Erie Middle School, Pre AP Focus School Todd Bissell, Principal Dr.

Rachel Heide, Assistant Principal

MARCH 2014 NEWSLETTER

Erie Middle School Tiger Community,

Second semester is off to a great start. The staff is working hard to challenge all students at their appropriate levels. The students are working hard and making a commitment to their education.

During the week of March 10th students will be taking the CSAP tests. All grade levels will be assessed in Math, Reading, and Writing. Erie Middle School has performed well on the CSAP historically. Please encourage your students to try their hardest as well as get enough rest and eat well in preparation for the CSAP assessments. Thanks for your support.

In April, 7th grade students will take the CMAS Assessment for Social Studies and 8th grade will take the CMAS for Science. Look for information to come in the April Newsletter.

Students are beginning to sign up for classes for the 2014-2015 School Year. Our counselors have visited with our current students as well as our incoming 6 th grade to explain course offerings. The students have been given a course request sheet. If you have any questions please call the EMS counseling office. The counselors from Erie High came to our building to work with our 8 th grade students as they registered for High School classes.

Parent/Teacher conferences were a success. A lot of great discussions centered on student progress were held. If you missed these conferences and would still like to meet with teachers, please call the school to arrange a conference.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Todd Bissell EMS Principal

From the desk of the Assistant Principal

Did you know that Erie Middle School is a Pre-AP focus school? What does that even mean? Pre-AP (Pre-Advanced Placement) is part of the College Boards College Readiness System that prepares students for success in Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school, college, and beyond. The Pre-AP program includes a rigorous curriculum, which provides our students the gateways to opportunities in high school and beyond. When I was a sophomore in High School I remember a day very clearly that changed the course of my education. In Mr. Starkeys Sophomore English class he asked each of us to turn over the paper we were working on and write yes. Mr. Starkey had asked us to write yes if we wanted to be in Honors/AP English. I hesitated for a moment trying to decide if I thought I could do that level of work finally deciding to take the risk and write YES!!!! on the back of my paper. That single decision put me on the path to become an AP English student in High School, receive college credit prior to entering college, and become prepared with the skills to write the highest scoring essay for entrance into an advanced level Literature course in college as a Freshman. The strong reading and writing skills I learned through my AP experience put me on the path to not only obtaining an undergraduate degree, but a Masters and Doctorate degree as well. We are fortunate in the Erie feeder system to offer this unique opportunity to give students in middle school the skills to put them on the path towards succeeding in AP classes in high school. We believe in giving students the skills and opportunities to have every pathway open to them. The experience I had with AP doesnt have to be a singular experience; your student has the opportunity through the Pre-AP programming at Erie Pre-AP Middle School to have an even greater impact on their education and life. Check out these websites for more information: http://springboardprogram.collegeboard.org http://professionals.collegeboard.com/k-12/prepare/pre-ap Dr. Rachel Heide

EMS BOOK FAIR!

SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING Monday, March 3rd 6:00 PM

Thanks to everyone for your support of our EMS Book Fair Fiesta! You made it a great success! 14 of our teachers here at EMS received books for their classrooms, thanks to you.
PURCHASE YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY! COST : $30.00 ORDER FORMS IN FRONT OFFICE OR LIBRARY OR ORDER ON LINE @ JOSTENS.COM

PTO MEETING Monday, March 3rd 7:00 PM Both meetings held in the EMS Library

EMS Choir Concert Thursday, March 6th Erie High School

6:00 PM (Students arrive 5:30 PM) 6th grade, Tiger Lily Choir, & Man Choir

7:30 PM (Students arrive 7:00 PM) 7th & 8th Grade Choirs

EMS Activity Calendar

Monday
3 4:00 PM Wrestling Meet @ Frederick HS 6:00 PM PTO Meeting 7:00 PM SAC Meeting

Tuesday
4 4:00 PM Academic Assistance 3:00 PM Student Council

Wednesday
5 3:15 PM Soul Sisters 3:30 PM Wrestling @ Home 5:30 PM DC Parent Meeting LATE START 12 TCAP TESTING 3:15PM Soul Sisters

Thursday
6 3:00 PM Academic Assistance 6:00 PM Choir Concert @ EHS 7:30PM Choir Concert @EHS 13 TCAP TESTING 3:00PM Academic Assistance 3:10 PM NJHS 8th grade only 3:15 PM Tiger Lily Choir 20 TCAP MAKE UP TESTING 3:00PM Academic Assistance 3:10 PM NJHS 7th grade only 3:15 PM Tiger Lily Choir 27 3:00PM Academic Assistance 3:15PM Tiger Lily Choir 3:15-4:45PM EMS Student Council Talent Show 3 SPRING BREAK

Friday
7 3:05 PM Art Club

10 TCAP TESTING

11 TCAP TESTING 3:00 pm Academic Assistance 3:00 PM Student Council

14 TCAP TESTING 3:05PM Art Club

17 TCAP MAKE UP TESTING

18 TCAP MAKE UP TESTING 3:00PM Academic Assistance 3:00PM Student Council

19 TCAP MAKE UP TESTING 3:15PM Soul Sisters 3:10PM Good Movie, Better Book Club

21 3:05PM Art Club

24 VISION & HEARING RE-CHECKS

25 3:00PM Academic Assistance 3:00PM Student Council

26 3:15PM Soul Sisters 3:30PM Track Meet

28 3:05PM Art Club

31 SPRING BREAK

1 SPRING BREAK

2 SPRING BREAK

4 SPRING BREAK

Adjei Abankwah and the Bao Bao Festival Dancers returned to EMS on Feb. 27th for an hour of dancing, drumming and storytelling. the things we learned: 1) More than 50 languages are spoken in Ghana 2) Anansi, the trickster spider from folklore, originated in Gh Ghanaian children can speak three languages by the time they are three or four years old

The Bao Bao Festival is not only entertaining and building community here in Colorado, but they are currently raising money to build a library in the capital city of Ghana. Two seventh graders, Zoe Horvath and Bailey Pitts put their bracelet making skills to work to support the library. They presented the troupe with cash and handmade red, gold and green bracelets -- Ghana's national colors. You can track the library's progress at www.baobaofest.org.

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY

How do I become a member of the National Junior Honor Society?
All 6th and 7th graders who have a cumulative GPA of a 3.5 for the first three quarters of the year will receive an invite to apply to be in NJHS. Once the application is turned in, a list of all students is given to the teachers, administration and counselors to discuss possible members character, leadership and citizenship. After data is collected, a team of staff members review the comments and decide if an applicant has what it takes to be a member of the EMS chapter of National Junior Honor Society.

NJHS VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

NJHS will host a student volleyball tournament as a fundraiser the evening of Friday, April 11th. Student and teacher teams will be able to start signing up the week before Spring Break. Look for more information in the April newsletter.

6th GRADE OUTDOOR EDUCATION IS AROUND THE CORNER. 6th grade Outdoor Education medications and medication forms are being collected by Nicole Meadows, the Health Clerk. Please bring the forms and medications in by Friday, March 28. If you have any questions, please call Nicole at 303-828-3391 or email her atmeadows_nicole@svvsd.org.

Sixth Grade Trinity Smith is a wonderful student and person. She is always willing to help someone out, and is always engaged in her learning. She is a brilliant example of what hard work and determination can bring. Congratulations Trinity!

The 6th grade team choice for boy student of the month is the one-of-a-kind, Hunter Burley. Hunter's teachers enjoy his quirky sense of humor and great work ethic in their classes. Hunter enjoys himself but can settle down quickly and get his work done, too! He pushes himself to complete high-quality assignments and he is a true joy to have in class! Even when Hunter has to miss school to compete in a hockey tournament he makes sure to stay for academic assistance and complete all his missing assignments in a timely manner. Keep up the great work, Hunter and continue to be the wonderful role model you are to our other 6th graders!

Seventh Grade Hannah Conley is a joy to have in class. She is very kind and helpful to other students. Hannah is a bright young lady who encourages others to do their best by being a great role model. Hannah shows a great work ethic by asking questions and showing a positive attitude.

Noah Roper is an energetic and dedicated student. Noah is a hard worker that holds himself to high standards but also likes to be creative and think outside the box. Noah is friendly to fellow students in class and sets a great example with his work ethic. Great job Noah!

Each of these students have been honored with a free pizza for lunch on the last Friday of the month. Please congratulate these students if you see them!

Eighth Grade Luke Loy has demonstrated excellence in classroom leadership, community, and overall academic ability. He is polite, attentive, well prepared, and always ready to lend a hand to his teachers, and classmates. Erie Middle School is a better place because of him; great job, Luke!

Ashley Bedore is an attentive and polite young lady who always strives to do her best. She is positive and encouraging, asks good questions and brings a unique perspective to each class. Her focus and good listening skills have made her an easy choice for student of the month. You rock, Ashley!

Each of these students have been honored with a free pizza for lunch on the last Friday of the month. Please congratulate these students if you see them!

Encore Award
This is your chance to recognize a classroom teacher that exemplifies excellence in teaching!

Purpose This awards program, sponsored by the Education Foundation for the St. Vrain Valley, provides the opportunity for students, parents, community members, and business partners to recognize and honor individual teachers at the Pre-K through 12th grade levels in the St. Vrain Valley School District who exemplifies excellence in teaching. By paying tribute to the achievements of teachers who have an extraordinary impact on the achievements of students, the Foundation and the community hope to pay tribute to the accomplishments of all teachers.

Award Winners One teacher from each St. Vrain Valley School will receive Encore recognition. At least two other teachers from each school will be honored as finalists. The Encore Awards are presently annually at the Tribute to Teachers celebration. The recipient will receive $100 for classroom use at the teachers discretion and a Certificate of Recognition at the Tribute to Teachers Gala in May.

Award Nomination Guidelines and Deadlines Nominations are accepted from students, parents, volunteers, and other teachers and staff at the school as well as from community members or the schools business partners. Nominators can nominate only one teacher per school. The nomination form is available on the Education Foundations website www.efsvv.org and at each school. Click on the word programs on our Home Page, then on Encore Award Program and finally, on the Nomination form. Nominations may be submitted either electronically or through the mail. Nominations must be postmarked or electronically date stamped no later than March 15th. Nominations sent after this date are not eligible. For complete information on the nomination criteria, pleased see the website www. efsvv.org or get a copy at the main office.

Recognize the hard work our teachers do to facilitate your students achievement!

COUNSELING CORNER

Erie Middle School is now accepting CSAP snack donations: Granola bars Juice Boxes Please drop off snack donations at the front office before March 7, 2014. Thank you for your support!! The counselors worked with Erie Middle School students to help them register for the 2014-2015 school year. For questions please contact your students counselor.

TCAP testing will begin March 10th. Below are some testing strategies to help your student during TCAP.

Kimberly Jacobs

Genaro Villareal

Jacobs_kimberly@stvrain.k12.co.us

Villareal_genaro@stvrain.k12.co.us

Lunch is $2.75

Individual Milk is .$50

You can make lunch pre-payments at svvsd/nutritionservices.org