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NOVEMBER 2017
Gratitude Booker Middle School Family,
With so much going on in our lives, we can sometimes forget to slow down and take a look around. We can forget that the reason we are so busy is because our lives are so wonderfully full. That’s why it is imperative that we take advantage of this season of giving thanks and reflect on what we have to be grateful for. So, what am I grateful for? I am grateful for our wonderfully gifted students, fantastically dedicated teachers, and the tireless staff who support them. I am grateful for all of our incredible programs that engage a variety of students with diverse interests; Cambridge Academy, College and Career Readiness, numerous clubs, sports teams, Law Academy, Gifted and Talented Academy, and the Visual and Performing Arts program. I try to express how thankful I am for these gifts every day by supporting and being the best principal I can be, because being grateful should be an action. When we express our gratitude by giving back to others in our lives and in our community we increase our bounty tenfold! I am humbled every day on our campus by the wonderful work our students and faculty do to give back to our school, our community, and our city. Topping the list of I am grateful for are our fabulous teachers. It is my belief that every kid deserves a good teacher, not by chance, but by design. That means bringing the right teachers on board and pairing them with students they can best engage and inspire. I was incredibly moved this month by our volleyball team’s presentation of their favorite teachers at one of their games. It reminded me of how priceless those student/teacher relationships are and how impactful they can be. So, thank you teachers for giving our students opportunities to thrive academically every day! The gratitude your students and I have for you cannot be expressed in mere words, but hopefully we will show you with our actions how thankful we are this school year. Last, but certainly not least, I am grateful for all of you who attend and support our school. Each individual adds to the tapestry that is our school community. The opportunities we are able to give our students are because everyone is consistently willing to pitch in and help in whatever way presents itself. We wouldn’t be the school we are without you! Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Thank You, Principal
DON’T MISS!!
BOOK FAIR Nov. 6th thru Nov. 10th
STAY INFORMED! Website: www. sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/bookermiddle
VPA Website: www.BookerMiddleSchoolVPA.weebly.com
VPA Facebook: Booker Middle School Arts
VPA Instagram: @BookerMiddleVPA
VPA Twitter: @bookermiddlevpa
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School-Wide Monthly Focus on Reading/Writing Skills
Evaluate Arguments and Specific Claims In the Text
Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims
in a text, assessing if the reasoning is clear and if the
evidence is relevant and sufficient.
ACTIVITY
1. Find a short/ simple editorial article in a newspaper
or magazine.
2. Read it out loud with your student, making sure you
look up any words you don’t know.
3. Identify the opinion of the author.
4. Identify words and phrases the author uses to
express their argument.
5. Trace the specific claims of the argument.
6. Decide of this argument is or is not supported by
evidence in the text.
Have fun reading with your child!
WE NEED YOU!!
Come join us for our once a month parent
involvement meeting, 5:00-6:00 and SAC Meeting, 6:00-
7:00 in the media center. The dates for the meetings are
in each volume of our newsletter. We also have once a
month Parent University. These workshop are given to
keep our parents informed on their student’s education.
Call Mrs. Alvis Greenwald for more information
941-359-5823 extension 61010.
Tracy Clark, student last name alpha A-Me
Cheryl Thomas, student last name alpha Mi-Z
SCHOOL COUNSELING GROUPS: During the next
few weeks counselors will be meeting with students in small
counseling groups. In September students identified areas in
which they need support. Groups include conflict
resolutions; dealing with death and loss; coping with
parental divorce and separation. These are issues which
sometimes interfere with a student’s ability to focus in class.
Where possible, groups will be scheduled for 6-8 weeks
during a student’s lunch time or at a time that doesn’t
interfere with core academic subjects. Students will be given
group participation notifications to share with parents.
COUNSELING INTERN: Nicole Will is working on her
master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Nova
Southeastern University and completing a required
internship at BMS through December. She is a welcomed
addition to the school guidance team.
THANKSGIVING SUPPORT: As in years past, All
Faiths Food Bank will provide assistance to families in need
for Thanksgiving. Locations for food distribution will be
shared with families closer to the holiday. Please contact
school counselors if you require food assistance.
The volleyball season is officially over, and
our girls finished 4-4, our best record ever at BMS! The girls played really well and worked incredibly hard this year.
GREAT WORK LADIES!!
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Congratulations
Students of the Month!!
Don'ta Abner
Jesus Aca
Astrid Alvarado
Charlie Barton
Ajanee Brathewaite
Richard Carino
Parker Castro
Xiomara Chavez
Caneria Chestnut-
Ung
Kanye Collins
Luke Cooper
Jayden Crowell
Miracle Deveaux
Jaylen Edwards
Ciera Fiasco
Aiden Forrester
Aaliyah Genat
Ari'Auna Gilbert
Maeva Ginsberg-
Klemmt
Ja'Niyah Ginyard
Nasya Glover
Rogelio Gomez
Gerardo Gomez
Stephanie Gomez
Oli Gudbjartsson
Makaleb Hamilton
Kari Hart
Yoan Hernandez
Amarah Higdon
Darleen Jlucas
J'aunah Johnson
Mekhi Jones
Josephine Jorgensen
Ursula Kushner
Jesus Lopez-Borja
Dennise Martinez
Natalie Martinez-
Ramos
Tahjaviun McKay
Maurise McKinney
Aaliya Mitchell
Ta'Miyah Mitchell
Jaila Mormon
Hong Nguyen
Ariana Orozco-
Rodriguez
Jovan Palavra
Nayka Parks
Briaih Pearson
Jazmene Perez
Lily Plank
Abryana Polynice
Davian Raffo
Dylan Ramon
Christopher Rhodes
Kyle Riddle
Kafale Rivers
Keenean Robinson
Arturo Rodriguez
Dante Rutland
D'Kai Shaw
Morgan Sims
Rheann Stephens
Vanessa Stover
Annabelle Truong
Ever Valdez
Darleen Velasquez
Emily Villarreal Unique Ward
Antonia Watson
Shayla White
Randy Wilson
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Cu
Camila Cobello is a Cuban-American singer and songwriter discovered through her participation
in The X Factor. As part of the girl group Fifth Harmony, Cabello and her bandmates released one
EP and two studio albums. Her departure from the group was announced in December 2016. As a
lead artist, Cabello has released two singles which entered the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100:
"I Know What You Did Last Summer" with Shawn Mendes and "Bad Things" with Machine Gun
Kelly, with the latter reaching No. 4. Her single "Havana", from her upcoming debut studio album,
has reached the top 10 in a number of countries and became Cabello's first number one single in the
UK.
Jocelyn Parker’s Artist Pick: Camila Cobello
American-Cuban Singer/Songwriter
Source: Wikipedia.com
in me that I have always loved to do at home.” As
for orchestra and the viola, “I don’t know, it just
inspired me somehow.” She chose the viola, for
very practical reasons, “I have long arms, and the
violin was just too small. The viola just seemed to
fit me.” As for her academics she said her favorite
is math. She loves to work on complex problems
where you really need to, “dig in to get the right
answer.”
The youngest of 3 siblings currently
attending BMS it is clear how much Jocelyn loves
BMS. She even shares her 2 VPA classes with her
sister! “It’s not an ordinary school,” she said,
“here you can really explore anything you might
want to do in the future. You have so man
options: art, robotics, academics, TV/Film…”
For those students who are thinking about
audition she says, “Everyone here is family.
Don’t get intimidated, try your best. If you are
worried you didn’t do well, you can still get into
the program. You really just have to show you are
willing to try. The teachers are here to help you
get better!”
Great advice Jocelyn, and good luck on your very busy 2017/2018 school year!
You can’t stop Jocelyn Parker! She is not
only in the VPA program participating in the
Drama and Orchestra disciplines (she plays the
viola), but also she manages to find time to be a
member of the DIVAS, play on BMS volleyball
team, participate in our webleaders, and all that on
top of her academic studies. What seems the most
impressive of all is the work ethic and attitude she
brings to everything she participates in. Drama
teacher Ms. Mills said, “Jocelyn’s eagerness to
learn new things was apparent even in her
audition. You can see her listening and processing
everything that’s going on around her. And when
she applies those observations on stage?
Delightful!” Mr. Martin, her orchestra teacher,
agrees, “Jocelyn brings a positive attitude and the
ability to persevere with hard tasks to orchestra
class. She certainly has great potential as a
violist.”
So what attracted Jocelyn to the VPA
program? She was introduced to drama in
elementary school through Florida Studio
Theater’s “Write a Play” program where she wrote
her very own play with two other students. “I like
drama,” she said, “because it brings something out
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Legend Purple & Gold BMS General Green Law Academy
Blue Cambridge Red Sports & Athletics
Yellow Clubs White Academics
Gold Gifted & Talented Purple VPA & Arts
VPA and Arts
VETERANS DAY CHORUS
CONCERT Thursday November 9th
7:00 PM @Sarasota High
DRAMA SHOWCASE Thurs/Fri Nov 9th & 10th
7:00 PM @BMS Amphitheater
SPORTS AND
ATHLETICS
BMS GENERAL
TIJUANA FLATS NIGHT Wednesday November 8th
5:00-9:00 PM @ Tijuana Flats
on University
PARENT INVOLVEMENT Tuesday November 28th
5:00-6:00 PM @ BMS
SAC MEETING Tuesday November 28th
6:00-7:30 PM @ BMS
PARENT UNIVERSITY Thursday November 30th
5:30-6:30 PM @ BMS
BASKETBALL Wednesday November 29th (Home)
Monday December 4th (WDM) Girls: 6:00 Boys: 7:30
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Airport Art Contest
And Then He Looked At Me Performance On Oct 19th and 20th, Ms. Mills Adv. Drama students remounted the
production of “and … then he looked at me.” Hoping to impress
adjudicators from Florida’s Junior Thespian Society and earn a fully
produced production of the piece at the conference this year, the
students put on a fantastic performance. A big thank you to all of
the Sarasota arts community members who attended the invited
dress rehearsal performance. We appreciate your support!
Unity Day 2017 In conjunction with Bullying Prevention Month held in October,
people all over the world celebrated Unity Day which was held on
Wednesday, October 26th this year. As part of Booker Middle School’s
Unity Day Celebration, groups all over campus participated in activities
celebrating unity and togetherness. Students tie dyed t-shirts, posts across
campus donned anti-bullying poetry, and students attended a huge
celebratory assembly. The assembly included performances by several of our
VPA disciplines and presentations made by the SAVE Grant Team (Wendy
Thomas, Tiffany Larkins, and Naquila Beachem) and a talk by our own
Deputy Gipson.
Day of Caring On Oct. 12th volunteers from Publix gathered by United
Way worked in our school garden to get prepared for
growing season. The garden looks fantastic, and we are
so excited to have all this community support.
This month 2D/3D Art teacher Ms. Ward’s students participated
in an art contest at the Sarasota Airport. The students were given
complete freedom with the design. Ms. Ward and her students
discussed at length what the judges would be looking for and the
principles of design for the project
VPA
BMS
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Ms. Cohen Honored By Freddy’s On Nov. 1st Freddy’s Steakburgers honored teacher
Allison Cohn as “Teacher of the Month.” Her students
received ice cream and she was gifted a gift card from
Freddy’s. Way to go Ms. Cohen!
Marine Biologist Visit Students attending the ESOL after school program were visited by a
former ESOL student Yvette Fernandez-Khalil who came to the US
when she was 13 years old; she attended Sarasota Middle School,
Riverview High School, and USF. “Yvi”, as everyone calls her,
earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and after a lot
of hard work is now working as an Associate Sea
Parent University
Oct 23rd was Staff Appreciation Night at the volleyball game.
Team members invited their favorite staff members, wrote a few words
about them, and escorted them across the court. It was wonderful to see
how grateful these students are for the wonderful work the BMS staff
does to ensure they have a wonderful middle school experience.
Volleyball Players Honor BMS Staff Members
Parent University was a great success this month. We had 100 parents in
attendance. Alba Ramos, Sandra Mendoza and Debra Alvis-Greenwald
presented this workshop on Oct 19 which took place in the media center. Those
who participated found it to be very pertinent and useful, and we encourage
ALL our parents to come join us next month!
Turtle and Aquatic Biologist at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Yvi came to visit our ESOL students eager
to motivate them to study hard, stay focused and fight for their dreams. “Language will never be a barrier,
it will be an advantage”. “Was it difficult? Yes, very; but if you can dream it, you can do it”. These are
but a few of the tips Ivy gave to our students who were very happy to meet someone who has walked in
their shoes. Written by: Alba Ramos. ESOL Liaison/ESOL After School Program director.
Age Friendly Fest
BMS
Mekenzie Thomas with typewriters in a row in preparation for the
first ever Age Friendly Festival on Saturday October 28th. The Dragonfly
Café poets wrote poems celebrating all the ages our guests have ever
been, connecting the past with the present through poetry.
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Science Update
Orchestra Concert Not to be upstaged by the VPA Band program, the VPA Orchestra
students led by Mr. Martin, who is a new addition to the program,
played wonderfully and entertained all who attended. Great work
students, and congratulations to Mr. Martin who put together a
wonderful first performance as the VPA Orchestra Director!
Band Concert On Tuesday October 10th parents, friends, and fans were treated to
a concert by our fantastic VPA Band department. Band director
Mr. Nielsen put together a wonderful program that was played
skillfully by our VPA band student’s and got everyone’s toes
tapping. You won’t want to miss their next concert in Dec!
Chorus Concert Our Chorus VPA students also performed this month on Tuesday
October 24th. Our new choir director, Ms. Chapman, showcased
our chorus students wonderfully in an evening of song. Attendees
were impressed by the students’ talent and professionalism on stage!
The science department had quite a treat earlier this month with a visit from the
Mad Scientist! Students were engaged as they watched the expert teachers give
insight on the conditions that cause changes in states of matter. Students had a
chance to participate in the activities by asking questions, answering questions, and
serving as volunteers in the demonstrations. It was truly an event that entertained
the student as much as it educated them.
Later this month, 8th grade science students will take a fieldtrip to Twin Lakes.
While there, they will have an opportunity to investigate the various plants and
wildlife that exist around the lake and the interactions between those elements. If
you have an 8th grade student, please make sure that he or she has turned in a
fieldtrip permission slip to their teacher.
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Bay Haven Tutoring Interact web leaders tutor every Friday at
Bay Haven. It is something the kids enjoy
doing weekly. The Bay Haven students look
forward to our students coming each week.
The kids did crafts and enjoyed treats from
parents and interact club members.
Lunch at Marina Jacks Interact web leaders went to Marina Jacks for lunch and to
participate in a Rotary Club meeting. Our program was presented
with this banner at October's luncheon. Going forward, different
club member each month will have the opportunity to have lunch
at Marina Jack's with our Rotary Club sponsors.
Black Almanac On October 25 two of our interact/web leader students participated in the
show Black Almanac. Mayor Shelli Freeland Eddie and Dr Ed James
asked students from Booker High School, Sarasota-High, Pineview,
McIntosh, and Booker Middle questions about ideas that are affecting
students today. This was a great experience for our students. It gave a
perspective of what other students feel about things that are going on in
the community they live in, their school, and around the world. You can
see it on the morning news the week of Nov 8.
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a
Camia Green: Guest Artist Dance
College and Career Events Mr. Baxter hosted a field trip to Sun Hydraulics for a select group of
students. Sun Hydraulics staff members gave an excellent visual
presentation outlining their company, operations, goals, standards and
career opportunities. They quizzed the students about hydraulic systems
using diagrams then allowed each student to ask as many questions as
they would like. Students then separated into small groups and were lead
on a guided tour of the top secret production facility. After the tour,
students were treated to lunch at Sun Hydraulics then returned to the
CUBE to discuss what interested them on the tour. BMS
ALSO the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and United Way Suncoast partnered with EverFi to bring The
Character Playbook program to Booker Middle School. This webinar allowed students to interact with
Buccaneers personnel as well as middle school students from other counties to explore character
education and the importance of self-respect in and out of school. The panel shared details about their
personal lives, academic paths and critical decisions they made to have successful careers in professional
sports. Students answered True or False questions asked by Buccaneers personnel, asked questions to the
panel and set personal growth goals for themselves with what they learned.
Dancer/Choreographer Camia Green visited BMS’s VPA dance
student a few times this month.
Camia Green is a Dancer/Choreographer from Sarasota, Florida. She
has trained with Sarasota Ballet of Florida, Booker High School VPA
Dance Program, Bates Dance Festival, The Ailey School Summer
Intensive, Bill T. Jones Workshop, and Kennesaw State University.
Salt and Light Video
Check out a wonderful new video highlighting our VPA program
created by Salt and Light Productions. We are so excited to share this
video and show people some of the work we do! You can find it on
the VPA website:
www.bookermiddleschoolvpa.weebly.com
BMS
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After School Re-Wards Program Speakers Our students are having amazing
experiences with the Re-Wards after
school program. Coach Ward has been
bringing in UNBELIEVABLE speakers,
and the students are learning so much.
Some of the inpiring speakers this month
have included…
Ms. Fox Honored: Lifetime Achievement Award On October 13th our own Creative Writing teacher and creator of the Dragonfly
Café was honored with the USF Sarasota Manatee’s Dean's Lifetime Achievement
Alumni Award. The recipient of this award is recognized as a community
member who has demonstrated long-term contributions, achievement and service
within education or a related profession—on a local, state, regional, national
and/or global level. Since graduating from the College of Ed in 1999 with a degree
in English Ed, Fox has served for 17 years at Booker Middle School, and
revolutionized the way creative writing is taught to her students by providing them
with a comfortable and singular place to let their ideas flow in her classroom that
Book Fair Our fall book fair will be held the week of November 6th thru the 10th. A percentage of the proceeds from the fair will be given to BMS and used to help our school’s library
she and her students refer to as “The Dragonfly Café.” Fox has tackled common challenges in the middle
school setting through her teaching, such as providing her students a creative outlet to have their voices
heard through off-campus poetry performances, and having her students’ families become involved in the
writing process at Family Writing Nights. Because of her work, Fox has received numerous awards and
recognitions such as the Florida Teacher Certification Examination’s Beginning Teacher of the Year
Award and Teacher of Excellence Award, the Arts Leadership Award for Sarasota County, Scholastic’s
Outstanding Educator Award and the International River of Words/Kalmanovitz School of Education
Teacher of the Year Award. (source: Sarasota Magazine)
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Parent University: We know your child’s education and development is important to you
and that you would like to encourage them in any way you can. Our monthly Parent University will give you some tools and strategies to best
support their Booker Middle School education. (dates in “Calendars” section) Parent Involvement: Our parents are the lifeblood of our school’s support network. Each month our parents and faculty meet to discuss the activities associated with
our school’s fundraising efforts. (see dates in the “Calendars” section) SAC (School Advisory Council): A formal monthly meeting where parents and community members meet
with our principal and other administrators to collaborate on school issues. (see dates in the “Calendars” section) VPA Booster Club: Our Visual and Performing Arts Magnet students participate in a
number of events and activities both on and away from our campus. Our VPA Booster is designed to help our parents get involved and support performances, activities, and field trips.
Donate: Donations come in many forms and we appreciate all of them. Email
Savannah Holds ([email protected]) for information on BMS Arts Giving. For information regarding donations to our other programs email Debra Alvis-Greenwald
Volunteer: BMS can always use a helping hand. If you would like to donate your time to our wonderful school, come to the front office of our school and sign
up through PALS or contact Debra Alvis-Greenwald. Attend: There are so many events for our students and it means the world to our
students when the attendance and support goes beyond their friends and family. Attend an arts event, a sports event, or just come out to a Family Night with one of our business partners (see dates in the “Calendars”
section).
2605 University Pkwy
(941) 893-5805
(941) 685-2881
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Making a plan for later in the year?
Check out all our school’s calendars to make sure you know what is going on!
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Come visit our
generous community
partners on their
scheduled night and a portion of the profits
from that evening is donated to our
school! Flyers with
details and coupons will be distributed at
school. Invite your
friends!
5:00PM-9:00PM 5:00PM-9:00PM 5:00PM-9:00PM
Blaze Pizza Night
215 N Cattlemen Rd
Freddy’s Night
6224 N Lockwood Ridge
Newk’s Night
5405 University Pkwy
5:00PM-8:00PM 5:00PM-9:00PM 5:00PM-9:00PM
Culver’s Night
2605 University Pkwy
Tijuana Flat’s Night
5215 University Pkwy
Blaze Pizza Night
215 N Cattlemen Rd
5:00PM-9:00PM 5:00PM-9:00PM 5:00PM-8:00PM
Freddy’s Night
6224 N Lockwood Ridge
Newk’s Night
5405 University Pkwy
Culver’s Night
2605 University Pkwy
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For more information on Booker Middle School Visual and Performing Arts events or
admissions contact VPA coordinator Savannah Holds at [email protected]
