1. No category

Dake Junior High School
350 Cooper Road
Rochester, NY 14617
www.westirondequoit.org
January 2015
342-2140
January 2015
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Happy New Year to everyone! Each New Year presents an opportunity to be reflective. Our students
finished 2014 by focusing on aspects of our Dake Culture and Climate by engaging in a lesson aligned to
our PEACE (Perspective Empathy, Acceptance, Compassion and Equality) Throughout the Year initiative.
For the month of December, our students completed a
reflection activity on how the theme of acceptance
plays a role in our building. Like other PEACE activities, we will post the completed reflections around
our building as a symbol of our efforts toward emphasizing this theme in our daily interactions inside and
outside of school.
-In what ways can the irresponsible use of
social media impact you?
-How can we make sure that our use of social
media reflects healthy decision making?
We hope that these experiences provided our students
with the opportunity to think about how they use social media, while making a link to the skills that are a
central part of the health curriculum.
Officer Whitaker will return to Dake for a similar experience for any student taking health during the second semester. If you are interested, Officer Whitaker
has provided us with some resources for parents to
We have also spent some time reflecting on how our take advantage of and they are listed below:
students interact with each other in another realm.
http://www.nationalcac.org/prevention/internet-safetyth
Our 7 grade health classes have been reflective about kids.html
the responsible use of Social Media. In early November, Mr. Lipani, Director of Health, Physical Educahttp://www.ncpc.org/topics/internet-safety/socialtion and Athletics, our Health teachers and Officer
networking-safety
Andrew Whitaker of the Irondequoit Police Department met to develop a series of lessons connected to
this topic. Officer Whitaker co-delivered one of these We are thankful for our ongoing partnership with the
Irondequoit Police Department and very much look
lessons with Mrs. Vallee’s and Mr. Taylor’s classes
forward to our continued collaboration in support of
on Monday, Dec. 8. The students were highly enour students, school, and community.
gaged in the discussion, which included a variety of
questions such as:
Sincerely,
-What are the positives and negatives of using
social media?
-What are the most popular sites/apps that
students are using?
Matt Schrage
Principal
Topaz 8 News
Social Studies
Topaz 8 social studies students discussed
reasons for U.S. “Imperialism.” The unit involved the United States policies of expansionism, including the extension of its political, economic, and sometimes social influences around
the globe.
Students analyzed the acquisitions of Japan, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Alaska,
Hawaii, China, and the Panama Canal Zone.
During class time students unraveled political
cartoons, using justifiable interpretation questions, evaluated quotes regarding soldiers’ beliefs, viewed teacher created PowerPoint
presentations, as well as taking on the role of
the United States President in order to develop
solutions to various scenario questions.
Students were asked to complete CEI
paragraphs, a visual representation of the
Spanish American War, and text book readings
to answer a variety of higher-level thinking
questions. Our unit assessment took form as a
“fishbowl” debate where students had to argue
and counter-argue their beliefs with their classmates. Students will also complete a thematic
essay following the winter recess on the justifications for and against Imperialism.
As we continue on in the quarter, it is important for students to realize that the workload
in classes increases, as do expectations. Extra
help is always available before and after school
unless otherwise stated and during my free periods and lunch. Please feel free to e-mail any
questions to me at:
[email protected]
Thank you for your continued support in your
child’s education.
Mr. Armstrong
Science 8
Happy New Year! Topaz scientists have
just completed studying Heat energy and the
processes of conduction, convection, and radiation. At the culmination of the unit each scientist took part in the “Great Thermos Design
Challenge” as they developed a thermos designed to stop heat transfer and keep boiling
water hot. The students had to justify their material selection and create a model which illustrated the way their thermos was designed to
prevent the three methods of heat transfer.
Each class tested their thermoses for twenty
minutes, by leaving them outside in the cold
and recording the temperature of the water before and after. Following the collection data
each scientist shared their thermos design in a
classroom museum tour and offered peer feedback in addition to writing a reflection conclusion.
Topaz scientists will continue their exploration of energy with our study of Chemical
energy. The unit is designed to build on scaffolded information from Science 7, and apply
basic chemical principles to endothermic and
exothermic reactions. This will involve a basic
understanding of the Periodic Table, bonding,
and equations. In addition, students will be expected to analyze reaction rates through a series of hands-on lab experiences.
Ms. Dormitzer
[email protected]
Math 8
The Topaz mathematicians are hard at
work. They are currently in their Linear Relationship unit where they are learning to determine the association between different variables to recognize if a set of data increases or
decreases at a constant rate. They will learn
how to write an equation in the form 7=mx+b
given a set of criteria, such as a line that will
pass through two particular points, a line that
will pass through a particular point and have a
pre-determined slope, as well as a line that will
pass through a point and that is parallel to another line. We will use multiple representations such as tables, equations, graphs and
ations
Topaz 8 News (continued)
Math (continued)
situations to model these relationships. Using
the slope (rate of change) and the 7-intercept
(initial value), students will model and compare different real life scenarios connected to
our unit. Eventually, students will apply all of
their understanding of this unit, as well as algebra, to solve systems of equations.
The Advanced Algebra students are also
working extremely hard. We are finishing up
our unit on exponents and scientific notation to
prepare students for our factoring and FOIL
unit. The students will be double distributing
through the FOIL or box method process in order to find the product of two binomials. They
will also learn how to undo this process
through the factoring of binominals and trinomials process. These mathematicians will be
using their knowledge of math facts and greatest common factors in order to help simplify
and solve complex problems. This will lead us
into solving quadratics through methods such
as factoring, completing the square and using
the quadratic formula.
I am very proud and impressed by all of
the hard work and dedication that I have seen
so far this year from the Topaz team. As always, homework is given nightly to practice
and build upon the success we have achieved
in the classroom. I am always available to assist in any way to ensure the high level of
achievement of our students. Please encourage your student to see me whenever an obstacle arises and to attend review sessions before
quizzes and tests.
Ms. Howard
[email protected]
Amethyst 7 News
Social Studies
The Amethyst Team is completing the
challenging first steps in their American Revolution research project. The rough drafts were
just handed in on December 19th for their first
full and comprehensive research assignment in
their K-12 experience. Students have entered
into a peer editing process, and will revise
their drafts after teacher review. Revisions will
then be suggested and the final copy will be
handed in on Friday, January 16. Many, many
thanks to Ms. Bayerl, Mrs. LaPlaca and Ms. Enright for their guidance, patience and expertise
as our students worked through this assignment!
January will focus on the beginnings of
our nation with an emphasis on the creation of
our new government. Students will write a DBQ
essay on the characteristics of the U.S. Constitution in mid-February, as we continue to challenge our students with a rigorous and rewarding curriculum.
reading workshop of the play The Diary of Anne
Frank. During this unit, students will actively
engage in research about this time period followed by a multimedia presentation. Additionally, we will continue our focus on word study
and devote time each night to reading outside
of class for the Book of the Month assignment.
Thank you again for all that you do to
support your student inside and outside the
classroom. It continues to be a privilege to be
a part of this team, and a true joy to work with
each of the students on the Amethyst team! As
always, if you have any questions, please feel
free to contact me at any time!
Sincerely,
Miss Stephanie Shattuck
[email protected]
Math
The Amethyst 7 students are currently
working on solving and graphing both equations and inequalities, identifying equivalent
equations, and solving real world problems usThank you for your constant support,
ing both.
Mr. Schockow
Showing the required steps is very [email protected]
portant. The children are graded more for
their work than answers. We are solving by usEnglish
ing inverse operations to both sides.
Our Amethyst students are continuing to
The next chapter (five) begins after
work tremendously in ELA. As we continue our break. We will be dissecting proportions, both
progress through this school year, our students direct and inverse. As always, extra help is
continue to push themselves to greater levels
available. Both the quality, and completion of
as readers, writers, and thinkers!
homework go along way towards your child’s
In English, our students have just comsuccess in math.
pleted their reading of the novel Cold River by Mr. Uebelacker
William Judson. The students engaged in [email protected]
tive, independent reading as well as a number
of class activities promoting critical thinking
and analytical writing. Currently, students are
working on a Literary Analysis Essay as a final
assessment for this unit. Students will be working on this essay in class right up until the holiday break. Final copies of this project will due
shortly after students return to school.
We will continue to build upon essential
skills as Amethyst students transition to a
West Irondequoit Central
Now Look What I’ve Done!
WICPTSA
Arts and Literature Program
All children in grades 4 through 12 are invited to submit entries in any of
seven categories of art and literature.
Dance Choreography
Film Production/Animation
Literature
Musical Composition
Traditional/Digital Photography
Drawing and Painting
Sculpture and Mixed Media
Arts, music and literature enhance children’s learning
experiences and bring imaginations to life.
Build and celebrate creativity! Showcase your talents!
Participate in “Now Look What I’ve Done!”
Entries are due January 16, 2015
Entry forms and information packets are available in the school main office and on
our Web site at www.wipctsa.org
Any questions can be directed to Maureen Heron at 756-8617 or [email protected]
Is Your Teen Vaping? The Dangers of
E-Cigarettes
Vaping is the trendy term for using an electronic
cigarette designed to deliver liquid nicotine with
appealing fruity flavors and other chemicals to users in vapor instead of smoke.
Dabs, earwax, tar), alcohol and marijuana solutions
without the detectable odor.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
published a survey in September 2013 that showed
the use of e-cigarette experimentation and recent
use among U.S. middle and high school students
This new trend is marketed as a healthier alternadoubled from 2011 to 2012. Many of those students
tive to regular smoking and is promoted as the new- had never used conventional cigarettes.
est smoking cessation tool. Yet, there is no credible
What can parents do?
research that indicates these items are anything
other than nicotine delivery systems, and may actu- Remember that an adolescent brain is more suscepally be a new route to conventional smoking and
tible to nicotine than an adult brain, so this trend of
nicotine addiction for teenagers. And, because erising use is something to be taken very seriously.
cigarettes are not currently marketed either as toHere are some tips to help your continuous efforts:
bacco products or as devices having therapeutic
 Research e-cigarettes/vaporizers on the Internet
purpose, the are not regulated by the FDA. There is
for images so you are clear about what they look
currently no regulation of the liquids that are used
like.
in e-cigarettes, so there are no accepted measures
to confirm their purity or safety.
 Educate your kids that e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance, a
Testing of some e-cigarette products found the vasimulant, and a dangerous drug. They should
por to contain known carcinogens and toxic chemiknow that cancer-causing chemicals are found
cals (such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde), as
in e-cigarette cartridges.
well as potentially toxic metal particles from the vaporizing mechanism. Nicotine is a highly addictive  Be clear that smoking of any kind is off limits.
drug, and recent research suggests nicotine expoSources:
sure may also prime the brain to become addicted
to other substances. In other words, e-cigarette use National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
may serve as a “gateway” drug.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Most e-cigarettes consist of three different compowww.electroncigarettevaporizers.com
nents, including a cartilage, which holds the liquid
www.diablomag.com/education
solution, a heating device (vaporizer), and a power
source (usually a battery).
For more information call or e-mail:
E-cigarettes look similar to traditional cigarettes.
Vaporizers generally look less like cigarettes, are
Rita Dulaney, Substance Intervention Counselor,
larger and more like a fountain pen. The e336-2921 or [email protected]
cigarette/vaporizer industry has quickly developed
an abundance of products that appeal to teens: Epens, vape pens, e-Hookahs, Hookah pens and
twigs are some of the more popular nicknames.
The bright iPod-like colors of these devices appeal
attractive to teens, and are readily available, cool,
and tech-like. The Internet is the most common
place of purchase. But, vape stores and head shops
are continuously cropping up in local suburbs and
city locations.
The devices can be used for multiple purposes, including using to smoke hash oil (common names as
Congratulations to our
December Students of the Month!!
Art
Jacob King
Social Studies
Michael Madonia
Spanish
Jared Elwell
Orchestra
Alison Branch
Health
Ellanah Nelson
English
Morgan Arrowood
FACS
Ryan Davis
Math
Carter Mezzio
Science
Henry Varenka
Physical Ed.
Ismet Domac
Technology
Taylan Getiren
Dake 2014-2015 Yearbooks
Price: $22.00
Order on the Dake Web site
Click on Yearbook
Upon completion, a yearbook will be reserved
in your child’s name. Yearbooks arrive the first
part of June. If you do not order a yearbook by
April 15th on-line, they will be sold on a first
come-first serve CASH ONLY basis in June.
Any questions, e-mail:
[email protected]
or
[email protected]
Lunch Program News
Reminder-District Cafeteria Charge Policy
Dake Junior High students can charge two
lunches or a total of $5.10, and after that, will
be give a PB & J or a cheese sandwich and
milk until the charges are paid. Don’t get
stuck with a sandwich and milk! Remember
to bring your lunch money!
Betsy LoGiudice
School Lunch Director
[email protected]
336-2953
Please join us for our next
Dake Parent/Principal Coffees
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
7 p.m.—8 p.m.
And
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
9 a.m.—10 a.m.
Dake Geography Bee
No School on the following days…
Congratulations to all who participated in
the 27th Annual Dake Geography Bee! A
total of 20 students participated in this
event.
Monday, January 19
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Our 3rd place winner was Nick Ruhling
Monday, February 16—Friday, February 20
Our 2nd place winner was Jim Clements
Winter Recess
And our School Champion for this year is
Erica Daniels from Grade 8!
Monday, March 30—Friday, April 3
Spring Recess
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day
Congratulations to our Dake students who are going to have their art work shown at
the “Create Art 4 Good Studios Emerging Artists” Exhibition. This exhibit will show
art work from the district in grades 1-12.
The opening is on
January 2nd
from
6 p.m.—9 p.m.
7th Grade
Zayda Harper—pencil drawing
Jared Coffey—pencil drawing
8th Grade
Catherine Cooke and Erin O’Sullivan-Deconstructed Book
Sophia Militello and Micah Matuska-Deconstructed Book
Emily Ecker-Deconstructed Book
Literacy in the 21st Century
Ellen Reed K-12 ELA Supervisor
“Reading and writing, like everything else, improve with
practice. And, of course, if there are no young readers and
writers, there will shortly be no older ones. Literacy will be
dead, and democracy-which many believe goes hand in
hand with it-will be dead as well.”
-Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood’s quote emphasizes the importance of
reading and writing as the foundation for a strong society.
It is imperative that all children have the opportunity to
master the skills they will need to thrive in the 21st century.
In English Language Arts some of the key elements needed
to succeed include: foundational skills; close reading and
text based comprehension; and language skills and writing.
Why are Foundational Skills Important?
Much like the foundation of a building provides its base
and support, foundational skills comprise the building
blocks of reading. These building blocks foster each students understanding of concepts of print, alphabetic principle, phonological awareness and phonics.
Children show competency in concepts of print when they
know how to hold a book correctly, to differentiate between pictures and text and understand that text is read
from left to right and top to bottom. The alphabetic principle is an understanding that words are made up of letters
and that letters make sounds in our language. Grasping that
link is crucial as children make the vital connection between spoken and written language. Phonological awareness begins when a child becomes aware of individual
sounds in words and is able to manipulate them. As children learn phonics, they improve their ability to make
sound-spelling correspondence. Mastery of all of these
skills prepares students to access meaning through print.
Why are Close Reading and Text Dependent Comprehension Important?
Once the foundational skills are mastered, students move
from learning to read to reading to learn. They acquire a
broad knowledge base through reading a wide range of
challenging literary and informational texts. It is important
to understand the ideas as the text communicates them.
This requires close reading, which emphasizes focused,
sustained reading and rereading of a text for the purpose of
understanding key points, gathering evidence, and building
knowledge. When students read closely they give the time
and attention needed to fully understand the information in
a text and are able to cite specific evidence from it.
Why are Writing and Language Skills Important?
One way students demonstrate their understanding of a text
is through writing. Writing is about communicating clearly
to an audience, and adapting form and content to a particular task and purpose. This communication is enhanced
through consistent application of language rules and
knowledge of language and vocabulary. Students who are
effective writers combine strong content, organization and
style to communicate their ideas.
Why is Home Support So Important?
Home support is crucial if all students are going to master
the standards described in the previous paragraphs. Here
are just a few ways to help your child learn outside of
school:




Provide time and space for your child to read. This
should be a time free from distractions such as television.
Ask your child what he or she learned from reading and
how that knowledge can be used in real life. Have him
or her read the most interesting or useful section aloud.
It is also helpful when your child sees other people
reading every day at home. You could share what you
have read.
Use technology to build your child’s interest in reading. There are Web sites where students can read
books and articles on-line.
The message is clear. Spend time reading and writing with
your children. You will enjoy the experience and they will
be on their way to mastering the skills they need to be confident and literate citizens. As always, thank you for your
continued support at home!
-Adapted from Scott Foresman Reading Street Resources
Keeping Students Safe
During the Cold
Each year, we receive questions regarding outdoor play at are the
guidelines that we follow to ensure the safety of our students recess for
students during the winter season. Printed below while allowing them
time during the school day to enjoy outdoor physical activities. These
guidelines have been prepared by Larry Denk, M.D., School Physician,
and Mary Lou Popolizio, M.S., PNP School Pediatric Nurse
Practitioner.
If children are properly clothed, they can participate in safe, vigorous
play in an outdoor environment in most weather conditions. Increased
caution is necessary, however, due to a large body surface area to
weight ratio. During cold temperatures less than 20 degrees F, children
are at risk of cold-related injury. In particular, the younger the child,
the less physical adaptive reactions they have to cold stress. Shivering
is one physical adaptive mechanism that alerts caretakers to the
negative effects of cold exposure on the child.
However, children can safely play outdoors in cold temperatures over
20 degrees F if properly dressed.
For elementary school-aged children we are concerned about periods
of inactivity while outside. Therefore, we have chosen a temperature
of 20 degrees F or higher for allowing children to be outside for a
planned or structured sedentary activity (including standing in line).
This does not apply to individual children who choose to stand around
or sit around at a time when there is opportunity for play and running
around; such children will be encouraged to be active at all
temperatures. School personnel will not plan sedentary activities in
cold weather and will not expect students to be inactive while outside
in cold weather. When outdoor temperatures and wind chill factors are
greater than or equal to 20 degrees F, children will be allowed to play
outdoors with adult supervision if adequately dressed with hats,
mittens or well insulated gloves, and boots. This applies to all children
who are physically well enough to attend school.
Your help is needed...
Please be a considerate neighbor, remember to clear
the sidewalk in front of your property of snow when
you clear your driveway. If you can, take a moment
to shovel in front of a neighbor’s house. Working
together, we can keep sidewalks open for our
children, mail carriers, delivery people and for all
who travel by foot during the winter months.
Residents are also asked not to block sidewalks
when clearing snow from their driveways. Please
remind commercial snow plow contractors of the
need to maintain safe walking routes through our
town.
Drivers - please be cautious of pedestrians,
especially during the hours when children are
travelling to and from school. There may be areas
where sidewalks are impassable and snow piles on
corners may make
visibility difficult.
West Irondequoit will continue to follow the advice of the Monroe
County Health Department in using -25 degrees F wind chill as the
threshold for closing schools due to cold. As always, parents may
choose to keep their children home on any day they deem too
dangerous for travel.
In the spir it of cooper ative lear ning,
school personnel and parents have
a shared responsibility to foster the
health and well being of all
students. It is the parent's
responsibility to send children to
school appropriately dressed for
outdoor activities.
Prevention of Cold Related Injury
• Keep hands and feet dry.
• Use mittens instead of gloves.
• Apply clothing in multiple layers.
• Avoid tight clothing.
• Increase fluid and calorie intake in cold weather.
• Cover lips with plain petroleum jelly to decrease risk of chapping.
• Wear a scarf around the nose and mouth to allow re-breathing of warmer air.
• Wear hats to prevent heat loss./Head covering should protect sensitive ear tissue.
Emergency Closing Procedures
School Cancellation
There may be times, due to adverse weather or other
emergencies, when it will be necessary to close one or
more schools. In order to inform the community, the
district will contact parents via our automated phone
system using numbers provided by families at the start
of the school year. We will also alert major television
and radio stations (Channels 8, 9, 10 & 13),
WHAM 1180 AM, and WXXI 1370 with details of
the situation.
9-12: Students (except handicapped students requiring
transportation) who feel that they can reach their destinations
safely will be dismissed. All other students will remain in
school until satisfactory arrangements can be made.
Please review with your children, neighbors and relatives the
plans you have pre-arranged, should an early dismissal or
emergency school closing occur. It is crucial that parents
understand the emergency notification procedures we are
using and that you think about how you and your children
will respond under these rare conditions. We appreciate your
efforts to keep your child’s emergency plan up-to-date as
family schedules and circumstances change.
If the determination to close is made before the
opening of school in the morning, every effort will be
made to notify families by 6:00 a.m. There may be
occasions when the start of school is delayed, and this
would also be communicated to families. For example, Help Us
a one-hour delay would mean that schools would open
Keep in Touch
one hour later than the normal schedule. Buses would
pick students up one hour later. The school day would
Do you have a new place of
end at the regularly scheduled time and afternoon
employment? Has your cell
kindergarten hours would not be affected.
phone number changed?
School Closing – During the Day
Please remember to notify us if your contact information
Should it be necessary to close school during the day, changes. A call to one school will update information for every
the district will take actions to ensure the safety of
student in your family. Changes are uploaded to our
children and staff and the parents would be notified
automated phone system regularly so that we can reach you if
using our automated phone system. The following
the need arises.
procedures will apply:
If you need to make any changes, please contact:
K-8: Par ents must fill out and r etur n an
Mrs. Dakin
Emergency Notification Form in September. It is
336-2961
crucial that we always have correct, up to date phone
numbers. If the principal feels that students can reach [email protected]
their destination safely, students will be released in
accordance with instructions on each child’s
emergency form. Review with your child the
procedure to be followed if s/he arrives at home
and you are not there. If conditions permit,
busses will be available to transport students
What happens to the six day (letter day) schedule
if school is cancelled?
Letter days do not change, even if school is cancelled. For example, if
school is closed due to weather conditions on a “B” day, the next day
will remain a “C” day.
LOTE NOTES
DEUTSCH
The 7th grade German students are learning about schools in German speaking countries and how to give
their opinions in German. Did you know that in Germany the teachers move from room to room and the students stay in one place?
The German 1 students are preparing for future shopping trips in Berlin with clothing vocabulary and shopping phrases. They will be showing their skills with skits in class soon.
ESPAGNOL
Señorita Menzie’s Spanish 7 students just wrapped up the Calendar and Numbers unit. Next will be the
Weather unit where they will describe weather in Spanish. They will see what weather patterns other parts
of the world experience!
Señorita Menzie and Señorita Seeley’s Spanish 1 classes just wrapped up the Leisure/Pastimes unit. Students discussed what they and their friends do during their free time, and learned about popular pastimes in
Spanish speaking countries such as bullfighting and soccer. Next up is the Food unit!
FRANCAIS
French 7 and 8 students wrote letters to their pen friends in Gémozac France. They are busily trying to finish a video introduction from Dake in response to the video from Collège (Junior High) Jules Ferry students.
Gémozac is a town very near to Bordeauz in Southwestern France.
ITALIANO
Signorina Pergolizzi and Signora Guido’s 7th graders had a great time learning their colors and how to make
adjectives agree with nouns. The most popular SKITTLE color is ROSSO! La Befana will arrive with gifts for
the students on January 6th. Next unit….Education!
Signora Savine and Signora Guido’s Level 1 classes just finished a unit on Health and Welfare. Did you know
that you can’t buy gum, candy or magazines at a pharmacy in Italia? WHAT??? Students also wrote about
and drew monsters in Italian. Interesting characters included Bacco, the five headed, eight legged man and
Lucia, the beauty queen with three noses and nine left feet. Off to learn about Professions!
Important Dates To Remember….
January 5
School Resumes
January 12
IHS 8th grade Parent Orientation
January 14
Dake Parent/Principal Coffee
January 19
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Wk. of January 25 Second marking period ends
Wk. of February 8 7-12 Report cards mailed
February 11
Dake Parent/Principal Coffee
February 12
Dake Chorus 8/IHS Jazz Choir
February 16-20
Winter Recess
IHS Aud.
7 p.m.
7 p.m.
NO SCHOOL
IHS Aud.
NO SCHOOL
9 a.m.
7:30 p.m.