K I N G S V I E W M I D D L E S C H O O L

18909 Kingsview Road Germantown, MD 20874

C o m i n g A t t r a c t i o n s December

December 5 SGA Election Speeches & Voting December 5 SGA Class of the Cash begins December 7 Winter Choral Concert 7pm December 8 The African American Parent Network Winter Extravaganza and Potluck 7pm December 13 Winter Orchestra Concert 7pm December 14 Winter Band Concert 7pm December 15 Boys’ Basketball vs. Clemente Home/ Girls AWAY December 15 Outdoor Education Parent Information mtg. 7pm December 19 Parent Observation Day 12-2pm Monday December 26, 2011

~ A Message from the Principal ~

Kingsview Middle School D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Call KMS office

Main Office 301-601-4611

Counseling Office 301-601-4607

Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas

Principal

Dr. A.J. Nottingham Assistant Principal

Mrs. Ericka Singleton

Assistant Principal

Dear Kingsview Families, This year is flying by so quickly! I am absolutely thrilled with the students’ stellar academic performance, enthusiastic participation in extra-curricular activities, and the exemplary way they have embraced the creation of a culture of respect. Moving forward, several students have spoken with me to share their personal academic goals for improvement in specific courses. As I looked at the data from one of our World Studies classes, I realized that the

class was so close to achieving all A’s in the course, I challenged them to make it happen for the 2nd quarter. I know all of our students have the potential to achieve at high levels and sometimes a little challenge can go a long way. Please be aware that in the next few months several events will be occurring that are very important to note. First, Dr. Nottingham will become our Acting Principal from January 3rd - February 20th. I know you will join me in supporting Dr. Nottingham as he assumes the role following winter break. Currently, Dr. Nottingham and I meet regularly in preparation for a smooth transition for our school community. During my time out of the building, I will be working as an administrator at a MCPS elementary school. During Dr. Nottingham’s internship, a current MCPS Principal, Ms. Elaine Chang-Baxter, will assume the duties assigned to Dr. Not-tingham so that the administrative team will remain fully staffed. Dr. Nottingham will be the acting principal and continue as the 8th grade administrator while Ms. Chang-Baxter will be our acting assistant principal and 7th grade administrator. As of January 3rd, please contact Dr. Nottingham whenever you have questions, ideas, or concerns. He will be responsible for all school-wide decisions in collaboration with staff, students, and parents, as appropriate. I am scheduled to return to my regular duties on February 21, 2012, at which time Dr. Nottingham and I will transition back to our current roles. In addition, semester exams and the scheduling/registration/articulation processes begin in January. Please take time to review the January exam schedule and important registration dates included in this newsletter and plan accordingly. Thank you for your continued support! I wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with many memories, traditions, and joy.

All the best,

Beth Elizabeth L. Thomas Principal

Kingsview Middle School 2011 – 2012 Exam Schedule

Thursday, January12th

Friday, January13th

Tuesday, January17th

Wednesday, January18th

7:55–10:20 Period 1 Exam Block

Period 8 Exam Block

Period 7 Exam Block

Period 2 Exam Block

10:23–10:59 Period 3 7th Grade Lunch 10:25 – 10:55

Period 4 7th Grade Lunch 10:25 – 10:55

Period 5 7th Grade Lunch 10:25 – 10:55

Period 2 7th Grade Lunch 10:25 – 10:55

11:02–11:38 Period 2 6th Grade Lunch 11:05 – 11:35

Period 5 6th Grade Lunch 11:05 – 11:35

Period 8 6th Grade Lunch 11:05 – 11:35

Period 7 6th Grade Lunch 11:05 – 11:35

11:41–12:17 Period 7 8th Grade Lunch 11:44 – 12:14

Period 6 8th Grade Lunch 11:44 – 12:14

Period 1 8th Grade Lunch 11:44 – 12:14

Period 8 8th Grade Lunch 11:44 – 12:14

12:20–2:40 Period 5 Exam Block (6th Grade Activity)

Period 6 Exam Block (8th Grade Activity)

Period 4 Exam Block (7th Grade Activity)

Period 3 Exam Block

From the desk of Dr. Nottingham, Greetings Kingsview families, I hope that all had a great Thanksgiving holiday. I certainly used it as a time to rest and create new and exciting memories with loved ones. Recently I had the pleasure of stepping in to cover a 6th grade math classroom so that our staff could be free to participate in Study Circles. I love it when I get a chance to see our students engaged in learning and schedule time to do so every day. I was the “co-teacher” for the day and I operated in a support

capacity for one of our math teachers. It was amazing to see the level of planning for student engagement and learning that I observed. The students were almost about to burst as they shared their insight and answers throughout the lesson. The teacher used technology as a tool to gain and keep students attention throughout the entire lesson. If you have not seen what some of our staff can do with the Promethean board it is truly exceptional and we welcome you to visit. It was obvious that the teacher had given great care and thought to how to help students grapple with some tough mathematics concepts. As a former math teacher I know how hard it is to find the right balance between challenging a student to persevere past their initial struggles and supporting a student as they struggle. Mrs. Janet Kilcoyne did such a great job of helping students but also valuing the struggle as students grappled with ideas. As I reflected on my experiences afterward one thing that struck me was how important it is that students employ effective effort in their classes. This is such a critical part of problem solving but to a larger extent success in life. We all have to push forward even when our first efforts are not as successful as we wish. This year one of the primary focuses of our school improvement plan is the level of engagement in our classes. This has been a particular focus in our mathematics classrooms and our mathematics department has been doing an outstanding job of keeping this at the forefront. As a school and instructional leadership team we are committed to making sure that our lessons and instruction are creative and appropriately challenging. As you may be aware last year we did not make adequate yearly progress in mathematics based on state mandated testing so we have several supports in place this year for our mathematics classrooms. One of the ways that the Father’s Circle has decided to support the school improvement plan is to have an observation day focused on our mathematics classrooms. I would am calling and encouraging all fathers to participate in the observation day scheduled for December 12th. We will be observing mathematics classrooms in two hour cycles. If you are interested in helping to transform Kingsview, please reach out and let us know that you are willing to help. Please email Patrick Gerdes, the coordinator, at pfgerdes@yahoo.com, and copy me at Anthony_J_Nottingham@mcpsmd.org. Our students and staff need to know we are all invested in making Kingsview great. Thank you for your feedback as part of the continuous improvement process to move from good to great.

Greetings Parents, Students and Families! We are quickly approaching the time of year when we begin to plan the courses and student scheduling offerings for the 2012-2013 school year. As we move forward, it is essential that all current and incoming Kingsview parents and students pay careful attention to the articulation processes, information, dates,

and deadlines for registration over the next three months. With your cooperation, we anticipate a very smooth scheduling season and look forward to your active participation in this process. Please review the dates and information below and plan accordingly. Thank you in advance for your support, and please contact me or your child’s counselor with questions or concerns. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season! Ericka W. Singleton

Scheduling and Articulation Dates 2012

Mon., January 9 – Tues., January 24 8th Grade teachers’ window for completing 9th grade course recommendations Friday, January 13- Mrs. Lance Dempsey to speak to 8th Grade students at Kingsview MS (1:00 p.m.) Wed., January 25- Northwest High School’s incoming Grade 9 Parent Meeting (NWHS Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.; SNOW DATE – Mon., January 30) Friday, January 27- Northwest High School Counselor Visit to 8th grade students (Period 1) Wed., February 1- Incoming 6th grade parent information meeting at Kingsview (APR); McNair/Great Seneca Creek @ 5:30-6:45pm, Matsunaga @ 7:15-8:30pm (SNOW DATE – Thurs., February 2) February 3rd, 6th, and 7th- Counselors and administration visit elementary school student to share registration information Wed., February 8- Current 6th and 7th grade parent registration/articulation meeting (7:00pm, APR; SNOW DATE – Wed., February 22) Mon., February 13 – Fri., February 17- Counselors visit classrooms to present current students with registration information (6th gr. Feb. 13th, 17th) Wed., February 8- Deadline for the collection of current 8th grade student registration cards Mon., February 13- 5th grade students return registrations cards to 5th grade teachers Fri, February 24- Registration forms due to World Studies teachers from current 6th and 7th grade students

Math

Math 6 students will be continuing their focus on the relationship between decimals, fractions, and percent's. Ratios, rates, and proportions are a few other topics they’ll be studying. They’ve been recently multiplying, dividing, and estimating fractions and mixed numbers. Math 7 students are continuing their studies of Pre-Algebra. They’re currently solving problems, using the order of operations, solving and graphing inequalities, solving one and two step equations, and writing expressions, equations, and inequalities. I.M. students will complete the unit on Real Number Systems in December. The unit test is currently scheduled for December 20, 2011.

English Students are getting ready to take the Unit 2 MCPS Formative Assessment on December 8. Leading up to that, students will be focusing on plot elements (setting, exposition, conflicts, climax, and resolution) in the adventure novels that they have been reading. After the assessment, students will begin to write their own original adventure stories.

World Studies

Students will be learning about the achievements of the Greeks, the impact of the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars on Greek Civilization and how Alexander the Great left a lasting Greek legacy well beyond his death.

Science Science students are investigating the ecological reasons for the decline of the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly, our Mar-yland state insect. Our ecological focus during the month of December will be on Food Webs. Each of the proposed solutions to the causes of the Baltimore Checkerspot’s decline will be communicated by each student through an individ-ually created PowerPoint Presentation. This PowerPoint will be completed during class over the next several months.

World Languages

French 1a (6th and 7th grade): We are currently in the unit called “In the classroom.” We are exchanging, interpreting and presenting information related to items in a classroom including color. We are also recognizing and using basic classroom expressions.

Reading

Students will be beginning their unit on “Mythology”. Towards the end of December, they’ll be working on a mytholo-gy project. Read 180 students will be reading about child labor while practicing summarization. In the next workshop, we will be reading about peer pressure and practicing identifying problems and solutions.

Study Strategies

FACS

Art

Students in Study strategies will be starting a unit on Time Management. We will be creating individualized study schedules! Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) students have completed a babysitting unit and are on their way to Food Safety. We should have our Safety assessment by Friday, Dec. 2nd and cooking (smoothies) by Dec. 8 or 9. Art: Students will be painting. The unit is "Art and Daily Life" The goal of this unit is to create a painting that represents an aspect of the students’ daily life. Students will be painting compositions from observational drawings.

PE/ Health

In PE, students are currently just finishing up instructional units in soccer, street hockey, and badminton. Health students are moving into their “ATOD” (Alcohol and Other Drugs) unit.

Technology Education

Technology education: Students are focusing on architectural design this marking period. They’ll be working on an on-going project in which the end result will be them designing and constructing a three-dimensional house.

Math

Math 7 ~ Students will continue working in Unit 2 ~ Algebraic Relationships. IM ~ Students will continue working in Unit 2 ~ The Real Number System and complete their Unit 2 Test on Tuesday, December 20th. Algebra 1A ~ Students will work on Unit 3 ~ Equations and Inequalities in Two Variables.

English

Students will be taking the Unit 2 formative assessment on December 7th. They should use the Unit 1 and 2 study guides to help them for the January summative assessment. Students will participate in a Shared Inquiry discussion in mid-December and have the opportunity to watch the made for TV movie about Ben Carson’s autobiography before the winter break.

READ 180 Students will focus on the problem of child labor and the skill of summarizing. They will then move on to an exploration of peer pressure and identifying problems and solutions in written text.

Advanced World Studies

Students will be focusing on culture in Africa and analyzing historical documents from multi-ple perspectives. Our Medieval Times field trip is on Friday, December 9th.

Science

Students will be taking their Unit test for Hydroponics on Thursday, 12/8. We will then begin learning about the body systems.

Spanish

Spanish 1A: We are in the “Nos Conocemos” unit where students will learn the grammar and vocabulary necessary to construct sentences that will describe themselves and others. Spanish 1B: We are in the House unit where students are learning to describe the parts of the house and the activities and chores done in and around the house.

French French 1A: We are currently in the unit called “In the classroom.” We are exchanging, in-terpreting and presenting information related to items in a classroom including color. We are also recognizing and using basic classroom expressions. French 1B: We are currently in the unit called, “In the Neighborhood.” We are ex-changing, interpreting and presenting information about places, activities, and means of trans-portation in the community. We are also identifying and describing typical shops, services, and places in a francophone country.

PE Students will be taking their second quarter fitness assessments which focuses on flag foot-ball, street hockey and basketball.

Health Students will be studying Alcohol and Other Drugs (ATOD).

FACS FACS students are preparing fruit cups this week and tacos next week. Following that, they will choose fabric to cut out their Sport Bag. Remember they need a pair of 45 inch new shoe laces to complete their bag by January 13th.

Math In Algebra Prep we are completing unit 1 which includes all operations with

Rational Numbers and applications of Rational Numbers. We will begin our Unit on Probability the first week in December. In Algebra we are completing Unit 3 Linear Functions. We will begin Unit 4 Systems of Linear Functions and Inequalities the first week in December. Be sure to look for the Semester A review packet within the next two weeks. This will help students prepared for the Semester A Midterm exam.

English At various points during the quarter, students are going to be in the Media Center working on a research topic. Students will be researching a community issue and taking a side. For example, “Should there be tougher gun control laws?” In class, students will be reading and discussing Animal Farm which deals with the Russian Revolution. Finally, there will be a County Examination in January during exam week.

History We have concluded our study of the Revolutionary War and will be examining the foundation of the U.S. government. We will analyze the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. Students will evaluate the Bill of Rights and its importance to Americans.

Science Students continue to investigate the role of forces in the formation and operation of the universe and the role and interaction of revolution, rotation and gravity on the Sun-Earth-Moon system. Just prior to the winter break, the NASA Kepler Mission will present students with an RFP to choose the best planet for life among some fictional discoveries. Students will have time in class both before and after the break to create an electronic poster using Glogster to present data to officials at NASA as to which planet they should fund a mission to further explore.

World Languages Spanish 2A classes will be exchanging and presenting information about personal preferences for style and clothing for specific events French 1a (6th and 7th grade): We are currently in the unit called “In the class-room.” We are exchanging, interpreting and presenting information related to items in a classroom including color. We are also recognizing and using basic classroom expressions. French 1b (7th and 8th grade): We are currently in the unit called, “In the Neigh-borhood.” We are exchanging, interpreting and presenting information about plac-es, activities, and means of transportation in the community. We are also identify-ing and describing typical shops, services, and places in a francophone country. French 2a (8th grade): We are currently in the unit called, “Pastimes.” We are exchanging information and interpreting questions about present and past leisure activities, weather conditions, and responding to invitations.

Reading Students in Read 180 are currently reading about child labor while practicing sum-marization. In the next workshop we will be Reading about peer pressure and prac-ticing identifying problems and solution.

FACS/ART/TECH ED/COMPUTERS

8th grade cooking class is learning the principles of raised dough and will eventual-ly make their own pizza. My Country Project starts Dec. 14th. Sewing/Design students are almost ready to start sewing their flannel pajamas.

The Student Government Association

The SGA will participate in the Kids Helping Kids campaign. Our “Show You Care, Bring a Pair of Cans” campaign will begin Monday, December 5th and run through Friday, December 16th. All students, staff members and parents are asked to bring canned foods and nonperishable items to be placed in the collection boxes. All donations will go to Manna Foods to help needy children in our area. It’s time for the Clash of the Cash! December 14th through December 21st we are asking all students, staff and parents to bring in their “dollars for dollars” to raise funds for food and gifts for needy Kingsview families. This is an opportunity for each one to have the chance of giving back to our community. The more dollars that you give, the more cheer we can bring to our families in need. Thank you for your help!

African American Parent Network

The African American Parent Network will have a Winter Extravaganza and Potluck on December 8th beginning at 7 in the Media Center. Please bring your favorite holiday recipe/dish as Dr. Nottingham will serve as the official taste tester for the event. his is a family friendly event and kids are welcomed. There will be games, door prizes and of course plenty of great food. We look forward to celebrating and showing that Panther spirit with all . If you have any questions, feel free to contact Aneka Owens via email at anekaowens@yahoo.com (phone:240-723-6178) or Felicia Jackson at 240-744-6848.

A message from the Father’s Circle The KMS Fathers’ Circle is a group of KMS fathers (and others) committed to working with the administration and staff to improve the performance and experience of Kingsview stu-dents. The research shows that when fathers are visible in the school building and active in the educational lives of their children, kids learn better, teachers teach better, and across the board the bar is raised. We want to invite fathers, uncles, and /or any parent/guardian who is interested in helping to improve the experience and performance of our kids here at

Kingsview Middle School to join the Fathers' Circle. Historically, the Fathers' Circle has sponsored activities and events such as literacy night, parent vs. student basketball game, college trips, and attendance at the Col-lege Workshops at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards conference each year in February, to name a few. Not all of our kids are performing as well as they could be, and they need our help. If you are interested in helping to transform Kingsview, please reach out and let us know. Please email Patrick Gerdes, the coordi-nator, at pfgerdes@yahoo.com, and copy Dr. Nottingham at Anthony_J_Nottingham@mcpsmd.org. Thank you in advance for your willingness to help our kids do better!

Student Service Learning (SSL) Notes Give a Little Time…Make a Big Difference

December 2011 Verification of service performed during the first semester can be turned in throughout the semester but the deadline for turning in documentation to the SSL coordinator of service performed during the first semester is the Friday before first semester exams begin. This means all 1st semester work (from August – December) must be turned in by Friday, January 6th. SSL hours may be awarded by preapproved faith-based organizations when secular service addresses needs beyond the membership in the greater community. Supporting an individual running for public office requires MCPS Form 560-50, Request for SSL Preapproval granted in advance of any involvement. With approval of MCPS Form 560-50, Request for SSL Preapproval SSL hours may be awarded for direct service to residents/patients at assisted-living facilities and nursing homes. Students involved in school clubs that address a community need may earn SSL hours for time spent outside of their instructional day on preparation, action, and reflection phases when supervised at school by the club advisor.

PRESENTING…. Disney’s THE JUNGLE BOOK! Kingsview’s exciting spring musical this year will be the beloved favorite, THE JUNGLE BOOK! Mark your calendars for the following dates if your child is interested in participating. All students who wish to audition must attend one of the two days of audition Audition Clinic 1: Thursday December 8th Audition Clinic 2: Tuesday December 13th Auditions Day 1: Wednesday December 14th Auditions Day 2: Thursday December 15th

Auditions Day 3: Tuesday December 20th Callbacks: Wednesday December 21st Cast List Posted/First Cast Meeting: Thursday December 22nd If your child is interested in being a part of stage crew, stage art, or costume creation, they should come to an interest meeting on Thursday December 8th.

Emergency Closure of Schools

Closure of schools

When schools are closed, all school and community ac vi es are canceled, including athle c prac ces and events. Private day care providers in schools may elect to stay open if the administra ve offices are open. In extreme condi ons, the administra ve offices may be closed. 

Delayed opening

If schools are closed or delayed, the announcement is made no later than 5:00 a.m. (or the night before if possible). 

Schools may open two hours late, and all opera ons, including bus transporta on, are delayed by two hours from the regular schedule. Full‐day kindergarten will follow the regular educa on school schedule. 

Early dismissal

If schools are closing early, the announcements are made by 11:00 a.m.  

Schools may be closed 2.5 hours early, and all opera ons affec ng dismissal of students,                including bus transporta on, will be ac vated 2.5 hours earlier than the regular school closing  me. 

Full‐day kindergarten will follow the regular educa on school schedule. Students in morning Head Start and morning prekindergarten will be dismissed at 10:30 a.m. Midday Head Start and               a ernoon prekindergarten are canceled. School and community ac vi es for the a ernoon and evening are can‐celed. 

Membership in the PTSA is an annual event, that means we join at the start of every new school year, or when we remember to do so after the school year starts☺. If you have not join the KMS PTSA, yet, you still have time to join. Here are a few valid reasons for joining:

TOP TEN REASONS TOP JOIN THE KMS PTSA

10. $10: can’t beat the price of membership! It’s cheaper than going to the movies, and this $10 goes a long way to support programs for the students and the school.

9. PTA is not “just for elementary school”: you need to be involved with all phases of your secondary student’s life. Involvement in PTSA is a natural link.

8. By joining PTSA you let your child know that you think what happens at school is important.

7. We will not force you to volunteer, but if you choose to volunteer, you have many opportunities that only involve a small amount of time.

6. We will not force you to come to meetings, but if you choose to come, we have timely and up-to-date presentations that are of interest to your family.

5. If we vote at any of our meetings and you can come, your membership allows you one vote☺.

4. PTSA supports fundraising events that give financial help to many vital needs in our school.

3. The school needs YOU, and you will find it is a great way to connect with other parents.

2. You get the Kingsview MS Student Directory for free☺.

1. every child. one voice©.

Please, consider helping your child’s school by joining the KMS PTSA. The membership form is available on the KMS PTSA web site at http://www.kmsptsa.org/ just click on the link on the left-hand side “Join the PTSA.” You can send the completed form and payment in an envelope marked “KMS PTSA” to the school with your student. If you have questions about membership, please contact Maria Allyn, membership chairperson, at bouhon609@aol.com.