the fighting squirrels - my professional portfolio · the fighting squirrels september 2013 3 lunch...

The

Fighting Squirrels 7th grade Team

Normal Middle School 606 S. Linden Street Normal, IL 61761

(309) 555-0001

Happy September! The Fighting Squirrels team wants to welcome everyone to the new school

year at Normal Middle School!

Our 7th grade team works closely together promoting interdisciplinary

team activities, an advisory program, as well as community involvement. We welcome all family members to get

involved with our team by joining the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO).

In this newsletter

pg. 2- Why Middle Schools Rock!

pg. 3-Lunch Menu & Nutrition

pg. 4- Meet The Teacher: Ms. Sochan

pg. 5- Adolescent Development

pg. 6- Team Calendar

pg. 7- Meet The Teacher: Ms. Martens

pg. 8- Meet The Teacher: Ms. Barnash

pg. 9- Community Involvement

pg. 10-School Involvement

pg. 11-Effects of Social Media on Teens

pg. 12- Meet The Teacher: Ms. Krone

pg. 13- Parent’s Corner

pg. 14-What is Advisory?

Normal Middle School’s

Mission Statement

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3

Normal Middle School exists to serve the unique academic, physical, social, and emotional needs of students who are in a special and critical period of their lives as they change from childhood to adolescence. The staff of Normal Middle School is committed to creating and maintaining an orderly, trusting, and caring environment where teaching and learning are exciting and students are assisted as they develop responsibility. All aspects of the school's organization, curricular, and co-curricular activities are child centered and designed to accommodate individual learning styles so that all may experience success.

Letter from the Principal Hello there parents! It’s that time of year again that all of our students

have been looking forward to! The first day of school! This is going to be a very exciting year for everyone! Many of you have may have heard that our beloved school has changed our teaching philosophies from a Junior High setup to a Middle School setup, and we are proud of it! We feel that this will help our students to further themselves not only educationally but also as people.

We also have many fun things planned including field trips to the Shedd Aquarium for our sixth graders, The Normal 9/11 Memorial for our seventh graders and our class trip to Washington D.C. for our eighth graders, which we are always looking for chaperones for! Our faculty and staff are ecstatic to start this school year off right! If anyone has any questions PLEASE feel free to call me at: (309) 555-0001 extension #1 Mrs. Walters

THE FIGHTING SQUIRRELS SEPTEMBER 2013

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Middle School

•  Student-Centered •  Fosters collaboration of students •  Affective and cognitive growth are

emphasized •  Focuses on creative explorations and

experimentation of subject matter •  Varies length of time students are in

courses •  Offers high interest exploratory

coursework •  Advisory program = teacher-oriented

guidance •  Athletics organized around intramural

concept

Junior High

•  Subject-Centered •  Fosters competition of students •  Cognitive development is first priority •  Focuses on mastery of concepts and

skills in separate disciplines •  Offers subjects for one semester or one

year •  Provides highly structured activity

program after school •  Study hall = access to counselor upon

request •  Athletics organized around

interscholastic concept

Many schools that serve students in grades 6-8 have middle school as part of their name. But are they true middle schools or are they really junior high schools? The entire middle school concept is explained and can be studied in a variety of places and publications. And although some schools may blur the line between being a middle school or a junior high school in different areas, there are some definite distinctions that identify a school's structure, format, and philosophy-making it lean toward one side more than the other. Everyone invested in the school should care since the overall concept of any school affects every aspect of the school. From school improvement plans, to mission statements, to master schedules and class sizes-schools arrive at these decisions based on how they define themselves. And, these decisions affect two groups of stakeholders directly: students and teachers.

Some schools align completely with the framework of one side or the other. Many schools combine elements of both for a variety of reasons: philosophical issues, time constraints, financial demands, etc. Administrators, teachers, and parents can make judgments regarding what works and what doesn't work for their students and children. And, they can look into research and reports that discuss the good, better, and best practices out there. The National Middle School Association (NMSA) is a good place to start. However, it's important for everyone involved to remember that decisions should always be made based on what is in the best interests of the students-whether they are in a middle school, a junior high school, or a combination of both. Focus on students first, and the rest will follow.

We Are Proud To Be a True Middle School! Information obtained from article at http://suite101.com/article/middle-school-versus-junior-high-a4522

Why Middle Schools Rock! The differences between a Middle School and Junior High


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Lunch Menu

Effects of Poor Teen Nutrition • Increased risk of heart disease • Risk of becoming obese, now or later in life • Some cancers are related to excess fat and

sugar intake • Greater chance of diabetes later in life • Increased tendency toward hypertension

Boys Teen boys need between 2,200 and 3,200 calories per day to keep up with the growing demands of their bodies. The more active a teenage boy is, the more calories he needs:

• From protein: 10% to 30% of daily calories should be from proteins.

• From carbohydrates: 45% to 65% of calories should be from this group, the main fuel for the body.

• Fat should not exceed 35% of daily calories, but is somewhat necessary: at least 25%.

• 1,300 milligrams per day of calcium. • 38 grams of fiber. • No more than 1,500 milligrams of

sodium per day.

Girls Teen girls need fewer calories, 1,800 to 2,400, per day, but the percentage of calories is similar:

• Protein: 10% to 30%. • Carbohydrates: 45% 65%. • Fat: between 25% and 34%. • Calcium: 1,300 milligrams. • Fiber: 26 grams. • Sodium: no more than 1,500 milligrams.

For more information on Teens and Nutrition go to http://www.teenhelp.com/teen-health/teen-nutrition.html

Nutrition is Important!


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Getting To Know Ms. Sochan Where is your hometown?

I grew up in a Plainfield Illinois. What is your family like?

I am an only child if we aren’t counting the dog (Sasha Puff) in the family…who is practically a child to my mother. What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Some of my favorite things to do are, parking myself in front of the TV, hanging out with my best friends, who I’ve been lucky to have in my life since 5th grade, and I also love to go camping.

Choose three words that best describe you. Cheerful, Compassionate, Respectful

Who is your famous idol? Good ole’ Ellen DeGeneres What is something that you would like to do someday?

I would love to drive a racecar, or even become a racecar driver would be awesome! Name three things you could not live without. My friends/family, car, and IPhone. What is your favorite movie & book?

Movie: Without a Paddle Book: The Twilight series (Don’t judge me…)

What is your favorite food? I love any sort of pasta! Who inspires you?

My mom and dad couldn’t be a better example. They have gone through everything and came out smiling every time! I hope that one day I can be as great of parents and people as them.

Hello parents! Who’s ready to start off this amazing school year? Because I sure am! My name is Gabby Sochan, and I am the seventh grade Language Arts teacher here at Normal Middle School. I graduated from the local university, Illinois State University with a degree in Middle Level Education and endorsements in none other than Language Arts and Reading.

GO SQUIRRELS!

Meet The Teacher Ms. Sochan: 7th Grade Language Arts

I am super excited to begin this September by reading the beloved book The Outsiders. We are going to start by learning about the author S.E. Hinton who published this book when she was only 17 because that is going to be incorporated in the later project. They will be reading the book as a class, with little to no reading at home (unless student is absent for a day). At the end of the unit we will not only have the chance to watch the movie, but we are going to be writing short stories to send in to be published just like Hinton!

What’s happening in the Language Arts Room #: 236

Office #: (309) 555-0001

extension #6

[email protected]


5

As you may know, your child is changing. These are the years adolescents grow and develop the most outside of growing in the womb and then into a toddler. In the following newsletters we will cover the areas of development in further detail, but this portion will be an overview of some types of development; cognitive, physical, and social. Also, girls typically will mature slightly faster than boys.

Cognitive development is the development of the brain and understanding. Many people have studied cognitive development, but Jean Piaget is the most highly recognizable. Piaget has four stages of development; sensory motor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. Concrete and formal operational thoughts are the two most common phases for your students. This means your student is experiencing one of two intellectual phases; either needing hands on learning, or being able to think about things abstractly. You can aid by trying to help figure out what your child needs, and how he/she learns, and then implement the hands on activities he/she needs to learn, or help him/her to think abstractly about things. He/she also may have trouble with making decisions, and right decisions, because his/her pre-frontal cortex is not fully

developed yet. He/she may know what is right but be unable to make correct decisions based on the situation because their brain cannot tell the difference in right and wrong.

Physically these children are going through puberty and they will be growing. This will make sitting still and not moving hard. Give your child plenty of time to exercise and get up and move around while working on homework and sitting still for extended amounts of time. Your child may also have a lot of questions about what is happening to their bodies and why they are changing. Please understand your child might not want to ask you questions, so a simple way to help is to slyly ask if he/she has anything he/she wants to talk about or any questions about anything going on in life or changing. Girls will start to have hips widen, breasts start to develop, hair will start to grow, she will have a growth spurt, and she will experience menarche, or her first period. Boys will start to develop a deeper voice, boys will also have a growth spurt, muscles develop, hair will start to grow in the pubic region and on the face, and boys will experience

their first ejaculation. Your child may be scared when going through these things, so please remember to be supportive and help your child find answers.

Socially your child is going to start to try to find his/her independence. He/she will start to spend more time with friends and school than with you. This is normal, but do not hesitate to stay involved in your child’s social life. Also remember to try to give your child some space to spread his/her wings and fly. You may experience some confrontation with your child during this time that is also normal. Your child is trying to figure out who they are and be independent. Try to remain calm and help your child by giving your child space, and some identity of their own. He/she needs to experience some different things to find out who he/she is and who he/she wants to be. This final identity will likely not be as crazy as some of the stages your child tests out during his/her time of exploration.

We will cover more detail in the following letters. Every child is unique, and each individual will not fit into this mold. We just try to provide the information we can, and help you try to understand as well. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us for more information, or ask your doctor.

Adolescent Development

NOTE FROM THE NURSE IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN; SCHOOLS STARTING AND SO ARE THE ILLNESSES. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE OUR HEALTHY STUDENTS STAY THAT WAY! LAST YEAR, AS MOST OF YOU KNOW WAS A BIT TRICKY WITH LICE AND THE COMMON COLD. THIS YEAR WE WANT TO HELP PREVENT THAT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! OUR JANITORS CLEAN DAILY AND SANITIZE EXTENSIVELY EVERY WEEKEND! SO NOW WERE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP. WE WANT TO REMIND OUR STUDENTS TO NOT SHARE THINGS LIKE COMBS, BRUSHES, HAIR TIES AND CHAP STICK; AS WELL AS WASHING OUR HANDS REGULARLY! IF WE CAN ALL STICK TO THESE HEALTH PRECAUTIONS, WE CAN ALL HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY SCHOOL YEAR! THANK YOU PARENTS!

-‐ MRS. BETH - SCHOOL NURSE


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Team Calendar

Homework Help Don’t forget about the great opportunities for our students! We have homework help available for anyone

who needs it from 3:15-4:00 PM Tuesday – Thursday. Our team teachers schedule is… Tuesday- Ms. Barnash Wednesday- Ms. Sochan Thursday- Ms. Martens Friday- Ms. Krone

Put on those dancing shoes seventh and eighth grades! September 20th is our Fall

dance! The theme is Under the Sea! Have fun with this, and please dress up, because we will have a costume contest at the end

of the night with fantastic prizes!

Parents: Fall Parent-Teacher conferences are starting the 30th.

Your child’s homeroom teacher will contact you on available dates for you to come in and chat with the teachers.


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Meet the Teacher! Ms. Martens: 7th Grade Science Hello Students, I’m Ms. Martens your 7th grade Science teacher. You may be wondering, why science? I am very adventurous and love to explore new things and that is exactly what science allows, exploration of the world around you. I hope you are all as ready as I am to explore the exciting world of life science this year. Get ready to investigate cellular biology, genetics, and evolution. I must warn you that at times I can be very corny, and admittedly I will throw out some old fashion jokes. Feel free to laugh at them, no one will blame you. I am looking forward to getting to know each and every student this year. Please feel free to contact me at any time. Communication with parents and students is very important to me. Get Ready to Dig Deeper in science! This month in science we will be working along side with the social studies class as we talk about rock formations and minerals. We will find out what animals have been fossilized here in Normal, IL and how the animals have changed over time. The social studies teacher and I have some awesome projects ahead for our students and cannot wait to share their work to everyone during Parent-Teacher Conferences!

Getting to Know Ms. Martens

Where is your hometown? I grew up in a Northwest suburb of Chicago, Lake in the Hills

What is your family like? I have a sister Jordan who is 20, a sister Payton who is 14, and a brother Justin who is 12.

What are some of your favorite hobbies? I am currently learning how to knit. I like to bake, especially cupcakes! I played softball up through high school. My favorite activity is a tie between running, or playing board games with family and friends.

Choose three words that best describe you. Friendly, Caring, Funny

Who is your famous idol? Audrey Hepburn hands down. What is something that you would like to do someday?

Run a Marathon, and participate in the color run. Name three things you could not live without. My planner, iPhone, and Family What is your favorite movie & book?

Movie: Ten Things I Hate about You Book: The Hunger Games Series

What is your favorite food? I love spicy Mexican food! Who inspires you?

My mom is my biggest inspiration, my father and mom have done so much for me throughout my entire life, I hope to be more like them someday.

Room #: 237

Office #: (309) 555-0001 extension #7

[email protected]


8

Hello Parents & Students My name is Megan Barnash and I will be your students Social Studies teacher for this upcoming year. I graduated from Illinois State University receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Level Education, with endorsements in social studies and mathematics. I am looking forward to meeting each and every one of you this upcoming year. I invite both my students and their parents to contact me any time with questions or concerns.

We are starting this month off with…”Five Themes In Geography”. By understanding these five concepts (Location, Human Environment and Interaction, Regions, Place, Movement) we can better understand the world in which we live. Through scavenger hunts, interactive websites, and actual data sets, students will learn more about the elements in their environments.

The fighting squirrel team will also be doing a unit on September 11th. The students will research the events that took place in American on this date and they will make posters that will be hung up around the rooms for their work to be on display. We will be having a bake sale on September 11th in which all the proceeds will go towards “The Normal 9/11 Memorial”. The children will be visiting “The Normal 9/11 Memorial” on September 13th where they will present their profit they made from the bake sale.

Meet the Teacher! Ms. Barnash: 7th grade Social Studies

Room #: 238


[email protected]

Getting to Know Ms. Barnash

Where is your hometown? I’m from Gurnee, IL

What is your family like? I have an older brother names Casey, 2 dogs, and a hedgehog

What are some of your favorite hobbies? I love playing hockey! I am a die hard Blackhawks fan. I also enjoy reading and playing board games with my family and friends.

Choose three words that best describe you. Goofy, Optimistic, Personable

Who is your famous idol? Mahatma Gandhi What is something that you would like to do someday?

Travel to Ireland with my mother and grandmother. Name three things you could not live without. My family, food, my education What is your favorite movie & book?

Movie: Pitch Perfect Book: Love You Forever

What is your favorite food? Steak & Potatoes or Corned Beef and Cabbage Who inspires you?

My students. They teach me something new everyday!


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Your community needs your help, and this is the year to make a difference. This year our school is focusing on making a difference in the community and we need your help! Need reasons to volunteer?

1. Service learning has been associated with academic gain. 2. Students often experience an increased sense of self-efficacy 3. Students who participate in community service are more likely to grow up to become voters. 4. Community service is a great problem-solving skill builder. 5. Volunteering has health benefits. 6. Volunteering makes students more attractive to potential employers. 7. Students can enjoy excellent networking opportunities. 8. Students find a sense of responsibility and pride. 9. Community service brings learning beyond the classroom. 10. Volunteering offers opportunity for skill building 11. Volunteering may lead to scholarships 12. Volunteering is one big team building opportunity

For more information behind the reasons why to volunteer visit www.onlinecollege.org/2012/06/27/12-reasons-community-service-should-be-required-schools/ Now it is easier than ever to find a volunteer opportunity that is right for you. Our school has been working hand in hand with local organizations over summer break coming up with an immense amount of volunteer opportunities for our students to partake in this school year.

• Collect supplies for persons who have been in a fire or

natural disaster. • Participate in an Annual parade. • Plant a community garden. • Clean an elderly neighbor's driveway and sidewalk

after a snowfall. • Clean up after a natural disaster. • Plant flowers at town hall. • Clean up vacant lot. • Take a lifesaving class. • Make emergency kits for your home. • Collect money for a good cause. • Make bird feeders for public places. • Start a recycling center at school. • Start an Environmental Club.

“For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on peoples’ love and concern for each other” – Millard Fuller

Contact Ms. Martens for more information or help getting started. [email protected]

More Volunteer Opportunities

Upcoming Events Date Canned Food Drive 9/9/13-

9/13/13 Community Clean-Up Day 9/21/13 Run for Breast Cancer 10/5/13

• Take photos during an event and donate them to the event organizers.

• Run or walk in a charity race with friends. • Practice random acts of kindness. • Organize a newcomers group in your neighborhood to

welcome new families. • Produce a neighborhood newspaper. • Volunteer to clean up trash at a community event or

county fair. • Volunteer to help set up for a community event. • Campaign for additional lighting along poorly lighted

streets. • Paint a mural or clean up a local park. • Mow the lawns and care for the plants of neighbors

who are away on vacation. • Read aloud to a person who is visually impaired. • If you play an instrument, help a friend learn to play.

Community Involvement


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Become more involved in school!

Joining clubs and teams is a great way to make new friends while exploring common interests. Our school offers a variety of clubs from student council to drama club.

For a full list of activities and clubs, as well as associated contact information go to normalms.edu/activities.clubs

The fall sports season is jus around the corner and tryouts are fast approaching. If you are planning to try out for a team sport be sure to fill out your physical form beforehand.

Form available at normalms.edu/physicalform

Fall Sport Tryouts Begin Girls Volleyball 9/12/13 Boys Basketball 9/16/13

Co-ed Cross Country 9/3/13

Support your team by attending games and ‘sporting’ your school spirit! GO SQUIRRELS!

Sports to look forward to… ◊ Girls Basketball ◊ Wrestling ◊ Track and Field

Stay tuned for tryout dates. Don’t forget to turn in all badges earned this summer from the summer reading program associated with the local public library to receive your prizes. Missed out? Join next summer for even more opportunities. More information to come.

ATTENTION FEMALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYER: Try-outs will be held on the 12th and 13th at 3:15. Don’t be late; Coach Miller will not

accept tardiness. Want to join a club and meet some friends? JOIN CROSS COUNTRY! We will be meeting in the main gym at 3:30 on Tuesday the 3rd for our informational meeting.


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Effects of Social Media on Teens Help your middle schooler develop safe online behavior

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Some facts

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Why Internet safety matters

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Parent Tip Sheet

Common Sense on Internet Safety for Middle School Kids

Help your middle schooler develop safe online behavior

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Why Internet safety matters

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Parent Tip Sheet

Common Sense on Internet Safety for Middle School Kids

Go to http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/parent-media-education to learn more about internet safety

Specific issues influenced by the media • Body image • Alcohol, tobacco, and drug use • Potential violent behaviors

Forms of Media Most Used By Teens • Internet • TV • Movies • Magazines

It’s important to understand how peers can affect each other during adolescence. Social workers can conduct groups to help teens explore their own identity by discussing these issues in peer settings; These groups utilize role-taking, social skills, and communication techniques which promote personal and group development Schools have become a place where teens interact more and more with adults. Advisory programs are implemented for this exact reason; to provide students with an adult that they can form a strong bond with. In these programs teachers and social workers together, can request materials to conduct classroom activities regarding media messages.

What Have We Done as Team to Promote Media The Fighting Squirrels have implemented a “THINK” system in our team. Each class has a “THINK” poster in which we refer back to each time the students work on a digital device.


12

Meet The Teacher Ms. Krone: 7th grade Math

If people do not believe that mathematics is simple, it is only because they do not realize how complicated life is. ~John Louis von Neumann

Hi, I am Miss Jonna Krone and I will be teaching your seventh grader(s) math this year! I am excited to begin understanding your learner and their specific needs in my classroom. I am from a small town north of here, Minonk. I graduated from Fieldcrest High School, Heartland Community College, and I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Level Education with a specialization in Mathematics from Illinois State University. I love spending time with family, friends, and my dog Bandit. I have two older brothers who are married, Joshua whose wife is Kansas, and Jordan who is married to Marqui. I also have a little sister named Amanda who is in seventh grade. I love volleyball

and going on walks. I also enjoy bike rides and swimming in the summertime! My favorite vacation spot is Virginia Beach. On most weeknights this month you will find me watching the Cardinals’ game with Bandit grading papers on commercials. I chose Middle School because I love this age group, not too young and not too old! I chose Math because I love the subject, and I think deeper understanding is beneficial for all of life. My contact information is listed, but you can also feel free to come in any time before school, after school, or during my planning period from 10:27-11:10,

simply call to make an appointment! You can also stop by on Fridays after school when I am giving homework help, however if a student is in need of my services they do come first.

Every chapter will begin with a short pre-quiz your student(s) will take to show what knowledge they already have, and what we need to work to build. These pre-quizes are NOT a part of your child’s grade in the class; they are simply a test of what knowledge exists, and what knowledge we need to build. We will begin this month with a review of some concepts your students learned last year which include types of numbers, working with fractions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), and a short review of graphs and charts. September 10th, and we will learn the difference in the money raised and money used, profits, and expenses, which will go along with the bake sale the next day. We will be counting the money raised, and researching things that money might be used for. There is more information on the bake sale on the calendar, and in the Parent Involvement section. After the review of topics last year we will have a small, “When Will I Use This?!” unit which students will look at their future career hopes and how they will use mathematics in their future career. That will bring us to October!

Room #: 239


[email protected]

Getting to Know Ms. Krone

What is your family like? I have two older brothers, a sister, mom, dad, and my dog

What are some of your favorite hobbies? Swimming, walking, bike rides

Choose three words that best describe you. Athletic, Educated, Thoughtful.

What is something that you would like to do someday? Hike the Grand Canyon Name three things you could not live without. my dog, my friends, and my family What is your favorite movie & book?

Movie: Despicable Me Book: Through My Eye’s by Tim Tebow


13

At Normal Middle School we realize the resources parents are in a school’s functions. Parents are the backbone of what makes our school tasks work. We appreciate your help! If you are looking for ways to get involved, but are unsure of some opportunities, simply take a look at our calendar. On the calendar you will see several events that we need parents for.

Parent’s Corner

On Wednesday September 4th, there is a PTO meeting. The Parent-Teacher Organization is a great way to get involved in the school and the activities we have going on. September 4th is their first meeting this school year, and they always appreciate new faces wanting to get involved in bettering the school through parents helping

On Wednesday September 11th, the Fighting Squirrels will be having a team bake sale all day on the campus of ISU; the proceeds will go to the Normal 9/11 Memorial. We need parents to help bake goodies for the bake sale, and also to help chaperone the students on campus. We would like to set up four tables throughout campus, and we need parent power to help make this a reality. From 11:00-12:30 two tables will be set up at Normal Middle School, and we invite parents who may not be able to give up the whole day to volunteer to run those tables as the teachers and students will be at Illinois State. September 11th is also picture day; our team will be taking pictures first thing in the morning so we can be at ISU by 9:00 AM.

The Friday after the bake sale, September 13th we will be taking a field trip to the Normal 9/11 Memorial to present the money raised from the bake sale to the Memorial, then we will tour the memorial as the students learn about that very important day in our country’s history. We are looking for a few parents who would be willing to help chaperone this event as well.

If you would like to volunteer in a

classroom outside of these listed

opportunities, please feel free to contact the team and we would love to set up a time

for you to come in and aid in the learning

process of our students.

Friday September 20th is the seventh and eighth grade fall dance. This will be chaperoned by teachers, but parents are invited to come help decorate for the dance from 5:00 to 6:30 that night.

On Friday September 6th we will have a back-to-school night,which is just a way for our team to introduce itself to parents, and way for parents to meet their students’ teachers. Please come that night to see the classrooms, and enjoy refreshments after in

September 30th is the beginning of the week of Parent-Teacher conferences, be sure to set up your appointment to come meet with our team any night that week from 3:30-6:30

What is Advisory? THE FIGHTING SQUIRRELS SEPTEMBER 2013

Ms. Barnash’s Advisory group participates in a human chain activity to develop communication skills and teaming

According to the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development (1989), "Students should be able to rely on that adult to help learn from their experiences, comprehend physical changes and changing relations with family and peers, act on their behalf to marshal every school and community resource needed for the student to succeed, and help to fashion a vision of the future" (p. 40). Advisory time is important for educators and students in middle schools to develop strong interpersonal relationships. Students who form connections with at least one adult will show improvements in their academic and personal growth.

Rationale for Advisory Programs • Promote small, caring communities of learners. • Promote mutually respectful and meaningful

relationships. • Provide individual attention to students. • Provide each student with an opportunity to

"belong." • Allow teachers to be actively involved in the affective

development of students. • Emphasize the social and emotional development of

every young adolescent. • Assist students with interpersonal communication

skills development.

Design of Advisory Programs • Need careful organizing, planning, preparing,

implementing, and monitoring. • Need guidance department, administration, and

district-level support. • Need teacher, parent, and student input and active

involvement. • Need teachers/advisors trained and committed to

teaching young adolescents. • Need relevant, ongoing professional development

opportunities. • Need regularly scheduled meeting times. • Length of advisory meetings–20 to 40 minutes,

uninterrupted. • Number of students assigned to advisory groups–

10 to 20 students.

For more information visit the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) website http://www.amle.org/research/researchsummaries/advisoryprograms/tabid/812/default.aspx

The Fighting Squirrels Advisory Program The Fighting Squirrels advisory program is built into every student’s schedule. We meet in small groups of 15 students for 30 minutes every morning. We focus this time on personal development and social relationships. Our goals for this academic year is to help students gain emotional strength, self-knowledge, and social skills. We work closely with the guidance counselors here at Normal Middle School so they can provide the professional development we need, as educators, to become the most competent advisors for your child. Over the academic year we will be doing activities to promote organizational skills, communication skills, problem solving, team building, and community service.

Our Advisory Goals 1. Creating Community

2. Academic Advisement 3. Social and Emotional Learning

Go to http://msnb2012mgi.wikispaces.com/file/view/Middle-School-Advisory-Activities.pdf to see what sort of activities we will be doing with your child.

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