J.M.S. News...
November 2018
Quote of the Week for October 29-November 2:
October 29- "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
Quotes for the Month of November:
November 5- “Reach high, for the starts lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.” – Ralph Vaull Starr
November 12- “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” – Vince Lombardi, pro football coach
November 19- “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” – Thomas Jefferson
November 26- “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.”― Walt Whitman
JMS SPELLING BEE 2018
Congratulations!!
Eighth grader, Samay Lakhani is our Spelling Bee Champion!! Seventh grader, Ranya Parekh is our runner-up. It was the longest Spelling Bee in JMS history, lasting from Period 3 through Period 6!
Bully Prevention and Kickoff Phase I-October 11
Great PTSA meeting on Bully Prevention and the Kickoff Phase I on October 11. Here are links to the videos that our social worker, Ray Velez, shared with us:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J3cWrJHAcY&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL9CSuKfeoM&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75gsCJaXTnQ&feature=youtu.be
Monthly SEL Theme for the Month of November: HIGH EXPECTATIONS (GOAL SETTING)
High expectations involve believing that others can be successful, telling them so, and praising their accomplishments. Letting others know that you expect them to do well and congratulation them on a job well done.
This powerful skill is the ability to affirm others by looking for and finding food in people. It means building others up and encouraging them. It means finding reasons for praise and applause. It means nurturing and being supportive, and reinforcing what others do well. Most of all, it means giving people reasons to celebrate.
(Hal Urban, pg. 87) - In order to create these expectations, you need to create a sense of cooperation in all your undertakings. Before criticizing a teammate, walk a mile in his or her shoes.
Be BRAVE enough to be KIND and Have the Courage to Care!
Congratulations Nishchith Manjunatha!!!
Classroom News!
TEAM 6A:
Thanks to all of the parents who came out to share, play and learn about the Growth Mindset. We loved having parents as our Jenga game partners, what a treat! The students of Team 6A began their literature study with the novel, Walk Two Moons. They analyzed the characters, discussed the figurative language the author Sharon Creech used to engage the reader and now will be exploring the plot structure. This novel study will be followed up with book clubs where the students will work in small groups to read and discuss another Sharon Creech novel. In math students have learned how to multiply and divide decimals and fractions. In Science we have concluded our Unit on Measurement. Exciting things ahead!
Team 6B:
Team 6B was determined to collect evidence to show that air IS matter. Using the scientific method, all available materials, and collaboration with our peers, we designed investigations to prove our hypotheses to be correct. We encountered some bumps in the road, but worked together to smooth them out and achieve our goals. Our study concluded with a stuff-a-cup experiment and the creation of a makeshift balance. We also shared our experiences using Flipgrid, and organized our thoughts by working on a shared document. We are sure we can convince YOU that air IS matter!
Team 6C:
The students on team 6C were famished for a light repast of Graphic Novels during our book tasting. Students are recommending books on a class poster as well as recommending books on the Jericho Middle School Library website (literacy tab under Flipgrids). Our goal is to read a minimum of 25 books a year. Our school library as well as the success of our book fair keeps contemporary literature at our fingertips. Thank you parents for your ongoing support. The students love reading!
Team 6D:
Team 6-D learned how early human beings lived and what important discoveries they made. Ancient people started to express themselves in art for the same reasons we do today, in order to communicate with one another. Today, we use language to communicate information and emotions. Early man however, expressed themselves through language and art. Some of this art can still be seen today, even though it is thousands of years old. Team 6-D learned that humans had not learned to write, but knew how to paint. Cave paintings were completed in class to relish this technique of Ancient Times.
Team 6E:
This month Team 6E was on the road for our first field trip of the year. We visited the National Museum of Mathematics. MoMath has a variety of hands-on exhibits including some favorites like Harmony of Spheres, Enigma Café, Coasters Rollers and Square Wheeled Trike. If you have a chance to visit the museum grab it, or like the say in the math world, the greatest common factor is that this museum is a whole lot of fun!
Team 7A:
On October 4th students from Team 7A took a Circle Line Sightseeing cruise around lower Manhattan. Students saw and learned the history of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the World Financial Center, Brooklyn Bridge, the United Nations, and the Intrepid. Students enjoyed the beautiful day, and bonded with teammates and teachers.
TEAM 7B:
Team 7B embarked on a journey back in time to experience life in the 19th century. We visited the Old Bethpage Village Restoration which is a living museum featuring original, Long Island buildings that were relocated and restored to depict a mid-1800s community. Students experienced the sites, sounds, smells and tastes of this time era while visiting the blacksmith, the farmhouse and barn, buying candy sticks at the general store, and sampling root beer and pretzels at the inn, among many other activities. After stepping back into the current time period, we reflected on the hardships experienced by people in the 19th century and even on some aspects that may have been easier about life in the village.
Team 7C:
October has been a fun month in science for team 7C! We spent the month experimenting using Scientific Inquiry. We tested marshmallow catapults and made our very own microscopes using just hand lenses, construction paper and tape! The learning will continue as we venture into the wonderful world of cell!
In addition, we took a field trip to New York City to learn all about the cities history and lots of other fun facts!
Team 8A:
On Team 8A in the sciences classes students visited Fire Island's Sunken Forest to observe fresh water bogs, dunes and other unique ecosystems at the National Park Seashore! Students enjoyed the outdoors and even got to enjoy some ice cream!
Team 8B:
Ms. Scalera's ELA classes recently finished their short story unit and played a nail-biting competition called the Quiz Game in order to showcase their critical reading skills. Next on the agenda: graphic novels and essay writing!
TEAM 8C:
This October students on Team 8C are having fun while they "fall" in love with learning math! In Algebra, we have been exploring equations and inequalities while taking part in teamwork activities on the Chromebook, going on scavenger hunts, utilizing task cards, participating in an escape the room, and much more! Geometry students have made practical connections applying geometric constructions and transformations to the real-world.
JMS Welcomes New Staff Members
Rachel Solomon- Computer Aide
Rachel Solomon is very excited to join the Jericho Middle School Staff. Rachel graduated from Towson University with her bachelors in psychology and communication studies. She continued her studies at New York Institute of Technology with a masters in school counseling. Rachel has previously worked for the Plainview school district with special education students. Rachel enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Rachel is looking forward to exploring new technology with the Jericho community!
Dates to Remember...
November 1- MS PTSA Mtg & Principal's Coffee Hour-MS Library- 9:15AM
November 1 - Staff Recognition Reception - MS/HS Auditorium - 7:00PM
November 2- SEPTA Exec. Meeting - District Conf. Room - 9:30AM
November 5 - MS Winter I Sports Season Begins
November 7 - SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR STUDENTS (Superintendent's Conference Day)
November 8- 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip
November 9- 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip
November 9 - MS/HS 1st Marking Period Ends
November 12 - SCHOOLS CLOSED
November 13 - MS Yearbook Portrait Retakes
November 13 - 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Guidance Evening Hours - 7:00PM–9:00PM
Recognizing that other commitments often make it impossible for parents to find time to meet with counselors during the regular school day, we will continue a program of evening meetings this year. If you would like to meet with your child's counselor but are unable to do so during the school day, please call the counselor in order to schedule an evening appointment.
November 14 - MS Winter Chorus/Orchestra Concert - MS/HS Auditorium - 7:00PM
November 15 - Board of Education Meeting - Seaman Elementary School - 7:45PM
November 16 - MS Spirit Day & School Store Open
November 20- MS/HS Quarterly Grades Posted Online
November 20 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - 3:00PM-5:00PM and 7:00PM-9:00PM
November 20- MS/HS Learning Center Parent Teacher Conferences 7:00PM-9:00PM
November 21 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - 8:00AM-12:00PM
November 21- SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR MS/HS STUDENTS
November 23 - SCHOOLS CLOSED
November 24 - SCHOOLS CLOSED
November 27- 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Guidance Evening Hours - 7:00PM–9:00PM
Recognizing that other commitments often make it impossible for parents to find time to meet with counselors during the regular school day, we will continue a program of evening meetings this year. If you would like to meet with your child's counselor but are unable to do so during the school day, please call the counselor in order to schedule an evening appointment.
Tips from the School Nurse
November: Happiness Strengthens your Immune System
Have you ever thought about how your emotions and life perspective effects your health?
Happiness and health go hand in hand. It works both ways. Stress, depression and sadness can negatively affect your health, but happiness, joy and a positive attitude definitely improve healing and strengthen your immune system.
I bet I would get your attention if I told you there is a simple, free, and organic way to strengthen your immune system. That there is a way to possibly reduce the likelihood of catching a cold, catching the flu and even other more serious diseases. That even if you do get sick, the duration and severity of the illness may be reduced. Have I peeked your curiosity? The answer is happiness.
A study of undergraduates who were exposed to the rhinovirus ( the common cold),showed those who considered themselves to be happy, positive people were less likely to catch the cold, had less severe symptoms and recovered faster. The same study was repeated using the influenza virus, with the same results. Of course even happiness has it’s limitations in terms of protecting your immune system, but it’s a wonderful tool in the fight against disease.
There is power in happiness and positivity, and it can be contagious in so many ways. When you seek out happy moments and share them with others, your heart rate improves, your mental health improves and you feel better emotionally and physically. Laugh, dance, play and you’ll find why so many researchers are discovering that the secret to longevity may be found not just in medical science, but in happiness too.
When we see our newborn baby for the first time, it’s like looking a clean slate. We see all the hopes and dreams we have for this precious child. We see all the things we will teach this beautiful child about life’s journey. Do we ever stop and think about how important it is to teach our child how to be a happy person? If children grow up in a home filled with laughter and joy they will learn to have a positive outlook on life. One of the best things we can do to foster a happy outlook in our children , is to model that behavior in our homes.
Next month we will talk about how happiness combats stress.
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Jericho Middle School
Email: dgately@jerichoschools.org
Website: jerichoschools.org
Location: 99 Old Cedar Swamp Road, Jericho, NY, United States
Phone: (516) 203-3600
Twitter: @JerichoMS