Principal’s Message
With the coming of November, we are anticipating a smooth end to the first quarter, a productive and well attended American Education Week celebration, and the awesome Straight A’s Breakfast. To keep abreast of pcoming events.
First quarter will end on November 1, 2007. While the report cards will be distributed on November 15,
2007, students will know their grades for the first quarter before then! During the week of November 19, 2007,
students will complete the “Goal-Setting Checklist” located in their Student Agenda. Teachers will review habits that
lead to success and students will evaluate themselves in each subject area for 30 different work habits. Students will
then analyze their checklists and set a personal academic goal for second quarter. Together, we can help your child
develop habits that will lead to academic success this year and in the future.
November 12-16 is nationally designated as American Education Week. The theme for this year is “Great
Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility.” While we have designated visitation days for each grade-
Tuesday, 11/13 for grade 6, Wednesday, 11/14, grade 7, and Thursday, 11/15 for grade 8 – parents/legal guardians
are welcomed and encouraged to attend any day that week! We are very proud of our students and we look forward
to your visit, even if it’s only for one or two class periods.
We will have our “Straight A's Breakfast” on November 20, 2007 from 7:30am-8:00am in our school’s library.
If your child qualifies, he/she will receive an invitation. Also, we will be distributing AMS Honor Roll bumper
stickers for all students who meet the criteria to be named on our first quarter honor roll list. Please show off your
Eagle P.R.I.D.E.!
We are continuing our celebration of possibilities in the 2007-2008 school year. Again,
I am here to serve your child. Please note that I have an open door policy as the Arbutus Middle
School faculty/staff embraces the rewards and challenges of ensuring success for all.
Respectfully,
Ms. Kendra Johnson, Principal
Home of
Eagle
P.R.I.D.E.
LATENESS TO SCHOOL
♦ Students are late to school if they are not in homeroom with
their books by 8:15am. Students who are late will receive lunch
detention. After several latenesses, the student will be referred to
the administrator pursuant to the BCPS Student Handbook.
Students must be on time and ready to learn. If a student is late to
school, his parent/legal guardian must accompany the student into
school. It is imperative that this occurs as we want parents to
know when students are late to school.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
The Student Council is off and running!!
The sixth graders voted on their new sixth grade vice president – Daniel Rodey.
There are many events that the SCA is sponsoring:
Spirit Week: October 22-26
Monday, October 22: Purple and White – wear your Arbutus colors!
Tuesday, October 23: Clash Day – Mix and match your clothing!
Wednesday, October 24: Little Kid Day – Dress like you are back in Kindergarten!
Thursday, October 25: Multiplicity Day – Each homeroom will vote on what color their class will wear.
Friday, October 26: Costume Day – Arrive to school in your Halloween costume! No weapons, masks,
or inappropriate clothing.
*The homeroom with the most Spirit Week participation wins a donut breakfast!
Boo Bash Halloween Dance: October 26 from 3-5 PM
Kids Helping Kids Canned Food Drive: October 22 – November 9
The homeroom with the most items wins a pizza party!
Middle School Leadership Conference for SCA members – November 17 at
Community College of Baltimore County – Essex
SAFETY FIRST!
Please note that the following safety procedures are in effect at Arbutus Middle School:
♦ All exterior doors are locked. All visitors must identify themselves prior to being buzzed into the building.
Upon entry to the building, all visitors must sign in at the front office and secure a visitors’ badge, which
must be worn at all times.
♦ All substitute teachers and/or interns must wear identification badges while in the building.
♦ While students are in physical education classes, all exterior doors will remain locked. If physical
education classes are outside, all physical education teachers have walkie-talkies to ensure prompt
communication from the front office.
♦ We have reviewed fire drills and lock down drills as required by BCPS and the Maryland State Department
of Education.
♦ Please drop off and pick up students on the same side of the street as Arbutus Middle School. We do not
have crossing guards; therefore, we want to promote safety for our students.
♦ There have been several concerns regarding illegal u-turns in the front bus loop. For safety reasons, please
refrain from such behavior.
♦ Please do not drive thru the front or back bus loop during the following timeframes: 7:45am-8:15am and
2:30pm-3:00pm
♦ Be prepared to show identification when picking your child up early from school. If you are having a family
member pick up your child, please write a note authorizing the release, naming the person who will pick
your child up. Also, the family member will need to show identification.
Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Ms. K. Johnson, Principal!
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Eagle Cards: What are they anyway….?
Eagle Cards are given to deserving students
who show academic achievement, good attendance, and
citizenship. In order to be eligible for an Eagle Card,
students must maintain a C+ average or better, be
absent two days or less during a quarter, and
demonstrate citizenship skills. Students should
consistently show that they are responsible,
cooperative, and positive role models within the school.
Recipients of Eagle Cards receive special privileges
such as the ability to carry a backpack throughout the
school day, special treats from the cafeteria, and other
recognitions.
Please encourage your child to strive
to meet the criteria for this special award by
earning an Eagle Card each quarter this year.
Go Green Team!
Ms. McIntyree’s Language! C Book students
are progressing through Unit 14. We will be
learning more about the prefixes inter- and under- in
order to define the meanings of new words.
Language Arts students are completing their
very own personal narratives based on life lessons
they have learned.
Ms. Muth’s Algebra I class will continue to
analyze and graph linear equations. Ms. Muth’s and
Ms. Dougherty’s Algebraic Thinking classes will
explore the exciting world of graphing.
Mr. McClure’s World Cultures will continue
through the African Independence Movement. GT
students will “cruise” through the ancient
civilizations of ancient Rome and Greece.
Arbutus Middle School Check & Cash
Acceptance Policies
Checks will be accepted for payment from
Maryland banks only. Checks must have the
account holder’s name, address and phone number
pre-printed on them. When making payment for a
student, the student’s name and purpose of the
payment must be written on the memo line.
Checks should always be made out to Arbutus
Middle School unless indicated otherwise (such as
purchasing student portraits, purchasing from a PTA
fundraiser). Checks should never be made out to a
teacher.
If a check is returned for non-payment,
Arbutus Middle School reserves the right to refuse to
accept any future checks from that person. The initial
fee for returned checks is $15. If payment is not made
within 10 days of notification, the fee increases to $35.
When making payment with cash, please send
exact change with your child. We cannot make
change and we ask that you do not expect teachers to
return change to your child.
AMS Music Department News
The Music department is proud to say we are
very enthusiastic about our groups this year and look
forward to the Winter concerts on December 13th,
14th and 15th. Our Winter concerts will benefit a
school in Costa Rico where Ms. Little’s (AMS Spanish
teacher) sister is teaching as a missionary. They need
money for school supplies. Anyone attending the
concerts is asked to donate at least $1. Thank you for
your generosity in advance.
Congratulations to the following students who
will be auditioning for the All State Jr. Honors Band on
November 10th: Brad S and Young Y.
Also AMS has 9 nominees to the All County
Honors Band And Orchestra auditions on November
3rd: Brad S, Young Y, Lucas G, Matthew A, Gerry C,
Kiersten M, Nicole P, Peter B and Adam A. Thank you
to Mr. Nyugen (UMBC student intern) for coaching
students after school.
The 7th grade Band, 8th grade Band and 8th
grade Orchestra will be attending the US Navy Band
concert on November 7th. Permission slips are due to
music teachers by October 31st. We would like some
parents to attend as well.
All of the after school groups are working
hard: Beginner Guitar and AWE on Tuesday, Honors
Orchestra and Pop/Rock Band on Wednesdays and
Jazz Band and Festival choir on Thursdays. Thank you
again to the AMS PTA for providing activity buses.
Because students only meet in these groups once a
week, they must attend all rehearsals or have a note
from parents.
Students are expected to come to classes
prepared with all of their materials every day.” A” days
are always Mondays and Wednesdays and “B” days are
always Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays are
announced all week and many students have the
designated A/B day written in their agenda books.
Please help your child to be organized for class, and
make sure they PRACTICE at home and bring the
practice charts to school for a grade every two weeks.
We need every voice and every note from every
instrument to be in beautiful harmony for us to have
successful and enjoyable Winter Concerts. We know
that our students can be the BEST!!
Music Department:
Mrs. Boyle
Mr. Hynson - Team Leader
Mr. Miskimon
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Order Your 2007-2008 Memory Books
It’s not too soon to start thinking about preordering
your 2008 Memory Book!
��Memory Books will be on sale during the week of
November 12 -16 (American Education Week).
♦ Parents may purchase Memory Books each
day that week during homeroom from 8:05 –
8:20a.m. in the front lobby.
♦ Students may purchase Memory Books at
their lunch shifts every day that week.
The price is $20.00, cash or check.
Please make checks payable to Arbutus
Middle School, and make sure your
child’s name is written on the check.
Keep the dates in mind so you won’t be
left out!
Internet Safety Online Resources
In this technological age, we all need to be
concerned about safety when our students and children
use the Internet. Here are some excellent online
resources about Internet safety:
http://www.netsmartz.org/netteens.htm
http://www.wiredkids.org/tweens/index.html
http://www.wiredsafety.org/
http://www.fbi.gov/becrimesmart.htm
http://www.teenangels.org/
From Mrs. Rohde, School Librarian
From the Physical Education Department
Wow! What a great start to the 2007-2008 school year. Most of our students are dressing for
class and actively participating in all activities. We are still rotating around the different units of flag football,
track and field, soccer, and tennis. This will continue for another several weeks.
We are well into our tennis and flag football after school intramural program. The students have been
staying after school from 3-4 PM to participate in these active programs.
If your kids are interested in morning intramurals, these started on Tuesday October 23rd. Students
can be dropped off every Tuesday through Thursday on the side entrance of the gym any time
between 7:15 and 7:45 AM. No students are allowed in the gym if they are dropped off past 7:45.
Make sure you keep you eyes and ears open for Turkey Trot announcements and
permission slips. Our annual Turkey Trot is scheduled to take place on November 15 from
3 - 4:30 PM. The Turkey Trot is open to every student and we will have prizes and
refreshments available after the run.
As we all know the seasons are changing. The PE Team would like to take this time to remind
everyone that all students should have a cold weather uniform in their lockers. All classes are hoping to
participate outside until Thanksgiving, so please remind your child to have the appropriate clothing for these
days. Any warm clothes are acceptable as long as they follow the guidelines stated in the student handbook
and are separate from the clothes they worn to school for the day. Students should also have an extra pair of
shorts and an extra t-shirt in their locker so they can dress for class if they forget their uniform.
Please share with your child that the PE Team has had a wonderful start to the school year, and it is
because the most of the students have been demonstrating their Eagle PRIDE daily. As always, please call or
email us with any concerns or questions that you may have.
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Art Department Updates
GT Art - Congratulations to the following 6th graders who screened and have been accepted into GT Art.
Way to go! Brandon D, Brook S, Brandon D, Breana G, Kyra G, Amenah K, Katie V, Acheme W, Sherry W,
Rebekah R, Keyah B, Elizabeth S, Bridgette K
Art Displays - 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are completing their first units of study. Look for a
display of student work to appear in the lobby and teacher web sites soon.
Artist Workshop - There are still a few spots available for the large scale after school
sculpture workshop to be held on selected Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning in November.
Please see Mrs. Ehrenreich if you are interested.
Monthly Math Madness
Correctly complete the math sheet enclosed with this newsletter by November 7 and turn it in to
Mrs. Adair/math office. Three students from each grade level will win a prize!
The PE Team is gearing up for our AMS Super Bowl on Wednesday, October 31st.
All students are invited to cheer on their favorite intramural champions in their final game
after school from 3-4:30 PM. We will have our own DJ, Mr. Hynson, announcing plays
and playing the students favorite tunes during half time. Refreshments will be sold during
the game. Parents are invited to attend as well. Free admission to everyone! The rain date
will be Friday, November 9th.
World Language Department
It’s Never too Late to be Better Than You Are!
From Mr. Scannell:
In Grade 8 French we have ended our 8-week
review (expansion and extension) of everything
we did in Grade 7 last year. This year’s class is
so good (and remembered everything from last
year!!!) that we finished one week earlier than
last year. Several people have observed this
class so far and have complimented the students
on their knowledge and skills in French after
only one year of study.
In Grade 7 French, students are coming to the end
of Chapter I in their text. Thus far they have learned how
to ask and answer various questions and are beginning to
accrue a cadre of vocabulary and structure that will do
them well in the upcoming months. These students are
learning quickly that homework is an integral part of every
lesson and the bridge where learning connections are
made. They are developing into quite a great group of
Francophiles. A la prochaine
From Miss McCusker:
¡Hola! From Miss McCusker’s Spanish class. We are
excited to tell you that we are “muy bien” upstairs in 220!
Our seventh graders are almost finished with the first
chapter of the textbook and have just finished composing
letters to pen-pals in Mexico. We are hoping that they will
write us back!!! Section 7-14 reminds you to “let your bien
out” whenever you are having a rough day. That’s
excellent advice. Thanks, TJ. Our eighth graders are
getting ready to learn about food, and in the process will
learn the verbs “to eat” and “to drink.” Energy and
enthusiasm are alive en español. We look forward to
seeing you during American Education
Week!! ¡Hasta pronto!
From Miss Little:
Well, this first quarter has flown by.
The 8th graders just completed the food
chapter and even had a chance to try different Spanish
foods and tapas. The 7th graders are now able to count,
greet, say the alphabet, and understand basic commands as
well as other Spanish phrases. All classes are looking
forward to learning and experiencing “el dia de los
muertos” or “the day of the dead” in English. They will
be able to make tombstones and their very own memorials.
It will be a great cultural learning experience. Hasta
luego!
News from the Yellow Team
The Yellow Team students continue
working hard to learn new skills. In Ms. Padilla’s
Language! class, students are consistently showing
great progress as we work through grammar, the
wonderful world of diagramming sentences, and
themed units based on inventions, art, and heroes. In
Language Arts, students are currently finishing their
personal narratives about a time they learned an
important lesson in their lives. The students in both
classes will be visiting the library to choose a
biography or autobiography in order to complete a
book talk about their role model.
In Mrs. Aaron’s Science classes students are
beginning to research and pull information together
for their zoo station, which will be due before the
winter break. Trips to the library are a plus.
Mr. Jenkins’s World Cultures classes just
completed the first short cycle assessment, which
assessed the student’s mastery of the first 8 weeks of
the school year, including the first four civilizations
of Africa. In continuing our unit on Africa, students
are currently studying how and why Africa was
colonized. They were able to study the origins of the
slave trade and the effects it had on Africa and other
nations. We will finish this unit studying the
liberation of Africa and how certain countries won
their independence.
Yellow Team math classes are also keeping
pace with learning new skills.
American Education Week: History
Parents/Guardians - We look forward to seeing you during National Education Week,
November 12–16, 2007. Below is a history of this week taken from the NEA website.
Distressed that 25 percent of the country's World War I draftees were illiterate and
9 percent were physically unfit, representatives of the National Education Association and the American
Legion met in 1919 to seek ways to generate public support for education.
The conventions of both organizations subsequently adopted resolutions of support for a national
effort to raise public awareness of the importance of education. In 1921, the NEA Representative Assembly
in Des Moines, Iowa, called for designation of one week each year to spotlight education. In its resolution,
the NEA called for: "An educational week ... observed in all communities annually for the purpose of
informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation
and support of the public in meeting those needs."
The first observance of American Education Week occurred December 4-10, 1921, with the NEA
and American Legion as the cosponsors. A year later, the then U.S. Office of Education joined the effort as a
cosponsor, and the PTA followed in 1938.
Other cosponsors are the U.S. Department of Education and national organizations including the
National PTA, the American Legion, the American Association of School Administrators, the National
School Boards Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the American School Counselor
Association, the Council of Chief State School Officers, the National School Public Relations Association, the
National Association of State Boards of Education, the National Association of Elementary School
Principals, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
See you Nov. 12-16: 11/13– Grade 6; 11/14 - Grade 7; 11/15 - Grade 8 - or come any day that week.
Black Saga Experience
The Black Saga Competition is an award-winning program founded and
directed by Dr. Charles Christian, author of the book Black Saga: The African
American Experience. Its mission, in Baltimore County, is to develop cultural
awareness, pride, tolerance, and appreciation for the diverse contributions of
African Americans in America.
One of the main goals of the Black Saga Competition is to improve
academic achievement of participating students through development of study
skills and the incorporation of diverse cultural topics and learning styles. Another
goal is to enhance the knowledge of the African American Experience in all
participating groups while enriching and extending Arbutus Middle School’s social studies curriculum by
utilizing varied resources related to this unique experience.
The Black Saga Competition offers students the opportunity to be engaged in an exciting, fun filled,
authentic learning experience. Students are challenged to learn about the African American experience, an
often unexplored but integral part of America’s heritage. These topics, which cover a broad spectrum of
contributions by individuals and groups, past and present, incorporate information about American history,
geography, economics, and cultural studies.
The Black Saga Competition fosters individual student commitment, team work, family involvement,
and collaboration on all levels. Although the topics are introduced to the teams at after-school Black Saga
meetings, most of the studying is completed at home with support from parents and/or community
members. After a period of study and practice, the Black Saga teams compete with each other in a quiz show
format at the Baltimore County Black Saga Competition and at the Maryland State Black Saga Competition.
Arbutus Middle School hold a “with-in school” Black Saga Competition. Students are grouped in
teams of three and compete school wide. This event will be held in December. The top two teams from
each school compete in the county wide Black Saga Competition in February. If we win, the state wide
competitions are held in March.
The top three teams are awarded cash prizes. Students on the first place team receive $300 each; on
the second place teams, $200 each; on the third place teams, $100 each. The top ten middles schools will
also receive a plaque.
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-page 7-
Counselor’s Corner
ATTENTION 8th GRADERS
Reminder: Magnet Application Deadline is FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2007.
OPEN HOUSE schedule:
♦ Catonsville High School – Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
♦ Western School of Technology – Thursday, November 1, 2007, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Parents: 10 Ways to Communicate with Your Teen
☺ Make yourself available for talks and try to have them each day. At the same time, be respectful of your
teen’s need for silence.
☺ Offer praise when deserved and remember to express your love, even if your teen acts like it doesn’t matter.
It does.
☺ Show that you’re paying attention: use good eye contact and ask for clarification if needed.
☺ Be positive and encouraging, and choose words and concepts that teens understand.
☺ Rather than jump to conclusions, give your teen a chance to explain thoughts and actions.
☺ Ban communication-stoppers such as guilt, commands, ultimatums, preaching, judging, or words like
“never” or “always.”
☺ Be brief. Most teens tune out nagging, and retain shorter messages longer.
☺ Practice win-win communication. A healthy compromise with both parties feeling like winners helps teems
learn more negotiation skills.
☺ When the consequence of a conflict won’t harm your teen, give him or her the opportunity to disagree
without being accused of “talking back.” Your teen will gain self-respect.
☺ Don’t feel you have to know everything. It’s OK to say, “I don’t know, but let’s find out together.”
Taken from: The Positive Line
Red Team Newsletter
It is hard to believe the 1st quarter is almost over. The first 6 weeks of school have flown by. All of our
students deserve praise and recognition for all that they have accomplished so far. There has been so much to
digest and comprehend. Getting used to having as many as 9 teachers, changing classes and floors can be quite a
challenge. We would like to thank you for all your help. Many parents are enforcing that their child use their
agenda as a daily reminder of tasks to be completed. We also have received much feedback about our teacher
websites. We encourage parents to continue to use this as a monitoring tool. We do apologize for any technical
difficulties that may occur and appreciate you bringing those to our attention.
Thursday, November 1st is the end of the 1st quarter. While report cards won’t be distributed until
November 15th, teachers will be telling students their grades sometime during the week of November 5th. This
is a great time for reflection. You and your child can decide what strategies are working, which ones are not and
how you can modify their time at home to help them best achieve at school. We thank you for all your help so
far this year and encourage you keep in contact with your child’s teacher should you have any questions.
In Mr. Fusco’s math class, students are working hard. In Math 6, we have completed the units on
Number Theory and on Decimals and are now working on Number Sense and Fractions. In Algebraic
Thinking, we have covered many types of charts and graphs, discussed various forms of
statistics and geometry and now are concentrating on Decimals.
A huge thank you to the many students who are showing no missing work at this
time. All students will be given a list before the end of the quarter of assignments they are
missing and will have the opportunity to make them up, according the Rules and Regulations
sheet that was sent home at the beginning of the year.
-page 8-
The Teal Team Newsletter
Students in Mr. Knoerlein’s Language Arts class are continuing to read the novel Fever 1793. We have
been building our vocabulary via selected words from the above text. Also, students are currently learning to
identify “dominant impression” in selected pieces of literature. Please encourage your child to read the assigned
chapters of the text and to study for the vocabulary quizzes.
Students in Mr. Knoerlein’s Language! class are progressing steadily through the Language!
curriculum. We have been discussing and analyzing poetry, identifying the meanings of selected affixes and
distinguishing between the different types of sentences.
In Mr. Allen’s America’s Past class, students are studying the American Revolution and government.
Tests and quizzes will be announced as scheduled. Please continue to check your child’s agenda for upcoming
assignments.
In Mrs. Stover’s Science class, students continue to explore the many concepts associated with weather
and weather systems. Students will have a busy month with the short cycle test scheduled for the end of October
and the benchmark exam in November on the weather unit. Please encourage your child to review their science
notes nightly and continue to check their agenda for required homework assignments.
Mrs. Stover’s second period class is continuing to study the facets of the Earth. Students will learn about
volcanoes, weathering factors, minerals and rocks in the coming weeks. Please continue to monitor your child’s
agenda for homework assignments.
***The Science Fair will begin soon. Please look for important papers to come home.
In Mr. Brown’s Algebraic Thinking class, students will be solving equations, inequalities,
and proportions. Tests and quizzes will be announced as they are assigned. Please continue to
check your child’s agenda for upcoming assignments.
Blue Team News
Science – Sections 602-605 are finishing up our first unit on mass, volume, and density. On October 24th we began
testing our unknown matter to assist in solving a mystery question that we received at the beginning of our unit.
The first Science test will take place during the week of October 29th.
GT Science is learning about simple machines and the relationship between force, distance, and work with these
tools. Information on the Science Fair will be coming home soon!
English - GT English students have just completed THE GIVER and will be working on post-reading activities
that will culminate in the writing of a persuasive essay and action plan to be presented at a mock “town meeting.”
GT reading students have completed the first unit, Discovering Ourselves; the unit’s focus was on
generalization, characterization, author’s purpose, and cause and effect. The next unit will be The Living Earth;
students will continue the fore mentioned skills as well as focus on making judgments, drawing conclusions, and
paraphrasing.
Standard English students are reading THE MUSIC of DOLPHINS and have identified character traits of
Mila with supporting text references. The grammar concept at this point is identifying subject and predicate as
well as understanding different verb tenses. We will be discussing the four types of conflicts and classifying
conflicts from the novel under those headings.
World Cultures - Mr. Spivey’s students have been studying three ancient civilizations of Latin America. They
used research methods to determine if the ancient Maya, Aztec, and Inca were civilizations. The students also
completed extension activities for each civilization, including a project about Aztec achievements. In the coming
weeks, the students will be taking a benchmark test about Latin America. They will also study the Spanish
explorers and the Amazon rainforest.
Reading – Mr. Montgomery’s Reading students will be completing Unit 1 and starting Unit 2
this week. Students will read a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts. In Unit 2, students will
be making judgments, predicting, visualizing, and identifying persuasive devices.
Math – Algebraic Foundations: Wonderful job on your Fractions Quiz!! We will continue to
work with Fractions and start decimals!!
Math 6: Great job on your unit 2 Test. We will be started out Next Unit on Fractions!!
***Please remind your child to turn in work on time and to obtain missed work when absent.
November 2 - Schools Closed for Students - Assessment Day
November 12 - 16 - American Education Week
November 22-23 - Schools Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
We Give Thanks
