Committee met at the end of October 2016 to make decisions on the proposals submitted by
teachers for funding this semester. We received over $20K in requests, and had $12K available for grants.
The following projects were awarded:
Teacher
Project
Ousley, Holly
Pollard, Lolita
Wilson, Jeff
Stephens, Lilo
Privitera, Marjia
McPherson, Lois
Faison, Rai
Hunter and Pradas
Stockton, Leslie
Coyle, Beverly
Monma, Jennifer
Keish, Victoria and 6th grade team
Bowen McCauley Dance
Riley, Walter
Paparella, Andy
TOTAL
Author Visits
IXL subscriptions
Times Square
The Stock Market Game
RIF
Bike Safety/Maintenance Service Program with Phoenix Bike Club
Hershey, PA music trip
NYC trip for Dance and Theater
College Experience
Pillowcase -Community Service- Learning Project / Arts & Technology Pillow Cases
Flocabulary.com Pride Pins
Junior Company Contemporary Dance Residency
Orchestra BRIDGE Program
Reality Store
500
498
400
50
192
434
3000
500
800
300
96
1500
1100
2400
230
12000
A little detail on the funded projects/proposals:
Author Visits: To provide students opportunities to connect with authors and to create an extension of
literature for students. All students will be provided the opportunity to participate and engage with visiting
authors. Each author visit connects to a specific content area thus supporting curriculum and instruction. Author visits motivate, inspire and encourage students to read. When students connect with authors
reading engagement improves and positively impacts achievement. Entire student body will be affected.
Students access online library catalog and read eBooks using both school issued and personal devices.
IXL: To obtain classroom subscriptions for five math classes on IXL (Interactive Online math practice) IXL
is an online interactive website that provides comprehensive, standards-aligned math practice for K–12. Each
subject has a specific link that takes the student to a course overview of the entire math course. IXL provides immediate feedback for each student and hints to help as they work through problems. Through interactive activities
and many visual representations students solidify the skills that have been previously taught in class. They are
able to practice at home and at school without a teacher’s immediate assistance, and still receive feedback on the
problems they are struggling with. There is a score in the upper right hand corner that allows the teacher and the
student to see which standards a student requires more help with in class. This allows the teacher to differentiate instruction to meet that particular student’s needs. With the help of IXL, students can increase their understanding and improve
their chances of passing the SOL. Teachers, students, and parents have access to their particular student’s data as the learning occurs
through tracking tools. Teachers can get information that matters—exactly which questions students miss, where student’s trouble
spots lie, how they are progressing over time, and how much knowledge they have genuinely understood and retained.
Times Square: To re-create a sense of Times Square along Kenmore’s Main Hall (Main Street). The idea here is to create an art
installation that both announces the entrance into the black box theatre and also announces that Kenmore is Arlington’s Arts Focus
School. Students will be creating designs for and constructing elements of Times Square, Broadway and NYC. These will be hung
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The Kenmore Cougar
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around the entrance of the black box theater. We want all of these works to light up and create a dizzying
effect like that of Times Square. This art installation has the potential to excite every Kenmore Community
Member who enters Kenmore. The PRIDE that this will emit will inspire students to strive to be highachievers. Excitement about being at school and being proud of your school improves student achievement.
There will be 1 or 2 classes that work on this project – so 25 to 45 students impacted directly and 1000s will
be impacted indirectly. Art students will be designing and re-envisioning iconic elements of New York City
and Broadway and Times Square and building them. They will do all of the parts of the project from the
planning and constructing, to the painting and the adding of the lights.
Stock market game: The Virginia Council on Economic Education sponsors The Stock Market
Game in the fall and spring of each year, as it has done for over 30 years. Students working in
teams of four receive $100,000 of virtual currency to invest in the stock market through a virtual
broker. Each session of the Game runs for 10 weeks, and teams from all over Virginia in grades
4-12 compete for the most valuable stock portfolio. The winning teams attend an awards banquet
at the Federal Reserve building in Richmond. The competition is secondary to the Game’s primary
purpose, however, which is to teach students what the stock market is, how it works, why people
invest, and how it affects the economy. The stock market is an economic concept that is included in the 7th-grade social studies curriculum, but it is a concept that students struggle to understand, especially when exploring its effect on the U.S. economy and how it
contributed to the economic decline that became the Great Depression. This year, Kenmore teachers are offering extension/enrichment
activities in Excel (homeroom) two days a week. By having Excel (homeroom) students participate in the Game, we hope to see these
students build a deeper understanding of the stock market, and to see these students become mentors to their classmates in their social
studies class periods by sharing with them what they have learned through their Game experience.
student enrollment.
Reading is Fundamental (RIF): To allow students to choose books to keep in order to build home libraries.
Also, a second objective is to encourage them to become life-long readers. All 6th grade and HILT students
choose a book throughout the school year to read and keep. It has been shown that as people read more, they
learn more and become better at reading. Thus, their achievement rises. 320 students will be affected. We
perform read-alouds and view videos of author’s telling stories to spark interest in reading. If students have
(and hopefully, have read) their book at the end of the year, that is success. RIF is a yearly National Matching Grant: RIF pays 75% and Kenmore pays 25%. The dollar amount varies from year to year based on
Bike Safety and Maintenance program: To provide Bike maintenance, service, safety repairs on the 37 bikes we have
for our bike smart program that’s offered here at Kenmore. 7th Grade students will participate in a Bike Smart unit
program where they will learn the basic knowledge of bike safety, maintenance and receive on the bike handling skills
experience. Yes, an active body equals an active mind. 350 7th Graders will be affected. All the bikes will be in safe,
working condition for the students to ride. We will replace tires, tubes, kick stands and general basic maintenance/safety repair cost for each bike from Phoenix Bike. Roughly 12 dollars per bike plus price of replacing bike parts will be
enough to fix up the bikes. Phoenix Bike is an organization that provides a safe, nurturing and educational environment
that reinforces teamwork, hard work and entrepreneurship through bike maintenance education programs for Arlington
youth. Kenmore students have had a chance of being a part of this great afterschool program for several years now.
Hershey Music Trip: Each spring the students in Kenmore’s Music program (Orchestra, Band
and Chorus) attend a Music Festival where they perform for judges and compete against musical
groups from other area schools. Although we search for a high quality festival with a lower cost,
we have Kenmore families that cannot afford the cost for their child to participate in the festival.
Our goal is for music students in grades 6,7,8 to have the opportunity to participate in this event
regardless of personal economic hardship. It is our hope and goal that each student will strive to achieve a high standard of musicianship and discipline to perform at the best of their ability. It is our goal that students will learn the importance of team work, dedication,
commitment and hard work. And from this experience, it is our hope that our students will incorporate these learned skills into their
everyday lives. The Music Festival serves as a motivator throughout the school year to achieve the quality of musicianship, discipline,
and academic prowess needed to compete with other high caliber musical ensembles. Students must maintain a high level of academic
achievement in all their classes to be eligible to participate. The festival also builds the importance of teamwork in working toward a
common goal. Students learn how to compromise and be sensitive to others that are different from themselves as they work together
throughout the school year. 200 students are affected. Music plays a vital role in supporting Kenmore’s focus. Not only does it support
other art forms such as drama, the study of music expands brain function and builds muscular dexterity.
Dance and Theater trip to NYC: Assist in bringing the cost of the trip within reach for Kenmore students and families. Students
will have a chance to see two professional Broadway shows, spend some time in the city, and hopefully attend a “talk back” session
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November 2016
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with the cast of one of the shows. For many students, this is a “once in a lifetime” trip that they will
always remember. These students attending this trip are lovers of and practitioners of the arts, and
this trip represents the pinnacle of what can be achieved in theatre and dance. Most students were not
old enough to attend this trip the last time we went, so this will be an all new experience for many of
these students. We hope to have at or near 70 or 80 students and 25 other members of the Kenmore
community (teachers, parents, administration, etc.) This is a perfect example of Kenmore exposing
kids to excellence in the arts. We will be happy to bring back photos and other evidence of the trip.
Student reflections will also be offered. We are doing the Kenmore Craft and Vintage Market, we are
doing a bake sale on Election Day, and we are doing some basket raffles. The funds will go toward
the shuttle busses and will lower the overall price of this trip for all students. Students will be paying for two tickets to two Broadway
shows, dinner, the talk back session, t-shirts and whatever bus costs are not covered by fundraising. Any additional funds after all
fundraising efforts, will go directly towards assisting lower income students attend the trip. College Experience: To provide three traditionally underrepresented groups of middle school students with
a college experience that supports their academic and socio-emotional needs as they matriculate toward their
college and career goals; to provide students with college mentors who, because of their own paths to GMU as
part of one or more of the underrepresented groups (i.e., first-generation college, students with cognitive and
executive functioning disabilities, students who speak languages other than English and may be undocumented
or have limited US citizenship status) will model for our students the ability to reach their college and career
goals; to continue fostering partnerships with GMU that support the concept of “think college early”. This is
the second year we plan to have this Inclusion College Experience at GMU. The students who participated in
last year’s college experience demonstrated their success through:
Increasing their regular use and understanding of college prep vocabulary in their academic programs
Improving their 4th quarter grades
100% of last year’s Lifeskills students passed their VAAP assessments (their summative SOL-aligned assessments)
Over 97% of last year’s College Bound Group students passed all their SO Ls and those who didn’t improved over the previous
year’s SOLs in math and reading; two of the CBG students who fell outside the range for expedited retakes on SOLs volunteered to
receive remediation and to retest which resulted in passing scores
HILT A and B students who participated in last years’ experience improved their grades, engaged more frequently in discussions
and planning for college as part of their educational path, and increased their success on SOLs and other end-of-year assessments
Community Service- Learning Project / Arts & Technology Pillow Cases: Student will write a hardship
letter, design and sew a pillowcase using his/her art and sewing skills, to meet APS writing, art technology
and Family & Consumer Science objectives. Students are monitored and assessed quantitatively on the impact and success of these lessons with pretesting instruction and post-test evaluations with data evidencing
over 85% increased scores in writing. This writing / art / textile project offers a therapeutic form of recovery for both the giver and the receiver. It is a win-win project. This project is an authentic assessment used
to as a “Give Back to the Community” while actively participating in Kenmore’s writing objectives and
arts technology objectives as students use the principles of art to illustrate on fabric. This project allows for additional writing through
instruction and application. Students apply the four principles of art and sewing skills to create a pillow, pillowcase, blanket or tote
bag while inspiring the recipient to persevere and “never give up on any challenge in life” through a personal letter and sewn product.
This project satisfies social-emotional and academic learning while meeting the English, Art Technology, Family and Consumer Science content (reading/writing/speaking/listening) and language objectives. Students couple this art/sewing project with a written letter
describing and explaining a hardship he/she has overcome or is in the process of overcoming.
Flocabulary.com: Kenmore will purchase this inexpensive online program for students to
master content objectives and also create academic rhymes to learn the material better. Students
will perform better on assessments after creating songs about the subject. Watching videos and
creating songs about content will help students learn in a different way and they’ll increase their
understanding of the material. 37 students are in HILTEX English/Reading/HILT Science/HILT
Social Studies classes, and they will share resources in CLTs impacting all students in 7th grade
and the HILT program. Creating songs and videos about standards in English, Science, and History is a creative activity that supports
Kenmore’s Arts and Technology focus.
Pride Pins for 6th grade: Pride Pins continue to honor and promote positive academic and social behaviors and to support the PBIS
program whereas students evidence his/her respect, integrity, determination and excellence. Students will earn and display PRIDE
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November 2016
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Vol. 16, No. 3
pins on a Kenmore Middle School lanyard evidencing positive work ethics in support of the Kenmore Middle School Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS) program. Students will have the opportunity to earn up to 9 pins/year by completing classwork,
turning in work, being respectful and not having any behavior write ups.
Kenmore Junior Company Contemporary Dance Residency: Now in its eleventh year, BMD’s program
provides weekly dance training and performance opportunities to students at Kenmore Middle School
through the Kenmore Junior Company. At Kenmore, dance instruction will take place as part of school curriculum and the participants will receive 4 months of training and mentoring from BMD professional dance
teaching artists. BMD’s Artistic Director Lucy Bowen McCauley and Teaching Artist Bailey Vincent, will
audition the students for the Kenmore Junior Company by teaching them a piece of choreography. Following a callback audition, 25-30 students, grades 6-8, male and female, will be selected based on their rhythmic ability, aptitude for
moving, passion for dance, positive attitude, and willingness to participate in the semester-long residency. No previous dance experience or training will be required. Once students have been selected, they, along with their parents, will be asked to sign a letter of
agreement. Students will meet for 90 minutes after school each week. BMD’s experienced teaching artists will choreograph two new
works for the Kenmore students. Kenmore students will have the opportunity to perform three times throughout the residency. In a
unique, cross-discipline twist, this program will include live music provided by Kenmore’s jazz band: student musicians supplying the
live sound track for the Kenmore Junior Company portion of the performance. We will be tying in with Kenmore’s theme for the year,
“What is your America”.
The Orchestra BRIDGE Program (Bowing, Rigor, Integrity, Discipline and Great Execution) aims to bridge
the achievement gap in Orchestral Performance between the Kenmore MS Orchestra program and other District
XII Middle Schools as measured by Virginia Band & Orchestra Director’s Association (VBODA). This instructional grant will significantly improve the music skills of Kenmore’s 75 orchestra students. The funds will pay for
instrument coaching and guest instructional support. Mr. Riley has a relationship with George Mason University
and has identified several potential guest instructors who would be willing to teach call-out groups during orchestra class periods for $50/visit for each level of orchestra. The goal is to have one guest instructor per week for the remainder of the
academic year, which would ensure that each student has the opportunity to benefit from 12 call-out sessions during the school year.
The long-term goal of this grant is to increase the musicianship of individual students and the overall quality of Kenmore’s orchestra
performance. Individual musicianship can be evaluated by year-over-year comparisons of the percent of students able to successfully
perform the planned repertoire and the number of Kenmore students who are selected for an honor orchestra. Overall orchestra quality
can be evaluated based on the scores Kenmore receives at two competitions: VBODA District XII Assessment in March 2017 and the
High Note Festival in May 2017. Our goal for this year is to achieve a Superior Rating at each level of Orchestra.
Reality Store: Again this year, Kenmore students have the opportunity to participate in a simulation called “Reality Store”. The simulation—led by the Virginia Cooperative Extension of Virginia
Tech and Virginia State University—challenges students to make prudent financial decisions when
given total control over their own finances. As a result of this simulation, students understand more
clearly about the kind of choices and consequences that adult family members make on a monthly
basis. This ties into our 7th grade Civics & Economics curriculum very well—the student will apply
social science skills to
understand personal finance and career opportunities by
analyzing the financial responsibilities of citizenship,
including evaluating common forms of credit, savings, investments, purchases, contractual agreements,
warranties, and guarantees. Students are quizzed on the
concepts they use in the Reality Store simulation. They
also write a reflection on what they learned from the
experience. Students always enjoy and remember this
experience, which serves them well as a precursor to the
newly required Economics and Personal Finance course
they take in High School.
Thanks to the PTA for the support, and thanks to the
teachers for submitting their applications.
Grants Committee: Sylvie Mortimer, Lora Strine,
Artwork created by a Kenmore Student
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November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
Kenmore
Craft and Vintage Market
sponsored by Kenmore Middle School Theater, and Dance students
Saturday, November 19, 2016
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Kenmore Middle School
200 S. Carlin Springs Rd. Arlington, VA 22204
Interested in renting a space to sell merchandise?
Please go to the Kenmore web site to request a space. https://kenmore.apsva.us
Funds raised from this event will go to support a theater and dance trip to New York
Students of the Month
Israel Salas, HILT Resource Counselor
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Team
Last Name
First Name
Visionaries
Innovators
Trailblazers
Explorers
Fliers
Galaxy
Comets
Stars
Producers
Encore
Globetrotters
Legends
Scott
Lopez-Lopez
Saravia
Syed
Folz
Ogbe
Bolaños
Washington
Donovan
Ceballos-Medina
Trejos
Alvarez
Lauren
Maria
Jennifer
Ayaan
Tamzin
Elena
Javier
Jayla
Michaela
Luis
Ever
Gustavo
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
Join students across Arlington County
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King was a brilliant and brave leader. His truth, dedication and commitment
resonated with people across our nation and throughout the world. Today, his
fearless dedication to equality and peaceful progress continue to inspire and
challenge all of us.
On March 8, 1965, Dr. King spoke about Courage and said,
Dr. King urged all of us to feel passionate about freedom and justice—when we
feel strongly, we must speak up and not remain silent.
Using this quote from Dr. King, describe in writing or through visual art how
speaking up (or being silent) about something can change your personal life,
your community or the world.
ELIGIBILITY

CATEGORIES & RULES
WRITING
 Elementary (K-5) contest entries must be a minimum of 25 words but not more than 150 words.
 Middle School (6-8) entries must be a minimum of 150 words but not more than 250 words.
 High School (9-12) entries must be a minimum of 250 words but not more than 350 words.
 All entries must be typed or printed on an 8 ½ x 11” white piece of paper.
 Do not put your name on the essay; instead attach your essay to this form and mail or


AWARDS
deliver it to any of the locations listed on the back of this form.
POETRY
 Poems must be your original unpublished work.
 All entries must be typed or printed on an 8 ½ x 11” white piece of paper.
 Do not put your name on the poem, instead attach your poem to this form and mail or
You must be a resident of
Arlington County or enrolled in
Arlington Public Schools.
You must be in grades
Kindergarten through 12.
Writing and poetry entries may
be submitted electronically to
[email protected]

3 awards will be given in four
grade level groups:
— Grades K, 1 and 2
— Grades 3, 4, 5
— Grades 6, 7, 8
— Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
ENTRY FORM LABEL

First Name: ______________________ Last Name:___________________
Address:____________________________________________________
Arlington, VA Zip Code: _______________________________________
Home Phone Number: (703)____________________________________
Age: ___________________ Gender:_____________________________
School Attending: ________________________________ Grade: ______
Parent/Guardian Name: _______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Daytime Phone Number: _________________________
Each grade level group will
have two first place winners for
each category:
* Literary Arts Achievement
(Writing or Poetry)
* Visual Arts Achievement

Winners will be announced on
Fri, Dec. 16, 2016.
deliver it to the locations on the back of this form.
VISUAL
 Artwork can be produced in any medium and can be 2D or 3D
Please check your submission type below:
Literary Arts: Writing _______ Poetry______ Visual Arts__________
DEADLINE
All Entries are Due
by
5 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 9, 2016
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November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
groups and the community. All interested students are invited
to “audition” on Jan 11th and 18th after school from 2:35 - 4:15
p.m. Absolutely no experience is necessary and both boys and
girls are encouraged to participate. During the audition students
will learn a piece of choreography. Auditions are used to provide
an opportunity for students to try the program out while also
demonstrating a commitment should they elect to join the program. A letter will be sent home in December with more details
about the program.
Focus News
Shauna Dyer, Kenmore Focus Coordinator
Congratulations to Rosa Newel and Shushantika Barua who
won 1st and 2nd place respectively in the Latino Youth Leadership Art contest. These students were honored at the conference
held Nov 18th at George Mason University. Mr. Wilson was also
honored for his continued support of the program. All students
in the ACT II Visual Arts class created pieces for this contest
and their work is currently on display in the main hall and on the
Kenmore website. In early November, 8th Grader Joana Agboka
was named one of Poetry in Motion winners this school year. Her
poem will be displayed on a metro bus or train along with other
county winners.
Congratulations, also to the Kenmore
chorus students who participated in the APS
Choral Pyramid Concert on Nov 10th and
did an outstanding job. Speaking of music,
the music department is gearing up for its
winter concerts. The chorus will perform
on Wednesday, Dec 7th at 7:00 p.m., followed by the orchestra
on Dec 8th at 7:00 p.m. and the band on Friday, Dec 9th at 7:00
p.m. Please come and support our Kenmore musicians.
On Thursday and Friday, Dec 1st and 2nd at 7:00 p.m., the
Kenmore dance department and Kenmore band will present
the “Rebel Nutcracker”. Admission by donation. The “Rebel
Nutcracker” is a variation on the classical Nutcracker production
with music from a variety of genres along with a few twists and
surprises in the classic story. After the holidays, Kenmore’s ACT
II Theater Arts program will present “A Comedy of Errors” on
Jan 12th and 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
2016-17 marks the 11th year
Kenmore has partnered with Bowen
McCauley Dance. This local dance
company will be offering a dance
residency after school for interested
students on Wednesdays beginning
in January. The program provides free modern dance instruction
once a week in the Kenmore dance studio. Under the guidance
of BMD dancers, students will work together to prepare several
pieces that will be performed in the spring at Kenmore for school
Page 22
Now is a good time to be sure that your child intends to participate in the second semester ACT II class for which he or she has
signed up. We have many students on the waitlists and would like
to accommodate these requests. If your child no longer plans to
participate in ACT II in the spring (Feb 6-Jun 15), please contact
your child’s counselor or Shauna Dyer ([email protected])
to have them dropped.
Artwork created by Kenmore Students
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
Presented by Kenmore Dance and Band Students
Kenmore Middle School
200 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA
Admission by Donation
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November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Theater Students Perform at Glenn Carlyn Library
Shauna Dyer, Kenmore Focus Coordinator
Ms. Hunter’s theater class partnered with the Glencarlyn library on Oct
26th to read excerpts from stories written by Edgar Allan Poe. Students
dressed in period costumes and performed their readings in the garden for
the community. At the conclusion of the evening, students enjoyed some
seasonal refreshments. This event has become an annual tradition in the last
few years; one that is enjoyed by the students as well as the community.
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Vol. 16, No. 3
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
8th Grade News
7th Grade News
Deborah Seidenstein, Math Teacher
Lindsay Hargrave, English Teacher
Vol. 16, No. 3
Math
Galaxy Algebra students are learning
to analyze and compare data sets using statistical measures. These students will interpret
variation in real-world contexts using mean
absolute deviation, standard deviation, and
z-scores. Galaxy Math 8 students are building a foundation for success in Algebra and higher-level math
courses. These students are currently beginning an extensive unit
on solving multi-step equations and inequalities, and will explore
how a solution set to an equation differs from that of an inequality.
Team Galaxy is using their powerful knowledge by communication, researching, and creating villain/superhero characters
with superpowers in their science Flex Excel class. 8th Graders
will work together in teams to design their characters utilizing
physical science concepts and components such as: different
types of energy, physical/chemical properties of elements, and
physics/motion.
In October, Kenmore 7th Graders continued to explore the
ways the Constitution is a part of their daily lives. In class, students learned about the issues surrounding voting. They learned
what they themselves needed to do or be in order to vote in
Virginia. Then, to apply that knowledge, students were asked to
participate in the National Student Mock Election at Kenmore.
Students had to register to vote one week, and then later those
who were able to vote, had the chance to cast their ballot in
the mock election (see next page). The results were sent to the
NPSME website. After the mock election, students were asked
to write about their experience voting, or not participating in the
mock election; please ask your child what their response was to
having the chance to vote.
In class, we are now continuing our research into the issues
of due process, suffrage, and citizenship through the story of the
Reconstruction years following the Civil War.
English
English 8 Galaxy students are using script writing skills to
perform original Reader’s Theater plays based on their readings.
Above, Period Three is performing “The Fall of the House of
Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe.
Science
In physical science classes
students continue to learn about
the phases of matter. We will soon
begin our exploration of chemistry by learning about atoms and
the Periodic Table. Some students
have also decided to participate in this year's Science Fair. These
students are conducting research on their topic and will begin
testing their hypotheses. We are looking forward to seeing their completed
projects.
English
In English, students have been analyzing a variety of short fiction and creative nonfiction pieces, applying their understanding
of plot, characterization, and setting. Moving forward, students
will be applying their understanding of these narrative elements
as they write and revise their own memoirs. In addition, independent reading continues to be a priority. As we move closer to the
Thanksgiving and winter holiday breaks, ask your student if he or
she has a plan for what to read when school is out. You may want
to pose these questions: Do you have a book on your to-read list?
Have you heard about a good book from your friends that you
might like to read over break? Is there someone you would like
to ask for a suggestion? How are you going to make sure you
have that book so you are ready to read when the break starts?
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November 2016
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November 2016
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Life Science
In 7th grade science during 1st quarter, students studied the
scientific method and applied their knowledge on Science Day
(Oct 19th) where they did a virtual lab in science class, wrote a
conclusion in language arts, discussed how their lab related to
global warming in social studies, and constructed graphs with
their data in math class. Students will now begin the unit on Life
and Cells and will discuss the characteristics of living things.
They will be using microscopes to explore plant and animal cells
and will complete several labs to reinforce their learning.
Math
Math 7: Algebraic Expressions and Properties
6th Grade News - Trailblazers
Tiffany Mitchell, Trailblazers US History Teacher
Trailblazers finished the first quarter of middle school strong.
Our leaders are settling into their classes and continuing to grow
as readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, historians and
political scientists. As trailblazers we will keep this positive momentum going for second quarter!
Can you express yourself mathematically? Students are
Math 6 Fractions Decimals and Percents
Did you know that 0.78, 78/100, and 78% are three different
ways of representing the same value? Students are exploring the
relationships between these different representations in Math 6.
learning how to convert math phrases into algebraic expressions
and vice versa.
This Algebraic Expression above can be read as:
Three less than the product of five and a number.
Math 7 for 6th Graders Algebraic Expressions
Can you express yourself mathematically? Students are learning how to convert math phrases into algebraic expressions and
vice versa.
Five times a number decreased by three.
This Algebraic Expression above can be read as:
The difference of five times a number and three.
Three less than the product of five and a number.
Math 8: Square Roots and the Real Number System
Five times a number decreased by three.
The words playground and grasshopper have root words. Roots
also exist in math. Math 8 students will explore squares and
their roots this month and determine where they fit into the real
number system.
The difference of five times a number and three.
English
In ELA, we’ve continued to work with becoming actively
engaged readers and writers. For some Halloween fun, we read
the spooky short story, “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs.
Partners then created parallel graphic comics with new characters and modern settings in a recasting of the classic tale. We’ll
continue working with narrative elements and crafting our own
narrative as we wrap up November. Page 27
November 2016
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Vol. 16, No. 3
Science:
The Trailblazers had an exciting and educational trip to the Smithsonian Research Center (SERC) on the Chesapeake Bay on Oct 27th.
They studied the effects of runoff on the watershed, pollution on the
oysters and other life, and how the history of the area as the colonies
grew into states had an impact on the bay. We looked forward to ways
we can help restore and maintain the water quality of our entire region.
We have extended the learning at Kenmore, and we will be exploring
Arlington’s streams throughout the year.
US History, Civics & Economics:
a
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Leading up to the election, trailblazer historians and budding political scientists
learned about the Electoral College, party platforms and political parties. We also
discussed third parties and students were divided into groups using party hats with
the task of creating their own political party. Each political party had to create and
develop a platform, an opening speech, decide on a party animal/symbol, design a campaign button and sign with a catchy slogan. At the end
of each presentation, students then voted on the party that best aligned
with their interests. Trailblazers, also had a chance to use the interactive
website 270toWin to create their own election predictions, which served
as a great basis to discuss the election results. Election season is always
great time for authentic learning and hands on activities. This month, we
are starting our next unit on Colonial America.
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
On Halloween,
Visionary teachers
surprised students by
becoming dominos!
Ms. Solorzano, Ms.
Taylor, Ms. Knobloch, Ms. Kennedy,
Ms. Keish, Mr. Petersen, Mr. Johnson,
& Ms. Hesla
6th Grade News - Visionaries
Sharon Solórzano, Visionaries US History Teacher
The Visionary team thanks students and parents for a wonderful first quarter and start to the year. Teachers distributed many
pins for Honor Roll and conduct at our Honors ceremony. Students will begin to earn PRIDE stickers for showing consistent
Kenmore PRIDE throughout the month. PRIDE stickers will
earn students rewards throughout the school year.
Students with signed and completed
WWS (weekly work summaries) were
treated to ice cream, sauces, toppings, and
whipped cream. Thank you parents for assisting with the ice cream scooping, and for
providing our sweet treats!
Reading
In Ms. Taylor’s class, Visionaries are “Reading to
Succeed!” Students are reading a variety of genres
and becoming purposeful and strategic readers. During the first
quarter, students identified the main idea and supporting details,
learned the importance of paying attention to text features when
reading informational text, studied new vocabulary, and created
mind maps. During our study of informational text features,
students learned how to make predictions and how to make sense
of what they read.
Additionally, students used Microsoft One Note to gather and
organize information while exploring text features in a variety of
non-fiction books.
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November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
Science
In the upcoming weeks, students will be introduced to text structures
and will create book talks to present to their classmates in December.
Math
Mr. Petersen reported, “as we finished up the first quarter in math class,
we started to pick up the pace. Once we finish our week of testing and
return from Thanksgiving break we’re going to be firing on all cylinders
and digging deep! Math 6 will be starting a unit on comparing numbers
smaller than a whole unit. This means we’re getting into fractions, decimals, and percents. This unit is all practice, practice, practice because the
more you work with these numbers the more comfortable you get with
them. For math 7 we’re starting everything Algebra; we’re going from
a short unit on properties and expressions into a much bigger unit of
solving equations. These units are critical for students’ success in later
math classes so we’re going to push strong into second quarter.”
English
What is the plot of that narrative text?
Ms. Kennedy’s class has been busy at work determining how the good
readers examine fictional text from a structural sense. We have created
plot graphs in order to determine the how setting, characters and conflict
cause movement within story plot. We have also been exploring figurative language as a means of creating meaning and imagery in our writing
through the creation of “I Am” poems.
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Visionary Scientists have been learning about water
pollution and water quality. They have learned about
seven parameters that test the chemical qualities: pH,
nitrates, phosphates, turbidity, temperature, Dissolved
Oxygen (D.O.), and Fecal Coliform Bacteria (F.C.B.).
Students have analyzed the health of the Rhode River
from our Smithsonian Research Center (SERC) trip.
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
Students will test the water quality of the Four Mile
Run in Bluemont Park. We will compare the data from
the Rhode River to the data collected from Bluemont. I
wonder if our local stream is as healthy.
In US History, Civics & Economics, young historians reflected upon what leadership qualities they prefer in
a presidential candidate. After the election, students wrote journal entries on their thoughts, feelings and questions about the outcome. Students participated in a thoughtful and respectful “turn and talk” with their peers to
gain insights and perspective on the election process.
For our unit on Colonial America, students are learning how to appropriately harness technology to become
focused researchers and digital citizens. Students enrolled in a Google Classroom to access information in new
ways and analyze engaging videos. We will continue to explore interactive websites and apps throughout the
year. Students are enjoying learning more about living during Colonial times.
Ask your children about the story behind Thanksgiving from our Colonial
America unit. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday!
Artwork created by a Kenmore Student
Page 31
November 2016
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The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
Kenmore Calendar
Date
Time
Friday, Nov 18
Saturday, Nov 19
Monday, Nov 21
All Day
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Nov 21
3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov 22
3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov 23
Thursday, Nov 24
Friday, Nov 25
Saturday, Nov 26
Sunday, Nov 27
Tuesday, Nov 29
All Day
All Day
All Day
All Day
All Day
3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Thursday, Dec 1
Thursday, Dec 1
3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Thursday, Dec 1
Friday, Dec 2
Friday, Dec 2
Friday, Dec 2
Monday, Dec 5
Monday, Dec 5
Monday, Dec 5
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
All Day
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
All Day
All Day
2:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec 6
Tuesday, Dec 6
Tuesday, Dec 6
All Day
All Day
2:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec 7
Wednesday, Dec 7
Wednesday, Dec 7
Thursday, Dec 8
Thursday, Dec 8
Thursday, Dec 8
All Day
All Day
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
All Day
All Day
3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Thursday, Dec 8
3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Thursday, Dec 8
Friday, Dec 9
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
All Day
Friday, Nov 18
3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Event
Girls’ Soccer vs. Jefferson - Kenmore Middle School, 200 S Carlin Springs
Rd, Arlington, VA 22204, USA
Report Cards Go Home
Craft and Vintage Market
Boys’ Ultimate Frisbee vs. Jefferson - Thomas Jefferson Middle School,
125 S Old Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22204, USA
Boys’ Basketball @Gunston - Gunston Middle School, 2700 S Lang St,
Arlington, VA 22206, USA
Girls’ Soccer @ Williamsburg - Williamsburg Middle School, 3600 N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207, USA
Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving Break
Boys’ Basketball @Jefferson - Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 125 S Old
Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22204, USA
Boys’ Basketball @Swanson
Girls’ Soccer vs. Swanson @WL - Washington-Lee High School, 1301 N
Stafford St, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
Nutcracker
Early Release
Nutcracker School Performance
Nutcracker
Book Fair
Outdoor Lab
Winter Concert Rehearsal (Grades 7/8) - Kenmore Middle School, 200 S
Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204, USA
Book Fair
Outdoor Lab
Winter Concert Rehearsal - Kenmore Middle School, 200 S Carlin Springs
Rd, Arlington, VA 22204, USA
Book Fair
Outdoor Lab
Choral Concert
Book Fair
Outdoor Lab
Boys’ Basketball vs. Williamsburg - Kenmore Middle School, 200 S Carlin
Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204, USA
Girls’ Soccer vs. Williamsburg @WL - Washington-Lee High School, 1301
N Stafford St, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
Orchestra Concert
Book Fair
Page 33
November 2016
The Kenmore Cougar
Vol. 16, No. 3
Artwork created by a
Kenmore Student
Date
Time
Tuesday, Dec 13
Wednesday, Dec 14
Thursday, Dec 15
Thursday, Dec 15
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
All Day
3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Friday, Dec 16
Thursday, Jan 5 2017
Monday, Jan 9 2017
7:50 p.m. - 8:20 a.m.
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan 10 2017
Wednesday, Jan 11 2017
Thursday, Jan 12 2017
Thursday, Jan 12 2017
Friday, Jan 13 2017
Friday, Jan 13 2017
Monday, Jan 16 2017
Tuesday, Jan 17 2017
Wednesday, Jan 18 2017
Wednesday, Jan 18 2017
Wednesday, Jan 18 2017
Thursday, Jan 19 2017
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
10:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
All Day
All Day
All Day
12:15 p.m. - 2:25 p.m.
2:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
All Day
Friday, Dec 9
Friday, Dec 9
Friday, Dec 9
Tuesday, Dec 13
Page 34
All Day
1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Event
Outdoor Lab
Winter Concert Assembly
Band Concert
Boys’ Basketball vs. Gunston - Kenmore Middle School, 200 S Carlin
Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204, USA
PTA Meeting
Best Buddies (Ft. Myer Bowling)
Author Visit (Joan Trumpauer Mulholland)
Boys’ Basketball vs. Jefferson - Kenmore Middle School, 200 S Carlin
Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204, USA
Kenmore News
MS Transfer Orientation
Spring Orchestra Parent Mtg. - Kenmore Middle School, 200 S Carlin
Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204, USA
PTA Meeting
Bowen McCauley Dance Auditions
Comedy of Errors
Comedy of Errors
Comedy of Errors
Comedy of Errors
Martin Luther King Day (No School)
ACCESS Testing (Globetrotters)
ACCESS Testing (Globetrotters)
Science Fair
Bowen McCauley Dance
ACCESS Testing (Globetrotters)
November 2016
Date
Thursday, Jan 19 2017
Friday, Jan 20 2017
Monday, Jan 23 2017
Tuesday, Jan 24 2017
Tuesday, Jan 24 2017
Wednesday, Jan 25 2017
Wednesday, Jan 25 2017
Wednesday, Jan 25 2017
Thursday, Jan 26 2017
Thursday, Jan 26 2017
Friday, Jan 27 2017
Friday, Jan 27 2017
Saturday, Jan 28 2017
Monday, Jan 30 2017
Tuesday, Jan 31 2017
Tuesday, Jan 31 2017
The Kenmore Cougar
Time
5:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
All Day
2:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
All Day
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
All Day
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
All Day
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
All Day
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
All Day
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Vol. 16, No. 3
Event
Science Night
Inauguration Day (No School)
Talent Show Auditions
National Museum of A. American History and Culture (Fliers)
Talent Show Auditions
ACCESS Testing (140 Main Stream Students)
National Museum of A. American History and Culture
Honors Band Rehearsal
ACCESS Testing (140 Main Stream Students)
Honors Band Rehearsal
ACCESS Testing (140 Main Stream Students)
Honors Band Rehearsal
Honors Band Rehearsal and Concert
National Museum of A. American History and Culture (Explorers)
NAEP Testing (50 8th Graders)
National Museum of A. American History and Culture (6th Grade)
Artwork created by Kenmore Students
Page 35
November 2016
Save the Date
Day
10 Jan 2017
14 Feb 2017
14 Mar 2017
4 Apr 2017
9 May 2017
The Kenmore Cougar
Time
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Vol. 16, No. 3
Event
PTA Meeting - KMS Libary
PTA Meeting - KMS Libary
PTA Meeting - KMS Library
PTA Meeting - KMS Library
PTA Meeting - KMS Library
Artwork created by Kenmore Students
Page 36