PANTHER NEWS
JANUARY 2016
New Year’s Greetings to our Panther Community!
I hope families had a chance to enjoy time with love ones and get rejuvenated for the new year. As a school we will continue to live our school’s vision and mission as we support every student in helping them maintain the path towards accomplishing their dreams
Vision Statement
Preparing All Minds for Success
Mission Statement
We will create a safe, supportive environment by meeting the diverse academic and social needs of our students. We are committed to preparing students for the future by nurturing the whole child and fostering creative thinking, self-directed problem solving, and lifelong learning.
Common Core Values
Integrity and Family
School Improvement Plan
Our plan helps us focus on strategies to improve student achievement in reading, writing, and math at each grade level. We continue to use STAR reading and math tests as we analyze student data to provide specific interventions. During our De-cember 4 professional development day, teachers had focused team time to look at teaching strategies, assessments, and analyzing data. Many of our teachers got to work cross-district with teachers form both Kingston Middle School and North Kitsap High School. It was a full day of learning and collaboration.
Panther Happenings in December
A special thanks to our band and choir students for outstanding assemblies and evening concerts! It was a special treat to hear from all of our fabulous musicians. We are extremely grateful to Mrs. Gallant and Mr. Walder for their commit-ment to providing an exceptional music program!
Seventy-three students enjoyed a “Limo Lunch” thanks to their contributions to our ASB fundraiser.
We appreciate all the donations of winter clothes, toys, and non-perishable food to help “Fill the Bus” with donations going to a variety of local charities.
Seventh and eighth-grade choir students shared their gift of music to residents of Liberty Shores as well as those in Har-bor House, Montclair Park, Martha & Mary, and the Kitsap Mall in their community service field trips.
Important January Dates
Monday, January 4 — First day back from winter break
Monday, January 18 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, no school
Thursday, January 28 — Last day of first semester
Friday, January 29 — Secondary grading day, no school for middle and high school students
A sincere thank you for the support you provided both the school and our students during 2015!! It is a joy to spend time with your children as they mature and find success. I’m most impressed with their politeness using please, thank you, and show-ing kindness to their peers. It’s very rewarding to send good news!! Looking forward to the new year!
Sincerely,
Josh Emmons Principal
Education is the most powerful resource which you can use to change the world. ~ Nelson Mandela
FEBRUARY
1 Building Fun in Science Club 2:30-3:45pm
LEO Club 2:30-4pm
2 Building Fun in Science Club 2:30-3:45pm
Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Panther Knit & Stitching Club 2:30-4pm
Choir Retreat 2:30-4:45pm
3 Early release—Dismissal 1:35pm
Indie Game Development Group (red team) 1:40-3:00pm
4 Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Indie Game Development Group (blue team) 2:30-4:00pm
5 Yearbook Sales End
Winter Dance 2:30-4:00pm
8 Building Fun in Science 2:30-3:45pm
Art studio 2:30-4pm
Choir Retreat 2:30-4:45pm
PTA meeting in the library 5:30pm
Music Booster meeting 6pm
9 Choir Retreat 2:30-4:45pm
Building Fun in Science 2:30-3:45pm
Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Talent Show practice 2:30-4:45pm
10 Early release—Dismissal 1:35pm
Indie Game Development Group (red team) 1:40-3:00pm
11 Girls’ Basketball vs. Central Kitsap 3:30pm
Wrestling @ Central Kitsap 3:30pm (bus leaves 2:10pm)
Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Indie Game Development Group (blue team) 2:30-4:00pm
Talent Show practice 2:45-4:45pm
14 Valentines Day
12 Possible snow make-up day or no school
15 President’s Day-no school
16 Building Fun in Science 2:30-3:45pm
Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Panther Knit & Stitching Club 2:30-4pm
Talent Show practice 2:45-5:30pm
Spring Production Writers meeting in P-7 2:30-4pm
17 Early release—Dismissal 1:35pm
Indie Game Development Group (red team) 1:40-3:00pm
18 Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Indie Game Development Group (blue team) 2:30-4:00pm
Talent Show practice 2:45-5:30pm
19 Pep Assembly 2:00pm
Talent Show in NK Auditorium 7pm
22 Building Fun in Science 2:30-3:45pm
Art Studio 2:30-4pm
Spring Production meeting 2:30-4pm
23 Girls’ Basketball vs. Marcus Whitman 3:30pm
Wrestling @ Marcus Whitman 3:30 (bus leaves 2:00pm)
Building Fun in Science 2:30-3:45pm
Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Panther Knit & Stitching Club 2:30-4pm
24 Early release—Dismissal 1:35pm
Indie Game Development Group (red team) 1:40-3:00pm
25 Girls’ Basketball @ Klahowya 3:30pm (bus leaves 2:10pm)
Wrestling vs. Klahowya 3:30pm
Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Indie Game Development Group (blue team) 2:30-4:00pm
Spring Production 2:30-4pm
26 ASB Lock-in 2:30-8pm
29 Spring Production 2:30-4pm
JANUARY
4 Building Fun in Science Club 2:30-3:45pm
LEO Club 2:30-4pm
5 Building Fun in Science Club 2:30-3:45pm
Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Panther Knit & Stitching Club 2:30-4pm
6 NK Peace presentation for 8th grade during advisory in NK auditorium
Early release—Dismissal 1:35pm
Talent Show packets due
Indie Game Development Group (red team) 1:40-3:00pm
7 Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Indie Game Development Group (blue team) 2:30-4:00pm
11 Choir retreat 2:30-4:45pm
Building Fun in Science 2:30-3:45pm
Art studio 2:30-4pm
PTA meeting in the library 5:30pm
Music Booster meeting 6pm
12 Building Fun in Science 2:30-3:35pm
Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Panther Knit and Stitch 2:30-4pm
Talent Show auditions 2:45-4:45pm
13 NK Peace presentation for 7th grade during advisory in NK auditorium
Early release—Dismissal 1:35pm
Indie Game Development Group (red team) 1:40-3pm
14 Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Indie Game Development Group (blue team) 2:30-4pm
Talent Show auditions 2:45-4:45pm
Wrestling Parent Information meeting in P-8 6-7pm
15 MLK Assemblies (two assembly schedule)
Talent Show cast list posted
18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—No school for students
19 Building Fun in Science 2:30-3:45pm
Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Panther Knit and Stitch 2:30-4pm\
Talent show 1st rehearsel information meeting 2:45-4:45pm
20 ASB meeting 6:45am
NK Peace presentation for 6th grade during advisory in NK auditorium
Early release—Dismissal 1:35pm
Indie Game Development Group (red team) 1:40-3pm
1st turnout for Girls’ Basketball 2:45-4:45pm
1st turnout for Wrestling 2:45-4:45pm
21 Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Indie Game Development Group (blue team) 2:30-4pm
Talent Show practice (Group 1) 2:45-4:45pm
22 Talent Show practice (Group 2) 2:45-4:45pm
25 Yearbook sales open
Art studio 2:30-3:45pm
Building Fun in Science 2:30-3:45pm
Talent Show practice (Group 1) 2:45-4:45pm
26 Building Fun in Science 2:30-3:45pm
Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Panther Knit and Stitch 2:30-4pm
27 Early release—Dismissal 1:35pm
Indie Game Development Group (red team) 1:40-3pm
28 End of 2nd quarter
Indie Game Development Group (blue team) 2:30-4pm
Homework Club 2:30-4:45pm
Viking Jazz Festival
29 Secondary grading day-no school for students
Dates are subject to change
2
3
PTA Quick Notes!
Happy New Year Everyone! Hard to believe we are in the second part of our 2015-16 school year.
A Job Well Done and Then Some! Nominations are being accepted for an "Outstanding Volunteer" and "Outstanding Educator"
who have gone above and beyond at PMS for the Golden Acorn awards. Forms can be found in the main office or email me at
[email protected] for an electronic copy. The deadline to nominate is January 11. This is a great way to say thank you for
someone’s hard work and dedication - we have A LOT of great candidates, so feel free to nominate more than one!!
Get in the know! Why not star t the year off r ight with a PMS PTA Membership for only $12? Receive daily announcements
of what’s going on at PMS and what you may not be hearing form your kiddo! Contact our Membership Chair, Sarah Stuart, to sign
up at [email protected].
PMS Has Talent! Oh yes we do! Make sure to check out the talent show coming up February 20. It’s a great night out for
the whole family! Volunteers are needed to help with practices, ticket sales, props, provide snacks, etc. Call 360-396-3200 or email
[email protected] to help out.
Thanks once again - to those people who stepped up to give back to our teachers and staff during the December cookie exchange
coordinated by our Teacher Appreciate Chair, Jenny Ingram - good bites were had by all! Tina Johnston, Karen Hemmett, Amy
Groetsch, Susanna Leche, Ann Rhoads, Lisa Hoffman, Stephanie Pugh, Janean Moriarty, Paula Burchill, Stasie Pike, Carol
McClung, Andi Gowin, Jodi Fassett, Lina Jacobs, Lisa Logdahl, Daphne Jenkins, Julie Kelley, Tahnee Bollert, Diann Parmely,
Dianne Cole, Cristine Inklebarger, Melissa Rogers, Trish Jamrog, Amanda Trim, Sheri Deacon, Andrea Wagoner, Jody DeSalvo,
Deana Healy, Heather Shipp, Heidi Brislin and Tanya Gunnell.
You Brought it!! And another shout out to those students and teachers who donated items for the Fill the Bus. Awesome Job
People!!!!!
Have a happy 2016!!
Kelly Clark
PMS PTA President
All PTA members are encouraged to attend the PTA meetings. Voice your opinion, cast your vote, and educate yourself about the
school your child attends. Our next meeting is January 11. Hope to see you at the January meeting!
Microsoft Monday
Mr. Wasson is offering an after school
learning lab starting January 4, 2:35-4pm
in E-3. This lab is open to current students,
parents, and staff. Earn certifications and
training for your future. Parent permission
forms for students are available in the main
office.
ASB News
Happy New Year!, Panthers! Hope everyone had a relaxing break. Our spirit day, December 3, had a wonderful showing
of colorful, warm sweaters. This was followed up by an afternoon pep assembly where student enthusiasm was overwhelming.
The auditorium was packed for both the Choir and Band Winter Concerts. Finally, students who sold 15 or more items in the
cookie dough fundraiser were treated to a special limo lunch, December 15.
January is full of events! Talent show auditions are the second week of January. January 15 the students will be
attending the Martin Luther King, Jr. assembly. We have no school January 18, to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Wrestling and girls’ basketball try-outs begin mid-January. The end of the 1st semester is January 28. Get those grades up!
Yearbooks are for sale again during the last week of January and the first week of February. If you did not purchase yours
at the beginning of the year, this is a good time to do it.
We wishing you a successful new year, panthers!
ALERT
The weather and
temperatures can
change rapidly and
drastically this time
of year.
Remind your children to dress
appropriately during these
months!
Life's most persistent and urgent question is “What are you doing for others?” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
MORE FROM OUR PTA
Happy Holidays to our Panther Families! Remember, our next PTA meeting is January 11, Hope to see you there!
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NEED A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION? These are a few that are easy to keep!!!
1. If everyone at our school collected just one boxtop each week, we could raise over $2500???? This is money available to us without having to buy anything you don't already buy. Ask your family and neighbors, too! Just clip the
pink BOXTOPS FOR EDUCATION from the packages of cereal, soup, butter, tissues, Ziplock bags, etc. Have your child bring them
to school and drop them into the collection box in the library. And remember you can earn bonus boxtops for our school doing the
easy activities and contests online at btfe.com. In addition, remember to check there first when you shop at hundreds of online sellers.
Your purchase racks up bonus boxtops when you pay for your items. PLUS-students earns points towards the Class of the Year for
the boxtops, too!
2. When we all do a little bit, a lot gets done! Next time you see a request in the email to volunteer at school, step up, and just do it! It's a lovely way to stay involved in your child's
education. We have a variety of needs from supervision of after-school socials to monitoring the halls during statewide testing. From
time to time, there are requests for our Teacher Appreciation activities.
3. Information at your fingertips. Are you familiar with all that's available at the NKSchools.org website? There's this and next years’ school calendars,
supply lists, transportation information, updated grades through "Family Access", and lots more! Take advantage of this
easy way to contact your child's teachers--ask questions, check on homework assignments, or send a quick note of thanks.
Just click on "Schools," and use the drop down menu to Poulsbo Middle School. Then select 'Contact' and dropdown to
NKSD staff directory.
Winter came down to our home one night
Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow,
And we, we were children once again.
~Bill Morgan, Jr.
Do you have old Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls, hacky sacs, or volleyballs still in decent shape taking up space in your garage or closet
and they are no longer being used? Poulsbo Middle School can use these items for outside activities during the lunch/recess hour.
No Missing Assignments
Students with no missing assignments in all their
classes 2nd quarter are eligible to receive a special
treat from our PTA. No missing assignment forms will
be distributed to students at the beginning of the day
January 27. Completed forms are due to the main
office no later than January 28.
The next School Board meetings are
January 14, and January 28, 2016,
at 6pm in the
Board Room of the Student Support Center
18360 Caldart Ave NE, Poulsbo, WA
Class of the Year Standings
(as of 12/18/15)
First Place
6th grade with 1175 points
Second Place is a tie!
8th grade with 1050 points
and
7th grade with 1050 points
Love is the only force capable
of transferring an enemy into a friend.
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Need a little extra help?
Join Homework Club!
Homework Club meets Tuesday and Thursday
afternoons from 2:40 to 4:50pm in the Poulsbo
Middle School library. Students may pick up
parent permission forms in the main office.
7th and 8th Graders Can Apply for Scholarships NOW!!
Current 7th and 8th graders can apply for the College Bound
Scholarship now - in fact, students MUST apply before the
end of their 8th grade year.
This scholarship is finalized upon graduation from high school with at
least a C average. The funds can be used for tuition, books, etc. in
four-year colleges, community colleges, or vocational/technical
schools. Eligibility is based on family income levels: Contact the
counseling center for more information regarding income
guidelines and application forms. 360-396-3213
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Poulsbo Middle School
Student Talent show
Do you sing? How about play in a band? Juggle while riding a
unicycle? Do you dance the hula or ballet? Play the piano, violin or
kazoo? Are you a standup comedian? Would you like to perform your
talent in front of friends and family? Here is your opportunity!
Talent Show packets were handed out at the information meet-
ing held in December. Parent permission forms and information packets
are due to the main office no later than Friday, January 8.
The Poulsbo Middle School TALENT SHOW is February 19,
2016, in the NK Auditorium. Students will need to audition and should
be prepared to do so after school January 12 and January 14. If chosen to
perform, students will be given specific after school practice dates and
location.
Commitment, attendance, and respectful behavior are keys to
being a participant in the Talent Show. Failing to honor these mandatory
requirements could result in being dismissed from the practices and
performance.
PARENT/GUARDIAN
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Talent Show committee chairs need extra help from
parents/guardians (supervise kids during practices after school,
supervise backstage crew, sell tickets at school or at the door, help
with props, provide snacks and beverages, etc.).
. Please consider giving time in January and/or February
to help make this talent show a success Call 360-396-3200 or
email [email protected] if you are available to help.
Calling All Lost Books!
It seems as though the number of lost and missing
books is particularly high this year, and budget con-
straints are making it more difficult to replace them.
We are asking all parents and guardians to please
check around the house for any books with school or
NKSD barcodes on them, and return these to the
school. Thank you so much for helping to keep our
learning resources in the hands of our students.
Counseling Corner
Families who are in need of food, shelter, or other assistance over the holidays may contact any of the following agencies;
For general referral information to various agencies, dial 211 Salvation Army 360-373-5550 or 360-479-2695 Gateway Church 360-779-5517 Abraham's House 360-405-0488 North Kitsap Fishline 360-779-5190 Kitsap Transit bus tokens 1-800-501-7433 Stand Up for Kids (homeless and at-risk kids-food, weekend food, clothing) 360-204-0365 Free meal every Thursday night from 5:00-6:30pm at the 1st Lutheran Church of Poulsbo Free meal last Friday of the month from 5:00-7:00pm at the North Kitsap Baptist Church
Thank you! Thank you! Our Poulsbo Middle School staff was
overwhelmed with the generosity and
variety of holiday treats that were
provided by our wonderful PTA
parents December 16. It was such a “delicious” day!
21st Annual
Daddy-Daughter Dance
Saturday, February 6, 2016. Sign up
today at Poulsbo Parks and Recrea-
tion. For more information call 779-9898.The North Kitsap
School District does not sponsor this event and the North Kitsap School District assumes no responsibility for it. In
consideration of the privilege to distribute materials, the North Kitsap School District shall be held harmless from
any cause of action filed in any court or administrative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials,
including costs, attorney’s fees and judgments or awards.
Poulsbo Middle School Physical Education
Sportsmanship Award
Positive Attitude
Cooperation
Teamwork
Effort
Achievement
Once a month, a boy and girl from each grade level who have demonstrated the above
criteria are chosen by their instructors to receive the Sportsmanship Award. Individuals
recognized receive an award certificate and a t-shirt purchased by the Poulsbo Middle
School PTA. Their picture is also on display in the gymnasium during the year.
The following students received the Sportsmanship Award for the month of November:
6th grade: Aliya Palafox and Hayden Atkins
7th grade: Greta Mason-Todd and Jared Simons
8th grade: Jianna Jones and Nolan Patefield
The first turnout
for
Wrestling and Girls’ Basketball will be Wednesday, January 20, 2016.
Girls’ Basketball is a tryout sport open to all girls in grades 7 and 8.
Wrestling is open to both girls and boys grades 6 through 8.
All paperwork must be turned in to Mrs. Streicher before the first turnout.
Paperwork is available in the main office. IMPORTANT- Registration packets must include a completed, current physical form signed and dated by a medical
professional. ASB fees and any outstanding fines need to be paid by first turnout. If you have any questions, please contact Gayle Streicher, Athletic Secretary @ 360-396-3205.
6
Panther Wrestling The 2016 wrestling season will begin Wednesday,
January 20, 2016, promptly at 2:40pm in the
cafeteria. Practices will be held every day, Monday
through Friday, concluding at approximately 4:50. You will need PE type cloth-
ing (sweats, shorts, short and long sleeve shirts/sweatshirts/hoodies) and running shoes,
as well as wrestling shoes each day for practice. A parent meeting will be
held Thursday, January 14, at 6:00 pm in P-8 (portable 8). Plan on
attending as important information will be given
out pertaining to our season. All paperwork can be obtained from Mrs. Streicher in the main
office; including proof of a sports physical. ALL paperwork
needs to be turned in prior to January 20 for student athletes to
be eligible to participate. Please email either coach if you have
questions prior to our parent night. [email protected] or
All kids need is a little help, a little hope,
and somebody who believes in them.
~ Earvin “Magic” Johnson
3-on-3 Hip Hop Hoop
Shoot!
Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Kingston Middle School.
Divisions for boys and girls. Grades 3-8. To register or for more information call Poulsbo Parks and Recreation 779-9898. The North Kitsap School District does not sponsor this event and the North Kitsap School District
assumes no responsibility for it. In consideration of the privilege to distribute materials, the North
Kitsap School District shall be held harmless from any cause of action filed in any court or adminis-
trative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials, including costs, attorney’s fees and
Congratulations to our
Students of the Month
Teachers use the following criteria when selecting Students of the Month:
Character
Is dependable
Is well-organized
Maintains a positive attitude
Respects and follow agreements
Is respected by fellow students
Shows respect to peers and adults
Sets a good example for fellow students
Scholarship
Brings materials
Completes work on time
Assists fellow students in class
Maintains high standards at own academic
level
Leadership and Service
Assumes leadership roles in ASB, classroom
Leadership and service activities
Viewed by peers as leader
NOVEMBER
Sixth Grade:
Natalie Gough
Brissa Ramirez
Collin Pate
Cory Spadafore
Seventh Grade:
Shirlyn Shih
Alexandra Payne
Kai Tran
Ryan Anderson
Eighth Grade:
Genevieve Keller
Kymberly Turkowski
Austin Saurdiff
Jonathan Lopez-Sandoval
OCTOBER
Sixth Grade:
Aliyha Palafox
Lucy Wilkinson
Blake Shipp
Ethan Tanner
Seventh Grade:
Abby Pederson
Lilian Benge
Niko Watson
Tristan Derr
Eighth Grade:
Therese Gordon
Tea Hickerson
Ryan Messick
Andrew Shimek
The main office keeps snacks and spare
clothes (used, in good shape) in our office
for special situations.
If you are cleaning your child’s closet out,
we can use more:
Girl-style jeans in junior sizes 0-15 and
child sizes 8-14. Boys’ jeans (all sizes).
Athletic style pants (all sizes-either gen-
der)
Sweatshirts
Socks
Also, we can use some more individually
wrapped snacks, specifically;
Cheese crackers
Peanut butter/jelly crackers
Fruit snacks/rolls
Yogurt covered raisins/cranberries
Cup of soup
Wheat Thins, Teddy Grahams, saltines,
or plain crackers
Items can be dropped at the main office with
Mrs. Roberts. Thanks for all your help!!
What d
o s
now
man e
at fo
r lunch?
ASB Fundraising Success
Wouldn’t it be fantastic to ride in a limousine
all the time? One certainly thinks it would be, but alas,
many of us were not born a millionaire! However,
some of the students at Poulsbo Middle School were lucky enough to
earn a ride to lunch in a limo! Students had the chance to ride a limo to
lunch at Central Market by selling enough fundraiser items to earn the
prize. Students who sold 15 items or more won a free limo lunch day
paid for by the fundraising company 360 Fundraising. On Tuesday,
December 15, students rode to lunch in a Hummer limo. They had a
lunch of pizza and soda at the Central Market
meeting room. The lunch was delicious and kids
had fun riding in the limo with friends and lis-
tening to music. The fundraiser and limo ride
were a huge success, and we look forward to
doing it again next year! Iceberg
ers
!!!
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Poulsbo Middle School
Music Booster News January 2016
J anuary means it’s time for New Year’s Resolu-
tions! Maybe your child has resolved to in-
crease their practice time, or make better use of
the time they have available to practice. Here are
a few tips to improve your practice habits:
Routine is the key: practice at the same time
each day to ensure that practicing is automatic
instead of an afterthought.
Find a quiet place to work, away from other
responsibilities and distractions. Also set
yourself up for success by keeping the things
you need in a dedicated space. Your music,
music stand, pencils, erasers, instrument ac-
cessories, etc., should all be ready to go with-
out having to spend 10 minutes looking for
them.
Set up your apps: You can find free apps for
your phone, tablet, or laptop for so many of
the extras you’ll need: metronome, tuner,
quick recording software, and a stopwatch are
all available FOR FREE!!!
Don’t be afraid to spent time on difficult pas-
sages. Work the tough spots, a few measures
at a time; it’ll go a long way toward your suc-
cess!
W ow! We are so overwhelmed by your
generosity for the December Concerts
“Fill the Stocking” campaign!! $1,000 + was
raised during the band concert alone. We antic-
ipate being well on our way toward full funding
for our goal purchase of classroom recording
equipment. Final tallies will be available
soon...
U pcoming Dates:
January 11 - Bel Canto & Arioso Retreat,
PMS Choir room 2:35pm
January 11 - PMS Music Boosters Mtg., PMS Band/Choir Rooms, 6:30pm January 15 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Assemblies During School January 23 - “Guys Got to Sing” Choir Workshop (7th-8th grade men) Everett
Civic Auditorium, Everett, WA, All Day
January 30 - OMEA Regional MS/JH Honor Choir and Band Bainbridge Is HS
Thank You for Supporting Poulsbo Middle School Music! Booster Co-Presidents - Kelly Eckert & Paula Burchill
Booster Secretary - David Billings Booster Treasurer - Janean Moriarty sites.google.com/site/poulsbomusicboosters www.facebook.com/pages/PoulsboMiddleSchoolMusicBoosters
Making inferences promotes more productive reading By middle school, your child needs to do more than just read. She
needs to “read between the lines.” This skill - understanding a clear
idea that’s not specifically printed in the text - is called making an in-
ference.
Suppose a character gets soaked as he runs from his car to his
house. What inference can be made? It’s probably raining! Your
child can figure that out by thinking about what she read.
To make inferences, relate reading material to your child’s previous
knowledge. She might ask herself:
What’s different? For example, if your child reads about a “tiny dog,”
she might think of dogs that are large. Now she knows the dog is unlike-
ly to be a Great Dane or German Shepard.
Is it part of something? Imagine your child reads that a little girl “woke up
thinking about cake and icing.” Your child might guess that it is the girl’s
- or someone else’s - birthday.
What do I already know? If your child reads that “the bathroom looked
as if a seal had bathed in it,” she might picture a seal splashing. Then
she knows the bathroom is probably a mess.
Source: Ernestine G. Riggs and Ana Gil-Garcia, Helping Middle and High School Readers: Teaching and Learning
Strategies Across Curriculum, ISBN: 1-931762-02-3 (Educational Research Service, 1-800-791-9308, www.ers.org)
Helping Middle School Students Learn Tips Families Can Use to Help Students Do Better in School
Planning makes long-term projects
more manageable
From science projects to English essays, long-term
assignments' take careful planning: Remind your child
Break the project into smaller parts
Map out the due dates of every step
Check in with you. Nudge her back on track if
you spot trouble.
Give a lesson in respect
As a parent, part of your job is to teach your child
that real respect simply means treating other people
nicely. Tell your child to:
Be Kind to others-no matter what..
Speak in a way that shows he values the listener.
Listen. Be Polite. Do not interrupt. Do not use
rude body language, such as rolling your
eyes.Profanity and talking back are not respectful.as
he learns. Say, “What could you do to keep that
from happening again?” With enough practice, he’ll
succeed.
Source: M. Borba, Building Moral Intelligence, Jossey-Bass.
Motivate children with love
Many parents wonder how to motivate their middle
schoolers to succeed. The best way is surprisingly
simple: Offer love and support. To do this:
Enjoy plenty of time with your child
Express high expectations. new healthful activi-
ties. Praise your child’s good work
RESPECT
READING
North Kitsap School District
Help your child increase vocabulary The greater your child’s vocabulary, the more he will increase his reading comprehen-
sion and understanding of higher-level conversations-skills that will help him in high
school and beyond. Encourage your child to:
Read something beyond his comfort level. This is a great way to encounter new
words. It may help if he keeps a notebook close by as he reads so he can jot
down words he doesn’t know.
Talk with adults. Be careful not to “dothe talking for him” when he is around
adults. He’ll be learning important social skills while improving his vocabulary.
Look it up. The dictionary is one of your child’s most important tools. Keep
one handy-and if your child doesn’t know what a word means, tell him to crack
that dictionary open and find out!
Use the new words he learns when he speaks. Compliment him on his strong
vocabulary. Source: Eric Jensen, Student Success Secrets, ISBN: 0-8120-9488-3, Barron’s Educational Series.
VOCABULARY
MOTIVATION
PROJECTS
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MIDDLE SCHOOL 2003 NE Hostmark Street
Poulsbo, WA 98370
Home of Panther Pride!
NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE PAID
SILVERDALE, WA
PERMIT NO. 111
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North Kitsap School District 2015 NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The North Kitsap School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or
the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Questions or complaints of alleged discrimination can be directed to the district’s Title IX/RCW 28A.640
Compliance Officer Chris Willits, Assistant Superintendent, [email protected] (360) 396-3003 and /or the ADA and 504 Coordinator, Lori Kingery, Assistant Director of Special Education, [email protected] (360) 396-3072;
address - 18360 Caldart Ave NE, Poulsbo WA 98370.
REMINDER
For our students’ safety
Student drop off before and after school is in the
front loop of Poulsbo Middle School. Students
should not arrive at school prior to 7:30am.
Do you have any puzzles that you are not using or your
family has already put together? If so, the library would
love to have puzzles donated for students to put together
during their lunch break. Thanks so much!!
BE BRAVE-give things a go before saying NO. Have the oomph to put 100% effort in—otherwise it is a waste of your time, and you get nothing out of it. Remember you are an INDIVIDUAL with your own ideas—give yourself time to think about things differently –never aim to be the same! Make sure you do not shut your brain down-be OPEN to new ideas, opinions, and challenges-otherwise we do not GROW as a person Have something that keeps you going-even when things get difficult-have a goal! Have a reason for trying! Self esteem-believe in yourself. Success comes from failing and learning from your mistakes. Without confidence to try, we will go nowhere!
Bravery
Energy
Creativity
Openness
Motivation
Esteem
BECOME successful!!