Important Contact Numbers within Stemmers Run Middle School A

Stemmers Run Middle School
Stemmers Run
Middle School
Issue 2
February 2015
A note from Mr. Thanner
Frosty Fun!
Dear Parents,
This week we found out that we were selected to become a Lighthouse School
for next school year. This means that in the Fall of 2015 all of our incoming 6th
graders, and each subsequent 6th grade class, will receive lap top computers as
we transform our instruction to support an innovative 21st century instructional
platform. In order to be selected, we had to demonstrate overwhelming faculty
and community support, and a commitment to the hard work that will be necessary to bring the best possible technology based instruction to Stemmers Run
MS. This great honor and opportunity will come with a lot of work, as our entire
faculty will go through many hours of additional training and professional development to learn how to best deliver instruction in a technology rich environment.
One of the reasons that we were selected was because our faculty has demonstrated a commitment to adapting their instruction and supporting these changes.
Ultimately, this will not change any of the educational outcomes or expectations
for our students, but it will infuse 21st century skill development, more student
centered instruction, and a blended learning approach into our already strong
middle school instructional program. While the Lighthouse distinction is considered an achievement for our school, the true winners are our students and our
community. I would like to thank everyone that pitched in and helped us with
our Lighthouse campaign. This really is a great time to be a Stemmers Run
Buccaneer!
Thank you very much.
Important Contact Numbers within
Stemmers Run Middle School
Guidance : 410-887-0180
Weather delays/closings :
Nurse : 410-887-0408

BCPS Hotline: 410-887-5555
Cafeteria : 410-887-0181

bcps.org

BCPS NOW app on your
smartphone
Library : 410-887-0290
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Inside this issue:
Immunization
Update
2
After school activities
3
Spanish update
4
Physical Education & Health
5, 11
Important dates
to remember
6
Language Arts
update
8
Microsoft Office
365 Student Advantage Informa-
12
Yearbook order
form
16
Special points of
interest:
 Stemmers Run offers
after school activities
and coach classes
 Stemmers Run to participate in 2015 NAEP
 Middle School Tips
 6th Grade trip to
NorthBay huge success
Environmental Club News
The Environmental Club meets
every other Tuesday
in room 104 from 3:05
-4:30pm. Parent Volunteers are greatly
needed.
S’mores (Environmental Club members) will take care of recycling. The class that has
the most recycling will be
rewarded.
Upcoming events:
The Environmental
Club will be starting
the recycling program. On Wednesdays, teachers will be
able to send a responsible student down
with recycle boxes in
which, at that time the
The Environmental club,
pending approval, will be
hosting a Family Movie
Night. Students and their
families will enjoy a fun
Encourage your child to family evening. Also, the
join the environmental Environmental club pendclub!
ing approval, will also host
a Butterfly Festival (spring festival)
in May to help raise funds for our
Butterfly garden.
Parent volunteers specializing in
agriculture, gardening, carpentry,
environmental protection and preservation, and other areas related to
the environment are encouraged to
please contact Mrs. Cannon at
wcannon@bcps.org.
Thank you Mrs. Cannon
S.A.D.D. CLUB NEWS:
SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club has started! Anyone still interested in joining
or want more information please see Mrs. Boyd in room 112.
SADD club’s first project is beautifying the BUC Store located in the cafeteria. This store is used
as an incentive for students to wear their uniform. SADD club’s second project will be creating a
visual display of colleges our teachers attended. Hopefully this display will influence students to
make future education goals.
7th Grade Immunization Requirements
All 7th grade students are required to provide proof of having received a dose of meningococcal vaccine (also
called Menactra and Menveo) and a booster dose of Tdap (also called Boostrix and Adacel.) These vaccines
are in addition to the vaccines required for kindergarten. Most children receive these vaccines at age 10 or 11.
Parents of current 6th graders are urged to:

Check with their child’s health care provider to see if the child has received these vaccines.

Schedule an appointment for the child to receive these vaccines BEFORE August 26, 2015.

Provide verification of the immunizations to the school nurse.
More information about these vaccines is available at the Office of Health Services
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News from the Band Room
Our Carowinds trip to Charlotte, NC is
on May 1-3, 2015. The band already
has wait listed students as does the orchestra. The first payment was due
January 30th.
All music students need a short sleeve
forest/hunter green polo and black
pants/skirts for all music performances.
Students are not required to order a music polo, but many have asked for the opportunity.
We have a wonderful musical program at Stemmers Run Middle
School!!!
After School Activities
Chorus
Tuesday and Thursday
3:00-4:00 pm
Jazz Band
Tuesday and Thursday
3:00-4:00 pm
Environmental Club
Every other Tues. starting 10/21
3:00-4:00 pm
NJHS
Every other Tues. starting 10/28
3:05-4:30 pm
NJHS executives
Every other Tues. starting 10/21
3:05-4:30 pm
SADD
Every other Tues. starting 11/18
3:00-4:00 pm
Instrumental Music Assistance
Wednesday
3:00-4:00 pm
Chess Club
Wednesday
Newspaper
Wednesday
TBA
Jazz Band
Tuesday and Thursday
3:00-4:00 pm
Glee
Every other Thurs. starting 10/23
3:00-4:00 pm
Young Men with Purpose
Thursday
3:00-4:00 pm
Homework Club (IEP Students)
Thursday
3:00-4:00 pm
MESA
2nd Thursday each month
3:00-4:00 pm
Yearbook
Thursday starting in January
3:00-4:30 pm
3:00-4:00 pm
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Spanish
Dear Spanish I Families,
Spanish I students are well into the family unit! We have learned how to talk about ourselves using physical adjectives as well as how to communicate who are the members in our families. Test your child! If you
ask him or her the following questions, they should be able to answer with the following answers:
¿Cómo se llama tu madre? Mi madre se llama
¿Cómo se llaman tu abuelos? Mis abuelos se llaman
¿Cómo eres? Yo soy
(fill in mom’s name) .
(fill in both grandparents’ name) .
(fill in an adjective to describe your child)
¿Cómo es tu primo? Mi primo es (or É les)
.
(fill in an adjective to describe your child’s cousin)
.
The next step is to learn how to describe people using personality adjectives (such as smart, boring, fun,
friendly…) and apply that vocabulary to more family members.
As always, please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Ines Horlacher
Debbie Rivera
Dear Spanish II Families,
Spanish II students are well into the health unit! We are currently learning how to identify body parts and
communicate what hurts. Students have learned the difference between singular and plural verbs and how
to use them in a grammatically correct manner. Writing and speaking skills are improving daily! Test your
child! If you ask him or her the following questions, they should be able to answer with the following answers:
¿Qué te duele? Me duele
¿Qué te duele? Me duelen
(body part)
.
(plural body part)
.
¿Qué te pasó? (They should be able to state something they hurt).
The next step is to learn how to connect those thoughts and expand by expressing the reason why something hurts.
As always, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Ines Horlacher
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION NEWS - FITNESSGRAM
During the first weeks of school all students participated in the BCPS countywide fitness testing – FITNESSGRAM during PE classes. Students were assessed in the following 6 testes:
1.
PACER – aerobic capacity
2.
PUSH-UPS – muscular strength and endurance
3.
CURL-UPS – muscular strength and endurance
4.
TRUNK LIFT – flexibility
5.
SHOULDER STRETCH – flexibility
6.
BACK SAVER SIT & REACH – flexibility
After completing these tests, the student’s scores were inputted into the FITNESSGRAM program. An analysis of their individual test results will be printed and sent home with their 2nd quarter report card. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to
contact any PE teacher.
WHAT IS FITNESSGRAM?
FITNESSGRAM is a valuable tool for students to assess their fitness and activity levels, identify ways to improve fitness and health, and
learn to enjoy regular physical activity.
FITNESSGRAM evaluates fitness performance by using objective, scientific standards that have been established to present a level of
fitness necessary for health. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact any PE teacher. Student’s performances are classified as either:
1.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
2.
HEALTHY FITNESS ZONE (HFZ)
FITNESSGRAM PHILOSOPHY
Research indicates that if adults value physical activity and encourage participation, young people will view physical activity as an
important part of their daily lives.

Health is a much more important aspect of fitness than skill or performance. FITNESSGRAM assess components that are less influenced by genetics or ability so all children can be successful.

Everyone, regardless of age, gender or ability, benefits from activity and fitness. Children are not compared to each other, but to
standards that are based on how much fitness is needed for health.

Lifetime physical activity and fitness is the essential goal of FITNESSGRAM. Even if the child’s current fitness levels meets the health
standards, we encourage him/her to keep up the good work – for life.
Personal information is given to each student regarding their fitness level and the types of physical activities that will contribute to their
health. With reasonable amounts of physical activity, most students can attain FITNESSGRAM’s Healthy Fitness Zone.
WHY IS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPORTANT?
Good health and positive self-esteem often determine the future well-being and success of children and young adults. According to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence

Improves strength and endurance

Helps build healthy bones and muscles

Helps control weight

Reduces anxiety and stress and increases self-esteem, and
May improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Young people may engage in physical activity simply because it is fun. But the truth is the long-term consequences of not being active are serious:

Physical inactivity is the second leading cause of preventable death. Only tobacco use causes more preventable deaths

Adults who are less active are at greater risk of dying of heart disease and developing diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood
pressure.
5
SRMS Important Dates to Remember:
February
April
5th - Distribution of report cards
1st - Third quarter ends
13th - 3 hour early dismissal ~
2nd - Spring Break begins
Professional Development
16th - Schools closed ~
13th - School reopens
23rd - Distribution of report cards
President’s Day
Stemmers Run to Participate
In the 2015 NEAP
Approximately 60 of our students have been selected to participate in the 2015 National
Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as NAEP. It is the largest continuing
and nationally representative assessment of what students across the country know and
can do in a variety of subject areas. It is different from our state assessments, because it
represents middle/junior high school students across the country, not just those here in
Maryland. The results of NAEP are released as The Nation’s Report Card.
Our students will take NAEP on Friday, February 6, 2015, with other selected students.
NAEP takes approximately 120 minutes to complete, and students don’t need to study
for it. Upon completion of the assessment, each student will receive a Certificate of
Community Service (2 hours) that Ms. Gauthier will add to each student’s service
learning requirements. The scores will be anonymous and will not affect the students’
grades or academic record in any way. Instead, they will be used to prepare for future
technology-based assessments.
If you have any questions or would like to review sample questions, please contact Ms.
Messmore at smessmore@bcps.org. She will be happy to help. You can also visit http://
nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/students for more information as well as review the
documentation attached to the newsletter.
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2015
NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS
What Is NAEP?
Why is NAEP important?

The National
Assessment of
Educational Progress,
What Is NAEP?
also known as NAEP,
is the largest nation-
The results of NAEP are released as The Nation’s Report Card and
they help the President, Congress, and all of our educators make
decisions about how to improve our education system.
What subjects will NAEP assess?
Students will be assessed in mathematics, reading, or science.
ally
representative
· The
National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as NAEP, is the largest nationally
The assessment will be administered on tablets with a keyboard
assessment
of what
representative
assessment of what students across the country know and can do in a variety of
students
across the
subjects.
and stylus. It will take approximately 120 minutes of student
time.
country know and can
· It has been around since 1969, and allows us to compare student progress over time.
do in a variety of
subjects.
Who will take NAEP?
NAEP 2015 will be administered to a nation-wide sample of students, including 60 students here at Stemmers Run MS.

It has been around
since 1969, and al-
When will NAEP be administered?
lows us to compare
NAEP 2015 will be administered here on February 6, 2015.
student progress over
time.
Where can you find additional information?
Watch the NAEP student video:
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/
videos/naepstudent.asp
Visit the NAEP website:
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/students
Find NAEP on:
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Look what’s happening in Language Arts classes….
6th Grade Language Arts
Unit 3 - Challenges of Changes: Embracing Our Heritage
Literature – Esperanza Rising
Unit Essential Questions:
 How can a change present both challenges and opportunities for individuals?
 How do community and culture influence an individual’s development and perspective?
6th Grade GT Language Arts
Unit 3 - Withstanding Change: Exploring Universal Archetypes
Literature – Mythology stories
Unit Essential Questions:
 How does an understanding of ancient mythology enhance a reader’s ability to interpret meaning?
 How does exploring the archetype of the hero’s journey in literature help us understand universal ideas
and themes?
 How does storytelling change, yet remain the same, across cultures and over time?
7th Grade Language Arts
Unit 3 - Choosing to Learn from History
Literature – An American Plague, Fever
Unit Essential Questions:
 How do two authors writing about the same topic shape their presentation of key information by
emphasizing different evidence or advancing different interpretations of facts?
 How does an author use or alter history when writing a historical fiction text?
7th Grade GT Language Arts
Unit 3 - Choosing our Persevere
Literature – The Miracle Worker
Unit Essential Questions:
 How do characters use words and actions to demonstrate perseverance?
 How does a drama’s form contribute to its meaning?
 How does an author develop a theme in a text by contrasting the points of view of different characters
in a play?
 How do the techniques a playwright uses to portray the meaning of a drama compare to the techniques
a film director uses to portray the same meaning?
8th Grade Language Arts
Unit 3 - The Challenge of Differing Perspectives
Literature – Chasing Lincoln’s Killer, Free At Last
Unit Essential Questions:
 How do authors acknowledge and respond to conflicting evidence or viewpoints when writing literary
nonfiction?
 How do authors present an argument in a way that demonstrates sound reasoning and relevant evidence?
 How do authors make connections among and distinctions between individuals, ideas, or events?
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Continued:
8th Grade GT Language Arts
Unit 3 - Conspiracy Theories: The Facts and The Fiction
Literature – Chasing Lincoln’s Killer
Unit Essential Questions:
 How do authors acknowledge and respond to conflicting evidence or viewpoints when writing literary
nonfiction?
 Which mediums are most effective when presenting information on a particular topic or idea?
 What is the nature of conflict, and what makes up the forces of good and evil?
THE MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS
Tips for Parents
Be generous with praise
Observe your child carefully and comment on the things that are done well. When you see an area that needs
improvement, find a positive way to talk about it with your child.
Encourage “personal best”
Help your child by encouraging him or her to do the best in school and at home. Remember, “personal best” does
not mean “perfect”, and learning is not the same as high grades. Children, like adults, need the freedom to make
mistakes and to learn from them.
Make learning a priority
Your attitude toward school attendance, education, and involvement in the school makes a strong and lasting
impression on your child. Show your child, by example, that learning is priority.
Show interest in school work






Talk about school each day.
Ask to see classwork.
Have your child read aloud to you.
Read to and with your child from a variety of material in your first language.
Encourage your child to discuss new ideas and opinions.
Show appreciation for good efforts.
Offer suggestions for success
Help your child use the following strategies to improve performance in school:




Read the assignment when it is given.
Keep a list of new vocabulary.
Proofread assignments to catch errors before writing a final draft.
Review school notes before a test.
Schedule study time
Set up an area for homework away from noises and distractions. Post a family calendar that schedules school
project deadlines, after-school activities, mid-term dates, exam periods, and report card dates.
9
6th Grade News
The annual 6th grade NorthBay field trip was a
great success despite the frigid temperatures. On
January 5, 109 sixth graders along with 15 parent
chaperones made their way to NorthBay. This year
the students studies about, trees, fungus, vultures,
animal tracks, deer, birds, niche, filters, endangered species, nutrition, compost, decomposers,
waste, scavengers, identifying of plants/trees and
the list goes on. Students also challenged themselves by climbing the rock walls, zip lines, rope
courses and free swinging. Many students faced
fears they never thought they would do. In the
evening, the students learned about keeping negative filters
out of their lives so they can reach their goals in life. Despite the cold weather, students expressed they had a great
time and parents who attended in the past said the experience was just as great as it was with warmer temperatures.
Students who did not attend the NorthBay trip worked on
similar projects here at school and other projects related to
life experiences.
We would like to thank the following parent chaperones for
their dedication in attending the NorthBay trip. This chaperone experience was like no other. These folks were with
students 24 hours a day for almost 5 days.
These courageous chaperones are: Ms. Simpson,
Mrs. Hiner, Ms. Culver,
Ms. Komornick, Ms. Ledwell, Mrs. Miller, Ms.
Chappell, Ms. Rocco, Mrs.
Dill, Mrs. Stahl, Mr.
McCann, Mr. Upp, Mr.
Quick, Mr. Lancaster, Mr.
Cooper, and Mr.
Wollschlager
10
6th Grade News cont’d.
On March 25th, the sixth grade class will be attending a field trip to Goucher College to experience
the Peking Dancers. This field trip will supplement the China Unit is World Cultures.
We have reserved 160 seats, we will be taking 150 students, 4 teacher chaperones and
6 parent chaperones. Parent chaperones will be on a first paid first served basis. All
parent chaperones must complete the BCPS volunteer training. This can be accessed
on-line at BCPS.org under the PARENTS tab. If you have questions please contact Mr.
Bartosch.
In your students’ classes, all teachers are providing rigorous work and many projects that require
outside of school assistance. Please ask your child about what they are learning in class and
please assist them when possible. If your child is having difficulty please encourage your child to
stay for coach class. All teacher have coach class.
PARCC Testing Information
The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessments will be conducted online this year. All students will be using our computer labs
and/or laptop computers to complete their testing during the school day. PBA testing will
take place from March 2nd – March 27th and the EOY testing will take place from May 4th –
June 1st. More information will be provided to students as dates become closer. If you are
interested in finding out more information about PARCC, please visit http://
www.parcconline.org/maryland.
Ms. Messmore
Asst. Principal
Health Education News:
Congratulations to all second quarter Health Education students that have successfully completed their
credit. All second quarter Health Education students will return back to Physical Education with Mrs.
Molofsky January 27, 2015. All Mr. Stichel’s PE students will start Health Education January 27th, the
start of third quarter.
Parents and Guardians, please be on the lookout for permission slips that need to be signed by all students in 6th and 8th grade that have Health Education third quarter. Thank you!
Mrs. Boyd
11
Microsoft Office 365 Student Advantage Program
12
Microsoft Office 365 Student Advantage Program
13
Microsoft Office 365 Student Advantage Program
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Microsoft Office 365 Student Advantage Program
15
Yearbook Order Form
2014/2015
Pre-Order a yearbook by filling out this form and sending it with the appropriate
payment to: Stemmers Run Middle School.
Yearbooks will be distributed during the last week of school.
 New this year…..There will only be a limited number of yearbooks available.
The yearbooks will be
sold on a first come first serve basis. When our quantity is sold there will NOT be an opportunity for us to
reorder more this year.
YEARBOOKS WILL BE PRINTED IN FULL COLOR
Please complete, detach and return form below. Forms not completed will be returned. Yearbooks are not considered ordered until completed form
and payment are received.
Student Name:
Date:
Homeroom Teachers Name and Section:
Number of yearbooks purchased:
Cost per book:
$25.00
Total Amount:
until April 30th
Payment enclosed:
Cash
Check
(No Refunds)
(Checks are to be made payable to Stemmers Run Middle School)
16
SAIL TO SUCCESS
Parents,
SAIL is a great opportunity for your student to join other Stemmers Run Middle School students in receiving a SAIL card from the Baltimore County Public Library. This card can be
used to replace your child’s regular BCPL card. The new card represents the partnership between Team BCPS and public library. It helps the public library give special attention to our
students. The goal of the renewed partnership is to help our students achieve greater success in
school.
Blue registration forms were sent home recently. If you have completed the form and returned
it to school, representatives from the public library will collect them and create the new cards.
They will be delivered to school for distribution.
If you did not receive the form and would like your child to join the many others who have applied for the SAIL card, please contact the school and leave your contact information for Mrs.
Surette the Library Media Specialist.
Welcome aboard!
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