Nov 2015 Newsletter - South Lewis Central School

Visit Our Website: www.southlewis.org
November-December 2015
SOUTH LEWIS CENTRAL
SCHOOL DISTRICT
NEWSLETTER
Featuring
Middle
School and
High School
1
Dear Parents, Residents, and Community Members:
The 2015-16 school year is off to a wonderful start. As always it was great to see so many of you at our Fall
events such as Open House, Grandparents’ Day, and the many athletic events we hosted. As we begin
November it is a time of thanks and appreciation. Therefore, I wanted to take time to say thank you to a few
groups of people.
First, at the October 20th Board of Education meeting we took the time to celebrate volunteerism and
recognized our South Lewis Board of Education members. It was with sincere thanks that we took time to
show our appreciation to our nine elected officials who give so much of their energy and efforts to make our
school and community a better place. Collectively, the South Lewis Board of Education has 73 years of
service. Below is a list of our BOE members along with their years of service.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Barry R. Worczak (President) – 11 years
Tina Stanford (Vice-President) – 12 years
Tom Burmingham – 2 years
Paul Campbell – 16 years
Scott Chrzanowski – 1 year
Andrew Liendecker – 3 years
Michael Lisk – 15 years
Mary E. Martin – 8 years
Rich Ventura – 5 years
We also all need to thank the many Veterans who serve and have served our country. School will not be in
session on Wednesday, November 11th in celebration of Veteran’s Day. This day is in honor of the countless
fine men and women who have made sacrifices to protect our way of life.
Lastly, I would like to thank our School Related Personnel (SRP) staff. This group of support staff does an
amazing job and we are lucky to have each one of them. We will formally recognize this group which includes
bus drivers, aides, food service workers, building and grounds staff, and keyboarding specialists among many
other titles on SRP Recognition Day on November 17th. These individuals help to make our school district
inviting, safe, and a great place for kids.
We hope to see all of you in the coming weeks and months as we have many school events that highlight the
great work of our students and staff. May you all have a wonderful holiday season. Please do not hesitate to
contact me if you have any needs, questions, or concerns.
Sincerely,
Mr. Douglas Premo
Superintendent of Schools
2
WELCOMING AND
CONGRATULATING THE
FOLLOWING STAFF
Jeri Bailey
Transportation Aide
Courtney Bush
Cafeteria
Cari Howanietz
Cafeteria
Cindy Kaldowski
Bus Driver
Barry Luther
Custodian
Brian Mooney
Custodian
Todd Nortz
Custodian
Michael Stewart
Cafeteria
3
NURSES
UPDATE
Wishing a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving to our South Lewis
Family and Friends!
Immunizations have had an enormous impact on improving the health of children in the
United States. Most parents today have never seen first-hand the devastating consequences
that vaccine-preventable diseases have on a family or community. While these diseases are
not common in the U.S., they persist around the world. It is important that we continue to
protect our children with vaccines because outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases can and
do occasionally occur in this country. Thanks to a vaccine, one of the most terrible diseases
in history – smallpox – no longer exists outside the laboratory. Over the years vaccines have
prevented countless cases of disease and saved millions of lives.
Vaccination is one of the best ways parents can protect infants, children, and teens from 16
potentially harmful diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases can be very serious, may require
hospitalization, or even be deadly – especially in infants and young children. To get the best
protection for your child--make sure he or she is immunized on time. Talk with your child's
provider at every visit (both well and sick) to be sure your child is up-to-date on his or her
immunizations. By doing so, children and adolescents will be protected against potentially
life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases.
Lewis County Public Health encourages you to visit the New York State Department of
Health’s website to review the current recommended childhood and adolescent immunization
schedule: http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2378.pdf. If your child is 11-12 years old,
they are required to show evidence of one dose of Tdap and two doses of varicella (chicken
pox) for school attendance. Two other vaccines, although not required for school, are highly
recommended for adolescents in this age group: meningococcal and HPV. We encourage you
to visit the CDC website to learn more about these important vaccines: http://www.cdc.gov/
vaccines/who/teens/downloads/parent-version-schedule-7-18yrs.pdf.
If you have questions regarding the recommended schedule or the vaccines required for
school, please speak with your child’s doctor or call Lewis County Public Health at
376-5453, or visit us on the web at www.lewiscountypublichealth.com.
When to Keep Your Child Home From School if Your
Child is Sick
Sometimes it is dif+icult, especially early in the morning, to know whether or not to send your child to school. The following guidelines are indications that you should keep him/her home. In this way, you are helping to control the spread of colds, +lu, and other contagious illnesses.
Keep your child at home when he/she has any of the following symptoms:
• Vomi&ng, Nausea, or Diarrhea -­‐ A child who is throwing up or has diarrhea needs to stay home. Do not send your child back to school un&l he/she has gone 24 hours without vomi&ng or having diarrhea and is fever-­‐free. Call the doctor if your child is both vomi&ng and having diarrhea or has a severe case of either.
• Fever -­‐ Children should be without a fever and medica&on for 24 hours before returning to school. Call the doctor if the fever is accompanied by other symptoms such as conges&on, sore throat, cough, and earache, or unable to eat or drink, etc.
(Con%nued on page 5)
4
• Sore throat -­‐ If your child wakes up with a sore throat but no other symptoms, offer him juice or water to see if the discomfort was simply from dry air or post nasal drip during the night. If he has a fever and the pain con&nues, call his doctor. Strep throat and other throat infec&ons can only be diagnosed by a throat culture. If your child has Strep, he/she can return to school aJer being on an&bio&cs for 24 hours and fever-­‐free without medica&on for 24 hours. If your child is diagnosed with Strep throat, no&fy the school office as soon as possible.
• Colds -­‐ Keep a child with a cold at home only if he/she feels too &red to complete school ac&vi&es or has a fever. Kids are most contagious the first day of the cold -­‐ teach your children to blow/wipe their own nose, wash their hands, and cover their mouth when coughing. • Coughs -­‐ Keep your child home if a cough keeps them up at night, appears to get worse as their ac&vity level increases or if they also have other symptoms, such as a fever, short of breath, or wheezing. You can send your child to school if the cough is just from an old cold and they feel okay otherwise. Call the doctor if the cough leads to difficulty breathing or the fever increases. If your child’s cough is due to asthma, contact Kelly Mear at Port Leyden, Heather LeVan at Glenfield or Jane GilleWe at the Middle/High School before bringing inhalers to school. A doctor’s order is required for inhalers and nebulizer treatments.
• Rashes -­‐ Contagious diseases that cause the following rashes need to be reported to the school office: chickenpox, impe&go, scarlet fever, measles, fiJh disease, ring worm, scabies. Call the doctor if the rash spreads, does not improve, or is accompanied by a fever. Do not send your child to school if they have an unknown cause of rash; please contact your health care provider.
• Ear infec&ons -­‐ Cold and flu that cause ear infec&ons are contagious, but ear infec&ons themselves are not. Your child can return to school once he has seen his health care provider and started medica&on (an&bio&cs).
• Wheezing or Trouble Breathing -­‐ If your child is wheezing or has trouble breathing due to asthma, please contact the School Nurse to make arrangements to have an inhaler kept at school or a nebulizer treatment. If your child is having difficulty breathing or short of breath, call your healthcare provider.
• Pinkeye -­‐ A child with bacterial conjunc&vi&s is highly contagious and should be kept home un&l he has been on prescrip&on eye drops or ointment for 24 hours. If your child wakes up and the whites of his eyes are red, there is pus discharge, and,or the eyelashes are maWed shut, call your health care provider and do not send your child to school.
• Head lice -­‐ Shampoos (pediculocides) can be purchased over-­‐the-­‐counter to kill the liver lice -­‐ follow the instruc&ons exactly on the box. lice lay eggs (nits) that aWach to the shaJ of the hair (all nits must be removed from the hair before the child can be readmiWed to the class). A physician’s visit is not necessary, but you do need to no&fy the school so appropriate classroom lice checks can be conducted. The school nurse must examine the student with a parent or guardian present before allowing the child to return to the classroom. If nits are found the student must return home to have all nits removed.
5
MRS.
GILLETTE
R.N.
From the Desk at
Mountain View
Prevention
Heroin use continues to be an ongoing battle in the North Country and there is no age limit on
those using. Taking the time to educate one’s self can mean the difference between life or death
for a teen. The Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reports that 9
out of 10 people with addiction started using substances before they turned 18. To try and
address the growing concerns with heroin use, New York State has rolled out the Combat
Heroin website, which can be found at http://combatheroin.ny.gov/ . The website is a great
resource providing information on prevention, warning signs, treatment and personal stories.
According to the National Institute of Drug and Alcohol, almost half of the young people who
inject heroin report abusing prescription pain killers prior to starting their heroin use. Heroin is
a highly addictive opioid drug that can be injected, inhaled by snorting or sniffing, or smoked.
All three routes of administration deliver the drug to the brain very rapidly, which contributes
to its health risks and to its high rate of addiction. Heroin usually appears as a white, yellowish,
brown powder or as a black sticky substance, known as “black tar heroin.”Pay attention to significant changes in your child or family
member’s physical appearance, attitude or behavior such as:
Physical Signs·
Small pupils
·
Decreased respiratory rate
·
Non - responsive state – drowsiness
·
Loss or increase in appetite; unexplained weight loss or gain
·
Intense flu-like symptoms such as: Nausea, vomiting, sweating, shakes of hands, feet or head
Behavioral Signs·
Change in attitude/personality
·
Avoiding contact with family
·
Change in friends; new hangouts
·
Change in activities, hobbies or sports
·
Drop in grades or work performance
·
Isolation and secretive behavior
·
Moodiness, irritability, nervousness, giddiness
·
Stealing
·
Wearing long sleeved shirts out of season
As we know, this time of year colds and 5lu become more of an issue for our students and families. Because of that, we would like to remind you of the process we use at school to assist students and parents in identifying whether a student should go home or remain in school when they are feeling under the weather.
When students don’t feel well in school they should go to the nurse’s of5ice to be evaluated. If the school nurse identi5ies a student as being ill, she will contact the student’s family to inform them and make arrangements to send the child home if necessary. Advanced Warning Signs-
348-2542.
·
Missing medications
·
Burnt or missing spoons/bottle caps
·
Syringes
·
Small bags with powder residue
·
Missing shoe laces/belts
As always, if you have any questions about your student’s health in school, please contact your child’s building nurse.
For more information on Heroin or other drugs, contact Alisa Andre Student Assistance Counselor, at aandre@southlewis.org or
6
FFA FRUIT BASKETS
Back by popular demand – Our student-made wooden baskets filled
with an assortment of fruit and snack items. Included in this year’s
basket will be oranges, grapefruit, tangelos, apples, pears, cream
cheese, cheese curd, maple syrup, and pancake mix.
Makes a great gift!
$30.00
Requested Fruit Delivery Date: Dec. 14 th
We also have a variety of cheeses available.
Please call for varieties and prices
2015 Fresh Florida Citrus Sale
Sponsored by South Lewis FFA Members
Taking Orders 11/1 – 11/18
Variety
Navel Oranges
Tangelos
Juice Oranges
Red Grapefruit
Navel Oranges
Juice Oranges
Tangelos
Red Grapefruit
Sunburst Tangerines
Anjou Pears
Navel Oranges
Red Grapefruit
Pineapples
Pounds
38-40
38-40
38-40
38-40
18-20
18-20
18-20
18-20
18-20
11-12
10 pound box
10 pound box
Case of 3
Count/Box
56-80
80-120
72- 100
36-48
27-40
40-60
40-60
18-24
32-60
20-22
12-14
8-10
Price
$32.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$22.00
$17.00
$17.00
$17.00
$23.00
$18.00
$15.00
$15.00
$18.00
Mixed Cases and Samplers
Item
Navel/Grapefruit Mix
Citrus Mix
Trio Mix Box
Fresh Fruit Sampler
Orange Sampler
Apples & Pear Sampler
Count
24-30
12-14 Navel Oranges; 6 Red Gr. , 12 -14 Tangelos
30-34
8 Navel Oranges, 8 Apples, 8 Pears
24
Apples, Navels, Pears, & Tangelos 4 each
16
Navels, Tangerines, Red Navels, & Tangelos
16
Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Pears & Red Pears 16
12-15 each Navels & Grapefruit
Price
$23.00
$23.00
$23.00
$23.00
$23.00
$23.00
New York Style Cheesecakes
Flavor
Size
Weight
Price
Strawberry (new this year)
Cookies & Cream
Plain
8”
8”
8”
32 Ounces
32 Ounces
32 Ounces
$15.00
$15.00
$15.00
!To#place#an#order#you#can#call#the#high#school,#email#brohr@southlewis.org#or#for#credit#card#orders,#use#our#new#online#
order#form#:#look#for#the#link#to#the#FFA#Fruit#Sale#at#southlewis.org.#
7
SKI/SNOWBOARD
LESSONS
Downhill skiing and snowboarding lessons are available at Snow Ridge to students
(grades K-12) in the South Lewis School District, in an after-school program.
(Snowboard lessons are only available for ages seven and up.) The lessons are
taught by Snow Ridge Instructors, with supervision provided by South Lewis staff.
The program will be run for six Thursdays starting on January 7, 2016. The program
will not run on the Thursday during President’s week (vacation), or when school is not
in session (i.e. - snow days.)
Again this year Snow Ridge would like to offer this school program to all parents too!
Skiing and snowboarding are great winter outdoor activities for the whole family. The
Snow Ridge staff will have an informational meeting for all school programs on
Monday, November 30 at 6:30 pm at the Wax House at Snow Ridge. A South Lewis
program advisor will also be present at this meeting to answer any questions you
may have.
The cost for six weeks of lessons and/or rentals is:
$ 68.00 lessons if you have a season pass
$120.00 lessons and lift tickets (no season pass)$68.00 lift tickets only
$ 75.60 ski rentals ($70.00 + 5.60 tax)
$ 91.80 snowboard rentals ($85.00 + 6.80 tax)$38.00 helmet rental (tax included)
(or $7.50/day- tax included)
If for any reason a refund is requested, there will be a 25% handling fee.
Season passes are purchased directly from Snow Ridge. Students are eligible for
a special season pass rate of $280.00 if purchased by December 1st.
Students who are a part of the program also receive a discounted rate of $5.00
for lift tickets on Thursday nights after the end of the program (this is for lift tickets
only; rentals are extra.)
Bus transportation is provided from the elementary schools between 2:30 and 2:40
and from the middle/high school at 2:38. Return bus transportation is also
available from Snow Ridge at 5:00, to link up with the 5:15 sports bus run from the
high school.
Students interested in taking advantage of this great opportunity should pick up
an information packet at their school’s office and return all forms, with payment,
by Thursday, December 10, 2015. Anyone registering late may have to provide
their own transportation to Snow Ridge and pay a $20 late fee.
Questions?
Call Cindy Young at 348-6618 (home) or 486-8556 (cell), or Ed
Collins at 348-2520 (school) or 408-8785 (cell), or Snow Ridge at 348-8456.
8
Dear Parents, Residents, and Members of the South Lewis Community:
It is with great pleasure that I am writing to inform you of the wonderful start to the 2015-2016 school year. Each year, as the
summer months come to an end, I am anxiously awaiting the return of our students. The first two months have been nothing short
of fantastic. I would like to thank you all for being such an integral part of the successful return to the school year as well. For
those of you who attended open house in September, it was a pleasure to see you here. Without the support of a great school
community, we would not be able to make South Lewis the special place that it is for our students to learn and thrive
academically, socially, and emotionally.
We have several exciting changes that have been added to the high school academic program. The new “Tech Deck” is a room
devoted to offering our students courses that will provide exposure to innovative, cutting edge technology, which can hopefully
spark an interest that may lead to future career opportunities. The Robotics I & II courses will expose students to several areas of
engineering and computer programming concepts, along with the development of real life critical thinking and problem-solving
skills. Students are also taking our new Innovation and Entrepreneurship class, which requires students to design, market, and
produce a product while utilizing 21st century technology. Also new to the MS/HS this year is the student branch of the Rome
Teacher’s Federal Credit Union. The RTFCU has partnered with South Lewis to allow students to open accounts and make
transactions on sight in the HS building. In addition to making the branch available to students, they will also be providing
resources to assist South Lewis with educating our students on financial literacy.
Not new to the building, but surely a priority, is the continuation of the implementation of the Common Core Learning Standards.
Students will be instructed in the Common Core for English 11 and Algebra II. Students will be required to take a Regent’s exam
at the conclusion of these courses. We have done a great deal at South Lewis for the implementation of the Common Core
Learning Standards over the last two years, and I feel confident that our students are well prepared for success on these exams.
Fall is always an exciting time of the school year. A highlight for me is getting students back on the fields of competition and
attending those events. We saw many successes this year that included new personal records, exciting team wins, and the
resurgence of successful programs. Great job to all of our student athletes! We also had another fantastic spirit week, which
included the pep rally, bonfire, athletic games, and culminated with the homecoming dance. Participation in the weekend of
events was fantastic by students and community members alike. I take great pride in knowing that our students represent the
South Lewis community well, both in and out of the classroom.
We also saw a great deal of success with the many activities our students participated in this fall. Once again, our FFA students
represented our agriculture program well at the land judging competition. We also had several students just recently return from
the FFA national convention in Louisville, KY. Our music department has begun their preparations for the upcoming musical,
“Shrek”, which is sure to be another wonderful performance. The band and chorus have also been laboriously preparing for their
winter concert, which we are all eagerly anticipating. Our performing arts students and staff always work so hard to put on such
great performances for us.
Once again, I would like to thank you all for the overwhelming support for the academic and social programs that we offer at
South Lewis. I am grateful each day I get to come to school and try to provide our students with the best educational experience
possible. I am humbled by the effort that all of our students put in each day and the gracious support by all of you. I look forward
to continuing to work hard to ensure the traditions of all things that make South Lewis a great community for our students.
I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions concerning the
building or your students.
Chad Luther
High School Principal
9
WELCOMING AND CONGRATULATING
THE FOLLOWING HIGH SCHOOL STAFF
Mr.Brian Carvel - After graduating from Hugh C. Williams High School in Canton, N.Y., Mr. Carvel
went to SUNY Potsdam and graduated in 2004 with his BA in History. He later received his MST
in Secondary Social Studies and Students with Disabilities certification for students in grades 7-12.
Mr. Carvel has been a Special Education Teacher for nine years. He has taught in Virginia and New
York State, and this year he is excited to be a part of the South Lewis family as a teacher in the
12:1:1 program at South Lewis High School.
Mr. Carvel is married to Jessica Kingston Carvel, a teacher at Port Leyden. He and his wife are the
proud parents of their daughter Lila, who turns 4 this December and will enroll in the Pre-K
program at Port Leyden Elementary in the 2015-2016 school year.
Brian Carvel
Mr. Ryan Frost is joining us from the Buffalo area as our new Earth Science and Freshmen Seminar
teacher. Mr. Frost has also become involved with working with students beyond the classroom as the
new golf intramurals supervisor. Mr. Frost is an avid outdoorsmen with interests in hunting, fishing
and camping. This will surely help with his transition to the North Country. We are excited to have
Mr. Frost join our South Lewis Community.
Ryan Frost
Mr. Craig Kleine joins South Lewis as a Teaching Assistant in our 12:1:1 program.
Craig received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education at Northern Kentucky University in
Highland Heights, KY. Currently he is enrolled in a Literacy Masters program at SUNY Potsdam
and expects to graduate in May.
Craig lives in Lowville with his wife and two children and enjoys hiking and camping with his
family in the Adirondack's.
Craig is excited to be a part of the South Lewis Family and looks forward to a great school year.
Craig Kleine
Ms. Roma Matott is the long-term substitute in the Middle School/High School Library at South
Lewis and is extremely excited to spend this year collaborating with students, teachers and
community members.
She grew up in Potsdam, New York and obtained her B.A. from St.
Lawrence University in Canton, New York. She has a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the
University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education from SUNY
Oswego. Ms. Matott has New York State certifications in Elementary Education and Public
Librarianship and is currently working on obtaining her New York State School Library Media
Specialist certification. Besides reading, Ms. Matott has many interests including gardening,
quilting and furniture making. She and her husband, Mr. Alsup, the 8th grade science teacher at
South Lewis, live on a small farm in Greig. When they are not wrangling their goats, chickens and
bees, they spend time with their two dogs, two cats and four parrots.
10
Roma Matott
High School English Department
Mrs. Birgenheier, Mrs. Grunert, Mrs. McGuire
and Mrs. Monnat
With the 2015-2016 academic year underway, the English department is ready for the many changes
within our subject area by continuing to prepare students for college and career readiness with the skills
necessary to excel in reading literature and informational texts, writing, speaking, listening and language.
During English 9 classes with Mrs. Monnat, students will begin the school year by exploring a variety of
literature to promote reading and writing skills. Many of these assignments will require students to perform
tasks with internet based programs, such as Google Docs and Castle Learning, to enhance the use of
technology in the classroom. English 10 students with Mrs. McGuire will continue to work on the skills that
are necessary to succeed in the ELA classroom with a vast selection of literary pieces, both modern and
classic. Mrs. McGuire is also using the “Remind” communication tool with students and parents this year for
homework assignments and upcoming projects. “Remind” helps teachers connect instantly with students and
parents to send quick, simple messages to any mobile device or computer. This will be the first year for
students in English 11 with Mrs. Grunert to take the new Common Core English Regents Examination. The
English department has been adjusting curriculum since students’ ninth grade year to prepare for this
transition. The new Regents examination will consist of three distinct sections:
• Critical Reading Section – Students read three difficult passages (usually one fiction passage, one
poem, and one science/history passage) and answer 6-10 multiple choice questions per passage.
• Argumentative Essay – Students read four documents on a controversial issue, decide upon their
position, and craft an argumentative essay which must include the following paragraphs: introduction,
counterclaim, claim paragraphs, and conclusion.
• Text Analysis Mini-Essay – Students read an essay, annotating for the author’s use of rhetorical
techniques and other literary elements. Students then write a three paragraph essay which addresses
the author’s central idea and the literary element used by the author that most enhances the central idea.
English 12, with both Mrs. Birgenheier and Mrs. Monnat, will continue to refine reading and writing skills as
students begin to explore college and career paths. Research assignments and preparation for Workforce 2020,
a career/employment fair for 12th grade students in both Jefferson and Lewis counties held in Watertown, will
be a highlight and focus of instruction this fall. English 101/102 is another option for students during their
senior year. These courses are offered through Tompkins-Cortland Community College with Mrs. McGuire as
an opportunity to earn college credit while still attending high school. The English department also continues
to work closely with the guidance department to assist all students in grades 9-12 with the college and career
preparation process, which allows students to participate in several college grade level visits throughout their
high school career.
Informa(on @ Your Finger(ps: Access Library Resources Online!
Looking for something to read? Have a ques6on? Working on a class project? Try accessing our online catalog, OPALS, for all of your informa6onal needs. Here’s how:
1. In your web browser, go to South Lewis’ home page (www.southlewis.org).
2. On the leK hand side, click on Library.
3. On the next screen, click on Online Library Resources located on the leK hand side. This link will take you to the Online Catalog, OPALS.
4. Once you are in OPALS, you will see a series of tabs at the boNom of the screen. Simply, click on a tab to browse our newly added 6tles, available EBooks, and much more! 11
Math
Department
Greetings from the South Lewis High School Mathematics
Department. With the never-ending NYS initiatives for teachers and
the challenging Core Curriculum for students (and parents), it
continues to be a very exciting, yet stressful time for all of us in
education.
All freshmen are currently enrolled in a Pre-Algebra or Algebra I
course that is based on the Common Core Curriculum. With a year
under their belts, the freshmen and their teachers are in full swing
with this new educational method. The freshmen in Algebra will take
a Common Core Algebra Regents Examination in June 2015.
This year, it is Geometry’s turn to fully adopt the Common Core Curriculum. Geometry students are using discovery
learning each day to grasp each concept, before they learn “the trick” to solving problems. The goal of this new learning
experience is in-depth understanding of concepts that students will be able to apply in any situation. Geometry students
will experience two regents exams: the new Core Regents in early June 2015 and the Standards Regents in late June 2015.
We are hopeful that by offering both exams, all of these students will be successful in passing a Geometry regents.
Life after Algebra does not slow down. After Geometry, South Lewis students can choose from Algebra2/Trigonomtery,
and Math 3A, to help fulfill their additional graduation requirement of three years of Mathematics courses. Look for
Algebra2/Trig to be transitioning to Common Core during the 2015-16 school year.
In addition to our graduation requirements, South Lewis students can obtain college credits by taking Pre-Calculus,
Statistics, and/or Calculus Classes. This experience is a great way for our upper level mathematics students to get college
credits through TC3, while still enjoying the benefits of a structured high school teacher and classroom.
*A special note to parents*
Amidst the myriad of assessments and new curriculum, please try to alleviate your student’s fears and concerns by letting
them know that it still takes the same qualities to be a successful student. Students should be prepared for class, pay
attention, complete assignments, and prepare for assessments. In addition, parents can help by making sure that students
are prepared on a daily basis with the appropriate materials. Mathematics students should have a three-ring binder with
dividers and writing utensils.
12
The Science Department is excited
about the upcoming school year. We
offer a multitude of courses that are sure
to provide interesting answers when
students are asked, “What did you do in
school today?”
Please don’t accept,
“Nothing.” Undoubtedly, ideas were
discussed, investigations were
performed, and creativity was
prospered.
We welcome Mr. Ryan Frost to
our team. He comes to us from Buffalo,
NY and will be teaching Regents Earth
Science and our new course, Earth
Science A. He brings enthusiasm and
vigor to our efforts to help students
understand the world around them.
Mr. Frost and Ms. Mary
Gerhardt will be teaching separate
sections of Regents Earth Science.
Earth Science is the study of the Earth,
its history, its changes, and its place in
space.
Our study will include:
Geology, Meterology, Astronomy, and
Oceanography.Our first long-term
project will be to learn to use tools to
measure weather, then collect and
record data, and finally analyze the data
to discover any trends.
Mr. Comet and Ms. Gerhardt
will teach separate sections of The
Living Environment course. The main
topics covered in the course are based
upon the following key ideas: Living
things are both similar and different
from each other and from nonliving
things. Organisms inherit genetic
information in a variety of ways that
result in continuity of structure and
function between parents and offspring.
Individual organisms and species
change over time.The continuity of life
is sustained through reproduction and
development.Organisms maintain a
dynamic equilibrium that sustains life.
Plants and animals depend on each
other and their physical environment.
Human decisions and activities have
had a profound impact on the physical
and living environment.
Mr. Comet also teaches a non-regents
section of Anatomy and Physiology.
This class studies the various systems of
the human body, culminating in a
student favorite, fetal pig dissection.
Ms. Huntress teaches Regents
Chemistry which includes studying the
composition of matter, how matter
changes and the energy needed to make
matter change. In an effort to further
develop the Regents Chemistry
curriculum, each class will be involved
in a variety of hands-on inquiry based
lab activities. They will be purifying
water, developing alternative energy
sources, celebrating Mole Day (10/23)
and producing their own Organic
Chemistry videos.
College Physics will run concurrently
with Regents Physics and include the
Regents curriculum (motion, electricity,
light/sound, modern, etc.) as well as
discussion of thermodynamics and
rotational motion. These students will
still participate in Spaghetti Bridge,
Windmill Challenge, and Catapult
competitions throughout the year.
For ALL SCIENCE courses, in addition
to a daily lecture, students will be
scheduled for two lab periods in the sixday cycle.
As a prerequisite for
admission to the Regents Examination,
each student must have successfully
completed 1200 minutes of laboratory
experience with satisfactory written
reports.
IN ADDITION, Living
Environment students must complete
the mandatory labs that are given to us
by the New York State Education
Department to be admitted to the
Regents Examination. Students must
complete ALL laboratory experiences,
even if they have satisfied the minimum
1200 minute laboratory requirement set
forth by NYSED.
Donation of Rock Collection from the Estate of John Burrow
The Estate of John Burrow, a Lyons Falls resident and graduate of Lyons Falls High School, has donated his extensive rock collection to the Science Department of South Lewis Central School.
It contains 1000’s of labeled specimens from all over the world, 11 display cases, two-­‐three microscopes for crystal viewing, and an itemized log of the contents.
The Science Department and all of South Lewis is very appreciative of this generous donation. The collection is located in the Middle/High School Library. Please encourage your child to come experience this local treasure.
13
Anne Huntress, High School Chemistry and Physics
Teacher, Presented with MORIC Data Award
Ms. Huntress was recognized, and received a free I-­‐Pad mini, this summer at Rome Free Academy at the MORIC Data Boot Camp. Anne was chosen for the First Annual Data Award for being the teacher in the entire central part of the state who utilizes data to thoughtfully engage students in collaborating efforts to improve their own learning. Ms. Huntress h a s v o l u n t a r i l y i m p l e m e n t e d a benchmarking process in her classroom to ensure that she has evidence to know what students have and haven’t learned. She then uses this information to alter her lessons and re-­‐teach concepts students haven’t shown mastery of. In addition, we don’t want to over-­‐test students, and Ms. Huntress has thoughtfully reviewed and adjusted assessments to ensure she has data on where her students are at, but that she is using as little instructional time necessary to get this valuable information. Chemistry and Physics are very challenging courses, but Anne has had success with students passing these Regents exams. This is in large part due to her very strategic use of data to inform how and what she teaches each day. Congratulations Anne!
National Honor Society and
South Lewis Service Organization
are busy performing all sorts of
community service again this year!
Many of the groups’ members are
currently working toward South
Lewis’ Distinguished Community
Service Diploma and the President’s
Volunteer Service Award. These two
awards are given at graduation to
high school seniors who have
accumulated 150 hours or more of
documented community service
throughout their high school
careers.
During the months of
September and October, group
members participated in activities
such as the 3G Fall Festival, The
Cream Cheese Festival, St. Mary’s
Harvest Dinner, Lyons Falls Trash
Bash, Lewis County Humane
Society Winterization Event, and
Sunset Nursing Home Sing-Along.
While these groups have many more
service ideas that they will be
implementing during the remainder
of the school year, they are always
looking for opportunities. If your
o rg a n i z a t i o n h a s a n e e d f o r
volunteers, please contact their
advisor, Mrs. Birgenheier, by
emailing fbirgenheier
@southlewis.org or calling the high
school office at 348-2520.
Photo from Sunset Nursing Home
Sing-Along where students made
and delivered fall decorations for the
residents and joined Adirondack
Community Chorus in a sing-along
activity.
Left to right: Britteny Evans,
Morgan Burd, Alexis Dygert, Taylor
Eaton, McKayla West, Nathan
DeSantis, Alexis Hill, Kennedy
Kraeger, Hannah Barrows, Morgan
Feisthamel and Kiaya Flynn
14
High School
Mr. Griffiths, Mr. Shannon and Mrs. Birgenheier will be teaching Global History and Geography 9 and 10. This is a
two-year course that studies world history and culminates with a regent’s exam in June of the student’s sophomore
year. These teachers will also be teaching sections of American History to juniors who are required to pass a regents
exam in June. Mr. Collins teaches two semester long courses, Participatory Government and Economics. These
courses do not require the student to take a regents exam at the end of the course. The department offers, to qualified
seniors, two college courses through Tompkins Cortland Community College which are instructed by Mr. Collins.
Additionally, every department member has been assigned to provide AIS social studies support services for this
year. Many of our students who have demonstrated weaknesses in certain areas may receive more intensive
individual or small group instruction.
Each member of the social studies department values the input of parents. Working in conjunction, we can
positively impact the educational experience of each and every student. If you have questions regarding the social
studies curriculum, test dates, strategies for success, or any issue, please contact us via our e-mail accounts.
Telephone calls are important tools for keeping in touch, but e-mail allows for more frequent and timely contact.
Our addresses are: ecollins, egriffiths, fbirgenheier, and dshannon followed by @southlewis.org. We will work with
you to provide the most successful experience possible for your children.
The department has created a web link on the South Lewis web page this year. This evolving site can be accessed to
find homework, test dates, or project information. We are working to create a dynamic site that will be both student
and parent useful. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions you can contact Mr. Collins, the department
chairman.
The social studies department has been working last year and over the summer to gain proficiency in the new state
social studies framework. This new framework has sought to improve social studies education by refocusing the
social studies curriculum and aligning those classes with the Common Core in ELA and Math. An area of emphasis
in social studies classes this year will be a more intensive inquiry based analysis of a unit or units of study. This
inquiry based unit will look much deeper into a particular area of study and will include research and technological
components.
Senior Band Begins on a High Note
The Senior High Concert band is fifteen flutes, six clarinets, two bass clarinets, six alto saxophones, a baritone
saxophone, seven trumpets, two baritones, three trombones, two tubas, three mallets, and seven percussionists. This
fine group of musicians currently come together to form the South Lewis Senior High Concert Band. The band
rehearses every other day during first period. They are currently working on a medley from the movie “The Polar
Express”. They are also preparing “I Dreamed A Dream” from Les Miserable, “The First Noel”, and “On Eagle’s
Wings”. The mallet section is featured in a piece called “God Rest Ye Merry Mallets” and an electrifying piece called
“Voltage”. These selections along with the United States National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner” will be
performed at the December 22 Christmas Concert. The concert will begin at 7:00 PM and the public is cordially
invited to attend.
15
Mrs. Gino and Mr. Widrick
The leaves are turning colors, the air is brisk, and yes, the days are
becoming shorter. Fall has arrived. Amidst all this change in the weather
our goal in physical education still remains the same: to enhance physical
activity and educate students about lifelong fitness. As in years past we
are offering students a wide variety of units so that students have the
opportunity to experience numerous ways of becoming physically fit. We
also hope that our students explore the many community resources that
they have available to them after graduation. From hiking and biking to
skiing and kayaking, the southern Lewis County region has endless
opportunities to remain active and have fun at the same time.
Currently our students are participating in the orienteering unit. This unit
ensures that students are able to correctly read a compass, shoot a bearing, and
find different control points on the South Lewis campus. This unit can be very
useful for students who enjoy hunting or hiking. We are also offering a
traditional football unit to students. In this unit the students get the opportunity
to learn about the sport of football through short videos, skill practice, and
game play. Whether at a backyard cookout or a weekend flag football game,
football can be played and enjoyed almost anywhere outdoors.
Our hope in high school physical education is that students can find something
they enjoy and utilize that for lifelong fitness. Next up are the swim and
badminton units which
will carry us through the
Thanksgiving holiday.
We hope all of the
students are enjoying
physical education this year!
16
With
Senora Martin
and
Senor Bunker
Español I - Señora Martin
Students in Spanish One have jumped into the language with both feet! We have already covered basic greetings and
goodbyes. Additionally, students are now able to count to 100 and recite the Spanish alphabet. We finished up the
first month of school with calendar skills. Please ask your students about their Latin American country project, which
they presented in mid-October. Many students have expressed that they enjoy knowing a new language, and I am
greatly enjoying working with them!
Español II
Señor Bunker’s Spanish II students are just starting their unit on sports. During this unit students will learn to talk
about soccer, baseball and basketball. Students will also practice being sport announcers by narrating a soccer game.
Español III
Students are completing their review of Spanish I and II. Their first full unit will be on traveling by train. At the end
of this year, students will take a locally prepared exam that replaces the former Regents Exam. The format will be the
same and the test will carry the same weight. Right now, we are focusing on speaking skills in order to achieve our
best results on this exam.
Español IV
We are just starting our unit on Spain. We will study Spain’s history, culture and regions. In September, we celebrated
Hispanic Heritage Month by dressing up as famous Hispanics and presenting our person to the class.
Espanol V- SPA 221/222 (College Credit)
This is our second year offering Spanish V for college credit through JCC. Each student will earn six college credits
as a result of taking this class. Students learn new vocabulary and grammar while the class is conducted in 100%
Spanish.
South Lewis FFA Elects Of=icer Slate for 2015 – 16
With another busy year of activities planned, the of5icer team is in place for the school year for the South Lewis FFA. Serving as president this year will be Grant Domagala. Grant is a senior and the son of Rob and Nancy Domagala of Port Leyden. Jenna Dailey will be Vice President. Jenna, also a senior, is the daughter of Craig and Amy Dailey of Constableville. Sophomores Ian Fruin and Demi Brouty are serving as co-­‐treasurers this year. Ian is the son of Jason Fruin and Melissa Newvine of Port Leyden. Demi is the daughter of Angela and Darren Brouty, Lyons Falls. Secretaries for the upcoming year will be Reegan Domagala, a sophomore and Grant’s younger sister, and Brianna Conway. Brianna is a junior this year and the daughter of John and Rebecca Conway, Boonville. Our reporter will be Drianna Crofoot. Drianna is a junior and the daughter of Dennis and Dawn Crofoot of Boonville. The of5ice of sentinel will be 5illed by Marsella Ventura. Marsella is a sophomore and the daughter of Rich and Jennifer Ventura, Boonville. Julie Fox will serve as the sentinel for this year. Julie is a junior and the daughter of Steve and Jennifer Fox, Greig. The student advisor for this year will be Tyler Gorczyca. Tyler is a junior and the son of Wendi Ward and Michael Gorczyca, Lyons Falls. 17
With Miss. Marks
H i g h s c h o o l s t u d e n t s enrolled in Food Science w i l l c o n d u c t m u l t i p l e experiments in the kitchen, learn about food safety and sanitation, and explore the cultural importance of food as well as many other food-­‐
related topics. Family and Consumer Science students enrolled in Caring for Kids will spend the fall semester f o c u s i n g o n f a m i l y development, parenting and babysitting skills, observing ages and stages o f c h i l d g r o w t h a n d d e v e l o p m e n t , a n d calculating the Nirst year expenses of caring for a newborn. Students will complete a food sampler unit during the spring semester. This course covers cooking and baking basics. Students will research food preparation techniques and prepare an assortment of recipes as part of their Ninal project. From The High School Music
Department.....
Its concert season once again! The High School Winter Concert will be
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2015 at 7 PM. The concert will feature the 100 member, 9-12th grade chorus. They will sing a variety of songs including
“Gloria Deo,” “African Noel” and “Come On, It’s Christmas”. The concert
will also include the 9-12th grade Concert Band, Women’s Ensemble, and the
Select Chorus. We hope to see you there!
High School Select Chorus auditions were held in September and we are
proud to announce its new members. They are Keegan Poste, Kindrie Roy,
Nikiesha Spann, Skyler Carpenter, and Alaina Halladay. Congratulations!
The High School Music department will be presenting “Shrek The Musical”
this coming March! Audition materials will go out November 23rd and we
highly encourage students to audition. The show requires a large cast and
should be a fantastic show to be a part of. Auditions will be December 19th
and the show dates are March 17, 18 and 19, 2016.
South Lewis Central Schools
District Newsletter Request Form
If you would like a hard copy of each issue of the South Lewis Central School
District newsletter mailed to you please complete this form and return it to the
address below. You can also call the District Office at 315-348-2500 and
provide the needed information.
South Lewis Central Schools
ATTN: Douglas Premo
4264 East Road
PO BOX 10
Turin, NY 13473
DATE: ___________________
Name: __________________________________________________
Mailing Address: _________________________________________
Phone Number: ___________________________________________
Thank You!
18
HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE INFORMATION
Seniors - By now you should have met with your guidance counselor regarding your future plans.
Reminder for Seniors - Get your college applications to the Guidance Office before Thanksgiving (Friday, Nov. 20th)!
Consult the information in your senior packet. If you are still searching for colleges, please contact your guidance
counselor and ask for help.
You will apply online to colleges through their websites (www.suny.edu) or
(www.commonapp.org)
Financial Aid Forms
1. (FAFSA) will be available online January 1, 2016. Students planning to attend college must complete this form online
at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Pin numbers must be obtained at www.pin.ed.gov. Students and parents are encouraged to
file as soon as possible after January 1st, 2016. It helps to organize records now.
2. The CSS Profile, available at www.collegeboard.com, is a financial aid form that many private schools require. CSS
profile is not free, and it is due earlier than the FAFSA. Go on the website to see if your colleges require it.
Financial Aid Night is Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the South Lewis High School library. Mark your
calendars now. ALL PARENTS OF SENIORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND WITH THEIR CHILDREN. Juniors and
their parents are also welcome to attend.
Scholarships - Seniors are encouraged to take responsibility for seeking out scholarships for which they may be eligible.
Local scholarships are posted on the Guidance page on the South Lewis website. Scholarship bulletins are distributed to
Seniors at the beginning of each month in government and economics classes. Many have early deadline dates.
Sources of aid are available in your senior packet and on the web at www.fastweb.com.
ASVAB Test - This year all sophomores took the ASVAB Career Exploration test in October. Though the ASVAB is
required by all branches of the military for entrance, it is also a very useful part of the high school guidance program. The
counselors can better advise students on their college and career choices because of this assessment. The results tell
students where their skills lie, what interests them, if they are “college-ready,” and what careers match both their skills
and their interests. This is a great way for students to start planning the rest of their lives. The ASVAB will be offered
again to all interested juniors and seniors at Howard G. Sackett Technical Center (BOCES) in the spring.
10th & 11th Grade - Students should continue their college research using the resources available to them in the
Guidance Office and on the internet. Parents who would like to discuss their child’s future plans may phone Mrs.
Burmingham or Ms. Green for an appointment at 348-2530. Visit colleges this year! It is considered a legal absence if a
child goes on an official college visit.
Juniors will review their PSAT scores in class with their guidance counselors in January. Scheduling for senior year will
also begin in January. You should be researching college and career options now. Please visit college campuses this
spring and summer so that you will be prepared to complete college applications when you return to school next fall.
The Guidance Office has many resources to assist you with your college selection. Please use the following “tips” to
help you prepare for college and careers:
• Attend class every day.
• Use activity period to work with your teachers.
• Do all homework and make sure it is handed in on time.
• Take challenging courses.
Sophomores - Representatives from the Howard G. Sackett Center in
Glenfield (BOCES) will be at South Lewis in December to speak to
tenth grade students about programs that are available at BOCES.
Students who would like more information about BOCES will visit the
technical center in January. The following criteria must be met prior to
enrolling in a BOCES program:
• Successful completion of ninth and tenth grade English and Social
Studies
• Earn at least ten academic credits prior to attending BOCES
• Junior or senior standing at South Lewis
• Completed application for BOCES with parental consent
These guidelines have been established to ensure that students who attend BOCES will be successful in their program.
Students will only have the option to enroll in a BOCES program once they have met their requirements. Sophomore
orientation at BOCES will be on January 15, 2016.
19
9th Grade - Freshmen have had time to become familiar with high school expectations. If you have any
questions or concerns about academic, social, or career issues, please contact Ms. Green or Mrs. Burmingham.
If you are considering college, you should begin your research. We are happy to assist you.
“CHOICES” - It is important to set college and career goals based on solid information. The Guidance Office
has many college and career planning resources available to high school students. We have a career
exploration program called “Choices” which is available to all students through our school network. Remember
students can use the internet during study halls and activity periods. To access “CHOICES” use the following:
www.bridges.com. Create a new portfolio site, I.D. 0100987, Password N8c9m2R4.
Scholarship Information
Below are the Elks Scholarships which will be due in November (with the exception of the Legacy). Those students
interested must apply online. More information is available in the Guidance Office. Deadline is November 21st for all Elks
Scholarships. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST DAY TO TURN THESE IN AND ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT.
The 2016 Most Valuable Student Award, which is open to any senior student and is due to your local Elks Lodge on or before
NOVEMBER 20th. The application is streamlined and it is less complex. For more information and to download the application
please visit the following website: http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars/
downloadmvs.cfm The 2016 Elks Legacy Award is open to any child
or grandchild (step-child or step-grandchild) of an Elks member who
entered the order on or before January 30th. Applications are
completed entirely online and are due on or before January 30th.
For more information and the application please visit the following
website: http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars/legacy.cfm In addition, there
are Emergency Educational Grants available to any child of a disabled
or deceased Elk member. These grants can be up to $4,000 per year.
Lastly, there is the New York State Elks Association Scholarship
which is open to a senior student who is a child or stepchild of an Elk
member in good standing. The application is the SAME as the Most
Valuable Student Application, with the only difference being a cover
page which you can obtain in the High School Guidance Office.
2016 NFIB YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD is for high school
seniors with a passion to be an entrepreneur or small business owner
and will be entering college in the fall of 2016. For more information,
visit www.NFIB.com/YEA.
Applications will be accepted from
October 1st through December 15th.
2016 THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS SCHOLARSHIP is open to high school seniors who have parents with disabilities.
Fifteen $1000 scholarships will be given away. Go to http://www.lookingglass.org for more information on this scholarship.
2016 PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD recognizes students in middle and high school who have made a
meaningful contribution to their communities through volunteer services. If you would like to be nominated, please stop in the
Guidance Office. Deadline: November 4th.
SOUTH LEWIS HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE HAS A
FACEBOOK PAGE!
Please “like” the South Lewis School Counseling Office
Facebook page to see information about upcoming events and
important guidance career, college, and scholarship news. We
will also be sharing photos and articles from the events we
attend.
20
SOUTH LEWIS TAKES JUNIORS TO
HIGHER EDUCATION DAY
The South Lewis Guidance Department hosted a trip to
SUNY Jefferson for all South Lewis juniors on October
5, 2015. Our students were given the opportunity to
attend Higher Education Day 2015 to learn about the
college admission process, financial aid, and college
athletics. Admissions representatives from over 100
colleges, military recruiters, and career assistance
organizations were present to meet with students and
share information about college and career
opportunities. Mrs. Grunert, English 11 instructor,
assisted the guidance counselors in preparing students
for this event.
Each student was asked to select at least three colleges
to speak with based on their career goals and the majors
that matched those plans. Students were provided with
a list of questions to ask admissions representatives and
a worksheet to complete for English class. We are very
proud of our juniors and how they used this opportunity
to educate themselves on career and college options.
The feedback from students was very positive and we
hope to continue providing South Lewis students with
these educational opportunities in the future.
21
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
September
Students of the Month were selected for South Lewis High School for the
month of September. Students are pictured with Mr. Chad Luther, principal. Olivia Kriwox is our 10th grade selection. She is the daughter of Patrick &
Laurie Kriwox. Lydia Metzler who resides with her parents Norman & Gina
Metzler in Constableville was selected to represent the 9th grade class. Senior Nathan DeSantis lives in Constableville with his parents Jeffrey &
Bernadette DeSantis displayed SOM qualities this month. Elizabeth Wood is
a 11th grader who resides in Port Leyden with her parents Fred & Heather
McCauley. Congratulations to these students who have begun their school
year excellently. [22]
Special Senior
Sports Night
[23]
Dear Parents, Residents, and Community Members,
We had a great opening at the Middle School this fall! The fiKh grade students quickly adjusted to their new learning environment and all other students recalled the Middle School rou6nes and procedures, making for a smooth start to the school year. This is the third year of implementa6on of the New York State Curriculum Modules in ELA and Math. Students are working hard and showing good progress. We con6nue to make adjustments to Social Studies instruc6on to ensure it is aligned with the Social Studies Framework that was released last year. The Science Standards are currently being revised and we hope to see an ini6al draK soon.
This year we are providing an addi6onal opportunity for students to get breakfast in the morning. Very few students take advantage of the breakfast program, and we want to make sure there aren’t any obstacles in their way. Students can access breakfast in the cafeteria as they have in the past, but they can also get breakfast from a cart in the middle school lobby and take it to class with them. There is no cost for breakfast for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Many seventh and eighth grade students par6cipated in modified sports this fall and fiKh and sixth graders par6cipated in golf, baseball, and soKball intramurals. There has been a great deal of interest in the First Lego League that we are offering for the first 6me this year. The students have been mee6ng regularly and will par6cipate in a compe66on in December. We also have a large number of students par6cipa6ng in the middle school musical, Mary Poppins. The students have been working hard and it is sure to be an outstanding show. Don’t miss seeing one of the performances on December 3rd (7:00 PM), December 4th (7:00 PM) or December 5th (2:00 PM). Ticket prices are $5.00 for students and senior ci6zens and $6.00 for adults. Also being offered is the “Spoonful of Sugar” three performance pass at $12.00 for students and senior ci6zens and $15.00 for adults. Thank you for suppor6ng our students as they explore their interests through these extra-­‐curricular opportuni6es. They learn and grow a great deal through these experiences!
At South Lewis Middle School we are grateful for our excellent student body, commiNed faculty and staff, and our suppor6ve community. On behalf of the Middle School, I would like to wish everyone the best during the upcoming holiday season!
Regards,
Judith A. Duppert
Middle School Principal
[24]
WELCOMING AND CONGRATULATING THE
FOLLOWING MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF
Ms. Renee Krusper is the new Teaching Assistant for the middle school 12:1:1 classroom at South
Lewis. She is certified in Childhood Education (grades 1-6) and has prior experience teaching middle
school English and English AIS classes. She is in Ms. Lehman's room, and is excited to work with the
South Lewis community.
Mrs. Michele Liendecker is thrilled to join the South Lewis team as an aide in the Middle School. Over
the past few years, she has worked as a substitute and has enjoyed filling various positions within the
South Lewis district; now, she welcomes the opportunity to work with the South Lewis faculty and
staff and to serve the needs of this very special community of students.
Renee Krusper
Mrs. Liendecker and her husband, Andrew, are both North Country natives: graduating from Lowville
Academy and South Lewis, respectively. In 1994, in pursuit of (much) warmer weather and a (drastic)
change in scenery, they moved to Arizona. After becoming parents to two daughters, Abigayle and
Izabelle, and after being away for fourteen years, Mr. and Mrs. Liendecker returned to the North
Country in July, 2008. They relocated to once again be near their family and to share with their girls
the same comfort and safety that they had known as children in this close-knit community.
Mrs. Liendecker looks forward to a great year in Middle School and is honored every day to be a part
of the school district responsible for educating her own children.
Michele Liendecker
Mrs. Laura Martin is pleased to be the long-term substitute in Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 at South Lewis
Middle and High School. She brings with her a great deal of experience teaching English as a Second
Language in both California and Virginia. Before coming to South Lewis, Mrs. Martin had never
taught a child whose first language was English. Mrs. Martin loves to travel, and even spent
Christmas in Costa Rica with her husband and two daughters. She is enjoying teaching Spanish, and
especially enjoying the fantastic students in her classes.
Laura Martin
Ms. Beranda Marks is currently working as a long-term substitute at South Lewis, teaching middle and
high school courses in Family and Consumer Science. She is also the chapter advisor for the student
FCCLA club. Beranda has a Master’s in Education from SUNY Oswego, where she studied and
completed the Vocational Teacher Preparation program. Her initial teaching certification is in Plant
Science. She began substitute teaching at South Lewis in 2011. Her hobbies include traveling,
gardening, cooking, sewing, swimming, kayaking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. She also
enjoys spending time with her nephews and going on outdoor adventures with her 12-year old dog,
named Trout. Miss Marks is very excited to join the educational team and support staff at South
Lewis. Beranda Marks
[25]
Mrs. McCall is our new Middle School Physical Education teacher. She is a native of Pavilion
in Western New York. She attended SUNY Brockport and received her undergrad in PE; she
received her Masters from SUNY Cortland in Health. She has spent the past 15 years teaching
middle school Physical Education at Adirondack CSD. Mrs. McCall has coached in both the
volleyball and track programs at South Lewis. She is very excited to be here and to finally be
a true Falcon! She resides in Port Leyden where she lives with her husband and two children.
Molly McCall
Mrs. Cassie Smith is the new Attendance Office Aide in the Middle/High School. She has
been a part of the district for the last eight years. Mrs. Smith was a substitute in the
elementary, middle, and high school for six of those years. Last year she was hired as a
Building Aide for both Glenfield and Port Leyden Elementary Schools. Mrs. Smith is a
graduate of South Lewis and has an AOS degree in Executive Secretarial.
Cassie Smith
Mrs. Katie Tharp is in her first year teaching at South Lewis Middle School and fifth year
teaching overall. She is the Math Resource Room Teacher for 5th and 6th Grade. She enjoys
assisting students with building their math skills so they are successful problem solvers. She
lives in Adams, NY with her husband and one-year old daughter. They are new to the area after
moving from North Carolina. She taught there for three years as a resource teacher Grades 1-6.
Last year she worked for Jefferson-Lewis BOCES as an 8:1:1 for 5th and 6th Grade. In her
spare time she enjoys the outdoors: fishing, boating, and hiking. She has coached varsity tennis
in the past and loves to bowl. She looks forward to working with the South Lewis staff and
students this year.
[26]
Katie Tharp
NEWS FROM THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
GUIDANCE OFFICE
The 2015-16 school year is underway and our middle school students are busy learning and growing each and every day. Parents often tell us that they do
not get a lot of information from their children about what they are doing in school. Following are some questions parents can ask to start a dialogue about
what the school experience is like. This information is taken from the “schoolfamily.com” website.
What was the best part of your day?
Did anything funny happen today?
Who sits by you in class?
Was anything really hard?
What are you learning about in class?
Our students are very busy but do not often give parents a lot of information about their school day. It is important to ask specific questions that cannot be
answered with a simple “yes” or “no” response. It is also a good idea to try to find ways to make evening routines in your home environment that will
promote success in school. For example, try to set aside time each evening to connect as a family, even if it is just an unrushed conversation about
everyone’s day. Try to build in some time for unstructured play or downtime. Help ensure adequate sleep by teaching your children to plan ahead so they
are not rushing or staying up late. Kids from six to thirteen years old need nine to eleven hours of sleep per night, according to the National Sleep
Foundation. Teenagers from 14 to 17 years old should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep. Parents can help students get a better night’s sleep by keeping a
consistent bedtime and turning off the television and other electronic devices at least an hour before going to sleep. Limit kid’s use of technology by
setting times they can use phones, tablets or other devices and collect the gadgets in the evening. If your family time is stretched too thin, take time to
rethink your activities. This is especially important if your children are involved in many extracurricular activities.
Extracurricular Involvement = Success
We find that when students stay involved in extracurricular activities, they are often more successful in their academic program. Students learn valuable
time management skills and how to work with their peers. These are important skills for success in school and the work place. We are fortunate that our
parents and faculty are very supportive of the extracurricular program. Following is a list of many of the activities offered in the middle school:
Sports
Band
Chorus
Falcon Club
School Musical
Family, Career and Community
Yearbook Club
Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Student Council
National Junior Honor Society
Above and Beyond PE activities
Good Attendance = Success
Attendance is one of the main factors that impacts how successful children are with their academic and extracurricular program. We greatly appreciate
parent support as we work together to make sure that students are in regular attendance at school. In the event that a student is absent
due to sickness, a doctor’s appointment or unplanned event, it is critical for the student to make up the work they have missed and spend time during study
hall or activity period meeting with teachers to complete assignments. By working together, we can insure student success.
Career Day 2015
Each year the middle school hosts a Career Day Program. This year our program will be held on Friday, November 13th during the school day. The
program is designed to give students an opportunity to learn about careers from professionals who attend our program and talk to them about what they do
in their respective careers. This year students will have the opportunity to learn about three careers of their choice among a list of approximately twenty
careers. We always appreciate the community support for our middle school shown by our presenters. Professionals who work and live in our community
and surrounding area volunteer their time to spend the afternoon with our students. We are always excited to hear about their careers and learn more about
what they do.
If you would like to be a presenter at our annual Career Day Program, please contact Julie Kraeger, Career Day Coordinator, at 348-2575. We are always
trying to find people willing to share career information with our students.
Eighth Grade Students to Choose High School Coursework
All eighth grade students will be meeting with Mrs. Kraeger individually to start planning for the transition to ninth grade. Each student will be given an
appointment date to meet with Mrs. Kraeger to choose ninth grade coursework. Time will also be spent discussing high school graduation requirements for
the Class of 2020 and future academic and career goals. Meetings will take place during the months of December, January and early February. Parents are
encouraged to attend these conferences and participate in this important planning session. If the appointment needs to be changed, please contact Middle
School Guidance at 348-2575. It is important to help our students make a smooth transition to ninth grade.
[27]
t!!
reat Star
G
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T
s Off
o l Band
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S
e
l
Mi dd
The South Lewis Middle School Parent Teacher Group (PTG) would
like to thank everyone who helped us with our basket raffle during the
Middle School Open House Program on September 16, 2015. Faculty and
staff donated items to create six theme baskets that were raffled off.
Following is a list of the winners:
Fifth Grade Team “Relax” Basket: Kallie Bauter
Sixth Grade Team “Halloween” Basket: Lisa Weber
Seventh Grade Team “Pasta” Basket: Brayden Poste
Eighth Grade Team “Movie Night” Basket: Jill Strigle
Related Arts Team “School Supplies” Basket: Jayden Greene
Middle School Office “Chocolate” Basket: Chantal Garnsey
The PTG earned $222.00 on the basket raffle!
We also awarded fleece-lined South Lewis Falcon stadium blankets to a
student at each grade level selected as winners of the Open House
“Scavenger Hunt”. The stadium blankets were donated by North East
IMPRINTS Screen Printing of Boonville. The winners are as follows:
Jennavieve Allen, Grade 5
Erica Coffin, Grade 6
Ta Phakdeetho, Grade 7
Jarrett Parker, Grade 8
Thank you to everyone who helped to make this fundraiser a success! We
will be sponsoring additional fundraising activities this year. PTG is
planning a Gertrude Hawk Chocolate fund raiser in November. All funds
raised will be used to support middle school student programs. We greatly
appreciate the parent, staff and community support!
28
The 5th Grade Band, directed
by Mr. Muller and the 6th and
7/8th Grade Bands, Directed by
Mr. Pace, are all off to a busy
start this fall.
Their first performance will be
in the Middle School December
C o n c e r t o n W e d n e s d a y,
December 16th at 7:00 pm in
the Auditorium. Students will
need to be here, ready to warm
up, and receive directions, by
6:30 pm.
Remember that
concert dress is black and
white.
A Special
Thank You From
The South Lewis
Middle School
Parent Teacher
Group
The South
Lewis
Middle
School to
Present
Mary
Poppins
One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a
practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney
and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500
performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven TONY Awards, including Best
Musical.
The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane
and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a
combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again.
Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael
aren't the only ones she has a profound effect upon. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the
nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it." - (mtishows.com)
Come immerse yourself in the magic of this full length Broadway show while singing along with songs we
all know like "Supercalifragilistigexpialidocious" ; 'Step In Time"; and "Let's Go Fly a Kite".
Curtain goes up on Thursday and Friday, December 3-4, 2015 at 7 pm and one final time on Saturday,
December 5, 2015 at 2 pm. Ticket prices are $6 for adults, $5 for students/seniors. Buy a "Spoonful of
Sugar" pass to see all three performances for just $15 adults, $12 students/seniors.
29
We are always amazed at
how quickly the beginning of the
school year seems to pass by!
Students are quickly and successfully
adjusting to their new environment
in the Middle School.
They
continue to practice the rules,
procedures, and expectations, and
are forming many new friendships
and positive relationships due to our
focus on the Six Pillars of Character.
Students have been learning about
and demonstrating “TRRFCC”:
Trustworthiness, Respect,
Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and
Citizenship, through their daily
actions.
In Math, students and
teachers have been working hard to
meet the expectations set forth by
the New York State Math Modules.
These modules are New York
State’s interpretation of the
Common Core Learning Standards.
Students have been working on
fluency activities that help their dayto-day math fact recall. They are
doing well with developing a more
sophisticated understanding of
numbers, so they can more deeply
understand math concepts.
Students are working in more
complex ways in order to be
successful on the New York State
Math Exam. So that parents can
learn about the new methods and
strategies that were taught in class,
videos have been made
demonstrating some of the models
that are used. These videos can be
great resources for homework help
and are available on Miss
Fitzgerald’s webpage.
Fifth Graders have been
reading a variety of challenging texts
in Literacy. They have thoroughly
examined human rights challenges
and conducted research on current
human rights issues that people face.
They recorded their reports and
used technology to link their audio
recordings to an image of their
topic. The students then held a
gallery walk, where they used iPods
and the program, Aurasma, to scan
the images, which then allowed
them to listen to their peers’ reports.
At this point in the year, we are
integrating science topics with
literacy as we continue researching
rai nforest sci ent i st s and t he
biodiversity of the rainforest.
Please be sure to sign up for the nightly
homework text reminders!
Platz/Still: Text @stillpl to 81010
Neary/Fitzgerald: Text @misskneary to
81010
30
The science curriculum
focuses on several units of study to
include Cells, Invertebrates and
Vertebrates, Ecosystems and
Biomes, Rocks and Minerals, Solar
System and the Human Body. We
will dig deeper into the unit on rocks
by using a kit where we will test rock
and mineral samples to find what
makes them unique!
Within the social studies
curriculum, students have been
exploring the Western Hemisphere.
We have each determined where
the best place to live is and why it is
the best place to live, based on a
variety of factors. Some of us highly
value a tropical climate, while others
prefer to be close to mountains or a
water source. Students will also be
preparing for their Washington,
D.C. trip in May. The skills and
concepts they have learned within
Social Studies will be strongly
reinforced through their learning
experience in Washington, D.C.!
With the continued increase
in rigor throughout all areas,
attendance is vital. Class discussions
play a key role in fostering a deeper
understanding of the skills and
concepts needed to be successful in
fifth grade. As a fifth grade, we
continue to grow both as individuals
and intellectuals and look forward to
sharing and growing even more with
one another this school year.
In the sixth grade science classrooms students have been very busy learning process skills that scientists perform in the laboratory setting. Students have been engaging in many hands-­‐on lab activities that make learning fun and exciting. We will be studying density, matter, ecosystems, and classi?ication. Along with completing labs in each unit, we also read and discuss informational text, watch educational audio/video presentations, view PowerPoint presentations, create ?lip books/charts, and engage in many other learning activities. As part of the New York State Common Core expectations, ELA reading and writing skills, as well as math skills are incorporated into the sixth grade science curriculum, and students are expected to utilize these skills when completing assigned tasks.
In English 6 with Ms. Gerber and Mr. Galarneau, students have been working hard to improve their English skills. There are four units, each having a major text to go along with the lessons. The major texts are as follows:
-­‐ Unit 1 – The Lightning Thief
-­‐ Unit 2 – Bud, Not Buddy
-­‐ Unit 3 – Dragonwings
-­‐ Unit 4 – Frightful’s Mountain
Students are also interacting with supplemental texts of various genres that support the major ideas within the major text. Each unit incorporates a major writing piece as well. These pieces will focus students on various elements of writing, such as theme, plot, paragraph formation, introductions, conclusions, main/central idea, and character development. It is important that students are completing nightly assignments, as the following day’s lesson will build on the prior night’s assignment. We are asking you to encourage your child to establish this routine to help them ?ind success in their classes this year and for upcoming years.
In future units, students will be working on research projects, writing evidence-­‐based claims, and taking their analytical skills to a higher level. These topics will incorporate many non-­‐?iction pieces. Students will make connections between major themes in the novels they have read this year.
The ELA units are fast-­‐paced, exciting, and challenge us to do our best thinking each day. Since day one, we have yet to have a day off. This is in preparation for our New York State ELA Assessment, which will be in mid-­‐April. In Math 6 with Ms. Hoch and Mrs. Kotar-­‐Pencek, we are busy working through the modules in order to prepare them for the New York State Math assessment in April. The modules 1-­‐6 contain notes, examples, and practice problems that the students are expected to complete in order to ful?ill the Common Core expectations. The main idea of each module is to spend more time on a topic and to learn why they are doing it rather than just how to do it. Module 1 – Ratios and Unit Rates
Module 2 -­‐ Arithmetic Operations Including Division of Fractions
Module 3 -­‐ Rational Numbers
Module 4 – Expressions and Equations
Module 5 – Area, Surface Area, and Volume
Module 6 – Statistics
Along with our daily lessons, the students have been taking quarterly benchmark assessments. This allows us to monitor the progress of each student since the beginning of the school year. The data we get makes it possible to pinpoint problems that need to be focused on. We’ve had a great year so far and look forward to seeing what successes the rest of the school year brings! Our major focus in social studies is World History – The Eastern Hemisphere. We start the year studying concepts of geography, where students review ideas such as continents, oceans, latitude, longitude, cardinal and intermediate directions, and map types.
A favorite unit is the study of early man! What was it like to live as an early man? Students make cave paintings, learn about Otzi, and the daily life of hunters and gatherers.
From there, we move to the Fertile Crescent (Mesopotamia), which is located in present day Iran and Iraq. The goal of this unit is for students to understand the importance of water in the development of civilizations. This is the ?irst time the students learn about cultures that are polytheistic. Government, social classes, and roles of men and women are all interesting and sometimes shocking to the students.
Another favorite unit is Egypt! We go above and beyond what the students already know. This is another culture which developed around a river (The Nile). It amazes the students that a society can ?lourish in the middle of a desert! Pyramids, pharaohs, mummies, and the writing system are also covered.
Two other river valley civilizations that we will work with are the Indus River Valley and the Yellow River Valley. These civilizations have many similar characteristics as the Mesopotamians and the Egyptians.
Our next stop around the world is Ancient Greece. Students learn about its geography and how it in?luenced life in Greece, the gods and goddesses of Mt. Olympus, the Olympics, different wars for land, philosophers, and daily life. Students start to see many similarities between Greek government and the government of the United States in this unit.
Other topics to be covered this year are Ancient Rome, and Feudal Western Europe, The Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic Caliphates. It is great to see the students so eager to learn about ancient civilizations! We are also asking that you periodically check with your student to see if they have enough supplies. We thank you for your continued support.
31
We just completed our 5irst unit about Native Americans. During this unit, the students learned about why Native Americans came to North America and how they arrived. We also looked at how environment plays an important part on where the people settled. Students completed an activity using mac-­‐books With Ms. Brown
about nine different tribal regions in the United States. The Mayas, Incas, and Aztecs also played a major role in civilization in the Western Hemisphere. Students participated in an archeological dig to 5ind artifacts related to the three tribes.
These activities are designed to help students understand how America was 5irst started. Also, what impacts these Native American civilizations contributed to and how the environment played an important role for the natives with the types of houses, food grown, and clothing worn.
Our next unit is on explorers. In this unit, students will research an explorer, construct a model of their boat and write a script for a program called Aurasma, where students hear back the speeches using iPods. This activity is designed to help students learn about the people that were instrumental in discovering land we live on today.
Our remaining units are the Colonies, Revolutionary War, Constitution, Moving west, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. I look forward to working with your children throughout the year.
With Mrs. Liddiard
The students in Mrs. Liddiard’s Math 7 class have
been working hard this year with the New York State
Common Core Learning Standards. All students will
take the Grade 7 Mathematics Assessment in April that
will assess students’ knowledge of these standards.
This test will be given to all seventh grade students on
April 13 - 15.
In the first module, Number Systems, we reviewed the rules for adding,
subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers. We learned that we can use
these same rules for operations with rational numbers (fractions and decimals).
In the second module, Expressions and Equations, we learned how to add,
subtract, expand, and factor numerical expressions. Next, we solved equations
and inequalities. Finally, we calculated the area and circumference of circles.
In our third module, Ratios and Proportions, we will learn about finding the unit
rate and using the unit rate to write the equation y = kx. We will look at
proportional relationships on graphs and in tables and discover that the graph of
a proportional relationship is a straight line that passes through the origin.
32
We started the year by learning
that organisms have
“adaptations”, which are traits
that help organisms survive in
their environment. We dissected
burdocks to determine which
traits (adaptations) the plants
With Mrs. Cook
have to help them survive in
their environment. Did you know
the seeds of the burdock are nestled in the fibers of the flower?
The burrs attach to the fur of an animal and when the animal
tries to get the burdock out of its fur, the seeds spill out. Our
studies will continue with the dissection of flowers and seeds. I
am trying to guide the students to carefully observe the objects
in our world and think deeply about what purpose these objects
have for the survival of the organism. The world is full of
many surprises if you look for them.
Our first laboratory activity will be called “What?
Decomposers In My Back Yard?. The students will observe the
decomposition of a peach in “Back yard soil” and compare it
to the decomposition of a peach that was not placed in soil.
They will learn how to prepare a hypothesis and a controlled
experiment. They will make daily observations of both the
“test” and the “control”. The students will develop conclusions
about the role of decomposers in our environment based on the
results of this laboratory activity.
During the Human Body Systems Unit, each system will be
investigated. The students will perform the dissection of a
sheep heart and a beef eye. The emphasis will be on the basic
function of each body system and how all body systems work
together to allow an organism to survive.
The other topics we will study are Processes of Organisms,
Weather, and Matter.
I enjoy working with your children and look forward to sharing
more exciting scientific exploration with them.
By Ms. Doolittle
Once again in English Language Arts 7, we will be studying the Common Core Curriculum with the New York State Modules. Students will grow and learn through reading and wri&ng by analyzing and interpre&ng the type of texts they need to become ready for the world around them. With our digital age and with students needing to read, write, listen, and speak to each other in so many different formats, communica&on is an essen&al piece to the educa&onal puzzle. Knowing how to effec&vely communicate will, in turn, help our students func&on in their environment; therefore, it is exci&ng to know that in our seventh grade curriculum we can enjoy so many valuable pieces of literature and wri&ng that will get them on their way to a future that will be college and career ready! Wi t h
lsup
Mr. A
In science this year we started off by talking about what science is. The students got a chance to talk a lot about how they felt about science and their place in the scien%fic community. We also stressed that the world they live in every day is filled with science, and that the people closest to them acted scien%fically.
With
Mr. Reid
Having reviewed the 7th grade curriculum, we are tackling the
Industrial Revolution, exploring how technology changed our
nation's economy and impacted society, and how we continue to
see the affects today, both positive and negative. We will then look
at social reforms and America’s growing imperial might before the
First World War, which then leads us into the Second World War,
the Cold War, and modern American culture and history.
Alongside the content of the New York Social Studies curriculum,
we spend time on the skills that accompany them. We spend a good
amount of time on graphs, charts, and visual information sources
such as political cartoons, photographs, and the arts, as well as
using graphic organizers to plan written responses. We work with
the English Language Arts department to implement the new
Common Core standards and to establish common terminology,
formats, and essay planning strategies that will help students be
successful in their critical reading, writing, and thinking in both
content areas.
With Mr. Gibson and Mrs. Smithling
8th
grade English started off reading various historical
speeches from people like Sojourner Truth, Shirley Chisolm
and Lyndon B. Johnson. Students learned about the theme of
taking a stand and discussed times that taking a stand can be
both a positive and negative experience and how this type of
behavior can affect others that surround them. This thematic
study led to the novel To Kill a Mockingbird where students
are going to be studying the golden rule as well as the theme
of taking a stand and directly connecting to situations the
characters find themselves in. Students are finding success
reading this difficult classic text.
33
We then moved on to talk about atoms, elements, and compounds. Your students were able to perform paper chromatography, make model atoms out of clay, and even separate a mixture of sand, salt, and iron filings back out into their original containers. Our next stop is forces, energy, and machines! Be prepared!
Wi t h
ur n
Mr. Kilb
Webster’s Dictionary defines perseverance as follows:
“The quality that allows someone to continue trying to
do something even though it is difficult.” Teaching,
instilling, and developing perseverance in a student is
a challenging task. As we continue to transition to the
Common Core Learning Standards, the act of
persevering is extremely important. If your son/
daughter is getting overly frustrated with math, please
encourage them to come see me for help, study with a
friend, or use the internet to watch many of the free
video tutorials that exist. Learning through and with
others is a powerful way to pick up new concepts that
were previously unattainable.
One of the most frequently asked questions by a
student is: “When am I ever going to use this stuff?”
To be honest, some lessons/topics answer this question
easier than others. In order to prove to students that
math exists all around them, students were asked to do
a little investigating. Later this year students will be
assigned a project in which they have to interview an
adult outside of school. The purpose of the interview
is for students to find out how adults use math at work,
at home, or with a hobby. Students have the option of
writing an essay, making a poster, or creating a
PowerPoint. Students in previous years have been a
little hesitant to do this at first, but in the end they
wind up appreciating the extent to which math is used
outside the classroom.
5TH GRADE GENERAL
MUSIC WITH MRS. G
Fifth grade general music is a 10-week class that meets 3rd period. The curriculum is based upon where
music crosses over with the student’s other classes. We begin with where music meets up with their ELA classes.
We do two projects in this unit. In the first, the students write a poem about themselves. With the help of
technology, we then turn those poems into raps. The second project involves finding the story within a song. We
do this with some songs that have words and some that do not. We conclude with the students creating their own
short story based upon the piece “Dies Irae” by Giuseppe Verdi. In the next unit, the students learn about how
music is connected to culture. We do this through a study of African drumming music. In this unit we perform
simple and complex rhythms with the aid of a rhythm matrix notation system. We conclude that unit by making
a traditional African talking drum. Our last unit includes learning basic music notation and concludes with the
making of a musical staff project.
8TH GRADE GENERAL MUSIC
WITH MRS. G
Eighth grade general music is a 10-week course that all students in the grade take at some point during
the year. The course begins with a basic review of the skills they have acquired during 6th and 7th grade music.
We then apply those skills to the piano keyboard, culminating with all the students learning and playing a basic
song on the instrument. The class then focuses on the world around the 8th grade student. We discuss popular
trends in music and learn how to speak intelligently, with proper terminology, about the music they listen to and
enjoy. Our next unit explores the connection between music and athletics and we finish the 10 weeks by learning
a basic history of popular music.
Music is life-long education. In the future, our students can take what they have learned in our classes
and use it to positively express their emotions, to relax or simply for entertainment.
The Middle School Winter Concert will be
Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 at 7 PM.
The concert will feature five performing
groups including the 5th grade band, the 5th
and 6th grade chorus, the 6th grade band, the
7th and 8th grade chorus and will then
conclude with the 7th and 8th grade band.
The choirs will be singing a variety of
musical styles that will be sure to put you in
a festive mood for the upcoming holiday
season. See you there!
34
With Mr. Liddiard
Introduction to Technology is offered in grades 6-8 in middle
school. Students in 6th grade take 10 weeks of Technology every
day. Students take a half year (20 weeks) of Technology every other
day in 7th and 8th grade. All of the classes focus on hands-on project
based learning. The students learn concepts and skills then apply
them to the completion of a project or activity. Safety is always
stressed when using tools and equipment. The students should
enjoy the projects and activities while meeting the curriculum goals
and New York State Standards and help with the common core and
21st Century Goals.
The 6th grade focuses on introducing technology and what we use it
for and how it affects our lives.
They have learned about
Technology and its seven resources. The students use the computers
to do a presentation to the class. They also learn measuring and
drawing to gear up towards their wood project safely using hand
tools and basic machines.
Students in S p a n i s h One have j u m p e d i n t o t h e l a n g u a g e With Mrs. Martin
with both feet! We have already covered basic greetings and goodbyes. Additionally, students are now able to count to one hundred and recite the Spanish alphabet. We are Ninishing up the Nirst month of school with calendar skills. Please ask your students about their Latin American country project, which they will be presenting in mid-­‐October. Many students have expressed that they enjoy knowing a new language, and I am greatly enjoying working with them!
The 7th Grade looks into transportation. They also learn
orthographic drawing that will help us design a CO2 powered
dragster. They study and test aerodynamic ideas using the wind
tunnel and computer for their prototypes. They then build and race
the car they designed with tools and machines.
The 8th grade focuses on manufacturing. They are learning about
power tools and manufacturing to safely build projects of their own
design. We will transform the laboratory into a factory to build a
class set of the same project quicker, easier and better. The students
will be learning about what it is like working the same job every day
in a factory as well as design and choosing resources.
New this year is our Tech Plus class. The students are working with
robots. They are learning about sensors and how they can be used
to control a robot. Programming the robots is the focus right now as
they are using the computer to write programs that control the robot.
The students are excited to make the robots follow commands and
learn how to program them.
With Miss. Marks
M i d d l e S c h o o l students in grades 6th, 7th, and 8th will take a 10-­‐week block o f F a m i l y a n d Consumer Science (formerly Home and Careers) as they pass through each grade. Sixth grade students will explore family and peer relationships and also complete a hand-­‐sewing project as well as being introduced to machine sewing. Seventh grade students will revisit family development; explore personal wellness, hygiene, and nutrition. This group will also cook! This year we will be focusing on tasty but healthy recipes, but we’ll make a few not so healthy classics as well. Eighth graders will b e in t rodu c ed t o c a reer ex p l ora t ion a n d development. A few activities will include exploring career clusters, researching job requirements and salary scales, participating in mock job interviews, preparing a resume, dressing for success, and +iling out job applications. 35
What’s Happening in Middle School Girls’ Physical Educa%on:
The Middle School girls have been very busy this Fall. The year began with our bi-­‐annual Fitness Tes%ng. The girls challenged themselves with a mile run, one minute sit-­‐up test, and a flexed arm-­‐hang. Our fastest mile came from 6th grader Lexi Bernard with a %me of 6:43. 7th grader Amelia Hoffman had 66 sit-­‐ups in one minute, and Hannah Ielfield hung on for 1:06 for top flexed arm-­‐hang %me. All of the girls did a great job and are going to work hard through the Winter to beat their scores in the Spring.
With the tes%ng complete, our first unit could begin. We have been working our soccer skills outdoors, enjoying the last days of summer. Afer soccer the girls will be learning some football skills, ul%mately ge`ng to a two hand touch game. To wind up the Fall, and the first marking period, we will have a volleyball unit indoors.
Who are the Special Educa1on Teachers in the Middle School?
Ms. Lehman: Grade 5-­‐8 12:1 Teacher
Mrs. Tharp: Grade 5-­‐6 Consultant Teacher, Resource Room Teacher, 15:1 Teacher: Math
Mrs. Winslow: Grades 5-­‐6 Consultant Teacher, Resource Room Teacher, 15:1 Teacher: ELA
Mrs. Helser: Grades 7-­‐8 Consultant Teacher, Resource Room Teacher, 15:1 Teacher: Math
Mrs. VanBrocklin: Grades 7-­‐8 Consultant Teacher, Resource Room Teacher, 15:1 Teacher: ELA
What services does the Special Educa1on Department provide in the grade level core classes as Consultant Teachers?
The Special Educa%on Teachers push into assigned math and ELA classes throughout the day to help deliver instruc%on and facilitate classroom ac%vi%es. While in these classes, they instruct all students – not just students with Individual Educa%on Plans. The co-­‐teaching model is designed to help students feel successful with learning new material as the curriculum requirements have become more demanding for all students. What services does the Special Educa1on Department provide during scheduled Resource Room?
A common misconcep%on about Resource Room %me is that students work on homework. In actuality, Special Educa%on Teachers provide instruc%on to students with disabili%es during Resource Room. Special Educa%on Teachers work with the students on the goals that have been iden%fied on the student’s IEP. The Special Educa%on Teachers assist students with mee%ng the same rigorous Common Core Learning Standards as their grade level peers by re-­‐teaching and pre-­‐teaching material in a small group se`ng. The Resource Room Teachers communicate with general educa%on teachers in order to plan lessons that will best meet the needs of students with Individual Educa%on Plans.
What services does the Special Educa1on Department provide during scheduled 12:1 or 15:1 classes?
These classes are designed to provide grade level module instruc%on with some modifica%ons based on specific student needs. Eligibility to be enrolled in this class of fewer students is determined through an intense process carried out by the Commiaee of Special Educa%on. Students in these classes are required to learn the same content and take the same standardized state assessments as their grade level peers or a similar Common Core Alternate Assessment based on their needs. 36
National Junior Honor Society
The Morgan Lewis Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society is pleased to announce its 8th
grade inductees for the 2014- 2015 school year: Paige Birgenheier, Branton Carpenter, Brady
Chrzanowski, Andrea Dailey, Courtney D’Ambrosi, BreyLynne Farr, Chloe Hunziker, Zoey
Hunziker, Izabelle Liendecker, Dylan Mashaw, Cory Millard, Kate Moore, Teisha Partridge,
Vanessa Patterson, Brooklyn Sullivan, Katie Vito, Kayley Walsh, and Nathan Wright.
Members will have a busy start for this year. We will assist with the Middle School Open House
and Grandparents Day; we are also ready to start the holiday season of fundraising for various
charities.
If you know an organization that could use our help or any project ideas, please contact Ms. Lydia
Doolittle, NJHS Advisor, at 348-2570 or ldoolittle@southlewis.org
37
WELCOMING AND CONGRATULATING THE
FOLLOWING GLENFIELD SCHOOL STAFF
Mrs. Kayla Herring is a graduate of the South Lewis Central School District. She attended
Jefferson Community College followed by SUNY Oswego, where she received her Bachelors
Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in history. Mrs. Herring earned a Masters Degree
from Oswego in Special Education. She is certified by New York State to teach Students with
Disabilities and Elementary Education.
Prior to coming to the South Lewis District, Mrs. Herring worked with students with special
needs, including autism, at Tradewinds in Rome. We think our students will benefit from Mrs.
Herring’s past experience working in special education.
We look forward to a wonderful year with Mrs. Herring as part of our teaching staff in the South
Lewis District!
Kayla Herring
We are very pleased to welcome Mrs. Heather LeVan to Glenfield School as our school nurse.
Mrs. Heather LeVan is very familiar with our school already. She has four children, two of whom
attend Glenfield School, one in kindergarten and one in second grade. Mrs. LeVan is known by
many of our students and parents as last year she substituted for Mrs. Gigliotti for quite a while in
our nurse’s office.
Mrs. LeVan is a graduate of Adirondack High School. She attended St. Elizabeth College of
Nursing for her Associates Degree. Mrs. LeVan worked at St. Elizabeth Medical Center as a
Registered Nurse on the Neurological/Pediatric Unit and Upstate University Hospital in the
Pediatric and Adult Emergency Department before coming to South Lewis. Mrs. LeVan brings a
wealth of nursing experience with her to Glenfield School!
We are very excited about Mrs. LeVan being a part of our school full time. Mrs. LeVan said the
she is thrilled to be working in such a great school district with such wonderful children and staff!
Heather LeVan
Mrs. Theresa Tabolt has been hired as a teaching assistant at Glenfield Elementary School in our
12:1:1 classroom. Mrs. Tabolt is already familiar with our school as she has been an aide here in
the past. Mrs. Tabolt said that she has come “full circle” to be back here working at Glenfield
School again!
Mrs.Tabolt is a graduate of Beaver River High School and attended Canton College of
Technology where she received an Associate’s Degree. In 2005, she became certified by New
York State as a Teaching Assistant Level III.
We are very excited about Mrs.Tabolt returning to Glenfield School and look forward to a
wonderful year with her!
38
Theresa Tabolt
www.southlewis.org
Breakfast:
SOUTH LEWIS CENTRAL SCHOOL SCHOOL
November 2015
$1.25
Lunch: $2.75
Menu subject to change by Food Service Manager
Monday
2
Tuesday
3
Wednesday
4
Thursday
5
Friday
6
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
BREAKFAST
Sausage and Cheese Omelet Muffin
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
BREAKFAST
Bacon and Cheese Bisquit
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
LUNCH
Chicken Nuggets with Dip-­
ping Sauces, Seasoned Tator Tots, Seasoned Corn, Spin-­
ach, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
BBQ Rib on a Whole Wheat Roll, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Yellow and Green Squash, Seasoned Carrots, Fruit Juice, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
Chicken Fajita on Soft Shells, Shredded Lettuce, Shredded Cheese, Salsa, Sour Cream, Seasoned Rice, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
South Lewis Spaghetti with Cheese, Tossed Salad, Garlic and Cheese Biscuit, Seasoned Cauli-­
flower, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Tomato Soup with Crackers, Pickle Spear, Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Choices
9
10
11
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
BREAKFAST
Egg and Cheese Muffin
LUNCH
Crispy Chicken Wrap with Ranch, Shredded Lettuce, Shredded Cheese, Potato Chips, Pickles, Vegetable Soup, Baby Carrots with Ranch Dip, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
South Lewis Pizza, Tossed Salad with Fresh Veggies, Roasted Chickpeas, Fruit Juice, Fruit Choices
16
17
12
No School Veterans Day
18
13
BREAKFAST
Bagel Topper
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
LUNCH
Tacos of Soft Shells, Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomato, Shred-­
ded Cheese, Salsa, Sour Cream, Refried Beans, Nacho Chips, Fruit Juice, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
Ham, Turkey, or Tuna Sub, Shredded Lettuce, Sliced Toma-­
toes, Sliced Cheese, Onions, Homemade Cream of Broccoli Soup, Crackers, Pickles, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Choices
19
20
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
BREAKFAST
Bacon and Cheese Biscuit
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
BREAKFAST
Egg and Cheese Muffin
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
LUNCH
Chicken Pattie on Roll, Buttered Noodles, Pickled Beets, Seasoned Carrots, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
Dunkers with Marinara Cups, Spinach Strawberry Salad, Roasted Chickpeas, Fruit Juice, Fruit Choices LUNCH
Hamburger in Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Broccoli, Seasoned Corn, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fresh Fruit
LUNCH
Nachos Grande with Taco Meat, Shredded Lettuce, Diced Toma-­
to, Salsa, Sour Cream, Cheese sauce, Tortilla Chips, Celery and Carrot Sticks, Fruit Juice, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, Stewed Tomatoes, Assorted Muffins, Steamed Broccoli, Warm Cinnamon Apple Sauce, Fruit Choices
24
25
23
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
BREAKFAST
Sausage and Egg Muffin
LUNCH
Turkey, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Dressing, Cranber-­
ry Sauce, Seasoned Green Beans, Pumpkin Squares with Topping
LUNCH
Grilled Ham and Cheese Sand-­
wich, Tomato Soup, Pickle Spears, Potato Chips, Carrots and Celery, Fruit Choices, Fruit Juice
26
27
No School Thanksgiving Break
30
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
LUNCH
Hotdog or Chilidog with Cheese on Roll, Seasoned Potato Wedges, Cooks Choice Soup, Pickles, Veg-­
gie Beans, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Choice
DAILY LUNCH CHOICES: MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL
DAILY LUNCH CHOICES: ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Small Cafeteria: Pizza or Deli Sandwich (Ham, Turkey, Tuna, PBJ)
On Your Choice of Breads, Rolls and Sliced Cheese, With Soup
Choice 1 - Daily Menu Choice
Choice 2 - PBJ Meal
Choice 3 - Tuna Sandwich Meal
Choice 4 - Yogurt Meal
Large Cafeteria: Salad or Yogurt Platter
Other Items May Be Purchased Separately.
39
1
www.southlewis.org
Breakfast:
SOUTH LEWIS CENTRAL SCHOOL SCHOOL
December 2015
$1.25
Lunch: $2.75
Menu subject to change by Food Service Manager
Monday
Tuesday
1
Wednesday
2
Thursday
3
Friday
4
BREAKFAST
Egg and Cheese Biscuit
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
BREAKFAST
Bagel Topper
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
LUNCH
Sloppy Joe on a Whole Wheat Roll, Tator Tots, Cole Slaw, Seasoned Green Beans, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
Loaded French Fries or Hotdog on Whole Wheat Roll, Crumbled Bacon, Cheese Sauce, Sour Cream, Scallions, Garlic Roasted Broccoli, Homemade Toma-­
to, Beef, and Macaroni Soup, Poke Cake with Whipped Topping, Fresh Fruit
LUNCH
Hot Meatball Sub with Mozza-­
rella Cheese, Garden Fresh Salad, Seasoned Potato Wedg-­
es, Cook’s Choice Veggies, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
Cherry Blossom Chicken, Fried Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Seasoned Spinach, Fruit Juice, Fruit Choices
7
8
9
10
11
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
BREAKFAST
Egg and Cheese Muffin
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
BREAKFAST
Bacon and Cheese Biscuit
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
LUNCH
Turkey, Bacon, and Ranch Wrap, Chicken Noodle Soup, Potato Chips, Cel-­
ery Sticks with Peanut Butter, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
Chicken Tenders with Buffalo Wing Sauce, Seasoned Rice, Pickled Beets, Roasted Chick-­
peas, Fruit Juice, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
Hamburger Pattie in Beef Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Dinner Roll, Seasoned Corn, Canned Carrots, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, Fresh Fruit
LUNCH
Hotdog or Chilidog with Cheese, Potato Chips Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Fruit Juice, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
Lucky Plate Day, Baker’s Surprise
14
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
LUNCH
Turkey and Stuffing Casserole, Assorted Breads, Seasoned Butter-­
nut Squash, Cranberry Sauce, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fresh Fruit, 15
16
BREAKFAST
Sausage and Cheese Muffin
LUNCH
Ham, Turkey, Tuna, or Italian Combo Sub, Shredded Lettuce, Sliced Tomato, Sliced Cheese, Sliced Onion, Homemade Cream of Broccoli Soup, Potato Chips, Pickle Spears, Carrot Sticks with Ranch, Fruit Juices, Fruit 21
22
17
BREAKFAST
Egg McMuffin
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
LUNCH
BBQ Rib on a Whole Wheat Roll, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Cauliflower, Seasoned Beets, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
Baked Ziti with Meat Ball, Tossed Salad, Garlic Biscuits, Fruit Juice, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
Chicken Pattie on a Whole Wheat Roll, Tri Roasted Potatoes, Garlic Roasted Broccoli, Carrots, and Celery Cups, Fruit Choices, Fresh Fruit
23
24
25
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
BREAKFAST
Egg and Sausage Muffin
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
LUNCH
South Lewis Pizza, Home-­
made Cook’s Choice Soup, Fresh Veggie Cups, Fresh Garden Salad, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Choices
LUNCH
Sliced Ham with Pineap-­
ple Raisin Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Dinner Rolls, Seasoned Corn, Cole-­
slaw, Frosted Christmas Cutouts, Fresh Fruit
LUNCH
Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Tomato Soup with Crackers, Potato Chips, Pickles, Carrot and Celery with Ranch, Fruit Juice, Fresh Fruit
DAILY LUNCH CHOICES: MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL
Christmas Break DAILY LUNCH CHOICES: ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Small Cafeteria: Pizza or Deli Sandwich (Ham, Turkey, Tuna, PBJ)
On Your Choice of Breads, Rolls and Sliced Cheese, With Soup
Choice 1 - Daily Menu Choice
Choice 2 - PBJ Meal
Choice 3 - Tuna Sandwich Meal
Choice 4 - Yogurt Meal
Large Cafeteria: Salad or Yo0gurt Platter
Other Items May Be Purchased Separately.
18
BREAKFAST
Breakfast Break
40
1
Pizza or Deli Sandwich (Ham, Turkey, Tuna, PBJ) On Your Choice of Breads, Rolls and Sliced Cheese, With Soup