Principal: Mrs. Andrea Kersten Assistant Principal: Mr. Patrick Christie

Cleveland Hill Middle School Newsletter

February

February

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER | MRS. KERSTEN

2015

CLEVELAND HILL: 716.836.7200 http://www.clevehill.wnyric.org

EXTENSIONS:

8550 District Office 8543 Principal 8430 Middle School Office 8448 Attendance 8400 Library 8440 Student Support Center 8330 Health Office 8350 Athletics, Mr. J. Przybysz 8340 Cafeteria Manager 3680 School Closing

Information

FAX NUMBERS: 836.7741 HS/MS Office 566.3655 Health Office 836.5700 Student Support Center ADDITIONAL PHONE NUMBERS: 684.9440 First Student (Buses) 961-4070 Harkness Access allowed: 7:30 am Classes begin: 7:45 am Dismissal: 2:42 pm

Want to access the CHMS website and/or newsletter quickly and easily via your smart phone?

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1. Download any QR app reader – many are FREE! Scan the QR code(s) and you’ll be brought to either the newsletter or CHMS website instantly!

CHMS Website CHMS Feb Newsletter

More inside!

We are officially halfway though the 2014-2015 school year; 2nd quarter report cards will be mailed home on February 6th. Please review your child’s grades with him/her and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. We appreciate your support and partnership. We have many things to look forward to in the days ahead including a Middle School Family Fun Night! I would like to thank Mrs. Betz and the PTSA for planning this wonderful activity. Family Fun Night will take place on February 6th from 6:30-8:30pm. The whole family is invited to join us for fun, food and games! A parent must accompany younger siblings. Students will enjoy an assembly this month organized by Mr. Schroeder to celebrate February as Black History Month. The program will feature a musical showcase, highlighting the contributions of African American composers and musicians to the jazz movement. We are also excited to invite you to attend our first Cleveland Hill Community Book Club. This book club is open to all members of our Cleveland Hill Community. The book we will be exploring is Mindset by Carol Dweck; a copy of the book will be provided to book club members. Mindset explores how we can fulfill our potential as adults, as well as encourage our children to have a growth mindset. Guest speakers will present on chapter topics. Refreshments will be served and childcare is available upon request. Space is VERY limited; contact Ms. Garcia in the Main Office (836-7200 ext. 8340) to register. I hope you and your family have a wonderful February break. Stay safe and warm!

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SUBSTITUTE POSITION: Cafeteria Monitors HOURS: 10:15 am-1:45 pm

REPORTS TO: Building Principal RATE OF PAY: $8.75/hr EOE

Please submit letter of interest, resume and application to: Superintendent Cleveland Hill UFSD | 105 Mapleview Road | Cheektowaga, NY 14225 Applications are also available on the web: www.clevehill.wnyric.org Go to: Quick Links > District Forms and Documents > Job Applications

Grade 6 Jacob Bell Angelina Chrostowski Jesse Craiglow Emma Hart Alexander Herceg Lilly Hilton Timothy Ransbury Sydney Robinson Cameron Sadowski Myles SmithKatherine Tadusz

Grade 7 Kevin Hibbert-Day Lucy Kloepfer CJ Whalen Grade 8 Natasha Ayala Jacob Carl Lydia Catalino Jason Eschbach Skyla Floss F. Michael Johnson

SHINING STARS! SHINING STARS!

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2015

Feb 4: Board of Education Meeting 6:00pm Feb 6: ! Day Staff Development | NO PM STUDENT ATTENDANCE Feb 10: PTSA Executive Board Meeting 6:30pm Feb 16: President’s Day | NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE Feb 17-20: Mid Winter Recess | NO STUDENT ATTENDANCE Feb 23: PTSA Spring Fundraiser Kick Off Feb 25: Board of Education Meeting 6:00pm Feb 26: MS SDM 3:00pm

IMPORTANT DATES

PARENT PORTAL | Need to update your contact information?

cont.

Job Opportunity!

New feature added to our Parent Portal services! You can update phone numbers and email contacts electronically, in

the Parent Portal!

https://powerschool.clevehill.org/public

! Simply log into the Parent Portal and click on the "Demographic Change" icon in the left hand pane.

! Please verify your phone number(s) and email contact(s). ! If there are any changes, simply enter the new information on

the right side of the screen and click "Submit" on the lower right hand side.

As you know, it is critical that we have your updated contact

information. Any changes you make will be reviewed by our Registrar’s Office on a weekly basis. Once approved, the new information will populate on your child's demographic screens. Well over 80% of our middle and high school families are leveraging the power of the Parent Portal. If you have misplaced your login credentials, you can contact the Guidance Office x8448 for the login information (which was sent at the beginning of the school year).

To view an introductory video of all the Parent Portal features go to: http://www.clevehill.wnyric.org/portalvideo

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STUDENT SUPPORT STUDENT SUPPORTSTUDENT SUPPORT

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Feb

2015

Tech Wars

February is Tolerance Month. Tolerance is respecting the individual difference,

views and beliefs of other people, and being understanding and open-minded about the diversity of others, their opinion, practices and culture. Please visit Mrs. Balthasar’s website for more information about tolerance and character

education. February 9-13 in National Kindness Week.

“No act of kindness is too small. The gift of kindness may start as a small ripple that over time can turn into a tidal wave affecting the lives of many.” (Kevin Heath, CEO of More4Kids)

February is Black History Month. Black

History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions people of African heritage have made for the world. Each afternoon during announcements, MS students will read a brief biography of prominent African-Americans and their contributions to our country and world.

MS & HS Perfect Attendance

The criteria for perfect attendance include no tardies and no early dismissals (unless for a school function). Students must be present for every period on every school day.

TASTE OF TECH FIELD TRIP The 8th graders were invited to attend the Erie1 BOCES “Taste of Tech” MS program on January 29th. The BOCES Potter Career Center in West Seneca hosted 8th grade students from area school districts as they explored the world of Career and Technical Education. Students rotated through highly engaging, interactive, and safe activities within the Career and Technical programs of their choice, such as Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, and Sports Science Careers. All activities were linked to both the NYS CDOS and Career Skill Standards. This was a great opportunity to expose middle school students to a variety of career options!

every period on every school day.

The 8

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contributions to our country and world.

The criteria for perfect attendance include no tardies and no early dismissals (unless for a

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many.”

History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions

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education.

“No act of kindness is too small. The gift of

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views and beliefs of other people, and being

1.

cont.

HMSb

On January 14th a team of talented Cleve-Hill middle school students traveled to NCCC (Niagara County Community College) to compete at the annual Tech Wars. They finished 5th place out of about 15 middle schools. In order to attend the field trip, students must first compete against their classmates. The best of the best earn the chance to represent their school at Tech Wars. Students take pride in their projects… they come before school, after school or find a time during study hall to improve, practice and work on their projects. Our 6th grade students had to design a car to move only by the power of a traditional spring mousetrap. Our best distance traveled with these cars for the Tech Wars competition were two cars that went over 50 feet! Finishing 9th in this category was Jada Wylie with 50’ 11” and finishing 10th were Ray Al-Haraz and Jesse Craiglow with a close 50’ 6”. 7th grade students designed and built a small-scale bridge with the goal of having the most efficient design when a load test is applied to their structure. Out of about 70 entries, two scored in the top 20 from Cleve-Hill. Alex Rojek and Mason Albright’s bridge held 574 times the mass of their bridge. Kiara Millner and Amaya Walker’s bridge held 554 times the mass of their bridge, an amazing task! 8th grade technology students were challenged with a more detailed project - they competed to design a CO2 Car. In order to qualify, a student’s car must meet very specific measurements or tolerances, some being within a few millimeters to qualify. Of the 4 students who attended, all 4 placed in the top 20 in this area. Peyton Barker, Joseph Carter, Jacob Carl and Malik Brooks had the best cars from Cleve-Hill and represented their school well. For any grade level there is an after school club to make a Mini Sumo Robot. The goal of this competition is to push or force your opponent out of the circle by controlling their robot. None of Cleve-Hill’s made it to the final rounds. Those who put in a great deal of time and effort to be in this competition were: Sean Prentice 7th, Joe Lesser 7th, Myles Smith 6th, Jacob Bell 6th, Justice McCray 7th, Abigail Hart 6th and Mary Cooper 6th - most of whom said they want to improve on their design to possibly win next year. Other than the 4 previously mentioned categories, one student designed and built an Autonomous Robot outside of school, on his own time to enter the Autonomous Robot category. Devin Golovin programed his robot with great efficiency and speed to pick up golf balls and place them in a designated area for points. He finished 2nd place and is planning on entering again next year.

Cleveland Hill went Bald for Buck$ and has currently raised over $9,000! Our website is still open if you would

like to donate to our Team Page or to one of the individuals who either

shaved their head or donated over 8" of hair to Children With Hair Loss.

Thank you to all of the Cleveland Hill students, families and friends who

helped make this event such a HUGE success!!

http://baldforbucks2015buf.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1121676&lis=1&kntae1121676=23E7CDBCDB5A47B68BFB8A3C302648B2&team=6

201993&tlteam=0

The 6th grade teachers are proud to nominate Steven for Student of the Month! Steven is well on his way to success in the 6th grade and beyond. He knows what it takes to be successful and has great potential to be a leader of his peers. Steven is very well mannered, task oriented, eager to learn, a pleasure to work with and conscientious. Steven is also a “forward thinker”, a good participant, always on time and has a “growth mindset”. In chorus, he thoughtfully contributes to class discussions, sings powerfully, is very responsible and is a good listener. We hope Steven is always a life long learner & wish him much continued success on his academic path!

STUDENT OF THE MONTH

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good listener. We hope Steven is always a life long learner &

Steven Collins

BALD FOR BUCK$!!!

shaved their head or donated over 8"

Nathan Cummings Libby LaCourse

CHOIR | BAND

BALD FOR BUCK$

201993&tlteam=0

Libby LaCourse Nathan Cummings

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You are invited to attend the

Cleveland Hill Middle School

C O M M U N I T Y

Chorus this year! Sarah Wollenberg (8) and Nicole Lane (7) will be representing our school in a 150+ student chorus made up of all the top singers from Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Orleans, and Cattaraugus Counties. The festival will take place at Akron Central School on November 7th and 8th. These girls were selected based on the high scores they earned at a NYSSMA solo

**Space is limited! Register today!!!!!**

WHERE: Middle School Library WHEN: Monday Evenings February 23rd - March 30th TIME: 6:00-7:30pm

World-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, in decades of research on achievement and success has discovered a truly groundbreaking idea of our mindset. Dweck explains why it's not just our abilities and talent that bring us success-but whether we approach them with a fixed or growth mindset. She makes clear why praising intelligence and ability doesn't foster self-esteem and lead to accomplishment, but may actually jeopardize success. With the right mindset, we can motivate our kids and help them raise their grades, as well as reach our own goals-personal and professional. Dweck reveals what many successful parents, teachers, CEO's, and athletes already know; how a simple idea about the brain can create a love of learning and a resilience that is the basis of accomplishment in every area.

Register by contacting Ms. Garcia in the Main Office at 836-7200 ext. 8430. R e g i s t r a t i o n C L O S E S M o n d a y F e b r u a r y 1 6 t h

B O O K C L U B

ENJOY A BEST SELLER AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS GUEST PRESENTERS

CHILD CARE AVAILABLE

R E A L C O N V E R S A T I O N F O R R E A L P E O P L E

A COPY OF THE BOOK WILL BE PROVIDED FOR YOU

AUDIO BOOK AVAILABLE

UPON REQUEST

CHMS

Feb

2015 Refreshments Provided

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2015 CHMS

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The PTSA (Parent-Teacher-Student- Association) is a private, non-profit organization of parents, teachers, students, and community members who strive to better the lives of children. We are part of an association that is organized at the local, state, and national levels. The PTSA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make the Cleveland Hill Schools a better place. Joining is the most important part of our success! New members are always welcome. Next PTSA Meeting is Tuesday March 10th, 2015 @ 6:30 pm Located in the Community Room of the District Offices. Membership PTSA Membership costs for 2014-2015 are $8.00/adult and $5.00/student. Enrollment forms are in the MS office or you can join at our monthly meetings. If you have any questions regarding membership, please call Jill Nieves: #308.0465 Free Fun Friday, February 6th 2015 Fun family night with games and refreshments! Middle School cafeteria and gym from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Box Top Collections Please make sure you are saving Box Tops. You can send them in with your child or drop them off in the office. Last year we raised almost $2,000 with Box Tops. All money raised goes right back to the school! Please call Tammy Bell #430.6968

NEW! CH Merchandise is available @ all PTSA events! Coffee mugs, water bottles, key chains, iPhone cases and more! http://clevehill.wnyric.org/webpages/ptsa/events.cfm?subpage=1903053 Spring Easter Candy Fundraiser Kick-off: Monday, February 23rd through Thursday, March 5th. Pick up: Wednesday, March 25th 2015. To continue to make this our largest fundraiser of the year, please sell, sell, sell! Volunteers needed to help out on the day of delivery. Please contact Kim Grantham @ #308.9406. Annual Theme Tray Friday, March 6th @ 6:30 pm. Donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off in the office closer to the date. Any questions, please call Chris Parrino at #440.2553

MS Skating Party Saturday March 21st, 2015 from 7:30–10 pm Rainbow Skating Rink 101 Oliver Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120 Any questions, please call Tammy Bell at #430.6968 Contact Info:

! Chris Parrino #440.2553 ! Visit us on the Cleveland Hill Website http://clevehill.wnyric.org/webpages/ptsa/index.cfm ! Facebook: Cleveland Hill PTSA https://www.facebook.com/clevehillptsa ! Email: PTSA@Clevehill.org ! Sign up for Text Alerts. Text… “@ Clevehi” and send to #716.980.4256