BEANS, BEANS, AND MORE BEANS!!!

"What a mess!!" was my first thought when walking into Mrs. Buckley's Science class.  Students had thrown beans all over the classroom.  They were everywhere!  On top of that students were laying on the ground without any shoes on!

Once I took a closer look and started talking to some of the students, I realized the valuable learning that was occurring and the deep understanding that was a result of it.  Students were doing a population study, where each type of bean represented a species.  Interestingly, the class's floor is made of square linoleum tiles, making for a perfect grid.

Students count the number of different types of beans in fifty randomly selected grids on the floor of the classroom. Students compile their results on a Google spreadsheet and calculate the average number of each type of bean per grid. Next, they devise their own methods to determine the total number of grids in the classroom and use this number to estimate the total populations of each type of bean in the classroom. Lastly, students graph the total populations on a bar graph.

When pressed by me for greater understanding, students were able to relate how greater densities of beans in some tiles may correlate to a high density of organisms in an area with a high number of natural resources for survival.  Students were also able to draw conclusions why cities may have large populations versus more rural areas.

Daffodil Day at Adams

When the call went out for volunteers to help plant daffodil bulbs at Adams for the next school day, many grade 8 students answered.  Students offered to help plant daffodil bulbs on the school grounds as part of Bobby Blair’s “Daffodil Project” to beautify high-visibility areas around Holliston.  Students and teachers planted around the Adams Middle School sign and in the front of the 7^th grade wing.

Many thanks to the students who generously volunteered their time to stay after school yesterday to help beautify the grounds of the Adams Middle School!  A special shout out goes to the following grade 8 students:  Sabrina Cunha, Gabby Ramirez-Brodeur, Henry Dolan,  Grace Kocur,  Rebecca Hurley,  Alex Panaggio and Brooke Geoffroy. 

Together with Mr. Zakrzeswki, Mrs. Rice, and Mrs. Multer they helped to plant over 300 daffodil bulbs.  Look for all our beautiful blooms in the earlier spring and be sure to say THANKS to these terrific gardeners when you see them!

Genetic Disorder Awareness in 8th Grade Science

8th grade students have been researching genetic disorders as part of the Genetics Unit in Mrs. Simpson’s, Mrs. Cutone’s and Mr. Zakrzewski’s science classes.  This project encourages students to become compassionate toward those affected by genetic disorders and to play an advocate role for those affected with the disorder through their final project. Students used Google Presentation, Google Classroom and iMovie to create their final product. MK Eagle, our shared librarian from HHS, has taught 8th graders foundational research techniques that will be expanded on in high school as part of our 8-12 curricular continuum.  

The classroom project was so impactful that it inspired one 8th grader, Julia Dansereau, to propose a school-wide Breast Cancer Awareness Day.  Julia created an iMovie that will be viewed by the whole school and students will be wearing pink on Thursday, October 30 in support of breast cancer research and awareness.  Julia will be collecting donations for Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute during lunch on Thursday, October 30 and she is asking students to “give their change” when purchasing snacks at the snack bar.  In addition, Coffee Haven has generously donated gift certificates to be awarded to the selected students who are the most creatively dressed in pink on October 30 during lunch.  Mr. Botelho, Mr. Jordan, Linda and Gloria will be voting on the most creative display of pink and one boy and one girl from each grade will receive a Coffee Haven gift certificate.  

Link to Julia’s PSA

Harnett Invitational Meet- Cross Country

Hartnett Invitational Meet

The RAMS Cross Country team competed in the Hartnett Invitational Meet in Blackstone against some of the state’s toughest competition in October.  

The defending Girls Team champions took home the first place trophy making it 4 championship titles in 4 consecutive years.  Lauren Salley led the team with rookie, Sophie Ryan right behind earning 2nd and 3rd place medals, respectively.  Kathleen Mahoney, another rookie runner, had a stellar race earning 5th place overall.

The Boy’s team took home their first ever championship title led by Carter Mikkelson.  Liam Engel and Sam St. George had amazing races and rookie, Jon Pessin rounded out the Boys team with a solid race.  A big high five goes out to Henry Dolan and Liam O'Leary for their teamwork. Rookie, Owen Radcliffe had a great race to earn a solid 2nd place in the JV race.

A big high five goes out to Anna Hein, Holly Foster, Mary Devoe, Sophia Penchansky, Brooke Kokar, Patrick Mejia and Josh Cohen!

RAMS Cross Country Team Has Another Successful Season!

RAMS Cross Country Team Has Another Successful Season!

The RAMS Cross Country Team has had a successful and fun season once again!  The 7th and 8th grade boys and girls practice together and compete as two separate teams under Coach Jaime Cutone and Coach Peter Vigue.  Athletes learn basics of running competition as well as healthy life habits, perseverance, determination and teamwork!  This year’s team is small but powerful!  The teams have competed against schools such as Natick Kennedy, Medfield, Medway, Hopkinton, Ashland and  Miscoe Middle School in Mendon.  The team raced in the Ocean State Invitational Meet in Rhode Island against nearly 1000 runners and several of our runners medaled including Lauren Salley and Carter Mikkelson who broke the course record.  The Massachusetts State Middle School Cross Country Meet is at Ft. Devens on November 8!  Good luck, runners!

Thank you, Cross Country Parent Volunteers!

A huge thank you goes out to the many Cross Country parent volunteers!  You all made our home meets go smoothly and we very much appreciate your time, effort and support!  Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Engel, Mrs. Mahoney, Mrs. Devoe, Mrs. Comollo, Mrs. Salley, Mr. and Mrs. Mikkelson, Mrs. Gagnon, Mr. and Mrs. Cohen and Mrs. Raymer!

Mrs. Doire's Class: Integrating technology to transform instruction

Last week, I had the opportunity to see Mrs. Doire's class integrate technology in a meaningful way to assist in the observation process.  Students worked on an "Ice Balloon Lab", observing the impact of several variables on a ball of ice.  As students followed the lab procedures, they posted questions to Google Classroom through the use of the Chromebooks and a Smartboard.  Other students would then help to answer the questions based on some of the observations that they were making.  All of this work was saved for students to refer back to at a later point.  This fluid process allowed Mrs. Doire and Mrs. Kelly to work with individual groups while addressing some of the recurring questions as a whole group.  I was very impressed with the sophisticated technology literacy skills of the 6th grade students and how those skills were used to drive scientific inquiry.  Great job Mrs. Doire's class!!

David Jordan
Assistant Principal

MS-PTSA September Newsletter

MS-PTSA Happenings

New this year!  MS PTSA meetings will be every other month on the second Wednesday at 9am.  Meetings are casual and open to all Adams School parents and guardians.  Our next meeting will be Wednesday, November 5th at 9am in the teacher cafeteria.  Meetings are casual and open to all Adams School parents and guardians. Please sign-in with the office and you will be directed to our meeting room.  Mark your calendar for future meetings on 11/5, 1/14, 3/11 and 5/13.

The Magazine Drive is coming sooner than later this fall, but in a much more simplified way.  The new dates are October 20 - November 10.  We will have an online order process only with a simplified prize structure.  We will also continue with “Postcard Day” on October 21st since 40% of our revenue comes from that portion of the fundraiser.  Stay tuned for more information from the MS PTSA by email. 

You can renew any existing magazine subscription regardless of when the renewal date is and place new orders. New this year are photo books, holiday cards and invitations.  Visit www.gafundraising.com to view available magazines for new orders and renewals as well as the complete line of products.  Visit the website to set-up your child’s account so you will be ready to place orders in October easily and send out emails to friends and family in advance to let them know how they can support you child and the Adams Middle School PTSA (School code #2590990).  Student will receive full credit towards prizes for orders placed on-line by the end of day on 11/10.

Committee Positions MS PTSA 2014-2015:

President - Jill Sykes   jillsykes22@gmail.com

VP - Donald Gray  

Treasurer - Lisa DiLuzio    lisa.diluzio@verizon.net

Volunteer Coordinator - Mary Killelea   emkayassociates@comcast.net

Secretary - Amy Berg   Amy_v_Berg@yahoo.com

6th Grade Dance Lessons - Beth Croke beth.croke@verizon.net & Laura Lockwood

6th Grade Carnival - Joan Sousa      joansousa@yahoo.com

7th Grade Middle of the Middle - Gerri Randlett   GRandlett@babson.edu

8th Grade Dance - Annalisa Michielli  ampali@juno.com

8th Grade Community Service Day - Mary Ellen Frawley (chair) melfrawley11@gmail.com, Christine Smith  christinemsmith55@gmail.com, Liz Greendale  greendalee@holliston.k12.ma.us

Nature’s Classroom - Maura Marczewski  mjaym@verizon.net

Teacher Appreciation Week - Bonnie Zapolin zapolins@verizon.net & Leslie Gerber benjaminsmommy@hotmail.com

Book Fair - Layni Ratcliffe laynirat@verizon.net & Olga Newkirk o_dnewkirk@comcast.net

Magazine Drive - Jill Sykes jillsykes22@gmail.com & Laura Lockwood  locklaura@gmail.com  

MS-PTSA Calendar of events:

10/20 - Magazine Drive Kick-Off

10/21 - Post-Card Address Book Day

11/10 - Magazine Drive Ends

11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 - 6th Grade Dance Lessons

1/23 - 7th Grade Middle of the Middle Day

1/30 - 6th Grade Carnival

March TBD - All School Dance

4/27-5/1 - Nature’s Classroom Trip

5/4-5/8 - Teacher Appreciation Week

Early May - Book Fair

6/2 - 8th Grade Community Service Day

Open Building Presentations

• Grade 7 & 8 Open Building Presentation

• Grade 6 Open Building Presentation

Taiko Drumming at RAMS

On May 30, 2014, RAMS welcome a Taiko drumming duo. Here is a video with a few snip-its of their performance.

MS PTSA April News

MS PTSA April News

1. The Adams Book Fair is just around the corner!  We are scheduled for April 2nd & 3rd and are still looking for volunteers to help in the media room of the library.  Contact Olga Newkirk  o_dnewkirk@Comcast.net

Wed 3/2

8:15 - 10:00  2 volunteers needed

9:45 - 12:00  1 volunteer needed

11:45 - 2:00  1 volunteer needed

1:45 - 3:00    1 volunteer needed

Thurs 3/3

8:15 - 10:00  2 volunteers needed

9:45 - 12:00  1 volunteer needed

11:45 - 2:00  1 volunteer needed

1:45 - 3:00 1 volunteer needed

2. MS-PTSA is looking for 2 parents to "learn the ropes" for 8th Grade Community Service Day during the first week of June.  The ideal person would have their oldest child in 6th or 7th grade with others coming through the middle school not far behind.  The responsibilities are to work with the 8th grade teachers and Lena Arena-DeRosa from the Senior Center to organize a day of community service for all 8th graders and a BBQ lunch for the 8th grade and 50-100 senior citizens.  There are 2-3 meetings with teachers, a few phone calls/emails to coordinate service locations and lunch set-up and overseeing the day of the event.  This tradition is established and much of it runs itself.  Contact Kathy Cheever for more information kcheever3@verizon.net.

3.  At our February meeting the following teacher and staff grants were approved:

EPSON document camera - grade 6, team 2

MimioView document camera - grade 7, team 2

Projector, iPad & Apple TV - Tech Ed

Chromebook - Technology Specialist

Waterproof iPad cases - grade 6, science

Interactive whiteboard - SpEd

4.  ATTENTION 7th & 8th GRADE PARENTS!!!

You are needed for Nature’s Classroom departure and return days. This is a “pay-it-back” situation.  When your child was in 6th grade other parents volunteered so you could be with your child as they experience this rite of passage.  Contact Maura Marczewski mjaym@verizon.net to offer your help.

        Monday, April 28th - 2 morning departures

        Friday, May 2nd - 2 midday returns

Upcoming MS PTSA meetings are open to all middle school parents/guardians at 9AM in the teacher cafeteria on April 11 & May 16.

Coderdojo Fridays

CODERDOJO FRIDAYS!

WHAT: A PLACE TO COME AND CODE

WHERE: CAD LAB

WHEN: FRIDAY MARCH 28 FROM 5:30 TO 7:30 PM

HOW: FIRST 22 STUDENTS WHO RETURN A PERMISSION SLIP CAN COME TO THE DOJO NIGHT.  

Questions parents may have:

Does my child need to already know code?

There is no requirements for attending a Coderdojo other than bringing yourself. Every Dojo teaches a basic introduction as a starting point to learning how to code. From there children of all ages can begin to learn how to code in more advanced languages by learning from each other and from the mentors.  

What is your goal in having a dojo?

The aim is to just get kids into a room where they can develop alongside other like minded children.  Kids at Dojos should not be forced into standardised courses where everyone has to conform to the same standards at the same point in time. We can instead produce online content which can be accessed and assimilated by children at home which gives them an increase in their knowledge which they can then bring to the group and interact in a spontaneous manner except this time with a lot more knowledge already under their belt.

8th Grade Writers Enter New York Times Contest

8th Grade Writers Enter

New York Times Contest

The entire 8th grade submitted editorials to The New York Times as part of our persuasive writing unit and their editorial / persuasive writing contest. Scroll to the comments section and you will see kids with names like "John D. RAMS229A".  That's us!  

  

Click this link: http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/06/student-contest-write-an-editorial-on-an-issue-that-matters-to-you/?module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=U.S.&action=Click&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body

Parent Education Series

Congratulations and thank you to Lynne Rahim and the PTSA for putting on two of the most enriching and well attended parent education nights that I have ever been a part of.   The last of the 3 part series will be on May 5th, where interpretation of neuropsychological testing will be discussed.

The first parent presentation was called “Creating a Calm Home” by speaker Kirk Martin.  There were over 200 Holliston parents in attendance for this event.  Topics ranged from defiance and disrespect to power struggles and sibling fights in the household.   There was an overwhelmingly positive response from those who attended, so much so that the PTSA purchased the speaker’s CD set, which can now be found in the Holliston Public Library.

The second evening was put on by Dan levine and Laura Moy from Engaging Minds, an after school learning center in Newton.  Their presentation, titled “Creating Successful Students: Understanding Executive Function and How to Strengthen these Vital Skills at Home”, received a very positive response.  Parents voiced that they had received practical at-home tips/strategies for supporting and strengthening student organization and time management.  There were over 60 Holliston parents in attendance for this event.

On May 5th at 7 PM, HPAC and the PTSA will be hosting Dr. Reva Tankle, Pediatric Neuropsychologist.  Her presentation on understanding test results and how to use them to understand your child’s learning promises to be very enlightening.  

Parents, as we conclude the 2013-2014 school year and move into next year, I highly encourage you to take part in the opportunities that all of our parent organizations provide.  All of our parent organizations are to be commended for their efforts and commitment to Holliston Public Schools.  We would not be where we are if it weren’t for their help.

David Jordan

Assistant Principal

Robert Adams Middle School

HHS Shadowing Program

Dear Eighth Grade Parents,

I would like to present to the parents of eighth grade students a program that has been added to the middle school to help the transition of select eighth grade students to the high school. The Holliston High School Shadowing Program is intended for students who either have transition anxiety or are considering attending a private or vocational high school. We would like to invite eighth grade students to spend a morning and shadow a high school through his/her classes during the morning of February 11.

Adams eighth grade students would arrive directly to the high school main lobby at 7:25am. They would be paired with a high school student and sit with him/her through two of their classes and the Directed Study Block (DSB). We will match each eighth grade student with a high school student who is in similar classes to what they might take next year. For example, if the student is planning on being in band or chorus, we would try to pair them up with a student who is also in band or chorus so that during the day they could get a taste of what band or chorus is like at the high school. The purpose of this option is to give students a feel of what a day at the high school might be like and to hopefully help lessen their anxiety or help them make a more informed decision between choosing schools.

Transportation to the high school will not be provided for those students participating in the program. Each Adams student would have to have transportation to arrive to the high school at 7:25am and then to be picked up and transported to Adams at about 10:55am.

If your student is interested or you have questions about the program, please contact Mrs. Beattie, Adams’ Eighth Grade Guidance Counselor at beattiej@holliston.k12.ma.us.

Virginia Hanstad
Holliston High School Senior, NHS Member

ReAct Players

Fiddler on the Roof rehearsals are in full swing now! The cast of 61 students has been working hard and all the aspects of the show are coming together nicely. Outside of school, a few very supportive parents have been helping build our sets for the little town of Anatevka. Brian Hickey of the High School Drama department has been helpful in lending us some props and Miss Wallick of 6th grade has volunteered to help us organize our prop room! For the month of January we named Maggie Young our Terrific Techie for all her hard work on past shows and her current enthusiasm on this one. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the performances – you might even get to see some of our staff members in the show!

Fiddler on the Roof:

Friday April 4th at 7 pm (Ensemble A)

Saturday April 5th at 1 pm (Ensemble A)

Saturday April 5th at 7 pm (Ensemble B)

Sunday April 6th at 1pm (Ensemble B)

*see ReAct website/Winter Musical page for cast list

Ticket Design Contest

Ticket Design Contest

Relay for Life Middle School Dance, March 7 

Adams Middle School is teaming up with: Relay For Life of Ashland/Holliston to raise awareness for the fight against cancer and to honor cancer survivors and loved ones lost. Adams will be hosting a once-a-year school-wide dance for all middle school students. High school students and Adams students are teaming up to organize this special dance. We’d like to encourage YOU to participate in a ticket design contest for our annual school-wide Relay for Life dance. All entries are due into the main office by Friday, February 7th! Good Luck!

Ticket design guidelines: (Please see Mr. Jordan for more details!)

1) The ticket should include the following information:

When: 7 to 9pm, Friday, March 7, 2013

Where: RAMS Gym

How Much: $10/ticket (Proceeds to benefit American Cancer Society!)

What: School-wide dance - this year’s theme is “Black, White, Silver and Gold!” with pizza from Pepperoncini’s & Raffle prizes

2) The design should have some type of logo, image(s) or illustration that represents one or more of the keys for the dance like “Black, White, Silver, and Gold”, Relay for Life/American Cancer Society, School-wide dance for all Adams middle school students etc.

3) The design must fit into a 5 inch x 8 inch space

Art Room News

We have made it to the half way point in the year, and Tech Ed and Art students have switched. Be on the lookout for your children’s art portfolios which have been sent home. This semester’s 8th graders don’t have much in their portfolios because their Louise Nevelson Style Sculptures looked so fabulous we decided to keep them in the hall between the cafeteria and the lunchroom until the spring. Also, the 8th graders Mixed Media Leaf Tapestry project is enlivening the library Smart room space. The 8th grade self portrait drawing should be making their way home. 7th grade recycled animal sculptures are also on display in the library until spring, while several challenging drawing assignments are coming home: 1-point perspective room drawing, a realistic animal drawing, and a Zentangle design.

This year’s 6th graders are the first ones to create online digital portfolios which showcase beautifully their core assignments from this semester. Parents of 6th grade spring semester artists: be on the lookout for information about registering your child for their digital portfolio account with artsonia.com. Artsonia will email you whenever your child published work to their digital portfolio, and your child’s achievements can be easily shared with friends and family- ask them to sign up for your child’s “fan club”. This digital portfolio will grow with your child throughout their middle school years, encouraging reflective thinking about the art making process. Finally, Artsonia is an ongoing fundraiser. Purchases of custom keepsakes with your child’s artwork on them make your child feel proud, but also support the RAMS Art department- 20% of purchases comes directly back into our art supply budget.

MS-PTSA News

The second Nature’s Classroom packet will go home to families of 6th graders on February 3rd. Please check you child’s backpack for this important information.

Save the date! March 7th - All School Dance

Upcoming MS PTSA meetings are open to all middle school parents/guardians at 9AM in the teacher cafeteria: February 28 (grant vote), March 21, April 11, May 16.

The 6th Grade Carnival will be on Friday, January 31st from 6:30-8:30pm. This annual event is always a hit. Carnival-like games with prize tickets, carnival food and lots of laughs and fun hanging around with your classmates. Thus event is sponsored by the MS PTSA and is for 6th graders only. Tickets will be sold during lunch the week of the event for $7 - cash or check made out to Holliston PTSA. Refreshments will be available at the event for $1 each.

Over 30 parent volunteers are needed to make the carnival a success. Moms and dads are needed and it is so rewarding to see all the 6th graders have a fun night of old fashioned fun! Contact Mary Killelea at emkayassociates@comcast.net or Hillary Freeley at freeley@verizon.net to help

RAMS Technology Update

Adams Middle School has begun to use its new carts of chromebooks to help students and teachers in the classroom. Some of the activities being done include Internet research, creating podcasts, collaborating on documents, and recording science lab data.

Jr. Central District Auditions

Best of luck to the following students who auditioned for the Junior Central District Chorus, Concert Band, and Jazz Band in Townsend, MA on February 1. They auditioned with over three hundred students from around the state to participate in the Central District Festival. Thank you for representing Holliston and our music department!


Maddie Cerulli (soprano), Anna Damigella (trumpet), Will Flanagan (trumpet, Jared Grant (jazz trombone), Sage Grant (flute), Olivia Hastie (soprano), Maggie Martin (alto), and William McGovern (alto).

High School Transition

8th Grade Parents:

I cannot believe it is that time of year to begin thinking about the transition to High School!

The Holliston High School is continuing its annual Shadowing Programming, which will be held on February 11, 2014. Please be sure to have your child bring in a completed form to Mrs. Beattie by February 6. In addition, the High School Guidance Department will be coming to visit with our 8th grade students on February 27. During this time they will review the High School course selection process and requirements for 9th grade.

Finally, for those 8th grade students considering Keefe Technical High School, the application process is still open. Please see Mrs. Beattie for an application, and all interviews will take place in the Adams Middle School Guidance Office.

Professional Day January 17

The teachers and administrators of Adams Middle School participated in an exciting and educational professional development day on January 17. Some of the topics explore on the day included Google Sites, digital portfolios, and using social media as an educator. This was a great opportunity for teachers and administrators to connect around technology and to begin to develop a shared vision for the future of technology in our district.

Two Ways to Support HMAPA

Students throughout our schools brought home Joe Corbi fundraising catalogs last week. This the spring fundraiser through which Holliston Music and Arts Parents Association raises funds for teacher grants, senior scholarships and more. Try some delicious and convenient cookie dough, or enjoy a no-fuss dinner of pizza and pie. Even Fido can have a treat with his own doggie cookies!

Ask your friendly neighborhood art, band, chorus or drama student about the tasty treats today. All students who turn in a form with one or more items sold will be eligible for a $25 cash prize with the top seller in town receiving a $50 cash prize. 

We are also excited to announce that Fiske's General Store has partnered with HMAPA for the month of February!

For every new or renewed Friend of Fiske's membership during the month of February, Fiske's will donate $5 to HMAPA.

Not sure if it's time to renew? Ask one of the very friendly and helpful staffers at Fiske's to look it up.(There is no penalty for early renewal.)

Be sure to check out their fine selection of Valentine's goodies and support the creative arts in our schools!

HHS Benefit Concert for the Music Technology Lab:

Congratulations to Renee Torio and Maggie Martin who performed at the HHS Fundraiser Concert on Friday, January 10 to benefit the music technology lab. Renee sang two songs accompanied by her father on acoustic guitar, and Maggie sang and played piano on two songs. One of the songs she performed, Maggie was accompanied by her father on bass and brother, Bobby on the drums. 

 
If you or your business would like to donate to the HHS music technology lab contact HHS Chorus Director, Stu Britton atbrittons@holliston.k12.ma.us. Thank you for your support!