PMMS Track - The Peter Muhlenberg Track & Field Team competed in their first meet of the season against Warren County yesterday evening. Not only did the team have a long list of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes, they also broke FIVE school records ALREADY, and this was just the first meet!For the girls team: Allison Bright took 1st place in Shot Put, Claudia Ortega was 3rd. In Discus, Allison Bright was 1st, Heather Clem was 3rdIn High Jump, Anna Ragland was 1st, tying the school record with a jump of 4 feet 6 inches. In the 2 Mile, Katie Ritenour was 1st, Emily Taff 3rd In the 1 Mile, Amber Hawkins was 1st, Kelly Walsh was 2nd In the 400 Meter Dash, Estefannia Reynoso was 2nd In the 800 Meter Run, Amber Hawkins was 1st, Kelly Walsh was 3rd In the 200 Meter Run, Treasure Hockman was 2nd And in the 4 x 400 Meter Relay, the team of Rebecca Truban, Danielle Barr, Estefannia Reynoso, and Amber Hawkins took 1st place. Great job ladies! Now for the boys team results:In Shot Put, Travis Cooper took first place and also broke the school record with a throw of thirty six feet, eight inches, Ryan Pugh was 2nd In Discus, Travis Cooper took first place again, breaking another record with a throw of one hundred and nineteen feet, four inches. Ryan Pugh was 2nd, John Trelawny was 3rd In Long Jump, Logan Patrick took 1st place, breaking the school record jumping a distance of sixteen feet, ten inches. Felix Atilano was 2nd. In Triple Jump, Logan Patrick was 3rd. In the 2 Mile Run, Kai Gingerich took 1st In the 75 Meter Low Hurdles Brandon Ritter took 1st place, Travis Hamilton was 2nd In the 100 Meter Dash, Felix Atilano was 1st, Cody Albright was 2nd In the 1 Mile Run, Logan Patrick was 1st, Mason Myrtle was 2nd In the 4x100 Meter Relay. the team of Felix Atilano, Daniel Molina, Cody Albright, and Logan Patrick took 1st place, breaking the school record with a time of 51.5 In the 400 Meter Dash Taylor LeFever was 2nd, Ryan Pugh was 3rd In the 800 Meter Run Mason Myrtle was 1st, Jonathan Foltz was 3d In the 200 Meter Dash, Travis Hamilton was 3rd And in the 4 x 400 Meter Relay, the team of Taylor LeFever, Felix Atilano, Daniel Molina, and Logan Patrick took first place with a another record breaking time of 4 minutes and 11 seconds. Congratulations to the boys who won the meet with a score of 85 points. The Track & Field Team will host two home meets next Tuesday and Wednesday evening. Come out and support us at our first meet on our new track!
Nory Fletcher PMMS Teacher of the Year Click here to discover what Mrs. Fletcher and her students have accomplished
Cafe Prepay - To help simplify payment on student meal accounts, Shenandoah County Public Schools has initiated a website where you can pay for your child's breakfasts and lunches. Click here for more information
Anti-Litter Poster Contest - Peter Muhlenberg Middle School students participated in the Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation Antilitter Poster Contest. There was 100% participation from all students at all 3 grade levels. Students worked on posters through their science class curriculum. The top three posters from each grade level are as follows:6th Grade: 1st place: Trevor Wolf 2nd place: Evan Alvarez 3rd place: Desiree Williams7th Grade: 1st place: Zach Atchison 2nd place: Keishla Burgos8th Grade: 1st place: Summer McKay 2nd place: Caymin Hopkins 3rd place: Josephine ShipeThe top two overall winners are: 1st place: Zach Atchison 2nd place: Josephine ShipeCongratulations to all the winners. The overall winners’ posters will be submitted to Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation and will move onto the next level of competition.
VECCA ART Show - The VECCA County-wide Student Art Show is now through May 15. The show displays artwork by public, private and home-schooled middle and high school art students of Shenandoah County. The art work is on display at the county office building. The judging took place March 23-27. Congratulations to Josephine Shipe. Josephine is an "Excellence" winner with her "Abstract Color Design" in marker. Congratulations to Chelsea Pizzuto. Chelsea is a "Merit" winner with her "Man's Best Friend" in pencil.
Congratulations Kali Fravel American Legion Essay State winner for the second year!!!! A copy of Kali's speech was given to Congressman Goodlatte and to Mr. Ferguson, Chairman of the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors.Click here to view essay
Do Something Day - Mrs. Fletcher’s 7th grade Multiculturalism classes hosted a “Do Something” fair Tuesday, March 31st from 5-7 pm in the Peter Muhlenberg cafeteria. Students researched a cause that was important to them and learned ways, as middle schoolers, that they could make a difference. The parents friends and family were invited to this special event. Mrs. Fletcher's 7th graders raised a total of $431.43. Visitors to the event had a chance to play games, buy snacks, make buttons, and enjoy music performed by the Jazz band all while learning about many different note worthy causes. Those present also had a chance to buy tickets to vote for their favorite booth. The winning booth received all of the money from the ticket sales for their cause. Congratulations to the winning group which was the Prevention of Child Abuse which will receive $131.
Iditaread Results - Finishers - Reading 1131 pages are:Helen Harrison, Stephanie Sfarnas. Emily Phillips, Anna Everhart, Thomas FrenchKaren Fullmer, Andrew Rhodes, Hannah Wine, Oakli Wright, Jackie Walsh, Collin Ritter, Heather Landes
PMMS Student Representing the US in Vienna Austria Jonathan Fester will be representing the US in a swimming competition this summer in Vienna Austria. Click here for information about Jonathan and his fund raising efforts.
Students Attending Youth Summit -Peter Muhlenberg Middle School is pleased to announce the full sponsorships of eighth grade students Johnathan Foltz and Kai Gingerich to the Self-Determination Youth Summit being held in conjunction with the Virginia Transition Forum. Click here for more information
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America and Advisor Phyllis Fleming Honored - On February 28, 2009, George Wright, State President of the Virginia Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, sent word to the Muhlenberg Middle School Chapter that Advisor Phyllis Fleming had been chosen to be recognized as a Master Advisor. The prestigious award will be presented to Mrs. Fleming at the 64th Annual FCCLA State Leadership and Recognition Conference on Saturday, March 28 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In a separate mailing dated March 13, the State President sent congratulations to the Muhlenberg Middle School chapter for achieving the Silver Level Outstand Chapter Award. The outstanding chapter award recognized the importance of a well-balance program of work with significant attention to program involvement and public relations.Congratulations Mrs. Fleming and our own FCCLA Chapter!
The Wildlife Center of Virginia - On Monday March 23rd Quinn Robinson, from the Wildlife Center of Virginia, visited the sixth graders at Peter Muhlenberg Middle School. Mr. Robinson, an animal trainer at the Wildlife Center, presented a program titled “Critters Don’t Need Litter.” This program was presented four times throughout the day so that all sixth graders at Muhlenberg had the benefit of hearing this important message.The focus of this program was to share with the students the mission of the Wildlife Center and illustrate that litter can be very harmful to the natural wildlife of Virginia. The mission of the Wildlife Center is to rescue animals that have been harmed, treat their injuries, rehabilitate them, and then successfully release them back into the wild. Mr. Robinson shared a story about Ferdinand the opossum that had been orphaned when his mother had been hit by a car and Ferdinand was injured. The reason that Ferdinand’s mother was near the road was because she was searching through litter along the road to find food. The litter draws all sorts of animals to the road where they risk being hit or run over. The Wildlife Center has successfully released many animals such as: opossums, foxes, bats, bears, snapping turtles, and even a bald eagle.The highlight of the program was when Quinn (Mr. Robinson) brought out some visitors from the Wildlife Center to show the students. Ferdinand was joined in the program by Gus the barred owl that had been hit by a car, and Severus the eastern rat snake that had been kept illegally for three years. Ferdinand, Gus, and Severus are all working members of the Wildlife Center because they were not able to be released back into the wild. This program was enjoyed by all that attended.
Newspapers In Education - As part of the NIE program sponsored by the Northern Virginia Daily Mrs. Parker's 8th grade Language Arts classes participated in Design-An-Ad contest. Students were encouraged to use their talents to design an ad for an area business. Congratulations to Macki Kraemer who created a winning entry. Her add is featured below.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
PMMS Happenings - 4th Six Weeks
Celebrating Dr. Seuss's Birthday -March 2 was Dr. Seuss's birthday and we celebrated at PMMS!
We had Seuss-inspired dress-up days and guest readers sharing Dr. Seuss stories.
Tuesday was Crazy hats and socks in recognition of The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins and Fox in Socks
Wednesday was Future/Profession in recognition of Oh the Places You'll Go.
Thursday was Whoville Hairand Wear GREEN in recognition of The Lorax and
How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Horton Hears a Who.
Friday was Mayzie's TROPICAL vacation in recogniton of Horton Hatches the Egg.
Bag it Breakfast - Wow! What a difference! The statistics showed how a few of our students were eating breakfast each day (at home or at school). This week, we allowed and encouraged students to take advantage of the "boxed/ bagged" lunches from the cafeteria or to bring one from home and the number of students eating a school breakfast tripled and that is not counting the students who were "bagging" it from home.
Why the change? It may be words of encouragement to the students by teachers and family about the importance of a healthy breakfast, the posters students made and hung around the school, the lunch ladies who pre-packaged the meals, the custodians who did extra trash runs, the flexibility of allowing students to eat in the rooms during DEAR time, the teachers who made or paid for or brought in breakfast for their classes....THANK YOU for all the support of this important initiative for our kids' wellness and healthy habits.
In Memory of Mr. Ward - In November, the Peter Muhlenberg Middle School FFA department initiated a fundraiser to have Mr. Randy Ward’s name engraved on a brick at the National FFA Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. They set a goal of a $1000 to contribute to the National FFA Foundation. In return a brick at the rotunda will be engraved with Mr. Ward’s name. This contribution will be used for FFA scholarships and sponsorships of FFA activities on the national level. Dexter Richman, eighth grade student and FFA member, stated, “I am pleased to announce that we have reached our goal of $1000 this morning (February 26, 2009). Mr. Ward, who passed away October 7, 2008, devoted most of his life to his students and the FFA. We miss him dearly and we will never forget him.” Richman continued, “FFA students had been selling chances on a picnic table to raise the funds. We would like to thank everyone who bought chances and made donations. Your contribution pays for Mr. Ward’s (scholarship fund) brick and supports the FFA.” The drawing winner was Pat Robinson, who happened to be the bus driver for Mr. Ward’s oldest grandchild. The Future Farmers of America began in 1928 with 33 members and now has more than 490,000 and membership is still growing. The FFA has become one of the most life-changing organizations for youth in the United States. The FFA’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. “Thanks to your support and generosity, Mr. Ward’s brick will be proudly displayed in the courtyard at the National FFA Center.”
PMMS Honors Our School Board Members - In honor of School Board Appreciation month, Krista Heres, Peter Muhlenberg Middle School librarian, and Gina Stetter, PMMS principal, presented books dedicated to each of the Shenandoah County School Board members during the Board meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2009. In recognition of the time and effort that each Board member gives to improve educational opportunities for the students of Shenandoah County Public Schools, six books were purchased and each contains a personalized bookplate honoring the Board member.
Two of the books are 2009 Newbery honor award winners, My One Hundred Adventures (by Polly Horvath) dedicated to Ms. Evelyn Burner and Savvy (by Ingrid Law) dedicated to Dr. Kathryn Holsinger. Ms. Lisa Currie's book is bilingual and on a topic that many ESL students have recently requested, Autos deportivos/Sports Cars (Blazers Bilingual) Spanish Edition (By Matt Doedan). Tell the World (by Writerscorps) is a book of poetry written by teens dedicated to Ms. Sonya Williams-Giersch. Mr. Gary Rutz's book, Emperors of the Ice: A True Story of Disaster and Survival in the Antarctic, 1910-1913 (by Richard Farr), is a non-fiction book on the same topic as the school library's most popular Virginia Readers' Choice book. The 39 Clues: Maze of Bones—Library Edition (by Rick Riordan) is a newly released title by the same author as the Lightning Thief series which is very popular, especially with boys.
The books have become a permanent part of the book collection in the Peter Muhlenberg Middle School library and are available for checkout by the students.
Testing - The 8th graders at PMMS have been very busy since January taking 2 SOL tests and the NAEP assessment test. In January 100% of our 8th grade class took the Civics/Economics Standards of Learning test and earned a 96% pass percentage. In February the National Report Card Committee randomly selected 90 8th grade students to take the NAEP assessment. Those 90 students will help represent the public education system in Virginia for the 2009 National Report Card. Most recently, the 8th grade students took the English Writing standards of learning test. The writing test, given this past week, consisted of two parts, short essay and multiple choice, and was given over a two day time period. The students will receive their scores later in the school year. The rest of the students at PMMS will participate in a series of SOL tests from May 18th - June 9th. Tests will include mathematics, reading, and science (8th grade only).
Climbing Wall - The PMMS P.E. Department is proud to announce the installation of their rock climbing wall. The students were very excited to watch the progress of the installation which began February 23 and ended on February 27. The P.E. teachers will be trained on March 31 with climbing to begin shortly there after. Thank you to the Moore Grant for enabling our school to receive such an exciting activity. Let the sky be the limit!
Mrs. Wisman's 8th Grade Math Students - Mrs. Wisman received a Pavan grant which she used to incorporate Art into Math classes. Students created transformations that translate, rotate and reflect to produce tessellations on ceiling tiles. The ceiling tiles will be displayed in Mrs. Wisman's room and when the students graduate from high school they are invited to come back to PMMS and claim their tiles for possible display in their dorm rooms at college.
Civics Classes- Seventh grade students are studying the Judicial Branch of our government and in particular civil and criminal law. Mr. Wilson invited the resource officer, Mitch Ferrazza, to our school to illustrate and explain the arrest procedures and search and seizure.
The students listened and asked questions. A student volunteered to help the officer demonstrate the use of handcuffs.
Shentel Recycling Contest - As part of the PMMS Patriot Pride project and our recycling efforts our school collected 1,343 telephone books and 80 cell phones! Our school earned close to $340. Thanks Shentel!!
American Legion Post 199 Essay Contest - Once again this year, the American Legion Post 199 invited Peter Muhlenberg Middle School to participate in the “I Like Living in America Because” essay contest. With close to 100% participation, PMMS students in grades 6th-8th reflected on the opportunity available to them as Americans. In conjunction with the American Legion Post, PMMS proudly recognizes the top essays from each grade level.
8th Grade Competition
1st place—Kali Fravel
2nd place—Michaela Wakeman
3rd place—Kathryn Bennett
4th place—French Price
7th Grade Competition
1st place—Emily Fields
2nd place—Alondra Spinner
3rd place—Natalie Batlle
6th Grade Competition
1st place—Jessica Rodriguez
2nd place—Allyson Borden
3rd place—Sarah Rhodes
Eighth grader Kali Fravel’s essay was chosen as the best overall essay of the total American Legion Post competition. Her essay will now advance to the state level. Last year, Ms. Fravel was also the overall Post 199 winner and she went on to win at the Virginia State Level. This essay contest, coordinated by Ray Powell, the American Legion and Bob Wilson, a PMMS Civics teacher, is an example of community collaboration which extends outstanding opportunity to our local students.
Patriot Pride - At the beginning of this school year, Mr. Bob Wilson, a seventh grade Civics teacher, approached the Town Manager of Woodstock (Mr. Larry Bradford) to ask if seventh grade students could participate in the Adopt a Street (sometimes called the Adopt a Highway) program. We were assigned South Water St. from East Reservoir Rd. to Indian Spring Rd. and East Reservoir Rd from Hilltop to Broadview. Our students volunteer to pick up trash along these streets every other Monday during the school year. This volunteer program counts toward their Patriot Pride project but more importantly our students play an active role in improving our local community.
Moore Grant Recipients: Mrs. Eash-Boyden, Mrs. Parker, and the P.E. Department!
Peter Muhlenberg Honors No Name Calling Week as part of their on-going Bullying Prevention Program - Peter Muhlenberg Middle School honored this week, which took place this year from January 26 – 30, 2009. The school’s student leadership group, the Bullying Prevention Student Task Force, initiated and organized themes for each day throughout the week. For example, Thursday was “Crazy Hair Day” because “We believe that bullying and name-calling is hairy!” There was also a contest organized by the Bullying Prevention Student Task Force that day for the guy and girl in each grade who had the “craziest hair.” The winners of the contest were awarded a prize for supporting the idea that bullying is truly “hairy.” A different theme took place each day of the week.
In addition to the themes each day, all students were invited to participate in the No Name Calling Week Creative Arts contest that is posted on the www.nonamecallingweek.org website. Students who wished to participate could turn in their project to the school counselors by February 10, 2009. Prizes were listed on the organization’s website.
Also, students took a school-wide survey to help determine how PMMS is doing at bullying prevention. The students took the survey very seriously as most agree that they want PMMS to be a safe and bully-free school.
No Name Calling Week was in addition to other bullying prevention activities that take place at Peter Muhlenberg Middle School. During the week of November 17th, the school also recognized the international “Stand Up Against Bullying” week by decorating the school with “Stand Up Against Bullying” letters, and encouraging students to wear pink t-shirts that represent the week. The week was inspired by two young Canadian high school boys that decided to take a stand against bullying. See www.standupday.com. During this week, the students also learned about the www.bullyhelp.org resource that students can use as a safe way to report bullying to the PMMS administration and counselors. Any student that wants to report bullying can go to the website and it explains how to report bullying at PMMS.
PMMS Art - Art work created by PMMS 8th grade students was on display at the county library. This event is sponsored by VECCA.
Multiculturalism Contest - Ms. Fletcher’s 7th grade Multiculturalism Students recently participated in the national No Name Calling Week Creative Expression Contest. They created poems, posters, power points, t-shirts and more. They all put in a great deal of hard work and we wish them luck at the national contest level. PMMS had its contest and is proud to present the winners:
POETRY CATEGORY:
3rd place—Kendra Coffey
2nd place—Jackie Walsh
1st place—Wendy Mejia-Yanes
POSTER CATEGORY:
3rd place—Katelyn Poston
2nd place—Bradley Custer
1st place—Alondra Spinner
OTHER CATEGORY: (including tux paint, power point, t-shirts)
3rd place—Adam Wisman
2nd place—Thomas Peacemaker
1st place—Tyler Ferrero
Solar System - Distances in space are so vast that they are difficult to imagine. This is why our 6th grade science students constructed a scale model of the solar system using a roll of toilet paper. Students marked off distances to each of the planets and wrote the appropriate planet name on the toilet paper. By using this method the students gained an understanding of the distances between the inner and outer planets and the size of our solar system.
Health or Hoops - Heart disease is the #1 killer of men and women in America. This is the first generation born in history that is projected to NOT outlive their parents. On February 11 and 12 the PMMS P.E. department hosted a Hoops for Heart event to educate the students about heart disease, teach them healthy life long skills and give them the opportunity to be a part of a great community service project. During PE time students were given the option to watch or participate in a student vs faculty/parent basketball game. A $3 donation allowed the students to participate in the basketball game or a $1 donation allowed the students to come and watch the basketball game. Parents also played or watched the Hoops for Heart event. All monies collected (around $1600) will go directly to the American Heart Association. Thanks to all those who contributed and participated!
County Spelling Bees - Congratulations to the winners of the Shenandoah County Division Spelling Bee:
1st place: Kinsey W. grade 5, WWR
2nd place: Whitney B. grade 8, NFMS
3rd place: Katie R. grade 8, PMMS
4th place: French P. grade 8, PMMS
A great job done by all spellers.
PMMS Received the 2009 Board of Education Excellence Award - Peter Muhlenberg Middle School and Strasburg High School each received a 2009 Board of Education Excellence Award, which is the second tier honor of the Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) incentive program created in 2007. The schools and divisions receiving this award have met all state and federal accountability benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and have made significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunities set by Governor Kaine and the board. These awards were first rewarded in January, 2008. At that time Shenandoah County did not have any schools receiving the Governor's Award for Educational Excellence (the first tier of honors) or the Board of Education Excellence Award. These two schools are the first in SCPS to earn the Board of Education Excellence Award. Click here for more information
District Band and District Chorus - Peter Muhlenberg Middle School would like to recognize Chelsea Crosser, Emily Taff, Hannah Richman, Zachary Atchison, David Snarr, John Trelawny, John Paul Schechtel, Galen Rohr and Colbey Ryman. These students participated in District Band on February 6th and 7th. Nine of the eleven students chosen for District Band are from PMMS and Galen Rohr is a 6th grade student.
We would also like to recognize the following students that participated in District Chorus on February 13th and 14th: Tori Funkhouser, Michaela Wakeman, Oakli Wright, Kyle Dill, Kate Layton, Kayleigh Rogers, Jeff Hoole, Richard Miller, Jake Shelor, Grant Sheridan and Isaac Silvious.
We had Seuss-inspired dress-up days and guest readers sharing Dr. Seuss stories.
Tuesday was Crazy hats and socks in recognition of The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins and Fox in Socks
Wednesday was Future/Profession in recognition of Oh the Places You'll Go.
Thursday was Whoville Hairand Wear GREEN in recognition of The Lorax and
How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Horton Hears a Who.
Friday was Mayzie's TROPICAL vacation in recogniton of Horton Hatches the Egg.
Bag it Breakfast - Wow! What a difference! The statistics showed how a few of our students were eating breakfast each day (at home or at school). This week, we allowed and encouraged students to take advantage of the "boxed/ bagged" lunches from the cafeteria or to bring one from home and the number of students eating a school breakfast tripled and that is not counting the students who were "bagging" it from home.
Why the change? It may be words of encouragement to the students by teachers and family about the importance of a healthy breakfast, the posters students made and hung around the school, the lunch ladies who pre-packaged the meals, the custodians who did extra trash runs, the flexibility of allowing students to eat in the rooms during DEAR time, the teachers who made or paid for or brought in breakfast for their classes....THANK YOU for all the support of this important initiative for our kids' wellness and healthy habits.
In Memory of Mr. Ward - In November, the Peter Muhlenberg Middle School FFA department initiated a fundraiser to have Mr. Randy Ward’s name engraved on a brick at the National FFA Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. They set a goal of a $1000 to contribute to the National FFA Foundation. In return a brick at the rotunda will be engraved with Mr. Ward’s name. This contribution will be used for FFA scholarships and sponsorships of FFA activities on the national level. Dexter Richman, eighth grade student and FFA member, stated, “I am pleased to announce that we have reached our goal of $1000 this morning (February 26, 2009). Mr. Ward, who passed away October 7, 2008, devoted most of his life to his students and the FFA. We miss him dearly and we will never forget him.” Richman continued, “FFA students had been selling chances on a picnic table to raise the funds. We would like to thank everyone who bought chances and made donations. Your contribution pays for Mr. Ward’s (scholarship fund) brick and supports the FFA.” The drawing winner was Pat Robinson, who happened to be the bus driver for Mr. Ward’s oldest grandchild. The Future Farmers of America began in 1928 with 33 members and now has more than 490,000 and membership is still growing. The FFA has become one of the most life-changing organizations for youth in the United States. The FFA’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. “Thanks to your support and generosity, Mr. Ward’s brick will be proudly displayed in the courtyard at the National FFA Center.”
PMMS Honors Our School Board Members - In honor of School Board Appreciation month, Krista Heres, Peter Muhlenberg Middle School librarian, and Gina Stetter, PMMS principal, presented books dedicated to each of the Shenandoah County School Board members during the Board meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2009. In recognition of the time and effort that each Board member gives to improve educational opportunities for the students of Shenandoah County Public Schools, six books were purchased and each contains a personalized bookplate honoring the Board member.
Two of the books are 2009 Newbery honor award winners, My One Hundred Adventures (by Polly Horvath) dedicated to Ms. Evelyn Burner and Savvy (by Ingrid Law) dedicated to Dr. Kathryn Holsinger. Ms. Lisa Currie's book is bilingual and on a topic that many ESL students have recently requested, Autos deportivos/Sports Cars (Blazers Bilingual) Spanish Edition (By Matt Doedan). Tell the World (by Writerscorps) is a book of poetry written by teens dedicated to Ms. Sonya Williams-Giersch. Mr. Gary Rutz's book, Emperors of the Ice: A True Story of Disaster and Survival in the Antarctic, 1910-1913 (by Richard Farr), is a non-fiction book on the same topic as the school library's most popular Virginia Readers' Choice book. The 39 Clues: Maze of Bones—Library Edition (by Rick Riordan) is a newly released title by the same author as the Lightning Thief series which is very popular, especially with boys.
The books have become a permanent part of the book collection in the Peter Muhlenberg Middle School library and are available for checkout by the students.
Testing - The 8th graders at PMMS have been very busy since January taking 2 SOL tests and the NAEP assessment test. In January 100% of our 8th grade class took the Civics/Economics Standards of Learning test and earned a 96% pass percentage. In February the National Report Card Committee randomly selected 90 8th grade students to take the NAEP assessment. Those 90 students will help represent the public education system in Virginia for the 2009 National Report Card. Most recently, the 8th grade students took the English Writing standards of learning test. The writing test, given this past week, consisted of two parts, short essay and multiple choice, and was given over a two day time period. The students will receive their scores later in the school year. The rest of the students at PMMS will participate in a series of SOL tests from May 18th - June 9th. Tests will include mathematics, reading, and science (8th grade only).
Climbing Wall - The PMMS P.E. Department is proud to announce the installation of their rock climbing wall. The students were very excited to watch the progress of the installation which began February 23 and ended on February 27. The P.E. teachers will be trained on March 31 with climbing to begin shortly there after. Thank you to the Moore Grant for enabling our school to receive such an exciting activity. Let the sky be the limit!
Mrs. Wisman's 8th Grade Math Students - Mrs. Wisman received a Pavan grant which she used to incorporate Art into Math classes. Students created transformations that translate, rotate and reflect to produce tessellations on ceiling tiles. The ceiling tiles will be displayed in Mrs. Wisman's room and when the students graduate from high school they are invited to come back to PMMS and claim their tiles for possible display in their dorm rooms at college.
Civics Classes- Seventh grade students are studying the Judicial Branch of our government and in particular civil and criminal law. Mr. Wilson invited the resource officer, Mitch Ferrazza, to our school to illustrate and explain the arrest procedures and search and seizure.
The students listened and asked questions. A student volunteered to help the officer demonstrate the use of handcuffs.
Shentel Recycling Contest - As part of the PMMS Patriot Pride project and our recycling efforts our school collected 1,343 telephone books and 80 cell phones! Our school earned close to $340. Thanks Shentel!!
American Legion Post 199 Essay Contest - Once again this year, the American Legion Post 199 invited Peter Muhlenberg Middle School to participate in the “I Like Living in America Because” essay contest. With close to 100% participation, PMMS students in grades 6th-8th reflected on the opportunity available to them as Americans. In conjunction with the American Legion Post, PMMS proudly recognizes the top essays from each grade level.
8th Grade Competition
1st place—Kali Fravel
2nd place—Michaela Wakeman
3rd place—Kathryn Bennett
4th place—French Price
7th Grade Competition
1st place—Emily Fields
2nd place—Alondra Spinner
3rd place—Natalie Batlle
6th Grade Competition
1st place—Jessica Rodriguez
2nd place—Allyson Borden
3rd place—Sarah Rhodes
Eighth grader Kali Fravel’s essay was chosen as the best overall essay of the total American Legion Post competition. Her essay will now advance to the state level. Last year, Ms. Fravel was also the overall Post 199 winner and she went on to win at the Virginia State Level. This essay contest, coordinated by Ray Powell, the American Legion and Bob Wilson, a PMMS Civics teacher, is an example of community collaboration which extends outstanding opportunity to our local students.
Patriot Pride - At the beginning of this school year, Mr. Bob Wilson, a seventh grade Civics teacher, approached the Town Manager of Woodstock (Mr. Larry Bradford) to ask if seventh grade students could participate in the Adopt a Street (sometimes called the Adopt a Highway) program. We were assigned South Water St. from East Reservoir Rd. to Indian Spring Rd. and East Reservoir Rd from Hilltop to Broadview. Our students volunteer to pick up trash along these streets every other Monday during the school year. This volunteer program counts toward their Patriot Pride project but more importantly our students play an active role in improving our local community.
Moore Grant Recipients: Mrs. Eash-Boyden, Mrs. Parker, and the P.E. Department!
Peter Muhlenberg Honors No Name Calling Week as part of their on-going Bullying Prevention Program - Peter Muhlenberg Middle School honored this week, which took place this year from January 26 – 30, 2009. The school’s student leadership group, the Bullying Prevention Student Task Force, initiated and organized themes for each day throughout the week. For example, Thursday was “Crazy Hair Day” because “We believe that bullying and name-calling is hairy!” There was also a contest organized by the Bullying Prevention Student Task Force that day for the guy and girl in each grade who had the “craziest hair.” The winners of the contest were awarded a prize for supporting the idea that bullying is truly “hairy.” A different theme took place each day of the week.
In addition to the themes each day, all students were invited to participate in the No Name Calling Week Creative Arts contest that is posted on the www.nonamecallingweek.org website. Students who wished to participate could turn in their project to the school counselors by February 10, 2009. Prizes were listed on the organization’s website.
Also, students took a school-wide survey to help determine how PMMS is doing at bullying prevention. The students took the survey very seriously as most agree that they want PMMS to be a safe and bully-free school.
No Name Calling Week was in addition to other bullying prevention activities that take place at Peter Muhlenberg Middle School. During the week of November 17th, the school also recognized the international “Stand Up Against Bullying” week by decorating the school with “Stand Up Against Bullying” letters, and encouraging students to wear pink t-shirts that represent the week. The week was inspired by two young Canadian high school boys that decided to take a stand against bullying. See www.standupday.com. During this week, the students also learned about the www.bullyhelp.org resource that students can use as a safe way to report bullying to the PMMS administration and counselors. Any student that wants to report bullying can go to the website and it explains how to report bullying at PMMS.
PMMS Art - Art work created by PMMS 8th grade students was on display at the county library. This event is sponsored by VECCA.
Multiculturalism Contest - Ms. Fletcher’s 7th grade Multiculturalism Students recently participated in the national No Name Calling Week Creative Expression Contest. They created poems, posters, power points, t-shirts and more. They all put in a great deal of hard work and we wish them luck at the national contest level. PMMS had its contest and is proud to present the winners:
POETRY CATEGORY:
3rd place—Kendra Coffey
2nd place—Jackie Walsh
1st place—Wendy Mejia-Yanes
POSTER CATEGORY:
3rd place—Katelyn Poston
2nd place—Bradley Custer
1st place—Alondra Spinner
OTHER CATEGORY: (including tux paint, power point, t-shirts)
3rd place—Adam Wisman
2nd place—Thomas Peacemaker
1st place—Tyler Ferrero
Solar System - Distances in space are so vast that they are difficult to imagine. This is why our 6th grade science students constructed a scale model of the solar system using a roll of toilet paper. Students marked off distances to each of the planets and wrote the appropriate planet name on the toilet paper. By using this method the students gained an understanding of the distances between the inner and outer planets and the size of our solar system.
Health or Hoops - Heart disease is the #1 killer of men and women in America. This is the first generation born in history that is projected to NOT outlive their parents. On February 11 and 12 the PMMS P.E. department hosted a Hoops for Heart event to educate the students about heart disease, teach them healthy life long skills and give them the opportunity to be a part of a great community service project. During PE time students were given the option to watch or participate in a student vs faculty/parent basketball game. A $3 donation allowed the students to participate in the basketball game or a $1 donation allowed the students to come and watch the basketball game. Parents also played or watched the Hoops for Heart event. All monies collected (around $1600) will go directly to the American Heart Association. Thanks to all those who contributed and participated!
County Spelling Bees - Congratulations to the winners of the Shenandoah County Division Spelling Bee:
1st place: Kinsey W. grade 5, WWR
2nd place: Whitney B. grade 8, NFMS
3rd place: Katie R. grade 8, PMMS
4th place: French P. grade 8, PMMS
A great job done by all spellers.
PMMS Received the 2009 Board of Education Excellence Award - Peter Muhlenberg Middle School and Strasburg High School each received a 2009 Board of Education Excellence Award, which is the second tier honor of the Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) incentive program created in 2007. The schools and divisions receiving this award have met all state and federal accountability benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and have made significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunities set by Governor Kaine and the board. These awards were first rewarded in January, 2008. At that time Shenandoah County did not have any schools receiving the Governor's Award for Educational Excellence (the first tier of honors) or the Board of Education Excellence Award. These two schools are the first in SCPS to earn the Board of Education Excellence Award. Click here for more information
District Band and District Chorus - Peter Muhlenberg Middle School would like to recognize Chelsea Crosser, Emily Taff, Hannah Richman, Zachary Atchison, David Snarr, John Trelawny, John Paul Schechtel, Galen Rohr and Colbey Ryman. These students participated in District Band on February 6th and 7th. Nine of the eleven students chosen for District Band are from PMMS and Galen Rohr is a 6th grade student.
We would also like to recognize the following students that participated in District Chorus on February 13th and 14th: Tori Funkhouser, Michaela Wakeman, Oakli Wright, Kyle Dill, Kate Layton, Kayleigh Rogers, Jeff Hoole, Richard Miller, Jake Shelor, Grant Sheridan and Isaac Silvious.
Monday, February 2, 2009
PMMS Happenings - 3rd Six Weeks
Guitar Recital - On Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00 pm, Peter Muhlenberg Middle School proudly presented a guitar recital. The recital featured 23 8th grade guitar class students. During the recital the students performed in a large ensemble as well as in small groups and as soloists. Congratulations to all those students. You had a wonderful performance.
Gingerbread Houses -The eighth grade geometry students applied their measurement and proportional reasoning skills as they designed and created gingerbread houses. Here's what they had to say about the experience!
I never knew that so much math went into making a gingerbread house.--Victoria
There was a lot of mathematics...including finding the area and volume, finding a scale factor and applying it to a blueprint, and finding shapes that work together so they would support the weight of the others.--Joe
I learned how angles, lines, and point can be used in a plane, which I never really understood before I saw it in 3-D.--Kayla
We had to use our ability to measure angles and sides when measuring out the size of cookies to cut out.--Katie
You have to get all of the angles and measurements equal and exact and it took a lot of hard work, but it was definitely worth it.--Mikayla
I learned that if you measure one of your walls wrong it will mess up the house.--Lukas
After this project I really understand ratios and proportions so much better.--French
We had to downsize our group's prototype a whole lot in order to get enough gingerbread to create our Transylvania Church.--Nathan
One thing I did learn was how to convert inches into centimeters.--Jake
I have learned how to correctly use and calculate surface area and volume.--Lauren
I had to find out what the surface area and volume were for a square pyramid.--Josh
I have experienced applying geometric skills in a simple way that still shows a glimpse of how this math is used in real life. I couldn’t have learned that by doing a worksheet or by reading a textbook.--Michaela
I gained a better understanding of the necessity of math in even basic activities.--Jacob
Skate Park - Students in Ms. Coffman's 8th grade Science class created and designed their own skate parks. Activities focused on kinetic energy, potential energy, friction and Newton's Three Laws. During class students earned "construction cash" for supplies to build their parks through such things as scientific investigation and working well with group members. The parks were judged by members of the school community. The overall winning park was created by Jordan, Caymin, Stephanie, and Kyle.
Multiculturalism Students - Holidays around the world were explored by Mrs. Fletcher's students. To showcase their knowledge students created oversized 2 dimensional poster board stockings with holiday traditions from France, New Zealand, Germany and other countries. Students are using recipes to make food from the countries and sharing in a holiday feast with classmates.
Dancing Raisins - Students in 6th grade science class discovered the relationship between soda and raisins. What in soda makes raisins dance? Click here to view video
Online Posters - Using Glogster, Mrs. Parker's Language Arts students are creating online posters using literary elements utilized in the novel, The Outsiders. Students created voice recordings, videos, graphics, music and other media in the making of their posters. At the same time Mrs. Cross' 6th grade social studies students are making "glogs" on World War I. The students will create posters on the causes of WW I, militarism, weapons, results of the war and other topics.
DNA Everyone - Everyone's DNA is different and it is really different in 7th grade Science classes. After learning about DNA and genetics Mrs. Rhodes and Mrs. Nichols' students created their own DNA strands. The strands decorate the classrooms and are visual reminders of what the students have discovered about DNA.
Art Attack - Indian bead weaving and creating holiday "shrinky dinks" are keeping 6th graders occupied in Art class. Seventh graders are creating enlarged grid drawings of pictures of their choice. Self Portraits are enabling the 8th graders to have a close look at themselves and others.
Balloon Racing - Cars are constructed of "trash" and students must power their cars using only a balloon in Mrs. Yoder's Science classes. After the cars have been created, students compete to see which car travels farther. This experiment demonstrates Newton's Third Law of Motion which is that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Mini-Society - This is an experience-based program developed by Dr. Marilyn Kourilsky, a professor at UCLA and Vice President of the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. The program has also been endorsed by the United States Department of Education. Eighth grade social studies students established their own society, printed their own money, opened their own businesses and created their own government. This experience demonstrates the students' understanding of entrepreneurship, economics, government, law, math and ethics; as well as preparing for the standards of learning test in January.
Assembly Line - During their study of the Industrial Revolution our 6th grade students learned about a new way to manufacture goods - the assembly line. To gain an understanding of the "old" method of production and the "new" method the students participated in "cookie production". Click here to view video
FCS - Family Consumer Science 7th grade students are constructing and sewing drawstring tote bags.
SCA - Our Student Council Association sponsored by Mrs. Rhodes and Mrs. Joerger are very busy this time of year. The officers and homeroom representatives decorated the cafeteria in a winter theme and organized our December school dance. The SCA also put collection boxes in all homerooms. When students brought in donations of canned goods, the food was put in the boxes and then collected by the SCA. The food will be given to the Light House and from their be given to families in our community.
Gingerbread Houses -The eighth grade geometry students applied their measurement and proportional reasoning skills as they designed and created gingerbread houses. Here's what they had to say about the experience!
I never knew that so much math went into making a gingerbread house.--Victoria
There was a lot of mathematics...including finding the area and volume, finding a scale factor and applying it to a blueprint, and finding shapes that work together so they would support the weight of the others.--Joe
I learned how angles, lines, and point can be used in a plane, which I never really understood before I saw it in 3-D.--Kayla
We had to use our ability to measure angles and sides when measuring out the size of cookies to cut out.--Katie
You have to get all of the angles and measurements equal and exact and it took a lot of hard work, but it was definitely worth it.--Mikayla
I learned that if you measure one of your walls wrong it will mess up the house.--Lukas
After this project I really understand ratios and proportions so much better.--French
We had to downsize our group's prototype a whole lot in order to get enough gingerbread to create our Transylvania Church.--Nathan
One thing I did learn was how to convert inches into centimeters.--Jake
I have learned how to correctly use and calculate surface area and volume.--Lauren
I had to find out what the surface area and volume were for a square pyramid.--Josh
I have experienced applying geometric skills in a simple way that still shows a glimpse of how this math is used in real life. I couldn’t have learned that by doing a worksheet or by reading a textbook.--Michaela
I gained a better understanding of the necessity of math in even basic activities.--Jacob
Skate Park - Students in Ms. Coffman's 8th grade Science class created and designed their own skate parks. Activities focused on kinetic energy, potential energy, friction and Newton's Three Laws. During class students earned "construction cash" for supplies to build their parks through such things as scientific investigation and working well with group members. The parks were judged by members of the school community. The overall winning park was created by Jordan, Caymin, Stephanie, and Kyle.
Multiculturalism Students - Holidays around the world were explored by Mrs. Fletcher's students. To showcase their knowledge students created oversized 2 dimensional poster board stockings with holiday traditions from France, New Zealand, Germany and other countries. Students are using recipes to make food from the countries and sharing in a holiday feast with classmates.
Dancing Raisins - Students in 6th grade science class discovered the relationship between soda and raisins. What in soda makes raisins dance? Click here to view video
Online Posters - Using Glogster, Mrs. Parker's Language Arts students are creating online posters using literary elements utilized in the novel, The Outsiders. Students created voice recordings, videos, graphics, music and other media in the making of their posters. At the same time Mrs. Cross' 6th grade social studies students are making "glogs" on World War I. The students will create posters on the causes of WW I, militarism, weapons, results of the war and other topics.
DNA Everyone - Everyone's DNA is different and it is really different in 7th grade Science classes. After learning about DNA and genetics Mrs. Rhodes and Mrs. Nichols' students created their own DNA strands. The strands decorate the classrooms and are visual reminders of what the students have discovered about DNA.
Art Attack - Indian bead weaving and creating holiday "shrinky dinks" are keeping 6th graders occupied in Art class. Seventh graders are creating enlarged grid drawings of pictures of their choice. Self Portraits are enabling the 8th graders to have a close look at themselves and others.
Balloon Racing - Cars are constructed of "trash" and students must power their cars using only a balloon in Mrs. Yoder's Science classes. After the cars have been created, students compete to see which car travels farther. This experiment demonstrates Newton's Third Law of Motion which is that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Mini-Society - This is an experience-based program developed by Dr. Marilyn Kourilsky, a professor at UCLA and Vice President of the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. The program has also been endorsed by the United States Department of Education. Eighth grade social studies students established their own society, printed their own money, opened their own businesses and created their own government. This experience demonstrates the students' understanding of entrepreneurship, economics, government, law, math and ethics; as well as preparing for the standards of learning test in January.
Assembly Line - During their study of the Industrial Revolution our 6th grade students learned about a new way to manufacture goods - the assembly line. To gain an understanding of the "old" method of production and the "new" method the students participated in "cookie production". Click here to view video
FCS - Family Consumer Science 7th grade students are constructing and sewing drawstring tote bags.
SCA - Our Student Council Association sponsored by Mrs. Rhodes and Mrs. Joerger are very busy this time of year. The officers and homeroom representatives decorated the cafeteria in a winter theme and organized our December school dance. The SCA also put collection boxes in all homerooms. When students brought in donations of canned goods, the food was put in the boxes and then collected by the SCA. The food will be given to the Light House and from their be given to families in our community.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
PMMS Happenings - 2nd 6 Weeks
PMMS Happenings
FFA Soils Team - On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, the Peter Muhlenberg Middle School FFA Soils Team competed in a district contest. The team consists of Lizzie, Johnathan, Adam, and Nathan. They were the only middle school team to compete among the many participating high schools. PMMS placed 1st followed by the high school teams.
The PMMS FFA Soils Team competed at the SOILS State Competition in Richmond on Thursday, November 20, 2008. The team of eighth graders, Adam, Johnathan, Lizzie and Nathan, placed second in the junior division, besting 14 high school teams. Within the junior division, Marston placed second highest in the state and will be featured in the National FFA magazine. Barb placed 9th highest in the state and Foltz 10th highest in the junior division.
The team then competed in the senior division against the other top ranking teams, the majority of which were high school teams. In the senior division, Peter Muhlenberg Middle School Soils team placed 6th in the state, the highest ranking middle school team.
Cross Country Championship Race - Amber placed 3rd in the Footlocker South Region Cross Country Championships held in Charlotte, North Carolina this past Saturday. Amber covered the 3K course, finishing with a time of 10:47, which was only three seconds behind the first place finisher. Amber's third place finish gave her All South honors for her age group. Great job, Amber!
Drama Students - Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade drama students took a field trip, November 22 to Front Royal, to attend Totally Red, a comedic take off on the fairy tale, "Little Red Riding Hood".
FFA Soils Team - On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, the Peter Muhlenberg Middle School FFA Soils Team competed in a district contest. The team consists of Lizzie, Johnathan, Adam, and Nathan. They were the only middle school team to compete among the many participating high schools. PMMS placed 1st followed by the high school teams.
The PMMS FFA Soils Team competed at the SOILS State Competition in Richmond on Thursday, November 20, 2008. The team of eighth graders, Adam, Johnathan, Lizzie and Nathan, placed second in the junior division, besting 14 high school teams. Within the junior division, Marston placed second highest in the state and will be featured in the National FFA magazine. Barb placed 9th highest in the state and Foltz 10th highest in the junior division.
The team then competed in the senior division against the other top ranking teams, the majority of which were high school teams. In the senior division, Peter Muhlenberg Middle School Soils team placed 6th in the state, the highest ranking middle school team.
Cross Country Championship Race - Amber placed 3rd in the Footlocker South Region Cross Country Championships held in Charlotte, North Carolina this past Saturday. Amber covered the 3K course, finishing with a time of 10:47, which was only three seconds behind the first place finisher. Amber's third place finish gave her All South honors for her age group. Great job, Amber!
Drama Students - Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade drama students took a field trip, November 22 to Front Royal, to attend Totally Red, a comedic take off on the fairy tale, "Little Red Riding Hood".
Stand Up to Bully Week - Stand up against bullying week involved numerous events the week of November 17-21. The PMMS counseling office and Bullying Prevention task force worked together to make this week a great success and learning opportunity.Monday 17th- Pink Letters were posted on lockers saying "Stand up against bullying" all around the schoolTuesday 18th- Students used pink utensils in the lunch roomWednesday 19th- Students received a "surprise" in core 1 that satisfied their sweet tooth and their curiosity about how to get help or report bullyingThursday 20th- Students attended a "Stand up" assembly put on and designed by bullying task force members, the counselors and Mrs. Fletcher.Friday 21st- Students and teachers who purchased the pink "stood up" t-shirt wore their shirts with their signed pledges to make a difference and others wore pink in support of the week.
Music Concerts - Our county music teachers performed in a recital in October. Then our school's chorus, orchestra and band held concerts for our community. Some of our students participated in the all county band and orchestra concert which was held at Signal Knob Middle School.
Red Ribbon Week - Monday our students were given pretzels and the slogan was "don't let drugs twist your mind". Tuesday students wore camouflage and the slogan was "join the fight against drugs". Wednesday students wore sunglasses and the slogan was "shade out drugs". Thursday students wore team affiliated clothes and the slogan was "team up against drugs". Friday the students wore orange and black and the slogan was "say boo to drugs".
Multiculturism Class - Our 7th grade students in multiculturism class unbranded themselves. Students answered questionnaires, designed their own brand based on their personalities and transferred the design onto T-shirts. On a designated day the entire school was encouraged to wear black and white while the multiculturism class wore their "designed" T-shirts. The objective was to let students know they should be who they are. It doesn't matter what you wear. It is what is on the inside that counts.
Election Assembly - Our students attended an election assembly where the presidential candidates were represented by GATE students. The GATE students gave speeches on the candidates background and platforms in order to inform students in making good choices when they voted in our mock election on November 3.
FCCLA Rally - Our PMMS FCCLA attended a rally at Strasburg High School on November 5. The theme was "Get Carried Away with FCCLA" and students met with other FCCLA members around the county. FCCLA members learned more about the FCCLA, practice leadership skills, and developed project ideas.
American Legion Flag Presentation - On November 11, Veteran's Day, the American Legion Woodstock Post 199 presented PMMS with a United States flag.
Field Trips - Our 6th graders journeyed to Shenandoah Caverns. Our 7th graders visited Triplett Tech and investigated the various classes and opportunities that are offered. Our 8th graders traveled to Harrisonburg to watch the much anticipated movie "Twilight".
Thursday, November 6, 2008
New School Year
PMMS Starts the Year Right
New School Year - We welcomed new teachers and students to our school and are proud to say we are fully accredited by the Commonwealth of VA for the 7th consecutive year. Our students took 1705 SOL test last spirng and 42% of our students scored in the Advanced Proficient range on the tests. We had 156 perfect SOL scores. PMMS was one of only 2 schools in our division which had a 90% or highere pass rate in each subject!
DEAR - Everyone is reading! PMMS is dropping everything and reading. Each morning every student, teacher, and staff member observes DEAR (drop everything and read).
New Computer Labs - Ms. Cross our 6th grade social studies teacher has her own computer lab. The students have access to computers and the internet each and every day. Mrs. Parker had laptops in her room but they were old and s-l-o-w and now she has all new laptops for her students. Check out their blogs
WalMart Teacher of the Year - Jennifer Jones was honored as "Teacher of the Year" in the WalMart Foundation's Teacher of the Year Program. Mrs. Jones teachers 8th grade social studies.
Region IV Educational Technology Award - Ms. Coffman was honored with the notification that she had been selected as the recipient of the Superintendent's Region IV Educational Technology Leadership Award.
Music Concerts - Our county music teachers performed in a recital in October. Then our school's chorus, orchestra and band held concerts for our community. Some of our students will be participating in the all county band and orchestra concert that will be held at Signal Knob Middle School.
Girls' Basketball - Our 7th Grade Girls' team went undefeated all season!
Walk-A-Thon - A Walk-A-Thon was held to benefit the Empty Stocking Fund and our students collected $1,590!
Blogs - Many of our teachers has classroom blogs and our students are contributing and sharinig their thoughts and opinions on many varied topics every day. Check out our teacher websites.
School Pictures - This year when our students had their pictures taken they also received "Child Safe Cards" and library cards.
Red Ribbon Week - Monday our students were given pretzels and the slogan was "don't let drugs twist your mind". Tuesday students wore camouflage and the slogan was "join the fight against drugs". Wednesday students wore sunglasses and the slogan was "shade out drugs". Thursday students wore team affiliated clothes and the slogan was "team up against drugs". Friday the students wore orange and black and the slogan was "say boo to drugs".
Pinwheels for Peace - Mrs. Girouard, our Art teacher, and Mrs. Fletcher, our multi-culturism teachers teamed up to make "Pinwheels for Peace". The pinwheels weredisplayed on the school grounds on September 22nd as part of the International Day of Peace. The spinning of the pinwheels in the wind spread thoughts and feelings about peace throughout the community.
Election Assembly - Our students attended an election assembly where the presidential candidates were represented by GATE students. The GATE students gave speeches on the candidates background and platforms in order to inform students in making good choices when they voted in our mock election on November 3.
Honor Rolls - Frist six weeks all "A" and "A-B" honor rolls contained 53 all "A" students and 141 "A-B" students!
Mega Party - The top sellers in the school fundraiser attened the Mega Party where fun was had by all.
PMMS Press - The first edition of the PMMS Press, our school newspaper was published in October with school and community news. It is all student created and produced.
6th Graders Mine for Gold - During their study of Westward Expansion our 6th graders panned for gold. Only "fools gold" was found but other great finds included some semi-precious stones.
Field Trips - Our 6th graders are journeying to Shenandoah Caverans. Our 7th graders are visiting Triplett Tech and investigating the various classes and opportunities that are offered. Our 8th graders are going to Harrisonburg to watch the much anticipated movie "Twilight".
Election Result
PMMS Election Results
461 of our students voted
48% of the vote with 224 votes - Democratic Party - Barack Obama and Joe Biden
45% of the vote with 210 votes - Republican Party - John McCain and Sarah Palin
.6% of the vote with 3 votes - Independent Green Party - Chuck Baldwin and Darrell Castle
1% of the vote with 6 votes - Libertarian Party - Bob Barr and Wayne Root
3% of the vote with 15 votes - Green Party - Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente
.6% of the vote with 3 votes - Independent - Ralph Nader and Matt Gonzalez
461 of our students voted
48% of the vote with 224 votes - Democratic Party - Barack Obama and Joe Biden
45% of the vote with 210 votes - Republican Party - John McCain and Sarah Palin
.6% of the vote with 3 votes - Independent Green Party - Chuck Baldwin and Darrell Castle
1% of the vote with 6 votes - Libertarian Party - Bob Barr and Wayne Root
3% of the vote with 15 votes - Green Party - Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente
.6% of the vote with 3 votes - Independent - Ralph Nader and Matt Gonzalez
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Elections
Students are using technology to gather information for the 2008 Presidential elections in a variety of ways. An election assembly in which the candidates will be represented by GATE students will be attended by the student body. Students are finding out about the candidates and issues by visiting various sites. Some great sites are:
30 Second Candidate
CNN Politics
Barack Obama Official Site
John McCain Official Site
Scholastic News Eleciton 08
Time for Kids Election Info
Weekly Reader Election
Interactive Map
Nick News - Pick the President
PMMS will hold a mock election Novermber 3. Precincts will be established throughout the school and students will be voting on computers. Students are also participating in Kids Voting USA and will be going to the polls with their parents on election day.
30 Second Candidate
CNN Politics
Barack Obama Official Site
John McCain Official Site
Scholastic News Eleciton 08
Time for Kids Election Info
Weekly Reader Election
Interactive Map
Nick News - Pick the President
PMMS will hold a mock election Novermber 3. Precincts will be established throughout the school and students will be voting on computers. Students are also participating in Kids Voting USA and will be going to the polls with their parents on election day.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Technology Enhances Learning
Here at PMMS we use technology in a variety of ways. Just today students in Drama class are recording their voice into microphones, saving the recording on the computer and then listening to the recordings for tone, inflection and more. The 8th grade science students are studying the scientific method and are video taping the process for analyzing the steps. A sixth grade math teacher used the scanner to copy a typed sheet of numbers and then he is using his school pad and passing it around the room for students to circle certain prime numbers that are referenced during the class. A 7th grade teacher is using the personal response system with her students today to review and test for understanding.
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