GARFIELD GAZETTE March, 2009

Mark Walter PrincipalCatherine White, Assistant PrincipalMary Kay Marcuse, CounselorAbby O’Connor, Counselor

Garfield Middle School13114 Detroit AvenueLakewood, OH 44107Phone (216) 529-4241Fax (216) 529-4146

Attendance (216) 529-4310Website: www.lakewoodcityschools.org

Lakewood Board of Education:Edward Favre, PresidentBetsy Bergen Shaughnessy, Vice PresidentLinda Beebe John KamkutisMatthew John Markling

Calendar _____ _________

March

2-20 6th & 7th Grade Terra Nova Test2 Blood Drive – 3:00-8:00 p.m. - Cafe3&4 Talent Show Dress Rehearsal – 2:45 p.m.5 Talent Show – 7:00 p.m.13 Pi Day

8th Grade Panoramic Picture18 PTSA Meeting – 7:00 p.m. – LRC19 Jazz Festival – 7:30 p.m. – Civic21 OMEA Middle School Solo &

Ensemble for Orchestra & Choir –North Ridgeville

25 Band Festival – 7:30 p.m. – Civic27 End of third quarter

School Dance/Activity Night – 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Café/Gym

April

3 Garfield Spring Play – 7:00 p.m.6 Parent /Student Washington

Trip Meeting – 7:00 p.m. - Gym10-19 Spring Break20 School resumes21-5/8 6th, 7th and 8th grade OAT testing22 PTSA Meeting – 7:00 p.m. - LRC

Message from the Principal:

The word for this month is intervention. Students and staff of Garfield Middle School have been diligently working towards preparation for the Ohio Achievement Tests that will be given starting April 21st. Throughout the year students have been given extra instruction in reading, using software based programs designed to improve reading fluency and comprehension. We are also providing students with 3-week mini-courses on test taking strategies and skills. Over the next nine weeks students will rotate into the test strategy intervention that emphasizes vocabulary across the content area. Many times students answer incorrectly due to a misunderstanding of a key vocabulary word that appears in the question or is part of the possible answers. In addition, classroom teachers have developed intervention and test taking strategies they employ as part of the regular curriculum. Finally, our English as a Second Language (ESL) learners are getting extra assistance in helping prepare for Achievement testing in English. Often these students have the content knowledge to be successful however the language barrier prevents them from truly demonstrating what they know.

I am proud of the hard work that our staff and students continually put in to prepare for the rigors of the Ohio Achievement Test. The work may not always be fun, but I am confident that the interventions described will have a positive impact on student success now and in the future.

Sincerely,Mr.Walter

New Graduation RequirementsThe Ohio Department of Education has released the new requirements for all high school students to receive their diplomas. These new requirements will impact current 7th grade students and below. Current 8th grade students and high school students will remain under the current state and district guidelines.

Graduation Requirements Before the Ohio Core

Graduation Requirements Under the Ohio Core LCS Current Graduation Requirements

4 units English Language Arts; 3 units Mathematics 3 units Science 3 units Social Studies ½ unit Health ½ unit Physical Education 6 units Electives

4 units English Language Arts; 4 units Mathematics 3 units Science 3 units Social Studies ½ unit Health ½ unit Physical Education 5 units Electives

4 units English Language Arts; 3 units Mathematics 3 units Science 3 units Social Studies ½ unit Health ½ unit Physical Education 1 unit

Technology/Arts/Business/Foreign Language

6 units Electives

Total= 20 UnitsTotal= 20 Units 21 Units

District Message:

WE NEED YOUR INPUT ON PHASE III

Even as work continues full-speed ahead on the west wing of the high school as the last part of Phase II of our Facilities Master Plan, the planning for Phase III, the final phase, is now underway. More than 100 people from the community have signed on to be part of the Steering Committee that will help determine the course of action for our remaining elementary schools – Grant, Lincoln and Roosevelt – as well as for the east side of the high school. The committee has held three meetings to date and is working hard to gather information, update and review the critical data such as population and enrollment trends and to identify the critical issues to be taken into consideration when formulating their recommended plan.

District Message (cont.):

At the crux of the planning process is whether or not to renovate or construct two or three of the remaining elementary schools. The Ohio School Facilities Commission has notified the district that it will only fund construction and/or renovation of two more elementary schools in the district because of declining enrollment. The district would be on its own to fund a third elementary project.As in the past, the district will be asking for input from the community at large so that we have the greatest consensus possible. Please mark on your calendars and plan to attend the two community forums scheduled. The first will be held April 2 at 7 p.m. at LHS’ East Cafeteria. This first forum will describe the process, provide data and seek opinions on issues critical to the committee’s decision. The second forum will be held Sept. 15, also at LHS at 7 p.m., and will present options for our buildings to be presented to the Board and allow the community to comment on those options. It is important for as many people to attend these as possible so that the community’s voice is heard on this critical project for our district and city’s future. For updates on the work of the Steering Committee, please visit our web site at www.lakewoodcityschools.org and click on the Phase III button.

Congratulations to the Garfield Middle School Power of the Pen Teams!

Congratulations to the Garfield Middle School Power of the Pen Teams, who together qualified seven out of twelve writers for the Regional Power of the Pen tournament, TO BE HELD RIGHT HERE AT GARFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL ON FEBRUARY 28! Eighth graders moving on are Tony Kahn, Grace Lazos, and Lily Pollack. Seventh graders moving on are Grace Bader, Kendall King, Lisa Peng, and Zach Sanderson. In addition, Zach Sanderson placed 5th individually out of 125 seventh grade writers, and one of his pieces was selected as a “Best of Round”. Tony Kahn placed 1st individually out of 125 eighth grade writers, and two of his stories were selected as “Best of Round”.

Garfield Middle School recognizes all the writers on their two Power of the Pen teams, who have worked very hard since last fall preparing for the tournaments. Seventh grade writers were Grace Bader, Dani Brubaker, Kendall King, Charlotte Link, Lisa Peng, Alicia Russo, and Zach Sanderson. Eighth grade writers were Chris Brinich, Chelsea Polk, Rachel Guetling, Tony Kahn, Grace Lazos, and Lily Pollack.

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FREE FORECLOSURE HELP

ESOP is a HUD-approved, non-profit housing counseling agency assisting homeowners by negotiating directly with your mortgage lender. They are a member of the State of Ohio’s Save the Dream Program and Cuyahoga County 211 Foreclosure Prevention Program. For more information call Ashley at (216) 361-0718 or visit the website at www.esop-cleveland.org.

Buck Economy

7th grade language arts teachers Mrs. Csongei and Mrs. Eiben and math teacher Mrs. Vahue are starting a buck program. It’s just like real life; you can earn money and spend money.

In math class you can earn bucks by having your supplies out on time, answering questions, doing your homework, getting good grades on papers and when you are working hard in class. You can spend your math bucks at the class store. You can buy candy, a no homework pass, and good job well done card sent home.

In language arts class you can earn bucks by turning in your reading log on time and perfect, answering questions, and staying on task. You can spend bucks by buying paper and a pencil, renting a beanbag chair or pillow, having lunch in the room with friends, participating in class, and buying things at the class store.

We interviewed Mrs. Csongei and Mrs. Eiben about why they started the buck program. They replied, “It’s a fun way to teach responsibility to students.” We also asked how they came up with the idea. They responded, “We read about a teacher doing this in a book and we thought it was cool idea so we decided to start it ourselves.”

We asked a few teachers and students about how they feel about the buck program. We asked Mrs. Winter and Mrs. Wade about the buck program. Mrs. Winter replied saying, “No, I don’t like it because students are expected to get good grades without being rewarded.” Mrs. Wade replied, “Yes, it is a good motivation tool for students.” We interviewed a few students and 50% said they like the buck program, mostly because they buy things. The other 50% said they didn’t like the buck program because

it is childish and students should bring supplies without being paid. Monica said, “She doesn’t like the buck program because it’s childish and stupid.” I feel that the buck program is great for people who do their work and get it done in time. It’s also a fun way for us to get rewarded.

Many kids spend their money by inviting a few friends for lunch in the classroom. They love being able to get away from all the noise and have a fun lunch with a couple of friends. Mrs. Csongei and Mrs. Eiben said that they get kids almost everyday that want to eat lunch with their friends up in the classroom.

The buck program is good for the kids who always participate and have their supplies with them because it’s a fun way for those kids to be rewarded. They have a chance of being rewarded for the things they do. This is a good way to motivate kids who usually don’t participate because they can buy things they want or want to do with the bucks they earn. They probably figure that if they participate more they could earn more bucks, maybe enough to buy a Malley’s Chocolate bar. The buck program is a big hit. Teachers, you might want to start the buck program yourself.

-Mackenzie Nekl -Monica Noon

8th Grade Field Trip to local Holocaust Museum

Nearly half of the 8th grade class spent Tuesday January 15 at the Congregation of Shaarey Tikvah, a Jewish Synagogue and Holocaust Museum in Beachwood, Oh. The trip included a brief presentation by the congregation’s Rabbi who explained few details about Judaism. Next, students watched a slide show regarding facts on the Holocaust such as the Nazis systematic targeting, imprisonment, abuse, and extermination of numerous groups: Jehovah Witnesses, homosexuals, Catholic clergy, trade unionists, communists and finally Jews. The presentation told of the legislation implemented by the government of Adolf Hitler legalizing the tragedy.

Next, the Garfield kids visited the mini- Holocaust museum integrated into the temple. Numerous docents were available to give one on one and small group explanation regarding an array of topics and facts regarding this sad time period. Watching the faces of the students indicated to me their seriousness in realizing the atrocities and unbelievable treatments humans had incurred upon their own species. Many kids were captivated by the first hand accounts of the docents who volunteered their morning to help educate our youth on this still very alive topic of human genocide. (Darfur, Rwanda, Serbia-Croatia, Iraq, Congo, etc)

After a snack of juice and cookies, the kids heard the personal experiences of Dr. Yoram Eckstein, professor of Geology at Kent State University. He and his family fled the Nazis as Poland was being invaded in 1939. They found refuge in eastern Poland only to be overtaken by the Soviets who invaded from the east. For the next 18 years he and his family lived behind the Iron Curtain and worked in slave labor camps. Death, cold and suffering surrounded them daily. Students really benefited hearing first had the tragic life lived by so many during those years.

The day finished with a symbolic gift bag including numerous icons with significant meaning to remind students about their field trip and the value of standing up for what is right and not being a bystander when they make a bad situation good. Ask your child about the baggie with little items in it.

Read what some of your kids say:

I though the trip was interesting. I learned a lot about the Jewish religion and the Holocaust. The speaker was very informative and he told me things I did not expect to hear. – Adam Daud

The trip was interesting because it told us about the Holocaust. The speakers told us about their very own experiences. Dr. Eckstein writes great poems about his life in the Holocaust. –Ashley Lane

I left with a haunted feeling upon the closure of this trip of remembrance. What happened during Hitler’s reign was an abomination beyond measure. I walked into the synagogue mostly ignorant to it all. It could easily happen again should justice slumber and stand idle. - Ryan Cleary

When the lady was telling us the facts about the Holocaust it made me really sad that some people would do those things to other people. It is insane to think that people were at fault for what was going on in the world. I’m really glad I got the chance to go. – Clarissa Kos

The field trip was meant to repave the road back to the time of the Holocaust; and it did! -Robert Meyer

I thought the trip was boring at times but really interesting. They should have more speakers. –Princess Bednarsky

I definitely think it is important for us to learn about the Holocaust so we know about these negative events and do not forget and let them repeat. I was sad to see the pictures of shoes, the wedding rings and the people in the concentration camps. I think the experience was sad but important. –Annalisa Perez

Mrs. Sandoval, Mrs. Ricketti, Mr. Fassett and Mr. Corrigan organized and chaperoned this important trip.

GARFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOLSECOND GRADING PERIOD

DISTINGUISHED HONOR ROLLSixth Grade

Madeline BakerSamuel BakerMaren Yoon BullockAidan CaskeySean CollinsSoule DimacchiaIbrahim FattahAaron FordRomina GjikaBrandon GrivasJulie HoukEmily HouskaMalaak JawhariGenevieve LarsonSarah MaddenJenny MajcherBesa MaliqiNabelh ManaaSarah MatthiesenAngela NazarioSheridan Paul

DISTINGUISHED HONOR ROLL (CONT.)Eighth Grade

Mishgan AbdullahBeatrice AldrichChristopher BeallMatthew BosworthMaura BurkettJonathan ByczekWesley CarneyDevon CaskeyKatie CollinsGeorgiana DanEnrique DeJesus IIXhulja GjikaRachel GuetlingMary HentgesJulie HermanAnthony KahnCorbin KazenCorrigan KennyGrace LazosDominique LeeEvan Lewis

HONOR ROLL (CONT.)Sixth Grade (cont.)Jalena NievesKee Lah PawNah PyuNina ScavoneLenna ShafikSara ShyteAndrew StokesMonica TravisMeghan Tyburski

Seventh Grade

Zaid AbusharekhVirginia AshleyDestiney BattsNicholas BoatmanKalyn CardonaDavid Clayton Doriyan ColemanClaire CorridoniRobert Dang Margaret Dever

Kejda PelariJaime PenneyJonathan T. PoilpreBreanna ReidMarissa RuizKayla SadeckasSamia ShaheenAbigail Shuga Parker SmithAaron SpinaAaron SwartzGrace TherberGregory WatsonTaylor Wohlfeil

Seventh Grade

Victoria AaronNeelab AbdullahSamantha ByrdStephen DunnJoan HoileAidan HowellsGrace HurleyKendall KingLisa KishBrian KolenzTyler Krebs Charlotte LinkLee MechenbierAaron MoritJiayin PengKyle PetrieMargaret RowellAlicia RussoZachary SandersonAlyssa SharrerDobrica Sucevic

Diana MaliqiJacquelyn MillerDebora PetaniChelsea PolkTaylor PrebelPeter SchleckmanHedaia ShahinZainab SuleimanNichole WhitneyAdam ZimmermanMorgenna Zuby

HONOR ROLLSixth Grade

Alanwd AbunabboutShereen AbuzahriyehArslan AliBayan AlkhazovSarah AwadallaInes BakiaJade BartelHannah BurkeGrace DeverNathan FortePeyton GrahamNicholas GuerinCashaney HarrisGhaida HmeidanFallon HorvathCaroline JarrousLinda JonesCurtis KahnSuaad MafargehCho Ti MarBenjamin McKinseyMcKenna MorrisseyMarwah Muhammad

Omar El-EbrashyAmy GarleskyJoseph GawneJamie Denise GibsonAlyssa HasmanDarion HolmesSerxhio JacelliAisha KanganDavid KempRosalie KisselNicholas LaCervaColin LybargerBrendan McCannMackenzie NeklSara OrtizDeshpandya PadarajuSi RaBrandon ReidGabrielle RovitoYasmeen ShafikRuby ThomasHannah TyburskiElison VogliHarrison WernerTyler WineGabrielle WiseEric WonkovichJacob Zbin

Eighth Grade

Ismael AlnajjarRahmatullah BakhshiLorna BarimiChristopher BrinichMatthew CarslonPaige CoyGiorgi Devito Abdellatif El-Ashram

GARFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOLSECOND GRADING PERIOD

HONOR ROLL (CONT.)Eighth Grade (cont.)

Daja ElderRachel ElderBridget EllertNicholas ErhardtAdam FaruniaZachary FehrenbachRhonda FrumMackena GrahamHannah GregoryRaymond HamrickSilvio IslamajPrecious JacksonDaniel JenkinsRalph JohnsonEmma LarsonKyra LatimoreDaniel MezinKyra MihalskiEnas MuhammadAmir NasrallahAmira Nasrallah

MERIT ROLL (CONT.)Sixth Grade (cont.)

Andrew MillerD’angelo ParkerCatherine PattonDepon PoudelRaney PowellPorter RamseySamuel RothackerCarleigh SpenceClaudia StadlerKathleen SuttonNoah SweenyLeegha WhitesideAlyson Zingale

Seventh Grade

Nadia AbdallahThalia AyoubMark BielopetrovichPaige Brunori

MERIT ROLL (CONT.)Eighth Grade

Hanadi AbuzahriyehAnthony BaysCharnice BlackRichard BottiglierTesla BurdetteArgisa DedaHeather DeJesusRichard DillMark EaslerJacob FaccioliniMatthew ForteMary Fox-GoodwinJoseph GucwaPrecious JacksonTyler JohnAaron McCannRace McKernanJames McMahanArmentha MossConnor Patton Dhak Poudel

Timothy NormanRaven OdorizziCharlotte O’TooleDeidre PenneyLillian PollackWilliam PrahstHarnold RamazaniNoor SarkisAdnan ShafikEmily StokesJacob SupinskiMarquise TyusDuncan Virostko

MERIT ROLLSixth Grade

James BrinkZukhra DursunovaJordan FergusonGabriela Flores-SanchezAlonzo GriffinEmilio GriffinOdessa GriffithVaurice HarrisKayla HostetlerAndrew KerrElias LahhamMalik LeisingerCarla Martinez-DiazEric MathisElizabeth McClentonSamuel McCoyPavel Melnik

Dameyan ChambersMeagan ClineSteven CrossTaylor FilmerJordan GaigeCarole GibsonMitchell GreggAaron HelbigJoy HoileCasey JohnsonMatthew JohnsonHolly LacourseJohn LiberCourtney MapstoneJohn McCannJerri McLaurineJohn NicholsonAndrew NolanBenjamin OleksaJumoke OlowuElizabeth PerryMax RiveraMarco RuizSamantha SponslerSamantha Zingale

Francheska RodriguezMichael RuizEmada SalaIslam SaltiMadeline SchreiberHaley StoneYusaf SuleimanNicolina ThompsonJovon Young

GARFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL

SECOND GRADING PERIOD PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Sixth Grade

Bayram AlkhazovSarah AwadallaMadeline BakerThomas BakerTerrysha BlankenshipJasmine BrutonSean CollinsSchylar CopeStephon CrockettVictoria CunninghamBernard CurleyGrace DeverSoule DimacchiaMachaela GalarzaCaprica GantRomina GjikaBryan GoanPeyton GrahamAlonzo GriffinEmilio GriffinOdessa GriffithBrandon GrivasCashaney HarrisMichael HoltKayla HostetlerRyan HubertCaroline JarrousMalaak JawhariCurtis KahnAndrew KerrElijah LucasJenny MajcherBesa MaliquChelsea MartinezSarah MatthiesenAndrew MillerDillon MoranaMicayla MorganAngela NazarioRebecca ParksKejda PelariJaime PenneyJonathan PoilpreDepon PoudelRaney PowellSamuel RothackerNina ScavoneSamia ShaheenAlan Smith Jr.Aaron SpinaCaludia StadlerAndrew StokesDevon StuperKatheleen Sutton Grace TherberGregory WatsonLeegha Whiteside

Seventh Grade

Samantha AdamsMark BielopetrovichNicholas BoatmanJennifer ByczekArbela CapasKalyn CardonaDameyan ChambersClaire CorridoniLevio CunninghamRobert DangCiera DunhamStephen DunnJordan GaigeJoseph GawneJamie Denise GibsonJoy HoileAidan HowellsGrace HurleyAnastasia JonesAeisha KanganKendall KingLisa KishBrian KolenzNicholas LaCervaKatherine MaloneyCourtney MapstoneDanielle McCombsLee MechenbierAndrew NolanDeshpandya PadrajuJiayan PengSi RaAlisha RiveraMargaret RowellAlicia RussoYasmeen ShafikDobrica SucevicDavid TorrenceHanna TyburskiElison VogliJacob WebbJustice WhiteJesse Williams

Eighth Grade

Umar AlkhazovLorna BarimiSom BasnetAnthony BaysRichard BottiglierJordan BulgerMaura BurkettJonathon ByczekWesley CarneyDevon CaskeyBryan ColemanKatie CollinsWilliam CrosbyArgisa DedaRichard DillAdam DouglasRachel Elder Bridget EllertJacob FaccioliniZachary FehrenbachXhulja GjikaJoseph GucwaRachel GuetlingJulie HermanLorenzo HibbittsNicklaus HudsonSilvio IslamajDaniel JenkinsAnthony KahnFatima KajtazovicCorbin KazenCorrigan KennyJoe KerneyDominique LeeDiana MaliqiAshley MankinsRace McKernanJames McMahanIlia MengriDaniel MezinKyra MihalskiJacquelyn MillerMarisa MorganKrisjen MusaiAmir NasrallahAmira NasrallahRaven OdorizziTomas PanoChelsea PolkTaylor PrebelHarnold RamazaniEric RoderEmada SalaAudria ScavoneMadeline SchreiberRokeishia SmithEmily StokesJacob SupinskiMarquise TyusJovon YoungMorgenna Zuby

LAKEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOLS BOWLING CLUB Meets Thursday, March 5th until Thursday, May 14th Meet at Mahall Lanes (across from Madison Park) Bowling starts at 3:30 and ends @ 5:15-5:30 We will only bowl on days that school is in session Cost: 2 games (with shoe rental) is $5.00 Snack bar available No experience necessary!

________________________________________STUDENT NAME

________________________________________ADDRESS

________________________________________HOME PHONE

_________________________________________PARENT NAME

_________________________________________PHONE CONTACT (3:30-5:15)

I give permission for my son or daughter to join the Lakewood Middle Schools bowling league.

___________________________Parent Signature (required)

COMPLETE PERMISSION FORM AND RETURN IT TO MS. HAAS (Garfield) OR MRS. CLARK (Harding)

Garfield Middle School PTSA and Emerson Elementary PTO are having a Spring Plant Sale. We are taking orders for high quality annual flowers, gorgeous ferns and hanging baskets, herbs and vegetables. These beautiful plants are grown locally at Dean’s Greenhouse in Westlake.

Why should you buy your plants from our sale? You will be directly helping children at Emerson and Garfield Schools in Lakewood Better quality plants than discount stores (your plants will grow!) Plants are grown locally. Better prices than local retail nurseries Your plants will be available on Memorial Day Weekend, just in time for planting!

How can you help? Place an order! And tell your relatives, neighbors, co-workers , and friends. Volunteer to help distribute and collect order forms in your neighborhood Volunteer to help on plant pick up day, Saturday, May 23rd. Call Ann at 216-221-7264 or email her at lnptk8@sbcglobal.net to volunteer.

Order deadline Friday, May 1, 2009. Be sure to include a name, contact number and email address (if you have one). Indicate how you would like to distribute profit: Emerson, Garfield or evenly split. Include check payment. Payable to Garfield PTSA. Send orders to the school, or mail or drop off at 13480 Lake Ave. or 1215 Manor Park Ave.

Order Pick up is Saturday, May 23, 2009. If Last name on order is: A - H Pickup between 12-1pm; I - P Pickup between 1-2pm; Q - Z Pickup

between 2-3pm.

Pick up will be at Garfield Middle School’s rear parking lot.

Exceptions to your pick up time can be made ahead of time with special approval only. Call 221-7264.

Will it Ever Arrive?Are You Ready to Get Outside?Are You Ready to Garden?

Delivery, within five miles of Lakewood, available for $10 extra.

7th Grade “Weather Education Day” with the Cleveland Indians Field Trip

Field Trip Criteria:1. ALL school fees must be paid prior to the Field Trip.

2. Students must have NO Out of School Suspensions between Monday, March 30, 2009 and Wednesday, May 27, 2009.

3. Students must have 2 or less In School Suspension days between Monday, March 30, 2009 and Wednesday, May 27, 2009.

4. Students must have 5 or less tardy’s to school between Monday, March 30, 2009 and Wednesday, May 27, 2009.

5. Students must have 4 or less office referrals between Monday, March 30, 2009 and Wednesday, May 27, 2009.

6. Students must have all money and forms turned into Mr. Manos by Wednesday, April 8, 2009.

Failure to meet all six of the criteria points will result in removal from field trip. NO REFUND will be offered due to the fact the tickets will have already been purchased and the Cleveland Indians and R.T.A. offer NO REFUNDS.

Calling All 7th Grade Garfield Middle School Students!!!

Who: All 7th grade students (who meet all six of the attached criteria).Event: “Weather Education Day” with the Cleveland Indians.Date: Thursday May 28, 2009.Time: Students will leave Garfield at 8:30 A.M. and will return at approximately 4:30 P.M. Cost: $14.50 per student ($10.00 Cleveland Indians ticket

+ $4.50 RTA all-day pass).We will be going to Progressive Field for the Fourth Annual Weather Education Day with the WKYC

Weather Team (Mark Nolan, Betsy Kling, and Hollie Strano). They will be teaching the students about severe weather, safety, and how forecasting is done. They will utilize the Progressive Field scoreboard, conduct live experiments, and request student involvement. Following the Weather Education Day presentation, the students will be cheering on the Cleveland Indians as they take on the defending American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays!! Students will be taking RTA (rapid) transportation with their teacher-chaperones to and from Progressive Field. Students may bring a brown bag lunch into the stadium (they also have the option of purchasing lunch from the concession stands). Students have been spoken to about the criteria for attending the Field Trip.

The attached Field Trip Permission Slip must be signed by a parent and returned with your $14.50 fee (fee may be paid in cash or a check or money order payable to Garfield Middle School) by Wednesday April 8, 2009.

Education + = Learning + Fun!!For more information, call Mr. Manos at Garfield Middle School (216-227-5769).

Deadline to register is Wednesday April 8, 2009.

GARFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOLFIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIP

Date: January 25, 2009

Dear Parent/Guardian:

On Thursday, May 28, 2009, we are planning the following field trip:“Weather Education Day” with the Cleveland Indians. Students will depart Garfield Middle School at 8:30 A.M. and will return to Garfield Middle School immediately following the conclusion of the game (approximately 4:30 P.M.)

Pertinent details:Field Trip Criteria: Students have been given a list of the criteria for the field trip, please ask your son/daughter to see the descriptions of the criteriaTransportation: RTA Rapid Rail System; $4.50 per studentLunch: Student choice (brown bag lunch or they may purchase lunch at Progressive Field)Miscellaneous: Game Ticket: $10.00 per studentTotal Cost and Payment: $14.50 per student; due by Wednesday, April 8, 2009**If not paying by cash, please make your check or money order payable to Garfield Middle School and write your child’s name on the memo line.**

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

TO BE COMPLETED BY PARENT/GUARDIAN

I give permission for my son/daughter, _____________________________to go on the field trip detailed above.

__________________ ____________________________________ (Date) (Parent/Guardian Signature)

Return this completed form to Mr. Manos by Wednesday, April 8, 2009.

Upcoming Garfield Art Show:Garfield will be hosting its second annual student art show at the Local Girl Gallery in Lakewood.  Opening night will be held Monday, April 20th...stay posted for the specific time!  The month of April is "Autism Awareness" month, so in order to bring about further awareness we are currently working with the Autism Speaks organization to include various activities for both our students and the public to partake in for this event.....stay tuned!!!!!

We hope to see you there! ~Mrs. Rudy & Mrs. Peltz 

Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life!"

 ~Check out our online international art gallery at

www.artsonia.com!~ 

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Music Boosters Spring Plant Sale

Mark your calendars! It’s not too early to begin thinking about spring and the Music Boosters Plant Sale. Order forms are included this month and are due with payment on April 22, 2009.Plant pick-up is Thursday, May 14th in the McKinley school parking lot from 4:15-6:30. See order form for all necessary order information. Thanks for supporting Music Boosters.

Washington D.C. 2009 May 6,7,8

Some important itemsFUNDRAISER All money for this fundraiser was due February 23rd. If you still have money outstanding, please turn it in as soon as possible.

FINAL PAYMENT due MARCH 25 Students will receive a packet that includes the final payment information and a emergency information sheet during the first week of March. The final payment and information sheet is due by March 25th . All payments and sheets are to be turned in to Mrs. Lynch in Room 220.

MANDATORY MEETING Don’t forget to mark your calendars! There will be a mandatory parent and student meeting, Monday, April 6th in the cafetorium at 7 p.m. Trip itineraries, rules and regulations will be discussed at this meeting. Contact trip coordinator Barb Lynch if you have any questions about this meeting. (216-529-4241) MEDICATION The only medication permitted on over night trips must be approved by a physician, this includes any over-the-counter medication. Medication forms were included with the last bill, and additional medication forms can be picked up in Room 220. Also, the forms will be available at the parent/student meeting on April 6th.

ROOMMATE SELECTION Students will be choosing roommates on March 12th. A room must hold four students. Each “room” will register in Room 315 at 2:40. All four roommates must come to the room together. A list of all students attending will be posted outside of Room 315. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

TAKE ACTION AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING

Saturday

March 28, 2009 8:30- 9:30 pm

Earth Hour friendly activities will take place at Lakewood Park

At 8:30 pm on the 28th of March towns and cites across the world will turn off their non essential lighting sending a powerful global message that it‘s

possible to take action on global warming .There are many ways we can support Earth Hour in 2009, from turning out the non essential lighting in buildings, and homes, using less water, walking more, checking our thermostat settings, reduce the setting

on our hot water heaters to 120 degrees and to promote Earth Hour to your families, friends andbusinesses in Lakewood, as well as surrounding communities. H20 volunteers have hosted a letter writing campaign at our

February meetings and have had a tremendous response from governmental officials supporting the event.

Earth Hour participants are encouraged to bring your flashlight and join in on the Earth Hour activities taking place at Lakewood Park Women’s Pavilion ( 8:15 – 9:30 pm ).Activities

Included thus far include a flash light recycling scavenger hunt in Lakewood Park, environmentally friendly business will be present to their efforts to lessen global warming.

Sign up to show your support on climate change, spread the word. Sign up today! www.earthhourus.org

Questions call Nora Steele -529-4173

PTSA NEWSHello Garfield families, friends and staff. It’s hard to believe that we are well into the 3 rd grading period and spring is just around the corner. It is time to begin planning for our end of the school year activities and to start looking ahead to the 2009/2010 school year.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Mrs. Tabaj ! - After being selected as Garfield Middle School’s Outstanding Educator of the Year, Mrs. Tabaj was selected as the Lakewood City wide PTA council’s Outstanding Educator of the Year. The Ohio PTA at the state level will now consider her for recognition. Good luck Mrs. Tabaj, we are proud of you and happy to have you teaching our students at Garfield. We will host a special celebration in honor of Mrs. Tabaj and Mr. Rice, Garfield’s Helping Hand Award winner during our Staff Appreciation Week in May.

Garfield PTSA Nominating Committee - We are now in the process of forming a nominating committee. The job of the committee is to recruit and assemble volunteers to fill the 2009-2010 PTSA Board and Chair-positions. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in being part of this nominating committee, please contact me. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in holding a PTSA Board position or a chair position, please contact me ASAP at teamkemp@cox.net or 216.521.0056.

Garfield PTSA Plant Sale – more information coming soon

Thank you Garfield Civics Club! - Thank you to Mr. Bassett and the Civics Club for hosting the End of 2nd Quarter Dance/Activity Night. What a fun night!! Also, to all of the volunteers who gave their time that evening to make the event a success. The students really had a great time. The Civics Club will use the money raised by the event for service projects.

Upcoming Events/News:

Staff Appreciation Celebration in May – Join us as we honor our dedicated staff. More details in the next Garfield Gazette.

8th Grade Celebration – The 8th grade only dance will be held on Friday June 5th. The 8th grade awards night will be held on Monday June 8th. If you are interested in serving on the 8th Grade committee, please let me know.

March3-4 Talent Show Dress Rehearsal – 2:45 p.m.Thurs. 5 Talent Show – 7 p.m. – CafetoriumFri. 13 8th Grade Panoramic PictureWed. 18 PTSA Meeting – 7 p.m. – LRCThurs. 19 Jazz Festival – 7:30 p.m. – LHS CivicSat. 21 OMEA M.S. Solo & Ensemble Contest –

N. Ridgeville M.S.Wed. 25 Band Festival – 7:30 p.m. – LHS CivicFri. 27 End of Third Grading PeriodFri. 27 School Dance/Activity Night – 6:30-8:30 p.m.

PTSA News – Continued

AprilMon 6 Parent/Student Washington Trip Mtg

7pm Garfield GymFri. 10 Spring break begins – no school Mon. 20 School reopens

Join PTSA – You can still join the Garfield PTSA. The PTSA is a great way to stay connected to your student’s school life. Our meetings are informative and fun. There are still plenty of opportunities to become involved. Send your name, address; phone and email address along with your $6 PTSA membership dues in an envelope to the Garfield office. We will add you to our email list and help you stay connected.

Garfield PTSA Meeting Schedule for 2009

- Wednesday, March 18, 2009-- Wednesday, April 22, 2009

- Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Please join us at our next PTSA Meeting - Wednesday 3/18 at 7 p.m. in the LRC.

Thank you,

Amy Kemp, PTSA President 216-521-0056

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Lakewood Early Childhood PTA Baby Bargain Bonanza – April 4, 2009

Lakewood Early Childhood PTA will hold the Baby Bargain Bonanza sale at Harding Middle School (16601 Madison Avenue) on April 4, 2009. Doors will open at 9:00 a.m., and the sale will continue until 1:00 p.m. This sale promises to provide great bargains to all shoppers.

Shoppers won’t want to miss this opportunity to purchase gently used items for baby and youth, as well as the mother-to-be, at great prices. The sale will include clothing and accessories for babies and children up to size 14/16, toys, baby/youth furniture, maternity clothing and more. Plus, don’t miss the bake sale including items from Panera Bread, Breadsmith and Caribou Coffee, which promise to fulfill almost any craving.

Admission to the sale is $5.00 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. and only $1.00 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. All proceeds will support programs of the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA. Sellers will be given the option to donate items left at the closing of the sale to a local charity, chosen by the LECPTA.

The Lakewood Board of EducationGarfield Middle School13114 Detroit AvenueLakewood, OH 44107

Non-Profit OrganizationUS Postage PAIDCleveland, OH Permit No. 2512DATED MATERIAL

Happy Spring!