DUNDALK MIDDLE SCHOOL

 

Newsletter

April 18, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Text Box: April 18, 2008                  

 

³Calendar ³

Apr. 18  Third Marking Period Ends

              3 Hour Early Dismissal

Apr. 23-30  MSA Science Test  (page 3)

May 1      Grade 8 Merritt Park Field Trip

May 5    Grade 7 Merritt Park Field Trip

May 5      Distribution of Report Cards

May 8    PBIS Spring Fling Dance, 2-4:00 PM

May 8   Interims Distributed

May 9    Grade 7 World Cultures Long-Term

              Projects Due

May 13  Band Concert, 7:00 PM

             (band students arrive at 6:30 PM)

May 13  Fall Athletic Eligibility Meeting 

              DMS Cafeteria, 6:00 PM

May 15   Choral Concert , 7:00 PM, Auditorium

              (choral students arrive at  6:30 PM)

May 15   Parent Conferences, 3:30-6:30 PM  

May 19-20   Spanish Oral Exams

May 20   Spanish Oral Exams                                         

May 22   Social Studies Night, 7:00 PM

May 26   Memorial Day Observed, Schools Closed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Text Box:   ³Calendar ³ Apr. 18  Third Marking Period Ends               3 Hour Early Dismissal Apr. 23-30  MSA Science Test  (page 3) May 1      Grade 8 Merritt Park Field Trip May 5    Grade 7 Merritt Park Field Trip May 5      Distribution of Report Cards May 8    PBIS Spring Fling Dance, 2-4:00 PM May 8   Interims Distributed May 9    Grade 7 World Cultures Long-Term               Projects Due May 13  Band Concert, 7:00 PM              (band students arrive at 6:30 PM) May 13  Fall Athletic Eligibility Meeting                DMS Cafeteria, 6:00 PM May 15   Choral Concert , 7:00 PM, Auditorium               (choral students arrive at  6:30 PM) May 15   Parent Conferences, 3:30-6:30 PM   May 19-20   Spanish Oral Exams May 20   Spanish Oral Exams                                          May 22   Social Studies Night, 7:00 PM May 26   Memorial Day Observed, Schools Closed                              

                                                          

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Principal’s Message Dear Parents, Our students worked very hard on their Maryland School Assessments (MSA).  I know that their hard work will show up in improved scores for everyone. Now, we need to focus on the fourth quarter with the Algebra HSA and final exams. Please remember that final exams may count up to 30% of a student’s grade, so they are important events for which students should prepare.  All students should remain focused and work hard right through the end of the school year. The families in our community are being impacted by the economic slowdown, the Iraq War, the elections, a tight job market, the housing crisis, and higher gas, oil, and food prices. We clearly see this reflected in the behavior of our students. Students are exhibiting frustration and insecurity that show up as increased poor behavior, disrespect, heightened sensitivity, and fighting.  This can lead to a culture of negativity. Nationally, we are going through a cycle. We have been here before and will be again. As parents, the best thing we can do for our children is to assure them that we will get through this cycle in good shape. Put things in perspective for our children. Give them the support to keep them focused and happy, so that they can learn at their best. I am reminded that this is the generation that will take care of us as we get older, so we want them as prepared as possible. It is important to let children be children and not have them grow up too fast. As we move toward summer, there are many exciting summer programs in which your child can participate.  Now is the time to look into these programs. We will be glad to assist you.   For the children,   Tom Shouldice    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dundalk High Seeks

PTSA Officers for 2008-09

  Dundalk High is accepting  nominations/names for officer positions on the PTSA for 2008-09.   Anyone interested should contact Michelle Bosley  443-791-3244 or Ms. Phillips at 410-887-7018.  We need your Dundalk Pride!!

 

Art News

Destini Watson, a seventh grade student, and Edrielle Pagarigan, an eighth grade student will have their artwork on display at the Baltimore Museum of Art from April 23-27 as part of a Countywide Art Exhibit.  Stop by the museum to see their beautiful work!

 

! Student Emergency Card Information !

If your child should need to be dismissed from school during the school day, the emergency cards you completed are an important verification document we use.  Students will not be dismissed to leave with anyone other than the parent/guardian (the individuals  listed on the front of the emergency card) unless that person is identified in a note, which is signed by the parent/guardian.  

Additionally, the school requires a photo ID of any individual picking up students. 

Parents should stop by and update information if changes have been made since September 2007.

 

Baltimore County is hosting a Summer Art

Enrichment Program from July 7-18 at Deer Park Elementary School. Buses will be scheduled to pick students up from designated sites throughout the county to transport them to and from Deer Park. Please contact Mrs. Felter for information about the camp.

 

Note to Parents:

REPORT CARD DISTRIBUTION

Students are scheduled to receive report cards for the third quarter on Monday, May 5.

Students will report to homeroom at 2:35 p.m.

Please mark this date on your calendar.

 

High School Fall Sports

Attention Grade 8

There will be a meeting in the DMS cafeteria on Tuesday, May 13 at 6:00 PM about fall eligibility requirements for students who wish to participate in high school sports in 2008-09.  You will  meet Mr. Nash the Athletic Director from Dundalk High School, complete paperwork, receive practice start dates, and understand eligibility requirements.

Parents must attend this meeting with their students.

 

Computers and Tutors

North Point Library  
410-887-7255, northpoi@bcpl.net

Tutoring
Teen – ages 11 to 17
Free tutoring and homework help in all academic subjects, including foreign language. Registration begins one week in advance.

Every Sunday through April 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

 

Essex Library  
410-887-0295, essex@bcpl.net

Tutoring
Teen – ages 11 to 17
Free tutoring and homework help in all academic subjects, except foreign language. Registration begins one week in advance.

 

North Point Library  
410-887-7255, northpoi@bcpl.net

Computer Room
13 years old and up

Use our Computer Room to work independently in a quiet environment. Work on lengthy projects such as résumés and term papers, or use BCPL's online databases. Reservations are suggested; walk-ins are welcome, space permitting. Sundays, 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, and Thursdays, 4 PM  to 7 PM.

 

Hey, Hey, Hey… now it’s time for HSA!

Students who are currently enrolled in Algebra 1 will take the Algebra/Data Analysis High School Assessment on Thursday, May 22nd.  The test is broken up into two 75-minute sessions and contains selected response, grid and constructed response questions.  The topics that are tested for this HSA are:

· * Analyzing Patterns and Functions

· * Modeling Real-World Situations

· * Collecting, Organizing and Analyzing Data

* Using Data to Make Predictions

Passing this exam is a graduation requirement for students in the state of Maryland. 

There will be several opportunities for students to prepare for the Algebra HSA.  Teachers will work with students during class to prepare for the Algebra HSA.  Students can also stay after school with their Algebra teacher during coach class. 

Please visit www.hsaexam.org  for sample tests and practice problems.  If you have any questions about the HSA, please feel free to contact Mrs. Potter at lpotter@bcps.org, Mrs. MacCubbin at cmaccubbin@bcps.org, or either teacher at 410-887-7018.

 

MSA Science Testing

Attention 8th Grade Parents

All eighth grade students will participate in the Maryland State Assessment for Science during the weeks of April 28 and May 5, 2008. This is a two-day assessment consisting of ninety minutes per day and will be completed on the computer. This will is the second year for this assessment and it will focus on the science content that Baltimore County students have learned during their years in middle school.

They will be testing in the morning so it is important that students are well rested and have eaten breakfast.  Also, it is essential that your child arrives on time to avoid having to do make up sessions and missing crucial class time.

Teachers will provide students with review packets to help prepare them before the exam.  Please review the packets with your child and remind them to study each evening.  Continue to encourage your child during testing, since this can be a stressful situation.

Thank you for your support during testing.

Eighth Grade Science Teachers,

Sara Mullin

Trish Knight

 

Students of the Month

Grade 6

Tabatha Liban, Joseph Scott,

Mercedes Thompson, Jimmy Davis

Grade 7

Ykitta Martin, Amber Habart,

Jeff Boswell, Tayshon Scott-Pack

Grade 8

Kendall Merritt, Nancy Santos,

Christian Miller, Durce Watters

 

BCPS Choral Adjudications

Vocal music teacher, Ms. Tarr, reports that the eighth grade chorus performed their very best at the adjudication last month.  She encourages all her choral students to continue to set high standards for themselves.  Way to go!

 

Instrumental Music News

Congratulations to all DMS band students who performed in the Baltimore County Adjudications at Dumbarton Middle School on March 13. The band did a great job, and received several excellent and good ratings from the judges. Please join us on Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00 PM for the final performance of the entire band and strings program in their spring concert.

Mr. Merson

 

Family Social Studies Night 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

On Thursday, May 22, the social studies’ teachers will be hosting Family Social Studies Night from 7-9:00 PM.  This will be an enjoyable evening for families to participate in social studies activities.  There will be samples of student work, displays of how science and social studies are connected, examples of how reading and social studies are intertwined, examples of how math and social studies are connected, projects, and experiences for all.  Students will leading many of the activities, come and see what they can do.

 

DMS will be providing dinner for all participants, plus door prizes!  In order to get an estimate of those who will attend, please fill out the form below and return it to school by Friday, May 16. 


Thank you,

 

The Social Studies Department

Dundalk Middle School

 

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Please return the bottom portion to your child’s social studies teacher by Friday, May 16.     

 

Student Name _______________________________________________

 

 

c Yes, we will be able to attend Family Social Studies Night on May 22 from 7– 9 PM!  Number  to attend ______

 

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