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October 2014

École Intermédiaire Lawrence Grassi Middle School

610 7th Street

Canmore, Alberta T1W 2H5

Principal: Brian Wityshyn

Email: brian.wityshyn@crps.ca

Attendance hotline: 403-678-6006 ex. 1

Dear Parents,

What an amazing month it has been! It is hard to believe a month has

already gone by. With the transition of our grades 4 students this year to

Grassi, it has been extremely satisfying to see how well they have adapted

to their new surroundings. It feels like they have been here all the time. I

must say thank you to all the amazing kids who come to school every day

to learn and play and to the parents who support and encourage their kids

as they navigate life as a Lawrence Grassi student. There is no doubt the

support you provide your children has a major impact on their success.

It has been and exciting month so far. I would like to take the time to

welcome several new members to our LGMS family since September. I

would like to say welcome back to Mme. Renee Provencher who has

returned from maternity leave. As well, her teaching partner Ms. Rowan

Hill who not only teaches grade 7 English Language Arts, she also teaches

our grade 7 Art Option. I would like to welcome Ms. Kathy Glowinski as

our new grade 5 English teacher. As well as Mme. Martine Desaultels and

Mme. Julie Grondin as our grade 8 and grade 7 French Immersion

teachers. Almost all our classes in both the English and French programs in

grades 4 to 8 have classes in the low twenties. This is wonderful news for

our students and teachers. We would also like to welcome Ms. Jolene

and Ms. Amy who join LGMS as Educational Assistants. We are very

happy to have these amazing people join our team! I would also like to

wish Mrs. Marg Hauck a Happy Retirement! Last year was her last year

here at Grassi and she was truly a Master Teacher. All the best to her in

her new endeavours.

This month our focus is on EFFORT. I want to congratulate everyone on

their efforts of raising $1202.85 for our Terry Fox Run we had in

September. What an amazing run and participation by all! As you send

your child to school each month – challenge him/her to put in an honest

effort at school. What is honest effort, how will I know when I am putting

in my best effort, and why should I care? Effort on its own may not take us

anywhere – we need a plan and a commitment to ensure that our honest

effort will yield the results we are looking for! As Winston Churchill once

said, “Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key

to unlocking our potential.” On behalf of Lawrence Grassi Middle

School, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a Safe

Halloween!

Principal Brian Wityshyn

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School Operation Items

We would like parents to review with their children the use of cell phones and IPODS at school We recognize that many electronic devices are becoming common place for our students, the school continues to address appropriate guidelines for their use. To ensure the safety and privacy of all students and staff and to ensure that the educational environment is not disrupted:

· Recording devices (which include cell phone cameras) should not be brought to school (video, digital and audio recording devices are not to be used in any classroom without the consent of the classroom teacher)

· Cell phones must be turned off and left in the student’s locker during class time

· Operation of any electronic device (other than approved calculators) is strictly prohibited in testing situations or where test materials are present.

Items in violation of this school policy will be confiscated, given to administration and released to the student at the end of the day. A second offence will again result in confiscation of the item and it will only be released to a parent.

We appreciate your support in helping us to provide a safe environment for all of our students. We believe that education in appropriate use and proper etiquette with regard to technology will allow our students to be better users of technology.

To assist you in getting organized for the 2014/15 school year, here is some information regarding our school:

1. School Calendar

LGMS will continue the “week-at-a glance” emails to parents to keep everyone informed on what’s happening at our school. Look for an email from Linda every Friday. The one page coloured CRPS divisional calendar was sent home with students in their report cards in June. It can be viewed on the CRPS website: www.crps.ca under documents - calendars

2. Newsletter

The monthly school newsletter will be posted on our website at www.lgms.crps.ca Please contact Audrey in the school office if you require a hard copy of the newsletter at audrey.englot@crps..ca

3. Lost and Found

Smaller articles (e.g. eye glasses) are kept at the office. Other lost articles ie. clothing, water bottle, lunch bags, etc. are kept in a large bin in the front entrance. Before holidays in December, March, and June, all articles are displayed for students and parents in the foyer. After the viewing period, all unclaimed items are donated to charity. Please ensure that valuable items are not brought to school.

4. Absences

If your child is going to be absent or late, please call as soon as possible - 403-678-6006—Press 1 for the Attendance Line. The message should include the date, the name of caller and student name and the reason for the absence. (i.e.: Medical Appointment/Ill with the Flu/Cold etc) It is expected that parents call for every day the child is absent. Daily emails will be sent to parents if students have an unexcused absence or late.

5. Lates

If your child is late for the morning or afternoon session, she/he must report to the office upon arrival. Please send a note or leave a message on the attendance line at 678-6006– Press 1 as to the reason for the tardiness.

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School Operation Items, continued

6. No Wheels on the Field

In the interest of student safety, there will be no wheels on the playing field during school hours. Scooters must be folded at all times in the school and inline skates must be put on and removed at the door. Skateboards must be kept in lockers during the day, and bikes locked in bike racks in the designated bike lockup area.

Thanks for your cooperation.

7. Information on Transportation

If you would like to receive information from our Transportation Department, please send an email to barb.quinn@crps.ca and you will be added to their distribution list.

School Instructional Hours – Grades 4 - 8

The school doors will open at 8:10 a.m. for students wishing to attend early morning gym or do homework in the

gathering area.

Warning bell at 8:40 a.m.

School instructional hours are:

8:45 a.m. – 3:20 p.m. Monday-Friday

Recess is from 10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Lunch is from 12:00 – 12:55 p.m. (warning bell at 12:45 p.m.)

Early dismissal days:

Classes begin - 8:45 a.m.

Dismissal - 12:01 Noon

Parking & Student Drop off/pickup

Please note student drop off/pickup and parking is available on 7th Avenue—in front of the school– please check town signage for exact locations.

The Bus Loop in the back of the school is for Bus pickup & drop off ONLY.

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Lawrence Grassi Middle School 2014 -2015 Staff List Staff email addresses: firstname.lastname@crps.ca

Principal: Mr. Brian Wityshyn Vice Principal: Mme Nadine Trottier

ENGLISH PROGRAM: FRENCH IMMERSION:

4 Mr. Jon Krohe 4 Mme Karen Girouard

4 Ms. Alysa Amirault 4/5 Mme MJ Santerre

4 Mme Hood

5 Ms. Kathie Glowinski 5/6 Mr. Bruno Veilleux

5 Ms Ronda Krasnodemski

6 Ms. Marilyn Reid 6 Mme Nadine Delorme/Mme Nadine Trottier

6 Mr. Doug Booth

7 Mr. Shaun McQueen 7 Mme Rene Provencher/Mrs Rowan Hill

7 Mme Cori Fraser 7 Mme Julie Grondin

8 Ms. Kelly Smith 8 Mr. Stephane Vallee

8 Mrs. Sonja Howatt 8 Mme Martine Desultels

SPECIALISTS:

Counsellor Ms. Carol Falloon

Music/Band Ms. Lisa Murphy

Grade 4 Music Ms. Suzanne Morley

Phys. Ed Ms. Andrea Quinlan

Phys. Ed Mr. Derek Rose

Learning Support Ms. Janis Bekar

Learning Support Ms. Joanne Pillar

EDUCATION ASSISTANTS:

Mrs. Janet Krausert Ms. Shelly Lawrence

Ms. Jolene Craig Ms. Amy Kellner

Mrs. Carol Sykes Ms. Natalie Faubert

OFFICE SUPPORT & LIBRARY & HOUSEKEEPING

Admin. Assistant Ms. Linda Brunet

Admin Assistant Mrs. Audrey Englot

Library Tech Mrs. Renée Husdal

Daytime Housekeeper Mrs. Jo-Anne Wilson

LUNCHTIME SUPERVISORS:

Sheila Leong Cheryl Carrier

Jo-Anne Wilson Rene Husdal

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Important Dates

October 2 LGMS Council Meeting 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

October 8-10 Grade 7 and 8 Band Camp at Camp Caroline (details will go home with Band Students

October 8 Grade 6 Jumping Pound Field Trip – depart at 8:50 am – 6A/6B

October 9 Grade 6 Jumping Pound Field Trip – depart at 8:50 am – 6C/6D

October 10 PLC Friday – All classes dismissed at 12:01 p.m.

October 13 Thanksgiving – No school

October 15 Public Health Unit

October 23 Chess Club begins – meet in room 173 at 12:15

October 23 Parent – Student – Teacher Goal Setting Evening - 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

October 23 & 24 Scholastic Book Fair -

October 24 Parent – Student – Teacher Goal Setting 9-3 pm – no school for Students

November 07 PLC Friday – All classes dismissed at 12:01 p.m.

November 7-9 Vic Lewis Music Festival in Canmore (Grade 7 & 8 Band Students)

Chess Club Mme Delorme will be running the Chess Club starting on Thursday October 23 Room 172 at 12:15. The Chess Club is open to students in grades 4 – 6.

Writers’ Workshop A weekly lunch hour workshop will begin on Tuesday, September 30th. This club will meet every Tuesday in the computer lab and is open to students in grades 5 – 8. Local author Ruth Kerr will be working with the group. There will be special events throughout the year like reading at Mountain FM, with the biggest highlight of writing their own book and publishing it!!!

Special Event in the Library

Scholastic Book Fair is coming!

Thursday October 23 and Friday October 24.

Book Fair hours to be announced.

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Lets Talk Lunch

1. LUNCH HOUR SUPERVISION PROGRAM

All grade 4, 5 & 6 LGMS students are expected to be at school during the lunch hour. Any exceptions to this must be indicated in writing from the parents. Notes may be written for specific days or for the entire school year.

Students in grades 7 & 8 may have permission to leave school grounds. Forms were sent home to parents for their consent and must be submitted to the office.

Students are supervised while eating and on the playground after lunch. Problems arise when large numbers of students go downtown over the lunch hour. This results in many complaints from the businesses on Main Street.

In order to ensure students’ safety and in an attempt to be a good neighbour, we request your assistance in this.

2. FOOD FOR LEARNING

The Food for Learning program is a voluntary program available to students of Lawrence Grassi Middle School. It is made possible through the partnership and volunteer efforts of the school and the Community. The program is intended to support the children of families who are having difficulty providing a nutritional, balanced lunch for their child. It is available, free of charge, to children who attend LGMS. Students who are on this program will not be allowed to go downtown to buy lunch (unless a specific day is requested).

This is not a fee-for-service program. It is supported by community and corporate donations with the help of dedicated volunteers, Parents or guardians can refer their child or children to the program by completing a consent form at the LGMS school office. Any donations to this program would be greatly appreciated. Please contact our School Counsellor, Ms. Carol Falloon if you have any further questions— carol.falloon@crps.ca

3. PIZZA DAYS

Pizza Days for all grades will start in October.. This is a great fundraiser for the school. Order forms have been sent home. Pizza Days are scheduled for October 15, 29, November 12, 26, December 10, January 7, 21, February 4, 25 March 11, April 8, 22 and May 6, 20. Contact Wendy McGregor (jwhendry@shaw.ca) or Sandy Scurfield (sanscurf@gmail.com) with any questions.

4. MILK PROGRAM

The milk program is up and running. Students enrolled in the LGMS Milk Program will receive a 250ml carton of chocolate milk OR 2% white milk everyday of the ordered period for a cost of 80 cents per carton. Students can be enrolled in any period or in all 3 periods. There will be no monthly enrolment. We ask that the students recycle their carton in the containers that are provided at the school as the deposit fee is not included in the price.

Forms were sent to parents via email from the homeroom teachers– Hard copy forms are available from the main office.

LGMS Milk Program Manager: Marie-Josee Santerre: mariejosee.santerre@crps.ca

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Goal Setting

Goal Setting Interviews at Lawrence Grassi Middle School:

''To empower students to be their finest-Today and Tomorrow"

"Encourager les élèves à faire de leur mieux aujourd'hui et demain!"

What does the research say?

Purpose: The purpose of setting goals at Lawrence Grassi Middle School is for each student to achieve significant improvement in learning. By taking ownership of their learning, students have the potential to achieve their goals.

Based on research, the goal setting interview includes:

· Clarifying and sharing the intentions and criteria for goals.

· Engineering a discussion and recording the actions needed to achieve the goal.

· Providing support and feedback from parents, students, peers, and others that move the students forward.

· Activating students as owners of their own learning.

Activating students as an instructional resource for themselves and others through motivation, interest, and self-assessment.

(Adapted from Dylan Wiliam, Changing Classroom Practice, Educational Leadership, Vol. 64, no.4, 2007)

Clarifying and Sharing: Parental engagement in their children’s lives and education is essential for successful learning. Student learning and performance improves when parents have the opportunity to participate as part of the team in their child’s learning. Teachers, parents and other supports can be the students’ greatest advocates by helping them to understand the purpose of a goal and the steps and actions to help them achieve their goals.

Teachers and parents often assume that students share a commitment to attaining goals, but the reality is that developing this shared commitment to academic goals needs to be nurtured and built. According to Hattie (2007), students need to know:

Where am I going?

What are the goals?

How am I doing?

What progress is being made toward the goal?

Where to next?

What activities need to be undertaken to make better progress?

According to Tomlinson (2005), the sort of change we need to revitalize students, teachers, and schools necessarily has one focus—creating classrooms where each student is coached in becoming the best educated, most productive person possible.

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Goal Setting continued Charting Progress: Establishing and communicating learning goals alone do not suffice to enhance student learning. Rather, once goals have been set, it is natural and necessary to track progress (Marzano, 2007). Tracking progress is an engaging tool for students as they can clearly see where they are going and how far they have come.

According to Marzano, (2007), students like to see a chart which indicates where they have started and where they would like to be. It also gives them a visual as to which actions they need to take to achieve their goal. The chart has places for students to identify the progress they wish to make and the things they are willing to do to make that progress (Marzano, 2007). During goal setting interviews, the students are able to clearly indicate how they can achieve their next goal based on the evidence in their portfolio. Portfolios provide the means of collecting examples of student work and reflecting on the progress over time. Students will be able to identify potential setbacks and obstacles, and how to overcome them.

Feedback: Parents, administrators, peers, and teachers all have a role to play in giving the feedback to the students and guiding them in the next steps for their learning. According to Hattie (2007), to be effective, feedback needs to be clear, purposeful, meaningful, and compatible with students’ prior knowledge and to provide logical connections.

Feedback provides students with information regarding their progress toward that target. Goal setting and feedback used in tandem are probably more powerful than either one in isolation. In fact, without clear goals it might be difficult to provide effective feedback (Marzano, 2007). Locke (1990) also supports the importance of feedback in attaining goals. He states that feedback allows learners to set reasonable goals and to track their performance in relation to their goals so that adjustments in effort, direction, and even strategy can be made as needed.

Owners of their own learning: Students learn that effort is a factor in taking the steps to achieve their goal. Reinforcing effort can help teach students one of the most valuable lessons they can learn—the harder you try, the more successful you are. In addition, providing recognition for attainment of specific goals not only enhances achievement, but it stimulates motivation (Marzano, 2007). Engaging the learners’ intrinsic motivation is a powerful strategy (Williams, 2003). All students at LGMS will take ownership of their learning by engaging in goal setting strategies with support from parents, teachers, and others.

Mission Statement:

Creating dynamic learning environments that ensure student success.

Article submitted by Mrs. Sandra Duggleby

Formal report cards will be issued in in December and at the end of June.

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Music Notes by Ms. Murphy

Welcome back everyone! Welcome back to another year of music and band! I am looking forward to working with all my new students and they seem keen for another year of music! Please encourage your child to practice as much as they can at home. Even 10-15 minutes a day goes a long way to improving their sound and their skills.

The LGMS Music Program has a number of activities happening during the first term. Here are some dates for your calendar.

BAND CAMP- CAMP CAROLINE- OCTOBER 8TH, 9TH, 10TH- For all grade 7,8 band students. More information will be handed out in class. I still require three parents to help supervise. This activity is optional and there is a cost involved. I hope all the students can make it!

BAND PARENTS’ MEETING- THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16TH AT 7:15 P.M. IN THE MUSIC ROOM. Open to all grade 5-8 band parents who interested in helping out with the music program. Your input and help is needed!

REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6th Rob Vanderlee and Cadets to attend. Time TBA

VIC LEWIS BAND FESTIVAL- NOVEMBER 7th, 8th, 9th - Canmore, Alberta. This is a very special festival that is open to all grade 7, 8 band students. In honouring Vic Lewis a former musician and teacher in the Bow Valley students can celebrate music by performing and participating in workshops. More information to follow. There is a registration fee.

LGMS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT- WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17th 7:00 p.m. – IN THE LGMS GYMNASIUM more details to follow.

LGMS ANNUAL POINSETTIA FUNDRAISER- CALLING FOR ANY PARENTS TO HELP OUT WITH OUR ANNUAL MUSIC FUNDRAISER- We require a coordinator, drivers, sellers to help out with this fundraiser which is the primary source of funds for our music program. Volunteers will be required for the tentative delivery date of December 10th p.m., plus December 11th and 12th

Email Ms.Murphy at lisa.murphy@crps.ca

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Sport Shorts and News from the Gym Early morning gym is up and running five days a week starting at 8:10. Attendance has been fantastic. Entrance to the gym is via the side doors by the bus loop. Intramurals are also in full swing running during the lunch hour. The intramural schedule is as follows: Monday and Wednesdays are grade 8, Tuesdays and Thursdays are grade 7 and Fridays are reserved for grade 4,5 and 6. The boys and girls volleyball teams are just beginning their season. This year we have 8 volleyball teams participating. These teams would not be possible without the amazing volunteer efforts of our Coaches. We would like to recognize Sly Wickham and Andrea Quinlan, grade 8 boys coaches. Julie Grundin and Warren Jobbitt grade 7 boys , Jackie Downer and Karen Greene, the grade 7 girls coach and Jon Krohe with Cori Belaru grade 8 girls coach. All teams practice or play games twice a week with tournaments throughout the season. The Canmore Nordic Center is once again the site for our junior high x-country zone finals. It will be a busy day with over 1000 athletes competing on October 3. This year our grade 4,5 and 6 students are invited to participate. I am looking for 4 volunteers to help course marshal, a few volunteers to pin numbers on kids at the school and ride up on the bus. Please give me a shout if you can help out. The annual Terry Fox Run was a huge success. Students raised more money than ever and our participation rate was incredible. Thanks to all the staff and parent volunteers Kari, Garth and Adam who helped with this event. Important Dates October 3 grade 8 boys volleyball tournament OLS

October 8 South Central Zone Xcountry championships

October 15 grade 8 girls volleyball tournament at Exshaw

October 16/17 mountain bike over night hut trip

October 17/18 grade 8 volleyball tournament

October 22 grade 7 volleyball tournament

November 1 grade 7 volleyball tournament

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Terry Fox Run Lawrence Grassi Middle School participated in the Terry Fox Run on Wednesday, September 24th. As a way to have the students raise money for Terry Fox, Mr. Wityshyn committed to have cream pies thrown at him by the class who had raised the most money. Students were encouraged to donate a twoonie for Terry. If every student and staff member donated a twoonie, we would raise $850.00. If we reached this amount the pies would fly!! We surpassed our goal and raised $1,202.85. The pies did fly!! Mrs. Glowinski’s grade 5A class had the honour of throwing the pies at Mr. Wityshyn.

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The pies were flying!

Thank you Mr. Wityshyn for being such a good sport and great aim 5A !!

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Harvest Day at Lawrence Grassi.

Ms. Smith and her grade 8 students harvested fresh greens from our community garden. They shared the bounty with

the school on October 1st by having a salad day at lunch. Students and Staff enjoyed and appreciated the special treat.

Ms. Smith homemade dressing recipe was amazing!

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LGMS SCHOOL COUNCIL

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