from the principal’s desk…....sue harris, principal april, 2015 liz heil, assistant principal...

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Dumbarton Middle School 300 Dumbarton Road, Baltimore, MD 21212 410-887-3176 410-583-7020 fax A National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s Desk…. April is here and that means students have successfully completed third quarter at Dumbarton Middle School. Before we know it we will be in June. This week MAP test results reports were given to students to bring home. The data show that our students continue to excel at high levels. Should you have questions about the MAP test home reports feel free to contact Ms. Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal & Test Coordinator at [email protected]. As you may know, last month we were selected to be one of seven schools to become a Lighthouse Middle School next year. That means that our school will be embarking on a transformation in terms of focusing on increased student engagement through student-centered learning activities in the classroom. This also includes personalized and customized learning which fosters student collaboration and includes providing opportunities for student choice. Flexible grouping is also used to better meet student needs. In addition, our incoming 6 th graders will be receiving computer devices to use in the classroom and take home next year. The following year, all middle school students will be provided with computer devices. We are certainly excited about this opportunity! Visit the BCPS Website to learn more about Lighthouse Schools and student-centered learning: http://lighthouse.bcps.org/learner-centered-environments.html Spring is here and hopefully we will soon see warm weather returning to Towson. We sincerely appreciate your monitoring your child’s attire each morning. Appropriate clothing helps us ensure that there are not distractions to the learning environment. Our school dress code can be found in the first few pages of each child’s agenda book. We will also be utilizing morning announcements to remind our young people to dress for success at school and avoid wearing clothing more suited to the beach. We encourage all parents who now have 5 th graders to come to our Parent Orientation on April 22 at 6:30 pm. At that time, we will provide a preview

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Page 1: From the Principal’s Desk…....Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s

Dumbarton Middle School 300 Dumbarton Road, Baltimore, MD 21212

410-887-3176 410-583-7020 fax

A National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal

Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal

Jen Burch, Assistant Principal

From the Principal’s Desk….

April is here and that means students have successfully completed third

quarter at Dumbarton Middle School. Before we know it we will be in June.

This week MAP test results reports were given to students to bring home.

The data show that our students continue to excel at high levels. Should you

have questions about the MAP test home reports feel free to contact Ms.

Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal & Test Coordinator at [email protected].

As you may know, last month we were selected to be one of seven schools to

become a Lighthouse Middle School next year. That means that our school

will be embarking on a transformation in terms of focusing on increased

student engagement through student-centered learning activities in the

classroom. This also includes personalized and customized learning which

fosters student collaboration and includes providing opportunities for

student choice. Flexible grouping is also used to better meet student needs.

In addition, our incoming 6th graders will be receiving computer devices to

use in the classroom and take home next year. The following year, all middle

school students will be provided with computer devices. We are certainly

excited about this opportunity! Visit the BCPS Website to learn more about

Lighthouse Schools and student-centered learning: http://lighthouse.bcps.org/learner-centered-environments.html

Spring is here and hopefully we will soon see warm weather returning to

Towson. We sincerely appreciate your monitoring your child’s attire each

morning. Appropriate clothing helps us ensure that there are not

distractions to the learning environment. Our school dress code can be

found in the first few pages of each child’s agenda book. We will also be

utilizing morning announcements to remind our young people to dress for

success at school and avoid wearing clothing more suited to the beach.

We encourage all parents who now have 5th graders to come to our Parent

Orientation on April 22 at 6:30 pm. At that time, we will provide a preview

Page 2: From the Principal’s Desk…....Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s

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of a day at DMS for a 6th graders, review the expectations of our academic

program and provide other pertinent information.

May is also a busy month! Did you know that the PARCC test includes two

parts given several months apart? We gave the first part in March and the

PARCC end of year assessments will be administered at BCPS schools the

first week of May. At Dumbarton, May 4 & 5 will be English/Language Arts

PARCC testing and May 7 & 8 will be Math PARCC testing. The tests will be

administered in the morning and should conclude prior to lunch shifts. We

appreciate your ensuring your child arrives on time for school. We also look

forward to seeing you at our grade level concerts in May.

Spring also involves more safety drills. BCPS requires that we complete one

fire drill each month and selected months we also conduct severe weather

drills and lock down drills. All of these practice drills ensure that students

and staff know what to do in case of a real emergency. As we enter into

spring when strong storms sometimes come through Towson please know that

we are prepared as we monitor a NOAA weather radio daily. Officer Brown

also continues to be a wonderful addition to our faculty. He also serves as a

resource for families. He can be reached by calling school or through email

at [email protected]. We are very grateful to have such a dedicated, caring

police officer assigned to Dumbarton.

I wish you and your family a wonderful, sunny spring break. We look forward

to seeing our students back at Dumbarton on Monday, April 13.

Sincerely, Susan E Harris

Principal

TAKE YOUR CHILD TO WORK DAY

Thursday, April 23, 2015 is Take Your Child to Work Day: A

national effort to help teach kids about the work-a-day world of

their parents and to get them dreaming about their own grown-up

careers. It is an excused absence as long as DMS receives a parent

signed note informing us that your child was at work with a parent.

Page 3: From the Principal’s Desk…....Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s

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Science 8 MSA

8th grade students will participate in the science MSA on

April 13-14, 2015. The science MSA meets the

requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act

and assesses Maryland content standards in science.

MSA scores will show how well Maryland 8th graders have

learned the science skills specified in the State

Curriculum. To prepare for testing students are encouraged to get a good

night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast the morning and arrive at school on

time with a positive attitude knowing that he/she will do well on the test.

Severe Weather Drill

On Wednesday, March 25, 2015, Dumbarton Middle School participated in

its first severe weather drill of the school year. The drill required students

and teachers to leave their classrooms and sit in designated safe areas

located in hallways away from windows and doors. Once students were

staged on the first and second floors, we practiced

moving students and staff from the second floor down

to the first floor. This is an important step to

practice since some weather emergencies require all

students and staff to be on the first floor. The drill

was well executed as students and staff did an excellent job moving quickly

and quietly to their designated locations.

8th Grade Field Trip to Towson High School

As part of the county’s articulation plan to help students transition to

feeder elementary and high schools, 8th grade students will be visiting

Towson High School (THS) on the afternoon of April 14, 2015. During the

visit students will see a dress rehearsal of Towson High School’s

presentation of Hairspray, the THS administration will address the group,

and there will be a brief tour given by the THS student government

association.

Page 4: From the Principal’s Desk…....Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s

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Ship Trip Update The finalized date for the 8th grade tour of the Baltimore

harbor is Thursday, May 21, 2015. This is a change from the May 22 date that was originally published. Please update your

calendars. Also note that the trip occurs during the school day so students

should dress in accordance with the guidelines established in the Student

Handbook. Detailed information, including permission forms for the “Ship

Trip” will be sent home soon.

Nurses Notes

Another friendly reminder to the parents of our 6th

graders:

Please send in the required up-dated vaccine information

before school ends in June if at all possible. Please refer

to the information on the yellow flyer which was sent home

with interim reports a couple weeks ago. Proof of

vaccination can be sent in with your child or e-mailed to

Mrs. Miedusiewski at [email protected]. Please use

“Vaccine update” on your subject line. A reply will confirm receipt and updating

of your child’s health file per the State guidelines.

KINDNESS CLUB

Thank You!!!

The Kindness Club and Committee would like to

thank everyone who participated in our Cereal

Drive during the week of March 17th. The

Sarah’s Hope and the Hannah More Shelter

were overjoyed at your generosity

Page 5: From the Principal’s Desk…....Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s

[5]

8th Graders:

8th grade students will be visiting Towson High School on Tuesday, April 14th

from 1:10-2:30. We are excited that our students are getting this

opportunity to visit Towson High. Please be on the lookout for permission

slips coming home soon! This is a FREE trip! All students will still be joining

us on the trip to Towson High School even if they do not plan to attend

Towson.

SCHOOL RECORDS FOR STUDENTS NOT ATTENDING TOWSON HIGH:

If your child will be attending another school other than their geographically

zoned school (i.e. private schools, etc.) please send us this information in

writing. This ensures that your child’s information and file are correctly

forwarded. If you have questions contact Ms. Stockton-Porter in the School

Counseling Office at 410 887-5654.

CAREER DAY FOR 8th GRADERS

The School Counseling Department at Dumbarton Middle will be hosting

an 8th Grade Career Day on Friday, May 29th from 8:30-12:35. We are

looking for speakers from all career fields to speak with the 8th grade

classes about their jobs. If you are interested in being a speaker or would

like to know more, please contact the 8th grade counselor, Ms. Campbell for

more information at 410-887-5654 or [email protected].

Page 6: From the Principal’s Desk…....Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s

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Instilling a Growth Mindset:

The Power of Yet! Dumbarton Middle School provides a culture of encouragement fostering continual

student growth with the belief that through effort, motivation and resilience, all students

will improve academically and achieve personal success.

Work harder, get smarter!

How easy is it to change a fixed mindset to a growth mindset?

It’s as easy as one word: yet.

The next time you hear your child say, “I can’t do so-and-so”, add “yet”.

Think about the fixed finality of “can’t”: it implies that not only am I unable to do

something now, but I will never be able to do it.

“Can’t” stifles growth, but by adding “yet”, you open the door for improvement: “I

can’t do so-and-so yet, but I may

be able to in the future.”

“Yet” also implies desire: if I can’t

do something, I may not care

enough to try again, but if I can’t

do something yet, that means that

I want to be able to do it, and I am

willing to continue trying in order

to be able to do it. That desire,

that motivation, is key because

developing new abilities requires

effort, hard work, and

perseverance—it doesn’t just happen overnight.

To foster the power of “yet”, Carol Dweck, the main proponent of developing a

growth mindset, recommends praising students for their process, not for their

intelligence, and rewarding their effort, strategy, and progress, not just their

achievement.

She believes that by embracing the power of “yet”, parents and teachers can help

students break out of the “tyranny of now”—the unrealistic expectation that they

must be masters of academic skills now or not at all—and build their confidence to

embrace challenge and risk the possibility of failure that goes hand-in-hand with

learning new skills.

Watch Carol Dweck’s TED Talk on “The Power of Yet” to learn more about instilling a growth mindset in your children: http://unclutteredwhitespaces.com/2014/12/the-power-of-yet/

Page 7: From the Principal’s Desk…....Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s

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Greetings from the PTA

We are busy planning some spring activities after a long winter!! The PTA

and the Kindness Club just finished collecting many, many cereal boxes for

Sarah's Hope at Hannah More. Thank you so much to Susanna DeRocco for

organizing. The Lion's Den will be hosting Game Night on April 24. Listen to

morning announcements and follow us on Facebook to hear the details. Also,

we are planning a special Teacher Appreciation Week for May 4-8 please

email Karen Rodriguez ([email protected])if you can help. We were

pleased to present the teachers with $20 gift cards at their March 16

Faculty Meeting. Far too many times teachers are using their own funds to

purchase items for classrooms; this is just a small way for all of us to help.

Finally, we are looking for new PTA officers for next year. It is a simple and

fun way to stay connected with your middle schooler. Please contact me

([email protected]) if you are interested!!

Best Regards,

Amy Kline

PTSA Membership Update

As of March 27th, 545 parents and teachers have joined the DMS

PTSA. We'd like to thank each of you for joining the PTSA and contributing

your dues. The money we collect from your membership dues provides

multiple opportunities for our students and teachers throughout the school

year. Some of these activities include sponsoring the Lion's Den social

events, grade-level assemblies and classroom enrichment materials, as well

as supporting Teacher Appreciation Week.

It's not too late to join the DMS PTSA! The cost is $10 for one adult and

$20 for two adults. Please contact Rebecca Kliman

at [email protected] if you'd like to join. Happy Spring!

Page 8: From the Principal’s Desk…....Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s

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APRIL FITNESS CALENDAR Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4

Cardio

Power up your

day

15 minute walk

during your

lunch break

Arms & Abs

30 sec. plank

20 tricep

extensions

30 sec. bicycles

20 arm curls

Cardio

30 min. end of

the week

walk/jog/run

Cardio

Scavenger Hunt

or

Geocaching

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Rest Day

Cardio

Energize your

week

1 mile

walk/run/jog

10 x 3 push ups

Leg Work

4 x 10 squats

25 Calf Raises

2 x 20 walking

lunges

Cardio

Power up your

day

15 minute walk

during your

lunch break

Arms & Abs

30 sec. plank

20 tricep

extensions

30 sec. bicycles

20 arm curls

Cardio

35 min. end of

the week

walk/jog/run

Cardio

30+ minutes of

outdoor activity

with a friend or

your family

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Rest Day

Cardio

Energize your

week

1.5 mile

walk/run/jog

10 x 3 push ups

Leg Work

4 x 10 squats

25 Calf Raises

2 x 20 walking

lunges

Cardio

Power up your

day

15 minute walk

during your

lunch break

Arms & Abs

30 sec. plank

20 tricep

extensions

30 sec. bicycles

20 arm curls

Cardio

40 min. end of

the week

walk/jog/run

Cardio

30+ minutes of

outdoor activity

with a friend or

your family

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Rest Day

Cardio

Energize your

week

1.5 mile

walk/run/jog

10 x 3 push ups

Leg Work

4 x 10 squats

25 Calf Raises

2 x 20 walking

lunges

Cardio

Power up your

day

15 minute walk

during your

lunch break

Arms & Abs

30 sec. plank

20 tricep

extensions

30 sec. bicycles

20 arm curls

Cardio

45 min. end of

the week

walk/jog/run

Cardio

30+ minutes of

outdoor activity

with a friend or

your family

26 27 28 29 30

Rest Day

Cardio

Energize your

week

2 mile

walk/run/jog

10 x 3 push ups

Leg Work

4 x 10 squats

25 Calf Raises

2 x 20 walking

lunges

Cardio

Power up your

day

15 minute walk

during your

lunch break

Arms & Abs

30 sec. plank

20 tricep

extensions

30 sec. bicycles

20 arm curls

Page 9: From the Principal’s Desk…....Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s

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DUMBARTON MIDDLE SCHOOL

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Spring 2015 April

13-14 Grade 8 MSA Science Test (8:00 - 10:00 AM)

13 PTSA Executive Board Meeting 6:00 PM

14 Towso n High School trip – 8th grade (1:00-2:30 PM)

22 Grade 5 Parent Orientation 6:30

23 Report Card Distribution

24 PTSA Event – Game Night

May

1 Radical Roper Showcase 7:00 PM

4,5 & 7,8 PARCC Testing (8:00- 11:00AM)

8 Grade 8 Farewell Dance 7:00PM

11 PTSA Executive Board Meeting 6:00 PM

18 Grade 6 Spring Concert 7:00 PM

Interims Distributed

20 Grade 7 Spring Concert 7:00 PM

21 Grade 8 Ship Trip (during school)

25 Memorial Day: Schools Closed

27 Grade 8 Concert 7:00 PM

29 Career Day for 8th graders

June

1 Honors Spring Concert 7:00 PM

3 National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony

17 Grade 8 Awards Assembly 7:00 – 8:30 PM

18 Schools close 3 hours early

19 * Last Day of School: Schools Close 3 Hours Early

Eighth Grade Farewell Assembly 9:00 – 10:30

* Last day/dates are subject to change.

Page 10: From the Principal’s Desk…....Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s

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Published by the Dumbarton Middle School PTSA April

20-24th

Grade Level STEM and Environmental Activities on

Earth Day, April 22nd

Grade 6: Celebration of the

International Year of SOIL!

Math 24 Club

The MATH 24 club would like to congratulate and recognize Max M, Ben W,

Miguel I. and Aaron C. for all advancing to the semifinals of the county wide

- Math 24 tournament and capturing silver medals. The club also would like

to recognize Sophie M. for winning a bronze medal in the integer’s

competition.

For March 2015

Bryce E. Laurel B.

Caroline C. Steffi C.

Hannah E. Caroline M.

Shayna B. Max G.

Max B. Sarah K.

Miguel I. Oliver W.

Luke G.P. Caroline R.

Margo G. Kristina R.

Rose R. Elisabeth Sw.

Ms. Sharbonda would like to congratulate the above students for

working especially hard in Algebra & Geometry.

Page 11: From the Principal’s Desk…....Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s

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Meet Dumbarton Middle’s Radical Ropers

Student Spotlight is a regularly-updated feature that highlights Baltimore County Public Schools students involved in a wide range of activities and programs. To see more student spotlights, click here.

Dumbarton Middle School is very proud to be the home to the only jump rope

team in Baltimore County. This will be the Radical Ropers’ 17th year at

Dumbarton Middle School.

These hard workers practice

on Tuesdays and Thursdays

from 3 to 4:30 p.m. There are

33 jumpers all together,

including a team manager. The

coaches of the Radical Ropers

are Mr. Overtoom and Ms.

Morrison. They push the

jumpers to be the best they

can be. The travel team (pictured) is the team that goes on the road. They

travel at to at least four to 10 schools a year. The cub team stays at

Dumbarton and performs at other events.

These jumpers perform many jumping tricks, from doing a cartwheel into the

rope to doing solid butt bounces. These jumpers are not just great jump

ropers, but they are also wonderful role models for other students. The

best part about being a Radical Roper for most of the team is to simply

entertain. The team works together through tough and easy times.

If you want to see the jumpers in action join us May 1 at Dumbarton Middle

School. The show is at 7 p.m. and costs $2 a person. You will be amazed at

how talented they are!

Page 12: From the Principal’s Desk…....Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s

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Tickets will be sold during lunch shifts several days prior to April 24. We hope

your child joins us!

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Page 15: From the Principal’s Desk…....Sue Harris, Principal April, 2015 Liz Heil, Assistant Principal Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal Jen Burch, Assistant Principal From the Principal’s

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At DMS, Our pride is Our future!