Agueda Iglesias Johnston Middle School Pirate Parent Newsletter

January 2008

Dates To Remember • January 16: PTO Mtg. 6:30pm • January 17: 2nd qtr. grades • January 21: Flex. Day

Index Page 1 • Letter From the Principal Page 2 • The Commemoration • MSA Bulletin Page 3 • Solving the Rubik’s Cube Page 4 • Education Update • Kulu Natibu Promotes Health Page 5 • Expectations of an 8th grader Page 6 • Approved Snack List Page 7 • Umatac Mayor’s Office Lends a

Hand at AIJMS • Expectations. . . (continued) Page 8 and 9 • Acceptable Student Usage Policies Page 10 • Pirate Faces of 2007 Page 11 • Unleashing the Pirate Pride III • The Journalism Student Page 12 • Note From the Nurse • Survey Says . . . Page 13 • Sports Page 14 and 15 • Counselor’s Corner Page 16 • Project Menhalom Page 17 • Accreditation Page 18 • Current Bell Schedule

PRINCIPAL’S NEW YEAR ADDRESS Dear Parents,

Buenas Yan Hafa Adai! On behalf of all the faculty and staff, we wish you a HAPPY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. We are so excited to have our PIRATES back in school as we begin the second semester. The teachers have administered their 2nd quarter final exams and are calculating student grades. The 2nd quarter officially ended on Friday, January 11, 2008 and report cards will be ready for distribution by Monday, January 28, 2008. AIJMS remains committed to providing you and your child with the best educational experience possible. First se-mester was a success with many wonderful accomplishments and 2nd semester will be even more exciting. Please make it a point to visit our website at www.aijms.net to review important information and announcements.

SY 07-08 marks the second year of Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports (PBIS). This program is intended to nurture positive behavior in students by reinforcing School Wide Expected Behaviors referred to as the “Big Nine” Please review the article by Carmen Garrido, the School Level Facili-tator for more details. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 budget for AIJMS was sub-mitted to Mrs. Flores, the Acting Associate Superintendent, Secondary for approval. Village meetings were held at GWHS on January 03, 2008 for community input. Based on the feed-back from all stakeholders, the budget was finalized. You can review the budget on the school website.

The full self study visit by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) scheduled for March 9, 2008 is fast approaching. Currently, the school community is finaliz-ing the report in preparation for the visit. Please review the article by Ray Alicto, the Accreditation Chairperson for more details on how you can support this initiative. In closing, I want to assure you that the faculty, staff, and administration of the school are dedicated to working with you to promote a positive school climate where all children feel safe and excited about school. Thank you for your contin-ued partnership in making AIJMS the best middle school on island.

Mr. Christopher Anderson, Principal

A Product of the Journalism Class

Remembering Tan Agueda Iglesias Johnston: The Commemoration Ceremony

Mylisha Alcantara

On December 14, 2007 Agueda Johnston Middle School held their commemoration ceremony remembering the great Tan Agueda. Students did a great job in answering questions during the pep rally. We showed Tan Agueda's family members how knowledgeable we were about Tan Agueda. We had many honored guests in-cluding BJ Cruz, mayors, and vice mayors. It shows how great our school really is. All performers were fantastic and put on a show that we could never forget. The Kulu Natibu Dance Squad and Siñot Santiago's cultural dance students performed Christmas and cultural dances. Not only did they do a fantastic job, but they also put everyone in the dancing mood. Ms. Tara Leon Guererro's hip-hop class per- formed and surprised everyone with their great moves. Other great performances were done by the 2007-2008 Marching Band and the recitation of a poem done by Siñot Aguon’s Chamorro class. All performers were awesome. The commemo- ration ceremony had great stage decorations. Canopies and chairs were organized, and the bust was adorned with lovely flowers. In other words, the commemoration ceremony was beau-tiful. It was decorated in a way that I will never forget. Speeches about Tan Agueda were given and information about her was spread throughout the school. Tan Agueda born in 1892, had seven children and her husband's name was William G. Johnston. She started the first girl scouts on Guam and will also be remembered as a patriot and an educator.

Micronesian Student Association BULLETIN

NOVEMBER 2007- Thank you to those who donated to the Micronesian Student Association's " Canned Food & Non-Perishable Items Drive". With your donation, MSA members were able to prepare 25 beautifully hand wrapped food bags. The gift bags were given out to our families who could benefit from the extra assistance during this past holiday season. Also, we were able to donate 3 boxes of canned goods to Kamalen Karidat, a non profit organi-zation that helps feed the hungry on Guam. JANUARY- MSA is selling coupon booklets for McDonalds Food Items, valued at $10.00 selling for ONLY $5.00. For more information please call Therese Flores at 472-6785 ext. 5009 FEBRUARY- 2/02/08 beginning at 7:15 a.m., MSA will be picking up trash along Rte. 8 Maite (from Townhouse furniture to 671 Motorsports). This beautification event is sponsored by Deloitte & Touche in collaboration with the Adopt- A- Roadside Program. Page 2

Solving the Rubik’s Cube Joshua Ilustre Rubik’s Cube Solution

upload.wikimedia.org content.answers.com

First of all, you will not be able to solve a Rubik's Cube immediately after reading this page only once. It takes a lot of work to learn this method thoroughly. The time it takes to learn depends on your devotion. If you are serious about learning how to solve a cube, I suggest that you don't start learning until you know that you will have a lot of spare time in the near future to work on it. Another thing I'd like to say is that this solution won't break any world records. If you learn this solution thoroughly, your best time might be around a minute or a min-ute and a half. Once you get this method down pretty good, and you want to work on your solving time, I suggest you learn shortcuts. It will really help a lot.

Axioms To Keep In Mind: • The cube consists of 21 individually moving parts. These include 1 triple-axis, 12 edge pieces, and 8 corner pieces. • A center square will always remain a center square no matter how you turn the cube. • An edge piece will always remain an edge piece no matter how you turn the cube. • A corner piece will always remain a corner piece no matter how you turn the cube. • Center pieces never change their position in relation to each other. They only twist around in place, even though it looks like they change places. • An edge piece has two stickers on it. Those two stickers will always stay next to each other. If you want to move one of the colors to another position, the other has to come too. The same idea goes for corner pieces. Peeling off the stickers is not the solution (in fact if you start to peel off some of the stickers but never finish putting the rest in their places, you are most likely going to cause an impossible combination and make the cube unsolvable). Even if you do finish replacing the stickers, you make solving the cube more difficult and awkward to a person who actually knows how to solve it since the colors are not in the same place in relation to each other.

Rubik's Cube Solution: Step 1: Solving One Side

Solving the top row is the hardest part of the solution, believe it or not. Keep in mind that when you solve

the one side, you have to solve the adjoining row at the same time. That means that if you decided to solve the blue face first, it would have to look something like the above picture. Notice how the red and green squares are all lined up nicely in the top row. Up to the challenge? Here we go...

Step-by-Step Instructions: Don't Panic Pick a color of the six (I will be using blue in most of the examples, so whenever I say blue, I

really mean top color). Find a sticker of that color that is in the center of the face. This will be your top. Move the corresponding edge and corner pieces of that color next to the center cube while making

sure the top outside row colors line up (May the thinking juices flow). For more tips to solving the cube read the next issue of the Pirate Newsletter

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Education Update Announcement for Agueda I. Johnston Middle School

January 21 – Flexible make-up day. (NO CLASSES) January 11 – End of Second Quarter. 3rd Quarter Schedules will be distributed. January 14 – Start of 3rd Quarter January 09– Guam Education Policy Board Meeting at Agueda Iglesias Johnston Middle School Dining Hall A and B Honor roll recipients were given their certificates in December and their award pins are forthcoming. SAT 10 results from the feeder schools (PC Lujan, Price and Ordot Elementary Schools) have been received at AIJMS and

copies can be provided upon request. AIJMS is implementing unannounced evacuation and lockdown exercises throughout the year. Gates will be closed and visi-

tors are not allowed on campus. Gates will reopen once the exercise is complete. As of January 2007, school Verification Requests will no longer be accepted over the phone. Parents must make the request in

person at the Main Office. Processing time for verifications is now five working days. Parents/Guardians: If you have any new information for your child’s demographics (ie. Home address, Mailing Address, tele-

phone/emergency numbers, guardianship documents, court documents) please come in and see Marcie Aguigui in the Counseling Office to update information and fill out new emergency card forms. Student Verifications will be easier to obtain if information is updated prior to requests.

School phone numbers have changed, please take note of the new numbers: 472-6785; 472-6947 and 472-5053. Parents, please be aware that only urgent/emergency messages will be relayed to students during instructional time. Parents are

also urged to make transportation arrangements beforehand.

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Kulu Makes a Difference in Saipan As part of the Health and Wellness initiative in Saipan, 5 dancers from the Kulu Natibu Dance Squad were recipients of an all expense paid off island trip from December 17-24. In Saipan, Jona-than Ayuyu, Tianna Borja, Frankie Guthertz, Brandon Salas, Marina Tenorio, and Siñot Santiago spoke to various principals from all over the CNMI. Their mission was to promote health and well-ness through cultural dance. The delegation conducted many a workshop at Dandan Elementary School for 5 days straight and were guest perfomers at the DARE annual concert, the Diabetes Foun-dation Seminar and the Mayor’s Council Japanese Reception. As a result of their efforts, the Rota Public School System has invited the 5 Squad Members to facilitate dance workshops and promote cultural dance on the island from March 04-08. Once again, these wonderfully talented children will represent the best that Agueda Iglesias Johnston Middle School has to offer. We are proud of your accomplishments Kulu Natibu!

The Expectations of an Eighth Grader By: James Losongco

As an eighth grader I expect a lot of things this year. I expect to re-ceive straight A’s on my report cards, to ace all of my tests, to graduate from middle school, transitioning to high school, and to end my last year of middle school with lots of fun memories. My first expectation this year is to get straight A’s. To do this I need to finish all my assignments on time, do my homework, take down

notes and participate in class. I do many of these things because I care about my grades and I really want to have a good education. But many other eighth graders do not do this; other eighth graders do not have such good expectations for themselves. Most eighth graders have the atti-tude to relax and chill and don’t do anything. They would rather watch TV, play video games, or other things instead of finishing their assignments or doing their homework. Doing this will bring your grades down and give you a lower opportunity of graduating. Then you would be stuck in middle school for another year while the rest of your friends go off to high school. The lack of parental support is usually the cause of this problem. If parents would just take time to help their child with homework, assignments, or projects less students would have difficulties with school. Also, parents need to talk to their children about college, wrk, supporting a family, goals, and succeeding throughout life. If parents were involved in their child’s life, their child would have a better chance of succeeding in life. Another expectation is acing tests. To do this you need to study! Studying can be very useful for a test. Studying can also be very fun. It is very easy to make fun games to help you study. But in order to get the right information to study, you need to have the proper book. In almost all of my classes I don’t have a book to bring home. The only class where I have a book at home is Pre Algebra. But what about the other subjects? I have no book to take home for them. How am I supposed to study? Studying at school is good, but studying at home is even better. At school you have many distractions, classmates, noise, your surroundings, and even the place where you’re studying at. But at home, you have your own quiet room where you can lock the door and block out the outside world. So that’s why it’s important to have a textbook at home. But if we only have books at school, we have to endure the many distractions. Taking down notes can be useful, but having a textbook at home is better. At school we only have a limited time to copy everything we need to study and usually we don’t have enough time. That’s why we need enough textbooks to go to every student’s home.

My most important expectation this year is to get out of middle school and tran-sition to high school. Graduating this year is a big thing for me. I really want to move on and succeed. I would die if I had to repeat eighth grade. That’s why I try my hardest to get great scores on all of my assignments and tests. I take every opportunity I have to get a higher grade. Because when I move onto high school, I really don’t want to get stuck in a low class. In high school I want to take Freshman English, Algebra, Chemistry, and the other high classes. I want to receive enough credits to graduate from high school and move onto college. In order to do that, I have to have high scores in high classes. To do that I have to impress the people in high school with the great reputation I have in middle school. One little flaw could ruin all of my ex-pectations for high school. That’s why it’s important for all eighth graders to get their lazy butts moving. Page 5

Approved Snack List for the

Guam Public School System

The following is the approved snack list obtained from the GPSS Food & Nutrition Services Management Division: Criteria: No more than 30% calories from fat per serving No more than 10 calories from saturated fat per serving No more than 40% sugar by weight per serving (excludes fruits and vegetables) No more tan 480 mg. sodium per serving Supply at least 5% of the daily value, per serving or per 100 calories, of at least one of these eight essential nutrients: iron, calcium, protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, niacin, thiamine, or riboflavin Snack List: 1. Baked (1 oz.) Frito Lay Potato Chips, Cheddar & Sour

Cream Ruffles, Doritos Cool Ranch, KC Masterpiece BBQ, Regular Potato Chips, Regular Ruffles Brand Potato Chips, Sour Cream & Onion, 1oz

2. Cheez It Baked Snack Cracker - Spongebob, 1.1 oz 3. Cheez It Reduced Fat Crackers, 30g 4. Chex Mix Brand Snack Mix Trad., 30 g 5. Cinnamon Life Cereal Bowls, .94 oz 6. Corn Nuts: BBQ, Nacho, Origonial, Ranch (48 g), 1.7

oz 7. Danimals Low Fat Yogurt Flavors, 4 oz 8. Dannon Blended Non fat Yogurt Flavor, 6 oz 9. Diamond Bakery Hawaiian animal cookies, 2.5 oz 10. Dole Fruit Bowls, Tropical Fruit, 113 g 11. Elf Grahams Choco Chip Snacks, 1 oz 12. Fig Newtons, 31 g 13. Go-gurt varieties (Yoplait), 63.8 g 14. Guam USA Dried Mango 15. Honey Maid Crackers (Nabisco), 29 g 16. Keebler Sunshine Animal Crackers, 29 g 17. Kellogg’s Pop Tarts, 52 g 18. Kellog’s Spcial K Bars, 23 g 19. Kraft Handi-Snacks Premium Breadsticks n Cheez,

1.09 oz 20. Kraft handi-Snacks Ritz Crackers n Cheez, .95 oz 21. Life Cereal Bowls, .94 oz

22. Marukiyo’s Rice Crackers, Mini Wheats, Nabisco Teddy Grahams, 30 g 23. Nabisco 100 Calories Packs Thin Crisp Baked

Oreos, Chips Ahoy, Cheese Nips 24. Nature Valley Granola Bars in Oats & Honey, 42

g 25. Nature Valley Granola Bars: Fruit & Nut 26. Nilla Wafers, 1 oz 27. Nutrigrain Cereal Bars, 37 g 28. Pepperidge Farms Goldfish Pretzels, 1.0 oz 29. Quaker Fruit & Oatmeal Bar in Apple Crisp,

cherry Cobbler, Strawberry, Strawberry Cheese-cake, & Very Berry, 1.3 oz

30. Quaker Fruit & Oatmeal Bites in Apple Crisp, 2 oz & Strawberry, 1.3 oz

31. Quaker Iced Strawberry Toastables, 50 g 32. Rold Gold Brand Pretzels Honey Braided Twists,

1 oz 33. Seneca Applesauce w/Cinnamon, 113 g 34. Snak club Fancy Trail Mix, 3.25 g 35. Snak club Oriental Mix, 3.0 g 36. Snak Club Yogurt Nut Mix, 3.25 g 37. Spaans: Oat Bran n Raisins 38. Sunkist Fruit & Grain Bars: Lemon, Strawberry,

Apple 39. Super Pretzel: WITHOUT the salt added within

the package 40. Western Family “Fruit on the Go” - Diced

Peaches 41. Western Family Trail Mix, Original (1/4 cup) 42. Western Trail Mix: Tropical Fruit & Nut 43. Yoplait Yogurt

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Umatac Mayor’s Office assists AIJMS for beautfication

continued from page 5 As eighth graders we need to set the example for the sixth and seventh graders. We need to show them that when they are eighth grade they can graduate. We need to show them that eighth grade is a big deal and that high school is a big deal. And if we get bad grades and flunk, that would not give a very good sign to the younger grades. That is why eighth graders need to put down the remote control and pick up the pencil. We need to overcome all the challenges we face together and use teamwork! My very last expectation this year is to leave Agueda Johnston Middle School with great and fun memories. I want to have fun this year and end this year in good terms. That’s why we need to stop fighting and put our differences aside in order to end this year off right. Another great idea for having fun is joining the many clubs we have in school. There are many clubs like the Filipino Student Association, the Micronesian Student Association, the Close Up Organiza-tion, Academic Challenge Bowl Group, Kulu Natibu, and Band. If you ever have an opportu-nity to join any of these groups you should take it. All of these organizations are full of fun and excitement. Many of these organizations also go off island so you can experience the thrill of travel. For instance, Close Up will be going to Washington D.C., Kulu Natibu will be going to Saipan, and the Filipino Student Association will be going to the Philippines. All of these clubs are open for anyone to join. You don’t have to be Micronesian, Filipino, or Chamorro to join because all of these clubs welcome everyone to join so you may learn more about the different cultures of our world. So if you don’t have anything to do, or if you’re bored just take advan-tage of joining one of the organizations of our school. Or you could just make your own club.

Every eighth grader has different expectations this year. Some may want to become the most popular student, others may want to become the best athlete of this year, but we should all have this important expectation: to succeed throughout our lives, overcome all the challenges we meet, and to set a good example for the younger generations. We are the future of our island and if we meet all of these expectations, we are sure to have a bright future for us, our children, and our island!

The Pirate Community at Agueda Iglesias Johnston Middle School would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the fine people of the Umatac Mayor’s Office in beautifying our school. It is people like you that make us thankful for this place we call our school!

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Acceptable Student Usage Policy For Computers And The Internet At Agueda Johnston Middle School

As we begin to use computers and the Internet at Agueda Johnston Middle school, we must all realize that there are risks involved. Risks to the student, risks to the educational process, and risks to the equipment we use. With this document we intend to explain the rules and limits that will allow students to benefit from this new and exciting technology, but at the same time protect the student, protect the educational process, and protect the equipment. Education is Priority One! Curriculum related work and class work take priority over all other uses for computers. Recreational reading and appropriate teen-interest browsing may be permissible from time to time, but because this is a limited resource, priority should be given to school work that supports our academic curriculum. Chat rooms and email The staff and faculty at AIJMS have made a procedural decision to ban students from emailing and

chatting with school computers except in very special situations and with prior approval from an administrator. We believe it is healthy for students to interact with others and to share ideas, but our students should not need a computer to develop those skills while at school with their peers. We believe computers should be put to more educational and edifying purposes, and with hundreds of students who communi-cate in many languages, it would be difficult if not impossible for our teaching staff to effectively monitor communication with outsiders.

. Unacceptable Uses

The following uses of AIJMS computer equipment and network are considered unac-ceptable:

1. Personal Safety

a. Posting personal contact information about yourself or other people. Personal contact information includes your address, telephone, school, activities, etc.

b. Meeting with people you may have encountered online.

c. You will promptly disclose to your teacher or other school personnel any message you receive that is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable.

2. Illegal Activities

a. Unauthorized access to the AIJMS or the GPSS network or to any other computer system beyond your authorized access. This includes attempting to log in through another person's account/password or access/tampering with another person's files. These actions are illegal, even if only for the purposes of "browsing".

b. Deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means.

c. Using the AIJMS network to engage in any illegal act, such as arranging for a drug sale or the purchase of alcohol, engag-

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3. Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement

a. Do not plagiarize work that you find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as your own. If you use an Internet article in an assignment, you must cite the author and/or the website.

b. You will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when you inappropriately reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright. If you have questions, ask a teacher or school personnel.

4. Inappropriate Access to Material

a. You will not use the AIJMS network to access material that is obscene (pornographic), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature). A special exception may be made if the purpose of your access is to conduct research with the approval of both your teacher and a parent.

b. If you mistakenly access or receive nude pictures or images of graphic violence you should quickly scroll past the pic-tures or close the window and then tell your teacher or the nearest adult. This will protect you against a claim that you have intentionally violated this Policy.

c. Any additional material your parents deem inappropriate for you to access should also be considered off limits at AIJMS. AIJMS fully expects you to follow your parent's instructions.

5. Search and Seizure.

a. You should expect only limited privacy in the contents of your personal computer files. The situation is similar to the rights you have in the privacy of your locker.

b. Routine maintenance and monitoring of the AIJMS network may lead to discovery that you have violated this Policy or the law.

c. An individual search of your computer files will be conducted, if there is reasonable suspicion that you have violated this Policy or the law. The investigation will be reasonable and related to the suspected violation.

d. Your parents have the right at any time to request to see the contents of your files.

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PIRATE FACES of 2007

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Unleashing the Pirate Pride III Tiara Babauta

Ahoy Pirates! On November 30, 2007, we held the annual talent show for our school. It was held by the Close-up Organization in the dining hall. Although it was cramped, we all an-ticipated the acts to come on. Students gathered up the courage to show their true talents in front of the student body. There were many students performing their admirable acts and each with their own spunk. The talent show started with a pep rally to get the crowd going. The em-cees introduced the many acts. Kulu Natibu performed their Christmas numbers. Their dances brought smiles to our faces. Many students sung their hearts out. Some students even got the crowd to sing along. Pirates showed what they could play on their instruments. There were dance performances that made everyone want to get up and join along in the fun. There were students from every grade level. You could see signs being held up proudly to support the tal-ented performers. The crowd screamed their lungs out, cheering for each and every perform-ance. Even though some thought the talent show was short, we all enjoyed the acts that per-formed. Great job to all the pirate performers. Go Pirates!

The Journalism Student Patrick Quichocho The life of being a Journalist in Mr. Santiago’s class was hard, but benefitting. We (the Journalism class and I) learned a lot through hardship and despair. We learned how to rebound from our mistakes made in the past and towards the future. Throughout 1st semester, it was like the Journalism class was having a winter that never ended. The Journalism class got through because of hard work, perseverance, determination and much more. Speaking of work! Let me tell you some of our best and worst assignments. In the be-ginning, Mr. Santiago assigned the class numerous tasks by which was to be only two para-graphs long. These tasks were bombarded on us like nothing. Through this, the Journalism class learned about hard work and perseverance. You could say that the first two weeks were kind of like initiation into Journalism. The following three weeks were all about 124 different words that both Mr. Santiago and the Journalism class selected from the dictionary. We had to memo-rize the spelling, and meaning that we would later be tested on. This taught us more of persever-ance and determination. We eventually got tested and were out of that gutter in the mean time. Towards the end of 1st quarter, we made, edited, and memorized speeches that we later recited to the class. Few of the speeches are as follows: The Persuasive Speech, The Demon-strative Speech, Mirror, Mirror on The Wall Speech, Dream School Speech that we also had to make models of and various poems by which we had to turn in on time. All of these speeches taught us about our imagination and punctuality. Although all these tasks of a Journalist is un-doubtedly difficult, it taught us a lot about ourselves and people around us. Most of all, it taught us how we can use the school ESLRS and not just have it to be an official school. I think that is what a Journalist student’s life is all about. Page 11

Nurse Asks Parents for Help

Betty Diaz, school nurse, urges parents to ensure that their children develop a better under-standing of hygiene in school. Nurse Diaz offers the following helpful reminders: 1. Fingernails should be cut regularly 2. Nightly flossing is a must to prevent expensive dental bills and avoid halitosis 3. Shower at least twice daily 4. Wash hands 20-30 times a day 5. Observe preventative measures when coughing or sneezing in class 6. Keep a properly working thermometer at home always 7. Wash shoes at least twice a month 8. Choose a reliable deodorant for school 9. Schedule yearly physicals complete with TB tests Nurse Diaz hopes that with the basics in mind, our students will become more cognizant of how to keep healthy, clean and safe.

Survey Says. . . Best Gum: Trident Sugarless Guam Best Line Dance: The Electric Slide Best Basketball Player: Michael Jordan Best Pizza Restaurant: Pizza Hut Best Shoe Brand: Nike Best Wii Video Game: Guitar Hero 3 Best NBA Team: L.A. Lakers Best Scion Car Model: Scion TC Best Song: Low Best Clothing Store: DNA Evolution

Best Actor/Comedian: Jim Carrey Best Chatting Website: MySpace Best FM Radio Station: Hit Radio 100 Best Movie Series: Harry Potter Best Movie: Alvin and the Chipmunks Best Cellular Phone Brand: Motorola Best Field Trip Destination: PIC Waterpark Best Chamorro Food: Chicken Kelaguen Best Holiday: Christmas Best Car Company: Toyota

Best Place to Hangout: Micronesia Mall Best Hotel/Resort: Pacific Islands Club Best Shrek the Third Character: Donkey Best Surfing Brand: Billabong Best Motorola Phone: Krazr Best Fast Food Restaurant: McDonald’s Best Soda: Sprite Best Fruit: Grapes Best Cereal: Frosted Flakes Best Tea Brand: King Car

The above survey was conducted by several students from the Journalism Class. They not only developed and administered their surveys, but also aggregated their data to yield the Best of 2007.

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From the Desk of the Athletic Director Ahoy Pirates! 2nd Quarter Sports has finally ended and a job well done to all our ath-letes. First, our Girl’s Volleyball “A” Team finished in 2nd Place and our “B” Red and “B” White Volleyball Team finished in 3rd Place. Second, our Boy’s Soccer Team came in 3rd Place overall with Scott Spindel scoring a whopping 31 goals to lead the Pirates and the league scoring for the season. Great job to all the coaches you did an awesome job with the athletes.

Kneeling (L-R) Geo Quichocho, Ohren Ohry, Brendan Valenzuela, Ross Awa, Scott Spindel, Manuel Bon-doc III. Standing (L-R) Coach Kirk Spindel, Gerald Francisco, Jacob Einloth, Brandon Franquez, Allander Ebeo, Krayne Bell, Dominic Ungacta, Jordan Valenzuela, Aaron Manglona, Jaymon Medina, Chavez Gumabon and Coach Brett Maluwelmeng. Not pictured Aaron Tydingco, Chad Faustino, Christoper Reyes, and Franklin Castro.

3rd Quarter Sports has just started with Boy’s Basketball and Girl’s Soccer conducting try-outs after school from 3:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Students must have a sports physi-cal on file with the AD to try out. Participation will be based on 2nd Quarter grades with no “U” or “F” and a GPA of 70%. If you have any questions see the Athletic Director. Please come out and support out athletes during their games. If you are interested in participating in Basketball Intramurals, please see Mr. Kirk Spindel in Room 23 to sign-up. Forms will be passed out on Monday, January 14, 2008.

Sports information provided by the Athletic Director, Annette Spindel.

Gooooooooooooo P-I-R-A-T-E-S! Go Pirates!

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Counseling Corner

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Hafa Adai Parents!

Please feel free to contact school any time be-tween the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Counseling Office is located in The Main Office. If you would like t meet in person, please call us first to arrange for an appointment at 472-6785/6947.

Third quarter begins Jan. 14, and grades for sec-ond quarter will be available in early February. If you did not receive your child’s first quarter grades, then please stop by the Main Office for a copy.

First quarter retention notices were sent home in December, 2007, requiring a parent signature. Please keep in mind that those students with a Grade Point Averages (GPA) below 60% at the end of the school year will be considered for possible retention. Unsure of your child’s GPA? Please contact your child’s counselor as soon as possible.

Tips for Helping Your Child Succeed in School

1. Ensure your child is ready for school (Go to bed early, eat breakfast)

2. Communicate with teachers & give the school infor-mation about your child that may be helpful.

3. Attend conferences, meetings & other activities through the school year.

4. Check your child’s bag for letters from school

5. Ask your child about his/her day at school

6. Check homework assignments & assist when needed

7. Provide an adequate study atmosphere and study material at home. (a desk/table and quiet room) 8. Hug your child every day.

Please have your child see his or her grade-level counselor or call to inquire about the applications or schedules for COUNSELING PROGRAMS. **SEE NEXT PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION**

———————————————————————————-How Counselors Handle Student Referrals

Counselors work with students on many issues. These may include personal/social (friends & fam-ily), educational (middle/high school & college info.), and career guidance. Referrals may come from par-ents, teachers, staff, administrators, and students.

Counselors realize that parent/child relationships are of great importance, however, due to stu-dent/counselor confidentiality, counselors cannot share what they learn in sessions without the stu-dent’s permission (unless the student is being hurt by someone else, plans to hurt himself/herself, plans to hurt someone else, or a court order to re-lease information).

GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

DEBRA MARIANO-6th grade (ext. 5013)

JOVITA YOUNG-7th grade (ext. 5014)

LINDSEY DWIGGINS-8th grade (ext. 5011)

COMPUTER OPERATOR/COUNSELING SECRETARY

MARCIE AGUIGUI (ext. 5006/5008)

Upcoming AIJMS Events January - VARO Presentations on Bullying February - VARO Presentations on Juvenile Violence Peer Mediation/Conflict Resolution Skits IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL PARENTS: Counseling program presentations on various topics such as bul-lying, juvenile violence, gun safety, drugs, sexual assault, conflict resolution, etc. will be ongoing throughout the school year. If you do not wish to have your child participate in any of these presenta-tions, please contact your child’s counselor or the principal (Mr. Christopher Anderson).

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Youth Crime Watch Update

YCW meetings are held every Monday in Room 4 right when lunch starts. If there is no school on Monday, meetings are held the next day. New members are always welcomed! Please bring your lunch and drinks. Special thanks to the following YCW members & Student Aides who represented AIJMS with Ms. Mariano at Inafa’ Maolek’s Peace Stock Conference on Dec. 14th at the Marriott Hotel: Samantha Garcia, Menelene Muna, Jaychok Jain, Lily Borja, McVerlynn Gaamow, Stevie Arca, Brichell Piyebulmal, Jenntte Jain, and Hebert Fukuda. Special thanks to the Department of Youth Affairs and Parents who sponsored our students so that they could attend this fun-filled and important annual event!

AIJMS YCW MEMBERS 6th grade: Thaddeus Abay, Reheamarie Arthur, Kaila Garrido*, Sinceria Ikea*, Jenntte Jain*, Janalynn San Nicolas, Miando Sipia, and Donnevan Soulik 7th grade: Lily Borja*, Lackleen Efini*, McVerlynn Gaamow*(Treasurer), Robby Gebhart, Jaychok Jain*, Christelyn Lopez, Marchelle Manabat(Vice President), Menelene Muna*(President), Rachel Nayor, Jaylene Pangelinan, Kaylani Pangelinan, Alaisha Pocaigue, Joysee Raymond(Public Relations Officer), Eleanor Reyo*, Merlou Sally, Aubrienne San Nicolas, Matteo San Nicolas*, Misae Sipia(Public Relations Officer), Robert Taimanglo, Keomi Tamam*, and Tefiny Thing8th grade: Lehuanani Blas*, Heather Castro*, Kimberly Chinel, Mark Jackson*, Bremity Lak-john*(Secretary), Yolanda Meno*, Holi Tainatongo, Marina Tenorio*, Lorain Tio, and Shaylene Valentine *Indicates students trained in Peer Mediation by Inafa’ Maolek in November 2007. Special Thanks to Inafa’ Maolek’s Young University Mediators (YUMs) Aislinn Rengil, Mariana Santos, Allan Fe-jeran, Casey Cadag, and Pat Wolff (Director)! Also, special thanks to all parents that attended the Certificate Ceremony on November 14th. Congratulations to Student Aides who are not in YCW but volunteered to be trained in Peer Media-tion: Desha Balajadia, Brichell Piyebulmal, Paul Mani-busan, Kristen Manspit, Carlo Ongklungel, Stevie Arca, Christopher Reyes, Charmane Baes, Samantha Garcia, Herbert Fukuda, and Kala Perez.

COUNSELING PROGRAMS YOUTH CRIME WATCH/PEER MEDIATION The mission of the program is to create a crime-free, drug-free environment through a youth-led movement. Some members are trained by Inafa’ Maolek in Peer Mediation/Conflict Resolution. EDUCATIONAL TALENT SEARCH (ETS) is offered through the University of Guam. ETS assists eligible students in attaining a college education, developing communication and career explora-tion, high school preparation, tutoring, and much more. YOUTH FOR YOUTH ORGANIZATION is a community based youth program run by the Prevention and Training branch of the Department of Mental Health. It consists of middle and high school students throughout Guam. Their goals are to teach teens various life skills and to help them maintain a drug-free lifestyle. BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF GUAM offers a school-based program. Mentors will visit our campus once a week during lunch to meet with student participants. The volunteers will visit AIJMS once a week to spend the lunch hour with the student participants reading, working on schoolwork, playing games, sports, etc. ISLAND GIRL POWER is a program that helps girls maintain their self-esteem and confidence in order to decrease pregnancy, substance abuse, and suicide. FREE programs, classes, activities and projects help encourage physical and mental health. COMMUNITY SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT UNIT CENTRAL of the Department of Youth Affairs offers programs and services FREE of charge at Toto Gardens, Building 23. Some programs and ser-vices included are as follows: tutoring, arts and crafts, learning centers, fitness, movies, computer games, mentoring, jumpstart, case management, aftercare, school shadowing, and home visits. SANCTUARY INCORPORATED offers a variety of FREE weekly group sessions at their Chalan Pago location. Youth groups in-clude: Anger Management, Tobacco Cessation, Pathways and Na’ Homlo (drug and alcohol prevention), Wellsprings (domestic vio-lence), and Self-Esteem. Adult groups include Parent Support, Anger Management and Parenting Skills.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS WHO WERE ACCEPTED INTO THE

ETS PROGRAM WITH UOG! 6th grade-Melpina Johnny, Desiree Ruiz, Eddie Santos, and Robinson Welly 7th grade-Lily Borja, George Cabrera, Christelyn Lopez, Jaeana Medina, Rachel Nayor, Joseph Pangelinan, Jasmyn Petros, Jeremy Pingul, Christopher Reyes, Justin San Nicolas, and Edward Suarez 8th grade-Manuel Bondoc, Rachel Cabrera, Kaeleen Cruz, Chavez Gumabon, Rey-Lynn Leon Guerrero, Ryan Leon Guerrero, Jaymon Medina, Alexis Rosalin, Alfred Torres, and Frank Ulechong

Hafa Adai Pirates! For openers, I would like to wish everyone a safe and prosperous New Year. Good things are coming to Agueda Johnston Middle School (AJMS), the home of the Pirates. A grant entitled “Project Menhalom” was awarded to the Guam Public School System (GPSS) middle schools in July 2006. The grant promotes a “system’s change and the development and implementation of positive behavior supports at the school and system levels” for all students (Project Menhalom Grant, p. 1, 2006).

Prior to the grant, the Pirates community was already at the forefront in the development and implementation of character edu-cation as a result of Public Law 26-44. This law, passed by the 26th Guam Legislature in 2001, required GPSS to establish a non-sectarian character education curriculum that promotes character building and academic excellence for all students. In compliance with the law, AJMS integrated character education during its Home Base period. It also embraces the grant in the establishment of a school-wide system of supports that include proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appro-priate student behaviors to create a positive school environment. After much anticipation, I am pleased to announce that AIJMS has welcomed Project Menhalom into its community. The good news is that part of the grant provides the school with its very own School Level Facilitator and that would be me, Ms. Carmen Garrido. As your School Level Facilitator, I am responsible for overseeing the implementation of the grant goals. This is quite a huge project that requires eighty percent participation from AIJMS stakeholders. Stakeholders include parents, guardians, faculty, support staff, administrators, our district mayor, and all individuals within and outside of the school community that contribute to student success. One of my many functions is to provide awareness to the stakeholders concerning the basic framework of the grant.

The grant’s basic framework contains two basic components, namely PBIS and SWIS. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a systemic approach that addresses the social and academic needs of all students at all time and in all set-tings. This can be done by (1) establishing a curriculum that teaches and promotes positive social behavior, (2) developing an “acknowledgement” system that reinforces positive social behavior, and (3) implementing a data collection system (School-Wide Information System, SWIS) that tracks student behavior, as well as provide school officials with valuable information that will improve the decision making process.

Another good thing that has taken place in the home of the Pirates is the adoption of behavior expectations that includes the “Big Nine.” Your school-wide expected behaviors are “Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible.” Three positive behav-ioral prompts are listed under each of the school-wide expected behaviors, thus the name “Big Nine” (refer to the sample listed below). For your information, the school, through the support of the grant’s School Climate Cadre, will be sending surveys to parents and guardians to get their input concerning positive behaviors in the home environment. At this time, I encourage you to read and think about the types of positive behaviors that you would like your children to practice at home.

AIJMS School-Wide Behavior Expectations Be Safe Socialize and play safely Stay within permitted areas. Tell an adult if you or anyone else is in danger! Be Respectful Speak appropriately and respectfully to others, staff and students. Keeps hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Respect school property and the property of others. Be Responsible Come to school prepared. Come on time. And come EVERY day! Stay on task in class. Wear your school uniform proudly.

Again, PBIS is a systemic approach that addresses social and academic needs of all students at all times and in all settings. I know that my letter can be overwhelming; however, rest assured that I will guide you through the process. More importantly, I really need your help to successfully ensure that the goals of the grant are in place at your school. You are welcome to contact me at the home of the Pirates at 472-6785, extension 5092, to discuss ways to help and encourage our students to practice posi-tive social skills that contribute to their academic success. Sincerely, Ms. Carmen Garrido AIJMS School Level Facilitator

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Project Menhalom

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a type of quality assurance process under which a facility's or institution's ser-vices and operations are examined by a third-party accrediting agency to determine if applicable standards are met. Should the facility meet the accrediting agency's standards, the facility re-ceives accredited status from the accrediting agency. The accreditation process is a perpetual cycle of assessment, planning, implementing, monitor-ing, and reassessment (self-study, visit, and followup). Prior to the visit the school clarifies or redefines its expected schoolwide learning results and begins the formal process that assesses the actual student program with respect to the criteria. The task of the self-study focuses on evaluating the school against the criteria and assessing the degree to which all students are achieving the expected school-wide learning results. This is what is happening at Agueda I. Johnston Middle School. We would like to welcome and thank our parents as one of the stakeholders in this educational community. Please read the report and provide AIJMS any feedback you may have. The report can be downloaded from the school’s website at www.aijms.net. Through the completion of our accreditation process AIJMS will have accomplished:

The involvement and collaboration of stakeholders in the self study. The clarification of the school’s purpose and the expected schoolwide learning results The assessment of the actual student program and its impact on the student learning with

respect to the criteria and the expected schoolwide learning results The development of a schoolwide action plan that integrates subject area/program and sup-

port plans to address identified growth needs The development and implementation of an accountability system for monitoring the ac-

complishment of the action plan.

GUAM PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM VISION STATEMENT

Our school community prepares for life, promotes excellence, and provides support.

AGUEDA I. JOHNSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT

Nurturing values through Education, Respect, Scholarship, and Cooperation.

MISSION STATEMENT

Agueda Johnston Middle School Students will:

• Acquire knowledge and positive attitude

• Become life long learners

• Be responsible citizens

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AGUEDA IGLESIAS JOHNSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL

Phone: 472-6785 Fax: 477-2248 website: www.aijms.net

PTO Executive Officers President: Geraldine Francisco 8th Grade Vice President: Angelica San Nicolas 7th Grade Vice President: Arlene Tedtaotao 6th Grade: Therese Siguenza Treasurer: Maria Perez Secretary: Christine Chargualaf

TIME FLIP-FLOP SCHEDULE

MINS.

Mon/Wed/Fri Tues/Thurs

8:25 a.m. 8:30 a.m.— 8:50 a.m.

Warning Bell Home Base

5

8:53 a.m. – 9:38 a.m. 1st 7th 46

9:41 a.m. – 10:26 a.m. 2nd 6th 46

10:26 a.m. – 10:38 a.m. BREAK 11

10:41 a.m. – 11:26 a.m. 3rd 5th 46

11:29 a.m. – 12:14 p.m. 4th 4th 46

12:14 p.m. – 1:01 p.m. LUNCH 58

1:04 p.m. – 1:49 p.m. 5th 3rd 46

1:52 p.m. – 2:37 p.m. 6th 2nd 46

2:37 p.m. – 2:42 p.m. BREAK 11

2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 7th 1st 46

CURRENT BELL SCHEDULE

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