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STAFF NEWS AND NOTES

nuts & bolts

24 EDITION 24, ISSUE 16
Mon. Dec. 26 Tues. Dec. 27 Fri. Dec. 30 Mon. Jan. 2 Tues. Jan. 32:30 pm Wed. Jan. 4 2:30 pm Thurs. Jan. 5 Fri. Jan. 6

December 23 2011

KUDOS - To everyone who has taken part in our adopt a family program! Three less fortunate families will now have a very substantial Christmas for themselves due to the generosity, sensitivity and caring attitudes of so many of us here at Shaker Junior High School. Thanks to each person who contributed 1 gift or several, or who wrapped presents, or delivered presents or, helped out in any way whatsoever. It is also noteworthy that the guidance office adopted three families of their own and provided for three additional families just as done on the building level. We should also be aware that there are some people in this building who contributed money above and beyond our six adopted families. Thanks to all, as this certainly underscores what has become a clich, that is, the true meaning of Christmas!! - To the Student Council, Kristina Gabriele specifically, for last Friday nights wild and crazy first ever Dodge Ball Tournament. It was a very fun night for all! Thanks to the adults from the six adults teams (with Ball or Nothing coming out on top!) and for everyone else who was there to supervise and assist as needed. It truly was a great evening for Shaker Junior High School!! - To the Calhoun block for their holiday spirit demonstrated by The Ugliest Sweater Contest held this past Tuesday. Everyone is holding their breath I am sure.. and the winner is Mr. Wallingford!! - To Mr. V. and the Select Chorus and all of the 7th grade advisories for their efforts in providing once again this year holiday cheer and gifts to the residents of Our Lady of Hope nursing home. The Select Chorus traveled there this past Tuesday and were able to not only to entertain the residents by singing but also to spend time talking with different residents. They also delivered holiday decorations/ornaments that were created by our 7th grade advisory groups. This has become an annual pilgrimage for Mr. V. and the Select Chorus and each year Margaret Demeter ensures that the advisories have materials to make the decorations. She also made the trip on Tuesday! Not only is it great for the residents of Our Lady of Hope, it is also great for our students as they truly provide holiday cheer for a substantial number of elderly community members. Great job by all!! - To everyone who spread their own holiday cheer in this building by taking part in the annual Kringling event. Thanks to Lisa Coluccio and Martha Kerr for organizing the event. There were some really interesting activities taking place. Great job, Seth, for writing and broadcasting your public service announcement on bullying, for having your homeroom sing a goodbye carol to Ms. Sirianno and for providing the video of numerous staff members wishing everyone a happy holiday season! - To our music department colleagues Erin, Desiree, Omar, Dan and Mr. V. for todays holiday concerts, always a great way to end the fall learning time leading up to the holidays. Definitely holiday cheer was provided for all! Great job and thanks for the effort that it takes. - To everyone who provided appetizing food for yesterdays annual Holiday Staff Get Together. This is always a nice way to laugh, relax and gear up for the one last day before the holiday break and having food available certainly made the party much more of a party! Thanks to everyone for the great food! - Thanks to Desiree, Omar, Dan and their students with lessons on Wednesday and Thursday for making the office staff smile with their holiday renditions!!! - Kudos to all the staff members who contributed to our adopted families. Special thanks to Sam Rossi, Toni Lyng, Craig Uline, Dawn Savery, Stacey Angell, Lisa Coluccio, Steph Majewski, Erin (and Cameron) Mailloux, and Seth Harris for all of their behind the scenes work. PM BUS SUPERVISION ZONE #1 ZONE #2 ZONE #3 ZONE #4 CAF J. Beach B. Bedell G. Bell J. Berti M. Goebel People are reminded to be on duty on a daily basis to make sure that supervision is provided.
ALL STAFF MEMBERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE BUS SUPERVISION IS AN ASSIGNED DUTY AND IT IS IMPERATIVE FOR ALL STAFF MEMBERS TO BE WHERE ASSIGNED DUTY; IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ARRANGE FOR REPLACEMENT PERHAPS BY SWAPPING WITH A COLLEAGUE.

School Closed All Employee Holiday School Open 7 am 3 pm School Closed All Employee Holiday Guidance Department Mtg PST Ski Club Week #1 2:30 pm Auditorium Social Studies Movie The Patriot No Special Events Scheduled

GOODBYE GRACENE!!
We want to bid a fond farewell to Gracene Sirianno who is moving on to greener pastures. Gracene has been working with us regularly over the past 8 years! Several were spent as a permanent substitute but there were also stretches of time when she filled in for specific teachers. Gracene has become one of us and we are very sad to see her leave but glad for her. It is difficult indeed to fill her shoes as she has been ready, able and willing to fill in anywhere for anyone for a long period of time. We have come to rely on her on a daily basis to help make the school run smoothly with no glitches in our academic instructional program. Thanks, Gracene, for all that you have brought to our school. You will be sorely missed indeed!!! WELCOME TO KRISTEN HENRY We are pleased to have Kristen Henry join us as a permanent sub beginning January 3. Many of you know Kristen as she is the #1 sub in our building and has been for the past year or so. As background, Kristen earned a BA, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a major in history and a minor in education from St. Lawrence University. She completed her MS in general education, studies with a concentration in social studies from the University of Albany. She has been a regular sub with us for the past year and a half. Prior to that she was a youth program coordinator for Shaker Ridge Country Club and also pre-k co-teacher and head summer teacher for the Jewish Community Center and Congregation Ohav Shalolm Nursery School, respectively. Kristen will work right into this new position very seamlessly as she is familiar with our school, our expectations and many of our students. Welcome, Kristen! CHARACTER TRAIT ASSIGNMENT Jan. 3 6 PE/Health/Music Jan. 9 13 English Jan. 23 27 Social Studies Feb. 6 10 Science Feb. 13 17 Math Feb. 27 Mar. 2 Art/Tech/H&C Mar. 5 9 Foreign Language Mar. 12 16 PE/Health/Music Mar. 19 23 English Mar. 26 30 Social Studies Apr. 2 5 Science Apr. 16 20 Math Apr. 23 27 Art/Tech/H&C Apr. 30 May 4 Foreign Language May 7 11 PE/Health/Music May 14 18 English May 21 25 Social Studies Resourceful Joyful Kind Patient Tolerant Honest Thankful Polite Considerate Generous Cheerful Loyal Sympathetic Patriotic Trustworthy Fair Cooperative

LETS BE HEALTHY TOGETHER!!! It is that time of the year where the food and sweets from holiday parties begin to creep up on the waistline! You might also find yourself not having the time to work out due to holiday deadlines. How stressful is that? Due to this fact, Tracy Henry would like to head up our "Fitness Challenge/ Biggest Loser Competition" again this year. Last year, individuals of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels joined. Some individuals joined to lose a considerable amount of weight, some joined to lose only a few pounds, while others joined just to have motivation to stay healthy! Here is the way this is going to work: - Individuals will partner up with one other person to make their "team." - Each individual will pay $10.00 to join. - The first weigh-in will be on Friday January 6th. The last weigh-in will be on Friday March 30th. - All weigh-ins will take place on the big scale in the nurses office. We just have to get it calibrated...... - You MUST weight in each Friday. If you do not weigh-in, a 2lb penalty will be added to your team. - The team that loses the largest percentage of their combined weight will win the money! There are other details to this fitness challenge, but those will be sent to individuals who want to join up. Last year, about 30 people joined and we had a great time working together to be more healthy and happy individuals. It is a wonderful way to find motivation and work as a team towards similar goals! : ) Suzanne and Joan will be able to help with the weigh-ins in the nurses office. Yet, they will not be able to do the percentages this year. Tracy will be looking for someone to help her out with that portion of the Fitness Challenge. If this sounds like fun to you, find a partner to team up with and let Tracy know by THIS FRIDAY DECEMBER 23RD, so I can have everything in place before the first weigh-in.

LONG-TERM CALENDAR OF EVENTS Fri. Dec. 23 Annual Holiday Concerts Mon. Dec. 26 Mon. Jan. 2 No School Holiday Break Wed. Jan. 4 Ski Club Week #1 Jan. 4 9 Foreign Language Speaking Assessments Tues. Jan. 10 2:30 pm Building Geography Bee Wed. Jan. 11 Ski Club Week #2 Thurs. Jan. 12 Science 8 Part 2 In Class Fri. Jan. 13 Studio Art Final 11 am-2 pm Mon. Jan. 16 No School Martin Luther King Day Tues. Jan. 17 Foreign Language 7/8 In Class Wed. Jan. 18 English 7/8 8:15-10:37 am Ski Club Week #3 Thurs. Jan. 19 Social Studies 7/8 8:29-10:00 am Mon. Jan. 23 Foreign Language 7/8 In Class Tues. Jan. 24 Math 7/8 8:29-10:37 am Wed. Jan. 25 Earth Science 8:29-10:37 am Science 7/8 8:29-10:00 am Ski Club Week #4 Fri. Jan. 27 End of the 1st Semester Wed. Feb. 1 Ski Club Week #5 Wed. Feb. 8 Ski Club Week #6 Fri. Feb. 10 Newsletter Posted 7:00 pm The Show Fri. Feb. 17 Quiz Bowl Feb. 18 - 19 Set Building Weekend Feb. 20 24 No School CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MID-YAR EXAM SCHEDULE FINAL DRAFT JANUARY 2012 MON. 2 NO SCHOOL 9 Foreign Lang. Speaking Assess. Contd 16 NO SCHOOL (MLK Day) 23 Foreign Lang. 7/8 In Class 30 TUES. 3 Foreign 10 11 WED. 4 THURS. 5 Language 12 Science 8 Part 2 (In Class) 19 Social Studies (1 hrs) 26 FRI. 6 Assessment 13 Studio Art 11 am-2 pm 20

17 Foreign Lang. 7/8 In Class 24 Math 7/8 (2 hrs)

18 Eng 7/8 (8:15-10:37) 25

Earth Science (2 hrs) Science 7/8

NEW YORK STATE TEACHING STANDARDS AND ELEMENTS Standard 1: Knowledge of Students & Student Learning 1.1 Knowledge of child and adolescent development, including students cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical developmental levels. 1.2 Knowledge of current, research-based knowledge of learning and language acquisition theories and processes. 1.3 Knowledge of and responsive to diverse learning needs, interests, and experiences of all students. 1.4 Knowledge of individual students from students, families, guardians, and/or caregivers to enhance students learning. 1.5 Knowledge of and responsive to the economic, social, cultural, linguistic, family, and community factors that influences their students learning. 1.6 Knowledge and understanding of technological and information literacy and how they affect students learning. Standard 2: Knowledge of Content and Instructional Planning 2.1 Knowledge of the content they teach, including relationships among central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures and current developments within their discipline[s]. 2.2 Teachers understand how to connect concepts across disciplines and engage learners in critical and innovative thinking and collaborative problem solving related to real world concepts. 2.3 Uses a broad range of instructional strategies to make subject matter accessible. 2.4 Establishes goals and expectations for all students that are aligned with learning standards and allow for multiple pathways to achievement. 2.5 Designs relevant instruction and connect students prior understanding and experiences to new knowledge. 2.6 Evaluate and utilize curricular materials and other appropriate resources to promote student success in meeting learning goals. Standard 3: Instructional Practice 3.1 Uses research-based practices and evidence of student learning to provide developmentally appropriate and standards-driven instruction that motivates and engages students in learning. 3.2 Communicate clearly and accurately with students to maximize their understanding and learning. 3.3 Set high expectations and create challenging learning experiences for students. 3.4 Explores and uses a variety of instructional approaches, resources, and technologies, to meet diverse learning needs, engage students, and promote achievement. 3.5 Engage students in the development of multi-disciplinary skills, such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and use of technology. 3.6 Monitors and assesses student progress, seeks and provides feedback, and adapts instruction to student needs. Standard 4: Learning Environment 4.1 Creates a mutually respectful, safe, and supportive learning environment that is inclusive of every student. 4.2 Creates an intellectually challenging and stimulating learning environment. 4.3 Manages the learning environment for the effective operation of the classroom. 4.4 Organize and utilize available resources [e.g. physical space, time, people, technology] to create a safe and productive learning environment. Standard 5: Assessment for Student Learning 5.1 Design, adapt, select, and use a range of assessment tools and processes to measure and document student learning and growth. 5.2 Understand, analyze, interpret, and use assessment data to monitor student progress and to plan and differentiate instruction. 5.3 Communicate information about various components of the assessment system. 5.4 Reflect upon and evaluate the effectiveness of their comprehensive assessment system to adjust assessment and plan instruction accordingly. 5.5 Prepare students to understand the format and directions of assessment used and the criteria by which the students will be evaluated. Standard 6: Professional Responsibilities and Collaboration 6.1 Upholds professional standards of practice and policy as related to students rights and teachers responsibilities. 6.2 Engage and collaborate with colleagues and the community to develop and sustain a common culture that supports high expectations for student learning. 6.3 Communicate and collaborate with families, guardians, and caregivers to enhance student development and success. 6.4 Manage and perform non-instructional duties in accordance with school district guidelines or other applicable expectations. 6.5 Understand and comply with relevant laws and policies as related to students rights and teachers responsibilities. Standard 7: Professional Growth 7.1 Reflect on their practice to improve instructional effectiveness and guide professional growth. 7.2 Set goals for and engage in ongoing professional development needed to continuously improve teaching competencies. 7.3 Communicate and collaborate with students, colleagues, other professionals, and the community to improve practice. 7.4 Remain current in their knowledge of content and pedagogy by utilizing professional resources.

27 End of 2nd Quarter

(Mid-morning break?) QUIZ BOWL (Fri, Feb 17)

(1 hrs.) 31

SET DESIGNER NEEDED We still have an opening in our musical personnel list for a set designer. If you are interested in either or both of these position please contact Mr. V. and/or Dianne Hobden for information and let R. Moore know. DECEMBER 23 CONCERT SCHEDULE Our annual Holiday Concerts for students will take place on Friday, December 23. The schedule for the day is as follows: Period 2 Houston 7 & 8 Period 3 Calhoun 7 & 8 Period 4 Clay 7 & 8 Period 8 Norris 7 & 8 Please let one of the building administrators know ASAP if there is a problem with this schedule. MID-MORNING BREAK FOR STUDENTS Many years ago we used to conduct mid-morning breaks for students on a very regular basis. Over the past several years we have gotten away from that, however, we do need to provide students with opportunities, tangible opportunities that are directly linked to good behavior. An idea is to conduct a mid-morning break and a suggestion has been made to hold it on Friday, January 27 the last day of the first semester. This may or may not be a good day for such a mid-morning break. Please think about it and let one of the building administrators know your thoughts? Friday, January 27 7:45 8:00 am 8:05 8:20 am 8:30 8:45 am 8:50 9:05 am 9:15 9:30 am 9:30 9:45 am 10:00 10:15 am 10:20 10:35 am Clay 7 Clay 8 Calhoun 8 Norris 7 Norris 8 Houston 8 Calhoun 7 Houston 7

QUIZ BOWL NEARS: MODERATORS NEEDED Our annual, Quiz Bowl has been set for Friday, February 17. Moderators are needed. If you would be interested in serving as a moderator, please let R. Moore know. A proposed schedule is: Per. 1 Calhoun 7 vs. Clay 7 Per. 2 Houston 7 vs. Norris 7 Per. 3 Houston 8 vs. Calhoun 8 Per. 4 Grade 7 consolation Per. 5 ------------Per. 6 Clay 8 vs. Norris 8 Per. 7 Grade 8 consolation Per. 8 Grade 7 Championship Per. 9 Grade 8 Championship Moderator ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ _Omar Williams_____________ _Omar Williams_____________

If there are conflicts/problems please let R. Moore know ASAP. New questions are always helpful! If you have any, please write them clearly on a 3 x 5 card, question on one side, and answer on the other side. Label questions as to grade 7 or grade 8. Questions requiring only short, single responses are best! BUILDING MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2011 Unable to attend: Omar Williams, Amy Favro, Dawn Savery, Erin Kaplan, Colleen Gassett 1. An item that was discussed involved dress of students, particularly girls, at our Holiday Concerts. The same issues were mentioned by parent members of the Council that lead us to change our dress code for students during the day, that is, students wore very short skirts and also clothing that was low cut. The short skirts are particularly an issue given that students are often sitting on the stage. It was suggested that the same guide lines be enforced i.e. students need to wear clothing that covers them from shoulders through mid-thigh. It may also be a good idea to ask students to wear like colors such as white shirts/blouses and black slacks/skirts etc. for uniformity. This also reduces the potential for students to start competing about what they are wearing and were they purchased their dress/outfit/slacks etc. 2. Mike Moffre raised an issue about students walking from the Junior High to the High School for the late bus each day. Specifically, it was heard that students language may not be appropriate. This is difficult as most days we only have 2 adults available to supervise after school. We cant accompany students all the way to the high school late bus zones. There are high school personnel outside for the late buses however. 3. Our next meeting will need to be scheduled for January, possible dates will be circulated via email to all members.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes but they never quit.
Conrad Hilton