Sept 14, 2018

Southern Middle

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Back to School Night . 1

Clubs &STAR time ….2

PARCC Results ……...2

6th Grade News ……...3

Calendar .................... 4

Guidance News ......... 4

PTA News ……………...5

Free/Reduced Lunch ……………………………...6

Let me Introduce you ……………………………...7

Attachments:

Magnet Program

Not My Child

Yearbook Order Info

Afterschool Activities Flier

CREATING

CURIOUS AND

JOYFUL

LEARNERS

Bulldog

Newsbites

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

WE WERE VERY IMPRESSED BY OUR GREAT TURNOUT FOR BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT. AS MENTIONED, THE GOAL OF THE SCHOOL IS FOR ALL TO BE VERY

PROUD TO CALL SMS THEIR SCHOOL.

Education costs money, but then so does ignorance . Claus Moser

This past Thursday individualized PARCC re-

sults from last year were handed out to all stu-

dents. Please make sure to review this care-

fully with your child. Why these scores are im-

portant:

• Since much of what we cover is to prepare

for these tests, it is a true measure of what

students learned.

• Middle school leveling is based upon these

results.

• High School courses students are able to

take .

• Looking ahead to college, the # 1 thing col-

leges look at is the # of advanced/honors

courses the student has enrolled in.

CLUBS & STAR TIME

PARCC RESULTS

This week our Activity Bus-

ses will start. They will run

every Tuesday and Thursday

providing students transpor-

tation so that they can stay

after school. Star time is

time allowing students to

meet with teachers to get ex-

tra help, make-up assign-

ments or redo ones. Clubs

are also available both days.

Students came home with a

list of all the club offerings

available. Please see attach-

ments for a copy of our offer-

ings. Read carefully as some

require approval from teach-

er. Please make sure per-

mission is granted in ad-

vance.

TEAM NAMES

THIS YEAR OUR TEACHERS HAVE DECIDED TO ADOPT SU-PER HEROS AS THEIR TEAM NAME. HERE ARE THEIR SELEC-TIONS:

GRADE 6:

6 A—WOLVERINES

6 B—AVENGERS

GRADE 7

7 A—CAPED CRUSADERS

7 B—HULK

GRADE 8

8 A—JUSTICE LEAGUE

8 B—INCREDIBLES

2

Science: Students in Science 6 are using technology and real-

world readings to conduct investigations and complete projects that

simulate the work of scientists and engineers as they study atoms.

Water quality issues in Flint, Michigan are being used to help stu-

dents explore the concepts of atoms, molecules, chemical reac-

tions, weathering and erosion and the water cycle. This information

will then be used to introduce students to chemical reactions, with

a specific focus that the properties of the substances before a reac-

tion are different from the properties after the reaction. Weathering

and erosion will also be explored to help students gain an under-

standing of how materials can end up in waterways that can cause

harm to humans and other organic life. This will also incorporate

the concept of the water cycle so students can see the movement

of water and how that also played a part in the Flint, Michigan is-

sue.

Social Studies: 6th Grade Social Studies can’t wait to go around

the (ancient) world in 180 days! We are starting off our study with

geography and will move into early river civilizations

(Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China) soon!

Math: 6th Grade Math students started the year off making the per-

fect shade of green! They were able to precisely replicate this

shade of green by using the same ratio of blue to yellow paint each

time. Students will be exploring different types of ratios and scaling

up/down by using tape diagrams, ratio tables, double number lines,

and equivalent fractions.

Language Arts: The 6th Grade Language Arts students are work-

ing on research this marking period with a focus on analyzing and supporting a claim. The students will read about people in history. Each student is required to bring a book to class daily for moni-tored reading.

INTRODUCING….

New Cell

Phone Policy:

Please encourage

your child to follow

the county ap-

proved policy of “off

and away”. All stu-

dents should have

brought home a

copy of the new pol-

icy to share. Couple

main points:

2nd offense = lunch

detention

3rd offense = phone

taken and parent

must pick up.

Continued offenses

will require parents

to pick up along

with other sanctions

against the student.

“

3

6th Grade News

Calendar of

Events:

Sept 18—Fall Pic-

ture Day

Sept 19—No School

Sept 21—PTA

Fundraiser starts

Sept 25 Activity Bus

Starts

Oct 8—Interims

sent home

Attention 8th Grade

Parents/Students:

Magnet Information

Sessions: SAVE THE

DATES!

Fall Information Sessions to

learn about all Magnets:

October 3rd at Annapolis HS

@ 6 PM AND October 6th at

North County HS @ 9 AM

*For 8th grade students in-

terested in attending a Mag-

net Program in 2019-2020,

applications open October

15th, 2018 and close at noon,

November 30,

2018* (see flyer attached)

*The Magnet Office will al-so be coming to SMS to pro-

vide a student only infor-mation session to all 8th grade students on Sept.

26th!*

8th Grade CAT-South

(Career and Technolo-

gy) Field Trip

SAVE THE DATE: Decem-

ber 7th, 2018!

*More information to come*

Medal of Honor recipient; Gary Rose address-

ing our 7th grade on his experiences in the

Vietnam War. 4

PICTURE DAY On Tuesday Sept 18 we

will be having our Fall

Picture Day. All stu-

dents even if they are

not buying pictures will

be getting their pictures

taken that day. In or-

der to order pictures

students need to have

brought in their money

the day of pictures. to

bring home. All stu-

dents already received a

packet.

Cameras:

Southern Mid-

dle School is

equipped with

a video camera system.

It covers selected inte-

rior and exterior public

portions of the build-

ing and grounds. It is

NOT monitored con-

stantly, but it is moni-

tored during emergen-

cy situations. During

certain events, when

the safety or security of

the students may be in

question, authorized

personnel from local,

state or federal police

or fire emergency units

may be given access to

view images projected

on the camera system.

If you have any ques-

tions about the system,

you should call the Su-

pervisor of School Se-

curity at 410-222-

5083.

PTA NEWS

5

We want to thank all the parents for joining our PTA. If you join before Sept 30 you will be eligible for a $ 50 gift card. Drawing will take place on Oct 4.

A couple of additional reminders:

We need parent volunteers to assist with Pic-ture Day on September 18.

Claire's Gourmet Fall Fundraiser packets will be coming home Friday, September 21.

Next PTA meeting is Thursday, October 4 @ 6:30pm in the media center.

Important School Poli-

cies to Know

Below are some of the school

policies we have shared with

students this week.

•Drinks in school: We on-

ly allow students to have

water. We encourage dis-

posable plastic bottles but

insist it is only water.

•Lockers: This year students

need to provide locks for

both their hall lockers and

gym locker. Securing their

belongings is essential and

responsibility of each stu-

dent.

•Book bags: Students can

use traditional large back

packs going to and from

school. During the school

day the only book bags al-

lowed are string back-

packs. Size: It must fit in

the space inside their desk.

•Hats/head coverings :

AACPS policy is that un-

less there is a documented

religious or medical need,

no hats/head coverings are

allowed. This includes

hoods.

SOUTHERN MID-DLE’S MISSION

THERE ARE NO LIMITS ON WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE AT SOUTHERN MIDDLE AND WE WILL NEVER UN-DERESTIMATE THE ABILITY OF OUR STUDENTS TO BE SUCCESS-FUL .

PICS OF THE WEEK

School Lunches Free and Reduced Meal Applications

School lunches will be served for $3.00 Start your family’s meal bene-fits early by going online to https:// applyformeals.aacps.org/ and en-tering the requested information as accurately as possible. All data will be instantly and securely sent to the school district for processing and you will receive a letter in the mail with the status of your application. MyPaymentsPlus Free registration gives you 24/7 access to: · Student cafeteria balances and purchase history · Prepayments for breakfast/lunch, with auto-pay capability · Low balance e-mail reminders To sign up, go to https://www.mypaymentsplus.com

LET ME INTRODUCE

YOU TO…...

Lisa Thomas

Counselor

I have the pleasure of

working with our new

6th grade students.

I grew up in Washington,

D.C., and later moved to

Prince George’s County for

high school.

I attended Frostburg State University and I majored in Child Psychology. Several years later, I attended Bowie State University where I re-ceived my Master’s in Educa-tion degree in School Coun-seling.

I became a School Counse-lor, because I wanted to em-power my students to advo-cate for themselves.

I am happily married to my wonderful husband Russell. We have three chil-dren, Mikaela, who is 23 in her last year of graduate school, Dylan, who is 16 in his junior year at Arundel High, and Allison, who is 13 in her 8th grade year at Crofton Middle school. We also have a sweet rescue dog that we adopted 5 years ago named Finn.

When I was in middle school, I was a full-time working actress. So, I didn’t have a “typical” middle school experience. I traveled with a touring compa-ny, and performed in numerous shows on, and off broad way. I also per-formed regionally at the Kennedy Center, National Theater, and Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. When I wasn’t on the road, I had the opportunity to attend school with my friends. On the road, I had a tutor that taught all of the children in the cast. We had school for about three hours of our day.

Again, not a very typical middle school experience.

What is a Magnet Program? Magnet Programs, part of Anne Arundel County’s Programs of Choice, offer

motivated students the opportunity to engage in a specialized course of study that differs from the tradition-

al curriculum offered in AACPS. Eligible Magnet students will have the opportunity to gain rigorous and rel-

evant learning experiences in subject areas in which they have great interest.

• A student’s Magnet School is determined by their home middle school. (Exception: A student’s PVA High

School is determined by his or her Arts Major.) • These are public school programs and are offered at no cost

to students. (Some programs may have lab, field trip, or exam fees.) • Transportation is provided from con-

solidated bus stops.

AACPS Magnet Program Overview

What Middle School Programs are available? The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB

MYP) provides a student-centered education that challenges students to make connections between educa-

tion and the real-world as they consider their roles in both local and global communities.

The Performing Visual Arts Middle School (PVA) Magnet Program offers advanced arts instruction and per-

formance opportunities through a strong academic curriculum interwoven with the arts.

The Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math Middle School (STEM) Magnet Program immerses students

in an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based, and technology-rich curriculum where they will apply STEM subjects

to the world around them.

Students apply to these Middle School programs in the fall of Grade 5.

What High School Programs are available? The STEM Biomedical and Allied Health (BMAH) Magnet Pro-

gram offers students hands-on experience to learn and discuss relevant 21st century biomedical and allied

health issues. Students apply to this program in the fall of Grade 8.

The Centers of Applied Technology (CAT) Magnet Program offers students the opportunity to apply theory

and knowledge towards skills proficiency through hands-on technical experience similar to what they would

receive in the commercial/industrial workplace. Students apply to this program in the fall of Grade 9, 10, or

11.

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years/ Diploma Programme (IB MYP/DP) offers a broad and bal-

anced curriculum designed to promote student centered inquiry, creative and independent thinking, and

effective communication. Students apply to this program in the fall of Grade 8 or 10.

The Performing Visual Arts High School (PVA) Magnet Program immerses students in a cutting edge, arts

infused college and career preparatory curriculum designed to foster effective communication and creative-

critical thinking. Students apply to this program in the fall of Grade 8.

The Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math High School (STEM) Magnet Program uses problem/ project

-based learning and cutting-edge technology to expose students to the importance of STEM subjects in the

world today. Students apply to this program in the fall of Grade 8.

¿Qué es un programa Magnet? Los programas Magnet, parte de los Programas de elección del con-

dado de Anne Arundel, ofrecen a los estudiantes motivados la oportunidad de participar en cursos

especializados de estudio, diferentes a los del currículo regular de AACPS. Los estudiantes elegibles

para el programa Magnet podrán ganar experiencias de aprendizaje importantes en áreas acadé-

micas en las que tengan interés.

• La escuela Magnet de un estudiante se determina a partir de su escuela intermedia. (Excepción: la

secundaria PVA a la que asistirá un estudiante se determina por la rama artística.) • Estos son pro-

gramas de escuelas públicas y se ofrecen gratis a los estudiantes. (Algunos programas cobrarán por

laboratorio, excursiones y/o exámenes.) • Se provee transportación desde paradas determinadas.

¿Qué programas de escuela intermedia hay? El programa de Bachillerato internacional de interme-

dia (IB MYP) ofrece una educación centrada en el estudiante y retos para que descubran nuevos nex-

os entre la educación y la vida diaria, mientras consideran sus roles en las comunidades local y glob-

al.

El programa Magnet de Artes visuales y escénicas de intermedia (PVA) ofrece instrucción avanzada

en las artes visuales y escénicas mediante un currículo riguroso que combina artes con materias

académicas.

El programa Magnet de escuela intermedia Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas (STEM)

ofrece a los estudiantes un currículo interdisciplinario basado en la investigación y la tecnología para

que aprendan a aplicar las materias STEM al mundo que los rodea.

Este programa de escuela intermedia se solicita en el otoño de 5º grado.

© 2012 • AACPS • Department of Advanced Studies & Programs • DPS/SG • 2594/358a (Rev. 9/17)

Side 1

AACPS Resumen de los Programas Magnet Sólo son disponibles para los residentes de Anne Arundel

County.

¿Qué programas de escuela secundaria hay? El programa Magnet de STEM Biomedicina y materias

de salud (BMAH) ofrece a los estudiantes un aprendizaje práctico así como les instruye acerca de los

temas más relevantes de la biomedicina y la salud en el siglo XXI. Este programa se solicita en el

otoño del 8º grado.

El programa Magnet de Centros de tecnología aplicada (CAT) ofrece a los estudiantes la oportunidad

de aplicar conocimientos teóricos y prácticos para dominar las destrezas mediante experimentos

prácticos similares a los que encontrarían en un ambiente laboral industrial/comercial. Este pro-

grama se solicita en el otoño de los grados 9, 10 u 11.

El programa de Bachillerato internacional de intermedia/Diploma (IB MYP/DP) ofrece un currículo

amplio y balanceado, diseñado a promover la creatividad e independencia de pensamiento, así como

una comunicación efectiva. Este programa se solicita en el otoño de los grados 8 y 10.

El programa Magnet de Artes visuales y escénicas (PVA) ofrece un currículo de avanzada, combi-

nando materias artísticas con las académicas para fomentar el éxito artístico y académico y el pen-

samiento crítico y creativo. Este programa se solicita en el otoño del 8º grado.

El programa Magnet de escuela secundaria Ciencias, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas (STEM)

ofrece un sistema de aprendizaje por proyectos y tecnología de punta para educar a los estudiantes

en la importancia de las materias STEM en el mundo actual. Este programa se solicita en el otoño del

8º grado.

Sea Perch Club

Sponsor: TBA

Meeting Day: Tuesdays in Room C307

This club is a STEM program that is all about de-

signing and building an underwater robotic vehi-

cle. We’ll meet to discuss what goes into creating

a successful vehicle and students will work in

teams of 3 to design and construct their projects.

The ability to work collaboratively and safely use

tools will be important to each team’s success. The

teams from our school will compete against other

schools in the county at a tournament to be held at

the Naval Academy in Annapolis in the spring.

Please listen to morning announcements for the

starting date of the club. Feel free to come to see if

it’s something that may interest you.

Dance Company: Thursday and Friday

(Pre-Rep is Friday 7am-8am)

Info Meeting : Tuesday, Sept 18th STAR time

Auditions: Thursday, Sept. 20th STAR time

Student Choreography Concert: Tuesday (Fall)

Info Meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 2nd STAR time

Concert: December 14th

Open Dance Company

Meeting Day: Tuesdays (Jan-June)

This dance ensemble performs at the Arts Are Everywhere

Gala and the SMS Spring Dance Concert. No audition is

necessary, but students are expected to be at all rehearsals .

DANCE

Southern Middle

School

Sponsor: Mrs. M. MacAdams

Meeting Day: Tuesdays in the Media

The NJHS promotes academic excellence,

community service, leadership and charac-

ter. Seventh graders with a cumulative

GPA of 3.6 apply in February. Meetings

begin September 25th. Eighth Grade mem-

bers in

Tuesdays

and

Thursdays

from

3:05-4:15 p.m.

Students may ride

the activity bus on

these days or par-

ents may pick up.

Advisor: Mrs. N. Fitzgerald/Mrs. K LaBrutte

Meetings: Thursdays in C310

Do you want to make a difference this year? Do you want school to be an even more fun and excit-ing place to be? The SGA plans and organizes events for SMS. Who Can Participate? The SMS SGA consists of the students in Grades 6-8. Anyone who would like to be a part of the student government is welcome to join. Interested students MUST be ready to make a commitment – This is a year-long activity and you will be expected to attend all meetings. Benefits of Participating— Students should con-sider SGA as it helps build character, leadership, decision making, organization skills and responsi-bility. We are also the leaders of the school and are

Student Government Associa-National Jr. Honor Society

Sponsor: Vacant Meeting Day: TBA More information to come. Sorry for the inconvenience

SMS Newspaper

Sponsor: Ms. A. Ring

Meeting Day: Thursdays in B105

Want to create art but also be a part of an hon-

or society? In this club, we will make art,

Terrapin Club

Sponsor: Mrs. Jorgensen & Ms. Harris Meeting Day: Thursdays in A306

Students will be participating in authentic

research in coordination with Arlington

Echo Outdoor Education Center. Club mem-

bers will be required to measure and mass

the terrapins, graph data and clean the ter-

rapin tank. Students will be able to attend a

field trip to Poplar Island in May to release

National Junior Art Honor

ELA/Homework

Sponsor: Mrs. Rhinehardt

Meeting Day: Thursdays in A208

This program provides English Learners

with academic support after school in

order to complete homework assign-

ments with assistance from the ELA

Yearbook

Sponsor: Ms. Lisa Moore

Meeting Day: Thursdays in B203

All students who have some skill taking

pictures are welcome to join. Listen for

announcement of start date. Sponsor: Mrs. M. Thompson

Sponsors: Mr. Latta, Mr.

Wojciechowski, Mrs. Lewnes Sponsor: Ms. Laura Bardill

Meeting Day: Thursdays

Required for all band students in 6-8th grade

Students may alternate or split time with other clubs

Meeting Day: Mondays 3:05 -4:15

Start Date: Sept. 24th

(no activity bus available)

Students must be picked up by 4:15pm.

Anyone that reads music can join.

Meeting Day: Tuesdays

Required for strings students in 6-8th grade

Students may alternate or split time with other clubs

Meeting Day: Every other Thursday

See the Music Handbook for more infor-

mation

Meets during STAR time every-other Tuesday

See the Music Handbook for more infor-

mation

Meeting Day: Fridays 3:05-4:30

(no activity bus available)

Open to band and strings students preparing

for auditions or festivals

Students must be picked up by 4:30pm

Sponsor: Ms. Kayla Swift

Meeting Day: Thursdays in C107

The Show Choir is an ensemble open to any stu-

dent at SMS. Repertoire will focus on pop, jazz,

and a cappella styles. Minimal choreography will

be incorporated into performances.

Sponsor: Mrs. C. Lewnes

Meeting Day: TBA— (3rd MP)

This intramural activity is for any student look-

ing to get fitter, faster, and stronger! Whether

it is for a sport or just for general fitness goals,

every student can benefit! We will use all kinds

of equipment from basic body weight exercises

to the weight room.

Meeting Day: Tuesday and Thursdays

Intramural Athletics Concert Band

Jazz/Rock Ensem-

String Orchestra

Strength & Conditioning

The objective of intramural athletics is to pro-

vide an athletic, competitive, and non-

competitive environment outside the normal

instructional physical education program; to

emphasize fitness; to develop positive social

skills; to foster the development of motor

skills; and to develop awareness of team cohe-

sion and sportsmanship. Intramural athletics is

an ongoing activity. Students are encouraged to

listen to the morning announcements for infor-

mation about what intramural activity is com-

ing up. Descriptions of all intramural activities

will be made by the P.A.

Wind Ensemble (Advanced

All-County/All-State Free

Sponsor: Ms. Peddicord/Ms. K. Lawall

Meeting Day: Tuesdays in room B212

Explore a variety of theatre techniques; includ-

ing improvisation, design, and drama while

preparing for a spring theatrical production. No

prior acting experience necessary. Creative

minds welcomed.

SMS Theatre Company

Show Choir

Chamber Orchestra (Advanced