South Seminole - Oct 2013

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LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL Hello Hurricane Families,

The 2013-2014 school year is off and running. Our students have a renewed excitement, a desire to learn, and hope that this will be their best year yet. We embarked on our new scheduling model and students have risen to the challenge. Having a great start of school does not happen by accident. There are many groups that should be recognized for their work in getting school up and running. Our administrators, teachers, secretaries, custodians, parents, and cafeteria workers do so much to make sure the school is ready to go; also, a special thank you to our counselors for their efforts. All this is done so that your child can have a wonderful and fulfilling experience as a student at South Seminole Middle School. We welcomed 22 new teachers to South Seminole Middle School. They are a great group of both new and experienced teachers who are talented and passionate about educating our kids. They truly are the best of the best. When you read this, the year will be well underway. I hope that things are going well and that children are working hard and having success. If there are questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. I believe that by working together we can make a difference for all of our students.

We know regular communication is vital to your child’s success at South Seminole Middle School and we have a variety of ways for you to “Get Connected.” If you have not already visited the SSMS website (www.ssms.scps.k12.fl.us), I invite you to take a look. Our school website links you to school information including our district calendar, daily announcements, teacher websites, community events, and many other educational resources. Skyward Family Access, gives you 24/7 access to your child’s assignment scores and current grades in every class. If you wish to use Skyward Family Access, you will need to register for a login and password. You must show a photo ID and complete an enrollment form in person at South Seminole Middle School with Ms. Maffuz, in the front office. By signing and returning the form in person to the school, you are authorizing the Seminole County Public Schools to provide you with your unique login and password. Tech savvy parents may want to sign-up for Remind101, a message system that sends brief text reminders to your phone. To receive messages via text, text @ssmsp to (754) 333-6289, or visit our webpage to the Remind101 link which provides a screenshot for easy navigation (you can opt-out of messages at any time by replying, ‘unsubscribe @ssmsp’). We will also regularly use the School Connects Messenger auto-dialer system and Skyward Message Center to remind parents about upcoming events or share important information. Last but not least, don’t forget to “Like” our Facebook page, and observe the sighted “Hurricane Activity” on campus.

Life for teens today is no longer a playground. It’s a jungle out there, with tough choices, peer pressure, personal insecurities, and anxiety about what others think. ...continues on next page

Inspiring Greatness

Leadership and Global Connections Magnet

Copyright @ 2008 Franklin Covey

Principal’s Message continues...

Leadership and Global Connections Magnet

ADDRESS 101 S. Winter Park Drive Casselberry, FL 32707 PHONE 407.746.1350 FAX 407.320.1420

WEBSITE www.ssms.scps.k12.fl.us ADMINISTRATION

Then consider feelings of depression, inferiority, and jealousy of others’ successes, plus selfdestructive behaviors. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens are essentially seven characteristics that happy and successful teens the world over have in common and a core component of our Leadership Magnet. Habits 1, 2, and 3 deal with self-mastery, called the “private victory.” Habits 4, 5, and 6 deal with relationships and teamwork, or the “public victory. “The last habit, Habit 7, is the habit of renewal. It feeds all the other six habits.

Let’s learn a little More about the “private victory”, so that you may have a common language with your students at home.

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Habit 1 BE PROACTIVE – I am a force; Take responsibility for your life. Being proactive is more than taking initiative. It is accepting responsibility for our own behavior (past, present, and future) and making choices based on principles and values rather than on moods or circumstances. Proactive people are agents of change and choose not to be victims, to be reactive, or to blame others. They take an Inside-Outside Approach to creating changes.

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Habit 2 BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND – Control your own destiny or Someone Else Will; Define your mission and goals in life. All things are created twice – first mentally, second physically. Individuals, families, teams, and organizations shape their own future by creating a mental vision and purpose for any project. They don’t just live day to day without a clear purpose in mind. They mentally identify and commit themselves to the principles, values, relationships, and purposes that matter most to them.

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Habit 3 PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST – Will and Won’t Power Prioritize, and do the most important things first. Putting first things first is the second or physical creation. It is organizing and executing around mental creation (your purpose, vision, values, and most important priorities.) The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.

Mia Coleman-Baker, Principal Julie Ciocca, Assistant Principal Magnet Contact Brendan Bess, Assistant Principal Linion Grace, Dean Rafael Fernandez, Dean Diane Taylor, Dean

“Hurricane Watch” October 2013 Published Six Times Per Year South Seminole M.S 101 South Winter Park Dr. Casselberry, FL 32707 Issue #6

The our Leaders for Life 6th grade course provides students with a step-by-step framework for boosting self-image, building friendships, resisting peer pressure, achieving goals, improving communication and relationships with parents, and much more. The habits build upon each other and foster behavioral change and improvement from the inside out.

This journey continues with our 7th Grade Emerging Leaders course and culminates with Global Leadership in 8th Grade.

It is easy to get caught up in the busy pace of a school year, but the time you spend volunteering at your child’s school can build a strong and enduring relationship. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer this year. It could be a one-time event or a regular, on-going commitment, we will be happy to put you and your time to good use. If you are interested in being a Dividend, contact Ms. Taylor at 407-746-1445.

Thank you all in advance for working with us to help your child grow and to make South Seminole Middle School a great place for all students!

Together We Can Make A Difference, Dr. Coleman-Baker

SSMS Dividend Volunteers

Can you spare an hour? At SSMS, we encourage and appreciate family involvement.

As a volunteer you have the opportunity to share your time, talents, and resources with the students of South Seminole. Whether you have an hour to spare or a few hours each week, we value your participation in SSMS. Our volunteers are a critical part of providing a quality education for all students. If you are new to South Seminole or returning as a Dividend Volunteer- please register/renew your application at http:www.scps.k12.fl.us/dividends/home.

There are many ways for you to participate • • • • • • • •

Help out at school events such as Fall Social, Magnet Night, Red Ribbon Week Sell tickets at Volleyball and Basketball Games & school dances Work in the school store (Global Marketplace) for an hour in the morning or at lunch Help with fundraisers such as Cookie Dough and Chocolate Bars Participate in National Teach In on Tuesday Nov 19 Help out in one of the many Magnet Elective classes with class projects Assist in after school club events/competitions such as Odyssey of the Mind, and National Jr. Beta Club.

Join as a Band or Chorus Booster parent and help with performances

For more information contact- Diane_Taylor@scps.k12.fl.us.

Register as a Dividend for 2013-14 • Receive online Newsletters • Follow us on Facebook

SSMS PSTA

Title 1 – Family Engagement

Ah, September! We’re back to school, back to homework, and back to the morning rush. With all the preparation for school, weekend sporting events, or just the general effort to get back into the groove, it is easy to forget to talk with each other. Keeping the lines of communication open to the best of your ability is crucial to student success socially, emotionally, and academically. Frequently adults hear the same responses from their student: How was school? Fine. What did you do today? Nothing. While this may be frustrating, sometimes we, the adults, are just not asking the right question. Here are five great questions which may elicit a deeper response:

Title 1 of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (formerly known as ECIA, ESEA or Chapter 1) is the largest federally funded educational program. This program, authorized by Congress, provides supplemental funds to school districts to assist schools with the highest student concentrations of poverty to meet school educational goals. Title 1 Programs provide funds to districts in order to assist schools with the highest levels of economically disadvantaged youngsters to:

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In accordance with federal law, funds are allocated directly to schools to work toward these three goals. As a Title 1 school, South Seminole families have the opportunity to benefit from ongoing Family Workshops. Check our newsletter, website and Facebook to sign up for these opportunities.

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What was the best (or worst) thing that happened at school today?

What is one thing that happened at school today that made you laugh?

What was one thing that happened at school today that made you angry?

Which class was your favorite (or least favorite) today and why?

How did you feel about how the day went?

Often, it feels frustrating to hear things such as ‘school is dumb,’ ‘I have no friends,’ or ‘all my classes are a waste of time.’

While an adult reaction may be to correct these phrases with, ‘School isn’t dumb, it’s important!’, or ‘I’m sure you have one friend,’ it may be more productive to ask why the student feels this way. Asking open ended questions, such as the five listed, may lead to a great conversation and give the adult a glimpse into the youth’s life they may not have had before. Of course, observation is also a great way to catch a glimpse of student life. If you have the opportunity to register as a Dividend (https:// www3.scps.k12.fl.us/secure/CommInv_Vol/Vols2003/vollogin. cfm ), you may volunteer for a variety of programs and events.

Help is always needed, welcomed, and appreciated. We would love to have everyone join the PTSA, Parent Teacher Student Association, because the more members we have, the more we can give back to the school; however, you do not have to be a PTSA member to be a Dividend. PTSA works hard to contribute to the overall success of South Seminole Middle School by funding teacher mini-grants, volunteering time, running the school store, and creating fun events to be enjoyed by the entire school. The cost of becoming a PTSA member is $5; if you are interested in becoming a member please email us at ssmspta@gmail.com .

SSMS PTSA information may also be found on Facebook and by email alerts at ssmspta.alerts@gmail.com. We hope the school year is off to a great start for you and your family, and thank you for your continued support of the SSMS PTSA.

1. Improve in student achievement for all participating children, 2. Improve staff development and 3. Improve parental and community involvement.

To register for any of the following Family Workshops, please contact Taucier Smalls-West at 407-320- 0255.

Workshop Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM Address: Early Learning/Family Engagement Center 1101 S. Bay Ave Sanford •

FIT FAMILIES WORKSHOP SERIES - Learn to be a healthy family in our FIT Families Workshop. Each session features a 15 minute segment on Family health followed by a 45 minute workout. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend with their school-aged children and the entire family while making healthy choices and living healthy lives together.

Attend one or all of the workshop sessions on 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/15, 10/29, 11/12, 12/3 and 12/17.

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LET’S GET TO WORK SERIES - Find out what employers are looking for, what jobs are paying, career tips and strategies, which careers are in high demand, helpful links, community resources and more. Attend one or all of the workshop sessions 9/23, 10/21, 11/18 and 12/9.

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PARENTS AND SCHOOLS WORKING TOGETHER TO PREVENT BULLYING – Monday Oct 7, @ 6:00 pm at the Family Engagement Center. This parent workshop will provide tools to assist parents in breaking the cycle of bullying and school violence. Parents will be provided information on being able to recognize, define and prevent bullying. Parents will be able to identify bullying behavior, explore the causes and types of bullying, and be able to teach children bullying resistance, coping and reporting.

Partners in Excellence

Please frequent our business partners who provide goods and services to support our school. To join us as a business partner, please contact Diane_Taylor@scps.k12. fl.us or 407-746-1445 Alex’s Cuban Café, Longwood Atticus Printing, Oviedo Buffalo Wild Wings, Casselberry Einstein Bros. Bagels, Casselberry Dance Centers of Orlando, Fern Park Denny’s Casselberry Dunkin Donuts, Casselberry Gators Dockside, Casselberry Hidden Den Hairstylist, Casselberry Italian Ice Paradise, Casselberry

Los Portales, Casselberry Planet Fitness, Casselberry Ravalia’s Pasta, Casselberry Semoran Skateway, Casselberry South Seminole Farm & Nursery, Casselberry Target, Casselberry Tijuana Flats, Casselberry Victorio’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Longwood

Remind 101 Parent Message System

If you would like to receive text messages from the school for quick updates and announcements, go to the SSMS website, and click the image above to learn how to sign up for SSMS LEAD’s Parent message system, Remind101. Or you may text @SSMSP to (754)333-6289. Remind101 is a one-way text messaging system. With Remind101, all personal information remains completely confidential.

Global Leadership

Students in Global Leadership classes have started the school year on a terrific path to learning about leadership. They have reviewed and applied the seven habits of highly effective teens into their first digital project. Using reciprocal teaching students have created and shared power points with each other that define and illustrate what “leadership” means. They truly enjoyed researching unique animals from around the world to showcase how the seven habits elicit success and how leadership can take many forms, and that diversity is a necessary component to successful survival! Their next project will have them working in Prezi to deepen their understanding of leadership traits. Students will be choosing a leader from the past as an example and teaching others about the leader’s life and contributions to the world.

International Corporations

Testing and Accountability South Seminole Middle, in accordance with SCPS facilitates progress monitoring through the Discovery Education system.

Students participate in three assessments that measure student mastery of benchmark skills in Language Arts (6-8), Math (6-8) and Science (8).

The first assessment period ends on Oct 4. Students were provided a baseline assessment which they will use to make academic goals.

Students will use data to monitor their own progress as the year unfolds and trace the path of success toward the 2013-14 spring FCAT. Students will be meeting with their LA and Math teachers to analyze data and begin goal setting activities. Check out our webpage and Facebook for the dates of all three Student Led Conference Nights. Students will present their own data, goals and progress and describe their own academic initiatives.

See scps.ssms.k12.fl.us for upcoming dates.

Fall Fundraisers

Save the date for SSMS Fall Fundraiser- Seasonal frozen Cookie Dough sales begin on Oct. 28 through Nov. 12. Look for information in your student’s backpacks.

SSMS also participates in year round fundraisers. Don’t forget to turn in Boxtops and Coke Rewards tops to the front office or your student’s first period teacher.

International Corporations is a class that learns about global businesses, corporations and organizations. Students learn right from the beginning how great leadership enables corporations to succeed. They understand that globalization is a driving force behind any company in the world today and that technology has fostered that to happen. Students have begun the year with a variety of learning experiences; they participate in “The Stock Market Game”, and are creating digital projects that define what an international corporation is. The history of how corporations are formed and how they grow is explored. Students will be collaborating among three teachers to share their experiences with each other and will participate in some fundraising and be highlighted in the digital school newspaper.

Science Department

Leaders For Life

Welcome Back Everyone!

As we begin a new school year we want you to know that South Seminole RECYCLES!! No more paper in the trash, please! Look for containers in classrooms marked “RECYCLING”! We recycle all paper AND earn $$ for our school—please do your part! Please save junk mail and magazines/catalogs! Drop it all off at the green dumpsters on the cafeteria side of campus! We are paid for our paper!

Every choice we make effects our environment. Here are some things you can do to make a difference...

• Make the switch. Compact fluorescent bulbs use half as much energy as incandescent bulbs. So switch—it’s a win, win situation!

• Buy fresh. Most of us eat food that is better traveled than we are. The environment pays a hefty price when our fruits and vegetables log miles to get to our tables. Buy local; it’s better for the environment and it supports local farmers.

• Gotta love an aluminum water bottle! This year more than 25 billion single use plastic water bottles will be sold in the United States alone and more than 80 percent of those will end up being disposed of rather than being recycled. Purchase an environmentally friendly, reusable aluminum water bottle. It is BPA free and could save over 365 plastic bottles a year/ per person from going to the landfill!

6th grade- Mrs. Trenholm Students have started learning the “set-up” unit. This unit introduces students to paradigms, principles, and the personal bank account. These three areas are the positive foundation that prepares our students to have success in the 7 habits. Students have also created online Edmodo accounts to help them to communicate with each other, the instructor, and complete digital assignments and assessments. Edmodo is a safe, secure academic site that keep teachers and students connected in and out of class.

Students will soon begin Habit 1 – Be Proactive. This habit will teach students how to listen carefully to the words that they choose, think before they react, and take responsibility for their lives. Welcome to South Seminole Middle School!

Student Activities

One of the most exciting things about Middle School is the opportunity to participate in a variety of clubs and organizations. Being involved in school clubs is a great way to stay active, meet new people, and stay connected at South Seminole Middle School. We understand that many children are involved in a variety of activities outside of school, but we firmly believe that our students benefit from the opportunities available on campus. We offer over 30 different clubs to our students: Soccer Club Quilting Club International Rhythms Art Club Read to Lead Movie Book Club Creative Ink Earth Club Interact Irish Dance National Beta Club Odyssey of the Mind JROTC SECME G.R.E.A.T Digital School Newspaper Club The Club Scrapbooking Club Science Fair Club Home Economics Brain Games Drama Club Pinatas 3M Club Anime Comic Book Club Basketball World Mythology Spanish Club Me to We Teen Court Service Learning Club Strategy Club Quest Atlantis Harley’s Home National Junior Honor Society

Social Studies Department

This year we have many great things happening in our Social Studies classes. All three grade levels have received new textbooks with online access and a consumable workbook for the students to use as well. Teachers will be sending home information explaining how to access the online textbook and additional great materials. Students are required to keep an interactive notebook for our classwork and sometimes homework, it’s a great organizational tool.

At South Seminole we are committed to empowering students and achieving academic excellence while developing leadership skills. All students are required to complete three hours of community service, of their choice, for the semester. Please contact your teacher if you have any questions or concerns.

It’s the beginning of the year and already we are moving ahead and working on exciting material in our classrooms; here are a few highlights. The sixth grade team will be focusing on teaching Early Humans using timelines, reading primary sources, and creating an artifact museum. The seventh grade team is already discussing the rigor of the Civics EOC (end of course exam) and already starting to prepare their students. They are working on cooperative lessons detailing the three branches of government. The eighth grade team is teaching about life in the colonies and will be creating our annual colonial brochure project. Pre IB students will be receiving information on the upcoming History Day Project that will be due in December. We look forward to a great year!

Language Arts Department

Sixth grade is currently studying author’s perspective/purpose viewing the world through each author’s eyes. In addition, students are reading and writing their own personal memoirs. We have begun the Outside Reading Project where students read a book a month, complete a project (due on the last Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise stated) and set reading goals for the year. Please check your child’s teacher’s website to see which genre they are assigned each month.

Seventh grade is working on Author’s Purpose and Perspective. We are reading “An American Childhood” by Annie Dillard and the poem “Oranges” by Gary Soto. Seventh grade is also busy reviewing parts of speech. The first Outside Reading Project is due the first week of October.

Eighth Grade has jumped right into writing. We have started with expository essays and had our first official practice from the county on 9/9-9/10. We will continue to work on skills to improve structure and support in our essays.

In Reading we started with a poem “When I Was Young in the Mountains” by Cynthia Rylant. Pre-IB is spending some time learning about memorials and monuments in the U.S. while reading “Always to Remember: A Vision of Maya Yin Ling.” Other classes will be reading an excerpt from I Know Why a Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. Our first Outside Reading Project is also due on October 1st.

The Intervention Team

The Intervention Team is busy making sure all students experience success at South Seminole Middle School. We are here to help students who are struggling in Math, Reading, or both and we specifically focus on students who are in the lowest quartile on the FCAT. We also work with students who are struggling with their behavior. We frequently visit students in their classroom and work with them one-on-one during their lunch or 8th period. We also have seven sections of Critical Thinking where students can sharpen their skills using the computer program Success Maker. Our mission is to empower students and give them the tools they need to be successful while preparing them for the FCAT.

Our office is located in the building between the front office and the cafeteria and also hosts a Parent Resource Center. Stop on by! You can also reach us via email or at (407) 746-1358.

We are looking forward to a great year here at South Seminole Middle School. If there is anything we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Danielle_Hendry@scps.k12.fl.us Lancelot_Ault@scps.k12.fl.us Norma_Lafuente@scps.k12.fl.us Darryl_Baker@scps.k12.fl.us

Emerging Leaders

Emerging Leadership Students are learning how to become productive community leaders; they all are involved in the following activities: • Students are practicing mentoring skills once a week at Casselberry Elementary.

• Students are participating twice a week in the Recycling Community Project at SSMS. • Emerging Leadership Students are also participating in the Clean-up Campus Project.

• Emerging Leadership Students had the initiative to organize a food drive to help a shelter in our community.

• In addition, the students are also involved in a research project. They are learning the traits of local and global leaders and how they impact our society.

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Band

The SSMS Band Program is off to an awesome start this year! It is exciting to see the Beginning Band students get their instruments and begin their music education, as well as the more experienced students growing and developing into more mature musicians. Mrs. Lieser is excited to see what this year brings for our SSMS Band students! Here are a few reminders to have in your calendar:

Parent Meeting

November 5 ����� Band Boosters Meeting – Band Room 6:00 pm

Fundraisers

Oct. 31-Nov. 15 Chocolate Brochure Delivery wk of 12/9/13 Band Room during/after school as needed

Performances

October 29 ������� Magnet Night (Jazz Band) – SSMS Stage 6-6:30 pm November 11 ���� Veteran’s Day Concert (Band 3) – Casselberry ES 9:30 -10:30 am

Honors Band

October 17 �������� All-County Band Fee ($2) & Contract due to Mrs. Lieser by 4:00 pm November 7 ����� All-County Band Auditions – Tuscawilla MS TBA

Other Fun Events

October 4 ��������� Polo & Tux uniform forms and money due for final order Nov. 21-22 �������� Band Pictures (Bring performance uniform/ medals) in the Band Room during class time

Sports News Girls Eastern Division Volleyball Schedule 2013

October 9 Tuskawilla @ Lawton Chiles Jackson Heights @ South Seminole Milwee @ Indian Trails October 16 South Seminole @ Lawton Chiles Milwee @ Tuskawilla Indian Trails @ Jackson Heights *Tournament October 26

Boys Eastern Division Volleyball Schedule 2013

October 9 Lawton Chiles @ Tuskawilla South Seminole @ Jackson Heights Indian Trails @ Milwee October 16 Lawton Chiles @ South Seminole Tuskawilla @ Milwee Jackson Heights @ Indian Trails *Tournament October 19