Clark Middle School

Happy New Year! We hope you enjoyed the winter break and are now eager to settle in for the second semester. Students have worked hard and have made significant progress since the beginning of the school year. We are proud of them, and they should be proud of their success!

The start of the second semester is an opportunity for students to assess what worked well and what did not, and to make changes for the days ahead. While sometimes greater effort may be needed, it is always beneficial to work “smarter,” i.e., more efficiently. Teachers are here to help, and one-on-one time can provide individualized support. Counselors are also an excellent resource and can help students learn to advocate for their learning. As we begin this new year, we look forward to getting back to work and embarking on new adventures together.

The start of school after a significant time away, like winter break, provides a good opportunity to re-establish a focus on school expectations and learning. We support our students daily in continuing to make positive choices. Parents, please continue to check Parent Connect with your child. This routine helps build responsibility and accountability for our middle school students.

Improving Student Attendance

• A missed school day is a lost opportunity for students to learn. There is a direct correlation between students who attend school regularly and higher academic achievement levels. Students can miss no more than 17 days of school per year. This may seem like a lot, but it's less than two absences per month.

  
  

  Make-up procedures

  If a student misses school, parents are encouraged to work with their child's teacher and principal to determine the appropriate make-up and timeline to complete the work.

  Attendance notifications

  An automated “robocall” attendance phone message goes out to all students in an unexcused absence. Standard practice is for middle and high school calls to go out at the end of the business day.

  The recorded attendance notification message is the district’s official parents' notification of an unexcused absence. The attendance notification messages are translated into five of the district’s most common languages besides English.

Excuse Your Child’s Absence through Q/ParentConnection!

• There’s a feature in Q/ParentConnection
  that you can also access from
  the ASD mobile app!

  Look for the Attendance Manager icon
  when you log into the ASD app.

  Parents/guardians can excuse an absence through the ASD App up to three
  days prior and three days after the absence for the following reasons: illness,
  medical, or religious.

  Questions?
  Contact your child’s school.

  
  

• For More information and a step by step video
  

Hello from Team Perseverance! In January Mr. Maxwell will be teaching systems of equations. In social studies with Ms. Hewett we will be learning about colonization of North America. In science with Mrs. Fullman students will learn about space: the final frontier.

ELA 7: William Gordon gordon_natalie@asdk12.org

In January students will be completing the myths that they started before the break. After we wrap up the Mythology unit, we will begin looking at the elements of effective argumentation, and how to craft a persuasive essay.

Social Studies: Natalie Moten moten_natalie@asdk12.org

Students will embark on an independent research project centered around environmental issues worldwide. They will develop essential research skills that will also be applicable in their Language Arts class. The culmination of their efforts will be an Exhibit Board designed to showcase their findings and share their learning with an audience.

“Tenacity is more than twice the weight of intelligence.”

Springboard, Language Arts 6: Mrs. M. Smith: smith_marissa@asdk12.org, Ms. M. Ridgley: ridgley_marissa @asdk12.org, Mrs. Lopez: lopez_elizabeth@asdk12.org, ELL/ Language Arts 6 continues to read and analyze the novel, "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech. This novel is layered and poignant and intricately weaves together themes of grief, identity, family, and the journey towards understanding. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Salamanca Tree Hiddle, the narrative navigates the complexities of loss and selfdiscovery. After literary analysis of the novel, the students will write an informative response essay for Embedded Assessment. The students will be given two choices: One is to describe one setting and explain why it is important to the protagonist or to the plot, and the second choice is to explain how internal or external forces cause one character feels as she or he grows and changes.

SCIENCE: Ms. Olsen: olsen_cari@asdk12.org

Science in January will be switching gears from Ecology to Energy. For the month of January, we will be exploring what energy is and then learning more about the two main forms of energy, Kinetic and Potential energy. We are going to have a blast (literally!) making popsicle stick grenades and other hands-on projects. Bring on the new year, 2024!

SOCIAL STUDIES: Mr. Moran: moran_patrick@asdk12.org

The cultures of indigenous populations in South America that reflect both ancient traditions and ways of life as well as contemporary lifestyles. The five themes of geography allow us to explore patterns in location, place, human environment interaction, movement, and regions.

ELL Math/SCIENCE: Ms. Mohammad: mohammad_afshan@asdk12.org

"Blast of Unit Energy" will be the first thing that Ms. A. Mohammad's IS6 does when the New Year 2025 begins. Energy is a key notion in the field of physics, and it is defined as the capacity to either produce heat or the capacity to perform work.

When it comes to measuring energy, various units are utilized, including but not limited to kinetic energy, potential energy, thermal energy, electrical energy, chemical energy, nuclear energy, geothermal energy, and tidal energy. These units are utilized based on the context of the conversation or the subject of study.

Math: Ms. Cleopas: cleopas_danica@asdk12.org

Students will learn how to solve problems using ratios, such as figuring out the number of pencils needed for a class if the ratio of pencils to students is 4:5. They’ll also learn how to use tables, graphs, and equations to make sense of ratios and solve real-life problems.

The Tenacious Team Awards Day was an incredible success!

We, the Tenacious Teachers would like to extend our deepest gratitude for making our second annual awards ceremony such a memorable event. This celebration would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our amazing students, parents, and school community. We are truly fortunate to be part of such a wonderful community, guided by dedicated administrators- Ms.Orchitt, Mr. Snider, and Ms. Hermanson!

I would like to personally thank the following individuals for their invaluable contributions: (My Besties)

1. Ms. Lopez – for crafting the invitation letter to parents.
2. Mr. Moran – for sending multiple reminder emails to parents about the event.
3. Ms. Ridgely – for diligently following up to remind parents about the event and collecting and tallying number of parents attending.
4. Ms. Mohammad, Ms. Olsen, and Mr. Moran – for sharing updates with parents about students' academic and behavioral achievements during the first semester.
5. Ms. Ridgely and Mr. Moran – for the stunning decorations that made the awards setting so special.
6. Ms. Olsen – for keeping the reception hall beautifully organized and ensuring the certificates were complete with academic seals.
7. Mr. Moore – for compiling all the necessary information, so team members could contact parents efficiently.

Everyone’s dedication and efforts make a lasting impact on students’ lives. You are all treasures to Clark Middle School.

Thank you for helping make the day extraordinary!

Cheers,

Tenacious Teachers and Students

Happy New Year from Team Valor!

ELA: Colleen Martinson martinson_colleen@asdk12.org

Students will be writing an argumentative essay; reading and analyzing arguments; and beginning a the novel "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor.

Seventh grade Team Valor wrote informative essays about how to be successful in middle school. While many of the essays were exceptional, we chose this one to represent our students great ideas on the subject.

Should you have any questions, you can reach Team Valor at:

Colleen Martinson martinson_colleen@asdk12.org - Language Arts

David Holmes holmes_david@asdk12.org - Social Studies

Breena Apgar-Kurtz apgar-kurtz_breena@asdk12.org - Science

Seventh grade Team Valor wrote informative essays about how to be successful in middle school. While many of the essays were exceptional, we chose the one below to represent our students great ideas on the subject.

Alivia Fahnestock

Ms. Martinson

English Language Arts 7th

26 November, 2024

Middle school…?

By Alivia Fahnestock

Who am I? Why am I an expert?

The Expert

My name is Alivia, and when I first started middle school, I thought it would be hard too. Now, however, I am an expert about middle school. I am an expert because I am in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). I am also an expert about Middle school because I have been in middle school for over a year and a half. Foremost, being successful in middle school is super important, as it grants you opportunities and can even make you happier. This essay will help you and other—upcoming—middle school students achieve their middle school goals.

How does getting good grades work?

Getting Good Grades

To start, getting good grades is often one of the most critical parts of middle school. Without grades, nobody would even try in middle school, and that is terrible! Without an education, you cannot get a job. Furthermore, getting good grades is fairly easy. Most of the time, focusing on school, doing all work, and following instructions are common and most times the only things people think of. What if that doesn’t work? Asking for extra credit and redoing assignments can fix that.

You probably just want to have fun, don’t you?

Having Fun

Another thing about middle school is all the fun activities you get to do. I’m talking about stuff like field trips. Sometimes even middle schools have dances! Middle schools also have interesting clubs—like NJHS, spelling bee club, book club, and more. Most times, even just learning about your teachers can be a fun activity, too. You can get to do these fun things if you talk with friends after finishing your work and finishing all your work so you can play games.

What about getting in trouble; you don’t want that, right?

Staying Out of Trouble

Likewise, staying out of trouble is also highly important. Staying out of trouble is more essential than you think, because the more you get in trouble in school, the more unhappy and likely stressed you will be. Your parents definitely won’t be happy either. Luckily for you, there is a fix to this! Simple tasks from the following are multiple ways to stay out of trouble.

1. Arriving on time

2. Using school-appropriate language

3. Following the dress code

4. Respecting teachers

5. Staying away from fights

Do you get it now?

To Put Things Simply

In conclusion, It’s easier than you may think to do all of these in middle school. You can get good grades by focusing on school, following instructions, and asking to redo an assignment or for extra credit. You can have fun by talking after you do your work, finishing all work to play games, having a chat with your teachers, going to dances and field trips, and joining interesting clubs. Finally, you can stay out of trouble by arriving on time, using school-appropriate language, following the dress code, respecting teachers, and staying away from fights.

Our Special education department would like to make sure parents and students are aware of the great resource of Text-to-Speech

Type with your voice!

Dictation turns your Google Chrome into a speech recognition app to assist with written expression. You can use Google Chrome as a voice recognition app and type long documents, emails, and school essays without touching the keyboard. Dictation uses Chrome's local storage to automatically save the transcriptions, so you will never lose your work. There is no need to continuously press the “Save" button. Internally, it uses the Web Speech API of Chrome that is supported in all the newer releases of Chrome browser including Google Chrome on Android. The app integrates with Dropbox and Google Drive to help you easily export the transcribed text to your online accounts. Alternatively, you can send the dictated text to any email address.

Welcome back to the second semester of 8th Grade. Team Resilience is excited to continue learning for the 3rd quarter with a variety of new activities. Our focus for the second semester is preparing students for the transition to High School: Keeping track of the student and family meetings and informational sessions will help ensure a smooth transition from Middle School to High School.

In Social Studies, students will start the quarter with a variety of mapping activities, followed by examining the beginning of the colonization era in North America.

Science 8, In quarter 3, students will be able to use skills to understand how astronomers use inventions to detect invisible light. Science students will also learn about different wavelengths of light, emission and absorption spectra, astronomy, and Earth’s Place in the Solar System.

Language Arts, students will begin learning about how to make a difference in the world through writing and literature.

Greetings, Team Pizzazz Parent/Guardian!

We are so glad to see your student back in the classroom after winter break. We enjoyed hosting the Cultural Potluck back in December, and we are grateful for all the dishes that were provided! We also appreciate all your time and effort in helping our field trip to the Anchorage Museum run smoothly. In class this quarter, students will:

• begin reading their class novel, Walk Two Moons and create a project based on their readings

• engage in an informative writing prompt about their culture
• participate in National History Day research
• study ecosystems and energy studies

Please let us know with any questions!

Math 6: Ms. Cleopas: cleopas_danica@asdk12.org

Students will learn how to solve problems using ratios, such as figuring out the number of pencils needed for a class if the ratio of pencils to students is 4:5. They’ll also learn how to use tables, graphs, and equations to make sense of ratios and solve real-life problems.

7th Grade Advanced Math Mr. McIntire mcintire_brian@asdk12.org

Students will be working on Unit 7: Probability: Theoretical Probability, Experimental Probability, and Compound Events.

7th Grade Math Mr. McIntire mcintire_brian@asdk12.org

Student will be working on Unit 4: Algebraic Thinking: Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities.

Math 8: Sarah Miller miller_sarah@asdk12.org

We will be continuing Unit 3 and starting Unit 4 in January! We will continue solving equations and then learning what a function is!

Algebra 1: We are going to be doing Unit 4 this month! It is going to be all about functions. How to use them, what they mean, and how to graph them.

Careers Exploratory

Careers Exploratory students will begin exploring their personality and how their personality and personal interests can connect with their potential careers and areas of study in the future. Students will start recognizing more about their personal traits and how those traits and abilities are likely pathways to their future. Once a week, students will have the opportunity to learn about different trades and professions that are popular today.

Health

Students will begin this semester learning about social influences, both positive and negative, and how those social circles influence their personality, mindset, and decision-making skills. Explorations into the roles of family and culture on identity will help students define who and what they are. On Fridays, students will explore various diseases that can impact their health and society.

There is great anticipation for the start of the Girl's Basketball season. The season will begin Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

Participating in sports can help your student develop stronger friendships while learning valuable life skills such as leadership, integrity, and dedication. These skills are not only important for the court but also the classroom. We believe that athletes are scholars first and athletes second.

To play, you must sign up, pay the sports fee (if applicable), and have a current physical on file at CMS. The goal of basketball is to develop fundamental basketball skills, practice sportsmanship, and develop a sense of fair play and teamwork. To this end, the players will be divided into heterogeneous (mixed-ability) teams for the season.

Head Coach Ashshanta Swisher

swisher_ashshanta@asdk12.org

What is the National Junior Honor Society?

NJHS is a middle school student organization that promotes the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship within a school.

How do I become a member of NJHS?

Each Quarter 3 an application will be given to those that meet the academic requirements. The candidate will complete the application, essay, and teacher's recommendation form and turn them in to Mrs. Swisher.

Membership:

Members are selected by a faculty review of applicants based on outstanding scholarship, citizenship, character, leadership, and service. Once selected, members are responsible for continuing to demonstrate these qualities. Members who resign or are dismissed are no longer eligible for membership or its benefits and may not reapply. Once selected, members are expected to attend meetings and participate in NJHS service projects, activities, and fundraisers.

Selection of Members:

1. To be eligible for membership, the candidate must be a sixth-grader OR a seventh-grader at Clark Middle School.

2. The selection of members to the chapter shall be by a majority vote of the faculty council.

3. All faculty members will review the applicants’ names. Students not promoting service, leadership, citizenship, and character in the classroom will not be considered for membership.

Scholarship Requirements:

All applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better as their overall score for each core class on the report card from the first two quarters.

Service Requirements:

All applicants are required to have documented and verified community service hours.

Leadership and Character Requirements:

Students will be asked to detail their leadership experiences while attending Clark Middle School or any other middle school they have attended.

Essay:

All applicants must submit one essay discussing how they meet the pillars of NJHS.

Letter of Recommendation:

Students must include a letter of recommendation from 2 to 3 adults who can speak to the pillars of character, leadership, citizenship, and service.

I would like to welcome students to school-year 2024-2025 Second Semester’s Family and Consumer Sciences program. The FACS program is designed to permit exploration in areas of Home Economics. During this semester, students will complete research projects, reading and writing resources, Canvas Assignments, projects and hands-on practice. Students will become Teen Chefs through Food Science Laboratory experiences; they will discover the Nuts and Bolts of Nutrition; and they will complete Textile Creations hand-sewing projects. In addition, seventh and eighth grade students will have mini-lessons that explore Career Skills, Caregiving strategies, Personal Finances and they will “Tame the Sewing Machine” by completing machine-sewn projects.

Parents, please ensure that your students are ready to fully participate in class activities by encouraging them to follow the requirements for class success by being responsible and respectful, having integrity, being safe, and giving their best effort.

I am looking forward to working with you this semester and hope that you will enjoy working and learning.

In December, we have been working on analyzing readings, creating and analyzing characters, MAP Growth assessments, and more! Our students have been working hard to complete projects and learn new skills with movie making and editing. These skills will be continued into the new year. Although we did not have a Pizza Night, our Jr. NAD students still work hard to plan out the next one in January!

AKSDHH gear is still available to order! We have hoodies, vests, t-shirts, hats and more! If you would like to order anything or see the inventory list, please contact Clara Baldwin (Assistant Director of AKSDHH) via email at baldwin_clara@asdk12.org.

Upcoming events for AKSDHH:

• RDSS/AKSD Sledding – January 13 – 12:30 – 2:30 – RJ Chalet – bring your own sled
• Jr. NAD Pizza Night – January 25 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Round Table Pizza
• Jr. NAD Pizza Night – February 15 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Round Table Pizza
• Jr. NAD Pizza Night – March 21 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Round Table Pizza
• Jr. NAD Pizza Night – April 18 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Round Table Pizza

January

Jan. 6th - Quarter 3 Start

Jan. 6th - Wrestling Season start

Jan. 7th - Girls Basketball Season start

Jan. 9th - XC Ski Season start

Jan. 20th - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (No School)

Jan. 29th - Wrestling Meet @ Central MS @ 6pm

Jan. 29th - XC Ski Meet @ Chugiak HS @ 6pm

February

Feb. 3rd-14th - ACCESS Testing

Feb. 3rd - Girls Basketball Game @ 6 pm

Feb. 4th - Girls Basketball Game @ 6 pm

Feb. 5th - Wrestling @ 6 pm

Feb. 5th - X-C Ski Meet @ 6 pm

Feb. 6th - Girls Basketball @ 6 pm

Feb. 7th - Dance

Feb. 10th - Girls Basketball @ 6 pm

Feb. 11th - Girls Basketball @ 6 pm

Feb. 12th - Wrestling @ 6 pm

Feb. 12th - X-C Ski Meet @ 6 pm

Feb.13th - Girls Basketball Tournament

Feb. 15th - Debate Tournament

Feb. 15th - Wrestling Jamboree

Feb. 17th - President's Day Holiday (No school)

Feb. 19th - X-C Ski @ 6 pm

Feb. 22nd - Girls Basketball Tournament

Feb. 22nd - Wrestling Jamboree

Feb. 25th - X-C Ski @ 6 pm

Feb. 27th - X-C Ski @ 6 pm

Feb. 28th - In-Service (No School for Students)