For next year, Dundalk Middle will have a much leaner organization due to a projected reduction in student enrollment and  the elimination of Title I funding.  This will have an effect on class size, the number of staff members, and the variety of special area subjects offered.  We will try to continue to deliver the many intervention and enhancement programs that make Dundalk Middle a special place for your children.

            As we plan for next year, parents are invited to participate either personally or through the PTSA in the important School Improvement Process.  We will be discussing issues related to organizing the school, rigorous instruction, and increasing writing as well as issues like the dress code and student discipline.  If you would like to participate, please contact me at the school for dates and times.

            Soon, students will be receiving information on their important summer reading that should be part of their summer activity.  While the school will have various suggestions for student reading, I would like to stress that any type of continuous reading that allows for critical thinking (newspapers, magazines, direction, etc.) is crucial to our students’ continued development and success in school and life.

By the time our students finish high school, there will be thousands of jobs available in our area.  These high-paying jobs, however, will require post-high school study (college, community college, technical school).  We want our students to be prepared to compete on level ground with their peers from other parts of the Maryland. In order to do this, they must read and do math well. Please encourage your child to spend time reading as well as completing the other exciting work in the summer packet.

Have a great summer.

Yearly Renewal Shared Domiciles

Parents/guardians of students currently enrolled under the Shared Domicile Living Arrangement must renew their shared domicile before June 30, 2008.  If the renewal process has not been completed by June 30, 2008 the student will be withdrawn from Dundalk Middle School.

Summer Math Assignment

Keep your eyes open for this summer’s mathematics activity!  The problems included in these activities are skills that students have mastered during the year.  Included with the summer mathematics activity will be a  resource sheet with hints, websites and books that can be referenced (and are available at Baltimore County Pubic Libraries) should your child have a question or need a little “boost” to complete a problem. 

Final Exams:  Mathematics final exams will be May 29^th and 30^th.  Please make sure students review material for the final exam, have a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast during their exams.   Coach class is a great time to freshen up on skills and material that will be assessed on the final exam.  

Students who are currently enrolled in Algebra 1 and 2 have the opportunity to earn a high school credit by passing the course and the final exam.  Students must earn 3 mathematics credits in order to graduate from high school.

Please contact your child’s math teacher with any specific questions about final exams.

Hello Algebraic Thinking Parents,

We would like to celebrate your student’s success in Algebraic Thinking by offering a day of math games.  This event will be held at school on June 2, 2008.  This day will include a variety of math competitions that will be held outdoors. We encourage your AT student to wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes. A list of the events is included below:

Event 1:  Mystery Square

This mystery square is one big math puzzle.  The class will create a human chain, gather the pieces, and put the square together as quick as possible.  The quicker it is done, the more points they will receive! 

Event 2: Fact Masters

The class will be given 5 minutes to put up as many math facts as possible on the fact master curtain.  Two students at a time will run to the curtain put a fact up and then run to tag the next person in line.  It is a 10 by 10 curtain, so the class can earn 100 points at this event.

Event 3:  Scavenger Hunt

In this hunt partners will run from poster to poster which will be set up in a field.  There will be a colored bead at each poster; one bead will be collected at each poster and the partners will create a beaded chain, the colors must be in a precise order to receive all points.

Event 4:  Steal the Integer

A row of integers will be set up opposite your team.  Each side will count off and receive a number.  In the middle,  an Algebraic Thinking coach/teacher will yell out an integer problem. Each team will have a few seconds to discuss the answer then we will call out a runner. For example,  if we call runner 5, the “five” from both teams will run to steal the integer that is the correct answer and bring it back to place on the cone in front of your team before the opposing team.  Whoever gets the correct answer on their cone first will earn a point. The game continues until all integers are gone.

Event 5:  Choral Drill

The class will compete together in this event. They will create a choral drill of the math facts similar to the choral drill they have used in class. 

Students of the Month

Grade 6

Rachel Clayton

Alex Idzi

Bryanne Baskette

Sheimyka Cypress

Grade 7

Janranier Lucero

Austin Troutman

Elizabeth Melcher

Melonie Curtis

Grade 8

Naomi Velazquez

Trevor Sisler

Athletic Booster Club

of Dundalk High School

The Athletic Booster Club of Dundalk High School (DHS) consists of parents, alumni, and friends of DHS.  We are linked by a common desire to support the students of DHS financially and as volunteers in their activities and education. Our primary purpose is to aid and encourage the development of DHS and its students through the support of school activity programs.

The Booster members help out with concession at our Oriole home games as well as fundraisers to help the Athletic Department and its programs.  We meet the third Wednesday of every month.  Our two largest fundraisers are a basket bingo that is held in the fall and a bull and oyster roast that is held in the spring.  We always welcome new members as well as any help or suggestions to our programs.

The Athletic Boosters purchase every uniform for all sport programs currently at DHS.  The support of our parents and local businesses allow us to purchase the best available uniforms, but this is not an easy task.  Each year, as students graduate, we lose the support of their parents, so it is imperative that we continue to recruit as many new parents, alumni, and friends as possible.  Please consider joining us at our next meeting on June 4 at 7:00 pm in the DHS library.  Our children need your support.

Sincerely,

Rick Hindle

President

Athletic Booster Club of Dundalk High School

Dundalk Middle School

2008-2009

General Student Supply List

The following student supplies are general items that will be needed by students attending our school for the 2008-2009 school year.  Individual teachers and teams may request additional items for classroom use.  All supplies may be purchased at a store of your choice, hopefully during summer sales.  Our school store will have some supplies that students may purchase during the school year.

Large 3-inch zipper binder with storage pockets (Consider getting two or three while they are on sale as most students will need more than one binder over the course of the year.)

20 tab dividers

Wide-lined loose-leaf paper

10 two-pocket folders with clips in the center

 4 single subject spiral notebooks for science

1 school supply pouch that attaches to the binder rings

Eraser

10 sharpened pencils (math uses pencils only)

10 blue or black pens

1 red pen (for editing your writing)

2 highlighters

Colored pencils (NO markers of any type)

1 ruler with metric and standard (English) units

1 large box of facial tissues (to be turned in to homeroom)

Students are encouraged to carry their materials to and from school in a book bag (please, no book bags on wheels).  ALL book bags (including string backpacks) are stored in lockers after students enter each day and are not used during the school day.

Gym uniforms will be available ($22 per set) at Back-To-School Night or from the school store before or after school.  All students are expected to have a gym uniform after September 8.

Join the Summer Reading Program … learn how to draw Manga … enter to win prizes … create hardware jewelry … earn your American Red Cross Babysitting Certification … and so much more!

How:  Register for the Summer Reading Program at any Baltimore County Public Library.  After you register, you will receive your starter packet with your reading log.  Starting June 9^th, complete fun activities as you read great books over the summer.  Turn in your completed reading log before August 16^th for a chance to win a bike or snowboard (your choice) from Princeton Sports.

 When:  Monday, June 9^th the Summer Reading Club officially begins.

What other dates are important?

Monday, July 7, 2008

Branch Drawing for Barnes & Noble card

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Summer Reading Club officially ends

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Last day to enter your completed log for the Grand Prize drawing

Friday, August 22, 2008

Grand Prize

Throughout the summer …

Read great books, do fun crafts, and enjoy great programs!

Dundalk Middle School has had the largest percentage of students participating in the BCPL summer reading for the last two years. We received a large trophy for this honor. Please sign-up your student for this great activity again. It would be great to win for a third year in a row.

IS YOUR ANGER GETTING YOU INTO A LOT OF TROUBLE?

Do you ever…

Wish you could control your anger?

Say or do things when you’re mad that you

regret later?

Get so mad that you break things?

Then Dundalk Youth

Service Center’s Summer

Anger Management group is for you!

Who: Boys & Girls, ages 12-14 who want to understand their anger better and learn how to handle it.

What: A group focused on identification and healthy expression of anger for young boys and girls through the use of interactive activities, games, and discussion.

Where: Dundalk Youth Service Center

2660 Yorkway Dundalk, MD 21222

When: Tuesdays at 1pm – 2pm

  6/24/08 – 7/29/08

Cost: A one time $10 fee

Call (410) 288-4356, for more details!

 STUDENTS SHARING

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 at Katherine.leswing@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Katherine Leswing

Middle School Coordinator

Return form to Students Sharing Coalition, 2315 N Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21218 fax: 410-662-9959 phone: 410-662-8999

Student’s Name: _________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________

City:___________________________     State:_____________    Zip code:__________

Phone:_________________________    Email:__________________________________

Parent/Guardian:__________________________________________________________

School:_______________________________ Age:_____________

Grade Entering:____________ (must be entering 7^th, 8^th or 9^th grade)

Please rank your preferences, 1 being most preferred:

I want my child to attend…

___ Session 1 only (Monday July 7^th – Friday July 18^th)

___ Session 2 only (Monday July 28^th – Friday August 8^th)

___ Both Session 1 and Session 2

Students Sharing Coalition, Inc. is charging a fee for participation in the 2008 Summer Service Camp.  A  sliding fee scale has been established to make costs affordable for all families. 

The registration fees are shown on page 8:

Income for 2007: $_________________________ Requested fee category_______________________________

I would like SSC to provide care for my child starting at 7:30am for an additional $50 per session_______________

I would like SSC to provide care for my child up to 5:00pm for an additional $50 per session___________________

In order to verify your placement on the pay scale, please include a copy of your most current income tax form or a copy of a recent pay stub if your income has changed.

Some scholarships are available for families who are unable to afford the registration fee.  We do not want to prevent any child from participating.  Please visit our website www.studentssharing.org or contact Katherine Leswing at

410-662-8999 to discuss scholarship options.

Dear Applicant (Student),

The following questions will help us to learn more about you and get an idea of your interest areas, your past experience with service, and your creativity.  (Please answer on a separate sheet of paper)

1. Please check the social issue below that is most interesting to you, or that you feel most strongly about.  If you are interested in more than one, please rank them starting with 1 as the most interesting.  It’s okay if you do not know much about the issue—we would like to know what you feel strongly about.

_____ Homelessness/Poverty      ____ Education/Schools     ____ Violence/Crime Prevention       ____ Hunger

_____ Substance Abuse/Addiction         ____ Environment              _____ Healthcare/Elderly

_____ Other (Please describe the issue area)_______________________________________

2. Briefly, describe an experience you have had helping others.  This can be any experience you had where you feel you had an impact or made a difference for the person (or people) that you helped.

3. Please attach a self portrait to this registration form, drawn by you.  You can use paint, pencil, crayon, magazine clippings or whatever you’d like.

Students Sharing Coalition, Inc. is charging a fee for participation in the 2008 Summer Service Camp.  A sliding fee scale has been established to make costs affordable for all families. 

The registration fees are as follows:

Parents, do you need help locating child care for your child with a special need?

If so, did you know that:

Parents of children with a special need such as asthma, allergies, medical issues, social/emotional or behavioral issues are eligible for a free service to assist in locating regulated child care?

LOCATE: Enhanced Special Needs Services has trained special needs counselors to assist you with your child card needs.

For referrals to regulated child care, please contact:

LOCATE: Enhanced Special Needs Services

1-800-999-0120

TDD: (410) 385-1042

Monday through Friday

8:00 am—4:30 pm

LOCATE: Child Care is a service offered by Maryland Committee for Children, Inc. through funding from the Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland Infants & Toddlers Preschool Services.

School Nurse Vacancies

in BCPS 

BCPS has openings for school nurses for the 2008-2009 school year.  Registered nurses with a Bachelor’s degree are encouraged to apply.  Positions are full-time for the school year (ten months) and are paid on the same salary scale as teachers.  A complete vacancy announcement can be viewed on BCPS’ web site at http://www. Bcps.org/jobs/Full_listing.aspx or by contacting the Office of Personnel at 410-887-4146.

Dundalk 4th of July Celebration

Parade begins at 8:30 am

Fireworks begin at 9:00 pm (dusk)

TOPICS OF INTEREST

Looking for some summer activities to do with your children this year, then visit http://www.bcps.org/offices/pdc/pdf/June-Learning-Calendar.pdf