Winter 2013 Volume 1 - Northern Wells Community Schools

NORWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL
CRUSADER CHRONICLE
Winter 2013 Volume I
Special Notes:
• Annie Musical—
Dec. 6, 7, 8 in high
school auditorium
• 6th grade field
trip—Dec. 13 to Beef
n’ Boards
• Winter Band Concert—Dec. 16 @
7:00 in high school
auditorium
• End of 2nd Quarter—Dec. 20 (report
cards go home Friday,
January 10)
• NMS Dance—
Friday, Jan. 10, 6:00—
8:00
• Spelling Bee—Jan.
15
• NWCS Crisis
Line—Safety Concerns? Call 543-2213
or 1-888-543-2213,
ext. 6361.
Students of the Month
November/December
6th Addy Johnson & Jack Gerber
6th Alyssa Cyrus & Devin Loftus
7th Elizabeth Schmidt & Caden Sheets
7th Tianna Moser & Matthew Decker
8th Katie Brandewie & Tyler Skiles
8th Josh Schmidt & Isabel Crawfis
Norwell Middle School Students Excel on ISTEP+
Testing
Norwell Middle School is proud of the efforts of the students on the 2012-2013
ISTEP testing. Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress (ISTEP) is
an annual testing system developed by the Department of Education to measure
students’ mastery in language, reading, writing, social studies, science, and
math. In 6th grade, 88.2% of the students passed the language arts portion of the
exam, compared to the state average of 77.8%. In math, 92.4% of the students
passed the exam, compared to the state average of 84.2%. On the science
portion of the test, 77.5% of the 6th grade students passed, compared to the state average of 68.3%. In 7th
grade, 81% of the NMS students passed the language arts portion (the state average is 74.2%). In math,
80% of the 7th grade students passed the assessment. On the social studies section of the test, 77.3% of
the students passed, while the state average was 72.8%. The NMS 8th grade students excelled in
comparison to the rest of the state with 90.1% of students passing the language arts assessment while the
state averaged 76.3%. In math, 86.3% of the students passed the assessment, with the state average
coming in at 81.3%. When looking at passing percentages on language arts and math (which means
students had to pass both the language arts and math portions on the exam), NMS performed
exceptionally well, with 84.6% of the 6th grade passing (state average is 72.9%) and 75.3% of the 7th
grade (state average is 69.5%) and 83.1% of the 8th grade (state average is 71.1%) students passing both
portions of the assessment. The language arts combined 6th, 7th, and 8th grade scores and students who
passed both language arts and math are the highest ISTEP scores in Adams and Wells Counties. The
middle school teachers are very proud of the efforts the students demonstrated on last year’s ISTEP
testing and look forward to an equally successful year this year.
Border War Fundraiser Another Great Success!
The 3rd annual border wars basketball game took place on Thursday, November
14th, when the middle school staff team (consisting of Mr. Diehl, Mr. Wilson,
Mr. Wagner, Mr. Prater, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Dafforn, Mrs. McKean, and Mrs.
Peppler) played the high school staff (consisting of Ms. Dial, Mr. Frisch, Mr.
Feldheiser, Mr. McClain, Mr. Weybright, Mr. Gerber, Mr. Baute, and Mr.
Thornton). The game was very competitive and went into overtime, with the high Live action shot of Mr.
Wilson during the game
school team winning 66 to 63. A very special thank you to Ked Mosier and Reggie Hayes for officiating the game and Geoff Cocanower for a great job announcing. The Crusader Parents and Norwell Middle School would like to thank local businesses whose contributions helped make the event a great success. Those businesses include the following: BKM Real
Estate, Troxel Equipment, Ossian Dental, Pretzels, Inc., Mill Supplies, Inc., Hardee’s, KFC, Pizza Hut,
Coco China Buffet, Richard’s, Little Ceasar’s Pizza, The Bowling Center, Great Clips, Putt Putt, Country Squire Florist, Dairy Queen, Tyeger’s Pizza, Vinatellis Italian Café, TW Fable, and Wal-Mart.
Thank you students, parents, and community members for attending the game. We look forward to seeing every one again next year for this great event!
2013-2014 ISTEP Testing Dates — The first round of ISTEP testing will take place March 3-12. This
is the applied skills portion of the exam. The second round of ISTEP testing is scheduled for April 28May 9. This is the multiple choice portion of the exam. During the weeks of testing, please avoid any
appointments which would interfere with the testing schedule. Also please make sure your child arrives
at school on time each day since the testing will take place first thing in the morning. It is important to
encourage your student to do their best during testing. Thank you for helping your student do well on
this important test.
Newsletter - November/December 2013
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
(for November)
(for December)
Devin Loftus
Alyssa Cyrus
STARS
STARS
Joe Colbert
Sydney Lambert
Brianna Benfer
(math)
My website: http://teacherweb.com/IN/ NorwellMiddleSchool/Carter/apt1.aspx
In November and December, Block 1
worked on skills related to fractions, decimals, and percents. Most weeks, this class
will have a quiz over
their flashcards on
these skills. After
completing Chapter 3
on Rational Numbers,
they will begin Chapter 4 on Equations and
Inequalities. Students who proved to be
experts on prime factorization, GCF, fractions to decimals, and decimals to fractions
relating to the 7th grade standards were:
Riley Antrim, Breann Barger, Alyssa Cyrus, Devin Loftus, Mason Morris, Zach
Tschannen, Maddy White, Cade Wilson
In Blocks 2 and 3, the students have
been mastering the
skills of adding, subtracting, multiplying,
and dividing fractions.
Students who showed
great understanding
of comparing and
ordering fractions were: Damon Anderson,
Lauren Bertsch, Sierra Billiard, Carson
Blake, Autumn Brickley, Elle Bulick, Joe
Colbert, Josh Colon, Emmy Cupp, Alyssa
Heath, Clemente Jasso, Sydney Lambert,
Camden Lamons, Skylar Lounsbury, Joey
Martinez, Colbryn Miller, Mya Mitchell,
Tytus Morrisett, Konner Norman, Quinton
Purdy, Jacob Sherrer, Lucas Stauffer ,
Brendan Ulfig, and Sam Walker.
All students have internet access to the
textbook, which has activities to help them
practice math skills. (See orange sheet in
the back of the assignment books.) Also, the
students have been learning how to use
Google and YouTube to find tutorials and
games over the math skills being taught in
class.
Katie Berry
Austen Cook
Kenlee Stoppenhagen
(Language Arts)
My website: teacherweb.com/IN/Norwell Middle
School/McMichael/apt1.aspx
In reading, we are getting into our
first guided reading books this year! Your
child may have reading work to do at
home for this book; ask your child which
book he/she is reading! As a whole
class, we will also read A Christmas Carol
in drama form to get ready for our field
trip, along with studying the elements of
drama. Thank you so much to all of our
parents who volunteered to chaperone on
the trip. December 13th will be here before we know it! In addition to our group
reading and whole class reading, WordMarks will be used with choice reading
books instead of sticky flags. Nonfiction
reading will continue with Scope magazine; what interesting articles and
discussions we’ve had! This
magazine is just amazing.
Word Study continues each week,
and we have also incorporated the study
of Greek and Latin root words into our
overall vocabulary study. Did you know
that if a student knows just one root,
he/she can “grow” thirty new words from
just that one root?
In writing, letters are the focus for the
month of December. Also, a small research project over the historical event
from our historical fiction group books will
take place. Of course, we’re always
writing summaries and other responses to
literature from our choice reading books.
Our Veterans Day letters were such a
success with the veterans!
In language, we’re mastering compound, complex, and appositive sentences. Parts of speech continue to be a
focus as well.
(Science / Social Studies)
My website:
http://teacherweb.com/IN/Norwell
MiddleSchool/Rasdorf/apt1.aspx
Science:
We have just started our Ecology Unit. We
will be studying eco-systems, classification of
organisms, food webs and food chains, the
plant and animal cells, and habitats.
In this unit the students will dissect owl
pellets, do research, a foldable, and do a
project. This is a very “active”
unit.
This unit will run into the new
year, therefore, we will only clean
out part of our science binders at
midterm and at the end of 2nd
quarter.
Social studies:
The following students
earned 100% on their
USA/Canada Post Test over
states/capitals, providences /capitals:
Block 2: Breann Barger,
Aidan Blinn, Alyssa Cyrus, Braden
Mallery, Luke Renninger
Block 3: Austen Cook and Mary Davis.
Job Well done!!!!
*********************
We are now heading south to
Latin America. We will be enjoying
the warmth of Central America and
visiting the Aztecs, Mayans, and Inca
ruins; learning about the Amazon
Rain Forest in South America, and
traveling down the west coast of
South America through Peru and
Chile. We will visit the Andes Mountain Range. Also, we will learn about
Brazil and its culture.
¡Feliz Navidad, in other words:
Merry Christmas—
And have a blessed New Year!
.
N o r we l l M i d d l e S c h o o l
6TH GRADE GOLD
Students of the
Month
November
Abby Johnson
December
Jack Gerber
Mr. Niermeyer
Science
The second nine weeks the
students finished learning
about the parts of the brain
and nervous system and
how they work together.
Also we have started unit
E. This unit is over ecology.
The students will learn
what happens when a new
species is introduced into
the environment. We will
also be studying the levels
of classification.
Social Studies
In the second nine weeks
the students will be learning how to locate places
using longitude and latitude. We will also learning
the continents and oceans.
STARS
November:
Dakota Linser, Addison
Misch, Sydney
Schroeder, & Kaiden Slater
December:
Andrew Captain, Korbyn
Costello, Holly Garmire, &
Heidi Krill
Mrs. Chavis
Math– Period 1
The students are
solving equations
using the multiplicative inverse. There
next section includes monomials,
negative exponents,
and scientific notation.
Period 2, 3, & 4 The
classes are finishing
their study of computing with fractions. Next week we
will conclude with
division of fractions
and mixed numbers.
All Math classes have
completed vocabulary
sheets on : estimate,
factors, prime numbers,
order of operations, and
divisibility.
The
students are working on Chapter 4 on
the Physical Geography of United States
& Canada. Our 4-2
vocabular y
are:
drought,
tornado,
hurricane, blizzard,
fault, climate, precipitation, and vegetation.
Social
Studies:
Language Arts — Mrs. Weybright
Fiction Reading: Students are reading a
fiction book; they were able to choose
the genre of the book. Students are
focusing on: point of view, vocabulary,
summarizing, conflict, and resolution.
Reading Logs are due every Wednesday.
Drama: To prepare for the Beef n’
Boards field trip, students are taking
turns reading different parts of the
Charles Dickens’ play, A Christmas Carol. The students have
done a great job reading aloud and understanding the true
meaning of giving.
Non-Fiction Reading: Scope Magazine articles - Focus: nonfiction text structures
***CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA*** Students will be reading auto/
biographies after Christmas. A book on someone your child is
interested in or a Barnes n’ Noble gift card would be a great
gift or stocking stuffer! Students will be doing a project with
the auto/biography unit, so look for details after Christmas
Break.
Composition — Mrs. Burns
It’s the Holidays! Everyone is busy getting ready to
spend that special time with family and friends. Here in the
Comp Café, the students are spending their time sharing
some of their newly found writing techniques.
First students have been enjoying the new read aloud
entitled Claws by Dan Greenburg. Along with this read aloud,
students will research the pros and cons of keeping exotic
and wild animals in captivity. Then, they will write a
persuasive piece illustrating their personal beliefs regarding
this subject.
Additionally, students just completed their second
formal piece of writing. Each student researched a middle
school from some other state and compared it to Norwell.
Many interesting facts were discovered about other middle
schools!
Finally, there were several students who were able to
demonstrate their artistic abilities with illustrations of jack-olanterns that illustrated the 4 kinds of sentences. Several
were displayed in the hallway for everyone to enjoy!
Mrs. Burns’ Social Studies:
My new group of students have learned about the physical and cultural features of modern day Europe. Now they have traveled back in time to the ancient Greeks. Currently they are learning about their culture including the
gods, goddesses, myths, diet, as well as the many wars and battles that
formed the various ancient Greek city states.
Mrs. Weybright’s Social Studies:
Students are currently working on their South America Country Power Points. Students will present their power points
before Christmas Break.
Norwell
Middle
School
To read without
reflecting is like
eating without
digesting.
-Edmund Burke
Logan Rowles
Mrs. Gallmeyer
Luke Rinehart
Mrs. Dickey
Sydney Taylor
Mrs. Bender
Heather Sorg
Mrs. Gallmeyer
Deakota Ingle
Mrs. Dickey
Haylie Pepper
Mrs. Bender
LANGUAGE ARTS
Volume 1, Issue 3
Mrs. Gallmeyer-8th Grade
Advanced
language has just
finished reading Anne Frank:
The Diary of a Young Girl.
Along with reading the book
students wrote their own memoir
from the life map they
constructed.
It was quite
interesting to read what
has happened to these
young people in their
short lives. Students will
continue with the Anne
theme with the reading response
letter and literature circles over
other areas of the Holocaust.
Regular
language classes are
still reading the play of “The
Diary of Anne Frank”. We
will be getting into Act II
shortly and hopefully we will
finish the play by the end of
the month. Study questions are
answered after each scene, while
the reading is fresh in our
minds.
All classes are still doing
a weekly reading journal
and an article of the
week ( AOW) along
with our word study.
Mrs. Bender
7th & 8th
Eighth graders
will soon learn a little
bit about Hanukkah as we enact the
Hanukkah
scene
The
from
Diary
Congratulations
Rowles
STAR
for
November
to
Logan
for being my
the month of
and
Heather
Sorg
for the month of
December. Good job, Logan
and Heather!!
Regular Language students are
reading the teleplay “The
Monsters Are Due on Maple
Street” by Rod Serling, They are
also reading their independent
novels and completing activities
that improve comprehension and
focus on making them think deeply
about the reading.
Other Important Information
Students should be reading a
minimum of 20 minutes 5-7
nights a week in addition to
what we do during Reading
Workshop.
Check Power School regularly.
This is the best way to stay upto-date on your child’s grades.
Check my website regularly for
daily assignments and other
valuable information.
www.nwcs.k12.in.us/
DickeyBonnie.aspx
of
Anne Frank in class using an authentic
menorah.
Students
important
literary
are
learning
elements
through
reading and acting out this drama, and
they
are
learning
about
t he
extraordinary courage of a peer from
an earlier time, Anne Frank.
Mrs. Dickey-7th Grade
Mrs. Dickey’s language arts
classes just finished up
literature circles and each group
created a poster to advertise
their book! The next time you
are in the building, look around
for some of them!
We are still going strong
with weekly roots and
vocabulary. Students can expect
a quiz every two weeks. Be sure
to ask your child how s/he is
using Quizlet to study for the
quizzes.
Advanced Language students are
reading the teleplay “The
Monsters Are Due on Maple
Street” by Rod Serling and will
then read The Westing Game
shortly after Thanksgiving break.
They will be expected to do a
lot of reading outside of class.
Winter 2013
selected
a
photo
of
a
Students
child
of
the
Holocaust and will write a letter to this
child.
the
Then they will search to discover
fate
of
survive
Holocaust?
the
their
children.
Did
tribulations
they
of
the
Students are also reading
historical fiction novels in groups.
Ireland
Connett
scored
an
and
Bilal
impressive
Abdulrahim
100%
on
the
Quarter One Vocabulary Exam—Great
Job!
Seventh
prejudice,
graders
suspicion,
are learning about
and
fear
as
we
study a drama by Rod Serling from the
old Twilight Zone called “The Monsters
Are Due on Maple Street.”
are
enjoying
the
opportunity
Students
to
play
characters as they act out some of the
dramatic events.
Students
based
on
Projects
will
soon
their
will
be
complete
reading
projects
group
persuasive
books.
and
will
include important and interesting ideas
usually related in book reviews.
Seventh
study
and
eighth
continues
grade
daily,
vocabulary
with
occurring every other Monday.
quizzes
Please
encourage your child to study and be
prepared for these regularly scheduled
quizzes.
I
am
second
looking
forward
semester
to
more
with
fun
t h e se
wonderfully curious and eager students.
I wish you peace.
Volume 1, Issue 3
Composi on
Mrs. Allen 7th &
8th Grade
Jance Sullivan
Kyle Patrick
Mrs. Bender‐7th
Grade
Levi Dirig
Denver Heller
Seventh
grade
Your students have been working on perfecting their composi on students have
been working on persuasive
non‐fiction writing in the areas of wri ng. They have considered
persuasion essays and newspaper words
with
connota ve
article writing. Our Scope meanings,
examined
magazine continues to teach the emo onal arguments, and
students how to improve on the offered a rebu al to the best
art of interviewing and then argument of the opposi on.
They
prac ced
their
creating an article from an persuasive techniques in a
interview. Also, the students series of parent le ers, and
were able to dive into actual produced some interes ng
for cafeteria
newspapers and try their hand at sugges ons
improvements which might be
creating a class paper. great topics for future
Your students recently persuasive le ers. Focused
immersed themselves in a week traits for this wri ng were
long study of clauses. The Organiza on
and
Word
students were introduced to Choice. Students did a great
dependent and independent job with this piece.
Conven ons skills we
clauses Santa Claus style. They have focused on lately include
were then able to identify the word usage—using the right
four types of sentence structure. word with the right spelling to
Simple, Compound, Complex, reduce confusion, antecedent‐
agreement, and
and Compound Complex pronoun
comma
usage.
Clauses Santa
sentence can be formed just by Style will be our grammar
using Santa’s family. Ask them focus just before winter break.
all about it. Using
Scope
We edited the words of a few magazine as our inspira on
familiar Christmas Carols and and guide, we are crea ng
serenaded our school with essays from the magazine’s
interviews and infographics.
Composition Carols. The The students enjoy these
students took writing skill we use pieces which are typically
in class and re‐wrote the lyrics to completed in a shorter me
make the song be all about than some of our other work.
We con nue to build
writing. We have quite the our lexicon of Composi on
collection of Composition Carols. Core Vocabulary as we focus
Maybe some day we will record on words that connect to our
our own Holiday Album! wri ng studies.
In Journal
Remember if you have any Wri ng, students are building
questions throughout the year their wri ng stamina and
feel free to email me. prac cing ways to make their
prompt
wri ngs
Christina.allen@nwcs.k12.in.us. longer,
more
Have a wonderful break! Come developed, and
more interes ng.
back refreshed We love it!
and ready to work! Winter 2013
Mrs. Mann‐8th
Grade
Mrs. Smith‐7th
Grade
Mackenzie Maloney
Ralyn Schwartz
The school year is in
full swing. Students now use
their NGWC skills to write
using evidence from the text
as well as analyze the
writer’s skills. Have your
child read his homework,
textbook, or the newspaper
and identify the writer’s
skills.
Our second nine
weeks grammar focus will
be verbals—gerunds,
participials, and infinitives.
These grammar lessons go
beyond basic parts of speech
and create well-written
sentences. Our larger
writing focus will be on
process or technical writing.
Students will create their
own snow globes, then write
explaining how it was made.
Congratulations to
Clair Johnson and Sadie
Mann for excellent (and very
helpful!) business letters of
advice. Attention to format
and higher level sentence
structure made these letters
top-of- the- line quality.
Encourage your
child to enjoy holiday
learning by reading special
family recipes and writing
holiday greetings. Safe and
happy holiday wishes to
all !!!
*No STAR
7th grade composition
students will begin the genre of
Persuasive Writing! They will write
to an audience of their choosing by
composing a persuasive letter.
Additionally, we will work
on mini-lessons and revision
strategies based on each of the 6
traits of good writing. Ideas:
Each student’s letter will include
persuasive-specific traits: a
rebuttal and a call-to-action
statement. Organization:
Students will work especially hard
on letter format (salutation, body,
date, closing, etc) and 5 paragraph
structure. Voice: we will analyze
newspaper editorials and
commercials to find what
persuasive writing sounds like!
Word Choice: Each student is
now well-versed in the use of the
thesaurus and figurative language
tables for revision. Conventions:
Students have focused their MUG
shot and grammar revision
strategies on apostrophes to show
possession (plural and pl.
possessive) and in contractions.
Sentence Fluency: Our current
revision strategy is the punctuation
and composition of complex
sentences using dependent and
independent clauses.
Our read-aloud novel for
mentor text is Monster by Walter
Dean Myers. 16-year-old Steve
Harmon is on trial for murder, and
he’s being tried as an adult! Did
he do “it” or not? Who does a
better persuasive job—the
prosecution or the defense? Read
to find out!
Norwell
Middle
School
Science
Volume 1, Issue 3&4
November/December
SCIENCE
STARS
OF THE
MONTH
Caden Mann and Josh Williams
Mrs. Everett
Cierra Moser and Christian Bohata
Ms. Jones
Tyler Bulmer and Madison Blount
Miss Kimball
8th Grade Science
8th Grade Science
Chemistry is upon us. The eighth
grade students have been hard at work learning the history and development of the atomic theory. We created scale timelines outlining significant contributions to the atomic
theory from 440 BCE to the present. We
also discussed several significant men in
history that helped form the current theories
about atoms and elements. The students
created a colorful graphic organizer to help differentiate between these scientists.
We are currently working with the periodic
table, elements and atoms. The students have been
studying different parts of atoms, including subatomic
particles inside and outside the nucleus. We have
practiced reading the periodic table to find atomic
mass, and atomic number. We can also identify isotopes and ions using the periodic table. Several small
projects have allowed the students to build different
atoms with the SmartBoard as well as objects
from popsicle sticks to paper squares, to tennis
balls. We are all looking forward to an upcoming atom project where we will get to create
atoms from anything edible!
7th Grade Science
Great job with the science experiments! The seventh grade students recently completed
their “Very Own Experiment” projects. Each group of
students created a question, designed their own experiment to test the question, completed the experiment
and wrote the lab report. I’m so impressed with the
amount of creativity, effort and interest that the students showed throughout this project. It was very
exciting to watch such a variety of experiments in the
lab, and listen as each group presented their findings to
the class. We all discovered so many new things
throughout this project. Excellent experiments!
We have recently been diving through the
layers of the Earth. We just finished decorating the
science hallway with scale drawings of the Earth’s
chemical layers. The students are currently working on
similar projects where each layer must be described in
detail. Up next, the students will have a homework
project where they must build each layer of the Earth
using things that that are completely edible.
We just completed our unit on phases of matter. This was some preinformation that will lead into our
chemistry unit. Students did very
well on the phases of matter concepts. Congratulations to the many
students that received an A on the
test. Also congratulations to those
students who scored a perfect on the
phases of matter test.
We are currently working on the atomic
theories of the atom. Students developed time
lines to help relate each scientist to their contribution to our current model used today. Students
also created a colorful foldable as an alternative
method to note taking.
We will be starting the unit on the periodic table soon. Look for students to be
using flash cards to help them memorize
elements from the period table.
Several of the students have dead
onion plants. We are taking this experience to make inferences why and how
their experimental variable had an effect
on their onion plants.
7th Grade Science
This quarter students have been studying
Earth Science. We have covered the rock cycle
and are currently studying plate tectonics.
Hoping each of you has a Wonderful Christmas.
Enjoy the break eating, playing, and sleeping. Just be
ready to start again in January.
7th Grade Science
We just finished our first unit on Plate
Tectonics.
Students learned the
physical and chemical layers inside
Earth, the three different types of
tectonic plate boundaries, and the physical
features created at each type of boundary.
We had several experts on this unit who
received an “A” on this assessment. Our
experts are:
Garrison Brege, Megan Dettmer, Tristan Fry,
Lars Geisler, Seth Goetz, Kyle Henschen, Hailey
Hudson, Ally Isnogle, Cole Lambert, *Caden
Mann, Hunter Monnot,
Christopher Park, Allison Reineck,
Brandon Runyon, Nevin Ryan, Shelby Stinson,
Jance Sullivan, Joe Taylor, *Josh Williams,
Gabi Wren, and Kade Zadylak.
(* Student scored a perfect score on this
assessment)
Congratulations to All of You!!!
We will continue to
study Earth Science for the rest
of the 2nd quarter.
Important Information: We are hitting the time
of season where it is going to be cold outside.
Please, dress appropriately for the weather for
our tree project!!!!
Remember, if you need any
information about 7th grade Science from
Mrs. Everett’s class, you may visit my website
at the following address:
http://teacherweb.com/IN/
NorwellMiddleSchool/Everett/
Merry Christmas!!!!!!!
Social Studies
Studies
Social
November /
/ December
December
November
The nice list …
Mr. Diehl, Mrs. Everett,
Mr. Schorey ,
& Mrs. Smith.
Newsletter
Newsletter
Mrs. C. Smith
8th Grade US History
We have concluded our rebellion, our studies of the Revolutionary War, and the formation of our government. We are currently studying the United States Constitution. This is where we take a break
from studying history in order to take a crash course in American government and politics! Students
will become familiar with the many parts of the Constitution and our three branches of government. Students will also learn about the rights of US citizens and their civic duties as members of
this great nation.
STAR: Gretchen Boyle
Mr. Paul Schorey
8th Grade US History
In US History students are learning about the development and current impact of systems in our
country such as the Electoral College. The classes are also reflecting upon historical documents
such as George Washington’s farewell address and comparing our first president’s advice to the
state of politics and political policy in our country at the moment. Students are also learning
about the origin of our national debt and the ideological differences between the role of government from Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton’s point of view. I find it fascinating that
many ideological differences that exist today can be traced back to the start of our country and I
enjoy facilitating the students in researching, developing, and communicating their individual ideas effectively.
7th Grade Social Studies
Mr. Diehl’s STARS: Calvin Stoller & Kylie Topp
Mrs. Everett’s STARS: Jordan Page & Allison Powers
We will study the Middle East and then wrap up the end of December with modern Africa.
Please continue to check Mrs. Everett’s website for helpful information on 7th Grade Social Studies:
http://teacherweb.com/IN/NorwellMiddleSchool/Everett/apt5.aspx
On our North Africa Map Test the following students earned perfect scores: Michaela Adam, Kamden Allen, Alec Allen, Willow
Anderson, Jordan Archambault, Leah Aschliman, Aaron Bacon, Tyler Bailey, Audrey Barnes, Kylie Bauman, Kayla Berkshire,
Hunter Bodenheimer, Lauren Bodner, Garrison Brege, Kristy Bridegam, Khloe Brown, Skyler Brown, Tyler Bulmer, Natalie Bunn,
Dylan Burnau, Payton Chacon, Mackenzie Cocklin, Apryl Colon, Ian Cook, Robert Combs, Matthew Decker, Dru Denney, Maddy
Denny, Megan Dettmer, Levi Dirig, Caleb Dummer, Aubrey Dunnuck, Tucker Edington, Lileigh Espy, Emily Eubank, Autumn
Fiedler, Colt Fields, Autumn Fox, Zachary Geiger, Lars Geisler, Calista Gerard, Holly Harmon, Denver Heller, Gil Hernandez, JadeLyn Heyeryly-Jones, Nash Hoffman, Hailey Hudson, Ally Isnogle, Skie Landis, Levi Leidig, Kylynn Lepper, Morgan Markley, Mitchel Mayer, Mercy McLemore, Mason McMurtry, Tristan McMurtry, Dan Milostan, Hunter Monnot, Cylee Morris, Tianna Moser, Austin Mounsey, Reis Myers, Broc Nunley, Jodie Oswald, Jordan Page, Christopher Park, Kyle Patrick, Lauren, Plasterer, Emma Powell, Allison Powers, Caleb Pugh, Matt Ramseyer, Eva Reed, Cole Reid, Allison Reineck, Luke Rinehart, Natalie Robinson, Kendyl
Roller, Brandon Runyon, Nevin Ryan, Caden Sheets, Cassandra Shelton, Tiffany Shorb, Aaron Simerman, Taylor Smith, Jesus
Soto, Nathan Stephens, Shelby Stinson, Paiten Stringer, Kylee Strunk, Jance Sullivan, Bri Todd, Ethan Todd, Kylie Topp, Anne
Troutman, Makaelyn Turner, Ashley VandenBoom, Dylan VanHorn, Josh Williams, Skyler Wilson, Zach Wingate, Gabi Wren, Ashlee Xayyachack, and Kade Zadylak.
The Math
Department
Volume3
Newsletter
The Math Department would like to
give a special thanks
to all of the parents
who have generously
given their time to
run copies for the
math department.
We appreciate you
greatly.
STARS
Mr. Lowden– Devon Gawronzki
Mrs. Habegger– Natalie Robinson
Mr. White– Natalie Baumgartner-Bunn & Kennady Tucker
General:
Pre Algebra:
Our chapter begins with a
study of fractions and
decimals. We will add
subtract, multiply and
divide fractions and
decimals. The student will
then study ratios, rate,
and proportions and will
apply these concepts to
geometric figures .
During the percent
lessons the student will
be introduced to percents
larger then 100% and
smaller then 1%.
The pre-algebra students
have been working very
hard on the terms and
principles of algebra.
Chapter 4 will bring back
good old fashion math,
dealing with ratio,
proportion and percent.
This concept of
proportionality is the
foundation of many
branches of mathematics.
One example they will be
using is scale drawings.
The lessons will provide
for real-life applications
of percents, including the
percent of change. Also
remind them to study
their equivalents and
conversion
measurements.
Also remind them to
study their equivalents
and conversion
measurements.
Parents:
Remember to check for
homework nightly not just
on powerschool.
Algebra
Algebra students are reviewing coordinate planes
and the graphing of linear
equations, along with
slope calculations. Students are applying this
knowledge to “Real World
functions.. What famous
American said “ Give me
liberty or give me
slope!”?????
NMS BAND NEWS
Upcoming
Events:
“NMS Band Students Win Big
♦ November 2324th—All-Region
Band Festival
(DeKalb H.S.)
The following M.S. band students
participated in the H.S. marching band this
year: These students competed at “State” in
Indy on November 2, 2013 and received 5th
place!
♦ December 16th—
Winter Band
Concert
♦ February 6-8 —
IPFW Honor
Band
♦ February 1st
ISSMA Solo/
Ensemble Contest
at State Marching Band Contest”
-Elizabeth Schmidt, Will Zimmer, Connor
McCabe, Taylor Moser, Erika James, Ethan
Moriarity, Tricia Moser, McKenzie Martz,
6th grader Mari Topp practicing
Blaine Powell, Jessie Weirick, Hunter
McVay, Joshua Schmidt, Hayden Emrah, and her music for the upcoming Winter
Tess McBride.
Concert.
♦ April 4th—
ISSMA Band Contest
♦ April 5th—
Norwell Music
Extravaganza
♦ May 12,13 6th
and 8th grade
perform at incoming 6th grade
Orientation
♦ May 15th—
Spring Band Concert
Michaela Adams, Chris Park, Gabe Smith & Andrew
7th Grade band students Matthew
O’Neal will be participating in the All-Region Honor Band at
Decker, Nathan Stephens, Nevin
DeKalb H.S. on November 23-24th.
Congratulations!
Ryan,
Morgan Markley, Cole Reid,
\
Blaine Williams, Dan Milostan &
Andrew O’Neal take a moment
from practicing their instruments to
pose for this photo.
Mrs. Hipsher’s 7th grade Experiencing Music Class working on
learning the names of the music clefs and lines and spaces on
the music staff . Students are preparing to compose their very
own 24 measure piece of music
N M S L i b r a ry
Jody Gates, Media Specialist
Volume 3. Nov.-Dec. 2013
The Times … They Are a-Changin’!
Beginning December 2nd (after we return
from Thanksgiving Break), NMS Library
books may be borrowed for THREE
weeks instead of TWO. This will give staff
and students more time to finish a book,
and cut down on the number of times the
book is renewed. This should also alleviate
most of the fines incurred for late books.
The Norwell HIGH School Library will
follow suit once they move to their newly
renovated area (hopefully in December).
When school is closed, the due date
updates automatically to the first day we
return. Fines are 5¢ per day after due date.
New Books
at the NMS Library:
Wild Born: (Book 1
Spirit Animals Series)
By Brandon Mull
The Hypnotists
*Please remind your child to check
due dates, return books on time, and
pay fines that have been added to
their library accounts ASAP.
By Gordon Kormann
Dear Bully
Edited by Megan
Kelley Hall and Carrie
Jones
Lots of New Books!
PROCESSING HAS BEGUN ON THE STACKS OF NEW BOOKS PURCHASED WITH SCHOLASTIC
DOLLARS, AND SOME THAT WERE DONATED BY HALF-PRICE BOOKS AND NORWELL FAMILIES!
BOOKS ARE BARCODED, REGISTERED, STAMPED, STICKERED, NOTED AND COVERED. AS YOU CAN
IMAGINE, THIS IS QUITE A PROCESS, AND TAKES SOME TIME, BUT WE ARE ANXIOUS TO GET THIS
READING MATERIAL OUT TO THE NMS COMMUNITY! THE STUDENTS ARE CHOMPING AT THE BIT TO
DIG IN TO THESE TITLES, SO WE ARE DOING OUR BEST TO KEEP THINGS MOVING! HIGH SCHOOL
INTERNS ARE ADEPT AT THE PROCEDURE, AND ARE ASSISTING DAILY. THEY ALSO SHELVE BOOKS,
HELP STUDENTS LOCATE BOOKS, AND CHECK OUT & RETURN BOOKS.
I am THANKFUL for the HS Interns:
Halley Edington, Ethan Creager and Cody More
NMS Students are invited to help decorate the
Norwell Middle School Library’s
PATRIOTIC-THEMED Christmas Tree ...
with hand-made or purchased red, white & blue, military, or
patriotic ornaments. The tree will be featured in the 2014
Veterans Day Program! We proudly support our men,
women & animals in uniform—past & present!
The tree will be up & ready for ornaments after Thanksgiving!
Buddy
By M. H. Herlong
The Grimm Legacy
By Polly Shulman
Skipping Christmas
By John Grisham
If you are in need of
earbuds or headphones
now or for next year’s
planned transition to oneto-one devices, head to
Darlington Farms
Warehouse - they have
them for only $1.59!
(They have lots of other
inexpensive items as well.)
December 2013
Sun
1
Mon
2
Tue
3
Wed
4
9
BBB vs Riverview
5:00
10
5
BBB @ New Haven 5:00
GBB vs New Haven 5:00
BBB vs Dekalb 5:00
GBB @ Dekalb 5:00
8
Thu
11
BBB @ Maple Creek 5:00
GBB vs Maple Creek 5:00
12
BBB vs Bellmont 4:30
GBB @ Bellmont 4:30
NORWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL
1100 E US 224
OSSIAN, IN 46777
(260) 543-2218
Fri
6
Sat
7
ROUND TABLE
13
14
ROUND TABLE
6th Grade Beef n’
Boards Field Trip
15
22
16
17
Wtr. Band Concert 7:00
BBB @ Indian Springs 5:00
GBB vs Indian Springs 5:00
BBB @ Adams Central
4:30
23
24
18
25
19
BBB vs Summit 5:00
GBB @ Summit 5:00
20
ROUND TABLE
26
27
WINTER BREAK (DEC 23-JAN 3)
29
30
31
WINTER BREAK (DEC 23-JAN 3)
21
End of 2nd 9 weeks
& 1st Semester
28
NMS ATTENDANCE REMINDER During cold & flu season we know that more students may be staying home ill. We want to remind parents/guardians to please be prompt in calling in a student absence. The NMS policy is “it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to call the school by 8:00 am the day the student is absent. The NMS A endance line is available 24 hours a day and can be reached by calling 1‐888‐543‐2218. If a parent/guardian does not call, the school will a empt to contact the parent at home or work to no fy them of the absence. A note from parent, doctor, or other health care provider must be received by the office within 6 days a er the student’s return to school. Students will be considered truant if no note or call is received from a parent. A note from a health care provider will not be counted towards the six parent/guardian excused absences per semester.” Thanks! Stay healthy! THE CRUSADER CHRONICLE
Norwell Middle School
1100 E US 224
Ossian IN 46777
Winter 2013 Volume 1
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Ossian, IN 46777
PERMIT #12