the eagle`s nest - Watertown Public Schools

Vol. III Number 1
August 20, 2007
THE EAGLE’S NEST
What’s Inside:
v
Mr. Carter’s Message
v
New Middle School
Programs
v
City of Ember
v
New Faculty and Staff
v
PTO and School Site
Council News
v
After-School Activities
v
Calendar of School
Events
Watertown Middle School
68 Waverley Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
617 926 7783 fax 617 926 5407
Mr. Carter’s Message …
Thinking “Out of the Cave”
Dear Students and Families,
Can you imagine having the courage to lead
a whole community of people, who had spent
generations living in the an underground city,
into the dark unknown? It must take a special
person. When the lights start flickering and
the storeroom shelves become empty, Lina
and Doon find themselves thrust into these
heroic roles in Jeanne DuPrau’s City of
Ember, our common summer reading book
this year.
What most interested me was how Lina and
Doon managed to solve the puzzle and
unravel the mystery behind the city. Although
they were two very different characters – Lina
outgoing and optimistic, Doon sullen and
reserved – they shared a common trait. They
never accepted the tired explanation,
“Because that’s the way it was always done.”
Both Lina and Doon questioned fundamental
assumptions shared by the other residents of
Ember. When they did not like their jobs
assigned to them, they switched. They
questioned why the generator was failing and
why certain essential supplies were
disappearing. Because Lina and Doon were
able to think out of the box, or in this case,
think out of the cave, they accomplished
more than they could even imagine.
Questioning and challenging assumptions is
one very strong theme in City of Ember that
we will explore when we discuss the book in
Advisory and English classes in September.
If you have not read City of Ember yet,
please check it out at the Watertown Public
Library (we have many copies in circulation)
or buy it at a bookstore.
For the past few years at Watertown Middle
School, we have been trying to “think out of
the cave,” too. We are committed to making
improvements every year. Here are some
new initiatives that you will learn a little bit
more about in this edition of the Eagle’s Nest:
ÿ
We will be focusing on organization;
specifically, providing students the
skills to manage their time and
materials productively. If you haven’t
done so already, stop by at the
Staples Copy and Print Center in
Watertown Square for all the school
supplies you need in one convenient
bundle. (See page 2 for more
information.)
ÿ
We are ramping up our technology
here at Watertown Middle School
with a much-needed infusion of over
100 new computers and peripherals.
Sometime this fall, each student will
receive an online account where
they can save their schoolwork and
access it from home. (See page 3.)
ÿ
Because Engineering is such an
important career path these days,
we are combining our Industrial
Technology and our Advanced
Applications classes into a
Technology Education class that
combines hands-on design with
computer software. (See page 2.)
Best wishes for an enjoyable last few weeks
of vacation. We cannot wait to see you back
at school!
J. Kimo Carter
THE EAGLES NEST
Page 2
New Initiatives for 2007-2008
At Watertown Middle School, we are committed to providing the best possible education to all
kinds of students. We will do whatever we can to make sure that all students are proficient in the
basic skills – reading, writing, and mathematics. At the same time, we aim to provide rigor and
challenge for all students – so that they can think critically, communicate extensively, apply their
knowledge to real-world experiences, and take agency over their learning. With these goals in
mind, we developed a number of successful programs last year: an expanded and overhauled
reading program; academic assistance for all students who need extra help; the Library Learning
Lab for after-school homework help; small enrichment classes for students who need a
challenge; advanced science for eighth grade; and foreign language for sixth graders with high
reading levels. We will continue to improve, refine, and expand these programs for the upcoming
year. In addition we will also introduce some exciting new initiatives:
•
We understand that we are
being very particular about
what materials your children
will need for school, and we
know how cumbersome and
expensive buying school
supplies can be.
Having a consistent set of supplies for all students is just the first step, however. We will
be teaching your children important time- and materials-management skills and hold
students to a common, structured organization system so that students can be more
productive in school. Teachers will have consistent expectations and give time and
opportunities for students to get their materials organized. While these organizational
systems will be consistent from class to class, they will vary from grade to grade,
ranging from a highly structured one in sixth grade to a looser more student-centered
system for eighth grade students preparing for high school.
•
We feel we need to give you
an “easy” button … so we are!
This summer, we are proud to
announce a new partnership
between Watertown Middle
School and the Staples Copy
and Print Shop located right in
the middle of Watertown
Square. The Staples Copy
and Print Shop has agreed to
bundle all the items on your
sixth, seventh, or eighth grade
supply lists and sell them to
WMS families at a very
competitive discount price.
The price for each bundle is
around $40. If you haven’t
purchased your school
supplies already, stop in at
Staples!
This is truly a win-win for us:
parents can have a one-stop
shopping experience while
teachers and students can
work with a more uniform
binder and school-supplies
system to help with their
organization throughout the
school year.
A focus on organization. I hope you have already heard about a new, easy option for
you to purchase school supplies. Watertown Middle School is partnering with the
Staples Print and Copy Center in Watertown Square, selling sixth, seventh, and eighth
grade bundles of school supplies at a discount price of approximately $40.00. It is truly
one-stop shopping – it’s as if we give you an Easy Button!
Even more extra-help opportunities. Academic assistance was a great success for us
last year, as all students who were struggling in school had a regular period every other
day for additional support from their classroom teachers. We found, however, that some
students needed even more than what academic assistance could provide. This year
we will provide cluster-based resource classes for special education students who need
substantial academic support. Moving from a grade-level resource system to a clusterbased system will give the student better access to the curriculum and more consistent
instruction.
Also, we are building on the successes of our after school math academies and giving
selected students opportunities to improve their math skills to a proficient level during
the school day. Math academy students will get extra instruction from their math teacher
every other day during specials block. (They will take their regularly scheduled
specialties class on alternate days, just like band, chorus, and orchestra students.) This
way students can get the extra math instruction they need without having to spend extra
time after school.
•
An expanded technical education program. Mr. Loughran now has a teaching
partner, Ms. Yost, and our technical education department is now doubled. Now
seventh and eighth grade students will be receiving a full semester of Technical
Education. (Sixth grade students will still take Tech. Ed. for a quarter.) That means
more bridges, rockets, and robots … and more computers, as students will be working
in a brand new computer lab. Mr. Loughran and Ms. Yost are working together to
develop new, more elaborate design and applications challenges that will help our
st
students develop engineering and technology skills important for the 21 century. We
are very excited about the expanded technology program, as we believe it can evolve
into a model of technology education that other schools can emulate.
THE EAGLES NEST
More New Changes!
•
More state-of-the-art technology. As I write this article, there are over 100 brand new
computers arriving at school for teachers and students. I can’t wait until the boxes are
opened and the computers deployed. This year, every teacher will have an updated
laptop or desktop where they can easily access the Internet and network with one
another, work with multimedia and productivity software, and more easily integrate
technology with their classroom instructions. We are adding a brand new lab for our
technology education department and another new mobile lab for teachers and
students.
We are now mostly wireless here at WMS with only a few dead spots, and our district’s
T1 line has greatly increased the capacity of our network. Now we can not only produce
movies and other multimedia productions, but we also can send them to each other!
In the upcoming months we will be creating student accounts that will be connected to a
server that students can log into from any computer at school. We will also be gradually
expanding our web site with teachers completing web pages for their classes.
A lot of people have put tons of work into bringing all this technology in (and there is still
a lot of work to be done), but I would be remiss not to recognize three people who are
instrumental in making this all possible: our library/media specialist, Linda Picceri, our
assistant principal, Jason Del Porto, and our assistant superintendent, Ann Koufman.
•
A brand new emotional support program. We at Watertown Middle School are
fortunate to have so many staff members – guidance counselors, social workers,
psychologists, nurse, school resource officer, and administration – whose primary focus
is to look out for the well being of our students. We want to coordinate all these
resources to help students and families in crisis even more.
We understand that it is difficult for students and families to navigate the waters of
middle school life and adolescent development. Sometimes emotional challenges may
arise that prevent students from engaging in academic expectations, and we recognize
a need to provide a range of supportive services for all students to reengage
themselves in school and motivate themselves to learn. We have created the new WMS
Integrated Emotional Services program, coordinated by Ms. Marie Mele, a WMS
veteran special education teacher and certified administrator. Here students and
families can receive a spectrum of services depending on need. Some of the services
may include short-term respite programming, counseling services, evaluation services,
case-management for families, classroom integration consultation, and behavior plan
creation. We hope we can serve many more students and families with this program
and help them get back to attending the business of school.
Light the World!
Welcome to our second common summer reading book: City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau.
This science fiction book chronicles the adventures of a boy and a girl as they try to solve
mysteries that surround their underground city. Why are the lights flickering on and off? As
they search for answers, they uncover more questions and challenge that threaten their
survival and force them to look at the world in a whole new way.
There are many important themes in the book that we will explore in advisory and English
classes: What personal characteristics make a hero? What makes a good society and why do
some societies break down? How can technology help and hurt people? How is light central to
the story? What would happen if everything did go black?
City of Ember is available in the public library and sold at all bookstores. You need to read it
along with two other summer reading books by the first day of school. If you already read City
of Ember, try the sequel, People of Sparks, then the prequel, Prophet of Yonwood.
Page 3
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Page 4
Meet Our New Teachers!
Ms. DeOjeda – English, Grade 6
th
Hi, my name is Michelle de Ojeda and I will be teaching 6 grade English in Cluster 2. I
recently relocated to the Boston area from Fort Lauderdale, Florida where I taught Reading
and Language Arts at the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade levels. On a personal level, I am a dog
lover, I enjoy exercising, shopping and spending time with my family. I am extremely excited
to be part of the Watertown Middle School family and look forward to developing a love of
literature in my students.
Ms. Kaplan – Science, Grade 7
Ms. Elizabeth Kaplan will be teaching Science in Cluster 4. She has taught sixth and
seventh grade science for the last five years in a charter school in Cambridge, where she
recently was assigned science coordinator. Having just moved to Watertown this week, she
is very excited about teaching in the same community where she lives.
Ms. Morris – Viewpoints, Grade 8
Although new to Watertown Middle School, Ms. Sam Morris is not at all new to the district.
She has been teaching the upper elementary grades for quite a while at the Cunniff School.
She decided to make a mid-career jump from elementary to secondary education, and she is
looking forward to teaching eighth grade Viewpoints in Cluster 5.
Ms. Reilly – Special Education, Grade 7
th
Hi! I’m Christine Reilly, a new 7 grade teacher at the middle school. I will be working with
special education students in Cluster 4. I’ve spent the last year and a half as an inclusion
tutor at the Field School in Weston. I have a Master’s degree in special education from
Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, and a Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Arts
degree from Ohio University. I’m extremely excited about teaching in Watertown. I can’t wait
for the school year to begin!
Ms. Smith – Science, Grade 6
My name is Heather Smith, and for the past 5 years I worked at Saugus High School where I
taught Biology and Environmental Science. I also coached freshman and JV soccer and
varsity softball. I have come to Watertown looking for an exciting new change, teaching 6th
grade science in Cluster 1. I am looking forward to working with the students, teachers and
staff in Watertown!
Ms. Vasilakis – Special Education, Grade 8
Elena Vasilakis grew up in Bedford, Massachusetts and attended Trinity College in
Connecticut where she graduated with a double major in Sociology and Educational Studies.
During a year spent in the Southeast as part of Americorps, her involvement in a 6th grade
tutoring program in South Carolina inspired her to return to school to become a teacher. This
past spring she completed her Master’s degree in Special Education at Lesley University. In
her spare time, Elena plays soccer in a local women’s league.
THE EAGLES NEST
Ms. Wassall – Reading, Grades 6, 7, 8
Ms. Wassall comes to WMS from teaching Grades 5 and 6 at a Boston area charter school for
the past six years. She holds a master's degree from Lesley University in literacy and an
undergraduate degree in psychology and elementary education from Muhlenberg College in
Allentown, PA. She recently finished her reading specialist certification at Lesley. She looks
forward to teaching reading this year at WMS!
Ms. Yost – Technology Education, Grades 6, 7, 8
My name is Nancy Yost and I will be teaching technology education and Honors Geometry. Last
year I did my practicum teaching algebra right here in cluster 5. I am very excited to be teaching
here at Watertown Middle and can't wait to meet my students and the rest of the staff. I am looking
forward to the many fun projects that I will be doing with my students. Before coming to Watertown
I was a software engineer. When I am not working, I am at home with my husband, two sons, and
two dogs.
Ms. Zawisza – Viewpoints, Grade 8
My name is Karen Zawisza and I am coming to Watertown from the Boston Public Schools where I
worked as an 8th grade Humanities teacher in Charlestown. I am originally from Albany, NY, but I
moved to Massachusetts years ago for school. I got my Bachelors from Amherst College (double
majoring in History and Asian Languages and Civilizations), and my Ed.M from Harvard University.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, reading, and practicing martial arts -- I have a second degree
black belt one style and a first degree brown belt in another. I am very much looking forward to
teaching here at the Middle School!
… And Our New Resource Officer: Ofc. Sheila Grady-Duguay
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Officer Sheila Grady-Duguay.
In September I will be assigned to the Watertown Middle School as a School Resource Officer. I
am very excited as I have been employed by the Police Department since July 1998 and this will be
a new challenge for me. I began my employment as a Public Safety Dispatcher and was hired as
an Officer September 2002. I have worked nights over those years just recently moving to the day
shift this past holiday season.
I have been very active within the police department in community-based programs such as the
Cops & Kids Program, the Police Athletic League, Young Women's Issues, and RAD (Rape
Aggression Defense), a self-defense program for women. I look forward to meeting many new
people and enjoying the challenges of a new assignment.
I will have an e-mail and phone number shortly and look forward to working with the staff and
students within the Watertown Schools. Please do not hesitate to contact me over the few
remaining weeks of summer with any concerns or questions. I can be reached at the Police Station
617-972-6500 Ext 212.
My Best,
Ofc Sheila Grady-Duguay
More Staffing Changes …
Ms. Brooks, the district Nurse Leader, will now also be the Middle School Nurse.
Ms. Chery is moving to a part-time Viewpoints position in Cluster 4.
Mr. Duffy is moving from Cluster 4 to Cluster 5 Special Education.
Mr. Fleming will be the Cluster 4 Instructional Assistant.
Ms. Kiernan will be a part-time Special Education teacher in Cluster 2.
Mr. Manoukian is moving from Advanced Applications to teach Math in Cluster 6.
Ms. Mele is moving from the Learning Support Program to be the Emotional Services Coordinator.
Ms. Shock is returning to us from maternity leave and will teach Viewpoints in Cluster 6.
Ms. Spillane is moving from Cluster 6 Special Education to teach Reading.
Page 5
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Page 6
WMS After School Activities
Watertown Middle School offers a number of after-school activities located within the building and
outside in the community. Throughout the year, there will be opportunities for students to sign up
for after school activities. On the days when the student is scheduled to participate with a club,
team, or activity, he or she should check in at the cafeteria, have a snack, and go directly to room
or the area where the activity will take place. Here is a list of clubs, sports, and other activities we
are planning to offer this year:
st
st
21 Century Grant After School Program – Supported by the Department of Education’s 21
century grant, Watertown Community Education offers after school homework and enrichment
program at the Middle School. This program runs for three 11-week sessions (Monday-Thursday)
throughout the year. The fall session begins the first week of October. There is a $25 registration
fee per session. Students may attend up to 4 days per week but are required to participate in the
program at least two days per week until 5:15 to qualify to be part of this grant funded program.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety interesting enrichment clubs,
some of which are listed below.
WMS Courses for Teens – If you can’t commit to two full afternoons, we have another option for
you! For the first time this year, we will be offering an “a la carte” menu of tuition based enrichment
courses after school. The fees for these 11-week courses will range from $100 to $150. This is a
great opportunity for the student who may just have time for one or two courses. The courses we
plan to offer throughout the year are listed below.
Here is a list of enrichment club offerings this year. There will be some additions and changes, and
a final registration information form will be distributed in mid-September with firm dates and times.
For more information, please contact Rita Foglia at (617) 926-7764 or
[email protected]
Culture of Cooking Students will prepare delicious treats from different cultures around the world.
Talking Trash! Students will create works of art out of trashcans to keep their neighborhood clean
and raise awareness!
Craig’s Kempo Karate Martial Arts are a great way for students to learn the positive benefits of
self-discipline, confidence and to develop coordination and increase strength and flexibility.
The Mural Club Mural club will be offered again and will feature some exciting challenges and
opportunities for the participating students. Students will continue to create vibrant art for
community organizations.
Robotics Club The F.I.R.S.T. Lego League Robotics Club will meet two days per week, with a
team of approximately 7-10 students coached by two staff members, focusing on a two tiered longterm project as dictated by the 2007 FLL Challenge.
African Drumming Utilizing multicultural instruments and traditional rhythms, they offer students,
a hands-on experience so they can enjoy the power of drumming and music.
Hip Hop/Step Dance New to the middle school this year is “Hip Hop Stepin’”, a fusion of hip hop
and step dancing.
Improvisation Students will use their imagination and learn to make things up and think on their
feet.
Musical Theatre Students will explore the history of musical theater while performing it!
TV/Video Production Students will learn how to utilize digital technology, produce and create
videos, web pages, pod cast, photography and more.
Yo-Yo Workshops Each student will gain a basic knowledge of how to use and maintain a yo-yo,
having learned about 6 tricks ranging from “Walk the Dog” and “Around the World” to “Atom
Smasher” and “Brain Twister”.
Model U.N. Club Opportunity for student to set up a model United Nations to learn about other
cultures and debating skills.
Genealogy Club In collaboration with National Archives in Waltham, students will learn how to
research and start a family tree.
Peer Leadership Club Middle School youth get the opportunity to work with High School peer
leaders on a variety of activities.
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Library Learning Lab – The Library Learning Lab is a place where students can go after school,
Monday through Thursday, when they need help with their assignments or a place to do homework.
There are two blocks of time at the Library Learning Lab. The first block, from 2:15 to 3:00, is a more
structured one, devoted to helping students who need concentrated support in a specific content area.
Teachers and instructional assistants will divide students into small groups based on their learning
needs and use homework assignments as vehicles for re-teaching and clarification of classroom
curriculum. The second half of the Library Learning Lab, from 3:00 to 3:45, is used for students to
complete those assignments and move on to other work, access the computers, or get general help in
any content area.
Students can sign up for the Library Learning Lab in the cafeteria before school or at lunch or in the
th
library until 6 period. Students need to indicate what area they need help, tell staff how they will get
home (a late bus is available to those who ride the bus), and make sure their parents know they will be
going to the Lab.
We work hard to make the Lab “THE COOLEST PLACE THERE IS TO GET HELP WITH SCHOOL
WORK OR HOMEWORK” and our students to feel they have the support they need to be successful.
The Library Learning Lab is scheduled to start the week of September 17th and will continue Monday
through Thursday throughout the school year.
Middle School Athletics – Watertown Middle School offers a variety of interscholastic sports
throughout the school year:
Fall
Winter
Spring
Field Hockey
Football
Boys’ Soccer
Girls’ Soccer
Boys’ Basketball
Girls’ Basketball
Ice Hockey
Wrestling
Baseball
Softball
Boys’ Track
Girl’s Track
Watertown Middle School schedules games/meets with many other middle schools within the area.
Although scheduling is not as formal as it is with Watertown High School, teams can expect to play a full
schedule against other middle schools in our region.
The purpose of the middle school athletic program is to provide students an opportunity to develop
athletic skills, sportsmanship, and team play in a wide variety of sports. Some sports will field everyone;
others will have tryouts. Many middle school sports have “A” and “B” teams, which give more students –
especially our sixth and seventh grade students – a chance to practice and play. Regardless of what
team a student plays on, the student must make a serious commitment to participate in all practices and
contests. As students get older, we hope that they will progress from the “B” to the “A” team in middle
school, and then up to Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity sports at the high school.
Participation in sports is a privilege; athletes are expected to exhibit the highest level of conduct on and
off the field. They must show respect to teammates, officials, opponents, and spectators. In order to
participate, students must:
•
Be in good academic standing, passing every class before and during the season the sport
takes place.
•
Be a good school citizen (students subject to disciplinary action may be suspended from
practices and games).
•
Submit evidence of a passed current physical examination, as well as a signed parental
permission form.
Please contact Sharon Cardarelli at the middle school ([email protected]) with any
questions or concerns.
Watertown Public Library – Within walking distance, the new public library has become a very popular
place for middle school students to go after school. Check out the teen room with its great books, online
access, and the nice snack bar across the hall! Click the teen link at www.watertownlib.org to check for
library events. Also, sign up for the teen advisory board!
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Page 8
Watertown Boys & Girls Club – The Watertown Boys and Girls Club is open for youth members,
ages 7-13 in the after school hours 2:15-6:30 (ages 7-13). After 6:30 (until 9pm) the Club serves as
a teen drop-in center for youth 14-18. The Club is open Tuesday thru Saturday and closed Sunday
and Monday. Annual membership fee is $20.00. The Boys & Girls Club reminds parents that
children will be supervised only when they are within the building.
During the day the Club offers various activities in the gymnasium, games room, computer room,
arts and crafts room and swimming pool. There are planned group activities, free play, and
individual activities in each room. The Club, in conjunction with the Bentley College Service
Learning Program, offers a Homework Club for youth members each day (Tues-Friday) after
school. Bentley College students are available those days to help students with their homework.
The Club also offers a mini-program for teens; Quest Club. This Club meets bi-monthly and plans
various community service projects and trips that teach teamwork, trust and confidence building.
Please call the Club at (617) 926-0968 or visit www.watertownboysandgirlsclub.org for further
information on programs.
Watertown Recreation Department – The Watertown Recreation Department conducts an
extensive program of recreational activities for children of all ages as well as for adults on a yearround basis. The Recreation Department oversees all town playgrounds as well as the Pequossette
Program and Arsenal Park, and provides instruction in Basketball, Field Hockey, F/Tag Football,
Mini-Basketball, Rag Ball, Soccer, “T” Ball, Track, and Volleyball. The Recreation Department
Office is located at the Administration Building (Town Hall), Main St., Watertown, MA. For additional
information, contact Mr. Thomas Sullivan, Director, at 617-972-6494.
Watertown Children's Theatre – The Watertown Children’s Theatre, the resident children's
theatre at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, is a cooperative theatre producing plays and musicals for
grades 1-8. This year, the WCT is introducing a new program for middle school aged students
called “The Play Factory.” This new program will bring creative and lively adaptations of popular
children’s literature to life in the Arsenal Center for the Art’s Black Box Theater and include two
annual, full-length, non-musical plays. The series will provide student actors the opportunity to gain
advanced theatre skills while rehearsing and performing a fully staged production.
Registration for the first production, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is happening now, and
rehearsals (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 – 6:30) start September 18th. Please call (617) 926ARTS for a newsletter and registration form or visit online at www.watertownchildrenstheatre.org.
Other Programs that might be of interest
ORGANIZATION
Watertown Boy Scouts
Watertown Girl Scouts
Watertown Youth Hockey Association
Watertown Youth Basketball Association
Watertown Youth Baseball League
Watertown Youth Soccer League
POP Warner Cheerleading
POP Warner Football
Babe Ruth League
CONTACT
Richard Faherty
Ann-marie Pettiglio
Brian Demore
Jim Fitzgerald
Greg Salvucci
John Delrose
Lisa D'Amico
Wendy Morrissey
James Dunlevey
PHONE
(617) 924-1040
(617)-924-3592
(617) 926-2644
(617) 923-1403
(617) 924-2041
(617) 926-3611
(617) 909-8023
(617) 306-5857
(617) 926-1103