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Sedgwick Middle School Scene March 2014

Sedgwick Scene

Important Dates: Mon. March 3rd

Open PTO Board Mtg. 5:30

West Conf. Room

5th Gr. Parent Open House 6:30

SMS Auditorium

Fri. March 7th

Middle School Basketball

Event 7 pm at Hall

Monday March 10th

5th Gr. Student & Parent

Open House –

for Bristow Lottery families.

6:30 SMS Auditorium

Wed. March 12th

Willy Wonka Pasta

Dinner & Candy Bar

5:30—7:00 Cafe

Thurs. March 13th

8th Graders to take Science

CMT

Wed. March 19th & 26th &

Thurs. March 27th

Parent-Teacher-Student Conf.

Fri. March 21st

STUCO Spring Fling Party for

Grade 7 & 8 Students

Sat. March 22nd

WH Cookin’ at Town Hall

6:00– 8:30

Guidance Counselor, Bob

Lorenzo and Social Studies

Teacher, John Tracey-Celebrity

Chefs!

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Sedgwick Families,

March marks Middle Level Education Month. Turning Points 2000 Educating Adolescents in the 21st Century is a valu-able resource from which middle school educators draw critical information related to the development of adoles-cents. Research tells us that during the middle school years, children seek to define themselves and often struggle with finding where they fit in. Their unique challenges are also what make them dynamic in so many wonderful ways.

Read Across America and Dr. Seuss' Birthday are also recog-nized in March. Prior to the February recess, we had planned to kick off these events with a school-wide Read-A-Thon. Due to a weather-related school cancellation, our fun-filled Read-A-Thon has been postponed until Friday, April 11th. Administration invites students to share their favorite literary titles. Student contributions to the Sedgwick Scene are highly encouraged. As a reminder, a student listserv has been created for students to be able submit and receive helpful and exciting school information.

The administration of the Science Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) and the SBAC Pilot takes place during the month March. Please refer to the Sedgwick Scene (Page 3) for test dates and more assessment information. Also, please con-tinue to call the Attendance Line (860-570-6500 ext. 2), when your child has to be out due to illness and make-up testing will be scheduled.

Please check PowerSchool for ongoing progress updates. If you need assistance with accessing PowerSchool, please call Pam Rice at 860-570-6500. Parent-Teacher-Student Confer-ences are also scheduled in March on Wed., 3/19, Wed., 3/26 and Thur., 3/27. March conferences are offered to all, but considered “optional.” Conferences are required for students who are demonstrating school difficulty. In such cases, parents will be contacted by the child's team to schedule a conference date and time so that we can work together to plan for his/her success. Continued on next page...


I welcome you to join us in recognizing Middle Level Education this month and encourage you to celebrate with us the uniqueness of the adolescent everyday. Supporting the up-coming March school events is one way that you can join the celebration: Art Beat's Opening Reception- Wed. 3/12; Unified Sports Tournament 3/21, 3:00 p.m. at Farming-ton High School; Seventh Annual Sedgwick, Bristow vs. KP Staff Basketball Game at Hall High School - Fri. 3/7 at 7:00 p.m. Thank you for your enthusiasm and continued support. Roszena Haskins

Roszena Haskins, Principal

Featured Chefs: SMS School Couselor, Bob Lorenzo and Social Studies

Teacher, John Tracey!

Perhaps you have not attended this event in the past. This year you won’t want to miss it as two of

own teachers, John Tracey and Bob Lorenzo, will be there to cook for you!

This is a fun evening that raises funds for the FWHPS, a foundation which keeps enrichment alive in

our schools by giving grants to our WH teachers that benefit our children.

We have lots of great things planned, great food prepared by our WH Celebrity Chefs, a wine tasting by

Maximum Beverage, a live and silent auction.

Click here to learn more about FWHPS and to buy purchase tickets to the event: http://www.fwhps.org/

page/tickets-for-west-hartfords-cookin


Spring Testing Calendar

Spring is the season students have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning using stan-dardized tests. Sedgwick eighth grade students will be taking the Science CMT on March 13. The Science CMT measures what students have learned over several years about core science concepts and about how scientific inquiry is done. The assessment includes questions related to concepts in life science, physical science and earth science and how those concepts apply to real world is-sues and technologies. This test will take approximately 70 minutes. The Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) replaces the CMT tests other than the science com-ponents in grades 5, 8 and 10. All students will begin taking the SBAC on March 20. This new computer based assessment measures student performance in the areas of English/Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics in grades 3-8 and grade 11. The ELA portion of the test will assess student skills related to reading comprehension, writing, research/inquiry, and speaking and listening. The mathematic portion of the test will assess student skills related to concepts/procedures, problem solving, communicating reasoning, modeling and data analysis. Sedgwick teachers are preparing students for these assessments through instruction in curriculum that is aligned with the Common Core State Standards and in use of technology to acquire and re-spond to tasks that are similar to those on the SBAC test. Sample test questions are available at: https://sbacpt.tds.airast.org/student/ . SBAC testing is broken into four sub-tests which are estimated to range from 60 – 120 min-utes, each with the expectation that students may complete the test over many days in 75 minute intervals. The actual test is untimed. Sedgwick will follow a block schedule during SBAC testing days. Please try to avoid scheduling appointments for your child outside of school on testing dates.

SBAC Testing Days

Note: these dates have changed since they were previously published in the February Sedg-wick Scene.

SBAC TEST DATE

Computer Based English /Language Arts 3/20/14 and 3/21/14

Computer Based Mathematics 3/31/14 and 4/1/14

Classroom Activity English / Language Arts

4/23/14

Performance Task English/ Language Arts 4/24/14 and 4/25/14

Classroom Activity Mathematics 4/30/14

Performance Task Mathematics 5/1/14 and 5/2/14


Grade 5 to 6 Transition Parents of 5th graders are invited to Sedgwick for an Open House/Information Session on Monday, March 3rd. You will have an opportunity to meet with several sixth grade teachers and our admini-stration in the auditorium starting at 6:30 p.m. This night is for parents only. If your child will be attending Sedgwick, they will have an opportunity to visit and tour our school during the school day with their current class later in the spring. If your child has been given the choice (based on their lottery number) of attending either Sedgwick or Bristow, we invite you and your child to attend our Open House on Monday, March 10th at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. This night you and your child will have an opportunity to ask questions and tour the school.

Grade 8 to 9 Transition During the month of February students registered via an on-line registration program (Power School) for their courses during guidance lessons. In March, a list of your child’s course recommendations and their course selections will be mailed home.

Save the date!! Thursday, April 3rd at 9 a.m. Sedgwick will hold a Principal’s Breakfast in the Multipurpose Room (MPR). You will have an op-portunity to meet with Mr. Julio Duarte, Conard High School’s Principal, where you will learn more information about the high school transition process.

FROM THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

Special Notice to 6th and 7th Grade Parents: Bristow Middle School Enrollment

Bristow Middle School expects to have a limited number of openings for students entering grades 7 and 8 in the 2014-2015 school year. Bristow Middle School is a school of choice, drawing its di-verse population from all neighborhoods in West Hartford. In the 2014-2015 school year Bristow will have an enrollment of 420 students. Students who attend King Philip or Sedgwick Middle Schools, or non-public schools, who would like to be part of our enrollment for 7th and 8th grade must apply for inclusion in the process by March 21, 2014. In order to help parents make an informed choice, two informational meetings will be held at Bristow Middle School on Monday, March 3, 2014 and Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 6:30 pm. Parents can choose to attend either of these meetings. Students are invited to attend these meet-ings with their parents. The application form as well as more details about the process for all grades is on our website at http://bristow.whps.org/ For more information about Bristow and its programs, please email or call the principal, Andrew Morrow, at [email protected], or 231-2100.


If you have not already done so, please check out the new Sedgwick Nurse Blog. It can be found on the Sedgwick home page under Informa-tion/Nurses or you can go to the blog directly by following the link http://blog.whps.org/Sedgwicknurse/ This blog is where you can find needed forms, school health information

and general health information related to teens.

Please feel free to let us know if you would like to see additional information or topics ac-

cessible through the blog!

Increase in Influenza Like Illness

We have seen an increase in the number of students coming to the health room with

symptoms of influenza like illness.

Listed below are some differences between the cold and flu:

FEVER: Rare in colds, common in flu

COUGH: Productive cough common in cold, dry non-productive cough common in flu

BODY ACHES: Mild in cold, moderate in flu

CHILLS: Not common in cold, mild to moderate in flu

HEADACHE: Not common in cold, common in flu

SORE THROAT: Present in both cold and flu

Please keep your child home from school if you believe they may be suffering from

the flu and call your healthcare provider. Any student with a fever above 100 should

remain at home until fever free for 24 hours without medication.

The best prevention against colds and the flu is proper hand washing.

Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have concerns regarding your child’s

health.

Lisamarie Vitelli, RN Angela Colossale, RN

860-570-6525 (direct line) 860-570-6501 Ext. 1223

860-570-6540 (fax) 860-570-6540 (fax)

[email protected] [email protected]

News from the Nurse’s Office


6th Grade World Language News

6th grade World Language classes are dancing, swimming, camping, skiing, and listening

to music! Well, not necessarily in school - but we are talking about ACTIVITIES! Ask your

child at home to describe what they do (and when) when it comes to moving around!

7th grade World Language classes - WL Teacher: "What is your favorite subject?" Student:

"LUNCH!" WL Teacher: "Well good! We are going to dive even deeper than years before

into the exploration of food." Polite requests, asking for recommendations, and perhaps

even some cooking vocabulary are on the way. Ask your child to only speak in their target

language at the dinner table sometime!

7th Grade WL News

ESOL Student of the Month

Congratulations to ESOL Student of the Month: Angelica M. team 8-1.

STUDENT SUBMISSIONS WANTED!!

Calling all student writers and photographers! Next month we want this space filled with an arti-cle and/or photo from you! Write about inter-murals, write about your clubs, write about your class projects, write about what you love about SMS!

Submit your articles to us at: [email protected]


Sedgwick Wins U.S. Kids' Lit Competition

In rigorous competition at Central Connecticut State University on January 31, a team of Sedgwick 7th graders emerged as U.S. winners of the annual Kids' Lit competition.

George B., Silvia M., Cameron S., and Nathan Y. walked away with the win and will at-tend the international Kids' Lit competition in Cornwall, England, in July.

A second team of Sedgwick 7th graders--Claire I., Nora M., Allie M., and Mairead T.--finished Friday's competition in third place.

Twenty-seven four-person teams competed in the U.S. Kids' Lit event. New Zealand quizmaster Wayne Mills, founder of the event, asked 100 questions about children's and young adult literature. The questions were divided into 10 categories, including "fish," "brothers and sisters," "beverages," "illness," and "legends."

Two teams of Sedgwick 6th graders also competed in Friday's quiz. Those students are Andrew M., Fallon M., Katherine O., Colin S., Charlotte C., Jenna K., Lindsay M., and Nicholas R.. Three teams from West Hartford's Duffy Elementary School and four from Florence E. Smith STEM School also participated.

The Sedgwick teams were coached by teachers Liz Natale, Rona Berkowitz, and Kelly Brouse.

The annual Kids' Lit Quiz is open to students ages 10 to 13. Contests are held in New

Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada , China, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

The winning team from each country competes in a world final.


MOCK TRAIL COMPETITION

On Thursday, February 6th, the Sedgwick Mock Trial

Team competed in the Regional Middle School Mock Trial

Competition held at Kingswood Oxford School.

The competition is operated by the Civics First volun-

teer organization to promote democracy and law educa-

tion. The twelve member team studies a court case, takes

on the roles of attorneys and witnesses and “tries” the

case against other middle schools in front of a volunteer

attorney acting as the judge of the court.

The plaintiff’s attorney team of Jack M., Anna B. and

Katie O. prepared a great case with witnesses Lila G.,

Lindsay M., and Michaela C. However the Kingwood Ox-

ford defense team proved too difficult to beat. The Sedg-

wick defense attorney team of Kevin L., Noah C. and Andy

T. was able to defeat Timothy Edwards Middle School with

witnesses Michaela C., Daniel L. and Emily B.

Bailiff Michael C. and the entire team spent countless

hours preparing witness testimony and learning the proce-

dures of the court. Careers in the field of law are definitely

in the future for our team! Congratulations to all members!


Lights…. Camera ….A-C-T-I-O-N!!!

Sedgwick Middle School’s Unified Theater is in full swing after announcing its 2014 stu-dent leadership team late last month.

Scene Director: Miles B; Choreographer: Maddie G Assistant Choreographer:Trey M; Assistant Director: Fallon M Co-Producers: Bella C and Walker B Assistant Producer: Samantha L Co-Inclusion Specialists: Grace F and Riley L Stage Crew Set Design Leader: Julia H Stage Crew Tech Leader : Saverio P

Their first mission was a combined brainstorming/share session with the 2013 student leadership assuring smooth sailing for the UT 11th season of production. Next on the slate is a Unified Theater Spring Performance of their sign language rendition of “ROAR” to be held at the 2014 West Hartford Relay for Life. The Unified student leadership team meets during advisory time to plan for their 2014 show. On their “TO DO” list are theme and dance selections, fundraising events, as well as weekly practice schedules and member recruitment.

This year’s Unified Theater production will celebrate ALL things Unified!!

NEWS FROM THE SEDGWICK CLUBS

DRAMA CLUB’S PASTA DINNER & CANDY BUFFET

The Drama Club will host a Willy Wonka Pasta Dinner and Candy Buffet on Wednesday, March 12, from 5:30-7:00 pm in the Sedgwick Cafeteria. This event will feature food donated by The Olive Garden, a huge candy buffet (additional cost) for dessert, and another "big prize" raffle - plus a sneak peek of the show. This will sell out so buy your tickets now. See order form on page 13 of the Scene.


TRAIN SHOWTRAIN SHOWTRAIN SHOWTRAIN SHOW April 12 & 13, 2014

Sedgwick Middle school gymSedgwick Middle school gymSedgwick Middle school gymSedgwick Middle school gym

128 Sedgwick Road, West Hartford, CT

Featuring

MODEL RAILROADERS

Displays & Demonstrations

Train Simulator

Snack & Bake Sale

Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Admission: Adults $ 5.00

Students$ 3.00

Seniors $ 3.00

Children Under10 FreeChildren Under10 FreeChildren Under10 FreeChildren Under10 Free

Sponsored by: SMS TECHNOLOGY STUDENT ASSOCIATION


PTO PAGE

Dear Sedgwick Families, We hope this finds you all well and rested after the unexpectedly long break! If you have extra energy and renewed vitality, Sedgwick is just the place for you. We have rescheduled the Read-A-Thon for Friday, April 11. Thanks to the flexibility of the administration, teachers, support staff, volunteers and Shop Rite, this post-ponement has been as painless as possible. Thank you to all who have sent in forms already. If your child has not returned the sponsorship form and pledge en-velope, they may do so now or consider using this extra time as an opportunity to obtain more sponsors! We will be in touch with new dates and specifics. If the new date allows you to volunteer please contact Jackie Wolski, the Read-A-Thon Coordinator, at [email protected]. Thanks again to Jackie for taking this on again this year, which sadly for us is her last at Sedgwick. We will be in need of a chair person for next year so consider coming out this year to learn the ropes. The annual Sedgwick/Bristow vs. King Phillip Basketball game is scheduled for March 7, 2013 at Hall High School at 7PM. Amy Connors is coordinating the event and it is also her last year at Sedgwick. Volunteer opportunities are available and we will be in need of a chair for next year! Thanks again, Amy, for doing such a great job. Weather sidelined our PTO meeting on February 3, but we are grateful to Ms. Hen-neberry for putting together a wonderful presentation about the Common Core and the new SBAC testing. A link to this presentation can be found on the Sedg-wick website: http://sedgwick.whps.org/for_parents/p_t_o/sbac_common_core_powerpoint_presentation Sedgwick hosted the PTC meeting on Monday, February 24th, where Tom Moore, assistant superintendent, Robert Palmer, Plant and Facilities Director for West Hartford; and Catherine Diviney, Energy Specialist for the town and district pre-sented information about energy conservation efforts and programs. Thank you to all who came out to learn. Mark your calendars for the Willy Wonka Pasta Dinner and Candy Buffet on Wednesday March 12 from 5:30-7 in the Sedgwick Cafeteria. This event will fea-ture food donated by The Olive Garden, a huge candy buffet (additional cost) for dessert, and another "big prize" raffle - plus a sneak peek of the show. This will sell out so buy your tickets now, see order form on page 13. If you would like to help please contact Karen Hammond at [email protected].

Continued on the next page...


PTO PAGE Continued

The PTO Board has positions open for next year. Please join us for our Board only

meeting on Monday, March 3 at 5:30 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room to find out about a

leadership role among this vibrant volunteer community. If you are curious but cannot

attend the meeting, please contact us at [email protected]. Invest your time and

talents to support the excellence of Sedgwick Middle School. Benjamin Franklin said it

best: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Shellie Giroux and Amy Connors Co-Presidents Sedgwick PTO sedgwick-

[email protected]

PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

To summarize, here are the current needs for volunteers: ∗ Parents to help with March 7th Faculty B-ball Game, please contact Amy Connors at

860-558-1813 or email : [email protected]; See flyer on page 11. ∗ Willy Wonka Pasta Dinner and Candy Buffet-Wednesday March 12 from 5:30-7 in the

Sedgwick Cafeteria. If you would like to help, please contact Karen Hammond at [email protected]. See flyer on page 13.

∗ The wonderful STUCO Advisors are busy planning our next 7th & 8th grade party –

for Friday, March 21st. The theme is "Spring Fling.” They welcome any parent in-

volvement with great ideas, suggestions, and talent so please let them know if

you have any ideas or are able to volunteer at the party on March 21st. Kelly

Brouse at [email protected] or Jessica Serrano at [email protected]

∗ Read-a-thon rescheduled for Friday April 11th. If you can help, please contact

Jackie Wolski at [email protected]

Here are some of the leadership positions open for the 2014-2015 School year. Presidents Treasurer Vice Presidents Fundraising Volunteer Coordinators Communications Elementary Feeder School Reps PT Council Rep Health Council Rep Please contact us at [email protected] or complete the PTO Volunteer on the SMS website at http://sedgwick.whps.org/for_parents/p_t_o/parent_volunteer_opportunities.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR GREAT SCHOOL!


7th Annual Middle School Staff Basketball Game-March 7th


SEPTA Coffee and Conversation

Friday, March 7, 2014:

Come meet with other parents whose children receive services through the West Hartford Pub-

lic Schools. We meet monthly from 9:30 - 10:30 am at Panera Bread, Bishop's Cor-

ner. Look for the SEPTA sign on the table, usually in the back of the restaurant.

Contact Kris Atkins at kwherry@comcast for more information.

Conard High School is proud to present SHREK - The Musical

SHREK is Conard’s 56th musical and it promises to be one of the best: Conard auditorium on March 21, 22, 28 & 29 at 7:00 and March 23 at 2:00.

For more show information, go to http://www.conardhighschoolmusical.com Please visit

our Facebook page - Conard Musical Productions - for up-to-the-minute updates and info.

AROUND TOWN...

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