February 2011 Volume 9, Issue 5 Visit us on the web: www.middletownschools.org Keigwin Middle School Principal’s Newsletter 99 Spruce St., Middletown, CT 06457 Tracey S. Koff, Principal Tel #: 860-632-2433 FAX #: 860– 632-2032 — Mr. Jeff Fournier, Assistant Principal Principal’s Message – Mrs. Tracey Koff “Mastering” the Connecticut Mastery Test As you read through this month’s newsletter, you can see that our teachers have been hard at work in providing challenging and engaging instructional opportunities for your children. We continue to provide lessons to strengthen your child’s skills in many areas, and you can help by asking your children about the work that they do at Keigwin each day and by finding ways to have your children use their academic skills at home; reading stories, discussing current events, and using recipes (fractions are fun!) are all ways to make connections between school and home. In approximately four weeks, our students will be involved in the Connecticut Mastery Testing. The purpose of this test is to assess student proficiency in mathematics, reading and writing. Teachers have been working hard to provide your children with the instruction and assistance needed to develop their skills, and we have stressed to the students that their continued diligence is the most important part of achieving success. As we prepare to support our students on these upcoming assessments, I am asking that our parent community commit to joining us in helping your children toward achieving their best. First, be sure that your child arrives Inside this issue: at school on time. Students who are continually late miss important information at the Principal & Assistant Messages start of each day. During test Principal Statement of Nontime, prompt arrival is critical discrimination to your child’s success. Second, encourage your child A Team News T Team News to complete all homework assignments and secure extra K Team News; Health & help from teachers. Wellness; Club News & Celebrations Consistent practice is the best way to improve academic Encore; Scholars in skills. Third, provide Action support and encouragement PTO Dance Flyer for your child during test time by providing good February Calendar of meals, a good night’s sleep, Events; Mr. Mark Fong reach the North Pole in 1909? What do you know about Sarah Walker, who became the first black millionaire in 1910? Did you know that, in 1880, Jan Matzeliger invented the modern shoe form? Were you aware that Benjamin Bannecker was one of our country’s greatest intellectuals in the late 1700’s and was an advisor to Thomas Jefferson? How about Daniel Williams who in 1893, performed the first successful heart surgery to repair a wound? Did you know that, in 1908, Jack Johnson was the heavyweight boxing champion of the world? Isn’t it noteworthy that Charles Drew saved countless lives in World War II by inventing a method to preserve blood for transfusions? 2 3 4 5 6 Congratulations Parent Conferences March 8, 9, & 10th 1:30—4:00 p.m. Assistant Principal’s Message - Mr. Jeff Fournier Dear Keigwin Students, Parents, and Guardians, During the month of February, Keigwin Middle School is celebrating Black History Month in our classrooms with music, art and by reading and writing about the accomplishments of African Americans. So often forgotten or ignored in the past, this month helps us recognize the people of African descent who have made lasting contributions to our lives and country. For example, did you know that Phillis Wheatley, at the age of thirteen and still a slave, became the most famous female poet of the 18th century in England? Did you know that Matthew Henson was the first man to 1 Black history is our American history. Carter G. Woodson, the historian responsible for this celebration expressed in 1926 the hope that “instruction in the accomplishments and equality of races may bring about a reign of brotherhood through an appreciation of the virtues of all races, creeds, and colors.” We at Keigwin Middle School celebrate both that hope and the diversity of our students. It is even more appropriate and noteworthy to remember a historical milestone with the election of our current President Obama as our first black President. As we r e c ogni ze t he s e gr e a t Americans of African descent, may we also use them as role models which we PTO News & Free Tax Prep information 7 Black History Extravaganza flyer 8 Statement of NonDiscrimination The Middletown Board of Education is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, civil union, military or veteran status, national origin, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, or past or present physical or mental disability in any of its education programs, activities, or employment policies. All educational programs and offerings, including vocational e d u c a t i o n a n d extracurricular activities, subscribe to this policy. A Team News—Ms. Coyne & Mrs. Ballachino, Team Leaders Team A News: A Team teachers hope everyone had a great winter break and got some time to relax and enjoy family time. It appears that Mother Nature thinks we need more time off! In between snow days, A team students have been working hard in their studies. However, we have noticed that some students are not completing their homework. We are asking parents to please check your children’s assignment books for homework assignments and to ask your children to show you their completed homework. Thanks so much for your help! World Cultures: This month in World Cultures, we have been finishing up (or at least trying in between our snow days!) our interdisciplinary project researching historic United States events. The students learned about the research process with Mrs. Ballachino and used that knowledge to explore various resources and to find important information about specific historic events. Then students synthesized this research to determine the political, social and economic effects their events had on the American people. Students were also pushed to think about what their lives would be like if these events had never happened. Students are currently working on trifold board display of their findings; my C-period class is using an on-line poster program "Glogster." We hope to take our final projects and create a museum exhibit: "Peek into the Past and Forge into the Future." We would like to invite families to join us in celebrating the students' hard work and to see their wonderful projects. Keep your eyes out for a flyer with more information about this event! Math: A Team math students continue their study of fractions. We are currently multiplying mixed numbers. We will be starting a unit on percents followed by a geometry unit. All classes will be taking the state benchmark math test in the computer lab within the next two weeks. Language Arts: LA classes completed both their poetry unit and a review of the expository essay these past few weeks. Over the next several weeks, students will focus on improving their reading skills by learning about the importance of inference and making connections. These strategies will be reviewed in conjunction with the reading of several biographical sketches. Character traits that are common to heroic figures will be studied as well. Finally, please remind your children to keep reading every night! Science - Starting on January 3, 2011, we began the Properties of Matter unit. I want to stress the importance of being able to calculate the mass and volume of a substance! Soon, we will be moving into the concept of density. Density equals mass divided by volume. Not understanding how to find mass and volume could cause confusion in upcoming units, such as T Team News—Ms. Tanasi, Team Leader Language Arts -”Books Open The Doors To Discovery!” Any students who have read at least one CT Nutmeg Book are asked to vote for the best CT Nutmeg Book Award. During this third term we will focus our independent reading books on biographies, so students can write stronger written reading responses to CMT Strand C on their connections. Some students are doing an excellent job; however, others need to improve their responses. Some students need to replenish their pencil supply or get another 70 page writing journal. They are continuing to proofread their writing using their editing skills as they write their journals and expository essays. We encourage all students to participate in Silent Sounds, which should be typed and handed into Mrs. Hubbard or Ms. Tanasi by the end of the month. This writing piece must be reviewed with students’ language arts teacher before being submitted to this writing contest. They can write a short story, poem (minimum 12 lines), Page 2 or personal/formal essay. Math - In math class students have been working very hard with fractions. We have just finished adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators and are now moving into adding and subtracting mixed numbers. It is extremely important that students continue to do their homework, as it reinforces the skills we learn in class. I would like to say thank you to all the students and families who were so kind to give me gifts before the holiday break. Your kindness is much appreciated! Students, please make sure to practice your math skills over February break. Science - Students in Miss Bielefield’s science classes are now learning about “Matter”. They will learn about topics from density to atoms to the elements and the periodic table. Miss Bielefield is also in the beginning stages of planning a science fair for students to take part in. Officer Derek Puorro will also start the DARE program with T Team students. World Cultures - T Team students finished the unit on Immigration with a presentation of immigrant interviews. They were quite successful. Some students dressed as immigrants and some acquired accents to accurately portray these interesting people. Some students earned extra credit or super work cards by sewing flags or cooking foods from their ethnic backgrounds and sharing them with their classes. The students found our virtual tour by Victoria Confino of 97 Orchard Street, NYC, to be very informative. Victoria was a 13 year-old immigrant who lived in the tenement and "told" us about her life through an interactive game via www.tenement.org We are now studying the economics of the US, which will lead us into our study of the Great Depression. Keigwin Middle School K Team News—Mrs. Adams, Team Leader World Cultures - Just when you thought it couldn't get any colder..........K team W.C. students will be taking a "virtual trip" to Canada! Bundle up! From the Canadian Rockies to the shores of the Great Lakes, students will explore the history, culture, and geography, of our northern neighbor. To help support students with their learning and making real world connections, please watch the news or read the newspaper with them. Ask students what they know about the people and places in Canada. Please discuss any current events that relate to Canada. As always, thank you for your continued support and encouragement of our K team students! We are very proud of them! Language Arts - We are off to a bumpy start in 2011 as Mother Nature has given us this wintery heaven! However, our students are still hitting the books with the same fury as this winter has had. In the shortened month of January, your child has been working hard on creating powerful essays by including elaboration. In class, we are learning a variety of strategies and techniques to help students write and use more detail. We are also banning words from their writing so that dull words are replaced with more vivid, exciting words. Please ask your child to use stronger vocabulary in their everyday language. For example, when your child asks you to do something “fun” because they are “bored,” you can ask them for some synonyms. If they can’t come up with any, then they can continue to be “vexed with boredom.” Hopefully by doing this, they will see just how powerful words can be! Heading into February, we are also continuing with independent reading, but will not be requiring reading logs over the next few months. Please check your child’s agenda book or the K Team website for updates on homework and special events. Even though we are not giving the students reading logs each week, we want to reiterate the importance of completing homework! They will have assignments every day. If they work hard at these, it will be clear, that they will do fine in this new year! Science – K team students in science have started the Matter unit! Students are studying about the different phases of matter and what certain phase changes are called. Students are also differentiating between physical changes and chemical changes as well as learning about and calculating density using a special density formula. In labs, students will be determining densities of regular objects (such as a cube), irregular objects (such as a faucet nozzle), and liquids. Congratulations to December Students of the Month Nyasia Roulhac, Amber Martinez, and Julia Magnano! All necessary paperwork for Students of the Month is due by the end of the month. K Team encourages ALL students who meet the requirements to be Students of the Month! The Bushnell Field trip to see Star Trek will be Friday, February 4. Math - students in Ms. Brzuska's classes are finishing working on adding, subtracting and multiplying fractions and mixed numbers. In the next couple of weeks students are going to learn about probability, different types of graphs as well as the properties of polygons. Please make sure that your child completes homework every night and reviews multiplication and division facts. I Health & Wellness—Mrs. Barone, R.N. In February, letters will be going out with report cards informing parents of physical exam requirements that need to be completed prior to the end of this year so that your child will be allowed into W.W.M.S. Each letter will be specific to that student’s needs for state requirements. If you have any questions regarding the letter, please call the nurse at 860-632-2433. If you DO NOT have a letter attached to your child’s report card it means that your child has completed all State Of Ct. requirements and nothing more is needed. Please remember that if your child is ill with a fever, they will need to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. Also, please remember to CALL the school FIRST THING IN THE MORNING to inform us that your child will be absent or late. The absent days remain UNEXCUSED DAYS if the parent does not call their child out. Cough Drops: In order for your child to carry cough drops in school please submit a hand written note stating that you give permission for your child to do so. This is a directive from our school physician, Dr. Joseph Havlicek. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns you may have. MONTHLY HEALTH HINTS: February is National Heart Month. Remember to limit television, video games and computer time which may lead to a sedentary life style and excessive snacking which increases the risk for obesity and cardiovascular disease. ENCOURAGE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY THAT YOUR CHILD ENJOYS!!! Club News & Celebrations The Saturday Math Academy will be School Family Literacy Connection meeting on February 5 and 12 this month Winners: K Team Winner—Elizabeth at Middlesex Community College. We Hunt; A Team Winner Alyssa Salafia; look forward to seeing you there. Page 3 Honorable Mention: Meghan Long; T Team Winner Schuyler Vazuqez Story: What do we do now? Keigwin Middle School Encore—Mrs. Meehl, Team Leader Spanish—On Monday, January 24, World Language students will change languages: students in Spanish will move to French; students in French will move to Spanish. We are very excited to start our new classes and look forward to meeting our new students. In the next month or so, I will be sending letters home asking you and your child to make a World Language selection for next year at Wilson. By that time, your youngster should have had enough experience in each language to make a good decision for next year. Should you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. Mrs. Vosper Art—We are halfway through our 60 day cycle. Slowly, in between snow days we are finishing up our metal tooling project. We have just about finished our masks. The masks show invented texture, line design, variation, pattern, movement, and unity. The metal tooling project is based on Real or actual texture. Texture you can feel. We again use drawn invented line designs that when transferred to metal take on a different meaning. The kids are doing well and hopefully we will finish all we need to before term ends. Mrs. Meehl Computers—The computer classes have begun looking at Microsoft Publisher. The students have been researching an animal on the Internet and they will use their research to create an informational brochure in Publisher. Once completed, we will begin looking at Excel. All the students have been doing an outstanding job. Mr. Doran Odyssey—It may be cold outside but things are heating up in Mathletics as the Olympic games have officially begun. Mathletes are competing in the Math Olympics with Eastern and Western Hemisphere vying for the gold medal. As teams compete, creative problem solving is taking place, mathematical intuition and skills are being strengthened and diverse thinking is demonstrated through daily math challenges. Stay tuned for the results of the Math Olympics 2011! Mrs. Hall Band—All Keigwin Band members have received band music that we will be practicing and performing in the spring. Band arrangement MP3s can be found on the Keigwin Band web page: Arr/Rec 2010-2011 Students are encouraged to download the MP3slisten, follow along, learn their parts and practice along. Reminders: Band instruments should NOT be left in school over night! ID should be put on instrument cases, sticks & band music folders. Daily performance, preparation and participation weigh heavily into the KB and report card grade. Dave Daddario- Band Director Scholars in Action After School Program— Mr. Rob Arpin Scholars in Action February Scholars will continue to work on their Initiation of Scholars activities into February due to all of the time lost in January from the snow. This is a process by which students are empowered to learn about themselves and students and what it takes for them to achieve success in school. Students participate in a series of discussions and teambuilding activities to develop teamwork, problem solving and interpersonal skills. This is an exciting time for your students! The process will wrap up with a Ceremony of Commitment that will take place on February 9, 2011 at 5:30 in the auditorium. We hope to see everyone there! Look out for us on TV!!! Starting in February, a group of ten students will have the opportunity to learn about television and video production. Through this choice enrichment activity, students will shoot footage of happenings in our afterschool program and at Keigwin. With the help of high school mentors who have taken these classes, students will be putting together a news broadcast. We hope to air the final productions on public access. Students in the Fire group participate in a group activity where they have to line up in order of age with out speaking. Students are sharpening their problem solving and non-verbal communication skills. School Based Health Center News The Keigwin School-Based Health Center is now providing a Peer Mediation Program to all Keigwin students. Peer Helpers have been trained to facilitate and help resolve conflicts between their peers. Such conflicts include but are not limited to: gossiping, name calling, rumors, teasing and relationship difficulties. The program Page 4 will provide students the opportunity to copy of the agreement will be provided learn how to resolve conflicts to a school administrator. peacefully and will help students develop their communication skills. All mediations will be supervised by Health Center staff. School Administration can refer and sign students up for mediations. Upon successful resolutions, disputing Keigwin Middle School PTO NEWS Keigwin Snowflake Dance Friday February 4th, 2011 7-9 pm $6.00 per ticket Dance Guidelines Students must attend school on the day of the dance to participate. Students must wear appropriate dress to the dance. A discipline referral may result in losing the privilege of attending the dance. Students on probation may not attend. Please have your child return the form(s) to his/her homeroom teacher. Tickets will be sold only in homeroom the week of the dance until February 2nd. Tickets will be handed out in homeroom. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR OR ON THE DAY OF THE DANCE. Tickets are NOT refundable. No early drop-offs! -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*Please fill out this portion completely and RETURN to HR teacher WHEN PURCHASING TICKETS Ticket Sales Thursday 1-27; Monday 1-31; Tuesday 2-1 & Wednesday 2-2 **Please Note: NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AFTER HOMEROOM ON WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 2ND. MY CHILD HAS PERMISSION TO ATTEND THE DANCE. Homeroom/ Team # Mr/Mrs. will come into the gym at 9:00 pm promptly to pick up this student. Parent Signature: Emergency Contact Name: Phone #: "**************************************************************************************** ************** **Please fill out and RETURN THIS PORTION BY FEBRUARY 2ND to your child’s homeroom teacher if you can volunteer and/or donate snacks.** Donation of Snacks should be limited to one bag of chips, one tray of baked goods and or one bottle of juice. Thank you. Yes, I will help chaperone (contact Pauline Rankins at [email protected] or call: 860-346-7020) Yes, I will help set up (5:00pm on day of dance) Yes, I will help clean up-begins immediately after dance –goes quickly with many hands Yes, I will donate drinks/snacks. PLEASE NOTE: The students from each team are asked to donate refreshments for the dance; K team- healthier snacks , A team-baked goods and T team- drinks. Drop off non-perishables any time during the week of the dance; perishables on the day of the dance. I will bring Child’s Name/Team Your Name/Contact Info: Phone Page 5 email Keigwin Middle School February S u Mon 3 31 Day 1 0 Hambur/cheeseburg on wheat roll, sweet pepper strips, potato wedges Alt: cheese pizza 6 7 Day 2 Chicken & cheese quesadilla, side of salsa, Mexican rice, kernel corn Alt: Cheese pizza 1 14 3 Tue Wed 1 Day 2 2 Day 1 X Day Crispy chicken patty American cheese, L&T on wheat roll, crinkle cut fries Alt: Jamaican beef patty Mozzarella sticks, side of marinara sauce, garlic bread stick, garden salad Alt: grilled cheese 8 Day 1 6:30pm PTO mtg. **LAST DAY TO PURCHASE DANCE TICKETS IN HOMEROOM! Thu Fri 3 Day 2 4 Day 1 3-4pm Yearbook Club 2nd term report Beef Qyesso Casserolecards distributed Seasoned beef with diced 7-9pm PTO tomatoes, onion, peppers, sponsored dance spices, ched. Ch. Mixed with white rice, kernel corn, warm tortilla wrap Alt: chix/ch Quesadilla 6” French bread pizza with cheese or sausage topping, carrot sticks Alt: Fish filet sliders 9 Day 2 X Day 10 Day 1 11 Day 2 Grilled cheese on wheat bread, pickle chips, carrot sticks, chicken & rice soup Alt: Jamaican beef patty Shells with meat sauce, garden salad, French dinner roll Alt: Grilled cheese 3-4pm Student Council Chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, parmesan crusted broccoli, soft wheat dinner roll Alt: chix/Ch Quesadilla 5” personal pizza with cheese or hamburger topping, Caesar salad Alt: fish filet slider 15 16 17 18 Winter Recess Break—Classes Resume Tuesday February 22, 2011 2 21 0 No School Presidents Day 2 28 Day 1 7 22 Day 1 23 Day 2 X Day Hot dog on a bun with condiments, potato puffs, pickle chips Alt: Jamaican beef patty Penne pasta with Marinara sauce, 2oz. Mozzarella cheese, Caesar salad, cheesy garlic flatbread Alt: Grilled cheese March 1 Day 2 2 Day 1 X Day CMT testing begins 24 Day 1 1/2 day session Meatball grinder with Marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, sweet pepper strips, seasoned sliced cucumbers Alt: Chix/Ch Quesadilla 3 Day 2 25 Day 2 7:30am Principal Coffee Hour S at 5 1 2 1 9 2 6 Stuffed crust pizza with cheese or pepperoni topping, carrot sticks Alt: Fish filet sliders 4 Day 1 3rd term interim reports distributed Congratulations to Mark Fong and Mike Pitruzzello! The CHSCA (CT High School Coaches Association) has chosen Mark Fong as the recipient for this years “Outstanding Coach of the Year” award. They have also chosen Mike Pitruzzello as “Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year”. They will be receiving an award at a dinner at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on Thursday, May 12th. Page 6 Keigwin Middle School PTO News Campbell’s Soup Winners— A special thank you goes to all that participated! The results of our collection drive that ended January 14th is as follows: T Team collected 1,232 points; A Team collected 128 points and K Team collected 47 points. T Team wins the collection drive. Their prize is a movie at the school. Permission slips will go home with the date and movie determined by T team teachers. REMINDER — PTO MEETING WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 3RD - Time: 6:30 TO 7:30 IN THE LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER • Hear important topics from the Principal and Assistant Principal • Find out the latest news from the teachers • Find out about upcoming events • Make your voice heard! Free Tax Preparation 2011 Call to schedule your appointment today! Free income tax assistance by IRS trained and certified volunteers is available at the local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites for people with incomes under $50,000. Volunteers will ensure that you are filing for all of the tax credits for which you are eligible. You can save up to $150 in tax preparation services alone. United Way 2-1-1 will schedule an appointment for you after January 10. Simply dial 2-1-1 on your phone. Appointments will be scheduled for January 22 - April 12, 2011, evenings and Saturdays. There are two downtown Middletown VITA locations: Middlesex United Way, 100 Riverview Center, Suite 230• NEAT, 668 Main Street• Last year, local VITA sites helped more than 250 people file their taxes. On average, individuals received $1,898 back. Please see the other side for important information about what you need to bring with you!Middlesex United Way What you need to bring with you to your appointment: • Valid picture ID • Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for you, your spouse and any dependents living with you born before Dec. 31, 2009 • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents • Documentation for all income from employers, Social Security or pensions including forms W-2, 1099-R, etc. • Documentation is also required for deductible education expenses and student loan payments • Interest and dividend statements from banks or other financial institutions (Forms 1099) • Total paid for child care. Bring day care provider’s address and tax identifying number (the provider’s Social Security Number or business Employer Identification Number) • A copy of last year’s Federal and State income tax returns, if available • Current year’s tax package, if you received one Have your refund deposited directly to your checking account. If you have a checking account, bring a checkbook or a voided check with you or a statement with your bank account name, number and the 9-digit American Bankers Association (ABA) routing number. Contact your bank if you need assistance identifying the ABA number. You could qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Call United Way 2-1-1 after January 10to set up an appointment for free tax help!Simply dial 2-1-1 on your phone. This VITA site is run by the Middlesex VITA Coalition, under the sponsorship of Middlesex United Way and the Middlesex Coalition for Children. Two quick ways to get your refund — usually within a week: 1) Through DIRECT DEPOSIT to your bank account or 2) Through a special DEBIT CARD available at the VITA sites and honored at stores. Page 7 Keigwin Middle School
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