March 2010 Volume 17 Issue 3
Tracks The Principal’s Pen From the desk of Gayle W. Westbrook, Ph.D.
Special Points of Interest
Dear Parents, Students, and Supporters, The 2009-2010 school year is almost over. FCAT has been sent in for scoring; 3 nine weeks have passed and the final grading period has begun. It has been a good year. In all activities and every athletic event, MMS Bullpups have come in first, on top, and received highest accolades. Our academic bowl team has been practicing for this month’s competition. 8th grade students will visit Chipola this week for a viewing of Jazzmatazz; 7th graders are slated to participate in a field trip to the Florida Caverns as part of the Groundwater Project in which Mr. Kenny Hamilton participates. This year’s 6th graders will soon give up their role as the youngest on campus. Riverside Elementary’s 5th graders will be visiting for their annual orientation on April 16. And, for all students, the school carnival sponsored by the VIP’s is scheduled for April 30th. At MMS every day is a busy one. We urge you to help us with any of these projects that involve your child and, especially, to support the carnival which is the only fundraising project that involves the entire school. The event gets bigger and better each year and our students really enjoy this short break from academic classes.
•
VIP Spring Carnival
•
AR Fieldtrip
•
Tropicana Speech Winners
•
Literature Activities
•
Band News
•
Baseball Perfect Season
•
2010-2011 Cheerleaders
•
Volleyball Team
•
Athletic Announcements
•
Academic Bowl Info
Parents, this is a crucial time for checking on your student’s progress. You may do so online; if you need assistance with this, please call the guidance office at 482-9609, ext 235. Though some students may report otherwise, the academic program is ongoing and completion of work is VERY important. You probably already know that each student must now earn a passing grade in prescribed courses in order to complete that course and, at the end of the year, to be promoted. FCAT scores have not yet been made available. For the past 9 years, MMS has been an “A” school. While that is a wonderful distinction, being an “A” school makes it even harder to reach that level again. Our school must not only maintain the level of last year’s performance; its scores must show significant learning gains beyond that of last year. In lay terms, the better we do, the better we must do each successive year. Last year’s “A” is even harder to achieve this year. Our students and teachers have worked hard to prepare. We do expect the scores to be good. *Continued on page 2
MMS students raised $620.30 as a part of Haiti relief efforts. The funds went directly to the American Red Cross. Thanks to all who supported this effort.
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What’s Happening on Campus... To keep yourself up to date on events and happenings, please use the calendar posted online AND ask your student to bring home any materials given to him. We ask that you continue to help us by delivering all students to the car rider area in the morning and picking them up there in the afternoon. The circle is reserved for small buses and students with physical needs. PLEASE HELP US INSURE THE SAFETY OF OUR STUDENTS BY FOLLOWING THIS PROCEDURE. With warm weather here, we also ask that you take special care to see that your student is properly dressed within guidelines. For the school environment, we ask that they dress even a bit more conservatively than for other activities. Young bodies are developing and hormones are active. School is not the place for inappropriate or provocative clothing. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS. Again, this is asked in the spirit of managing large numbers of students. We depend upon you to help supervise this. The dress code is in the agenda book. Please refer to it along with any memos that have been sent out earlier in the school year. MMS band is the envy of other middle schools; the spring concert is set for May 10. Volleyball and spring football practice are coming up. 8th grade parents and family will want to plan for Honors Day in the recently air-conditioned gymnasium on May 28. Again, thank you for your many efforts in helping us make this a great school year. We appreciate you and want you to know that we truly enjoy working with your children. Please come by or call us if we may help. Sincerely, Gayle W.Westbrook, Ph. D.
VIP Spring Carnival Planned Save the date for the MMS VIP’s annual school fund raiser. Friday, April 30th is the date with a rain date on May 7th. Tickets, which are $15.00, will be sold during Homeroom only on the Monday through Thursday the week of the carnival. As always, 100% of the profits from the carnival go to fund school activities. Parents, family and friends of MMS are
needed to volunteer during the carnival. Another meeting is planned for April 12th in the Guidance office. For more information, please contact Angela Roberts—209-4388. The VIP’s thank you for your continued support!
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What’s Happening on Campus... Field Trip for Good Readers We had 403 students eligible to participate in our last Accelerated Reader field trip. These students met 100% of their point goal and averaged 85% or better on all the quizzes they took. The trip to Kindel Lanes consisted of bowling, the maze, indoor golf, or rock climb-
ing, pizza and a drink. This is the largest group we have ever had for an Accelerated Reader reward trip. Way to go students!!!!! Our next reward for our last contract (March 25-May 19) will be at the school. However, students making their goal for all
three contracts this year will be treated to an off-campus field trip to be announced later. So far this year our students have read 9,563 books and 269,133,741 words!!!!!
MMS Band News The MMS Band has been very busy the past several weeks. In January, we had 17 8th Graders who earned a spot in the District II Small Schools Honor Band. These students were selected through an audition process from students throughout the district and performed a concert for a packed auditorium at Marianna High School on January 30, 2010. In February, 15 students participated in the Florida Bandmaster’s Association (FBA)
Solo and Ensemble. This is a Music Performance Assessment (MPA) where students prepare a solo piece and perform individually before a judge. Every student attending this event made a superior rating! We were very proud of our students. Special thanks to Mrs. Lingerfelt who went above and beyond by serving as piano accompanist for these students. On March 11th, both the 7th and 8th grades Concert Bands
Honor Band Students: Morgan Willis, Elyn Sapp, Jasmine Mount, Jamie Lentzsch, Chelsea Kuhajda, Dakota Raines, Hannah Lowenthal, Caroline Rogers, Austin Caughran, Mary Katherine Pittman, Maddie Craven, Jordan Deese, Leanna Lipford, Brittany Marley, Rache’ Granberry, Bryce Hixenbaugh, and Ryan Donaldson
participated in FBA Concert MPA. We are very pleased to report that both the 7th grade and 8th grade Concert Bands made superior ratings. This was the first superior for Mrs. Lingerfelt and the 7th grade Concert Band in 3 years. Their hard work really paid off on stage. This was the 9th consecutive rating for Mrs. Allen and the 8th grade Concert Band. These students have maintained a level of excellence for many years and we are very proud of their accomplishments.
Solo & Ensemble Students: Caitlyn Carpenter, Austin Caughran, Ryan Donaldson, Rache’ Granberry,Hannah Isler, Mary Katherine Pittman, Caroline Rogers, Elyn Sapp, Belle Chin, Destiny Combs, Jeremiah Emanuel, Megan Marley, Arianna Martin, Jared Standiford, and Carbey Sweeney
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What’s Happening on Campus...
Fun With Literature Mrs. Goff's Language Art's classes have been reading, A Land Remembered, by Patrick Smith. As an activity to make the book come to life the children of all three classes gathered in cowboy garb in the cafeteria for coffee and biscuits, considered a big treat to the
McIvey family. This historical fiction book begins in 1868 when the McIvey family moves to Florida and follows three generations of the family through the hardships of the move, the Civil War, hurricanes, the depression, growing oranges, and roping
wild cows in the early Florida days. "The children are truly enjoying the book and beg me to read it", said Mrs. Goff. The class will begin Volume Two for the last nine weeks.
Tropicana Speech Contest On
Tuesday,
March
23,
2010,
twenty-one
to Kayla M. from Mrs. Goff’s Language Arts class.
Marianna Middle School sixth grade students
As the school winner, Gracie will participate in the
participated in the Tropicana 4-H Public Speaking
countywide contest on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at
Contest.
6:00 p.m. at the Jackson County Ag Conference
Each of the students was allowed to
speak for three minutes on a topic of their choice. The contestants were judged on composition and delivery of their speech. The first place winner was Gracie W. from Mrs. Goff’s Language Arts class, second place went to Kayleigh T. from Mrs. Cianelli’s Language Arts class, and third place went
Center. Good luck Gracie!
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What’s Happening on Campus... 2010 Girls Volleyball Team
Boys Baseball Team has Perfect Season Congratulations to the 2009-2010 MMS Baseball Team. With a perfect 15-0 season, they earned the title “Panhandle Conference Champs” in March. The roster for MMS’ “Boys of Summer” is: Reid Long, Nic Helms, Trent Nobles, D.Q. Baker, Trent Charles, Kody Bryan, Derrick Knowles, Andrew Shouse, Hunter Eddins, B.T. Johnson, Kyle Tanner, Jonathan Sikes, Gray Gilmore, Walker Roberts, Garrison Melzer, Triston Tharp, Tyler Colson and Jake Daffin. Coach Hunter Nolen and Assistant Coaches Troy Clemmons and Dustin Miller are very proud of their team!
Coach Rochelle Summerwell proudly announces the 2010 Girls Volley ball team roster.
A-Team members are: Alli-Ann Bigale, Jakeena Borders, Sheridan Dryden, Shakira
Handford,
Jones, Ashtin
Brianna Godwin,
Danielle
Holden,
Reagan Oliver, Megan Tillman, and Ciera Ward. The members on the B-Team are: Allen,
Codi
Brockner,
Bailey,
Maddie
Middle
School’s
Emily Anderson, Madison Christmas, Kristin Cumbie, Sheridan Dryden, Cianna Harris, Allie Hinson, Sydney Holland, Hannah Jackson, Shelbie Johnson, Alexis Kendall, Anastasia Mitchell, Lesley Myrick, Chelsey Pettis, Taniyah Robinson, Kayleigh Temples. Coaches: Greta Charles and Nichole Kleiser
Carley
Katy
Barfield,
Annalise
Craven,
Hanna
Donofro,
Cianna Harris, Shelby Johnson, Brittany Marley, Brianna McCaffrey, and Rebecca Mullins.
The
Lady Bullpups will host five home games this 27th, and May
3rd. All games will be played at 4:00 and 5:00, with the B Team games followed by A Team games.
Please come out and support these
WONDERFUL student athletes. Also,
Congratulations to Marianna 2010-2011 cheerleaders:
Alexus
McMullian, Kaydee Nance,
season on April 6th, 12th, 22nd,
2010-2011 Cheerleaders Announced
The
we
would
like
to
offer
words
of
encouragement to all those young ladies, who did not make the team. Keep practicing and try out again next year. Be sure to check the school’ website for the schedule.
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Announcements... April 2010
Girls Basketball Try-outs Scheduled Try-outs for the MMS Girls Basketball team will be held Tuesday, May 18th—Thursday, May 20th at the Marianna Middle School Gym from 3:00 pm—5:00 pm each afternoon. Students will need to provide the following: practice shorts, shirt, tennis shoes, and a physical for try-outs. NO ONE will be allowed to try-out without an UPDATED physical. Please see Coach Ephriam for any questions and copies of the physical form. Contact information: D’Leisha Ephriam 850-482-9609, ext. 270.
Calend ar o f Events
09
Report Cards
22
Progress Reports
29
Chipola TRIO Fieldtrip 7th Grade
30 VIP Spring Carnival May 2010 07
Spring Carnival (Rain Date)
11
High School OrientationMHS (8th Grade)
11
EPEP Parent Night-8th Gr.
13
Spring Football Try-outs
Chipola TRIO Fieldtrip 6th Grade
13
Progress Reports
May 10-14
14
Concert Band Fieldtrip
3:00 pm—5:00 pm
18
2011 Schedules due: 8th Grade North
19
2011 Schedules due: 8th Grade South
All students interested in participating MUST have an UPDATED Physical. See Coach Nolen for questions and copies of the physical form.
The Marianna Middle School Academic Bowl Team will be competing at the district Academic Bowl Competition next Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at the MHS Auditorium. Team members are: Adrian Alvarez, Zak Blank, Bill Braxton, Annalise Brockner, Belle Chin, Brianna McCaffrey, George McCoy, and Jared Standiford. These students are coached by Martha Godwin, 6th Grade Science teacher.
19-20 TDAP Shot Clinic-6th Grade 28
Honor’s Day
31
Memorial Day (No School)
June 2010 01
Semester Exams: Reading, Wheel
02
Semester Exams: Language, Science
03
Semester Exams: Math, History
04
Last Student Day
