THE ELIOT TIMES  

            “Soar To Succeed”
Issue 3                                                                      December 2008/January 2009

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Friends of Eliot News

DECEMBER 2008/JANUARY 2009

ISSUE 3

From The Principal

Mrs. Linda S. Tucker

Dear Jared Eliot Parents and Students,

As a child, I looked forward to this time of the year with breathless anticipation. Everything seemed to be touched with magic, and the warmth of family and friends shone so brightly. The lights, music, laughter, smells and my mother’s gentle voice seemed to come together and create perfection. I know all of us at Jared Eliot Middle School wish for you and your family as many of these simple joys of the holiday season as possible.

Unfortunately, for some in our educational and family community, this is a season of stress and concern. I know all of us will do our best to ‘give’ to those less fortunate. Giving can take many different forms. Certainly, tangible ‘gifts’ such as food, clothing, and money are always well received. But ‘gifts’ such as kind words, smiles, listening and offering our time are truly appreciated. These gifts are like firewood; they ‘warm’ you twice. And there isn’t a better example we can set for our children than being living examples of the holiday spirit.

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

MR. MICHAEL GOURDIER

“In The Spirit of Giving.”

As you may know, Jared Eliot Middle School has a policy that students must wear bike helmets when riding bicycles on and off the school campus. We remind students of this in the morning and at dismissal. Several students have been unable to ride their bikes to school because they don’t have a proper helmet for protection. I mentioned this in conversation to Officer Kyle Strunjo, Clinton’s School Resource Officer.  Last week Officer Strunjo presented Jared Eliot Middle School with a check for $250 from the Clinton Police Benevolent Association to purchase bike helmets for students who need them. With the help of Mr. David Segal, Manager of Action Sports in Saybrook, we were able to purchase 12 helmets for students. The Staff and students of Jared Eliot Middle School would like to thank Officer Strunjo, the Clinton Police Department, and Dave Segal for helping to keep our students safe. Eliot parents should contact the school office at 664-6503 if their child is in need of a bicycle helmet.

“Cell Phones”

Parents who attended conferences on November 13^th may have noticed the poster at the school entrance that quoted the Clinton Board of Education’s cell phone use policy. The disruptive ringing of cell phones or students being distracted by them in class has become an increasing problem this year at Eliot. We ask that parents help the school by reviewing the following Board of Education/Discipline policy with their children regarding cell phones in school.

“Thank you in advance for your help in this matter.”

C. Suspension and/or Expulsion

1. A student may be disciplined, up to and including

·         In-school suspension

·         Out-of-school suspension, and /or

·         Expulsion,

for unacceptable conduct

·         On school grounds

·         On school transportation vehicles

·         Or at any school sponsored activity,

that is seriously disruptive of the educational process, or that violates a publicized policy of the Board. 

Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to, one or more from the following list:

cc.               Possession and/or use of a radio, walkman, or computer game in a school building during the school day and for a period of one-half hour before and after the student day; or the use of a cellular phone in a school building during the school day;

The ban on any of these devices may be extended on an individual or school-wide basis by the principal or his/her designee if the student or device is disruptive to the activity or causing interference with other participants or spectators.

TEAM NEWS

TEAM 6.1:  Mrs. D’Orlando, Mr. Duda, Mr. Esposito and Mrs. Mitko

We have just finished the final drafts of our friendly letter projects. We will be spending the next several weeks focusing on short stories, literary elements and response to literature.  After this, we will be reviewing the methods of elaboration and using them to write an expository writing piece.  This will prepare the students for the next District Wide Writing Prompt, which will take place in January.

Sixth grade science students are using their previous knowledge of mass and volume and learning how to determine the density of a number of objects.  They are learning how density can help identify different substances.  They will then begin to learn how all substances have physical and chemical properties, as well as which substances are malleable, ductile, soluble, thermal conductors, and even in which state this occurs on Earth.  In conclusion, students will inquire about what substances U.S. coins are made from. 

We are currently in the midst of our unit of study on immigration. We have learned about where many of the immigrants have come from -- when, and why.  Each child is currently working on a research and PowerPoint project on various countries/peoples and the part they played in immigration.  We are very excited to be traveling to Ellis Island soon, and will be learning all about the site the first week of December.  Our next unit of study after the Christmas break will be archaeology.

Wow, it’s hard to believe it is already December!  We are busy with decimals right now and working hard to begin fractions before the New Year.  Upon return from vacation, we will continue not only with the operations involving fractions, but their relationship to decimals.  We will also be discovering the metric system and comparing that to our customary weights and measures.  Have a happy and safe holiday season and may all your wishes come true!

TEAM 6.2:  Mr. Eident, Mrs. Finucane, Mrs. Schreck and Mrs. Wininger

TEAM 7.1:  Mr. Cherry, Mrs. Chimento, Mrs. Dillon and Mrs. Haupt

Social Studies classes were introduced to the four standards of geography which are the basis for our curriculum. Utilizing the sources of computer lab and the drawing document tools, students created and illustrated their own scene depicting several land and water terms. This knowledge relates to Standard One, Places and Regions. As we progress throughout the year, students will relate their knowledge to one or several standards.  Want to know MORE, please read your child's notebook.

In English, students are currently involved in an intensive study of the mystery/suspense genre. They are enjoying wonderful tales, such as "Three Skeleton Key," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Landlady," and a modified version of "Frankenstein." Students are truly immersing themselves in these classic stories, identifying key literary terms such as personification, simile, imagery, characterization, suspense and foreshadowing. We continue to use literature to improve our word choices, to add creativity and variety to our sentences and to increase vocabulary. In December, we will begin The Giver, an interesting narrative about a young boy's struggle to resist his community's restrictive rules.

TEAM 7.2: Mrs. Dellasala, Mrs. Godiksen, Mrs Joanis and Mrs. Passante

In Social Studies, we have concluded a unit on Central America, and we are beginning a South America unit. On October 24^th, we were fortunate to have Mrs. McGinley, a World Language teacher at Eliot, speak about her native land, Mexico. Mrs. McGinley’s slides were interesting and informative.

English class continues to strengthen spelling, vocabulary and grammar skills through weekly practice and reinforcement exercises. In addition, students completed a short story study and have just put forth a tremendous amount of effort in the creation of their first formal persuasive piece of writing. Students literally assembled the essay one component at a time using color-coded paper strips. The results were quite impressive! Currently, we are reading The Giver, a Lois Lowry novel rich in challenging vocabulary, ethical issues and thought provoking characters. The students are really learning how to actively engage themselves in literature; it’s very exciting to witness!

TEAM 8.1:  Mrs. Hudson, Ms. Mazy, Mrs. Porter and Mrs. Scherban

Students in Room 22 (Social Studies) are in the midst of the American Revolution.  Please ask your child how someone could help win a war, using only his pen as a weapon!  For four days in January, students will be experiencing midterm exams.  The Social Studies exams will be given in two parts (a few pages each day) and we will utilize the exam to learn test-taking strategies.  The grade for the exam will be based on attitude and effort, and not on their actual score.  This exposure to the exams is intended to prepare them for their final exam in the spring (which will be counted!) and the exams they will take in high school.

Math students will begin a unit on geometry, focusing on CMT type questions.  We will then work on ratios and proportions.  Algebra students are working with linear equations and using the graphing calculators to investigate the different types.  Algebra students will use this knowledge and apply it to Solving and Graphing Linear Inequalities.   All math students will be taking a midterm in January that will help to prepare them for the final exam.  The midterm exam will count as a test grade for the third quarter.

English classes have begun reading the play “The Diary of Anne Frank”, which is in their literature book.  Besides a participation grade for reading aloud during class, students will be given written assignments from the text at the end of each Act.  Because literature books were sent home, students who are absent will be able to complete all assignments.  Next, English classes will be reading Elie Wiesel’s memoir Night.  Class work also includes grammar and vocabulary.

Science classes have completed their study on Forces and Motion. Our attentions turn now to Astronomy.  We will be studying the Universe, the history of space travel and the interactions of bodies in our solar system.  We will also be taking trips to the computer room for project work related to space.  Science Reading/Writing classes will be reading news articles on space and keeping up to date with what is happening at NASA.

TEAM 8.2:  Mrs. Best, Mrs. Carson, Ms. Harder and Mr. Horan

English classes have completed a grammar unit involving helping verbs, prepositional phrases, adverbs, and finding subjects and predicates. Our next novel is Nothing But the Truth by Avi. Students should have materials organized and under review for midterms at the end of January.

In Social Studies, we will finish our unit on the American Revolution and closely study the events that followed. Topics will include the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, the principles of the Constitution, and the creation of political parties.

In Science, classes are wrapping up a study of forces in motion. January will be spent studying astronomy.

Pre-algebra classes are currently investigating scientific notation with positive and negative exponents, exponent laws and multiplication -division with numbers that are written in scientific notation.  Ask your child about the "See Saw" process.

Algebra students have begun Chapter 4, which includes slope and linear functions. All students will investigate symmetry and transformations and then begin a project where they take digital photographs of items in their surroundings that fit each category of symmetry and transformations.  These photos will then be uploaded into a PowerPoint presentation that will include text about how each photo exhibits each category.

WORLD LANGUAGE

French

Joyeux Noël!

Students in eighth grade French have completed the unit on train travel.  Students are now studying sports and other physical activities. Students will learn how to describe events in the past using le passé composé. They will also learn about popular sports in Africa and Canada in addition to le Tour de France. Next French students will study winter and summer activities. 

Grade seven French students have completed the unit on schools in France and school subjects.  Students are now talking about what activities they do in school and about what they and their friends do after school.  They are identifying and shopping for school supplies, and comparing American and French schools.

Spanish

¡Feliz Navidad!

Eighth grade Spanish students have been learning about a variety of foods, as well as how to order a meal and request the check in a restaurant. Students will begin to learn how to talk about events in the past. Culturally, students will continue to study food from Oaxaca and the Zapotec Indians. In the next unit, students will be learning about daily routine such as chores and grooming.

Students in seventh grade Spanish have been studying the family.  They learned how to describe family members, ask for and give the age of people, and talk about birthdays.  Students also learned about the Hispanic custom of la quinceañera, which is the celebration of the fifteenth birthday.  Next, students will learn about classes and classroom objects.

For the betterment of their World Language skills and for overall success, it is important that your children review vocabulary and complete their homework daily!

Choral Notes:

Your son/daughter has made a smart choice choosing to be in chorus!  Many new pathways are being forged in their brain that correlate to higher achievement on tests! I have been witnessing their acquired skills this marking term.  The students are proud of their hard work and achievements.

The Eliot Winter Concert is December 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the Morgan Auditorium.  Students are to report to the hall by the band room by 6:30 p.m. to warm up their voices.  Concert attire is white tops and black pants.

We are in the process of combining Boys' Brigade with Girls’ Choir for some exciting selections -inclusive of duets!  In addition, you will be uplifted with some special effects and a surprise finale!  It is a concert you don't want to miss!

If you have decided to take part in the fundraiser for Clinton Festival/Six Flags, you will be receiving your items before the holidays.  Please feel free to contact me at noneill@clintonpublic.org.  Also, we
send a down-payment to Six Flags and the bus company to reserve the date, so please be sure to submit the $55.00 if you are one of the fifteen families that have not done so already!

General Music:

Grade Six General Music classes completed a unit playing acoustic guitar. There were many sore fingers, but a new-found respect for guitarists was made!  We are now creating computer music compositions. Before students switch from Music to Art on January 26th, we will also correlate music with Social Studies learning about Ancient Roman and Medieval music.

Grade Seven General Music Classes completed a unit of study on Musical Eras from Medieval through Jazz.  We are now creating computer music compositions.  Before these students go to Art on January 26th, we will correlate music with Social Studies -- learning about Asian music and the History of Rock.

Grade Eight General Music classes completed lessons on different types of music including Reggae, Blues, Country, and TV and film.  We are currently learning to play the piano keyboard.  Before switching to Art, students will create computer music compositions.

I look forward to the January schedule change when Art and Music switch, but I also will miss the students in my present classes!  Your children brighten my days at Eliot!

Music Notes:  From the Band Room (Mr. Tucker):

Congratulations to all Concert Band and Symphonic Band members for an outstanding Veterans’ Day assembly. 

Our Winter Concert is Thursday, December 11^th at Morgan.  The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm.  The Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band will be performing.  Please bring your family and friends!  A reception will follow.

Several Symphonic Band members have been working on the requirements for the Southern Regional Middle School Band Festival audition which is December 6^th.  The Southern Region Music Festival chooses the top middle school musicians from forty schools that make up the Southern Region of the state.  To be selected is quite an honor!  Good luck to all students auditioning.

Important Dates:

December 4^th – Fundraiser order form and payment is due (one check per student please!)

December 15^th – Fundraiser items will be delivered to Eliot.

I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2009!

ART

Grade Six students have been working hard to complete a unit on Ceramics. Each student created a bowl using a geometric ceramic mold. They accented their designs with a variety of textures and patterns. Each bowl is a unique masterpiece! The students will explore illustration while studying the art of illuminated manuscripts. They will also compile photographs of their project for the year, and create a digital portfolio.

Grade Seven students are working to complete a unit in ceramics that focused on the tropical rainforest. The students learned about the various layers of the tropical rainforest. They concentrated on the plants, flowers and animals of each level, and focused on the textural qualities of these objects. Each student creates a relief sculpture, which includes an animal in its natural environment. Look for these colorful and dynamic sculptures in the art room showcase.

Grade Eight has been working on a multimedia unit for several weeks entitled “My True Self.”  This unit focused on the proportion of the human face and how facial expression can alter these proportions. Students worked from a photograph and mirror to create a realistic representation of their faces. They used paint, tissue paper and colored pencil to complete these very personal designs.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

We have culminated the basketball unit and are moving into volleyball.  The students will be practicing their serves, bumps and sets, as well as demonstrating their understanding of scoring and position rotation.  Small skill groups will move into organized game settings and tournaments.

After the holidays, we will move into team building activities where students will work in groups to focus on task delegation, motor skills, cooperation and strategic/creative task implementation.  Floor hockey will follow the team building activities, and students will develop stick work for passing, receiving and goal keeping in a game setting.

UNIFIED ARTS

UNIFIED ARTS

STUDENTS OF THE   FIRST QUARTER

The following students have been recognized as Unified Arts Students of the Quarter. These students are being acknowledged for their commendable effort, excellent organizational skills, positive attitude, observation of safety rules, and responsible behavior in Family and Consumer Sciences and Industrial Technology.

 Congratulations to:

6^th grade Culinary Arts: Katie Williams

6^th grade Fabric Arts: Riley Musial, Vivian Tran

6^th grade Manufacturing: Raegen Riley, Jakob Ward

6^th grade Exploring Technology: Abigail Andrews,  Joseph DiGianni, Erica Richards, Shawn Topping

6^th grade Material Processing: Troy Ribiero, Heather Sweeney                                

7^th grade Culinary Arts: Kyle Gortych, Matt Johnson, Robert Rose

7^th grade Fabric Arts: Francesca Moran, Melissa Riter

7^th grade Construction: Mykol Bradford, Erika Renkl

7^th grade CADD: Rebecca Farrow

7^th grade Transportation: Stephen Barnett, Rachel Striby

7^th grade Robo Lab.: Jonathan Chann

8^th grade Culinary Arts: Christopher Saunders, William Teas

8^th grade Fabric Arts: Kayla Maloney, Nicole Pierpont

8^th grade: Architectural Drafting: Alexa Adams

8^th grade Innovations & Inventions: Sarah Coady, Michael Iavarone, Jasmine Mealy, Isabella Ragonese

8^th grade Communication: Allison Candela

Unleashing the Power of Smart Technology

Teachers have a unique responsibility of educating students on the middle school level.  They have to engage and stimulate kids to learn new and exciting ideas while still covering curriculum material.  Today, students are highly sophisticated in their exposure to visual media through television or the Internet.  In most cases, a teacher has to realize that bookwork and lecturing only go so far in a structured setting.  A far better approach might be to incorporate parts of the lesson where students can interact with media or other students.  To reach kids and hold their attention today, you must learn to develop cameras, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA’s), color printers, webcams, scanners and interactive whiteboards.  No one person can tell us what the future of education will bring, or how to engage our students to learn.  I believe Smart technology is the best way to make a profound difference in how teachers give and receive information now and in the future.

Smart Technology is about how we use these devices to educate our students.  Communication technology will become the cornerstone of how we, as teachers, deliver the message.  Teachers must explain how to use these tools to find subject information, analyze and report, and give results.  We live in the age of information; how we use, present and report it are critical factors on which our society thrives.  As educators, we must begin to look at not only what we teach, but how we let students react to media and information.  When students are participating and interacting with information and peers, there seems to be a direct correlation between retaining concepts, productivity and grades.                                                            (Ralph Hoover – Technology Ed)

STUDENT SERVICES

Morning Blast

From January 5 through February 12, 2009, a select group of 6^th and 7^th grade students will be invited to a Morning Blast program.  This is an interactive, engaging and productive half hour of small group, direct instruction targeting Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) specific reading and math objectives.  The program will begin at 7:30 a.m.  A healthy breakfast snack will be provided, and there will be a chance every day to win a prize.  The students who participated last year had great things to say about this program.  More information will be sent home in December. The Morning Blast kick-off will be held Dec. 12 in the cafeteria at 12:30 p.m., where the invited students will hear all about the program.  Mrs. Gilcher is the coordinator of Morning Blast.

READ TO GROW

Free up some shelf space for the holidays, and contribute to a wonderful cause!

Books ignite our imaginations and provide invaluable experiences. Every child deserves to own a book of his or her own. However, the reality is that many children in our communities do not own a single book.

Read to Grow is a non-profit organization in Branford, Connecticut that provides books and literacy information to hospitals, daycare centers, schools and families in need.

Their book bank is experiencing a shortage of donations and needs your help. Please contribute to the Read to Grow book drive by donating new or gently used books for preschoolers through 8th graders. Collection bins are located in the library and in Mrs. Dillon’s classroom, Room 8. (Books may be dropped off through Friday, December 12, 2008).

Read to Grow is affiliated with several organizations, including News Channel 8 and numerous non-profit groups that encourage literacy for all. Visit their website at www.readtogrow.org for more information.

This is a great opportunity for the Eliot community to engage in thoughtful and charitable action!

Thanks for your support!

ELIOT ALTERNATIVE
GIFT GIVING PROGRAM

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