“People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader leads,

and the boss drives." ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Dear members of the Middle School Family,

How would you answer who you felt were the greatest presidents in

American history? Likely, your list, as mine, is not particularly long. My list includes

Washington as our country’s founder, and Lincoln for ending slavery and for

keeping the Republic together during the conflagration of the Civil War. My

personal favorite is fellow New Yorker, Teddy Roosevelt, for his deep concern for the

common man and for his strident opposition to political and corporate corruption

during the Progressive Era. Undoubtedly, we each will define greatness in different

ways, and view leadership differently across centuries. Still, although each of them

had human frailties and failings, one important characteristic of each man holds true

– their leadership qualities were grounded within great personal integrity. These

were also men of action who were leaders, not bosses. They were doers. As John

Quincy Adams wrote, " "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do

more and become more, you are a leader." They led by example, and they motivated

others through their leadership.

We want our children to be kind. Therefore, we, the adults around them, must

demonstrate kindness to each other. On my bookcase is a mug with a quote by

Lincoln. It states, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's

character, give him power." Remember, adults around children hold power. We must

set the example so our students grow into the adults we hope they will become. We

must set the example for kindness, temperance, integrity, respect, and tolerance. The

Golden Rule must not only be on our lips, but within our hearts and acting from our

hands.

On a separate note, I ask that you all please remember that we are in our

school budget season. Please remember to be active participants in the budget

process. We set the example for our children as participants in a republic as well. Be

sure to be an educated voter – whichever way you vote.

With warmest regards,

Peter Osroff, Ed. D.

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I m p o r t a n t r e m i n d e r s

MAY

May 1

MS/HS PTA Reflections Awards

General Meeting

7 PM @ HS

May 2

Spring Concert II

7PM @ HS

May 4

Grade 8 Late Night Jazz

Music in the Parks

May 6

Service Award Ceremony

7PM @ MS

May 8

Current Grade 6-8 Student/

Parent Sports Meeting

7 PM @ MS

May 10

Final PTA Meeting &

Breakfast

9:30 AM @ MS

May 15

NJHS Induction Ceremony

7PM @ HS

May 19

Spring concert III

7 PM @ MS

May 21

Budget Vote and

Election

6 AM—10 PM @ HS

May 27

Memorial Day

No Classes

May 29

Science Performance Test

Grade 8

NO DROP-OFF or DELIVERY of COMMERICAL FOOD or DRINK During school hours, please do not drop off, or have delivered, commercial food or drinks for students. We will not allow delivery of these products to students. Thank you for your assistance.

Maria Cafaro, Editor

NEW YORK STATE SCIENCE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

The NYS Grade 8 Intermediate Level Science Test (ILS) assesses the level of mastery

students have achieved in science between grades 5 and 8. The test includes two parts: Grade 8

Science Performance Test and Grade 8 Science Written Test. The parts will be taken over two

different days. The first part of the test, Grade 8 Science Performance Test, will be administered

on Wednesday, May 29. The second part of the test, Grade 8 Science Written Test, will be ad-

ministered on Monday, June 3.

The Grade 8 Science Performance Test will assess students’ lab skills and concept appli-

cation. It consists of hands-on tasks set up at three stations. They will be given step-by-step in-

structions and questions to answer as they work at each station. Each experiment will take about

10-15 minutes. Students need to bring pens and pencils for the test; everything else will be pro-

vided.

The Grade 8 Science Written test will assess students’ content knowledge and applica-

tion. It includes multiple choice, short answer questions, and extended written responses in

which students will be asked to interpret charts, draw graphs and diagrams and apply their

knowledge and skills to real-world situations. Students need to bring pencils and a non-graphing

calculator for the test.

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS AND BUDGET VOTE!

Garden City Public Schools Board of Education and district administration encourage

Garden City residents to attend its upcoming public meetings to offer input during the budget

formulation process and to gain an understanding of budget challenges as the district enters its

second year under the State’s tax levy limit cap mandate.

All meetings are held at Garden City High School at 8:15 p.m. Please join us for the

following:

Wednesday, April 10 Budget Work Session # 5: Instructional

Components Part II

Tuesday, April 16 Regular Board Meeting: Adoption of

the District Budget and BOCES Budget

Tuesday, May 7 Regular Work Session: Budget Hearing

Tuesday, May 21 – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Budget Vote and Election

I m p o r t a n t r e m i n d e r s

GC FOR A CURE

The Garden City Teachers’ Association will be sponsoring the 4th annual “Race for a Cure” on

Saturday, April 20, 2013, to benefit Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

5K (3.1 mile) Timed Run/Walk- 9:00 A.M.

1 Mile Untimed Fun Run/Walk- 9:15 A.M

Start/Finish-Garden City High School

Course -3.1 Mile USA Track and Field Certified Course, fast and flat through tree-lined, residential streets; splits/ water stops every

mile, 5K Map and 1 Mile Map can be viewed at www.gcforacure.com

Awards Ceremony - 5K Timed Only (Awards to top 3 Male and Female Overall and Masters Finishers) Age group medals to top

three finishers: 10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69,70+ Raffles,

Teacher Dunking Booth, Face Painting, fun for the entire family!

In addition, , will be hosting Kites for a Cure™, a fun family Kite Fly to support

their lung cancer research grant program. Kites for a Cure allows children (of all ages!) to obtain kites and customize them at art

tables, and work with our volunteers to send them into the sky. This family-oriented event is a joyful and special occasion to raise

awareness and research funds for a disease that takes the lives of more Americans each year than any other cancer. Uniting Against

Lung Cancer (formerly Joan's Legacy) funds innovative research into the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, including in those

who never smoked. For more information about Uniting Against Lung Cancer and its programs or to order your kite in advance,

please visit www.UnitingAgainstLungCancer.org or call 212-627-5500

Online Registration: visit www.gcforacure.com

Registration and Number Pick-up: Friday, April 19th- 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. (Garden City High School Cafeteria) Race Day 7-8:30

A.M. (T-Shirts are guaranteed for pre-registered runners/walkers only)

Register by April 10th to receive a Free Personalized Bib and Run In Honor or In Memory of a Loved One or

Friend. See the website for details

Entry Fee: Adult - $25 (Timed) ($30 on Race Day), Adult - $15 (Untimed) 1 Mile ($20 on Race Day) Child (12 and Under) -

$20 (Timed 5K) ($25 on Race Day) Child-$10 (Untimed) 1 Mile ($15 on Race Day)

For More information please contact Race Director: Kerry Calvert- GCFORACURE@Gmail.com

A CARNEVALE, OGNI SCHERZO VALE!

On February 12, students in Signora Caruthers’ and Signora Sorace’s seventh grade Ital-

ian classes celebrated Carnevale, the pre-Lenten traditional celebration in Italy. The word

Carnevale literally means “farewell to meat” from the Latin carnem levare. Carnevale is celebrated all

throughout Italy; however, the city of Venezia is known to have more unique and elaborate cele-

brations that are world famous. The Carnival of Venice dates back over 900 years and today’s

theme focuses on the grandeur of 17th and 18th century Renaissance as well as characters from the

commedia dell’arte. The commedia dell’arte is the famous

comic form of street theater that developed in Italy in

the 15th century. The actors wore colorful costumes

and would travel from town to town performing in the town square. Nowadays in Venice,

people walk around in elegant costumes and opulent masks to emulate this time period,

which creates a magical ambience.

In the seventh grade Italian classes, the students decorated their own masks at

home and celebrated Carnevale with a festa in class. Students contributed with homemade

baked goods and other delicious treats. Visit the display case in the Middle School lobby to

see all of their lovely work!

EIGHTH GRADE FRENCH STUDENTS USE THEIR CELL PHONES IN CLASS!

Mr. Strauzer’s eighth grade French students used their cell phones to communicate in the target language.

Their task was to make a doctor’s appointment “with a twist.” The first appointment couldn’t be accommodated due

to a problem (doctor sick, doctor off, etc). Personal Identification, Health and Welfare Information, and New York

State Checkpoint A World Languages standards were practiced. Students loved practicing their speaking skills during

their memorized skits. A job très bien fait. They can’t wait to use their phones in class again!

Signora Sorace's period 8 Italian class

is proud of their work.

Signora Caruthers' period 1 Italian class

shows off their masks.

EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS WRITE REAL ESTATE ADS IN SPANISH

As part of a unit on the house and home, eighth grade students in Señora Porter’s classes wrote

real estate ads in Spanish. They created a classified ad to sell their imaginary house or castle, which could

be located anywhere in the world. Students were told to choose a location for their house and to include

a color picture of the house or castle that they wanted to sell. They listed the rooms and furnishings in the

house; they wrote about the location of the house, the amenities that come with the house, and listed the

price of the house in Euro. This was a fun and differentiated activity to help students use the vocabulary

and expressions related to the house and home.

LEARNING ABOUT “LA FAMIGLIA” IN ITALIANO!

Students in Signora Caruthers’ seventh grade Italian class have just completed studying la famiglia. As part of the unit exam,

the students were instructed to create Power Point presentations about their family. They presented the projects orally to the class

in Italian and described each family member’s name, age, physical characteristics, likes and dislikes. They incorporated pictures of

each family member with the script typed on each slide. It was a wonderful learning experience, and they did a fantastic job in pre-

senting to the class. Bravissimi ragazzi!

S p o t l i g h t o n t h e

W O R L D L A N G U A G E D E P A R T M E N T

OUR GERMAN COMMUNITY

By Julia Foxen, Grade 8

Being part of the German community is one of the best memories I will take away from my three years at Garden City Mid-

dle School. German class has taught me not only the language of another country but also its culture. I have met other students who

are now some of my best friends and whom I never would have met had I not taken German. I have loved this class, and even though I

am sad to leave, I know that other students who will be coming to the Middle School will experience all the fun times I had and learn

a wonderful language.

German class is taught by Frau Dr. Hecker, and she is also the German club advisor. Every second Friday morning at 7:30

a.m., German Club begins and German students can watch movies and play games. Also, Frau Hecker brings in tasty German treats

such as apple and berry strudels and German cookies. Around Christmas time every year, Saint Nikolaus (Santa Claus) comes along.

Students take off one of their shoes, and then they put them in the hallway. If you’ve been good, Saint Nikolaus will put goodies in

your shoe. This is one of many German traditions. Another fun German club activity that takes place around Christmastime is when

we work with marzipan. Marzipan is a sugary German candy that feels and acts like play-dough. Everybody can take a handful and

make colorful and edible shapes such as fruits, and different animals. German Club has many activities and it is a great time to hang

with your friends, have fun, and learn German.

German students also take several field trips every year. The first field trip is in September. German students take a bus to

New York City to march in the annual German-American Steuben parade, which is aired on television. While there, students get to

go to the zoo to eat lunch, and afterwards go out for ice cream and go to the park. Another German field trip is the Christkindl-

markt. Every year students travel up to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. For the first hour there is a tour of the historic town founded in

1741. Then students make a small stop at a bookstore in town for hot cocoa and candies. Then, for the rest of the day, they go to a big

German market. It is located in two large tents adjacent to one another. Each has several different German shops. The shops hold any-

thing from fun crafts, to scarves and accessories. Also, in the second tent there is a big German food court and live holiday music. This

trip is a favorite and is lots of fun. Another trip is Sprachfest. In March, German students from all over Long Island come together to

compete. The competitions include vocabulary bees, spelling bees, culture bowl, t-shirt design, poster design, singing, dancing, act-

ing out skits, and even playing an instrument. Last year our school came in first place! Last but not least, in the beginning of the year,

the eighth graders go on a trip to the town hall and listen to the contributions of the German-American community, and learn how we

are the next generation of German scholars. I hope many others join the club and choose to learn this amazing language!

Here is the Wienermobile taken at German-American Steuben Parade!

Students in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania at Christkindlmarkt.

S p o t l i g h t o n t h e

W O R L D L A N G U A G E D E P A R T M E N T

FRENCH PASTRIES ARE EVERYWHERE!

On December 19, eighth grade French students purchased or baked the most delicious French

pastries. Some examples were: éclairs, croissants, crêpes, pain au chocolat and tarte aux pommes, just to

name a few. In addition, students also brought in baguettes (crusty French bread). In order to also en-

joy the holiday season, the traditional French Yule log, the “Bûche de Noël was also available for their

enjoyment! The students really enjoyed themselves, did a fantastic job, and can’t wait for their next

year’s “fest” at the high school!!

LINGUA LATINA EST OPTIMA

By Kate Farrell, et al

Latin class has been very eventful and exciting. We started the year off with our first project, which was an interview with

the gods. We dressed up like a mythological god or goddess, such as Juno or Mars. This part of the project was especially fun be-

cause we had an opportunity to show off our creativity. We also had to prepare a speech about our character. In the auditorium, we

presented the speeches partly in Latin and partly in English. Everyone in the class got on stage and described themselves (their char-

acter) and the god or goddesses’ significance, which helped us learn about them. Our teacher, Magistra Hecker, recorded us and we

watched it later that week. This project was a great and fun way to learn more about the gods and goddesses.

The second major thing we did this year was to participate in a Saturnalia. A Saturnalia is a feast in which the slaves of Ancient

Rome took the place of their owners for the day. The owners fed the slaves and tended to their needs. This was the one day where

they could slack off without getting into trouble. In our class, we did our best to replicate the feast. Everyone in our class brought in

a different food item that was available in Ancient Rome. We had a variety of items from white pizza to a cake baked with honey.

This was a very enjoyable project, and it helped us understand what the Romans ate. Not only did I learn a lot, but I tasted a lot of

delicious foods brought in by my classmates

The last project that we have completed so far is the architectural project. For this project, we made a model of a real site in

Rome, such as the Colosseum, the Arch of Titus, or an aquaduct. We also wrote about our choice for the project and talked about its

history. It was very entertaining to construct the project and learn a lot about it. Also, while everyone presented their project, we

learned a lot more about the history of Ancient Rome.

We recently learned about education in Ancient Rome, and we are currently learning verb conjugations. Our future projects

include a catalogue of Ancient Roman dress, a newspaper, and a trial.

So far, taking Latin has helped me learn a lot about the history of Ancient Rome. Also, Latin has been a really exciting part of my

day, and I always look forward to it. I suggest taking Latin for many reasons. First, it will help with the SATs. We learn a lot of

Latin vocabulary and mottoes, and learn how to

find English derivatives of Latin words, which is

very beneficial. It is a great class to enjoy while

learning at the same time.

"Cupid,” Kate Farrell,

and "Juno,” Catherine

Maher, pose for the

camera.

S p o t l i g h t o n t h e

W O R L D L A N G U A G E D E P A R T M E N T

A SPANISH FASHION SHOW Seventh grade students in Mrs. Porter’s Spanish classes recently put on a fashion show. This activity was the culmination of their two week study of clothing and colors in Spanish. Students were told to invent an identity for their model and choose an inter-esting outfit to model for the class. Students were told that in order to make the show “lively,” the models should put together hilari-ous outfits complete with wigs, funny hats, and props. On the day of the fashion show, the students chose appropriate music and walked down the “runway.” When they were fin-

ished, they described the outfit that they were wearing in Spanish to the “audience.” They were told to include the names of the arti-

cles of clothing, colors, European sizes, materials, and cost, in Euro, of the articles of clothing and where this outfit could or should

be worn.

This was an excellent project for the students to practice their listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

The students enjoyed performing in this fashion show and are very anxious to know what their next project will be. Mrs. Porter tries

to incorporate a speaking project into her curriculum each quarter so that the students can use their knowledge of Spanish in real-life

situations and enjoy their study of a foreign language.

SPANISH SHOWDOWN WITH SEÑORA CARUTHERS AND SEÑORITA CURCIO

During National Foreign Language Week, students in Señora Caruthers’ and Señorita Curcio’s seventh grade Spanish classes

competed against each other as a means of review for the a unit exam. Students met in the auditorium and were presented with ran-

dom questions in Spanish on a big dry erase board One student from each class wrote the an-

swer on a mini dry erase board. The other students awaiting their turn in their seats also had to

write their answers on paper. Everyone was actively engaged in this competition! The winning

team will be rewarded with a lunch from Gonzo’s. This unit contained vocabulary from

“Community and Neighborhood,” irregular verbs such as ir, dar, estar and other constructions

using these verbs. The students were more than ready for this competition, and a great time was

had by all! ¡Muy bien!

VIRTUAL TRIP TO EL CORTE INGLÉS As part of a unit on shopping, eighth grade Spanish students in Señora Porter’s classes were transported to Spain’s

largest department store El Corte Inglés in Madrid, Spain via the internet in the GCMS computer lab. They were presented with

the following scenario: “You have just arrived in Spain at the Barajas Airport in July. You find out that the airline carrier Iberia has

lost your entire checked luggage. After 2 days, your luggage is still not found and you are going to leave on your bus tour the next

day. Your flight insurance gives you 500 Euros to spend at a shopping spree at El Corte Inglés, Spain’s largest department store to

replace the lost items. Make your decisions wisely, as you are not allowed to go over the 500 Euros budget. Keep in mind that you

will need various items for your ten day stay throughout Spain. You must be properly dressed for restaurants and various excursions

to museums and other points of interest.”

Students were thoroughly engaged in this computer activity and enjoyed being able to use their prior knowledge of

shopping vocabulary and to stay within a budget while making purchases via a virtual shopping

experience at El Corte Inglés in Spain. The activities, which incorporated the ACTFL per-

formance guidelines, were in alignment with the New York State standards for language

learning.

S p o t l i g h t o n t h e

W O R L D L A N G U A G E D E P A R T M E N T

CLEAN SWEEP BY GARDEN CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL ITALIAN STUDENTS!

Congratulations to eighth grader Gabrielle Frandina who was the first place winner of the American Association of Teachers

of Italian (AATI ) 29th Annual Poetry Contest held at SUNY Old Westbury on March 8, 2013. This was Gabrielle’s second year in a

row as first place winner!

Second place was awarded to eighth grader Elena DiChiara. This was also her second year in a row as second place winner!

Third place was awarded to seventh grader Rose Kelly. Honorable Mention was awarded to seventh graders Nicholas Bambino and

Stephen Iovino. Gabrielle, Elena, Stephen, and Nicholas are students in Signora Sorace’s seventh and eighth grade Italian classes.

Rose is a student in Signora Caruthers’ seventh grade Italian class. These stu-

dents competed against many Long Island schools in Nassau and Suffolk coun-

ties. They had to memorize and recite an Italian poem of about 12-20 lines in

front of a panel of judges. The students were judged on poise, intonation, pro-

nunciation, and interpretation. All the students who participated in this contest

did an incredible job! Bravissimi e congratulazioni ragazzi!

EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS LEARN SHOPPING SKILLS IN SPANISH Students in Señora Porter’s eighth grade classes spent the month of January acquiring the necessary vocabulary and skills

needed to go shopping in a Spanish speaking country. They learned the vocabulary words for different clothing, materials of which

clothing is made, European sizes, and they learned about the euro. Señora Porter also taught her students about Spain’s largest depart-

ment store, El Corte Inglés. They learned that Spain’s largest department store sells everything from clothes, jewelry, toys and food to

electronics, appliances, and theater tickets. Hotel and airline reservations can also be made through the department store’s travel

agency! Students worked in pairs and wrote a conversation between a customer and a clerk in a typical Spanish store about buying a

birthday present for a friend. All of the skits were videotaped. The aim of this project was to develop the listening, speaking, reading,

and writing skills of the students in Spanish and help to prepare them for an authentic Spanish conversation. It also helped to prepare

the students for the speaking part of the assessment exam which will be administered in May.

Left to right: Signora Caruthers, Nicholas Bambino, Gabrielle Frandina, Elena DiChiara, Rose Kelly,

Stephen Iovino, Signora Sorace

EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS WRITE STORY BOOKS IN SPANISH

Eighth grade students in Señora Porter’s Spanish classes wrote original story

books to practice their knowledge of Spanish. They were told they could choose a fa-

mous actor, actress, singer, cartoon character, sports person, an alien (un extrater-

restre), an animal or a pet. They could also invent an original character for their story.

Students wrote about their characters’ physical and personality traits, their family, their

likes and dislikes, their favorite foods, and activities that their character enjoyed. Stu-

dents illustrated their story books with pictures and drawings. This was a fun activity for

students to use their knowledge of Spanish to create a five page illustrated story book

written entirely in the target language!

S p o t l i g h t o n t h e

W O R L D L A N G U A G E D E P A R T M E N T

S p o t l i g h t o n t h e

W O R L D L A N G U A G E D E P A R T M E N T

WHAT ARE CASTAÑUELAS? This and other questions were answered during a very informative and lively dance presentation in

Señora Linardos’ seventh grade Spanish classes. Castañuelas is the Spanish word for castanets. Castañuelas is de-

rived from the Spanish word, castana, from the Latin castanes and from the Greek καστανιά meaning chestnut,

chestnut tree or hazel. Castanets were traditionally carved from these woods. They are a member of a very old

family of percussion musical instruments. Castañuelas or castanets are an integral part of folkloric Spanish dances.

Eighth grade Spanish dance students Maggie Minett and Cristina Sclafani introduced the 7th grade Spanish students to the

sounds of the castañuelas and the elegant and graceful Spanish folkloric dances. Dressed in their dance attire replete with beautiful tra-

ditional Spanish shawls, which serve both a utilitarian function and as ornamental features, they performed and informed their audi-

ence. The seventh graders marveled over Maggie’s and Cristina’s complicated and rhythmic dance steps and movements. They pre-

sented with passion, respect and love for Spanish dance. They presented a variety of dances including the Zapateos- Planta, Tacon y

Golpe, Redoble Andaluz, Redoble Flamenco. Also featured were Sevillanas (dances from Sevilla, Spain) and La Jota (a folk dance from

Aragon, Spain). Among the castanet rhythms performed for the classes were La Jota, Paso Doble, and Sevillanas.

The students were intrigued, delighted, and impressed with the distinctive sights and sounds. They eagerly attempted to

work the castañuelas and took lessons from the experienced dancers. The girls brought several pairs of castañuelas to class, enabling

students to hold them and create sounds of their own. The shell-shaped castañuelas were made of either wood or plastic and held to-

gether with a single loop of string or thin leather. The leather is doubled and the thumb is placed through it, so the pair of castanets

can hang freely from the thumb and be manipulated by the fingers and the palms. The

sounds created ranged from a flat "click" to a warm roll.

Maggie and Cristina were a wonderful encouragement and inspiration for their

peers. We were very fortunate to see their presentation which encouraged us to appreciate

history, music, culture, language, traditions, and classical art. All of these elements lead to

greater understanding of one of the world’s greatest cultures, graciously presented by stu-

dents for students. ¡OLE!

LA ACADEMIA DE LOS ARTES Y CIENIAS DEL CINE LES INVITA A USTEDES A LA CEREMONIA DE LOS PREMIOS OSCAR

¡Luces! ¡Cámara! ¡Acción! The students in Sra. Scarola’s eighth grade Spanish class culminated The Cultural Diver-sions Unit using television, film, museum, and theater vocabulary in Spanish. The students applied the vocabulary they learned in Spanish by reenacting a night at The Academy Awards. The students created an invitation to the Oscars in Spanish. The invitation included perti-

nent information regarding the particulars of the gala event. The classroom was transformed to look and feel like El Teatro Kodak en Hollywood. The students, working collaboratively in pairs, prepared questions and answers in Spanish and later conducted interviews on the red carpet, la alfombra roja. Some students also prepared commercials in Spanish and performed them during station breaks. While a group of students listened to the interviews, others worked at reading and writing stations. The students took turns practicing their speaking, listening, reading and writ-ing skills in Spanish as they rotated to each station. The event ended with a photo op in front of the red-carpet backdrop featuring the students’ work. The event was a smashing success!

S p o t l i g h t o n t h e

W O R L D L A N G U A G E D E P A R T M E N T

THE NATIONAL SPANISH EXAMINATION

The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) is sponsoring its annual AATSP National Span-

ish Examination (NSE). Eighth grade students of Sra. Linardos, Sra. Porter, and Sra. Scarola who were elected to participate took

the exam on March 13, 4,15, and 18, 2013. The voluntary exam was given by over 3,800 teachers throughout the United States to

measure proficiency and achievement of students who are studying Spanish as a second language. The National Spanish Examination

is recognized by many administrative and teaching associations and organizations at the local, state and national levels. The National

Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on the National Advisory List of Contests and Activities

(NASSP) for 2011-2012.

From 1957 until 2005, the NSE was administered in a traditional paper and pencil format. Since 2006, it has been admin-

istered in an online format through the Quia Corporation. It is the first national world language exam administered online. The

National Spanish Examination is the most widely used test of Spanish in the United States. In the spring of 2012, a total of 143,641

students participated in the online version of the exam.

The mission of the NSE is to recognize student achievement, promote language proficiency in the study of Spanish, and

assess the national standards as they pertain to learning Spanish. The NSE is committed to providing teachers with assessment tools

in addition to offering students opportunities to practice their language skills and discover their Spanish language proficiency rating

according to the exam.

The language teachers wish all the students BUENA SUERTE”and thank parents for their continued support and interest in

the activities of the Garden City Middle School World Language Department.

ANDIAMO A FARE LE SPESE!

Students in Signora Sorace’s eighth grade classes went shopping for clothing on sale! After having learned the vocabulary of

articles of clothing, accessories, and fabrics, as well as expressions for items on sale, the students performed original shopping skits

utilizing this practical vocabulary. Some of the presentations included wanting to purchase a special outfit for a party, shopping at

famous designer boutiques and expressing outrage at how expensive some of the prices were. Some presentations even included a

daughter or son begging their parents to buy them the latest style of sneakers and boots.

In their skits, the students visited the Italian department stores La Rinascente and La Coin (stores similar to Lord & Taylor and

Macy’s in New York), famous designer boutiques and negozi di calzature (shoe stores). Students were asked to incorporate many of

the expressions used in Italy when clothing is on sale, such as SCONTO DEL 50 %, SALDI – 30 %, SVENDITA! GROSSI AFFARI! They

were also instructed to include the type of fabric they preferred, European sizes and prices of clothing in Euro.

The students enjoyed working together on their presentations and did a wonderful job expressing themselves in Italian!

While listening to each group perform, the audience was amazed at how much they under-

stood. This was a great exercise for both speaking and listening skills.

As a follow-up activity, the students will choose

from three different exercises. They will have to create

an original advertisement in Italian enticing people to

come shop at their store, design a web page to sell cloth-

ing or accessories online, or they will have to create a

directory of their favorite stores for tourists who will be

visiting some of the cities in Italy.

Che bel vestito!

Éun buon prezzo!

I N & A RO U N D G C M S

SCIENTISTS FROM DNA LEARNING CENTER VISIT SEVENTH GRADE SCIENCE CLASSES

Lately, the topic of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been in the news. Here at the middle school,

seventh graders got to experience how a doctor determines which antibiotic is best at fighting bacteria.

With the assistance from scientists at the Cold Spring Harbor Learning Center, students applied two dif-

ferent strains of harmless bacteria to separate petri dishes. The students then added two different antibiotic

-soaked discs, one containing ampicillin and the other containing kanamycin, to the medium. A few days

later, students looked for a clear ring around the antibiotic which, if present, indicated if the antibiotic was

successful at killing that type of bacteria. If there was no ring around the disk, the bacteria were resistant

to that type of antibiotic, so a doctor would not prescribe that antibiotic for his or her patient.

EIGHTH GRADE ART SHOW Exciting news in the art department! The eighth grade art show will be held on Monday, April 22, 2013, at 7 pm. The un-

veiling of this year's eighth grade art installation will take place as well as refreshments being served by the Home & Careers Depart-

ment. This year students created self-portraits based on the art of stenciling. A drawing was made from a photograph and then

enlarged on paper using a grid method. Students cut out their shadows that were seen in their photographs to create a strong contrast

between light and dark color. Canvas board was painted and the stencil was printed on top. The results are truly spectacular! Every

student has captured the very essence of being in middle school and their experience in art class. A replica will be created and painted

by all students on a clay tile. Those tiles will be permanently installed in the school and unveiled on the night of the art show. We

look forward to seeing the work as a collective piece.

"Learning never exhausts the mind." ~Leonardo Da Vinci

Get Smart, Have Fun

@your library April Is

National School Library Month!

Celebrate With Us!

GCMS Students:

Enter our library contest!

Tell us how your school library

is a place of fun and learning.

Submit your:

Digital Poster (submitted on cd or dvd)

Video (submitted on cd or dvd)

Song or Poem

Original Artwork (can be a poster)

To Mr. Daniels in the Library by the end of 9th period on April 30th, 2013

See Mr. Daniels in the library with any questions.

Prizes will be awarded the week of May 6th.