1. POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
    1. Ontario Center, New York 14520
  2. Mar. 4 (Mon)   February Awards Ceremonies
  3. Mar. 6 (Wed)   11:40am PM Early Release
  4. Afternoon kindergarten will attend in morning
  5. morning kindergarten does not attend
  6. Mar. 9 (Sat)   Walworth Lions Club Spaghetti dinner
  7. DATE: February 14, 2002
  8. March, 2002
    1. VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.wayne.k12.ny.us


 
 
 
 
February 28, 2002
 
“Next to ingratitude, the most painful thing to bear is gratitude.” - - Henry Ward Beecher
 
 
Greetings from Wayne Central School District.
 
Below are some items of interest.
 


Newsletter:
 

1. Four County Legislative Breakfast – Four County is sponsoring a breakfast meeting on Saturday, March 9 (8:15 registration, 8:30 buffet, 9:00 meeting) with area legislators to discuss topics of high interest with area school districts including IDEA, school vouchers, and tuition tax credits. Among those attending will be Senator Randy Kuhl, Senator Mike Nozzolio, Assemblyman Robert Oaks, Assemblyman Brian Kolb and Assemblyman David Koon. We need to make a strong showing to voice our concerns particular with the fiscal issues facing all our schools today. Please let Lori know right away if you can attend.

 

2. Middle School Honors Recognition – Mr. Armocida and Mr. Shaffer invited students and their parents to a recognition breakfast honoring those who earned a first semester placement on the merit roll, honor roll and high honor roll or were selected for a special recognition award. They put together an outstanding program for each grade level which included guest speakers, a taped video spot from a local news station, certificates and a pin indicating their excellence and achievement in education. The MS PTA collaborated in funding and presenting this event. Mr. Armocida and Mr. Shaffer have worked very hard to create a sense of school pride and promote positive behaviors in our children.

 

3. Senior Trip – I have approved the high school senior trip to Chicago, Ill. The students will be traveling via motor coach from April 10 – 13. There are 70 seniors expected to participate and 8 chaperones. Their activities will include a Cubs’ baseball game, Chinatown, Sears Tower, John Hancock Observatory, Shedd’s Aquarium, the Navy Pier, Spirit of Chicago Dinner Cruise and the Magnificent Mile.

 

4. German-American Exchange Program – I have approved preliminary investigation into creating a German-American Student Exchange program for the 2002-2003 school year. This includes identifying a “sister school/city” and facilitating student exchanges. Mrs. Carolyn Straub, HS/MS German teacher is pursuing additional information.

 
 

5. OE Student – We had a student at Ontario Elementary school attempt to run away from the school property on Monday. The police were called to retrieve the student and the counselor was involved to attempt to identify the reasons why she ran away. Her teacher was aware that this child goes home to an empty house and the school was concerned that the child may attempt to run away again in her emotional state. The student was kept at school rather than put on the bus home while they attempted to reach her parents. The student was picked up from school within the hour.

 

6. Budget Process – Enclosed is a copy of the criteria shown at the Board meeting. We will use it as we reduce the budget to the 4% - 10% range suggested. Greg, Larry and I have met with the High School, District Office, Transportation and Maintenance Administration. We will finish meeting with our administrative team next week and bring a list of considerations to council at our next meeting. This process has been difficult as the “easy” cuts had to be made the last two years.

 

7. HS Musical – The High School Musical will be held Friday and Saturday, March 8th and 9th. This year’s musical is “The Pajama Game” directed by Bob Biviano. Please let me know if and when you are interested in attending and I will arrange for your tickets. The school will be hosting a special performance for our senior citizens on Wednesday, March 6 which includes a dinner following the show.

 

8. WFL BOCES - Dr. Marinelli has announced that he will be recommending Keith Henry to the position of BOCES Assistant Superintendent/Administration starting July 1. Keith is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Business at North Rose-Wolcott Central School District.

 

9. Walworth Town Park – The Walworth Town Board is considering allowing alcohol in their town parks. It is my understanding that no other Wayne County Town Park allows this. A Board member asked about the possibility of coming to a town meeting and expressing my opposition to the new rule. I talked to Frank Guelli, expressing my concern. I asked him if he needed or desired my assistance on this issue. He felt he had it under control and felt the pressence of a school person who does not live in Walworth might actually be seen as a negative. Given my desire to continue building good relations between the school and town, I decided I would not speak before the Board. Frank does, however, understand my concern about having alcohol and recreation activities going on at the same time.

 

10. BOCES Computer Drops – A question arose at the Board meeting about the number of computer drops we have in the BOCES classrooms at the High School. There was concern that classrooms had only one computer. BOCES has 6 drops and computers in the rooms in question. In addition, they have a second port that could be used if requested. There have been no requests to date. Also, there are sufficient hubs at the elementary.

 

11. Math Results – Please see the enclosed note from Kathy Emison about our student math results. We should be very proud of these students.
12. Events -

March 1-2 – Elementary All-County Music Festival @ Newark
March 4-8th – NYS 8th Grade ELA Exams
March 6 – Staff Development Day – half-day session
March 6 – Red Ribbon Committee Meeting – FE – 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
March 7 – Foreign Language Desserts Evening – MS Cafetorium – 7:30 p.m.
March 8-9th – High School Musical – Performing Arts Center – 8:00 p.m.
March 11 – HS PTSA – High School – 7:00 p.m.
March 12 – OP/OE PTA – Ontario Elementary School – 3:30-5:30 p.m.
March 15-16 – Jr. Sr. High All County Instrumental Music Festival @ Pal-Mac
 
Athletics:
March 1 & 2 - State Wrestling Championships - Syracuse - Onondaga War Memorial
(Wayne Varsity Wrestler Mike Patterson will be competing)


 Spring sports have not begun yet.
 

13. Correspondence:


a.   Recommended Budget Priorities


b.   Kathy Emison memo re: Math Test Results

c. Ontario PRIMARY Newsletter

d. Policy Committee Meeting Minutes


e.   Freewill March Newsletter


f.   Safety Committee Meeting Minutes


g.   Middle School Newsletter


h.   High School Newsletter
 

 

Att. a

 
 

 
Budget
 
UNTOUCHABLES: Program will not be eliminated although it could be modified or presented in a more efficient manner.
 
 
 

· CDEP Goals:

ELA
Math
Suspension rate
Graduation rate

· Core area teaching
· State mandated programs
· Teaching literacy

 
 
 
PRIORITY AREAS: We will strive to maintain as many of these areas as possible:
 
 

 

 

· High student participation programs
· Student oriented areas have priority over adult orientation
· Health and safety issues
· Clean and inviting facilities
· Maintenance of existing facilities
ü Technology for instruction and infrastructure
· Successful programs
· Programs with a high cost benefit ratio
ü Need to consider student to teacher ratio
· Community interest and support

 

Att. b

 
 
To:  Havens, Michael
From: Emison, Kathy
Sent:  Wednesday, February 27, 2002 8:24
 
 
The results of the American High School Math exam are in. 42 of Wayne's
finest math students took this test on Feb 12th. We are very proud to announce
that two of our students scored well enough to proceed in the competition
to identify the best math students in the US. Congratulations to John Britt and Ben
Palmer! ! They will face another exam on March 26th.
 
Just missing the chance to advance were Oliver Zufelt, Todd LaPietra, Alex Moeller,
Nick James, Tim Russell and Nick Zufelt. Wayne Central's standing nation wide is very
commendable, thanks to our bright, enthusiastic math students.
 
 
Kathy Emison

                    
Att. c
ONTARIO PRIMARY SCHOOL March 2002 Mr. Robert LaRuche: PRINCIPAL
MARCH NEWSLETTER
Direct Phone Numbers: Main Office - 524-0276 Nurse (Mrs. Petrosino) - 524-0281
§ (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
DATES TO REMEMBER:
March 1
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS
March 6
- Early Dismissal @ 11:25 AM
 
PM/K in AM
                                                                                                                                                                   
March 13
- Superintendent's Conference Day
SCHOOL CLOSED
- Board of Education Meeting 7:30 - MS Library
March 20
- Kindergarten Trip to Planetarium; All K in AM
March 27
- Board of Education Meeting 7:30 - MS Library
March 23
- PTA Roller Skating Party for grades K-5
1:00-3:00 p.m. - M.S. Gym
Coming Events
April 3 & April 5
- Kindergarten Only Parent/Teacher conferences
AM Kindergarten attends in the AM
PM Kindergarten does not attend
April 9 & April 11
- K-2 Parent/Teacher conferences
AM Kindergarten does not attend

               PM Kindergarten attends in the AM
 

                       
STAR RULES
HOORAY THEMES                      (former Good Citizen themes)
Yellow - Hands to Home
Cooperation - Be cooperative with adults
Green - Ten Legs on the Floor
Shining Star - Be a leader and set a good example
Blue - Empty Mouth
Friendship - Be a kind, helpful, cooperative friend
Orange - Raise Hand to be Noticed
   Be A Learner - Be a good learner and try your best
Pink - Mistakes Are Okay, We Just
Tender Heart - Be a caring person
Have to Correct Them

 
 
From the Principal......
 
Dear Parents,
 
March is upon us, the school year is flying by. Each day we get a few more moments of daylight and with that comes spring fever. March Madness, Maple Syrup, snow storms, St. Patrick's Day and other images are associated with March. Even though we had a mild winter, Spring is always a welcome event.
 
On Friday March 1st, we are celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss. We have guest readers reading to our children and a Rochester Rhino. This event starts our month long reading event, "Fill up on reading".
 
The first day of spring is the 20th and with thoughts of spring comes the process of student placement for next year.
 
We work very hard to provide children with a positive placement. Our entire staff considers factors such as a child's learning style, abilities, personal strengths and growth areas. If you would like to provide me with further input after communicating with your child's teacher, please put your information in writing - remember we don't honor requests for specific teachers.
 
Next year we will have traditional, multi-age and looping classrooms.
 
As always, I look forward to the continued communication between home and school. Stop in or call whenever you would like to.
 
Robert C. LaRuche
 

SPECIALS CORNER
 
Music
 

Animals, Animals, everywhere! Our Kindergarten musicians will be celebrating Music In Our Schools Month by singing about animals! Our animal unit will include folk songs from many countries and cultures, and we will explore the different sounds and voices of animals. How many songs about animals can you name?
 
 March is special for our First Grade students, as we prepare for our co-curricular instrument- making project. Thank you to everyone who brought in all those Pringles cans! In art class the students will complete the outside of the instrument and in music class we will be   experiencing different sounds made by different filling materials. Each child will choose the material that they like best. When the instruments are complete they will be used to accompany songs from the Native American culture. Look for these projects to come home at the end of March.
 
 I hope everyone enjoyed their second grade recorder player! Please encourage your child to practice with a gentle, whisper air stream. This will prevent those high, shrill sounds that are not so pleasant! The recorders will come home again at the end of March with new notes and song-sheets.
                       Mrs. Melnick
 
Physical Education
 
We are pleased to inform you of a successful conclusion to the gymnastics unit, as well as the Throwing and Catching unit. The students should be proud of their body control and management.
 
March starts the beginning of our basketball lead-up activities, as well as the soccer skills
lead-up.
 
Throwing and catching skills will continue to be taught in isolation and integrated to game like situations. We emphasize the importance of looking at the object to be caught and using the body to absorb the force of the oncoming object. The throwing expectations include one-handed throwing with the opposite foot step, both from overhand and underhand positions. We use the word “OPPOSITION” with the students to reinforce exactly what is to be learned. To increase the students’ confidence, we would encourage practice at home as this is where we find the students having the most trouble.
 
As always, Please feel free to stop in or call at any time.
Pat Yates
Dan Harris

SPECIALS CORNER (continued)

 
                                                             Art    
 
The Kindergartners are busy painting and drawing as they continue to work on improving their fine motor skills. A flock of winter birds will be flying around a bird feeder for our March painting. We hope you can spot the cardinals and the blue jays!
 
The First Graders will be taking a closer look at a poster that is hanging in the art room called, How Are You Feeling Today? It contains some great cartoon expression that they will be trying to draw as they create their own collection of funny faces. The first comic strip was published in the United States in 1897. The Sunday comics are a great place to look for funny face ideas. Patricia Polacco’s story, Rechenka’s Eggs is inspiring the First Graders to try their own version of a Pysanky (pih-SAHN-kee) egg. In the story, Babushka makes pysanky eggs for the spring festival in Moscow. We will be looking at many traditional Ukrainian symbols when making our spring eggs. Patricia Polacco has a great web site to visit http://www.patriciapolacco.com , where you can see her writing books and illustrating new stories at her studio in Michigan.
 
 The Second graders have been learning about the famous artist Georgia O’Keeffe. She paints landscapes, but in her own unique way very big and close up! One of the second graders said, “It looks like she is using a zoom lens on her subject!” A great description! The students are creating big landscapes on 24” x 36” paper like Georgia O’Keeffe. They are painting big “so everyone would notice and see”. The students learned a lot about the life of O’Keeffe from listening to the book; My Name is Georgia by Jeanette Winter.
 
         Mrs. Patrice Ott
 

Library

 
Students in grades K, 1, and 2 are working hard on their centers. The first group has finished their time at the computer (although they are coming in a recess if they so choose) and the second group will begin this week. We now have plenty of cardboard and bottle caps. Thank you for sending in all the extra pieces. When students have finished making their game they will try playing it with a friend. Then we will look at what the students learned from the project.
 
Classes in Second Grade will also take stock of what they have learned this year and what more they would like to learn from a list they dictated in September. First Grade will learn to look for books on the shelves after they find what they want on the “computer catalog.” In Kindergarten we will talk about why we like or do not like books. As always, students will be required to give a reason based on something in the story.
 
Miss Jorgensen
 
 

 
Health Office

 
As many of you have experienced there has been many illnesses at OP. It has come in many forms. Vomiting, nausea, body aches, headaches, strep throat, otits media, and fevers, among other illnesses. Just a reminder again, please keep your child home if they have been ill for 24 hours. This means fever free for 24 hours. If your child has strep throat I can not reinforce enough that the student stays home for at least 24 hours to receive antibiotics. The child must be receiving antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school.
 
Thank you to those who have remembered to use the answer machine to call your little one in ill. Just a reminder it is state mandated to send in a written note stating your child’s reason for absence.
 
The nurse practitioner will be here again on March 28, 2002. For the girls who will be getting a school physical please have them wear pants and a top as it makes it easier for them. If a parent would like to be here during the physical please give me a call.
 
           Mrs. D. Petrosino, R.N.
            524-0281
 
 

 
Counselor’s Corner – Lori Sensenbach
 
How many of you have sweatshirts or jackets emblazoned with the name of your favorite team? Isn't it fun on Superbowl Sunday or during the World Series to get them out and show them off? They create a topic for discussion at work or in the grocery store. When we wear them, we feel like we are part of a group, and we love to show our enthusiasm for our team.
 
Here at OP, many of us have denim shirts with the words "Ontario Primary Staff" on them. They are not uniforms required by the district, but rather something we like to put on for special school celebrations or Fridays. I like the feeling of being part of the group, knowing that this is where my friends are and that we have common interests.
 
That desire to feel like we belong, that we are connected with others is a natural yearning. Some of us are more outgoing than others, and many of us like our "alone time," but we all have a basic need to belong to something whether it be our family, our school, our motorcycle club, our church, or our circle of friends. One of the worst feelings in the world is lonely.
 
So we formally or informally join groups which may be good or not so good for us. The connections we make may challenge us to be better people and give us the support we need when we need help. They may also drag us down. We may not make the best choices if those in our group are not. The struggle to find that place of belonging is especially evident with middle and high school students. They may join band or soccer or art club. They may associate with a particular clique or gang. For some kids, it's easy. For others, it's more difficult. Studies of gang behavior show that those individuals who join gangs are those who have not found a connection elsewhere and want to belong.
 
At the primary level, children are moving from the parallel or side-by-side play to the social interaction stage. They will start to identify with a group. It may be with the quieter kids, or it may be with the more boisterous, more active children. Thoughts and questions are constantly going through their heads. "If I laugh at Jimmy when he is silly, will the other kids like me?" If I'm not a good reader, will Lindsey still be my friend?"
 
So how do we as parents help our children form those connections and feel like they belong? The following are just a few suggestions. You probably have many others.

· Encourage your child to invite a friend over to play.
· Sign your child up for scouts, dance, recreational activities being careful not to overwhelm your child or yourself.
· Attend school events with them and get excited about those activities.
· Buy them an OP shirt or dress them in blue and gold on special days such as Winter Fun Day or Hooray Assemblies.
· Discuss the monthly newsletter with your child to determine what events you might attend together such as concerts, ball games, etc.
· Model your own interests and join a group yourself.
· Attend other community events.

 
 

 
 
The students at Ontario Primary have spent the past month practicing the skills associated with cooperation and honesty. The following students were honored at the February 15th HOORAY assembly:
 
Mrs. Casey’s AM : Julia Dombrowski, Nicolas Martin, Mason ReQua, Katerina Szylo.
Mrs. Casey PM; Jacob Boone, Garrett Moore, Jessica Sofia, Lucas Wilkinson.
Mrs. Groff AM: Justin Cohan, Cory Hasenauer, Will Wemesfelder, Sarah Weyman, Ryan Woodard
Mrs. Groff PM: Chanel Chartrand, Thomas Goebel, Sarah Hooker, Rebecca Patti, Zachary Sharrow.
Mrs. Hennessy: Lindsay Bryant, Richard Davis, Amanda Krause, Alexis Melenbacher
Miss Fafinski AM: Ricahrd Deanda, Kyle Gallo, Bryan Lantry, Emily Nesbitt, Natalie Wagner.
Miss Fafinski PM: Javier Hernendez, Austin Maitland, Brittany Patton, Ashley Wallace.
Mrs. Golden-Gulino: Wiley Brown
Mrs. Herbst: Alane Brunschweiger, Leeanna Rice, Samantha Sewilo, Brandon Sutton, Allan Venor, Alex Wemesfelder.
Mrs. Hyde: Ana Celorio, Narak Spencer, Amber Whittemore, Jordan Busse
Mrs. Nail: Anthony Fargnoli, Danielle Santiago, Seth Wood.
Mrs. Morton: Lindsay Brewer, Jennifer Desiato, Cody Herman, Derek LaFave
Mrs. Shearer: Quinn Hennessy, Wesley Jock, Holly Kashmer, Brittany Maggio, Brittany Saba,
Mrs. Thomas: Anneke Blignaut, Cassidy Corts, Katiana Hernandez, Taylor McCulloch, Daniel Perotti.
Mr. Thomson: Kayla Connolly, Breanna Crane, Alexandra Ferreira, Ricardo Mastordonato, Cody Minwell, Jacob Re Qua, Mitchell Shove, Ian Stead, Ana Leibert
Mrs. Hastings: Eric Bradbury, Briana Mitchell, Tauri Morgillo, Jesse Nesbitt.
Mrs. Dietrich: Dana Berg, Ryan Smith, Collin Stirpe.
Mrs. Beach: William Durow, Micah Gallo, Kristopher Graham, Zachary Kosachook, Steward Malkowski.
Mrs. Harder: Shane Hubright, Jesse Leone
Mrs. Drexler: Christopher DiNoto, Jennifer Dombrowski, Kaitlyn Graniero, Hailey Hanlon, Kailyn VanSlyke.
Mrs. Coomber: Nicholas Acquilano, Elizabeth Arnold, Adam Crumb, Nicole Foster, Joshua O’Dell, Christie Patti, Sarah Legler
 
Next month the children will be practicing the skills to become better learners. Listening and following directions, asking for help, trying when it is hard and not giving up will be stressed.
 

Att. D
 

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POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

 

DATE: Thursday, February 12, 2002 TIME: 4:00 p.m. PLACE: District Office

 
PRESENT:     Trustees Triou & Ratcliffe, Mr. Havens, Mr. Switzer ABSENT: Trustee Lyke
GUEST:  Nancy Hans, Erie #1 BOCES Policy Service  
 
PRIOR MEETING MINUTES: Minutes of January 3, 2002 were filed as presented.
 
NEW BUSINESS: 
 
Erie #1 BOCES Policy Update: Mrs. Hans attended today’s meeting to continue review with committee members their comments & suggestions after reading the first draft new §5000 & §6000 of the policy handbook.
 
The process will continue at the meeting with Mrs. Hans in March.
 

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, March 12, 2002 @ 4:00 p.m. @ the District Office (w/ Mrs. Hans)
 
NEXT MEETING AGENDA ITEMS: 
● Updates/Visit: Erie #1 BOCES, Policy Update, new §7000 & §8000 & Follow-Up from February 12th 
 
FUTURE MEETING AGENDA ITEMS:
● Discussion on: Staff Feedback on §5300.1 to §5300.12 & Annual Review of §5000 (Existing Policy)
● Discussion of: Annual Review of §3000 & §4000 (existing policy)
● Status Report: Review of Needed Regulations (existing policy)
 
ADJOURNMENT:     6:00 p.m.             Recorded by Jim Switzer
 
JES/jes:wp
 
 

Att. e

 

FOCUS ON FREEWILL

 

 
March 2002

 
Freewill Elementary School
Wayne Central School District, P.O. Box 155



Ontario Center, New York 14520
 

OFFICE (7:45 am-3:45pm) 524-0285
NURSE (8:00 am-3:30pm) 524-0287

 
     
Mar. 1 (Fri)      5th grade All County to Newark
 
Mar. 2 (Sat)      Roller Skating sponsored by the Parent Group
       1:00 – 2:30 PM (K,1,2)
       2:45 – 4:15 PM (3,4,5)
 

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Mar. 4 (Mon)      February Awards Ceremonies
 

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Mar. 6  (Wed)      11:40am PM Early Release

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Afternoon kindergarten will attend in morning

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morning kindergarten does not attend
 

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Mar. 9 (Sat)      Walworth Lions Club Spaghetti dinner
 
Mar. 11-15      Girl Scout week
 
Mar. 13 (Wed)    Superintendent Conference Day – students do not attend
       7:30 Board of Education Meeting – HS
 
Mar. 15 (Fri)      Candy pickup – small gym  
 
Mar. 27 (Wed)    7:30pm Board of Education Meeting - HS  
 
Mar. 29 (Fri)      No school

 
 
 

CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH – HEALTHFUL LIFESTYLE

 

Att. f

TO:    Safety Committee Members:
Fred Prince - Transportation
Maureen Doyle – MS, PE
Tom Lucieer – OE, Maintenance
   Bob Pearles - DO, Administration            
Darcy Petrosino – OP, Health Office
   Lori Sensenbach – OP, SCRIP
   Bob Magin – FE, Instructional
   Kathleen DeGoey – HS, Instructional
FROM:  Don Davis – Committee Chairperson (Dir. of Facilities)
RE:    Meeting Minutes

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DATE:  February 14, 2002
 

This is a summary of today’s Safety Committee meeting:
 

1. Student and staff accidents were insignificant.
2. I scheduled a number of Right-to-Know refresher sessions for district staff. I highlighted some emergency procedures, discussed the importance of pre-planning, and encouraged staff to be sure they have current phone numbers and addresses on file for themselves and students. I have completed all sessions except for staff at Middle School and Freewill Elementary. These will be completed within the next few weeks.

 
New Business:

1. During one of the Right-to-Know sessions, an employee expressed concern about the presence of germs on computer keyboards and what disinfectant could be used. I have been checking into this. Technology staff had a concern about the potential of gumming up the keys on the keyboards. Also, for cleansers to remove the letters from the keys. I have checked into this and a method used in the computer lab at OE is to lightly spray a cloth with disinfectant and wipe down the keyboard. This procedure has worked well thus far without any negative effects.

 

2. Lori Sensenbach questioned the recent school bus accident and asked if the SCRIP procedures were implemented to communicate this accident to various district staff. This is especially necessary when the passengers on a bus may come from a variety of our school buildings. I will follow-up to see if that happened.

 
 
I have scheduled the next Safety Committee meeting for Thursday, May 9th. I will plan to continue offering AM and PM sessions.
 

Xc: Michael Havens
Greg Atseff

 

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March, 2002


 
Thomas C. Armstrong Middle School Newsletter
 



VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.wayne.k12.ny.us

 

 
 
 

Dear Parents and Students:
 
Our first semester has brought forth excellent news concerning our students and their achievements. Second quarter high honor, honor and merit rolls indicate that a high percentage of our students are taking their academics seriously. They understand and accept that learning is important. I would like to commend all of our students who consistently strive to be the best that they can be. We appreciate the parental support from home and realize that a positive and supportive home environment is essential to student success.
 
Recently, I have come across a number of articles that support the theory that a child’s education begins at home. We at Armstrong Middle School would agree that parental support is vital if we are going to be successful in educating all children. Students must be willing and able to work each and every day! This means they must pay attention in class, accept responsibility for assignments, stay after school for additional help, and persevere when the going gets tough. Regrettably, this is not the case with all students at our school. Too many are taking the easy way out by doing the minimum or less. Poor student performance is tied to the attitude they should pick and choose whether they want to learn and be successful. Please help us to help your child by making school their top priority. Together we will be able to provide them with an environment that will allow them to excel; physically, emotionally, and academically. The staff at Armstrong is ready to help you in anyway possible. Thank you for your support.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Robert C. Armocida
Principal
 
 

 
 
When March winds blow, our sixth grade science students will know just how fast! We will be studying weather factors, including wind, humidity, temperature and air pressure. If you have some instruments at home, now is a good opportunity to take some time with your child to start a weather watch. This month is a good one for studying weather since it is so changeable.
Social Studies classes are in the beautiful Mediterranean area of Ancient Greece. The people who gave us the idea of democracy, life-like statues, and war strategies that modern armies still study. Parents, it is important that you regularly see your child’s notebook and homework. Let us all work together and strive for organized, neat, and complete work. Encourage your child to study notes on a daily basis.
 
ELA students have begun the next unit “survival”. The students will continue to work on identifying literary elements in novels and short stories. In this unit the novels The Cay, Julia of the Wolves and Holes will be studied. Not all students will be studying the same novel at the same time. We will also continue to work on writing paragraphs and grammar.
 
Please check with your child to make sure they have all their supplies. Many students are coming to class without pens, pencils, etc. Continue to encourage your child to read! Remember all sixth grade students are expected to complete 25 books by the end of the year.
 
Math students are currently working through chapter 5, a unit on number patterns, fractions, and ratios. After February break, classes will be completing a short factor tree project. Other topics that will be taught include mixed numbers, improper fractions, multiples, and ordering fractions. Students are encouraged to continue practicing basic multiplication facts.
 

 
 

Local students participated in Science Olympiad Invitational Tournament at University of Delaware. The Science Olympiad Team from Armstrong Middle School won tenth place out of a field of 58 teams from across the nation. The group earned eight medals for excellence in a variety of events testing their knowledge of science and technology.
 
Some 1800 high school and middle school students from across the nation participated in the two-day event hosted by DuPont and University of Delaware. Twenty-eight competitions included such activities as:
 

· Mission Possible which involves the construction of a Rube Goldberg-like de -vice to accomplish a specific task.
· Battery Buggy in which teams must construct a battery-powered vehicle to traverse a specific course.
· Aside from technology events, other events tested knowledge in the areas of Life, Physical and Earth Science.

 
The following students received medals for their fine performance. Randy Mason and Greg Reid received third place for their battery buggy. Mike Bodak and Mike Adams received fifth for bridge building. Jeni Adams and Lindsay Galan received fourth for dynamic planet. Mike Bodak, Rob Coward and Bryan Bobo received second for pentathlon. Zac Ruetz and Zack Halloran received fifth for compute this. Rick Rolon and Mike Adams received third for sounds of music. Zac Ruetz and John Hassler received third for storming the castle.
 
In addition to the competition, the Invitational included an opening ceremony featuring a parade of participants and a keynote address by a NASA scientist.
 
The Science Olympiad is a national organization dedicated to improving science education by fostering passion among students, creating links between private enterprise and schools, improving curriculum and providing recognition for scientific achievement.
 
Armstrong Middle School earned its place in attending the competition as regional champion over the last three years. Last year, the team tied for second place in the state middle school competition at New Paltz, NY. Of three schools in New York State, they were the only upstate school invited to participate in the competition.
 

 
 

Students have completed their first Document Based Question (DBQ) essay. The DBQ is a key component of the New York State eighth grade social studies exam. Students were first introduced to this type of essay in seventh grade. Overall, this previous experience was evident in their performance. Most students proved that they understand the elements their essay must contain in order to meet the state requirement. We will continue to practice DBQ’s for the remainder of the year. In addition to DBQ work, students have finished their study of Industrialization. Topics learned include mass production, immigration and child labor. Hopefully, students have gained an appreciation for the difficulties immigrants and children faced in the early 1900’s. Students will soon begin to study the role the U.S. played around the world in the early 1900’s, acquisition of territory by the U.S., the women’s suffrage movement, the growth of labor unions and World War I.
 

 

 
 
You may have already received a letter sent home via your student telling you about Foreign Language week March 4th – 8th. There will be activities for students during and after school. Dessert Evening, Thursday, March 7th at 7:00 p.m.; is especially for the entire family. Bring a foreign dessert and enjoy sampling everyone else’s creations! Watch the German dancers, or even try it yourself. Encourage your student to participate in the Language Bowl after-school activity, pitting their team’s knowledge of foreign languages, geography, and culture against that of other teams of students. Students may earn extra credit for the marking period through participation in these activities, as well as completion of a cultural project.
 
This winter has seemed long, and we find many students afflicted with “seasonal schoolwork disorder”, which has manifested itself in a lack of effort on homework and less effective and/or less serious preparation for tests. If this is of concern to you, ask your student to request a self-assessment questionnaire from his or her teacher; complete it together to identify problem areas and brainstorm solutions.
 

 
 
Evan Brunner spoke at our Commended Student Breakfast on Thursday, February 28th.
Evan is a 1998 Wayne graduate. He is majoring in Computer Engineering at RIT. These were his words of encouragement for our students:
 
“My mom is here today, if she’s not choked up when this is over, we’ll all have to applaud her.
 
I’ve learned many things in life. I wish I could share these things, but if knowledge could simply be poured into your mind through a sweet syrup of words, then we would never be able to live life for ourselves.
Life is a series of challenges punctuated by rewards. Everyday something new, maybe meager, or perhaps overwhelming, will stop you in your tracks and ask you to make a decision.
All convinced of our own genius, in making these decisions we attempt to balance reason with the urge to find satisfaction in everything we do.
The fact that temptation can overcome reason makes us vulnerable, this is what makes us human, and what makes life exciting!
The fact that failure is possible keeps us in check, always making us lean towards caution. Generally however, risk carries with it, the fruit of greater rewards.
I was on break. I had let temptation completely overcome reason and was trying to live what I thought to be a completely satisfying life. Spending unreasonable amounts of time with my friends and indulging myself in complete irresponsibility. I did not take care of myself, and as a result, my body gave up on me at a very inconvenient moment in time.
I failed, or so at first it would seem.
Instead, now I’ve become a symbol. Some of my friends see what happened to me as some sort of miraculous event, proof in itself that God truly exists. Others see me as an individual who has overturned major obstacles against all odds. Either way, they choose to see me. To them I am an inspiration.
What these people don’t realize is that their faith in me is my own inspiration. I draw my strength from the love that is around me in the eyes of my friends, and in the arms of my family.
Their faith in me, and a new lease on life, has lead me to see many things in a drastically new perspective.
Beauty is truly inherent in everything.
Friendship is invaluable.
Life isn’t yours to keep.
I don’t mean to be morbid, but yes it’s true, life isn’t yours to keep. You’re only going to be here for a bit and you don’t know when you’ll lose it.
If you can accept this you’ll be able to realize why you cannot accept failure as an end. Failure will teach you better than any book or teacher how to react better in the future.
What you learn may be invaluable to success, you’ll be better prepared to handle what may be thrown your way the next time.
Failure can drain you, but all you need to remember is to look up once and awhile to see the people who are watching you. These are the people who love you, and in them you will always find rejuvenation.
In summary, you’ve got one shot at this. What you’ve got, is what you’re going to get, learn to appreciate it, so many people don’t have nearly what you do. My advice to you, don't ever settle, tear into every opportunity you feel you need to pursue. And above all, enjoy the ride and the people around you.
In your life you will have friends, as you can’t possibly understand now, these will be the people you live with, the people that become a new sort of family in college.
That which ultimately led to my down fall also lead to my own resurrection.
You will not succeed in life alone.
They believe that I can do these things and the further I succeed the more obligated I feel not to let them down.
Friends are beautiful things.


 
People around you will carry you through life. The theme seems to be; we don’t know what life is about, we don’t have control, the outcomes are many, and what will be, will be. I don’t accept that in my life, so though I enjoyed the movie, I don’t accept its premise”.

 
 
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Bob Armocida, Sylvia Hungerford, Tom Brandt and Rick Massie, the Middle School has added several birdfeeders to the courtyard. A smorgasbord of feed consists of black striped sunflower seeds, supreme mix, thistle seed and suet cakes. We are hoping to attract many different types of birds for the enjoyment of student and staff alike.
 
 

 
 
March 2 Read Across America Day
March 5 ELA Exams
March 6 ELA Exams – ½ Day
March 13 Schools Closed/Supt. Conf. Day
March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
March 19 6:00 – 6:30 – PTA Meeting
March 20 First Day of Spring
March 28 Third Marking Period Ends
March 29 Schools Closed/Good Friday
 


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