SCHOOL DISTRICT OF VOLUSIA COUNTY
November 2014
Volume 3 Issue 3
Tiger Times
Message From the Principal
This school year, Southwestern Middle School will join other designated VCS school in the Food Bring Hopes Program.
FBH, a 501 (c) (3) organization founded by business woman Forough B. Hosseini in 2007, touches more than 500 Volusia County School children and their families through its various initiatives, which include after school programs, Teen
Zone and its weekend grocery bag distribution program.
SMS, Teen Zone group started out in October with a welcome meeting . Throughout the year, students will attend tutoring
as well as fun activities that build self-esteem, respect, positive attitudes and teacher/student relationships.
Our first FBH Teen Zone event will be December 5th, students will enjoy a Musical Gift at the Community News-Journal
Center, Davidson Theater. This annual extravaganza features the Symphonic Band and Concert Choir, along with dance
and theater students in an evening of favorite holiday music. We’ll also attend ERAU Game Night on December 12th.
Students and chaperones will have the opportunity to hear a motivational guest speaker and enjoy the ERAU Basketball
game. SMS currently has 30 students in Teen Zone. Mrs. Sharon Brown, Ms. Tai Presley and Mr. Simon Franklin are the
sponsors.
Sincerely,
Mamie N. Oatis, Principal
One School… One Vision… Excellence!
Southwestern Middle School
DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 822-6815
[email protected]
SMS Celebrates Our Veterans
Southwestern Middle School is thankful for our veterans who have dedicated their lives for our country. On Friday, November 7, 2014 we celebrated with veterans from our community as well as students and families. Our celebration began with a Meet and Greet in the Media center. Veterans and their families were first welcomed by SGA president, Alexa
Bryan. During this time, essays were read by both our principal, Ms. Oatis and CJ Williams. At the conclusion of the
Meet and Greet, our veterans were invited to the Auditorium for a Veterans Day program. Students read essays about
“What Patriotism Means to Me” sponsored by Local VFW/Patriot’s Pen Competition. The story of “America’s White Table” was narrated by Mrs. Sharon Brown, providing the symbology of the items on the table. Special Recognition was
given to Mr. Richard Howe, Retired Navy Veteran, Mrs. Rose Peterson, mother of deployed active duty Sgt. Robert Andrews and the family of former SMS student Cody Miller/ Army-deceased. The ceremony concluded with a Salute to Our
Heroes….A Call to Honor the men and women from each branch of the services.
Artists of the Month from Mrs. Richter’s class
Isabella Lyles (8)- for her handmade book (2nd period)
Trinity Loeffler (6)- for her metamorphosis drawing (3rd period)
Stanley Miller (8)- for his Chinese calligraphy project (6th period)
Terry Edwards (6)- for his metamorphosis drawing (3rd period)
Fernando Ramirez (6)- for his handmade book(s) (3rd period)
Juan Guzman (7)- for his papier mache sculpture (5th period)
Lizzy McRoberts (7)- for her papier mache sculpture and her metamorphosis drawing (5th period)
Chris DiMaggio (8)- for his handmade book (7th period)
Aliyah Molina (6)- for her handmade book and papier mache sculpture (4th period)
Jessica Avila(6)- for her handmade book, her book-page project, and her metamorphosis jewelry (4th period)
Ania Cox (8)- for her handmade book (5th period)
Julissa George(7)- for her book-page wreath (7th period)
Artists will be highlighted second semester in our Museum Exhibit.
Box Tops Challenge!
Congratulations to the 7th grade! They brought in the most box tops for the first quarter of the school year. A total of
6,792 box tops were collected, for a total of $679.20 for the school. We’ve set a goal of $1,500 for the school year. We’re
off to a great start!
Bringing in a box top at lunchtime will allow your student to move to the front of the line. If your student’s grade collects
the most box tops in a quarter, their class will get an ice cream party.
Please continue sending in the box tops. You can follow Southwestern’s progress at the
www.boxtops4education.com
website.
We are no longer collecting the soup labels.
PTSO December Food Drive: Dec. 1 - 16
We are collecting non-perishable food and paper goods (such as paper towels and toilet paper) for our families who are
in need during the month of December. Students may turn in the items to the cafeteria and put it into their grade's box.
The grade that gathers the most items will win a hat and flip flop day in 2015! Which grade is going to win?!?
Thank you for your help. We appreciate anything you can donate!
Students/Parents… START YOUR ENGINES
Race to Read Program
The Race to Read Program encourages reading outside the school day (that’s 20 minutes a day). Parental support and
participation is encouraged. Students record their reading on a bookmark supplied by the Daytona International Speedway. The Program kick-off has begun and completion is set for Friday, January 17, 2015. Last year 3,784 students
completed the program and the incentives were worth over $200,000. All reading teachers are choosing a racing team
as their mascot.
The incentives students may choose from are:
1.
A ticket to the Sprint Unlimited on Feb 14, 2015.
2.
A ticket to the NextEra Energy 250 on Feb 20, 2015.
3.
Two Speedway Tour tickets.
Important Dates for Eighth Graders
Eighth grade students are learning about middle school promotion requirements as well as high school graduation requirements through their History class. Debra Dumas from the Volusia County Marketing & Recruiting Department
shared Career & Technical Education, information and programs.
The Annual High School Showcase will be held at the Volusia County Fairgrounds on December 11th from 5:00 pm–
7:30 pm.
All SMS students are invited to the showcase in order learn more about Career & Technical Education Programs. It is
especially important for 8th grade students and parents to interact with the high school representatives that evening in
order to plan for high school. Applications for the International Baccalaureate Program as well as Academy applications will be available on the same evening.
Additional Important Dates:
December, 2014:
8th grade students will complete a High School Plan in History Class. (This is only a plan, not a
high school schedule)
December 12, 2014:
Media Center.
I.B. & Academy applications will be available online. Applications can be accessed online in the
January 30, 2015:
I.B. & Academy Applications are due to each designated High School.
February 23, 2015:
I.B & Academy Acceptance & Denial Letters will be placed in mail.
March 13, 2015:
Declaration of Intent Letters are due to the designated High School.
TBA, 2015:
be shared later.
8th Grade High School Transitions Fair is being planned for students & parents. A final date will
See Mrs. Moore, SMS School Counselor, for additional information.
Congratulations Brittnyanne Bruk
Congratulations Brittnyanne Bruk for earning a spot in the Florida All State Treble Chorus. After two separate
and rigorous auditions, she’s been selected as one of the finest vocal musicians in the State of Florida. Britttnyanne will
be performing with 200 of the states finest in January at the Florida Music Educators Professional Development
Conference in Tampa, FL. SMS is proud of you!
Tiger Times
Volume 3 Issue 3
Page 4
Tallahassee Field Trip
Congratulations
6th Grade Star Students
Week 10...Leslie Vargas
Week 11…Jordan Singletary
Week 12...Khalid Rahman
Week 13...Thomas Tracey
Attention 7th & 8th Graders
Remaining balance is DUE.
(See Ms. Wilson in the Café)
Missing paperwork needs to be
turned in ASAP.
Mandatory Parent/Student
Meeting ...Wed., Dec. 3
5:30pm in Auditorium
Congratulations
7th Grade Star Students
Marlee Vodek
Congratulations
Denysia Birch
8th Grade Star Students/Team Players
Michael Tatti
Savannah Stocki
Anthony Hernanadez
Vanessa Lomeli
D’asia Small
Zachary Becker
Edward Eldridge
Ariana Orozco
Stefanie Vicente
Tiger Times
Volume 3 Issue 3
Page 5
Mr. D’Orto’s Classes (Odyssey Lab/Civics/Advanced World History)
In light of Veteran’s Day and our responsibility to honor those who served in the military, my 7 th grade Civics class
and my Advanced World History classes wrote essays for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The contest is titled “Why
I Appreciate America’s Veterans.” Several students from all three classes submitted essays, which were sent to compete
for potential honors. All students who turned their essays in by the contest completion date received a special invitation
from Ms. Oatis to attend the Southwestern Middle School Veteran’s Day Celebration. I want to give a special “thank you”
to Ms. Oatis for her assistance in entering the top essays into the VFW contest, as well as for honoring numerous veterans
at the Veteran’s Day Celebration.
My 6th Grade Advanced World History classes will be finishing their unit on ancient Egypt and the Middle East, followed by Unit 3 “Ancient India.” My 7th Grade Civics class will complete Chapter 5 “The Constitution” and then learn about
the three branches of our government: the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judicial branches. All classes will begin their
Volusia County Social Studies project soon; please keep an eye out for the Social Studies Fair packet. This packet lists the
rules and the different types of projects that can be done for the upcoming Social Studies Fair.
My congratulations to many students in my Odyssey Grade Retrieval Lab who finished many nine week periods of
assignments! Remember, all Odyssey Grade Retrieval Lab students need to bring earphones to the lab each day. Students working in the Odyssey Lab may work outside of school by accessing “Online Learning” through VPortal
(www.myvolusiaschools.org).
D.I.Y. Vaccination
It’s the do-it-yourself vaccine that can help keep you healthy! Regular handwashing is a simple, effective way to keep
the germs away and keep you on your feet. Washing your hands is especially important after using the bathroom, handling money, petting a dog or cat, or blowing your nose or sneezing; before eating; and before, during, AND after
preparing food. Plain soap and warm water work just fine, but be sure to use warm water and rub your hand all over
front and back for 20 seconds. If you can’t get to a sink, waterless hand sanitizers will do in a pinch—carry a small bottle
or a package of wipes or towelettes in your locker, purse, car, backpack, and sports equipment bag.
Volusia County Fair Technology Education Event– Dragsters BALSA
Congratulations to our Southwestern Participants
Nathan Ball: Yellow
Alaina Lohsen: Yellow
Alex Batten: Yellow
Liam Marns: Yellow
Zach Batten: Yellow
Collin Nadeau: Yellow
Joshua Buscher: Yellow
Alexander O'Connell: Yellow
Hannah Carlen: Yellow
Michael Pertler: Yellow
Cameron Culbertson: Yellow
Jacob Plante: Yellow
De'Aireon Dukes: Yellow
Jarrett Rogers: Yellow
Caleigh Eberhart: Yellow
Dylan Ruegger: Yellow
Maxwell Grondzik: Yellow
Liam Russell: Yellow
Irvin Hernandez: Yellow
Jacob Thomas: Yellow
Colten Housley: Red - 2nd Place
Brian Uperesa: Yellow
Grace James: Yellow
Zachary Warensford: Yellow
Robert Junkins: White - 3rd Place
Gregory Washington: Blue - 1st Place
Zachary Langrick: Yellow
William Wolford: Yellow
Blue = 1st Place Red = 2nd Place White = 3rd Place Yellow = Honorable Mention
Math Excitement
Zach, the infamous Algebra Nation Teacher on the videos, made a guest appearance in Mrs. Janan’s Algebra class
and the cafeteria during lunch. Zach’s appearance made students EXCITED about math! Selfies and group photos
were taken… Zach signed copies of students’ AlgebraNation workbook and math papers.
AVID Students College Bound
AVID students had their first taste of college life in October during the COLLEGE EXPERIENCE DAY at DAYTONA
STATE COLLEGE. The purpose is for middle school students to experience the college level academic experience;
Daytona State College professors offered Southwestern students an opportunity to experience one day as a college student; one class offering the complete dissection of a feral cat. Although we had only a few skirmish students the excitement and awe of their accomplishment was priceless. Lunch with career counselors and academic advisors were on
hand during a ‘Question & Answer’ session.
AVID students welcomed the following guest speakers: Joshua Wycuff from Volusia County District Office shared his
story of wanting to be a pilot, but his path changed, and he now dedicated to Education. Marcus Lisiki. From the
Department of Transportation, who explained the engineering careers connected with his field. The kids enjoyed his
math problem how many golf balls can you fit in a school bus?
Can you guess?
Community Service Project: THE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER.
V.O.G.U.E. News!
SHOUT-OUT ( Very Outstanding Girls Urging Excellence )
The V.O.G.U.E. girls are off to a great start.
September: Leadership activities
October: ( Step Performance ) Red Ribbon Week
( Step Performance ) Hispanic Heritage Month
Breast Cancer Walk
Upcoming Activities and Events:
November: Collecting personal hygiene items for needy families.
December: Kids Helping Kids Project ( Collect Toys for needy kids )
Winter Wonderland Social
Four Myths about Parent Involvement in Middle School
By increasing engagement, parents and their children will become more comfortable with middle school, sending student
motivation and performance skyrocketing. Parents often have misconceptions about getting involved in middle school.
Here are four common myths about parent involvement in grades 6-8 and how to debunk them.
Myth #1: Children don’t need their parents as much in middle school.
Myth #2: Middle school classrooms don’t need parent volunteers
Myth #3: Middle schools are hard to navigate.
Myth #4: Parents can only participate at school.
This is an excerpt from an article by Katie Wester-Neal. If you would like to read the entire article, please look under the
Parent Section of our Southwestern website.
Media Memo
The Media Center is open in the mornings at 8:20AM and after
school until 4:00PM.
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF
VOLUSIA COUNTY
Southwestern Middle School
605 W. New Hampshire Ave.
DeLand FL 32720-7228
Check out a great feature on our Southwestern
website...click on the bottom right area for
“Show calendar” This will give an up to date
calendar for our school.
Phone: 386-822-6815 or 6700
Fax: 386-626-0060
E-mail: [email protected]
We’re on the Web!
http://schools.volusia.k12.fl.us/southwest/index.htm
Southwestern’s November and December Happenings
Friday, Nov. 21……………………………….………….………...Midterm Report Distribution
Tuesday, Nov. 25………………………………………..………...Tuesday Early Release 2:41pm
Wednesday Nov. 26—Friday, Nov. 28…….…………….……...Thanksgiving Holiday/ School Closed
After School Clubs meet from 3:35-4:45pm Monday-Thursday….unless otherwise notified.
Open Media Night: Monday and Thursday 3:45-5:30….unless otherwise notified. Math/Science Tutoring Every
Wednesday 2:45pm –3:45pm...Mr. Manning: Open Lab Tutoring Mon-Wed-Fri 7:20am-8:45am….STAR Tutoring
Monday and Thursday 4pm-5:05pm.
LOOKING AHEAD
Monday, Dec. 1……………………………………..…….…..…...…...Classes Resume
Tuesday, Dec. 2……………………………………………….……..Intermediate Band Rehearsal 4pm-5pm
Wednesday, Dec. 3…………………………………………………...Early Release Wednesday/Professional Development
Wednesday, Dec. 3……………………………………………………..Choir Rehearsal 3pm-5pm
Wednesday, Dec. 3…………………………………………………….Mandatory Tallahassee Parent Meeting 5:30-6:30pm
Thursday, Dec. 4………………………………………….…………..Advanced Band Rehearsal 4:00-5:00pm
Friday, Dec. 5………………………………..……………………….Food Brings Hope Event 5:00pm-9:30pm
Saturday, Dec. 6………………………………………..…………….Robotics Club( Technical Tigers) Tournament 8am-5pm
Saturday, Dec. 6……………………………………………………….DeLand Holiday Parade/ 5:30pm
Monday, Dec. 8……………………………………………..……..…...SAC 6:30pm, PTSO 7:00pm
Tuesday, Dec. 9……………………………………...……………..….Intermediate Band 4:00-5:00pm
Wednesday, Dec. 10……………………………………..……..…..…..Early Release Wednesday
Wednesday, Dec. 10………………………………………...……..…...Beginning Band Rehearsal 3:00-5:00pm
Thursday, Dec. 11…………………………………………………...…..Winter Concert 6:30-8:00pm
Friday, Dec. 12…………………………………………………………..STEM Day
Friday, Dec. 12……………………………………………………...…….Food Brings Hope Event 4:00-9:00pm
Wednesday, Dec. 17………………………………………………...…...Early Release Wednesday
Wednesday, Dec. 17……………………………………………….……..Winter Wonderland Social 4:00—5:30pm
Thursday, Dec. 18– Friday, Dec. 19…………………………….……….Tallahassee Trip
Friday, Dec. 19…………………………………………………….……….Teacher Duty Day/Student Holiday
Winter Holiday December 20-January 5
Tuesday, Jan. 6……………………………………………………………...Classes Resume
Wednesday, January 7……………………………………………………..Early Release Wednesday