December - Merritt Academy

MERRITT
Minutes
RAISING THE STANDARDS OF EDUCATION
DECEMBER 2015
Inside this issue:
ELEMENTARY NEWS
4
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
8
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
10
SPECIALS NEWS
13
HONOR ROLL
15
BRADEN EARNS ALL-STATE FOOTBALL
After leading the state of Michigan in
rushing yardage this past season, Senior
Josh Braden has become Merritt Academy’s first All-State athlete! Josh was
nominated by several coaches from
around the state for All-State recognition, earning Honorable Mention AllState Running Back. Josh was one of 18
players from around the state nominated
for this recognition. The state has approximately 800+ football players in 8man football, ranking Josh in elite company.
Braden, a team captain, led the Mustangs to a 7-3 overall record and a second straight playoff berth in the MHSAA
Playoffs. He rushed for 1,836 yards and
26 Touchdowns, scoring 196 total points!
On defense Josh played middle linebacker, making the calls and making sure
everyone was in the right position to
defend each play. He ended the year
with 105 tackles. Merritt is the youngest
football program in state history to earn
two playoff appearances in the first four
years of program existence.
In addition to the All-State recognition
Josh also earned Second Team AllMacomb County (Running Back), Honorable Mention All-Macomb County
(Linebacker), 1st Team All League
(Running Back), 1st Team All League
(Linebacker).
Braden is still deciding where to attend
college, but has had offers from all over
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The Stuff a Stocking project was a HUGE success! Thank you for all of the items that were
donated from Merritt families. This project ran from November 30th to December 8th. NJHS
partnered with the Macomb Department of Health and Human Resources to help provide
stockings filled with goodies to children living in poverty and holiday treat bags to isolated
seniors. In that short amount of time, Merritt families donated enough goodies for kids and
seniors to fill over 70 stockings and holiday bags!
Notes From the Counselor:
College Goal Sunday
Attention all 12th graders and parents: This year, January 31, 2016, Macomb Intermediate School District will again be a host site for College Goal Sunday. The primary purpose of the event is to assist
parents with completion of the FAFSA. The location info is listed below. More information can be
found at www.MICollegeGoal.org. I strongly encourage all 12th grade seniors and parents to attend
this event to maximize the amount of financial aid you will be able to receive for college next
year. Please see Mr. Witkowski for any more questions.
Macomb Intermediate School District
44001 Garfield Rd
Clinton Township, MI 48038
CARE Parenting Conference
Parents of children of all ages are welcome to register for CARE's annual parenting conference. This
year the event will take place on Saturday, March 5th, 2016 at the Macomb Intermediate School District Building (see address above). This conference will feature over 18 different workshops for parents to choose from, with topics including Parenting, Discipline, and School Success. Pre-Registration
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is required,
and more information can be found at www.careofsem.com or by calling (586) 541-2273.
Elementary News
KINDERGARTEN
This month in English Language Arts, we
will be looking at beginning, middle, and ending
sounds as we focus on
reading, writing, and
spelling. We will focus
on words that rhyme as
well as listening for syllables in words. Also, we
will continue to look at
basic sight words from
our Dolch list as well as
patterns in writing. In
addition, we will focus on
the writing process using
ideas, conventions,
graphic organizers, and
the Collins Writing Program. In math, we will
continue to count to 100
and work on writing/
counting objects up to
20. In addition, we will
count forward given a
number other than
1. For example, please
count forward from
15. We will also work
on the concept of more/
less/equal by comparing
groups of objects. In science, we will work on
the organization of living
and non living
things. And in social
studies, we will focus on
wants and needs, taking
a stand on persuasive
issues and discuss how
we can show compassion during the holiday
season.
Furthermore, we
would like to give a
“SHOUT OUT” or a big
“THANK YOU” to all the
parents who helped out
in one way or other during our “Friendship
Stew” celebration. Without all the parent volunteers, the Friendship
Stew and classroom parties would not be as successful. Thanks again
Merritt Families for all
you do. We greatly appreciate you!
ers are learning
adding and subtraction and counting
by 2's, 5's, and 10's.
We can count on
from any number
too. Science has been
fun. Students loved
learning about the sun
and outer space. We created space books, read
about space, and viewed
interesting Space Exploration videos. We also
discussed the seasons
and the weather that
goes with each. December is an introduction to
Matter.
Lastly, in Social Studies,
the students learned
about Authority figures
in our school
and community. We also
learned about
community
helpers(fire fighter, police ect.) and their roles
in helping people in our
community. In December we will be comparing Long Ago to Today
and Homes/Families
Around The World.
Thank you to all that
helped volunteer/
donate for our Thanksgiving party. All help is
greatly appreciated.
FIRST GRADE
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November was a month
filled with many concepts. We are
well on are way to becoming fluent readers. First graders can
identify the characters, setting,
problem and solution in a fiction
story and the main idea in a non
fiction text. We are writing three
or more sentences in our daily
journals and double checking for
capitals and periods. December is
when we start to learn about
nouns, verbs, and adjectives. First
grade will also be starting to learn
how to retell a story using transition words(First, Then, Next, and
Last). In spelling we started learning long vowel sounds, blends and
diagraphs(th/sh/wh/th). Our EBLI
spelling program is helping the
students to better sound out those
tough words. In Math, first grad-
Elementary News
SECOND GRADE
This past month
students became
exposed to numerous non-fiction features including bold words, the glossary, index, titles, headings, bulleted
lists, sidebars, and captions. Students learned the purpose of each of
these features and how each leads to
a better understanding of the
text. When you are reading at home
with your child, start asking him or
her to point these features out to
you. Or better yet...take your child on
a visit to your local library and check
out some informational books that
are loaded with these features. Not
only will it be a great bonding experience with you and your child, but an
educational one as well! In grammar,
we have been working on different
types of punctuation and quotation
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marks to
show dialogue.
We have been
working on
place value,
equal groups,
and odd and
even numbers
in math. Science was all
about water. Students
learned about the flow of
water, the difference between ground water and
surface water, and the major
sources of water. We even
made edible aquifers! In
Social Studies we have been
learning about changes
over time. We were treated
to a special presentation
from Mr. Broyles, a parent
and professor at Macomb
Community College, in
which he taught us how
much things have changed
since the days of the Romans. He brought in plenty
of artifacts that the students were able to touch
and try to figure out what
they were once used for.
Congratulations to Ayden
Baldwin and Ellen Maison
for being selected as the
Student's of the Month for
November. Both of these
students are well deserving of the extra recognition because they go
above and beyond in their
classrooms.
Elementary Updates
Mrs. Roose & Mrs. Derengowski's Class
On Wednesday, December 2, 2015 the 4th grade classes visited Lansing ,MI. The students had a
great time learning about our state's government and history. The students spent time at the Capitol
Building watching a Senate session and then took a tour through the building learning how the government is ran. We also had a surprise visit from Mr. Ken Goike, our Representative for the
House. He took time out of his busy day to come speak with the students. After, we walked over to
the Michigan Historical Museum where the students learned many things about Michigan's history. Some students even got to see Mrs. Roose and Mrs. Derengowski sing part of "My Girl" and they
wondered what kind of music that was. It was great to see the students enjoying themselves and
learning so much of Michigan's history. Below is a picture of the students in front of the Capitol
Building.
Winter Break will be here soon. When we return
from break the students will be Scantron testing
the first week after returning. This is an important test. Please make sure that you child has
breakfast and a healthy snack for these
days. Dates will be sent home in the classroom
newsletter as soon as they are set in stone. Also,
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we hope that eventually there will be snow
covering the ground. Please make sure that
your child has boots, snow pants, gloves and a
hat if they wish to go out on the playground at
recess. If they don't have boots and pants they
will have to stay on the blacktop.
THIRD GRADE
Elementary Updates Cont.
What a time in third grade! We have been
working hard learned multiplication and division in math. In science, we have focused
on earth materials and how they are useful. We have been strengthening our skills in
ELA by working on things like root words,
plural words, and the moral of the story. A
project that we were really excited
about with our entrepreneur mobile
we created in social studies. Students
had to pick a good or a service they wanted
to make. Then, they had to show which
natural, capital, and human resources they
would use for their “business”. The products they created were amazing! We had
students creating a variety of things from
cinnamon applesauce, to mining companies,
and everything in between! We are
impressive entrepreneurs!
FIFTH GRADE
Wow! Where does the time
go? Students are kicking off
the second trimester. This
is a new start for students
and an opportunity to have
no missing assignments,
RTCs, or recess violations.
The next book report is due
January 22nd on a free
choice novel. The options
are Book in a Bag or Comic
Strip. Please visit the class
website for more information.
In Social Studies,
5th graders have learned
about Jamestown and Plymouth. Students will continue to learn about the 13
colonies and the Mayflower
Compact.
Mathematicians are
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mastering operations with
fractions. Adding and subtracting fractions with
unlike denominators, multiplying fractions, and dividing fractions have been
the topics of our lessons.
We are finding out that
students still need help
mastering their basic
Math facts. We use a program called XtraMath.
Students know their pin
and can log on at home to
practice. Flash cards work
well, too!
Scientists have kicked off
their unit on forces and
motion. Students will
complete experiments and
other activities in class to
further
their understanding of
the different types of
forces and Newton’s
Laws of Motion.
Please check your child’s
planner to help him/her
with his/her spelling/
vocabulary words. Also,
having your child read
20 minutes a day will
greatly impact you
child’s reading level and
comprehension. Students should be filling
out their reading logs on
a daily basis.
Have a wonderful holiday break! Enjoy!
Middle School Updates
MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH
Time has really flown by in
sixth and seventh grade English Language Arts! The kids
in both grade levels have
been learning and accomplishing so much!
Sixth grade has worked hard
to learn how to write argumentative essays. First, each
sixth grade student learned
how to evaluate websites for
authenticity and accuracy,
and then they
completed research as to
whether or not
cell phones are
helpful or
harmful. Once
research was
completed,
they wrote
their essays
either defending or recommending against cell phone
usage. There was some wonderful, creative writing that
came out of this! Also, all
sixth graders have been reading The Giver and have really
been enjoying learning about
how utopian societies can become dystopias. Some wonderful discussions occur
while we are reading, and
students are always excited
to see what will happen to
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Jonah and the other characters.
Seventh grade students are
reading novels in their classes
too. One group is reading Freak
the Mighty while the other
class is reading Johnny Tremain. Additionally, students
worked hard to write a personal narrative. The personal
narrative included background
biographical information, a
personal code in
which students described how they try
to live their lives, and
information about
their goals for the future. Students did a
wonderful job of writing these essays. Additionally, seventh
grade has been learning about editing for wordiness
and clarity. I am excited to read
their future
written work!
Merritt’s
8th grade students worked
this month on
analyzing dialogue through
a variety of
characters-Especially fo-
cused on characters from our
novels--The Outsiders and Anne Frank, the Diary
of a Young Girl. Our grammar
focus for the month, was
geared toward verbals—
gerunds, participles, and infinitives. Students learned
when and how verbals are
used in a sentence along with
including these in their own
writing. Another learned
grammar function…dashes
and ellipses. Ask your child to
point out these functions here
in my writing. J Toward the
end of the month, we dove
into the 5 paragraph writing
process with the focus of using a strong thesis statement.
Students wrote a narrative
type 5 in which they explained--what they are thankful for. These narratives were
fabulously written! Great
work 8th grade!
Middle School Updates
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH
Last month, 8th grade students
worked toward mastery of
solving multi-step linear equations and graphing equations
in slope-intercept form. They
are now using those skills to
solve real world systems of linear equations using the graphing and substitution methods.
The students are really starting to develop an understand-
ing of how math concepts
build throughout the years
to apply to new concepts.
The 7th grade has been busy
solving equations and inequalities. We have also been
working on equivalent expressions. It is
a hard topic
for the stu-
dents, especially when using
negatives. It is a topic we will
continue to work on throughout the year. They have been
working really hard and are
determined to master this
concept.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES
Middle school social studies has
been a flurry of activities and
learning. Eighth grade continues
on their trek through American
history. Over the past month we
have journeyed through the
Constitution, Bill of Rights,
and the first president and
cabinet. We will continue our
journey this week through the
election of 1800 and America's battles with foreign affairs. Each day the students also
MTSS
In Middle School MTSS, we
continue focus on trouble areas after taking our Scantron
Performance Series in the fall.
In math, we are currently
working on Numbers and Operations in 6th grade, and will
begin ratios/proportions in
8th grade next week. 8th
get a dose of
world affairs
through our
"This Day in HIstory" donow. Over the past month
they have learned
about Pearl Harbor,
Napoleon, the English Chunnel and
much more!
As November came to a
close and December popped
graders will begin a Candy
Wrapper scaling project
next week! Reading strategies/comprehension skills
are reviewed and practiced
with appropriate grade levels to the standards missed
on Scantron. Students also
follow along with Channel
up, I said goodbye to my
fabulous 6th graders and
welcomed the 7th grade
class. The 7th grade will be
focused on geographical and
historical perspective for the
first few weeks of our
study. So far, I can report, a
love for learning with this
crew! I can tell we are going
to have a successful year!!
One News every day. This is
a current events show in a
kid-friendly format. Students also enjoy learning a
new Word and Math Symbol
of the week every Monday!
Technology In technology, we are continuing to work on proper keyboarding techniques, and navigating Google Accounts. Every day, we add to an ongoing "Digital Do Now" Google Doc
that is checked in and graded.We will begin practicing word processing on Microsoft
Word after Winter Break.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE
The 8th grade wrapped up
science for the first trimester
by studying space. Students
had a lot of ideas and questions about space and many
were inspired to learn more
about our universe and galaxy. Students created a model
showing our place in the
Milky Way. They are on display outside my classroom.
8th grade will continue with
science in the third trimester.
Merritt’s 7th grade students
focused on the process of
photosynthesis this month.
We analyzed the photosynthesis chemical equation by
HIGH SCHOOL MATH
9th grade Math Standard students
have spent the last portion of their
first trimester practicing linear functions and working with area and
compound area. Their next section,
in the new trimester, will be creating graphs and solving inequalities.
Throughout inequalities, they will
learn terms such as "at least" and
"no more than", which tend to show
up frequently outside of the school
setting.
10th grade Math Standards, soon to
be Geometry students, have also finished their first trimester with compound area, volume, and evaluating;
all valuable concepts to know
throughout geometry. The first sec-
understanding the reactants
which yields the final products. Students were able to
recognize what is needed in
order for plants to make their
own nutrients. They learned
that light energy is used by
plants to make chemical energy—which is essential in
order for plants to survive. In
order to really understand
how plants interact with the
environment, we then took a
close look at the carbon cycle
and greenhouse effect. Students were able to apply how
these phenomenons are directly related with plants and
tion of the new trimester will
begin Geometry. They will be
learning the basics of lines and
angles, and then transformations in the coordinate plane.
These concepts will be reinforced and used on a daily basis throughout geometry.
Algebra 2. Tri 1 ended with
Rational expressions and
Trigonometry. All of the students worked hard preparing
for midterms. Tri 2 we will be
working hard on SAT prep using an online tool through
Khan academy and the college
board. Look for information to
come home on your students'
log- in. Students will be creating Algebra art using various
functions and their
its photosynthesis process.
Great work 7th grade!
Sixth grade changed classes
and began science for the year.
They have been learning about
the scientific method with their
interactive notebook, labs, and
hands-on activities. Students
loved learning about the different types of observations using
a Gobstopper candy lab and
surface tension of a penny lab.
They did a great job determining the different types of observations!
graphs. Please ask your students to see this wonderful
artwork!
I hope everyone has an awesome, much needed holiday
break!
12th graders have been working hard to master their algebra skills so they can delve
into Pre-Calc. They have been
looking at algebra learned
throughout high school in new
eyes and using three variables
instead of two!!
High School Updates
HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY
United States History- Currently we
are finishing up our Civil War and
Reconstruction review as we prepare to examine how this war will
affect the course of the nation going
forward.
Economics- In economics we are
examining economic decision making and beginning to identify why
what we want is scarce. We are
learning how we measure what we
gain, and what we lose, when making decisions.
Students in World History 1 will
discuss how the world changed for
bands of hunter-gatherers to the
great empires of the ancient world,
including Mesopotamia, China, In-
dia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
They will afterwards study the
world's religions.
World History 2 students will
study the Age of Revolutions,
focusing on the political revolutions that took place in the
world from the 1700's to 1914,
the Industrial Revolution, and
Imperialism throughout the
world.
Legal Studies will be focusing
on criminal law and
proceedings, including
crime in America,
crimes against the person, crimes against
property, defenses, the criminal justice process (the investigation, proceedings before
trial, the trial, sentencing and
corrections), juvenile justice,
and the law and terrorism.
Government students will be
studying the nature of government and later will be comparing forms of government.
They will also take a test on
these two subjects before
leaving
for break.
HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE
December marks the start of trimester 2 here at the Academy.
Biology 1 and Physics Essentials
will start the term reviewing and
applying the scientific process.
I’m excited to be working with a
couple new groups of students
this trimester. Biology 2 is also
returning to finish out their Biology credit. They will be studying
Mendelian genetics, Ecology, and
Classification using many different hands-on activities. Stay
tuned for more updates as the
trimester progresses.
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Well, we finished CP Chemistry
with a bang! The students
completed the Mole section.
The start of the new trimester
brings with it the Mole project
where the students need to determine a mole of something. Make sure to ask
your students about
the project! We are covering states of Matter this
month and the students
will be completing some
labs using gas laws and the
phase diagram. Chem I also
begins this trimester with a
research project on Chemistry careers. We will then
move into atomic history and
Theory.I. I hope everyone has
an awesome, much needed
holiday break!
High School Updates
HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH
The first trimester of English 9
ended very well. The students all
worked very hard to complete a
research paper on a person of
their choosing. Second trimester
for English 9 will start off with a
short story unit. During the upcoming month, we will read “The
Necklace” and “The Most Dangerous Game.” With “The Necklace,”
we will read the story and practice
making predictions through citing
textual evidence. When we read
“The Most Dangerous Game,” we
will conclude the story by completing an in-class project to determine if the ending is justified.
English 10 completed the first trimester with a strong finish. Each
student worked diligently to complete a research paper on a famous
person or event from the past. In
addition to the research paper, the
students worked hard to prepare
for the final through various activities including, group work,
whole-class discussions, and practice with writing under time restrictions. In continuation with
improving each student’s writing
abilities, the second trimester is
starting off with persuasive writing. The students with first get a
more in-depth understanding of
the topic through notes and inclass work. To complete this topic,
the students will write and present their persuasive writings.
Students in 11th grade will be
identifying areas of strength and
weakness in regards to skills assessed on the SAT. Each week,
students will spend time practicing reading, writing, vocabulary,
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and grammar skills that will
help them be successful on
the SAT. Students will access
Khan Academy on a weekly
basis to enhance their
test taking skills. Throughout
the duration of the month
through reading
texts, working on projects
and through supplemental
materials and activities, students will work on the following skills: cite strong textual evidence of what text
directly says and implies; determine central ideas and
themes of text; analyze complex ideas and how they develop over the course of the
text; evaluate multiple
sources of information presented in diverse formats;
evaluate and assess a
speaker's point of view and
reasoning; determine the
meaning of words and
phrases as used in text;
evaluate the effectiveness of
text structure an author uses;
determine an author's point
of view and purpose in text;
write arguments to support
claims about a topic; and determine the meaning of unknown and multiple meaning words using context
clues.
Students in 12th grade will
gather background information about life in Nigeria before diving into reading the
novel Things Fall
Apart. Things Fall Apart is a
novel written by Chinua
Achebe that reflects on the
changes and challenges that
the British Occupation of
Nigeria at the turn of the
20th century brought to the
native tribes of Nigeria. Throughout the duration of the month through
reading texts, working on
projeccts, and
through supplemental materials and activities, students will work on the following skills: cite strong
textual evidence to support
what text directly says and
what the text implies; determine themes and central
ideas of text; analyze impacts of author's choices
regarding how to structure, develop, and relate
elements of text; determine
the meaning of words and
phrases as used in text;
write narratives with well
chosen details; produce
clear and coherent writing
appropriate to task and audience; develop writing by
planning, editing, and revising; participate effectively
in a range of collaborative
discussions; demonstrate
command of the convections of the English language when writing; apply
knowledge of how language
functions in different contexts; and determine the
meaning of unknown and
multiple meaning words
using context clues.
Music Updates
MR. KIMSEY’S NEWS
Music with Mr. Kimsey - December
The Middle/High School Christmas Band Concert is Monday, December 21, 2015 at 6pm in the high
school gymnasium. Please join us for a festive start to the holiday season.
November - Music Student of the Month
– Olivia Brown "Thank you Olivia, for mentoring our younger band students and for making our ensemble better every day.” – Mr. Kimsey
Music Objectives for Trimester II
Elementary Grades - 3rd/4th Split and
5th Grade:
Semester Objectives:
Students will continue to work on
grade level vocal techniques, singing in
good voice, fundamental percussion
techniques, reading, writing, and performing rhythmic notation via non
pitched percussion and mallet instruments. We will also explore musical
forms (binary, ternary, rondo, canon,
etc...) through song, dance, and instrumental performance. In addition to this, we will begin a trimester long unit exploring pitch notation via
recorders and accompaniments on mallet instruments.
Middle School Concert Band: Semester Objectives
Students will continue to build upon grade level instrumental techniques such as tone, style, rhythm,
etc...Students will continue to to prepare their music for the Christmas Band Concert and the upcoming
MSBOA District Band Festival.
High School Wind Ensemble: Semester Objectives
Students will continue to build upon grade level instrumental techniques such as tone, style, rhythm,
etc...Students will continue to to prepare their music for the Christmas Band Concert
and the upcoming MSBOA District Band Festival.
Rock 'n' Roll History: Semester Objectives
We will be using a new media based curriculum from the Rock 'n' Roll Forever Foundation. This cu
rriculum is endorsed by the National Association for Music Education, the National Council for Social
Studies, and Scholastic Inc.
Students will explore music from the 1900's through the present from a musical and historical point of
view. Genres of discussion include: Blues, Swing Era, Classic Rockers including Elvis, The British Invasion: The Beatles, Teen Pop of the West Coast, The Beach Boys, Folk and Folk Rock, Soul, Funk, Motown,
and more....
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Art and Academic Success Updates
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Elementary students in the second and third grade will be demonstrating the use of depth by using overlapping shapes to create their
snowman portraits.
High school students will create a checkerboard initials drawing in
order to demonstrate the use of contrast and font design.
This month we have reviewed divisibility rules/tricks for numbers 2-10. Students
practiced descriptive writing using adjectives. Students created an appetizing and
disgusting lunch menu by using a variety of different adjectives. They could see
how it impacted their writing and how it helps create a picture in the reader's
mind. We finished our novel, Maniac Magee. Students were able to explain why it was realistic
fiction novel. In the next month, we will be working on reviewing mean, median, mode, and range as
well as focusing on reading comprehension skills.
Spanish
In elementary Spanish this month, the students learned about each of the 4 seasons and several
weather-related conditions. As a result, they were asked to list, in Spanish, their favorite and
least favorite seasons including the reasons why. Also, several in-class activities were performed by the
students to incorporate their knowledge and understanding of all weather-related conditions that they
learned. They also learned about certain parts of the face and body which incorporated several fun activities on the whiteboard and Smart Board. Prior to Thanksgiving break, some of the students were introduced to several Thanksgiving vocabulary words in Spanish. Once all of these vocabulary
words were pronounced and taught, all of the students participated in several games of Spanish bingo.
In middle school Spanish this month, the students learned about all Spanish-speaking countries and
their capital cities which incorporated several fun activities on the Smart Board to further enhance their
comprehension of this topic. Also learned this month were opposite words (antonyms), involving several adjectives, nouns, and prepositions, as well as different sports which introduced more new vocabulary to the students. Next, one full week was devoted to telling time including "Es la/Son las" expressions as well as how to form time constructions involving basic addition and subtraction formulas. Lastly, the Spanish alphabet was introduced to the students to show some of the similarities
and differences with that of the English alphabet. Students got a chance to spell out, phonetically, on paper and verbally their first and last names using the Spanish alphabet. Prior to Thanksgiving break,
some of the students were introduced to several Thanksgiving vocabulary words in Spanish. Once all of
these vocabulary words were pronounced and taught, all of the students participated in several games
of Spanish bingo.
In high school Spanish this month, the students began to learn how to form the plurals of singular
nouns, definite articles, and indefinite articles. They also learned how to answer questions involving
the location of people and classroom objects by learning some new question words and expressions. Next, they began to be introduced to several breakfast/lunch foods & beverages. Since completing their 3rd chapter test, they have learned about nouns modifying nouns, as well as how to conjugate
some -er and -ir verbs in the present tense. Then, the students got the opportunity to work with more
"gustar" expressions as well as be introduced to "encantar" expressions when dealing with singular and
plural nouns. Reading menus and expressing prices in Spanish, The Food Guide Pyramid, making singular adjectives plural, and the conjugation of the irregular verb "ser" have been the topics
most recently covered. Prior to Thanksgiving break, some of the students were introduced to several Thanksgiving vocabulary words in Spanish.
Page 14
FALL ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS
VOLLEYBALL
Sierra Gordon- 2nd team All-League Volleyball
Nicole Raulston- Honorable Mention All-League Volleyball
FOOTBALL
Josh Braden- Honorable Mention All-State, 2nd Team All-County RB, Honorable Mention
All-County LB, 1st Team All-League RB, 1st Team All-League LB
Zach Berry- Honorable Mention All County WR, 1st Team All League WR, 1st Team All
League DB, 1st Team All League Special Teams
John Basile- 1st Team All League QB, 2nd Team All League DB
Jack Waters- Honorable Mention All Macomb County O-Line, 1st Team All League OL, Honorable Mention All League DL
Nate McBride- 1st Team All League OL, 1st Team All League DL
Tim Shamblin- 2nd Team All League LB, Honorable Mention All League WR
Sam Bennett- Honorable Mention All-League Lineman
TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
Football#1 Total Offense in Michigan (Fall 2015)
#1 Rushing Offense in Michigan (Fall 2015)
WINTER ATHLETIC TEAMS
Boys Varsity Basketball (Coach Jon Watt)
Coach Jon Watt returns to lead a small but athletic team that will play a fast paced brand of basketball. The
team is led by seniors Julian Floyd, Cody Lawrence, and Zach Berry. The team will look to build on a solid
season last year and contend with St Thomas More for a league championship.
Girls Varsity Basketball (Coaches James Rubio & Mindy Raulston)
New Co-Coaches Rubio & Raulston will try and continue the program that has steadily improved under former coach Amy Mitchell. The team has 16 players out this year, with only 2 seniors on the team the future
is bright for the Lady Mustangs. The team has already begun playing games this season.
Varsity Cheer (Coach Stephanie Jones)
Coach Jones leads her largest squad of 19 cheerleaders this winter! The girls will continue to improve their
stunting and routines while bringing school spirit to the winter sports teams. The girls do a great job of
pumping up the crowd and teams!
Boys 7-8 Basketball (Coach Heather Oswald)
New Coach Heather Oswald has a group of 15 boys the team this winter. The team is already 1-0 on the
season with a dominate 38-6 win over Landmark. With 10 eighth graders on the team, the future numbers
look great for varsity basketball at Merritt Academy.
Girls 7-8 Basketball (Coach Nina Williams)
Coach Williams has done a great job building fundamentals in our 9 girls basketball players. The team has
been improving each game since Coach Williams took over last season. The team is currently 1-0 after a
great 31-7 win over Landmark on Dec 4th.
MS Cheer (Coach Linda Sims)
Coach Sims returns to lead a group of 15 young ladies that will cheer on the boys 7-8 basketball team this
winter. The girls are learning the fundamentals of cheer and will continue to improve throughout the season.
Boys 5-6 Basketball (Coach Robert Nicolai)
Coach Nicolai is in his first year at Merritt Academy. He leads a group of 15 boys that are eager to learn the
fundamentals of the sport. The boys kickoff the season on Dec 12 against Bethany Christian at home.
Girls 5-6 Basketball (Coach Dave Brown)
Coach Brown returns to lead 10 girls this winter. The team is eager to continue their improvement on the skills that will make them great varsity players. The girls kickoff the season on Dec 12 against Bethany Christian at home.
Honor Roll
M U S T A N G S O N A R O L L!
All A’s
Congratulations to Our
Honor Roll Students in elementary
3rd Grade- All A
Olivia Crawford
Seth Elliott
Mackenzie French
Taveon Haines
4th grade – All A
Reiley, Boaska
Christiano Brisson
Gianni Brisson
Makayla Deshazo
Alexa Dudek
Mariah Flewallen
Trevor McGill
Ian Miller
Jalyn Sutter
Madelyn Updike
5th Grade All A
Katelyn Braun
Michaelann Broyles
Elliott Darr
Justin Dudek
Lillian Hayter
Joshue Lloyd
Bayleigh Stewart
Kayleigh Stewart
3rd Grade- A & B
All A’s and B’s
Bobby Artman
Jordan Bell
Aislynn Brooks
Allison Cantu
Mariah Casper
Anaya Colquitt-Wallave
Joseph DrummondWeaver
Joshua Eppee
Jonathan Garvan
Amiah Hobson
Brooke Lee
Isabelle Morre
Lillian Parsons
Ravyn Pecoraro
Riley Podolan
Patryk Vanderkarr
Jade Weichert
Tyler Woodworth
4th Grade- A &B
William Downing
Zion Campbell
Preston Corneillie
Emma Eimers
Colin Gorski
Sophia Hazley
Ella Kauk
Saidi Lefebvre
Brooklin Marcum
Austin Miller
Adrianna Pope
Helena Sikorski
Elise Sparger
Zoe Weichert
Kendell Wolfe
5th Grade A & B
Madison Amore
Timothy Bochatyn
Nicole Carne
Arianna Castellano
Lia Lazaris
Jaeden Lee
Hunter Lentine
Jasmine Olko
Maria Pary
Bailey Wells
Middle School Honor Roll All A’s* All A’s and B’s
6th Grade
Mary Ann Acciavatti*
Paige Bochatyn*
Caedan Bohon*
Jadin Boska
Emmaline Brown
Alexandria Casper*
Olivia Casper*
Drew Clark*
Aidan Duckworth
Jeideliz Elicea-Moreno*
Naomi Elliott*
Nathaniel Garvan*
Tanner Geisler*
Olivia Glaza
Halie Goslyn
Trevor Hood
Isabella James
Tara Jones
Page 17
Audrey Kauk*
Ryleigh Kelly
Jacob Kemp
MacKenzie Kowalske*
Angelina Landis*
Asher Lewis
Erik McGill
Audrey McIntosh
Aaron McMaster
Zachary Miller
Ryan Morgan*
Ashley Pouliot*
Summer Ranville
Kaylee Schram
Laila Smith*
Savannah Stankowski*
Jacob Sutter*
Lillian Williard*
7th Grade
Anthony Bonett
Edwin Braun
Brett Butros
Rebecca Chmiel
Annika Grass*
Lorenzo LaFata
Natalia Lesiak
Robert Madaus
Delaney Miller*
Carter Schluckbier
Joshua Shiemke
8th Grade
Lexi Abramovitch
Nathaniel Acciavatti
Nathan Bennett
Olivia Brown
Josephine Broyles*
Kayla Burns
Kailee Chute
Aubrey Grundy*
Kadence Heath*
Willow Hollingsworth*
Sarah Hood*
Mya Landis*
Elizabeth Lyons
Devin Madaus*
David Melanshek*
Kendra Oja-Kiser*
Cameron Singh
Bre’ya Smith
Marlo Stewart
James Turk*
Jessica Walkowski
Samuel Ward*
Hunter Willer
Haley Williard*
M U S T A N G S O N A R O L L!
Congratulations to Our Honor Roll Students In High School!
9th Grade
3.00 - 3.49
Chalres Allard
Samuel Bennett
Jonathan Melanshek
Jordyn Nicol
Tiana Oldham
Ryan O'Neill
Skye Ranville
Stephanie Schmitt
Jenna Zysk
3.50 - 3.99
Erica Chesney
Olive Eppe
Jacob Haggerty
Joseph Liavoli
Theresa Shiemke
Brandon Shulock
Jazzalita Wojtoviets
4.00 +
Margreta Grass
Samantha Madaus
Melissa Murphy
Alexandra Nicolai
Meadow Pary
Benjamin Schornack
Emily Schweitzer
Chloe Verbick
Page 18
10th grade
11th grade
3.00 - 3.49
3.00 - 3.49
Caprice Darr
Jacob Jones
Jennifer Mason
David Miller
McKenzie Oja-Kiser
Amber Rubio
Christopher Singh
Hannah Smith
Lucas Stolz
3.50 - 3.99
Krista Quandt
Alexandra White
4.00 +
Alexandrea Dalrick
Sierra Gordon
Deja Kiekens
Lynzee Pepples
Christian Posner
Hannah Schmalzel
Jenna Quinn
Pietro Baldwin
Yahaira EliceaMoreno
Abigail Elya
Brandon Giancola
Matthew
Shather
3.50
- 3.99
Kaylee Downing
Morgen Nelson
Michelle Riley
Aubrei Stewart
4.00 +
Georgina Broyles
Mackenzie Campbell
Makenzie Fortin
Rachel Herrel
Timothy Hood
Kamryn Kelly
Emily Kemp
Megan Kemp
Tatyana KennedyBanks
Meghan Milligan
Noah Redlawsk
12th grade
3.00 - 3.49
Austin Chesney
John Waters
3.50 - 3.99
Joshua Braden
Payton Cross
Stephanie Jones
Alysa Nepper
Brittany Rubio
Julia Starr
Lauren Vukovich
Aubree White
4.00 +
Olivia Boscaglia
Emily Madaus
Meghan Murphy
Nicole Raulston
RAISING THE STANDARDS OF EDUCATION
Merritt Academy
59900 Havenridge Rd.
New Haven, Michigan 48048
Phone: 586-749-6000
Fax: 586-749-8582
“The mission of Merritt Academy is to instill in its students academic excellence, character
development, a love for lifelong learning, and service to others.”
2015-2016 School Board
Karen Bochatyn, President
Amy White-Jones, Vice President
Lisa Bonett, Treasurer
Karen Boska, Secretary
Kenneth Raulston, Member At Large
We’re on the Web! Visit us at
http://www.merritt-academy.org
NOVEMBER’S STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
These students worked hard to demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character all month long!
Elementary School
K– Ashlyn Breslin
K– Emmanuel Davis
1– Seth Barr
1– Aidan Trull
2– Ayden Baldwin
2– Ellen Maison
3– Bobby Artman
3/4– Reiley Boska
4– Alexa Dudek
5– Elliott Darr
5– Jaedan Lee
Middle School
D’Angelo– Bre’ya Smith
Gimpert– Mary Ann Acciavatti
Castillo– Spencir Munofo
Witkowski– Alizabeth Lyons
Niebrzydowski– Mark Hoffman
Palmer– Allie Casper
High School
Bienkowski– Jordan Giera
Wilson– Jenna Quinn
Vergos– Jennifer Mason
Berber– Brandon Mason
Lach– Payton Cross
Zimmer– Jazzy Wojtoviets
Morgan– Shantel Bowerzox
Spear– Deja Kiekens
Specials
Hohmann– Carley Mattson
Osterman- Walker Streit
Osoria– Matthew Krause
McCloskey– Lillian Parsons
Femmineo– Gabriella DiGiovanni
Art- Mackenzie Campbell
Music– Olivia Brown
Spanish– Alisha Thacker
Gym– McKenzie Oja-Kiser
MTSS
Kneer– Tayvion Wojtoviets
Mosher– Elliana Woodworth