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Dolphin Digest A NEWSLETTER OF ROSA M. PARKS MIDDLE SCHOOL FEBRUARY 2010

Mark Your

Calendar!

MSA GRADE 6

March 8 - Reading March 9 - Reading March 12 - Math March 15 - Math

GRADE 7 & 8

March 10 - Reading March 11 - Reading March 16 - Math March 17 - Math Make ups will be held March 18 – March 23

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

As Rosa Parks Middle School celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. last month, we were reminded that many people sacrificed their lives to provide us with the opportunities we have today. The best tribute to those who struggled back then is a commitment from our students to make the most of what is available to them today. That means putting forth the effort to complete work in school and at home, taking all tests and quizzes

seriously and getting involved in extracurricular activities at school.

The month of February begins our intense focus on giving students the extra boost they need to pass the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) reading and math tests in March. We call this focus our “MSA Blitz.” This year, the testing is earlier than usual, with the first tests for sixth graders beginning on March 8th. It is imperative that all students arrive at school on time to take the MSAs. Please do not plan any trips, routine doctor’s visits or other activities that keep students out of school during testing. Students who do not take or complete the multi-day tests will automatically earn a failing score of “basic.”

We strive to help every student at Rosa Parks earn a passing score of “proficient” or “advanced” on both the reading and math MSA. In order to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), at least 80.8% of students must earn proficient or higher in reading and 71.4% of students must earn proficient or higher in math. These goals must be met when student performance is analyzed by race, as well as by students who receive the following special services: special education, ESOL, Free And Reduced Meals (FARMs). Failing to show the required growth in any of these categories means the school would not achieve AYP.

During our MSA Blitz students will receive extra practice on the strategies, vocabulary and test-taking skills needed to succeed on the MSA. This extra practice will occur during the Teacher Advisory Period (TAP) as well as in students’ regular classes. The week before the test is MSA Spirit Week. During this week students will come dressed in ways that remind them of tips for scoring high on the test. On Friday, March 5th, we will have our annual MSA Pep Rally starting at 1:40 p.m. Parent volunteers are needed to assist the PTA with handing out treats after this event.

With the standards for passing rates on the test higher than they have ever been, I need your help in communicating the seriousness and importance of these tests to your children. By working together we can ensure that all children put forth their best effort and that Rosa Parks maintains its track record of achieving Adequate Yearly Progress.

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WEEK OF… MSA READING FOCUS MSA MATH FOCUS

TAP WORD OF THE WEEK TAP WORD OF THE WEEK

FEB 1ST Focus on reading the directions for what is asked.

Identify: to name and describe

Focus on identifying the skill necessary to solve the problem.

Identify: to name and describe

FEB 8TH Focus on explaining the main idea of a reading.

Explain: to tell clearly in detail

Focus on determining the “best answer” to multiple choice questions.

Determine: to decide by observation or investigation

FEB 15TH Focus on supporting answers with examples from the text.

Support: to give examples, reasons or numbers to prove an idea

Focus on supporting answers using words, numbers and/or pictures.

Support: to give examples, reasons or numbers to prove an idea

FEB 22ND Focus on justifying why the text you chose supports your answer.

Justify: to prove something with reasons and examples

Focus on interpreting graphs and charts.

Interpret: to clearly explain the meaning of

MAR 1ST Focus on personal preparation for testing (Spirit Week)

Summarize: A recounting of the important ideas of a text

Focus on personal preparation for testing (Spirit Week)

Evaluate: to examine something and judge the quality

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES

1) Be sure to get plenty of rest the night before the test and eat a healthy meal the morning of the test. The MSA tests endurance and skill.

2) Stay focused on the test and pace yourself so that you don’t run out of time.

3) Use strategies such as estimation to eliminate incorrect answers and save time.

4) Show your work. Do not leave Part B of math BCRs blank. You could earn partial credit.

5) Read BCR directions carefully to be sure you’re addressing the question, providing enough details, using evidence from the text to support your claims and starting with a topic sentence. Answers must be written entirely in the box provided.

6) Check back over your work to be sure that you’ve bubbled answers completely, answered all questions and that you’ve put your answer on the correct line of the answer sheet. Double check to prevent careless errors in math.

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M e s s a g e f r o m t h e P T A P r e s i d e n t

It’s hard to believe, but this school year is officially half over. Many people have worked really hard the first half of this year to accomplish some important things. Many thanks to Jeannie Ervin, Monica Jacobs, Becky Pedneau, and Maureen Feinroth for all of their efforts in getting the Rosa Parks PTA directory published – not an easy task. We also hosted a successful book fair this fall thanks to Leah Keilsohn and the many, many parent volunteers who helped to staff it. Karen Kahn launched our new Spirit Wear line and our students are enjoying the new look. To all of the parents who helped at these events and more (school dances, the school store, etc.), I may not be able to list all of your names, but your efforts are appreciated by students, staff and other Rosa Parks parents. By giving our energy and time we are setting a great example for our kids. Encourage them to get involved in something too. It’s great to be part of such a giving community! We have a few more months left to fill with activities. We are looking for a few volunteers to organize a sports/game night for students, parents and staff. We are also working on a few cultural arts activities for students. The PTA is always open to new ideas and activities. Check out the PTA website (http://rpmspta.org/) for information on contacting any one of the PTA chairs – or come to a meeting! Our next PTA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 2/9/10 at 7:30 pm. Michele Setton PTA President 2009-2010 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o t h e f o l l o w i n g “ C h a r a c t e r C o u n t s ” s t u d e n t s ! T h e s t u d e n t s r e c e i v e d t h e i r a w a r d f o r

“ R e s p e c t ”

G r a d e 6 G r a d e 7 G r a d e 8

S h a y l a F u l l e r M i c h a e l A d c o c k D a n i e l R y c z e k R e b e c c a P h i l l i p G i a n n a B a r t o l i n i S h r e y a S h a h W a l t e r P l a t e r o A m a n d a B i t t i n g K i m b e r l y T h a i A n t h o n y V e n d e t t i P a r k e r O p a r D a i n G o l s e n

Summer School Dates – 2010

July 6 – July 30

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Team News On Dec. 18th, twelve sixth graders were presented with “Sweet Success” certificates and cupcakes for showing hard work and improvement in areas such as organization, study skills, homework, and being prepared for their classes. The six students from Team 6A are: Nicole Curtin, Emily Levine, Jackie Boulay, Sulayman Sanyang, Daniel Rivera, and Maynard McAlpin. The six students from Team 6B are: Nickon Kashi, Ben Thai, Kyle Warner, Khunicka Seng, Barbara Pizarro, and Giorgia Fitch. Congratulations to these 6th graders.

Reading We will be starting our new unit, Triumphs, at the beginning of quarter three. Throughout the Triumphs unit students will read about individuals from the past who were triumphant. Along with discussing how these individuals inspired their communities, we will also discuss the character traits that these people possessed that led to their triumphs and successes.

English During the third quarter, students will be engaged in the Challenges and Barriers unit. As students continue to improve their reading and writing skills, they will focus on the essential questions that are part of this unit: What motivates individuals to take on challenges and confront barriers? How do writers create characters whose efforts inspire or provoke others? Selected assignments from this unit include written responses about the impact of setting and characterization as well as a focus on persuasive writing and speaking techniques through the completion of a persuasive essay and a persuasive speech.

Our new novel study will begin during the first week of February. Students will either read Holes by Louis Sachar, or Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred Taylor.

Social Studies Social Studies has completed its government unit and will now be looking into the world of

economics and the impact that money and prices has on a government’s success. We will start with a look a the basics of economics including terms such as supply and demand and surplus. After looking at these the building blocks of economics, students will study the ancient dynasties of China to see the impact that economics had on the success or failure of different governments.

Math 6 For the month of February students will complete unit 2CD. Students will focus on using the 4 operations with fractions, finding percents of a number, converting fractions, decimals, and percents, and finding the rate. Please monitor your child’s progress with these concepts especially making sure your child knows their basic multiplication facts by heart. Also after school math help will start up again with Ms. Sexton on Thursdays and basic homework help still meets on Wednesdays with Ms. Overly.

Math 7 Students are currently preparing for the Unit 2 County Assessment which will take place late January/early February. After the assessment we will begin Unit 3, which is Geometry. Students need to be sure to have a working compass and protractor that they are comfortable using. They need to have these two Mathematical tools by February 1st. Some of the topics we will cover in Unit 3 pertain to parallel lines and transversals, constructions of congruent line segments, line segment bisectors, and angle bisectors. We will also cover quadrilateral and triangle classification.

Science Students recently completed the “Going Green” unit and did a great job on their projects. We will soon be starting the “Forces, Motion, and Energy” unit. We will be learning about experimentation, Newton’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Laws, Energy and Work, Simple Machines, Technology, Engineering and Design. For a segment of their projects this quarter, students will design and test a model car bumper.

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English

In February, students will look to the past. Specifically, they will be immersed in literature and nonfiction texts related to the 1940’s and World War II. In this unit, students will read about people whose lives were shaped by circumstances that are very different from their own. Although many readings will highlight the ability of men and women to inflict unspeakable cruelty upon others, students will also be introduced to stories about the triumph of the human spirit over seemingly insurmountable odds.

Social Studies

Students will be introduced to a unit on Latin America. In this unit, students will learn about the Aztec and Inca Empires and these civilizations’ first contact with Europeans. In addition, students will learn how Latin American cultures modified their environment.

Science

During February students will be engaged in a special MCPS program called biotechnology. Teachers attended specialized training during the summer to be eligible to borrow the high tech equipment required to perform the labs. Students will be extracting DNA from a calf thymus gland and make a DNA fingerprint using similar techniques done in crime labs. At the end of the activity students will identify “who killed the butler” in their scenario.

Math 7

Math 7 is exploring geometry. We will be using rulers, compasses and protractors, as we measure, construct and bisect geometric figures. We will continue to practice and prepare for the MSA through warm ups, class work and homework.

IM

For the month of February, students will finish Unit 3, Investigation of Geometry. They will focus on surface area and volume formulas. Then in Unit 4, Patterns, Relations, and Functions, students will explore and analyze patterns, sequences, relations, and functions. They will discuss and acknowledge multiple strategies for approaching and solving problems and make connections between equivalent representations.

Algebra

Algebra begins the second semester with a unit on Data Analysis and Probability. One thing we will examine is the difference between theoretical probability and experimental probability. Algebra students will also be reviewing and practicing for the MSA in March.

“Life is divided into three terms—that which was, which is, and which will be. Let us

learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present to live better in the

future.”

—William Wordsworth

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Attention 8th Grade Parents

The Hersey Park trip information will be coming out soon! Mark your calendar for Friday, June 4th from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The cost will be $70.00 per student.

FOREIGN LANGUAG E

French 1B Begin theme “Les Repas:” students will exchange, interpret, present information about food preferences, food groups, eating habits; they will learn to use the irregular verbs boire and prendre, preferer and vouloir.

French 1A Begin theme “Mes amis et moi:” students will provide information about themselves and others; they will learn to use the irregular verbs etre and avoir.

Spanish 1A Complete theme “La escuela:” students will learn to use ordinal numbers and the Spanish names for school subjects. They will be learning about schools in Spanish speaking countries and comparing them with schools here in the United States. Next they will begin theme “La comida:” students will exchange, interpret, present information about food preferences, food groups and eating customs; they will learn to use regular –er and –ir verbs.

Spanish IB The students are more than half way through the House Unit and have finished their projects on designing their ideal house. They will complete this unit by the end of January and then continue on to learn things related to travel beginning in February.

Spanish 1 Students have successfully completed the final unit in 1A, pastimes. After their semester exam, the students will begin the family unit. They will focus on this for approximately four weeks. Students will be making family trees as well as speaking in class about their family.

Spanish 2 We will begin Spanish 2B. Our first unit will be Cuándo eras niño (when you were young). During this unit students will discuss their lives as children. They will learn the imperfect tense (simple past tense) as well as the use of direct and indirect object pronouns. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

News from the SGA!

In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Montgomery County Public Schools provided different opportunities for schools to get

involved and assist in the recovery and rebuilding of Haiti.

Rosa Parks Middle School wanted to take an active role with this opportunity and decided to raise money for the Habitat for Humanity Haiti Relief Fund. The Rosa Parks SGA sponsored the fundraiser, “Hats for Haiti.” This idea was a combined effort of the RPMS staff and the student

body. Through the fundraiser, Rosa Parks had a goal of raising $500.00. The SGA is overwhelmed by the response shown by the Rosa Parks community and is proud to announce that the goal was met and surpassed as the combined donations exceed $1,000.00! The Rosa Parks SGA would like to thank all the staff, parents, and students of RPMS for their gracious and thoughtful gestures towards the people of Haiti. It really is remarkable how the Rosa Parks community has come together in such a noble way to reach out to individuals who live thousands of miles away, and yet respond as though they are so close to our hearts.

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E I G H T H G R A D E N E W S

History US History classes will begin their study of Westward Expansion and Sectionalism.

Geometry Students will build on their previous

experiences to explore strategies for finding the perimeter and area of polygons with the

circumference and area of circles. They will also learn key properties for right triangle, including proofs and application of Pythagorean Theorem.

Science We are beginning our Simple Chemistry unit. We will be studying physical and chemical changes, parts of the atom, and the conversation of matter.

English Students are starting Unit 3, Responsibility. They will begin by reading the play “Twelve Angry Men.” In preparation for reading the play, students will examine components of the trial process. Additionally, students will be reading a historical fiction novel based on the Responsibility theme. Students will also be reflecting their writing as they examine their portfolios and identifying their strengths and weaknesses.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH EDUCATION

In physical education, students are receiving instruction on basic motor skills. In addition, they are learning concepts for moving efficiently as they improve their physical fitness through sport activities.

In health education, students are learning about the following topics: mental health; safety & injury prevention; alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; family life and human sexuality; disease prevention and control; nutrition and fitness; personal and consumer health.

The following instructional units will be taught in physical education and health for the month of February:

Students will receive instruction on net games and recreational activities.

Net & Wall Unit - Instruction places emphasis on strategies and techniques to strike or hit an object across the net into open space, or use hand-eye coordination to strike an object against a wall. These activities include: volleyball, table tennis, and badminton.

Recreational Activities - Instruction focus is on activities that are popular and fun for students that might lead to life-long involvement for students.

These activities include: polar bear club, outdoor activities, and ultimate Frisbee.

In health education students will receive instruction on the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; benefits of nutrition and fitness; and information regarding family life and human sexuality; disease prevention and control.

Ms. Eurie's and Mr. Foster’s classes will receive health education instruction for the entire third quarter.

Unit topics for the month of February are:

Grade 6 - Health

Introduction to Health and Wellness, Mental Health, and Safety.

Grade 7 & 8 - Health

Introduction to Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Decision Making, Goal Setting and Conflict Resolution.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s physical education and health teacher.

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COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Grade 6 - Keyboarding basics to start.

Grade 7 - Learning how computers and the internet work, moving into a study of Microsoft Word. Grade 8 - Reviewing Microsoft Word (written documents), Excel (spreadsheets and graphs), and PowerPoint (presenting ideas). _________________________________________________________________________________

FACS Grade 6 - Students will be arriving for their third semester arts rotation. February will be busy getting to know each other, working as teams and working on self-esteem. Grade 7 - Students will be arriving for their second semester arts class. We will also be busy getting to know each other and we will be discussing financial literacy as our first unit of study. In this day and age, it is so important to learn how to save our hard earned money. Grade 8 - Students will be studying the foods and nutrition unit. Our first couple of weeks will be working on learning kitchen equipment, cooking terms and proper food handling and sanitation.

ART

As the first semester draws to a close, Mr. Costantino and Mr. Edwards are already looking forward to and planning the exciting 2010-2011 Arts Program for next year’s RPMS students. This will be the very first year that a new digital art course will be offered as a 7th grade elective. Additionally, Studio Art electives will be offered to 6-8th grades, and Photography as well to the 8th grade.

Digital Art (Grade 7, one semester)

Students will delve into the cutting edge world of digital art, by learning about, exploring, and creating digital artworks with real world applications. Students will have access to the same tools and software, such as Photoshop, that many professionals in the fields of digital art and design use every day. While creating unique and practical artworks, students will also have the opportunity to further their understanding of art elements and principles in a positive and creative atmosphere. This course is ideal for any student interested in the arts; no computer background is necessary.

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The Rosa Parks Middle School Counseling Department will host a school-wide Career Expo on the morning of Friday, May 7, 2010. We hope this event will provide an opportunity for all of our students to become familiar with the world of work and to integrate what they learn with what they may want to do. Students will attend a keynote presentation and then hear several people present about their careers. We are looking for speakers to present on a wide range of occupations to help students develop an understanding of the diverse career opportunities available to them. Our theme for the event is “Get Your Head in the Game Today for a Brighter Future Tomorrow.”

In order for the event to be a success, we need parents and community members to volunteer their time and expertise. Rosa Parks’ parents are engaged in a variety of interesting careers and may be acquainted with friends and relatives who are also engaged in interesting occupations. We hope you will consider sharing about your profession with our students. We will contact speakers with more details soon.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the form below and return to your child’s counselor. Remember to save the date of Friday, May 7, 2010.

Sincerely, Kim Bailey, Counselor Grade 6

Ellen Fellows, Counselor Grade 8 Yomon Mingia, Counselor 7B and grade 6 special assignments Denise Talley, Resource Counselor and grade 7A

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I volunteer to present my career/occupation___________________________________________ Career___________________________________________________________________

I know a person who would be a good presenter on their occupation/career________________________________________________________________ I volunteer to help with logistics _____________________________________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Phone_______________________________ email_______________________________________ Student’s Name__________________________ Counselor_____________________

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Monday, March 1 - Hat Day Put Your Thinking Cap On!

Tuesday, March 2 - Sports Jersey Day

Score High: Put forth your best effort and beat your score from last year!

Wednesday, March 3 - Backwards/Mismatched Clothes Day

Go back and check your answers! Make sure you did not skip anything!

Thursday, March 4 - Pajama Day Get a good night’s rest!

Friday, March 5 - Green/Blue Day

Get the Red Out! Score proficient (green) or advanced (blue)!

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