DeLaura Middle School PIPER Newsletter

DeLaura Middle School
PIPER Newsletter
Claudia Shirley
Principal
Robert Pruett
Asst. Principal
March 2014
Issue 1, Vol. 10
Lisa Kratz
AP Dean
Letter From Ms. Shirley
Greeting Scotties,
Can you believe it? March blew in providing you with many opportunities to get connected, linked,
acknowledge outstanding school programs, activities, teachers, and students at DeLaura.
Your participation
and feedback related to these events and people reflect support and benefit the positive culture of our
school community.
All parents and guardians are invited to participate in the 4th Annual Parent Survey. The survey is available March 3rd through March 14th by accessing the link http://Parentsurvey.brevardschools.org.
If you
are unable to complete the online survey from home or with your electronic device, feel free to visit DeLaura
and complete it electronically. Paper copies are also available in the front office. Please help us reach our goal
of 400 participants on this survey providing us with valuable feedback and helping us to serve your student
with excellence. Thank you in advanced for completing the survey. March is National Art Month and you will
find the art students preparing and participating in community art festivals, gallery exhibits and contests
with much success under the creative direction of Ms. Thacker.
The assessment season began on February 25th as we administered the 7th grade district Writes and 8th
grade FCAT Writes to students. We tested over 98% of the students and I am confident the results of
these assessments will illuminate student achievements and the highly effective teaching practices and strategies supporting the learning process. The assessment season will continue into the month of April with Reading, Math, and Science for both grades.
On Friday, February 28th, 7th and 8th grade students received important 2014-15 school registration
materials through their homeroom program. The SHS counselors and VHS counselors met with 8th grade
students and counselor, Ms. Barna addressed the 7th grade students through the TV production system. Parents we need you to review the registration materials and assist your student with this process. The completed schedule request form is due from your student on March 11th.
Congratulations to our Science Research students and teachers for their outstanding performance at the WHAT’S IN2014 Intracoastal Science Fair. DeLaura had fifty-two entries and walked away with the Best of Show Junior SIDE
Physical (Abbey Havel), Runner–up Best of Show Junior Biological (Julia Hoffman), 8 First Place, 10 Second
Place, 13 Third Place, and 12 Fourth Place for a total of 43 projects receiving recognition. The 8 First Place Team News……. .2
winners will move forward to the state competition later this month. No doubts here, Science Research to- Related Arts News… 4
tally Rocks at DeLaura! AND THE BEAT GOES ON! The Music Department began MPA’s with the District Literacy News………..6
Solo and Ensemble and Chorus Music Competition bringing home superior and excellent performance results. Dean’s Corner……… .14
Great Job! Orchestra MPA’s are scheduled for March 6th and 7th and Band MPA’s are set for March 19th DPO
Look for Band and Orchestra results in future Piper newsletters and Kibbles and Bits. Kudos to Mrs. Roselip News…………………...16
and her grant writing efforts. She was awarded a grant from the AFCEA (Armed Forces Communications and Counselor’s Corner..19
Electronics Association) in the amount of $1,500 to support her classroom STEM project. Seventh grade science students will be able to use NXT robots and Lego building blocks and attachments to build Lego robots,
program the robots using the Mindstorm programming software and have the robots complete basic tasks.
In other news, I want to thank the students, parents, and faculty members who assisted and participated
in the “DeLaura On Display” program and the Family Literacy Night program, “Surfing Scotties”. These extra
-curricular activities support our Mission and School Improvement Plan goals allowing the DeLaura community
to experience “Scottie Successes” in a positive way.
Lastly, spring break (March 24th – March 28th) will have come and gone before we post the next Piper and
I wish all a safe and restful vacation. On your return we will have approximately 8 weeks of
school left and it is important to continue our “Focus on Learning” in order to the end the
year on a positive note.
Sincerely,
Claudia L. Shirley
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BARRACUDA TEAM
Ms. Krueger - Civics
During March, we will start venturing into political
parties, and also focus on the 3 branches of government in order to prep for the End of Course Exam,
which is coming in early May. I will post a link on edline to the FLDOE website, so that parents/students
can look at test specs, and possibly start practicing for
the exam. Expect an increased amount of homework
for the next couple months in preparation for this exam. Thanks so much for your continued assistance.
SHARK TEAM
Ms. Faust - Math
In Mass Media, students are working on
a variety of advertising and videos. We
will be working on
interviewing
students and staff about
FCAT strategies, as
well as creating advertising
for
the
yearbook. We continue to update our
newsletter
weekly. Please check back
to see what we are up
t o :
h t t p : / /
d
e
lauranews.wordpres
s.com/
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Algebra I Honors& Algebra I students are currently
learning Chapter 8 on Polynomials & Factoring. Chapter 8 will be broken up in to 2 tests. 8.1-8.4 with adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials. The second half will include 8.5-8.7 with Factoring Polynomials. Pre-Algebra students will be focused on Chapter 7
with similar triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem.
They will also review for the FCAT. Get ready to celebrate Pi Day on March 14th!!
Please check Edline regularly for grade updates as well
as a syllabus and/or lists all assignments for the chapter. Algebra parents received a letter stating that the
EOC is now counting for 30% of the Algebra and Algebra Honors final grade. This in new this year, so please
be aware of the change. The letter is also on Edline.
Ms. Mitchell - Language Arts
Students will be working with QAR and nonfiction
texts to really learn how reading comprehension
works. We will be reading Phineas Gage and employing valuable reading strategies to prepare for upcoming
2
reading comprehension tasks.
Ms. Twadell’s
Multiple Disciplines
MARLIN TEAM
Ms. Roselip - Science
Thank you for your support with “The Barrier Island Expedition Field Trip”! We had many dedicated chaperones to go on
the trip with us to ensure the safety of all students. The
weather was great and the students had an opportunity to
learn first-hand about endangered sea turtles, local ecosystems and the importance of protecting our environment. This
field trip was made possible by the Florida Sports Fishing Association grant I received in January. We will also be using
the funds to adopt a sea turtle and track its migratory path on
the internet using a GPS tracking device attached to its shell.
Our next unit is Earth Structures and the students will be exploring rocks and minerals, the rock cycle, Earth’s history
and fossils, plate tectonics, volcanoes and earthquakes.
Please continue to support your child and remind them to
stay focused and ready to learn as we approach Spring Break
and the testing season.
SHARK TEAM
Mrs. Oswalt - Science
Classes are finishing up learning about our solar system and
will next learn about the interactions between the Earth, the
Sun, and the Moon. We will be doing modeling with globes
and flashlights as well as Oreo cookies. Please remember to
check edline to see what we are doing and keep track of
grades and missing work. It’s almost time for spring break,
but we are not there yet, so don’t slow down now.
History class has been
continuing our unit on
the events that led up to
the American Revolution, the writing of
the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. We watched
the Broadway musical
'1776', as well as the
Disney classic 'Johnny
Tremain'.
Our 8th
grade
math
class
is solving ratios and
proportions, and in 7th
grade we created paper
quilts as part of our geometry
unit.
Ms.
Twadell's
Intensive
Reading class is working on writing 10%
summaries, and continuing to learn strategies
for reading comprehension. We also completed our class novel and
are beginning the second novel in the On the
Run series by Gordon
Korman. In Science we
are studying the states
of matter, and physical
and chemical energy.
Wewill soon be creating Oobleck from cornstarch and water.
Oobleck is neither a solid, nor a liquid. Make
some at home and see
how fun it is to experiment with!
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MANTA RAY TEAM
Mrs. Westcott - Science
March brings the end to our Space Unit in Mrs. Westcott’s
science classes. Also, during March, science classes will be
reviewing for FCAT Science that is to be taken at the end of
April. Have a very restful and safe spring break at the end of
March.
Mr. Finch - U. S. History
Related Arts
Mr. Hall - Areospace
Students are winding
up their engines as we
investigate how aircraft
generate
thrust. We will also
be taking a look at
how function determines aircraft design,
with students creating
an experimental aircraft. As we approach
Spring Break, our attention will turn to
Rockets and Space
Exploration.
Who
knows, you may be
living with the first
person to set foot on
Mars!
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Updates to the computer labs sent by the state have cancelled use of the labs for student projects. They are being
done a week earlier than we were originally notified. Because
of that last minute notice, the Lewis and Clark research and
journal writing we have spent a week preparing for has to be
moved to 3/10 & 3/11 in the Media Center with the due date
Monday 3/17. This week we will be moving on to the War of
1812, the Star Spangled Banner and then into “the Era of
Good Feelings” (Nationalism) which is rapidly followed by
the rise of Sectionalism leading to the Civil War.
SEA STAR TEAM
Mrs. Pillus - Language Arts
My students have survived FCAT Writes! We are getting
ready to start our non-fiction book “Chasing Lincoln’s Killer”. I hope to see my students wrapping up their non-fiction
AR points which are due no later than 3/14. Thank you for
your continued support at home.
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RELATED ARTS
SPANISH
In “marzo” Spanish class gets REALLY fun! We
are studying interrogatives (questions words) and
restaurant ordering and etiquette. I will be inviting various parents of Hispanic and Spanish decent to speak in our classes. They will be talking
about themselves, their lives and their countries
of origin. Students will then “question” them
completely in the second language. This also ties
into the project they are doing on Spanish speaking countries. That’s not all . . . on Thursday “el
20 de marzo” we will be taking approximately 150
students on a field trip to “Fiesta Azteca” on
Wickham. They will be ordering completely in
Spanish and having to get information from their
waiter about his/her life. This month is ALL
about speaking. What is the use of learning a second language if you never say a word? It’s like being in chorus and never singing! ¡Viva español!
Sra. Kessel
In Spanish 2 students will be working on memories from their past. They will be discussing childhood games and toys and describe what he or she
was as a child. Talk about activities they used to
do as a child. And that is what is going on in the
world of Español 2.
Sra. Martinez
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LITERARY NEWS
Literacy NightOur family literacy night was a huge success! We had a huge turnout of students and
parents attend. A good time was had by all. Remind your child that in order to receive
extra credit, they need to turn in the thinking map packet to their language arts teacher.
Final Marking Period Reading Challenge-
Our final marking period reading challenge is book bingo. Students will read books that
relate to the corresponding bingo squares. All interested students should see their English teacher or visit the media center to receive a bingo sheet.
SSYRA Book BashAll students who have read at least 10 Sunshine State books will be invited to attend
SSYRA book bash at Hoover Middle School on Friday, April 4th. It’s not too late to participate! Start your SSYRA reading today!
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De Laura Marches into Youth Art Month
March is nationally recognized Youth Art Month (YAM) with official declarations by city Majors throughout
Brevard County. De Laura Middle School (DMS) continues to celebrate YAM with spectacular activities &
this year is no exception. Every year Ms. Thacker & DMS art students aim to step it up from the prior years.
This year has definitely brought a new activity to promote Arts Education as a result of being awarded a
grant from the Brevard Cultural Alliance’s Artist in Residence Program. The grant permits a free opportunity to work with professional artists in the community enriching student art experiences. Artist Betsy Heath
will begin in March teaching Mosaic Art to the art students.
The art form of Mosaics has a long history & students will create a permanent installation of tiles (possibly
even student made tiles time permitting), glass & other materials creating a unique mosaic wall mural.
BCA’s program provides all the materials & instruction at no cost to the schools. The space selected is outside the art room door in the alcove under the stairwell. Ms. Thacker also plans the addition of a concrete
bench to be tiled as well, in front of the art creating a little nook of aesthetic stimulation to sit & ponder or
snap an artistic photo. The work is scheduled for completion by May 21. Students have chosen to showcase
the Abstract style of Pablo Picasso & will modify one of his works to reflect our “Scotty” heritage.
Other YAM activities are scheduled; DMS art has been on exhibition in the BPS’S School Board Conference
Room during February & will have a second exhibition in March in the lobby. February‘s exhibition featured the art of nature student submissions, shown at the Merritt Island Wildlife Center’s Audubon Art
Competition. In March the exhibition will be the art of self-portraits & human anatomy studies which is a
great lesson of mathematical inclusion supporting Common Core mandates.
Following another tradition in March, student entries will be submitted to the Strawbridge Art Leagues
(SAL) Student Art Competition. This year the exhibition will be shown SAL’s new gallery space in downtown Melbourne. SAL offers monetary awards for student winners with a public reception. SAL is dedicated
to offering this excellent venue to support emerging talent & Art Education in schools. DMS Art Program
has produced many winners in the prior years.
Advanced art students will also display their new mural for YAM, a 5’x10’ triptych of three floral renderings
of the Artist Georgia O’Keeffe painted in acrylics. The murals are quickly becoming 8 th grade graduates artistic legacy, creating a gallery showcasing exceptional student talent in tribute to the Master Artists
throughout the history of our world beautifying DMS hallways.
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Stand Up/Speak Up (DeLaura’s Anti-Bullying Group)
Are you being bullied…
Do you have a problem with another student you just don’t
know how to work out…
SU/SU now has a Bully Box located in the lunch room.
If you are experiencing bullying or a problem with another student/s you can report it to SU/SU. Incidents reported to SU/SU
will be mediated by students under the supervision of Coach
Watson.
If you are experiencing an issue and would like an adult to handle it immediately, you may turn in a report in the Guidance Office.
To take part in stopping bullying students, parents, and teachers are welcome to join us on Thursday mornings at 9am in
room 212 or during lunch in the central area of the cafeteria.
Or contact Coach Watson with questions or to report incidents
of bullying at watosn.herbert@brevardschools.org.
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Method 2: Get outside help
Don't wait too long. If the bullying has r eached the point wher e it's causing you to feel anxious about going
to school, keeping you up at night, or interfering with your life in any other negative way, seek help from a trusted adult.
Talk to someone at your school. If you ar e exper iencing or see bullying talk to someone you can tr ust such
as a teacher, a guidance counselor, the school resource officer, or an administrator. To report bullying at DeLaura you may file a report in the Bully Box located in the Guidance Office. If you do not want to go to the Bully Box you may write down whatever is happening on a piece of paper, indicate you would like it turned in to the
school Dean, and turn it in with an assignment in any of your classes.

Know that other kids in your school are experiencing the same problem, and rules and protocols are in place to
help you.

If you're a parent, set up a meeting with the school administrator instead of trying to handle the situation on your
own.
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Report cyberbullying to service providers. This for m of bullying has become so common that
phone services and other service providers also have plans in place for dealing with abuse. Call your
service providers to report the bullying so that action will be taken to block the person from continuing
to contact you. You may have to provide phone or email records to the service provider.
Call local law enforcement. Cer tain for ms of bullying can be quite danger ous, and
some are even classified as crimes. If the bullying you experience involves one of these elements, call your local police department.

Physical violence. Bullying can lead to real physical harm. If you're worried that your
health or life is in danger, call the police.

Stalking and use of intimidation. If someone is violating your personal space and intimidat-
ing you, that's a crime.

Death threats or threats of violence.

Dispersion of potentially humiliating photos or videos without your consent, including sex-
ually explicit photos or videos.

Hate-related actions or threats.
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DEAN’S CORNER
————————————————————————————————

Reminder-Spring Break is just around the corner!
Spring Break is March 24-28 and student do not report to school.

Parents-As the weather warms up, please review with your child/children the school dress
code that can be found in the student planner. Please make sure shorts and shirts stay long
enough and are covering the appropriate areas.

Dukes BBQ in Satellite Beach will be having a DeLaura Day on March 11th. 10% of all sales
on that day will be donated to DeLaura Middle School.
Help support our Scotties and enjoy some great BBQ!

Brevard Public Schools parents are invited to participate in the 4th Annual Parent Survey.
The survey is available March 3rd through Mach 14th.
You can access this survey at http://Parentsurvey.brevardschools.org

If you are unable to complete the online survey from home, feel free to visit DeLaura and
complete it electronically. Paper copies are also available in the front office.
A district-wide summary of the results will be reported and posted on the district's Parent Involvement website. Individual school results will be reported to staff and parents. Schools will
use survey results and comments to guide school improvement to meet the diverse needs of
s t u d e n t s
a n d
f a m i l i e s .
NOTE: It should take about 10 minutes to complete this survey.

Does your child know how to prevent cyberbullying? Cyberbullying-bullying someone
online
*Talk to your child. Ask him or her to tell you is someone posts hurtful things online
*Tell your child not to give out password
*Keep devices that can connect to the Internet out of your child’s bedroom.
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COUNSELOR’S CORNER
Important Dates:
Music Program for rising 7th grade students –
Tuesday, March 4th at 10:00am. Feeder elementary
schools, with their 6th grade students, are invited to
attend our music program.
Rising 7th grade Orientation – Wednesday,
March 5th at 6pm in the Satellite High School Auditorium.
Tour Night – Friday, March 7th from 5:30-6:30.
This is for incoming 7th grade students and parents
to take a tour of our campus.
Satellite High School Open House – Tuesday,
March 4th at 6pm in the Satellite Auditorium for
parents of rising 9th grade students.
Satellite High School Information Sessions –
Thursday, March 6th from 8am-9am or from 4:305:30pm. These sessions are for parents who have
specific questions on registration and high school
courses. SHS Counselors will be presenting.
*High school registration forms will be due
back on March 11th
*Rising 8th grade registration forms are due
back on March 12th
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CAFETERIA NEWS
Food fuels the brain! Did you know our cafeteria offers at least 5 entrée items daily on each
line? Fresh fruit, canned fruit, low fat or fat free milk and vegetables and salads are offered daily as well. We can even meet the needs of our vegetarian students with a variety of items. Our
middle school students are at a crucial stage of development and a nutritious breakfast and
lunch are very important to sustaining and increasing their brain power. To quote a tv commercial “you’re just not yourself when you’re hungry.”
Breakfast is offered daily at no cost to all students. Please encourage your child to stop in and
grab a bite to eat before hitting the books for the school day. Prepayments in the form of cash
or check are accepted daily in the café during both breakfast and lunch periods. You can also
make a payment on line at www.mypaymentsplus.com using a credit or debit card. Please keep
in mind credit is not extended at the secondary level – if your student does not have funds in
their account they will not receive a meal.
Should you have any questions in regards to the lunch or breakfast programs please feel free to
contact the café manager at 773-7581 ex 3010.
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2013 - 2014 Brevard County School Calendar
Thursday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Monday
Monday
July 4
August 7
August 14
August 28
September 2
September 9
Wednesday
Friday
Wednesday
Thursday
Thursday
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
September 11
September 13
September 18
September 19
September 19
September 23
September 25
October 4
Wednesday
Wednesday
Monday
Tuesday
Friday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Monday
Tuesday
Monday
Friday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Thursday
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday - Friday
Friday
Monday
Tuesday - Thursday
Friday - Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday - Friday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Wednesday
Wednesday
October 16
October 16
October 21
October 22
October 25
October 29
October 30
November 4
November 5
November 11
November 15
November 20
November 20
November 21
November 21
November 25
November 27
November 28 - 29
December 20
December 23
December 24 - 26
December 27 - 31
January 1
January 2 - 3
January 6
January 7
January 8
January 9
January 14
January 15
January 16
January 20
January 28
January 29
February 7
February 12
February 12
Independence Day/Holiday for All
Teachers Report/Professional Development Day
Students Report
Early Release Day
Labor Day/Holiday for All
Professional Development Day/Student Holiday/
Make Up Day for Students if Needed*
Early Release/Professional Development
First Interim Ends
Secondary Interims Posted to Edline
Secondary Interims Issued
Elementary Interims Issued & Posted to Edline
Block – Report Cards Issued
Early Release Day
Professional Development Day/Student Holiday/
Make Up Day for Students if Needed*
Early Release/Professional Development
First 9 Weeks End
Secondary Term 1 Grades Posted to Edline
Elementary Report Cards Issued & Posted to Edline
Secondary Report Cards Issued
Elementary Conference
Early Release Day
Middle School Conference
High School Conference
Veterans’ Day/Holiday for All
Second Interim Ends
Early Release Day
Secondary Interims Posted to Edline
Secondary Interims Issued
Elementary Interims Issued & Posted to Edline
Block – Report Cards Issued
Teacher/Student Holiday
Thanksgiving/Holiday for All
End of First Semester
Winter Vacation
Holiday for All
Winter Vacation
New Year’s Day/Holiday for All
Winter Vacation
Teacher Workday/Student Holiday
Second Semester Begins
Secondary Semester Grades Posted to Edline
Elementary Report Cards Issued & Posted to Edline
Secondary Report Cards Issued
Early Release/Professional Development
Elementary Conference
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday/Holiday for All
DeLaura Parent /Teacher Conference
Early Release Day
Third Interim Ends
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Early Release/Professional Development
Secondary Interims Posted to Edline
Thursday
Thursday
Monday
February 13
February 13
February 17
Tuesday
February 18
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Wednesday
Thursday
Monday - Friday
Wednesday
Friday
Thursday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Friday
Monday
Thursday
Thursday
Friday
February 25
February 26
March 14
March 19
March 20
March 24 - 28
April 2
April 18
April 24
April 29
April 30
April 30
May 2
May 26
May 29
May 29
May 30
Tuesday
June 3
Mid June
Secondary Interims Issued
Elementary Interims Issued & Posted to Edline
Presidents’ Day/Professional Development Day/
Student Holiday/Make Up Day for Students if
Needed*
Block – Report Cards Issued
High School Conference
Early Release Day
Third 9 Weeks Ends
Secondary Term 3 Grades Posted to Edline
Elementary Report Cards Issued & Posted to Edline
Spring Vacation
Secondary Report Cards Issued
Teacher/Student Holiday
Fourth Interim Ends
Secondary Interims Posted to Edline
Secondary Interims Issued
Elementary Interims Issued & Posted to Edline
Block – Report Cards Issued
Memorial Day/Holiday for All
End of Second Semester
Elementary Report Cards Issued & Posted to Edline
Post Planning/Last Day for Teachers/Make Up Day
for Students if Needed*
Secondary Semester Grades Posted to Edline
Secondary Report Cards Issued
Approved by School Board 03/12/13
Student Days 1st Semester – 86
Student Days 2nd Semester – 94
* During the 2013 – 2014 school year, emergency days will be taken in the following order: September 9, October 4, February 17, and May 30. The order for using make up days for schools closed due to emergencies will depend on where the
emergencies fall during the school year. Teacher workdays are subject to negotiation and are tentative.
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