Feb. 22  Washington’s Birthday-Schools open

Feb. 26  Honor Roll Breakfast– Grade 6

Feb. 27  Honor Roll Breakfast– Grades 7 & 8

Feb. 28  Perfect Attendance Breakfast (for

               students who did not make the Qtr. 2 

               Honor Roll)– Grades 6-8

Feb. 29  Spring Picture Day

Mar. 13  Science Night   5-7:00 PM

Mar. 20  Easter Break Begins at end of day

Mar. 25  Maryland Day

              Congratulations to all of the students who earned honor roll status for the second quarter.  A list of these student is enclosed and we are extremely proud of them and their hard work.  Many students are very close to honor roll status.  With a small amount of additional effort or by coming to coach class, they could easily earn this high honor.  Please encourage your child to take advantage of all of the extra support that DMS has to offer.  Remember, coach classes provide help from 3-4 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  Students are welcome to attend coach classes and an after school bus is provided for those students in need of transportation.

MSA is fast approaching (April 1 -10).  It  is important for all students to do their best on these assessments.  Not only are student scores a reflection on the school and community, they are also used to help determine a student’s placement for next school year.  This is especially important for eighth graders as they move on to high school.  MSA is also a strong indicator of student success on the high school HSAs, which students must pass in order to graduate.

Please make sure that your child has plenty of sleep and a good breakfast during the MSAs.  Encourage your child to do his/her best and apply all of the skills and knowledge he/she has learned during the year.

Good luck to everyone on MSA.

For the children,

TS

 Picture Day is Coming

Spring photos will be taken on Friday, February 29.  All students will be photographed that day.  Lifetouch will prepare a packet for each student and parents may choose to keep the packet or send it back to the school.  Students are responsible for the cost of the photos they keep from the packet..  No payment is due if the entire packet is returned.  Be watching for the flyer during the week of  February 25.  Visit picturedayonline.com for more picture day details.

Great News for Parents!!

It is now easier for parents to help their children at home with their education. Parents now have access to a database that shows the core objectives their children are working on in each of their classes. Just follow these easy steps to access the database:

- Log onto the internet.

- Type http://www.bcps.org/ in the address bar and press enter on the keyboard.

- Click on the Parents tab right under where it says Baltimore County Public Schools.

- Then click on AIM near the center of the page.

- Choose your child’s subject area and course.

- Then click on Get Report.

Dress Code Clarification

We, teachers and administrators, have been giving regular reminders to our students about shoes. Unfortunately, it is hard to catch every student every time so we are making a collective effort to address it consistently to be fair.

              The dress code policy indicates that students may not wear open-backed or open-toed shoes or heels.  (The clogs are open-backed.)  Allowing any opened shoe opens the door  to  too much interpretation.

  The school dress code indicates that girls may carry a small purse because of the feminine products they may require.  We had recently stated that the purse can be no larger than a sheet of notebook paper for the following reasons.  "Purses" that are bigger than that would be like the string backpacks or regular backpacks that we don't allow either.  Again, large "purses" in which students can carry books make other students feel we aren't being fair.  In addition, middle school students tend not to be well organized.  Allowing a bag gives them a place to stuff papers, food, toys, hairbrushes, hairspray, lotion and other items that are a distraction in the classroom.

These large items, whether backpacks or purses, are also a safety issue when carried on shoulders through the halls or when resting on the floor around desks with teachers and students moving throughout the classroom.  The girls can carry the bags to school as they would a backpack, but they must be stored in their lockers during the day.  If they need another small bag to carry feminine hygiene products, they are welcome to carry it to school in the larger bag and carry that with them during the day.

Students of the Month

6^th

Conner Petrecca

Lewis Hackett

Diamonds Ray

Trennakay McGlone

7^th

Tiffany Serrano

Destini Watson

William Goodacre, Jr.

Donovan Michaud

8^th

Tierra Robinson

Sarah Gribble

Kalonji Allmond

Ricardo Hamilton

PTSA Meetings

PTSA meets the last Tuesday of each month in the DMS conference room.  PTSA is a place to voice your opinions and concerns, to help plan and implement fundraisers, to assist in school-wide programs and events.  In addition, the PTSA meeting provides you with an opportunity to hear from school administrators firsthand and discuss the programs and developments that impact the school building. The next meeting is on Tuesday, February 26 at 6:00 p.m.   Please consider joining us. 

Students Earn Prizes for Reading

The students at Dundalk Middle School have been encouraged to read 25 books this year. Students were given a sheet at the beginning of the school year where they could record the books they are reading. They were asked to get an adult to sign for each book they read. There are five check points throughout the year when students can earn prizes. On October 5^th, students who had read 5 or more books earned 4 hoots. On November 30^th, students who had read 10 or more books were allowed to go to lunch 5 minutes early. On February 1^st, students who had read 15 or more books earned the right to wear a hat in school for a day and a $5 gift card to a local store. There are two more check points coming up this spring. If students have read 20 books by the April 11^th check point, they will get to spend an entire mod in the library/library lab. Finally, if students have read 25 books by the May 23^rd check point, they will get to have a pizza lunch. We hope you will encourage your children to read and earn prizes this year.

High School Assessment

Information Night

When: February 27, 2008

Where: Dundalk High School Library

Time: 7 – 8 PM

       (Parent Conferences from 5 – 7 PM)

We will answer questions concerning graduation requirements, assessments, intervention plans, and strategies that families can use to help students prepare for the tests.

Please plan on spending some time with us following parent/teacher conferences!

Dundalk Middle

is School of the Week !!

Congratulations to Dundalk Middle School for being chosen as the "School of the Week" for our math program, Algebraic Thinking.  

Please visit www.algebraicthinking.com and select "School of the Week" on the right hand side.  At the bottom of this page, choose week of January 30.  Our students are working hard in math class!

You can also visit the class pages for Algebraic Foundations, Algebraic Thinking Part 1 and Part 2.  Here you can read lesson notes and print out homework assignments.
Please call or email your child's math teacher or Laura Potter (lpotter@bcps.org) with any questions!

Yearbook Sale 2007-08

The 2nd yearbook sale will take place from March 3rd to March 14th.  The cost of the yearbook this year is $30.00 and for an additional $3.00 your child's name can added to the front cover.  Please ask your child for a yearbook flyer today.  There are limited quantities of the yearbook this year, so order early to reserve a copy for your child.  The memories will last a lifetime!  If you have any questions regarding the yearbook sale, please email Ms. Himes at shimes@bcps.org or via phone at (410) 887-7018

Maryland Summer Centers

Sponsored by MSDE

The 2008 Maryland Summer Centers brochures and application forms are available from local gifted and talented education coordinators.  Brochures, application forms, and a video featuring the Summer Centers may also be found on the website of the Maryland State Department of Education at www.marylandpublicschools.org/summercenters.   Applications must be postmarked by Tuesday, April 15, except for Fine Arts Centers, which have earlier deadlines and may require an audition. Materials are available in Spanish translation upon request.  For more information, call Stephanie Zenker at 410-767-0821.

MSA is Coming,

MSA  is Coming !!!

Parents are reminded that MSA  testing will begin Tuesday, April 1, which is immediately following spring break, and continues until April 10.  Make-up testing will follow from April 11 to16.  Students are tested in reading and  math at all three grade levels.  MSA  testing provides the school with valuable information about your child’s progress in math and reading.  Testing data from the MSA is used with other data to determine your child’s program placement and educational needs.  If your child takes the test seriously and performs his/her best, it will help our school  make the best choices for him/her.  Please mark these dates on your calendar and remind your child to give his/her best effort.  In our next newsletter, we will provide a list of ways to make sure your child is ready to test on those days.  Thank you for your effort on behalf of your child. 

 Grade   6 Math               4/9 and 4/10

             6 Reading          4/3 and 4/4

             7 Math               4/7 and 4/8

             7 Reading          4/1 and 4/2

             8 Math               4/1 and 4/2

             8 Reading          4/7 and 4/8

Challenge 24 Results

The DMS Challenge 24 school tournament was held Thursday, February 14 with students competing for a chance to represent DMS in the county tournament.  William Carey (sixth grade) won the single-digit tournament, while Dave Cross (sixth grade) was the winner of the double-digit.  Each will receive a $50 savings bond for their achievement!  Both winners will represent DMS, along with Kathryn Mattson (6th), Kyle O'Neill (6th), and Selena Miller (6th) in the county Challenge 24 tournament March 8th. Congratulations to William and Dave, as well as the rest of the Challenge 24 Club for all their hard work and efforts!  Best of luck March 8th!!!          

Mr. Dennison  and  Ms. Thomas

Art News!

Seventh grade student Adrian Hill’s drawing, Medieval Castle, will be on display at the Walter’s Art Museum from February 28 through March 2 as part of the museum’s 2008 Youth Art Month

Student Exhibit. Congratulations Adrian!

Dear Parents and Guardians of DMS Students:

On Thursday March 13 the Science teachers will be hosting Family Science Night from 5:00 –7 :00 PM.  This will be an enjoyable evening for DMS families to participate in science activities.  There will be forensics, chemistry, physics and life science experiences for all.  Students will be leading many of the activities. Come and see what they can do!

DMS will be providing dinner for all participants and giving away 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 March 7. 

Thank you,

The Science Department

Dundalk Middle School

(tear off and return)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please return the bottom portion to your child’s Science teacher by Friday, March 7, 2008. 

Student Name _______________________________________________

_____Yes, we will be able to attend Family Science Night on March 13 from  5:00 – 7:00 PM! 

            Number  of people ______

_____ No, we will not be able to attend.

The summer season is quickly approaching and Students Sharing Coalition is excited to announce our 8^th annual Summer Service Action Camp. This summer, your child has the opportunity to participate in an exciting service-learning experience that will give him/her a chance to do something that will encourage civic engagement, provide valuable real-life learning experiences, and empower him/her to devote time to making a difference in the world. 

              Our Summer Service Action Camp is a summer service-learning program that focuses attention on discussing and tackling social justice issues that affect our communities.  Previous topics have included homelessness, hunger and housing issues, HIV/AIDS awareness, the environment, substance abuse, and caring for the elderly. The summer camp is for middle school youth who are rising 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th graders.  During the two-week long sessions, students have the opportunity to participate in leadership training, educational and inspirational learning activities, direct community service, and enriching teambuilding activities.  They learn about the issues that affect Baltimore communities and are inspired to take action to get involved in their world.  In addition, the camp will fulfill up to 45 service-learning hours per session—required for graduation in Baltimore City!

The first session will run from Monday, July 7, 2008 to Friday, July 18, 2008.  The second session will run Monday, July 28, 2008 through Friday, August 8, 2008. 

Your students are invited to participate in one session and may have the option to participate in both, depending on space availability.  The camp will run Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:30pm and will take place at Students Sharing Coalition.  For an additional $50 per session, after-care is available until 5:00pm, and for an additional $50 a session, before care is available starting at 7:30am.  Scholarships are available based on need for extended care as well as general camp registration fees.  Transportation to Students Sharing is not provided, but the students will be transported via 15-passenger van during the camp days to and from field trip sites.

In order to apply your child/children for participation in SSC’s Summer Service Action Camp, please print and complete the Registration Form with your child and send the completed and signed form and requested information to the Students Sharing office, 2315 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD  21218 or fax the form to our office at (410)-662-9959. Applications are due by Monday, June 2^nd.  Students Sharing will contact you by phone to confirm that your child’s Registration Form has been received by mail/fax.  Space in camp is limited and determined on a first come, first serve basis.  Please call our office to inquire about current enrollment status.  Summer Service Action Camp is an exciting opportunity, and I hope that you and your child will consider participating in this rewarding learning experience!  If you have any questions feel free to contact Katherine Leswing at (410)-662-8999 or via email Katherine.leswing@gmail.com.

 Summer Service

Action Camp 2008

"Service and Fun Rolled Into One!"

Students Sharing Coalition's Summer Service Action Camp is a service-learning experience for middle school youth (rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders), focused on social justice issues that affect our communities. The two-week long camp provides students with an opportunity to get involved with issues that are of interest to them.

Camp Includes:

Team Building Activities

Leadership Training

Planning and Implementing Service Projects

Reflecting on the Experience

Location: 2315 N. Charles Street

                Baltimore, MD 21218

Time:        Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Dates:      July 7th to 18th (Session 1)

                July 28th to August 8th (Session 2)

For more information, contact:

Katherine Leswing at 410-662-8999 or

Katherineleswing@gmail.com

Second Quarter Honor Roll

Grade  6	Grade  7	Grade  8
DEJA ADAMS BLAISE BARTUCCI BRYANNE BASKETTE WANYA CARTER GARY CENTER RACHAEL CLAYTON OLIVIA CLINTON MATTHEW COCHRAN DAVE CROSS JIMMY DAVIS TAYLOR DUDLEY SHANTICE GILCHRIST JAMIELYNN GOINS LEWIS HACKETT LESLIE HARRAH MANDELL HARRIS BRENDA HEADSPETH ALEX IDZI MIRANDA JONES TORRIELLE JONES LEONARD KANIECKI REBECCA KASOFF ASHLEY KEARNEY KATHRYN MATTSON TRENNAKAY MCGLONE SELENA MILLER KYLE O'NEILL HAILEY PUGH DELMY RAMOS-QUINTEROS DESTINEE RAY DIAMONDS RAY JESSICA ROHLFING CHYNNA SAMPSON STEVEN SENSIBAUGH CHANTANEE SPARKS TRAE' THOMAS JOHN TIMCHULA TYLER TROJAN DIMITRI TSAPALAS NICOLE WHITAKER MARGARET WOLFERMAN DEJA ADAMS BLAISE BARTUCCI BRYANNE BASKETTE WANYA CARTER GARY CENTER RACHAEL CLAYTON OLIVIA CLINTON MATTHEW COCHRAN DAVE CROSS JIMMY DAVIS TAYLOR DUDLEY SHANTICE GILCHRIST JAMIELYNN GOINS LEWIS HACKETT LESLIE HARRAH MANDELL HARRIS BRENDA HEADSPETH ALEX IDZI MIRANDA JONES TORRIELLE JONES LEONARD KANIECKI REBECCA KASOFF ASHLEY KEARNEY KATHRYN MATTSON TRENNAKAY MCGLONE SELENA MILLER KYLE O'NEILL HAILEY PUGH DELMY RAMOS-QUINTEROS DESTINEE RAY DIAMONDS RAY JESSICA ROHLFING CHYNNA SAMPSON STEVEN SENSIBAUGH CHANTANEE SPARKS TRAE' THOMAS JOHN TIMCHULA TYLER TROJAN DIMITRI TSAPALAS NICOLE WHITAKER MARGARET WOLFERMAN Deja Adams Blaise Bartucci Bryanne Baskette Wanya Carter Gary Center Rachael Clayton Olivia Clinton Matthew Cochran Dave Cross Jimmy Davis Taylor Dudley Shantice Gilchrist Jamielynn Goins Lewis Hackett Leslie Harrah Mandell Harris Brenda Headspeth Alex Idzi Miranda Jones Torrielle Jones Leonard Kaniecki Rebecca Kasoff Ashley Kearney Kathryn Mattson Trennakay McGlone Selena Miller Kyle O'Neill Hailey Pugh Delmy Ramos-Quinteros Destinee Ray Diamonds Ray Jessica Rohlfing Chynna Sampson Steven Sensibaugh Chantanee Sparks Trae' Thomas John Timchula Tyler Trojan Dimitri Tsapalas Nicole Whitaker Margaret Wolferman	Samantha Banaszewski Kyle Bosley Jeffrey Boswell Megan Canter Tonya Carter Morgan Chaplinski Ivana Colandro Chelsey Cook Jessica Corbitt Robert Deese Brittany Dixon Eboni Dorsey Gage Fowler Benjamin Hale Simone Hunter David Kratochvil Aaron Lindsey Amiee Lindsey Yuling Lok Shantia Long Dorian Marshall Sara Miller Brianna Murchison Sharmia O'Garro Tayson Scott-Pack Kaitlyn Scudder Gloryan Smith Katherine Sublett Rochaun Washington Aaliyah Watkins Nyonna Woods	Tania Bond Jesse Bosley German Bu Jonathan Center Dustin Chavis Daniela Costilla Brandon Davis Rebecca Dove Danielle Dozier Sarah Gribble Leah Jefferson Charlie Jordan Katie Kaniecki Varmuyah Kromah Walter Leary Dwayne Marshall Kendall Merritt David Newton Chrisielle Pagarigan Edrielle Pagarigan Omar Rivira Brooke Robinson Jasper Smith Keith Stewart Jennifer Supp Iris Valerio Dragan Vujatovic Brooke Williams Marina Wilson

Visit to the

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

              A limited number of seats have been made available for DMS students to attend an open rehearsal of the BSO with Marin Alsop on Thursday, March 6.  The rehearsal will be from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM with a brief question and answer period for the students. Dundalk Middle will be sending approximately 30 students to this event. 

DMS to Visit Body Worlds  

Selected eighth graders will be traveling to the Science Center on  March 19 to see Body Worlds and spend the day experiencing the many activities available at the Science Center. 

Franklin Institute Trip

New Date

The trip to The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia has been changed to Saturday, March 1.  Students who have been selected will be given a reminder handout which will include the schedule for the day.

Black  History  Trip

In honor of Black History month, The Young Gifted and Black Reading Club along with the Black Saga Club will be traveling to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum on Saturday, Feb. 23. Currently, the museum is  featuring the Textural Rhythms Exhibit which features 64 quilts representing the relationship between art and jazz.

DMS Band to Travel to

Dumbarton Middle

On March 13 the DMS  will participate in the Baltimore County Public School’s Band Adjudication.  Band students will travel to Dumbarton Middle school and perform music selections they have practiced over the past few months.  They will be scored in accordance to BCPS guidelines.  Good luck band students and make DMS proud !!

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