December / January 2017 Find us on the web at: http://www.aacps.org/aacps/Magrvrms/index.asp Magothy River Middle School The Marlin Monthly Christopher Mirenzi, Principal Susan Sergeant, Assistant Principal Stacy Herbert Assistant Principal Inside this issue: Blood Drive Info 2 Polar Bear Plunge Info 3 Grade Level News 4-9 AVID News 10 Health Room 11- 13 Young Authors Contest 14 Spelling Bee & Science Fair 15 NJHS 16 Main Office 16- 18 Music 19 PBIS & Winterfest 19- 20 School Counseling 21 Bullying Form 22 School Info 23 Dear Parents, Our students are doing a great job so far! In the first marking period 537 students were on the Honor Roll, 199 of which were on the Principal’s Honor Roll. That is approximately 73% of our students! Our school has the tradition to recognize our Honor Roll students through Inter-Disciplinary Team (IDT) assemblies, and Principal Honor Roll students at an assembly hosted by me. However, we are very proud of all our students who show academic growth, and we also celebrate those successes at IDT assemblies. As I have said so many times before, we have wonderful students; we also have a wonderfully supportive parental community and a very dedicated faculty. It’s a great recipe for achievement!! THANK YOU to ALL stakeholders! Have you heard about our Morning Rally Time? As part of our Advisory Program, each Monday morning we have what we refer to as Morning Rally. This is a time where the advisory group and advisory teacher sit in a circle for a time of sharing. The “discussion” is centered around 3-4 questions, that all students get a chance to answer aloud. A “talking piece” is passed around the circle and students only respond when they have the talking piece. Students are always given a chance to “pass” instead of sharing their answer to the question. The questions are simple but thought-provoking. The purpose of Morning Rally is to develop respectful relationships and empathy among students. While no student is forced to participate, many enjoy sharing interesting information about themselves that might otherwise not be known to their peers. Research has shown that this dialog is very successful in getting students to accept and appreciate each other more. The results in our school have been very positive. Students have actually requested that we have Morning Rally more than once per week. To give you an idea of the type of questions used in Morning Rally, here are the ones we used on December 4: 1. What is one thing you like about your school day and why? 2. Choose a particular school rule. What do you think is the reason for this rule? For you, what is the hardest part of following this rule and why? Beginning next week, the Morning Rally questions will be posted on our webpage under the heading Advisory/ Morning Rally. If you are interested, you may review each question to engage in a discussion with your child at home. You may be surprised at the conversation that is generated by such questions! Our winter break begins on December 23 and runs through January 1. May your Holidays be Joyful and your New Year filled with Health, Happiness, and Good Fortune! Sincerely, Christopher Mirenzi Principal Please note that we have combined our December and January issues of the Marlin Monthly into this one edition!
Transcript
December / January 2017 Find us on the web at: http://www.aacps.org/aacps/Magrvrms/index.asp
Magothy River Middle School The Marlin Monthly
Christopher Mirenzi,
Principal
Susan Sergeant,
Assistant Principal
Stacy Herbert
Assistant Principal
Inside this issue:
Blood Drive
Info
2
Polar Bear
Plunge Info
3
Grade Level
News
4-9
AVID News 10
Health Room 11-
13
Young
Authors
Contest
14
Spelling Bee
& Science
Fair
15
NJHS 16
Main Office 16-
18
Music 19
PBIS &
Winterfest 19-
20
School
Counseling
21
Bullying Form 22
School Info 23
Dear Parents,
Our students are doing a great job so far! In the first marking period 537 students were on the Honor Roll,
199 of which were on the Principal’s Honor Roll. That is approximately 73% of our students! Our school has
the tradition to recognize our Honor Roll students through Inter-Disciplinary Team (IDT) assemblies, and
Principal Honor Roll students at an assembly hosted by me. However, we are very proud of all our students
who show academic growth, and we also celebrate those successes at IDT assemblies. As I have said so many
times before, we have wonderful students; we also have a wonderfully supportive parental community and a
very dedicated faculty. It’s a great recipe for achievement!! THANK YOU to ALL stakeholders!
Have you heard about our Morning Rally Time? As part of our Advisory Program, each Monday morning we
have what we refer to as Morning Rally. This is a time where the advisory group and advisory teacher sit in a
circle for a time of sharing. The “discussion” is centered around 3-4 questions, that all students get a chance
to answer aloud. A “talking piece” is passed around the circle and students only respond when they have the
talking piece. Students are always given a chance to “pass” instead of sharing their answer to the question.
The questions are simple but thought-provoking.
The purpose of Morning Rally is to develop respectful relationships and empathy among students. While
no student is forced to participate, many enjoy sharing interesting information about themselves that might
otherwise not be known to their peers. Research has shown that this dialog is very successful in getting
students to accept and appreciate each other more. The results in our school have been very positive.
Students have actually requested that we have Morning Rally more than once per week.
To give you an idea of the type of questions used in Morning Rally, here are the ones we used on December 4:
1. What is one thing you like about your school day and why? 2. Choose a particular school rule. What do you think is the reason for this rule? For you, what is the
hardest part of following this rule and why? Beginning next week, the Morning Rally questions will be posted on our webpage under the heading Advisory/Morning Rally. If you are interested, you may review each question to engage in a discussion with your child at home. You may be surprised at the conversation that is generated by such questions! Our winter break begins on December 23 and runs through January 1. May your Holidays be Joyful and your
New Year filled with Health, Happiness, and Good Fortune! Sincerely,
Christopher Mirenzi
Principal
Please note that we have combined our December and January issues of the Marlin Monthly into this one edition!
Students have been learning all the fascinating things about mosquitoes and how to prevent being bitten to start off our Unit 2, called Eur-Zika! We will be learning about different viruses which will lead into Cells and Living Things! Final Science projects are coming close to the deadline: Monday, December 11th!
Math - Mrs. Bradshaw
Math 6 students are hard at work on division of fractions and mixed numbers. Next up - percent concepts including real-world applications such as tip and discount.
Math 6/7 students are working with percent concepts including real-world applications such as tip and discount. Next up - we enter the wonderful world of negative numbers.
Thank you for consistently checking Schoolnotes...communication is key to your student's success!
Social Studies - Mr. Fletcher
Students have just started learning about Ancient Greece, and we will proceed as we have in other units. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the geography, government, city-states, education, and other aspects of Greek culture. Then on to Ancient Rome in the New Year!
Language Arts - Mrs. Hamilton
Please see Mrs. Hamilton’s Black Board page for updates.
5
6th GRADE
News from the Mariners
Congratulations go to November’s student of the month recipients: …
Jennifer G., Mr.Riley H., Cason H., Mady Q.
Language Arts News from Mrs. Janota: Please see Ms. Janota’s Black Board page for updates.
Math News from Mrs. Plitt: Math 6/7: Students in math 6/7 will be finishing up their study of percentages and then moving on to the Integers Unit. Students will begin by understanding negative numbers, opposites and absolute value. Then they will apply their understanding of integers to the coordinate plane. Thanks for keeping track of the textbook and making sure it comes to class every day! Keep checking schoolnotes for important class happenings. :) Math 6: Students just finished up their fractions unit and will begin learning about percentages. Students will learn the concept of “percent” and how it relates to ratios. They will also learn how to find the percent of a number and discounts using percentages. This is a great topic during this shopping season! Thanks for keeping track of the textbook and making sure it comes to class every day! Keep checking schoolnotes for important class happenings. :) Science News From Ms. Thompson: Mariner Scientists have been super busy in November! They have been learning how scientists display data from investigations in tables and graphs as well as the role that mosquito’s play in spreading the Zika Virus. December at Magothy not only signals the Winter Holidays, but also a celebration of Science! Students have spent many hours at home and in school working on their own Science Investigations and their final Science Project products are due to school on Monday, December 11
th. I can't wait to see the wonderful learning that students have discovered during their
investigations! Social Studies News from Ms. Senft: The TARDIS has landed in ancient Greece where students are exploring the geography, government, economy, and culture of Sparta and Athens, and the major wars they fought. We will do another instructional DBQ and a project on Greek Mythology before departing for winter break. My social studies news email blasts are going out. Please let me know if you signed up and are not receiving them, or if you’d like to be added to the list. As always, thank you for ALL your support!
6
7th GRADE
7
7th GRADE
Dear Parents and Guardians,
December is here and 2nd Quarter is in full swing. See important information for each class below.
Language Arts: On November 15th, students chose and received their Recreational Reading novels. They will need to have their book read, be prepared for their graded book discussion, and have their homework assignment completed by the book discussion date of December 5th. In class, we will be focusing on historically significant work this month. We will read the classic poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling the first full week of December. Then, we will read the play “The Diary of Anne Frank” based upon her true-life story. During the reading of the play, we will also examine excerpts from Anne’s actual diary.
Social Studies: Social Studies 7th graders have been working diligently to develop, sharpen, and practice their essay writing skills for a Document Based Question analysis about the causes of World War I. We have spent a great deal of time revisiting and thoroughly breaking down the overall components of a DBQ as well as the necessary steps to take to prepare and write a strong, analytical essay. The AACPS Quarterly Assessments in 7th grade Social Studies revolve around the DBQ essay so this practice is very important for student success. Also during the month of December, we will be studying the Russian monarchs and the Russian Revolution followed by the Rise of Hitler and the causes and effects of the Holocaust.
Science: We are mixing it up in our new chemistry unit as we explore systems approach to study science and scientific principles. In this course, students conduct investigations and complete projects to understand and solve real world problems and/or improve design as scientists and engineers. They engage in scientific practices and engineering design to study the interaction of matter, motion, interactions of cells, energy transformation, and waves. Students use appropriate technology to conduct their investigations and organize and analyze data to come to conclusions about their research. Students also conduct in-depth research through readings on topics they plan to study, thus becoming informed about these topics to develop a deeper understanding of several scientific concepts, but on a lighter note, we are super excited about our literary project. Each scientist (student) will read and prepare a presentation of a science book and be prepared to show the book and present it to other scientists. (Just thinking this would be a great holiday gift!)
Math: Please see Mr. Mangold’s Black Board page for more updates.
Sincerely,
Ms. Carr: Language Arts Mrs. Lewis: Social Studies Mr. Mangold: Mathematics Mrs. Houck: Science
8
8th GRADE
The following students were awarded Student of the Month for the month of November:
Josh M., Aidan Y., Autumn W., Emily D., Alexia S.
These students are respectful, motivated and safe.
For the last month the Champion Team has implemented the Champion Block to provide support to our students. For 1/2 hour on Tuesday, rotating through periods 5, 4, 2, and 1, core teachers provide a study/help session. Students are encouraged to select to see a core teacher based on need. On Mondays students are provided with a multi-section report to help to determine which core teacher to see during the block. Please talk to your student about Champion Block and how they are choosing to use the time. Encourage your student to seek guidance and support from the core teachers and to use the time to improve aca-demic achievement.
Algebra students are working through Systems of Equations and Inequalities in quarter 2. Math 8 students are analyzing equations for slope and y-intercept and then making connections between other function families.
From Ms. Basile & Mrs. Denman:
At the beginning of the second marking period, students reviewed their writing portfolios for Language Arts; they also added pieces of exemplary work to their portfolios, and completed a reflection/goal sheet for this course. Additionally, students will begin building toward the completion of a literary analysis extended writing assignment.
Please check Ms. Basile's Blackboard page for additional information pertaining to Language Arts. Thank you!
9
8th GRADE
Dear Parents,
The Heroes team would like to thank and congratulate our parents and students for a great start to the second marking period. The Heroes team appreciates that the students are coming prepared and ready to learn. We would also like to thank all the parents and students who came to the conferences in November and are excited to see students for the student led conferences in December; we believe that the conferences help build
towards success!
In order for our students to remain successful, they need to come prepared to every class. It is important to always have a pencil, a highlighter, and a notebook. Please try to re-stock your student’s supplies to ensure
their continued success.
October Students of the Month – Great Job You Five!
Michael W. Izzy B. Jack C. Monica G. Brett T.
The Heroes will be recognizing students of the Month for November soon, keep an eye out for that in next
month’s newsletter.
Special thanks to the Foraker family for their generous donation to the Student of the Month Fund. If you
would like to donate or help out to the fund please contact Mr. Wilbert at [email protected] – Thank You!
What have the teachers and your kids been up too?
Dernetz – Continental Drifts and Science Fair Due 12/6
Cooper – Early Presidents and the War of 1812
Heiserman – Novel read
Wilbert – Systems of Equations (Algebra I)
Slope and Y-intercept (Math 8)
Finally, please continue to check teachers’ websites for classroom updates and information and as always,
Happy Healthy Holidays to our MRMS students and their families!
Please consider protecting your family members with a flu vaccine for the upcoming flu sea-
son! The attached guidelines review symptoms indicating when to keep your child home from
school. Please notify the Health Room regarding any recent or chronic health issues for your
child, including food allergy or asthma, or any injury requiring a cast, splint, or crutches.
All medications require a completed school medication form completed by both the parent
and a physician. All medication must be brought to the Health Room by an adult. Do not
send any medication to school with your child. A physician’s self-carry order and Health
Room approval is required before a student may self-carry emergency medication in school.
*** Per MRMS Administrative policy, a physician’s note is required for use of a personal water
bottle during class.
Vision and Hearing screening will be held at MRMS on March 22, 2018 for all 8th grade
students and students new to Anne Arundel County. If you have concerns about your child’s
vision or hearing, please contact the Health Room directly at 410-431-8873.
Parents of 6th grade students: Plan ahead now to obtain required Tdap booster (tetanus/
pertussis) and meningitis immunizations for your child. Proof of these vaccinations must be
submitted in order for your student to enter 7th grade. Please send documentation to the
Health Room as soon as these vaccinations are obtained.
Thank you!
Jane Lefavor, RN and Kim Biggs, Health Assistant
12
HEALTH ROOM
13
HEALTH ROOM
14
LANGUAGE ARTS DEPARTMENT
15
Science Department
The Magothy River Science fair and judging will be held on Thursday, December
14th. The set-up of projects will be on Tuesday, December 12th in the media center
from 9:15-10:15am assigned by grade level. The students will be given their judging
time slot during set-up. We try very hard to have all students visited by three judges
within an hour so they do not miss too much class time. The awards ceremony
will be on Monday, December 18th, beginning at 2:30 pm. Thank you for
supporting science, engineering and inquiry based learning.
LANGUAGE ARTS DEPARTMENT
The Language Arts Department would like to congratulate the following students for
qualifying for the final round of the Magothy River Middle School Spelling Bee. The final round
will be held in Marlin Hall on Wednesday, December 13th
at 9:30 am. The winner of the
school-wide Spelling Bee will represent MRMS at the Anne Arundel County Spelling Bee at the
Board of Education Building on February 24, 2018.
Final MRMS Spelling Bee Participants:
Mauricio P. Claire W.
Harry W. Cori B.
Brett G. Christian J.
Lily M. Lulu C.
Finn R. Brian C.
Loralei B. Ruby D.
Desi C. Clementine M.
Neal O. Monica G.
Michael O. Aiden D.
Matthew M. Fiona D.
Heather D. Carli B.
Collin S. Mariana O.
Dax A. Caroline G.
Liam D.
16
NJHS
Extended Absence???
An extended absence of more than 2 days for personal reasons
(vacations, etc.) should be approved by the Principal. Please stop by
the office with a Parent Note explaining the length and reason of the
absence. The Pre-Approved Notification of Absence form, available
on the following page, will then be used by the student to check in
with his/her teachers to alert them of this absence and arrange for
any work in advance. Please understand that any instructional time
missed may impact your child’s grades.
Main Office
NJHS invitations to apply for the 2017-2018 school year were handed out during 7th and 8th grade lunches to all those that qualified with a cumulative 3.75 GPA. Students signed off that they received the invitation. Applications are due no later than December 13th, 2017. No exceptions! Students will also be expected to write an essay on December 13th (the original Dec. 6th date was moved to Dec.13th). Please see Ms. McCallister or Ms. Ebersberger with questions.
17
Main Office
18
Main Office
19
Music Department
PBIS
Magothy Instrumental Music Concert December 15th at 7PM at MRMS
The following ensembles will be performing: Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, String Orchestra and Full Orchestra
Congratulations to the following students for auditioning and being selected to the Anne Arundel County All- County Orchestra : Monica G., Gianna S., Mia C., Zachary G.
On December 14th, many music students will be attending the BSO side by side concert at the Meyerhoff Auditorium in Balti-more, Maryland.
20
PBIS
21
Office of School Counseling
22
23
AACPS DATES TO REMEMBER:
DECEMBER 2017
7 - Professional Development. Two-
hour early dismissal for all students.
Schools closed for p.m.
Prekindergarten and ECI students.
8 - Schools closed for students.
Parent/Teacher conferences for
elementary, middle, and high
schools.
15 - Interims to be sent home by
this date.
25–Jan 1 - Christmas/Winter
Break—Schools closed December 25
through January 1 for students,
teachers, and school-based Unit IV
employees. School Offices &
Central Offices closed December
25, 26, 29 and January 1
JANUARY 2018
1 - All Schools & Central Offices
closed.
2 - Schools open for teachers and
students.
15 - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Birthday Commemoration — All
Schools & Central Offices closed.
29 | 30 - End of second marking
period. (46 days) Two-hour early
dismissal for all students, teacher
workdays. Schools closed for p.m.
Prekindergarten and ECI students.
31 - Schools closed for students.
Workday for all teachers. Note:
January 31 may be made a school
day for all students.
Mission Statement:
Magothy River Middle School is a
school where stakeholders work
collaboratively to provide a positive
learning environment that is safe
and orderly, meets the needs of all
students, and promotes academic
excellence and social growth.
Administrators, Counseling Office & Health Room Staff:
Principal - Christopher Mirenzi
Assistant Principal - Stacy Herbert Gr. 6; Gr. 7 L-Z
Assistant Principal - Susan Sergeant Gr. 7 A-K; Gr. 8
1/15/2018 - Martin Luther King, Jr Birthday Commemoration - all schools closed
1/25/2018 - Polar Bear Plunge
1/29/2018-1/30/2018 - end of second Marking Period - two hour early dismissal on both days
1/31/2018 - MRMS Blood Drive - 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
1/31/2018 - Schools closed for students
Anne Arundel County Public Schools prohibits discrimination in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude performance. For more information, contact The Office of Investigations, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, (410) 222-5286; TDD (410) 222-5500. www.aacps.org
Magothy River Middle School
241 Peninsula Farm Road
Arnold, MD 21012
In This Issue... Important News!!! Read All About It!!!!!!
