March is Brain Injury

Awareness Month

Did you know that each year an estimated 1.7

million people sustain a

traumatic brain injury (TBI), and 52,000 people

die annually from their

injuries?

Some of the most serious

injuries are brain and spi-nal cord injuries. A brain

injury can happen to any-one, anywhere, any time.

Children age 0-4, adoles-

cents age 15-19, and adults 65 and older are

the most likely to sustain a TBI. Males are more

likely (in these age

groups) than females to

have a TBI.

Brain injuries may be due

to an accident from a bi-cycle or vehicle, from wa-

ter or sport injuries, or violence. Often these inju-

ries are alcohol or drug

related.

On April 23rd the 8th grad-

ers will listen to a speaker

from Think First (a Nation-al Injury Prevention Foun-

dation). This organization is dedicated to coming

into schools t help stu-dents learn how to protect

themselves from injury.

Most injuries are prevent-able and the 8th graders

will learn how they can

reduce their risk for injury.

Think First is a nonprofit

organization. If you are interested in donating

money to support the an-

nual trip to CMS that Think First makes, please

contact the school nurse at 563-263-7784. Any-

one interested in attend-

ing this annual event please call me ahead of

time.

Thank you;

D. Murray RN school

nurse

VOLUME 15; Issue 4

MESSAGE FROM THE NURSE

Special points of interest:

Google Art Contest

8th Grade DC Trip update

Yearbook deadline

CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

The reading cadre at Cen-

tral continues to promote

this year’s reading theme

- Free to Read. On Friday,

March 2, Dr. Seuss’s

birthday, students and

staff are encouraged to

Feel Free to Read while

Wearing a Hat with a

Cat. Students and staff

may wear appropriate

hats for the day and read

for short periods through-

out the day to celebrate

Dr. Seuss’s birthday and

the joy of reading.

CMS NEWSLETTER MARCH 2012

Reading at Central Middle School

Inside this issue:

Orchestra updates 2

Band news 3

6th Grade news 4/5

7th Grade news 6

8th Grade news 6/7

8th Grade G2 updates 8

Year Books 9

We are so excited to announce that Google has launched their 2012 Doodle 4 Google con-

test. The contest challenges students in grades K-12 to re-design the Google Logo along this

year's theme "If I could travel in time, I'd visit..."

The winning Doodler will take home a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technolo-

gy grant for his or her school. Even more exciting, the winning artwork from Iowa will be fea-

tured on Google’s homepage and in a special exhibition at the Science Center of Iowa! Check

out Doodle4Google.com for all the contest rules, but remember entries must be postmarked

by March 23, 2012. So get Doodling!

P a g e 2

ORCHESTRA UPDATES

GOOGLE ART CONTEST

A big thank you goes out to the following students for performing at the Muscatine Leadership

Banquet. Sarah Zobel, Sarah Solt, Brooke Steele, Selina Trevino, Amanda Doyle, Allondra Gar-

ribay, and Emily Fillmore.

Congrats to the following students who were nominated and selected to participate in the Ken-

nedy Honors Orchestra in Cedar Rapids on March 3. Grant Nollette, Jonathan Solt, JC Mar-

tinez, Nick Hardy, Emily Fillmore, Cristian Raya and Lauren Kundel.

Orchestra students just completed their All City Orchestra Concert and did a wonderful

job! Way to go! Our final concert is on Thursday, May 17th. This concert is just the CMS or-

chestra and is our awards night. Please mark it in your calendars!

Orchestra Solo & Ensemble Festival is Saturday, March 31st at MHS. Time slots are assigned

throughout the day. If you would like to sign your child up they need to get a permission slip

from Ms. Blanchard and turn it in before spring break.

Rock Orchestra will continue to meet every "White" Friday at 7:40am. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

BE ON TIME!!! We have a few big performances at the end of the year that we need to prepare

for.

Jessica Blanchard

Orchestra Director

Central & West Middle Schools

C M S N E W S L E T T E R M A R C H 2 0 1 2

V O L U M E 1 5 ; I s s u e 4 P a g e 3

BAND NEWS

Hello CMS Band Families:

The second fundraiser, began on February 16th and is selling mainly chocolate items. We are grateful to have the op-

portunity to raise money to supplement our annual budget for the yearly repair of school owned instruments. Money

raised in this fundraiser also goes towards new music and honor band registration. The following students have been selected by nomination to perform in the second annual Young Musician’s Honor band, Feb. 25th, at College Communi-

ty (formally Cedar Rapids Prairie High School) in Cedar Rapids. This honor band is special as it is geared more towards younger middle schoolers (4-7 grades) that would normally be passed over for an older more experienced student. It is a

valuable opportunity for younger students to get honor band experience! Gabby Hartman (7th Grade Bassoon) Melissa

Burzlaff (7th Grade Clarinet) Erin Oppel (7th Grade Trumpet) Kayleigh Bolick (7th Grade Trumpet) Joe Morrison (6th Grade Alto Sax) On March 8th CMS Bands will be having guest clinicians come into rehearsals to evaluate and give sug-

gestions performance material. The goal of the visits is to give students a taste of large group competition by learning

criteria for a division I performance. Student will also gain valuable insight into making their pieces better for their final performances in May. Guest conductors will include: Michelle Bovecamp for 6th and 8th grade, and Robert Romza for

7th grade. Here is a list of other upcoming events for the CMS Band program:

Feb. 27th

Spring Fundraiser ends. Delivery will be before Easter.

March 8th

Guest Clinicians come to CMS during the school day.

March 24th

Solo Ensemble Contest at West Middle School.

April 21st

Five Seasons Honor band Festival for Selected Students.

May 12th

All City Swing Dance (Jazz Band)

May 15th

Spring Band Concert

6th

Grade News CHAMPS Program (Choosing Healthy Actions in Muscatine Public Schools)

The sixth grade at Central is excited about the CHAMPS program that has been introduced this semester. The sixth

grade staff kicked off CHAMPS by sporting creative work-out attire and encouraging the sixth graders to get active

for a day. Lessons from the Planet Health curriculum have been integrated into all of the core subjects for this se-

mester. Students have been enthusiastic about the lessons and learning a lot about what healthy actions might

look like. As a culminating activity for the CHAMPS program, the sixth graders will be taking a field trip to Wildcat

Den, where they will canoe, hike, and participate in other healthy activities.

The Leader in Me - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

The sixth grade students and staff have been using the Leader in Me - 7 Habits program throughout the school

year. Students have been reminded of the importance of making the 7 Habits part of their life. The sixth grade

has adopted “The Man in the Mirror” as our theme song for the Leader in Me program. Each student created a

mirror of themselves that hangs in their lockers which reminds them each day that all change starts with them.

This quarter, students will be writing scripts and videotaping skits that show how the 7 Habits are used to be a suc-

cessful sixth grader. These videos will be shared with 5th graders in the district (who will be 6th graders next year)

before the end of the school year.

Science News

How much citric acid is in your diet? Ask your 6th grader and they can tell you. Students have been working on a

chemistry unit called Mixtures and Solutions. In this unit, students learn about solubility, concentration, and sepa-

rating mixtures and solutions.

The 2012 Science Fair will be held at the Muscatine Mall on Friday, March 30. All students have the opportunity

to sign up for this event. They may work individually or with a partner. Entry forms are due by March 7. If you have

any questions, please contact one of the science teachers.

Lyndsay Welsch - lmwelsch@muscatine.k12.ia.us

Angie Banko – ambanko@muscatine.k12.ia.us

Justin Johnson - jrjohnso@muscatine.k12.ia.us

Reading Information

Mrs. Larson-Walgren’s, Mrs. Sturm’s, and Mrs. Hampton’s reading students will begin the next unit of study entitled

“Unforgettable Personalities.” Students will be reading stories by authors such as Gary Paulson, Maya Angelou,

and Mark Twain. At the end of the unit, each student will be reading a biography of his/her choice and completing

a project. Students will be reading, taking notes, and creating a biography project using a pizza box that includes

clues and a collage about their individual. Students will present their projects in costume, and the class will try to

guess who they are. It is always an enjoyable and educational activity.

We hope your student is spending time each day outside of class reading. The development of strong reading skills

will reap many future benefits and is an important part of your child’s reading grade. Don’t hesitate to contact your

child’s reading teacher for any reason.

Volume 15; Issue 4 Page 4

Language Arts

Mrs. Lilienthal’s, Mrs. Larson-Walgren’s, Mrs. Hampton’s, and Mrs. Negus’s language classes have been BUSY

writing! Students are beginning a persuasive writing project. The goal of this writing will be for students to per-

suade their classmates to read his/her favorite book. This writing will be completed as a Power Point project

and presented to classmates.

Students will also be using the information that they have learned in reading class to complete a writing activi-

ty. Students will be studying unforgettable personalities in literature. In language class, students will choose

an unforgettable personality in his/her own live. Students will then complete a descriptive writing about this

individual that will be shared with classmates.

Social Studies

Students have recently completed Junior Achievement’s Biz Town curriculum and the trip to Biz Town in Daven-

port. The students learned all about what it takes to run a successful business and have a productive town.

Students ran the following businesses: radio station, delivery center, newspaper, variety store, bank, tech

shop, environmental store, city hall, professional office, factory, sports shop, supply center, café, and print

shop. The two elected mayors for the town were Morgan Hogenson and Chris Kenefick.

Thank you to all the staff that assisted with this activity and a special thanks to our parent volunteers: Jennifer

Kraus, Mary Orwitz, Jeff Paul, Darrell Mattingly, Kim Whitcomb, Shirley Morter, Kevin Paul, Barb Paul, Monika

Novy, Kristi Last, Greg Ferris, Amy Petersen, Larry Peine, Julie Kundel, Elizabeth Stott, Teresa Colony, and Den-

ise Fuegan.

ITBS Week

The Iowa Test of Basic Skills will be held the week of April 9. Please encourage your child to do his/her best on

the tests. It is important for students to get plenty of rest, eat a nutritious breakfast, and arrive at school on

time during the week of testing. We will be reviewing good test-taking strategies so the students will be well

prepared to do their best on the test. The sixth grade teachers feel that the students have worked very hard

this year on their academics and want to make sure that the results of the testing reflect the growth shown by

each individual student.

AR/AM Outing

On Wednesday, March 16, students that have excelled in either Accelerated Reading and/or Accelerated Math

will be treated to a lunch at Pizza Ranch and bowling at Plamor Lanes. Please note that the cut-off date for

pages and objectives to earn this outing will be Friday, May 11. In reading, any student reaching 6,000 pages

by this date will receive this reward. The math teachers will be sharing the accelerated math criteria with their

students in the near future.

Space Unit

The sixth grade team is currently planning a project based space unit for the month of May. Many hands-on

activities are being planned to enhance this unit. An end-of-the-unit project will be created by all the students

and an exhibition event will be scheduled. Watch for more specific information coming home about this end-of-

the-year unit.

Volume 15; Issue 4 Page 5

7th Graders Start Novel Unit

Have you heard of the amazing under-dog story of the Three Doctors? Well the 7th grade Literacy classes taught

by Mrs. Paul and Mrs. Caffery are enjoying the fascinating novel titled, We Beat the Street. It is about three young

boys who grow up in the “hood” and face all kinds of adversity. Through hard work and discipline, they put them-

selves through high school, college, and medical school to become three successful doctors. This true story

teaches many life lessons and is sure to be a crowd pleaser with the students!

Sweet Rewards

The seventh grade Literacy students who reached their third quarter reading goal will be earning a “make your

own ice cream sundae” celebration. Students in Mrs. Paul’s classes will be rewarded for their hard work during

third quarter and enjoying this yummy treat on Thursday, March 8th. Be sure and check in with your 7 th grader

about their reading goal and if they met it this past quarter. Encourage your child to read at least 20 minutes per

night so they can reach their reading goals. Keep up the great reading 7th graders!

7th GRADE NEWS

8th GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS Poetry About Me

Ms. Stotts’s 8th grade language classes did a super job writing poetry encompassing their past

and present selves. As you can see, students have some wonderful thoughts about growing up.

We’d like to share some favorite stanzas; we hope you enjoy them.

I used to not be able to talk when I was too little, but now I talk whenever I feel like it.

I used to have a lot of free time, but now I have lots of responsibilities.

I used to go trick-or-treating, but now I just take my brothers’ candy when they go.

I used to be a young five years old, but now I am a mature 13.

I used to love painting bright pictures that spoke to people’s souls, but now I prefer pastels and

charcoals filled with emotions.

I used to see my awesome Grandpa, but now I can’t because he’s in lovely Heaven.

I used to go to elementary school, but now I want to get to high school.

I used to not get how some things didn’t work out perfectly, but now I understand how some

things don’t turn out how they should.

I used to smile in my pictures, but now I try to look cool.

I used to wish to be a princess and marry a prince, but now I want to be a teacher and help chil-

dren.

I used to give up at the point I was failing my subjects in school, but now I fight everyday to keep

my grades up so I don’t fall back down again.

I used to have a mom to take my hugs, but now she’s in my heart.

I used to hate having to wait for the things I want, but now I am learning how to be more patient

for them because with patience comes wisdom

Volume 15; Issue 4 Page 6

MORE 8TH GRADE NEWS

8th Grade Math

Mrs. Moeller’s 8th grade math classes just finished up learning about scale measurements. Students learned

about road maps being to scale, scale models and scale drawings. They talked about how different people and

professions use scale drawings such as blue prints to create a home or building. Students discussed the need

and efficiency of scale drawings, scale models and maps. At the end of the unit students took several measure-

ments from a room in their home and made a blueprint for it. Many students ended up measuring their bed-

room, bed, nightstands, closet, windows, door and dressers to complete their blueprint. Thanks to all of the stu-

dents for their hard work and creativity. Also a big thank you to any parents who helped their child with the

measurements at home.

8th Grade Washington DC Trip Participants: Great news!!! The Carver Trust Fund has donated $10,000 towards our trip and $10,000 towards West's trip!

That means that each student receives a credit of $250 towards the final cost! A huge thank you goes out to

Jan Collinson for coordinating and submitting the application! If you know anyone on the Carver Trust Fund,

please thank them also.

We will be having our final meeting before the trip on Wednesday, March 21st. It will be in the Central Middle

School Library at 5:30.

Please enter through the main Cedar Street doors. Students need to be ready to sign-up for their roommate

preferences at the meeting. We will also cover what to expectations and what needs to be packed.

Hope to see everyone at the meeting! The trip will be here before we know it!!!

Volume 15; Issue 4 Page 7

8th GRADE G2 NEWS

We had another great quarter with the 8th grade g2 students. Their projects this quarter consist-

ed of a combined Science and Language Arts project entitled: Masters of Disasters-Weather or Not? In

addition, they continued working on their Social Studies and Math project dealing with Westward Expan-

sion Population Distribution.

The students had a blast creating their weather related “Big Books”. After realizing the hard-

ships of complete publication, they were finally pleased to read their books to the students from Jeffer-

son. Some of the books will be donated to Jefferson classrooms and the Public Library for future enjoy-

ment.

During conference night displays of the students experiment and tri-fold board were presented

for public viewing. These Science components accompanied and assisted in the development of content

for their Narrative stories.

After completion of their weather projects, the students took an afternoon field trip to visit

WQAD. They had a conversation with Terry Swails regarding his experience as a weatherman and author

of children’s books. They also had a unique opportunity to “sit tight” for a live broadcast of a on the hour

every hour. Wow!

The students also wrapped up their Social Studies and Math project. Starting with Google

spreadsheets to chart population data, they interjected a motion chart representing population as it

moved West. This was a great challenge of statistical analysis as it related to history content. The mo-

tion chart was accompanied with a screen cast that narrated the graph as it played over a period of time.

Moving forward the students will wrap up a variety of mini content related projects into a final

“Commemorating Civil War Unit.” The students will focus on Technology Automatons, Tessellations,

Scale Drawings, Hot Air Balloon construction, and historical letters. All of these components will be rep-

resented at a final Exhibition Night. Please read future articles for further information.

Volume 15; Issue 4 Page 8

MISSION STATEMENT

Central Middle School provides opportunities and experiences, which inspire each child to reach his/her potential.

VISION STATEMENT

The Muscatine Community School District will provide a safe, nurturing

environment where academic excellence is expected and diversity is

recognized as a strength. We will meet individual needs while develop-

ing independent learners who are also successful team players. We will

embrace innovative practices that are research-based and promote

high levels of student learning. Technology rich classrooms will en-

hance active learning and excitement. Interior and exterior walls will

become seamless as learners and the community collaborate. Our stu-

dents will achieve positive social skills, which promote respect and re-

sponsibility to self, family and community, resulting in positive self es-

teem. School community partnerships will prepare and challenge each

individual to become goal-oriented, lifelong learner in an ever-changing

global society.

C E N T R A L M I D D L E

S C H O O L

YEAR BOOK DEADLINE

WE ARE ON THE WEB

http;//www.muscatine.k12.ia.us/sites

Central Middle School

901 Cedar Street

Muscatine, IA 52761

Phone: 563-263-7784

Yearbooks for Sale!

Reserve a copy now! Yearbooks will only be

available for purchase until Friday, March 30.

Yearbooks will not be available to purchase at

the end of the year so don’t pass up this op-

portunity now! Be sure to reserve yours now

so you can enjoy looking back over the year

with your friends!

The yearbooks are $16 (checks need to be

made out to Central Middle School) and the

money can be sent to the main office.

Volume 15; Issue 4 Page 9