JANUARY 7 PTSA Meeting - Casey Library 7:00 p.m. 15 Chorus 5/6 & Orchestra 5/6 Concert 7:00 p.m. Casey Auditorium 16 Grade 5/6 Sports & Socializing Night 7:00-8:30 p.m. 19 Martin Luther King Day - No School 21 Common Core Curriculum - Aud 6:30-8:00 p.m. 22 Band 5 & Jazz Band Concert 7:00 p.m. Casey Auditorium 29 Student Government sponsored Roller-Skating 6-8:00 p.m. Party - Rainbow Skateland (Lockport)

Winter Recess

December 20, 2014 thru January 4, 2015

NO SCHOOL

Classes resume on Monday, January 5, 2015.

North will be hosting an

orientation for prospective

freshmen on

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

at 6:15 p.m. in North's Auditorium.

Parents and Students invited.

MR. FRANCIS B. MCGREEVY PRINCIPAL Greetings from Casey Middle School Dear Parents and Students: The Casey Community has so much to be grateful for. I think it is important to communicate our thankfulness and to create a culture of gratitude. We remind our students to demonstrate their appreciation to those around them who enrich their lives. This practice helps us all to value one another. All parents should receive an email invitation to our evening presentation on the Common Core Curriculum. We hope everyone will be able to attend on January 21, 2015 from 6:30-8:00 pm. We are happy to have district Administration Mr. Chris McGinley and Mrs. Gail Militello as contributors. We will begin in the auditorium and then parents will be given the opportunity to attend a Common Core 5/6 or 7/8 Math lesson. Please respond via WITS or by calling the Guidance Office to let us know if you will attend.

A special thank you to our PTSA and Mrs. Lori Rizzo for an outstanding Fall Fun Night on November 7th. The gym and cafeterias were filled with happy students, parents and teachers. A great time was had by all. Events like this go a long way in building the Casey Community. Thank you to Mrs. Heather Frisicaro for running and organizing the Scholastic Book Fair. The “Snovember Storm” may have cut it short but we appreciate all her efforts. Many long hours of hard work helped make this event a success. The funds raised through the book fair support our own Casey Library. On November 26 we held our annual Geography Bee in the school auditorium. The auditorium was packed throughout the afternoon as our students were so amazed by their fellow students who participated in the bee. I want to congratulate our 1st place winner, Andrew Lin, 2nd place Ian Endres and 3rd place Ronny Vincent. I also want to thank Mrs. Chirayath for organizing and running the outstanding bee and Mr. Ring for serving as a judge and to Mr. Dobmeier for being our MC. Stay tuned for the Spelling Bee, which takes place on December 19. Please note Open Enrollment guidelines: The Office of Student Services must receive written requests for open enrollment for the 2015-16 school year by February 1, 2015 for all school levels. Parents must submit a letter requesting open enrollment, including parents of eighth graders who, in the past, simply submitted a district form. They too will need to submit the form and write a letter of request before the February 1st deadline. Please contact your child’s current school of attendance for more information, or call the Office of Student Services at 716-626-8007. I am most proud of the passion for teaching demonstrated by our teachers which is evidenced in their enthusiasm, their preparation and their care for our students. The passion is contagious and goes a long way in promoting student engagement. I have really enjoyed seeing many parents at the conferences in late November. I am grateful for your support and interest. The interest is reflected in our student’s outstanding effort and high achievement. I hope you enjoy a happy holiday season with friends and family. With gratitude, Francis B. McGreevy Principal

CASEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2015

FEATURING

PTSA NEWS

Mr. Peter Dobmeier

Assistant Principal We are well past the midpoint of the second quarter already. It is hard to believe that just a few weeks after the New Year, the first half of the school year will have come to an end. The New Year provides us with a time to reflect on all that we have accomplished since September, as we look forward to the challenges and successes that await us this winter and spring. While our students continue to excel in the classroom, they also continue to make us proud through the work they do in the community. During December, students and staff continued their involvement in our theme for the year, “Take Action.” Casey Faculty led a book drive to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo. With the support of our students and families, we were able to donate over 30 boxes (and 1,000 pounds) of books! A number of students also participated in our “Fill the Fitness Room with Food” program, sponsored by the Physical Education Department and Casey’s Rachel’s Challenge club, to benefit those in need during the holiday season. During the coming months, our Student Government and Shared Decision Making team will continue to collaborate in sponsoring a sock drive for Friends of the Night People, the spring fundraiser for Juvenile Diabetes, and a number of other worthwhile service programs. The work of these groups captures only a snapshot of the everyday acts of kindness that occur in the Casey community. This pattern of kindness and generosity is an illustration of the daily attention we give to promoting sound social values within our students. We recognize that character education begins at home, and we thank our parents for all they have done to contribute to this environment at Casey. Best wishes to all for a successful and memorable New Year!

Let me, tonight look back across the span Twixt dawn and dark, and to my conscience say-

Because of some good act to beast or human- The world is better that I lived today.

-Ella Wheeler Wilcox

* * * * * * * * * * * Casey Middle School

2014-2015 PARENTS AND STUDENTS

Please plan accordingly…..there will be NO EARLY MORNING ACTIVITIES OF ANY KIND on the following dates due to faculty meetings.

NO students will be admitted to the building prior to 8:45 am on: January 8, 2015 February 5, 2015

March 5, 2015 March 26, 2015

May 7, 2015 June 4, 2015

Co-Presidents Corner Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and enjoyed the break! Thank you to everyone that supported the PTSAs gift card purchase program during the holidays. Hope several of you were able to attend the district craft show at Heim last month. It was a huge success. If you have not become a PTSA member, there is still time! Registering on-line is simple. Membership is the easiest way to support your PTSA so please consider joining!! Congratulations to all the winners from the Reflection Program! Thanks to Shelly Cavalier for chairing this committee and the fantastic job she did!!! Upcoming events in January: January 16th: Sports and Socializing Night. This is a fun filled night for 5th and 6th graders including sports, crafts and swimming. The next PTSA meeting is Wednesday, January 7th, 7:00pm in the Casey Library- please join us. Susan Witt & Lori Rizzo Co-Presidents

Amherst Youth Board and Amherst Recreation Permission Slip SPORTS AND SOCIALIZING AT CASEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Name___________________________________ Street Address___________________________, Circle One: East Amherst / Amherst / Getzville / Williamsville /Other ___________, New York Date of Birth___________________ Phone___________________ Grade______________ EMERGENCY NUMBER ___________________________________ I, THE UNDERSIGNED, CERTIFY THAT MY CHILD, _______________________________, has permission to take part in the program conducted by the Amherst Youth Program. In consideration of the acceptance and enrollment of said child in the program, I do hereby expressly waive any claim for injuries sustained by said child while participating in the program of the Amherst Youth Board. REMARKS: Please list any injury or disease, past or present which might have a bearing on the youth’s ability to take part in the program: DATE___________________________ SIGNED____________________________________

PLEASE BRING PERMISSION SLIP WITH YOU,

ONLY THOSE STUDENTS WITH PERMISSION SLIPS

WILL BE ADMITTED!

No cell phones at event – They must be checked in at door prior to event

5TH & 6TH GRADE SPORTS & SOCIALIZING NIGHT

Friday, January 16th

7:00 – 8:30 PM

(Please pick up promptly)

NO ADMISSION FEE

WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES

***GAMES***CRAFTS***

KARAOKE***SWIMMING

Parents/ Guardians: If you would like to help, please contact:

Gretchen Olearczyk - golearczyk@gmail.com

Andrea Stepian - aastepien@yahoo.com

Sheri Peer - dpeer058@aol.com

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Williamsville PTSA Council Service to Youth Awards

2014-2015

These awards have been presented annually since 1958 to individuals who have shown sustained and extraordinary service to youth of the Williamsville Central School District and who perform their professional, occupational and/or volunteer service in a manner above and beyond all expectations.

Nominations are now being accepted for this year’s awards in these categories

Professional A certified and/or licensed employee of the WCSD

Support Staff All other employees of the WCSD

PTA Volunteer

The winners will be honored at a reception and recognition event in May

For more information or to nominate someone for this award contact: Shannon Schapiro

at shannonschapiro@aol.com or 716-741-1053

Or visit the PTSA Council website at www.williamsvilleptsa.org

REFLECTIONS

THE WORLD WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE IF…..

2014 RESULTS

LITERATURE:

INTERMEDIATE 3-5 GRADES

1ST PLACE MINA KLENTOS REGIONAL ENTRANT

2ND PLACE SUMITRA P. PANDIT REGIONAL ENTRANT

MIDDLE SCHOOL 6-8 GRADES

1ST PLACE RACHEL CAVALIER REGIONAL ENTRANT

2ND PLACE JESSICA NUNZIO REGIONAL ENTRANT

3RD PLACE SAYANTIKA ROY

HONORABLE MENTION MADDIE NADRICH

VISUAL ARTS:

MIDDLE SCHOOL 6-8 GRADES

1ST PLACE LILLIANA MORIN REGIONAL ENTRANT

2ND PLACE PRAKRITI SETLUR REGIONAL ENTRANT

3RD PLACE VIKASINI NANDHAKUMAR

MUSIC COMPOSITION:

INTERMEDIATE 3-5 GRADES

1ST PLACE SARAH NYAANGA REGIONAL ENTRANT

MIDDLE SCHOOL 6-8 GRADES

1ST PLACE RACHEL CAVALIER REGIONAL ENTRANT

2ND PLACE BURKE EVERETT REGIONAL ENTRANT

PHOTOGRAPHY:

MIDDLE SCHOOL 6-8 GRADES

1ST PLACE AIDEN GRAY REGIONAL ENTRANT

2ND PLACE CHRISTIAN SOUCY REGIONAL ENTRANT

(WILD SPANISH COLONIAL MUSTANG)

3RD PLACE CHRISTIAN SOUCY (TOMATO BUSH-HOMEGROWN)

HONORABLE MENTION CHRISTION SOUCY (BIG TOMATOES-HOMEGROWN)

It’s not too late to join!

Start the New Year right by supporting your child and their school!

Complete your Casey PTSA membership on-line at caseyptsa.wix.com/ptsa

or instead, copy and send in the PTSA membership form in this newsletter.

The Casey PTSA is determined to reach a goal of 400 PTSA members this year. So

far, we have just over 320 members which is 80% of our goal! Becoming a

member of the Casey PTSA is the easiest way to join with other parents, teachers

and students for one common goal – the students at Casey Middle School!

Please check that you have completed your membership this year!

The membership dues are used to provide many activities, programs and clubs for

your children.

Moms, dads, students, teachers and grandparents are all encouraged to join! We encourage

you to help us reach our goal of 400 members by signing up today.

The easiest way to support Casey and the programs provided for all students at Casey is to become a member of the PTSA! Join with the over 320 Casey PTSA members to make a difference for our children!

Casey Middle School

Membership form At Casey we have a PTSA – Parent Teacher Student Association. We encourage both you and your child to join.

Membership does not require a commitment to volunteer; it simply confirms your support for our work! Your membership will help to fund clubs, field trips, the art show, school wide

programs, sports and socializing nights, 8th grade activities and staff appreciation.

*Your membership benefits all students at Casey!* cut here -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Join the PTSA by completing and returning the membership form below:

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Casey PTSA

Please return this form to the school in an envelope marked: PTSA Membership OR Mail to: Casey Middle School, PTSA Membership Chair, 105 Casey Road Rd., East Amherst, NY

14051 Questions?...contact Lisa Davis: Lisadavis1@verizon.net or 636-1586.

Please indicate number of memberships you’re paying for:

___ $7.00 Adult Membership(s) ___ $5.00 Student Membership(s)

Total Enclosed: $___________ cash or check

Member #1 (circle one) Name _____________________________________ Mother Father Teacher Student (grade___) Other Member #2 Name _____________________________________ Mother Father Teacher Student (grade___) Other Member #3 Name _____________________________________ Mother Father Teacher Student (grade___) Other Member #4 Name _____________________________________ Mother Father Teacher Student (grade___) Other Member #5 Name _____________________________________ Mother Father Teacher Student (grade___) Other

Phone_____________________________ Email Address_________________________________ *Student’s Name _______________________ Teacher_________________ Grade_____ *(Student with whom you would like your membership card(s) sent home)*

What is SafeHomes?

SafeHomes is a parent networking campaign based on the belief that to prevent a child from using drugs, you need to create an atmosphere where drug use is not acceptable. One of the main reasons kids take drugs is pressure from peers. When parents join together and take a united stand against drug use, they become much more effective than if they act separately. Parents can benefit from the support of other parents by helping each other resist pressure from parents who do not set the same limits on their children's behavior.

What does SafeHomes do?

The goals of the campaign include: 1. Aiding parents in educating themselves about the use of alcohol and other drugs by adolescents 2. Encouraging parents to openly communicate with one another about parenting concerns 3. Assisting parents in establishing reasonable guidelines for their children's behavior 4. Making parents aware of alternative activities available to youths 5. Functioning as a continuing support network for parents and children. Our program focuses on current trends/substance abuse education; communication/listening skills; building family strengths and family management – setting boundaries and expectations. Our educators strive to increase protective factors and reduce known risk factors while bringing parents up to date on the world of teens today and sharing information to help build parenting skills. Please consider joining the SafeHomes program at Casey Middle School. Please send completed form and $5.00 fee in an envelope to :

Casey School Office – Attn: SafeHomes.

NAME (Please Print): ________________________________________________

SIGNATURE: ______________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ______________________________ TOWN/ZIP: _______________

PHONE: ________________ SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION: _________________

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All 5th and 6th grade students are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Sports and Socializing Night at Casey this January 16, 2015! There will be games, swimming, crafts and karaoke. Students can come and enjoy the company of their peers from 7-8:30pm that Friday.

A NEW YEAR’S resolution challenge brought to you by the Casey Middle School Physical Education Department. We challenge you, your family and friends to a 30 day PLANK CHALLENGE! This progressive challenge will help maintain or build your CORE STRENGTH. Stay motivated…be disciplined…YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

Name ______________________________________Partner's Name ____________________________________

30 DAY PLANK CHALLENGE, CHECK OFF AS YOU GO. Good Luck!

______Day 1- 20 second hold _____Day 16- 120 seconds

______Day 2- 20 seconds _____Day 17- 120 seconds

______Day 3- 30 seconds _____Day 18- 150 seconds

______Day 4- 30 seconds _____Day 19- REST

______Day 5- 40 seconds _____Day 20-150 seconds

______Day 6- REST _____Day 21- 150 seconds

______Day 7- 45 seconds _____Day 22- 180 seconds

______Day 8- 45 seconds _____Day 23- 180 seconds

______Day 9- 60 seconds _____Day 24- 210 seconds

______Day 10- 60 seconds _____Day 25- 210 seconds

______Day 11- 60 seconds _____Day 26- REST

______Day 12- 90 seconds _____Day 27- 240 seconds

______Day 13- REST _____Day 28-240 seconds

______Day 14- 90 seconds _____Day 29- 270 seconds

______Day 15- 90 seconds _____Day 30- PLANK as long as possible

Congratulations!

Casey Middle School Early Morning Rules

2014-2015

School hours are 8:45 a.m. - 3:35 p.m. Students who ride a bus will be dropped off at the bus loop at 8:45 a.m. and enter the building.

Any student who enters the building prior to 8:45 a.m.

must enter the building through the back entrance, cafeteria doors. Doors will not be unlocked until 7:30 a.m. and students will be required

to check in with the early morning monitor to show a valid early morning pass.

The only students who will be admitted in the early morning (7:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m.) are

Students who participate in the Just For Kids morning program Students who have a valid pass for extra help Students who have a valid pass for sports intramurals, music practice, or AIS Students who have early morning detention Students who have a valid pass from any other teacher Students who are accompanied by a parent to attend a meeting or complete other

necessary tasks (such as help clean out a locker) If for some reason a student does not ride the bus due to transporting a large instrument, project, or food, these students will need to wait outside until the bell rings at 8:45 a.m. unless accompanied by an adult.

Students who arrive between 7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. and DO NOT have a valid pass will be asked to remain outside

(regardless of the weather) until the bell rings at 8:45 a.m.

Casey Middle School Takes A Stand On

As defined by Webster’s Dictionary Plagiarize v. 1. to steal and use (the ideas or writings of another) as one’s own. 2. To take passages or ideas from and use them as one’s own. Syns: plagiarize, crib, pirate v. core meaning: to steal and use (the work of another) as one’s own < plagiarized whole sections of another writer’s novel, for example.

At Casey, We Believe… Copying work from another person or source (ex. book, internet, magazine, etc.) is plagiarism. When researching a topic, students should reword phrases from the article into their own words. Any phrase copied directly, word-for-word, must be put into quotation marks and cited as a resource. Using an author’s words as your own is cheating. Copying someone else’s homework is cheating, too. Some students believe that working together on a homework assignment is acceptable. However, written assignments are given to help each student learn the information and practice writing skills. Reading the textbook or completing an assignment helps students by reinforcing the concepts learned in class. Doing math problems helps students learn how to apply a math strategy. Unless specifically directed by a teacher, students are to complete homework assignments independently (with assistance from parents, if necessary.) In class, collaborating is hard work. When directed by the teacher, students may work in cooperative groups. For each group, guidelines are set for student work that is to be turned in and working together can be a positive, strong learning experience for our middle school students. Collaborating does not mean, “You do the first answer and I will do the second, and then we will exchange answers.” Collaboration and cooperation mean that students need to discuss ideas and come up with mutually agreed upon responses. Simply taking another

student’s answers to present as your own is cheating. At Casey, plagiarism could result in detention, suspension and/or academic consequences. All students have been informed of these consequences. Parents, please discuss this policy with your children at home and remind them of what plagiarism involves and why it does not help them to learn. Thank you for your help with this. By being partners, the school and the home can continue to educate the minds of our children and help them be responsible, good people, too.

Phone Calls To Home It has come to our attention that when a

student phones home from the main office or

guidance, caller ID will register 626-8000.

This number is the District Office

receptionist. She will not be able to assist

you. Therefore, it is imperative that your

child leaves a message if they call home

and gets an answering machine or voice

mail. That way you will know who called

and what they need.

PARENTS VISITING CASEY We are grateful for the presence of so many of our parents who come to Casey to volunteer or for a conference. We kindly ask you to stop in the office, sign in and pick up a visitor’s pass. This practice helps to set our students at ease and to identify unwanted strangers in our school. We appreciate your cooperation.

ATTENTION DRIVERS: Parents, if you are dropping off or picking up students in the parking lot near the Casey Café, please take caution. This area can be very congested from 8:30 – 9:05 a.m. and from 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. We ask all of you to be extra careful during this time. Be mindful of the number of Casey students crossing to cars or athletic practices at North. If you are waiting, please park in a lined spot to help relieve congestion. Your cooperation is appreciated as we work to keep Casey a safe place.

CELL PHONES, IPODS, ELECTRONICS…..

As you enter the building all cell phones should be turned off and iPods off your ears. These items should be placed in your locked-locker for the entire school day. Be sure not to share your combination to your secure locker. There is no cell phone or iPod use from when you enter the building through 3:35. If you choose to carry these items with you during the school day, they will be confiscated and students will be assigned detention.

WITS PAGE Did you know the Casey Middle morning

announcements are posted daily on your

child’s WITS page? Check it out to keep on

top of clubs, meetings and activities at Casey.

SPORTS

If you are playing any

sport, please

remember to check

the sports board daily (located

outside the Main Office) for any

changes or cancellations to your

sport!

If you call home for a forgotten item, it is your responsibility to stop in the Main Office to pick it up. The Main Office staff cannot interrupt instruction for these calls. Please be responsible!

Clubs & Activities 2014-15

Clubs

A Capella Group

Grade

7-8

Meeting

Thurs. am & pm

Sept - June

Advisor

Mrs. Curry/Mrs. Cannon

Art Club 5-8 See permission slip TBD Mr. Bosworth Broadcasting Club 7-8 Fri. mornings - 8:00 Oct – June Ms. Marmion/Mrs. Herberger

Chamber Groups Flute/Jr.Jazz

6-8 6

Flute Choir – Tues 8:00 Jr. Jazz - Weds. 8:00

Oct – May Miss Fornes

Chess Club Drama Club

5-8

TBD TBD

Mr. Brill Mrs. Holyoke

Gaming Card Club 5-8 Check Website Ms. Szydlowski Grandparents Club 5-8 TBD Mrs. Collard Jazz Ensemble 7-8 Tues. 7:45 – 8:45 am Sept – June Mr. Gengo Kaleidoscope 5-8 Tues. & Thurs. 3:35 – 4:30 Sept - April Mrs. Arnold K.I.N.D. 5-8 1st Tues. of Month - pm

Sept – June Mrs. Justen

Literary Book Club (UMAPAYS)

7-8 Thurs. mornings *Dates on permission slip

Oct – May Ms. Glaser Mrs. Janik

Literary Book Club (Kneegees)

5-6 Fri. mornings *Dates on permission slip

Oct – May Mrs. Gervase Mrs. Janik

Math Club 5-8 2nd and 4th Tues. of Month

3:45 – 4:30

Nov - May Mrs. Rice

Science Club 5-8 Thurs. 3:45 – 4:15 Nov – June Mrs. Hornung Rachel’s Challenge Robots Club

5-8 Meets monthly Check Website TBD

Sept - June Ms. Szydlowski Mrs. Collard Mr. Brill/Mrs. Collura

Talent Show 5-8 Listen for Announcements Mrs. Dempsey

Mrs. Cannon Mrs. Hahn Ms. Kilmer

Stage Crew 6-8 Activities Announced Oct – June Mr. Gengo

Student Government

5-8 Listen for Announcements Sept – June Mrs. May Mr. Ring

Yearbook 5-8 Listen for Announcements Sept – April Miss Nagel

Meeting dates and times may change. Please listen to morning announcements.