THE MIDDLE VIEW A PUBLICATION OF THE GARDEN CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL

NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE MAY

May 3

MS/HS PTA

Reflections Awards

7:00 PM @ HS Library

May 11

Grade 6/7/8

Students/Parents

Sports Informational Mtg.

7 PM @ MS

More info on website

May 17

Board of Education Mtg.

8:15 PM @ HS

Budget Vote

7:00 AM—10:00 PM @ HS

May 19

Spring Concert III

7:30 PM @ MS

May 25

PTA Mtg./Volunteer Breakfast

9:30 AM @ MS

May 26

Service Awards Ceremony

7:30 PM@ MS

May 27

Classes in Session

Snow Make-Up Day

May 30

Memorial Day

No Classes

Memorial Day Parade

10:00 AM @ MS

Volume 8 Issue 9 May 2011

Dear Parents,

As the school year moves into the final quarter with the frenetic pace of the months of May and June, this is a worthwhile time to take a step back to look at the big picture of our school’s accomplishments over the past few years. I would like to take this opportunity to identify achievements which cause our middle school to stand among the highest regarded schools within our state and country.

Our school is the only public middle school on Long Island to be sepa-rately accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. We are the only school on Long Island ever re-designated by the federal government as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. We are the only general education school identified by the New York State De-partment of Education and VESID as a Model School for Special Education with designated research-based Validated Practice in Co-Teaching/inclusion. Our school is one of only three schools in all of New York State to be des-ignated a National School to Watch this year. Without question, we have a great deal to be proud of here at the Middle School. Our holistic ap-proach focuses on academic excellence, social equity, the fine arts, sports, civic responsibility, and emotional health. We understand that in addi-tion to building our children’s academic knowledge, we need to help build their character, wisdom and appreciation for the non-tangibles which enrich our lives. Our school is a remarkable place within an extraordinary community. We know how fortunate we are to be working in a supportive community which provides us with the resources we need to ensure the success of the children. And, we thank you for providing us with the opportunity to work in such a special place. Without question, each of you should take pride in the knowledge that you have earned all of these accolades as well. With warmest regards, Peter Osroff, Ed.D.

Maria Cafaro—Editor

Congratulations! Garden city middle school

2011 recipient of new York state schools to watch

The New York State Education Department John B. King, Jr. - Senior Deputy Commissioner P-12 Education March 28, 2011

Dr. Peter Osroff. Principal

Garden City Middle School

98 Cherry Valley Ave.

Garden City, New York 11530

Dear Dr. Osroff:

Re: Essential Elements School-to-Watch Designation

On behalf of the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the Essential Elements Schools-to-Watch leadership

team, we wish to congratulate you on the designation of the Garden City Middle School as a 2011 New York State Essential

Elements School-to-Watch (EE-STW). State designation brings with it recognition at the National level. This June, at the An-

nual Schools-to-Watch Conference in Washington DC, Garden City MS will join 3 other middle schools from New York, along

with schools from 18 other states, in its designation as a National School-to-Watch. Through the efforts of your entire school

community, Garden City MS is among an elite group of recognized schools across the nation. Your middle school is truly a

model on both the state and national levels, and you are to be commended for the fine work you do to educate the students in

your district.

Becoming a School to Watch carries with it not only the honor of the designation but also a great responsibility. As the recog-

nition indicates, Garden City MS can now be held up as an example for other school and district leaders in the State. Through

a rigorous multi-phase application process, you have demonstrated excellence in academic programming, developmental

responsiveness, social equity and structural organization, as well as dedication to the Regents Policy Statement on Middle

Level Education and the Essential Elements of a Standards Focused Middle School. Garden City MS will be referred to as an

example of those characteristics when other schools are looking for guidance to improve their middle level programs. It is

clear you have much to be proud of, and it is our hope that you will share your expertise with other schools in the state.

Soon you will receive information from the NYSED program office regarding the National Conference and Gala Awards

Ceremony on June 23rd in Washington DC. U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan will be speaking at this year's Gala. We

hope you and a team from your school will be there to accept your award. If you have any questions regarding the designa-

tion or the awards ceremony, please contact Marybeth Casey, Associate for Middle Level Education at

mcasey2@mail.nysed.gov.

On behalf of the New York State Education Department, please accept my congratulations once again, as well as thanks for

the dedication your school community has demonstrated in the development and education of young adolescents.

Sincerely,

John B. King, Jr.

Senior Deputy Commissioner P-12 Education

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Board of Education Meeting

On Tuesday, May 10, the Board of Education will hold a Public Budget Hearing. In addition, the work session

topics will include the cyber bullying initiative update. The meeting will be held at the high school at 8:15 p.m. All are

invited to attend. The Budget Vote will be held on Tuesday, May 17, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. There will also be a

regular Board of Education meeting on May 17 at 8:15 p.m. at the high school.

New York State Math Assessment

Students in grades 6,7,8 will be taking the New York State Math Assessments during second week of May.

Students should be prepared with several sharpened no. 2 pencils on the days the exam is administered.

REVISED SCHEDULE—New York State English Language Arts Assessment

Students in grades 6,7,8 will be taking the New York State English Language Arts Assessments during the first

week of May. Students should be prepared with several sharpened no. 2 pencils on the days the exam is administered.

GRADE TUESDAY

MAY 3

WEDNESDAY

MAY 4

THURSDAY

MAY 5

FRIDAY

MAY 6

6 Book 1

(Day 1)

Periods 1, 2

Book 2

(Day 2)

Period 1,2,3

7 Book 1

(Day 1)

Period 2,3

Book 2

(Day 2)

Periods 1,2,3

8 Book 1

(Day 1)

Book 2

(Day 2)

GRADE WEDNESDAY

MAY 11

THURSDAY

MAY 12

FRIDAY

MAY 13

6 Book 1

Periods 1,2

Book 2

Periods 1,2

7 Book 1

Periods 2,3

Book 2

Periods 2,3

8 Book 1

Periods 3,4

Book 2

Periods 3,4

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

New York State Field Test

On May 17, all students in grades 3-8 will be taking the English Language Arts and Mathematics Field Tests.

This field test will include a section with English Language Arts questions followed by a section with mathematics

questions. Students will not be allowed to use calculators for the field test. Students in grade 7 will be provided a ruler

and a protractor. Students should be prepared with several sharpened no. 2 pencils. The field test will be in addition to

the regularly scheduled assessments.

Summer Enrichment Program The Summer Enrichment Program will run from July 5 to July 29 at Stratford Avenue School. Registration will

begin on May 2. At this time, forms can be downloaded from each school website. Middle and high school students

are invited to volunteer as teacher aides. Those forms and further information will also be posted on the website. The

following courses are open to middle school students:

Writing Workshop for High School & Middle School Students – Library - Mr. Rebolini

This enrichment course will focus on persuasive writing while also giving students an opportunity to do some creative

writing. Using ―Write Traits‖ as a basis, students will have an opportunity to move through the writing process with

consistent feedback from the instructor. Students will concentrate on identifying and correcting sentence errors. The

course will culminate with a self-selected writing portfolio which will allow students to reflect on their growth as writ-

ers and thinkers. This course will provide excellent preparation for the new SAT.

Computer Technology for Middle School & High School Students – Small Computer Lab Room 131 -Mr. Rochler

This class is offered for students in grades 6 – 8 who enjoy working on the computer. The class will use Microsoft Office

Professional (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) along with Adobe Photoshop in designing applications that will help pre-

pare the student for the high school curriculum. Exploring the internet and participating in activities that are both fun

and educational will also be a major component of this course.

Golf for Middle School & High School Students – Meet in the Small Computer Lab Room 131 - Mr. Rochler

The Garden City Summer Enrichment program will be offering weekly sessions of Junior Golf Lessons. These lessons

are for beginners interested in learning the basics of golf. Instructor will cover grip, stance and swing techniques. The

goal is to have the junior golfers gain enough knowledge about golf so they can practice, play and develop the skills

they need to play for years to come. A filmed analysis of each golfers swing will also be utilized as part of instruction.

Golf clubs are limited so each golfer should bring their own clubs.

Science Discovery for Middle School Students – Mr. Stano Science Discovery program invites students in grades 6 - 8 to take part in exciting, hands-on

activities in all areas of science, including physics, chemistry and biology. Students will

have a chance to design and race solar-powered cars, launch water bottles, grow plants in

upside-down planters and perform many other fun experiments that spark their imagina-

tion and prepare them for the future science courses and research.

Zumba Fitness Benefit for the Jamie and Paige Malone Foundation

The High School will be hosting a "Zumba"- themed fundraiser to benefit the Jamie and

Paige Malone Foundation in the high school gymnasium on Friday, May 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. (doors

open at 6:30 pm). The event is open to students, teachers, and friends. Zumba is the latest fitness

craze combining dance moves with aerobic exercise; it is a great workout and loads of fun! The

evening will also include great prizes and raffles. Tickets are available online at

www.zumbaforjamieandpaige.eventbrite.com for $15 or $20 at the door. Please join us for this

evening of dancing fun for a worthwhile cause!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

New York State Science Performance Assessment

The NYS Grade 8 Intermediate Level Science Test (ILS) assesses the level of mastery students have achieved in

science between grades 5 and 8. The test includes two parts: Grade 8 Science Performance Test and Grade 8 Science

Written Test. The parts will be taken over 2 different days. The first part of the test, Grade 8 Science Performance

Test, will take place at the middle school on Wednesday, June 1. Students who miss the test will be able to make it up

on June 2 and 3. The second part of the test, Grade 8 Science Written Test, will take place at the middle school on Mon-

day, June 6 during periods 1-4 in the gym. Make up dates are June 7 and 8.

The Grade 8 Science Performance Test will assess students’ lab skills and concept application. It consists of

hands-on tasks set up at three stations. They will be given step-by-step instructions and questions to answer as they

work at each station. Each experiment will take about 10-15 minutes. Students need to bring just pens and pencils for

the test; everything else will be provided.

The Grade 8 Science Written test will assess students’ content knowledge and application. It includes multi-

ple choice, short answer questions, and extended written responses in which students will be asked to interpret charts,

draw graphs and diagrams and apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations. Students need to bring pen-

cils and a non-graphing calculator for the test.

World Language Exams

Students in grades 6,7,8 will be taking the following exams in their World Language classes.

GRADE TESTS/DATES

6 Oral Testing Component —Day 1— May 20, 24, 27 (June 1—Make Up Day)

Day 2—May 19, 23, 25 (May 31—Make– Up Day)

Listening/Writing Component —June 9, 10

Multiple Choice/Grammar Component—June 13, 14

7 Oral Testing Component—May 23, 24, 25, 26 (May 27—Make-Up Day)

Listening/Writing Component —June 9

Grammar Component—June 10

8 F.L.A.C.S. Checkpoint— starting May 19-26 for speaking

F.L.A.C.S. Checkpoint A— June 20

SEPTA hosts ―Take a Chance on GC Kids‖ Casino Night

On Thursday, May 19, the Garden City Special Education PTA (SEPTA) will hold its first annual

"Take A Chance on GC Kids Casino Night" at the Sand Castle Caterers in Franklin Square. This event will

become SEPTA’s annual fundraiser. One hundred percent of the funds raised will be used to support our special needs

children. Parents and staff are invited to this special event! The evening will include casino tables, 80s music, danc-

ing, and fantastic raffles including a vacation to Greece, a 50/50 raffle, and much more! More information and registra-

tion forms are available on the Garden City PTA website.

The Race to Nowhere

The PTA is hosting a screening of the documentary, The Race to Nowhere, at the Garden City High

School on Thursday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. The event is free but registration and a ticket are required for

entry at the door. Please visit http:/rtngardencityhighschool.eventbrite.com/ to print out your ticket.

Tickets can also be requested at racetonowhere.com under screenings. Look for the Garden City High

School location. Any questions please call Cris Kilberg at 516.742.4553.

Spotlight on

Technology & family & consumer sciences

What Could a Technology Class and Band Class Have

in Common?

Interdisciplinary projects provide students with the opportunities to see the

relationship of one subject to another from different vantage points. For example,

exploring the historical context of a literary work can provide the students with a

greater understanding that transcends the story alone. But what could a middle

school technology class and band class have in common?

At the middle school flute, clarinet and oboe players of the band program

learned firsthand what these classes have in common. Technology teacher, Mr. Fred Caputo, helped the band students

to design and build instrument stands to hold their instruments, when they are not in use. He guided them through the

process, step by step, creating the stands from blocks of wood, dowels, plastic feet and glue. They learned how to use

the band saw and the drill press to cut the wood into the perfect shape. They sanded, glued and hammered finishing

instrument stands of their very own. Learning a piece of music is similar in that students start with a key sign, time

sign, notes and rhythms. As they come to understand what these pieces mean, they ultimately figure out how they fit

together. Whether it is creating their own instrument stands or performing a piece of music, the students have learned

how individual parts come together to make a more convincing whole.

After completing their stands, the students employed their own creativity by decorating them at home. This is

much like a solo piece of music. Although different performers read the same notes and rhythms, each performance is

unique as individuals bring their own creative ideas to the interpretation of the

work. The same can be said about each child’s music stand. While the stands are

similar in size and shape, the students’ individuality and creativity comes

through in their decorations.

Mrs. Boonshaft and Ms. Iovino would like

to thank Mr. Caputo for being so giving of his time

and knowledge to help with this project. The suc-

cess of this project has prompted some of the brass

students to explore how instruments’ stands could

be made for their instruments. More collaboration

between technology and music classes is yet to come!

CO2 Dragsters are a Hit!

Once again the 7th graders are designing and then creating their model CO2 powered dragsters. The students

use their imagination to develop a dragster design and draw it on grid paper following guidelines and size limitations.

They then transform this 2-D design into a 3-D model by using their hands on skills to craft the dragster out of a bass-

wood blank. Once it has a smooth finish they get to paint and decorate their dragster to make it truly unique. After all

their hard work the students get to have fun racing head to head on the drag track set up in the classroom.

Spotlight on

Technology & family & consumer sciences

Keeping it Real in 8th Grade Technology Education

The 8th grade technology classes are participating in a structural engineering program. All students are ex-

posed to real world situations involving structures. Some of the structures discussed include residential homes, build-

ings, bridges and roads. Students are led on a path of discovery through discussions and real experimentation. Stu-

dents learn that structural engineers are responsible for specifying materials that would be used to build various struc-

tures. Some materials discussed include steel, concrete, and wood. Through these discussions students discover that

the goal of a structural engineer is to provide safety for the general public.

All students participate in a real world engineering contest. The contest involves distribution of the following

materials: 1 piece of computer paper and 2 regular paper clips. Each student is instructed to create a structure that is a

minimum of three inches tall. The students are given one hint ―think cardboard.‖ The projects must hold a minimum

of three pounds (the weight of the test device). The projects are tested with a structure test device which allows weight

to be placed on the structure. The student in each class that holds the most weight wins the contest.

The materials used in the project have a combined weight of 20% of an ounce. Five times the amount of mate-

rial or five pieces of paper and ten paper clips weighs one ounce. One pound of material is equal to eighty pieces of

paper and one hundred and sixty paper clips. The current class (2010- 2011) record holder is ninety two pounds. We

have had many students hold forty, fifty, sixty, seventy, and eighty pounds. All students gather around the test device

and cheer each other on. Students throughout the eighth grade compare themselves to their fellow classmates in other

classes and students that participated in previous quarters. The fact that they

are comparing results shows that they have an interest in engineering and

they are eager to learn more.

The contest is designed to show the strength to weight ratios of the

same materials with different designs. The current eighth grade record holder

for this year held the equivalent of 7,360 pieces of paper and 14,720 paperclips.

All of the weight was held up by one piece of paper and two paper clips.

Structural engineers are faced with the reality that they must design structures

using the least and lightest types of materials in order conserve the world di-

minishing resources and budgets.

Cookies and Scones—Oh My!

This month the Home and Careers Department baked scones that were served at the Senior Citizen Tea held at

the Garden City High School on Thursday, April 14. The students worked hard to learn the process of baking scones.

Three students attended the tea and educated the guests on the procedure of making scones as well as the history be-

hind scones. The Home and Careers Department also made cookies to be served as refreshments for the 8th grade Art

Show on April 27.

Cake Boss Challenge Ms. Economou’s classes have been working on their very own Cake Boss challenge! Groups have had to design

cakes based on a selected theme and produce the cake as part of an in-class project. Themed cakes included the beach,

a giant Oreo, a fish tank, board games, and pencil to name a few.

Guest Speaker in Home and Careers

Mrs. Beovich’s classes had speakers on various careers. One favorite speaker was Mrs. Varano who spoke

about jobs in the stock market. The highlight of her visit was playing the game PIT, a stock market card game which

had the students actually simulate the stock market floor. It was lively, realistic, and so much fun!

In & around

GCMS

Italian Poetry Contest On Friday, March 25 , The American Association of Teachers of Italian sponsored

the twenty-seventh Annual Secondary School Poetry Contest. This very special event

took place at SUNY College at Old Westbury. Approximately 350 students from schools

in both Nassau and Suffolk counties participated in this contest. Students from beginning

to advanced levels recited poems written by famous Italian poets such as Dante Alighieri,

Francesco Petrarca and Giuseppe Ungaretti, just to name a few.

Nine students represented Garden City Middle School: eighth graders, Nicole

Crilly, Amanda D’Antone, Caroline Germano Samantha Gilbert, Nicholas Gray, and Annie

Ostrowski from Mrs. Sorace’s Italian class and seventh graders, Alicia Cristoforo, Jenna

Cammarata and Kayla McCadden from Mrs. Caruthers’ Italian class. All the students

worked very hard to prepare for this contest and they all did a marvelous job reciting their

poems. Two of our students even took home gold and silver medals! Amanda D’Antone

won first place for her rendition of Il Malatino by Gianni Rodari and Nicole Crilly won sec-

ond place for her recitation of Filastrocca di Primavera by the same poet. Bravissime!

A Budding Entomologist Visits the Middle School

On Thursday, April 7, Dr. Zaferiou's science classes welcomed guest lecturer, Luke Gries, a bud-

ding entomologist, who shared his knowledge on insects. Luke, a seventh grader, is the son of middle

school teacher, Ms. Fitterer. This is Luke’s seventh visit to our school. He still manages to inspire and

educate young and old alike with his Power Point presentation and his extensive collection of mounted

specimens.

Anti-Bullying Club (ABC) Expo

The ABC Expo will be held on April 28 and 29. Students are invited to play ABC Survivor, vote for their favor-

ite cyber-bullying sculpture, play character-building games, sign the school's anti-bullying pledge, or donate money to

disabled animals. In addition, the GCMS quilt will be unveiled for the first time. All classes are invited to at-

tend. Please contact Ms. Greenwald for more information.

Middle School Teachers Receive Tenure

Several teachers were awarded tenure at a ceremony at the Garden City High School library on Wednesday,

April 13. The ceremony began with music by the Garden City High School Chamber Orchestra led by Mrs. Gullotta.

The group performed three selections from Carmen by George Bizet: ―Toreador Song,‖ ―Habanera,‖ and ―Procession

of the Toreadors.‖ Dr. Feirsen, along with Board of Education President Mrs. Foley, congratulated the teachers on their

achievement noting their hard work and dedication. The evening ended with refreshments. Congratulations to Kris-

ten Aguilo, Kim Antunovich, Lauren Dunne, Niki Paloubis, and Michael Zagari . We wish them a rewarding and

prosperous career in Garden City!

T.R.A.C.K.S. Assembly

On Thursday, April 14, students in grade 6,7,8 attended the T.R.A.C.K.S. (Together Railroads and Children

Keeping Safe) safety assembly. MTA Officer Matarazzo gave safety reminders to the students, cautioning them to keep

away from railroad tracks and train stations.

IN & AROUND

G c m s

Le Maschere di Carnevale

On March 8, Mrs. Caruthers’ and Mrs. Sorace’s seventh grade Italian students wore the beautiful and original

masks they made in celebration of Carnevale , (the season of merriment and festivities) which begins after the Epiphany,

and ends on martedì grasso (Shrove Tuesday) in Italy. One of the most famous and exciting places to celebrate Carnevale

is Venice. People dress up wearing masks and elaborate costumes. There are masquerade balls, competitions for the

most beautiful masks, magicians and even a Carnevale Procession on the Grand Canal!

The students enjoyed creating their own masks. One day, they hope to visit Italy during this very festive time of

year!

French and Spanish Students Talk on their Cell Phones in the Target Language!

Mr. Strauzer's seventh grade French and Spanish students completed a performance based assessment as a cul-

minating activity to the food and meal taking unit by "making a reservation" in the target language on their cell

phones. One student played the reservationist and the other was the customer. They had to provide specific informa-

tion such as asking to reserve a table, name, date, time, special occasion and a contact phone number follow-

ing prompts in the language. Several students thought outside the box and used a banana and a baguette in

lieu of a phone!! Students loved the chance to use their cell phones in class and did a fantastic job!!

Professional Learning Community Committee

Middle school teachers have been participating in a Professional Learning Community Committee to refine best

instructional practices. The staff has been committed to working as a team in the realization of creating an effective

learning environment for all student learners. A cross section of educators from all grade levels, as well as content ar-

eas has been collaborating on promoting our students’ emotional, social and cognitive achievements at this develop-

mental level. During this scholastic year, teachers have analyzed, discussed, and compiled differentiated strategies

targeting the needs of all learners. Looking ahead, the committee hopes to expand and continue our work at the mid-

dle school level.

In & around

GCMS

Ms. Rousku’s Art Corner

The Art Department would like to thank all those who participated in the 8th Annual Art Show! A special

thanks to the Home & Careers Department, the custodial staff, parents, students and administration who sup-

ported this wonderful event. We are so proud of all our students hard work in this year's self-portrait stencil instal-

lation!

Italian Students go to the Opera On April 1, eighty students from Mrs. Sorace’s and Mrs. Caruthers’ grade six Italian classes attended an opera

at the DiCapo Theater in New York City. The opera was Cenerentola written by Rossini, which is based on the fairy tale

―Cinderella‖. In this variation of the traditional Cinderella story, the wicked stepmother is replaced by a stepfather,

Don Magnifico. The Fairy Godmother is replaced by Alidoro, a philosopher and the Prince's tutor. Cinderella is identi-

fied not by her glass slipper but by her bracelet. The General Director of the ―opera for kids‖ theater Michael Capasso

serves as a humorous, passionate, and knowledgeable guide to the fundamentals of opera. Selected scenes are sung by

Dicapo's Resident Artists in costume and with sets, to piano accompaniment. Between key events, Mr. Capasso eluci-

dates the plot, hints at the complexities of the theatre's stagecraft, and fires children's imaginations with a taste of grit

and magic. He leads kids on their operatic adventure as he teaches them the proper terms used to honor singers,

moves the plot forward at intervals, and explains how sets are changed between acts. Lively exchanges took place be-

tween Mr. Capasso and his enthusiastic young audience; the performers and crew stayed on stage during the post-

performance question-and-answer period. The students enjoyed the op-

era immensely. It was a wonderful afternoon spent in Manhattan with

our students!

In & around

GCMS

Middle School Students Win Big at the Sprachfest

Congratulations to the sixty-four seventh and eighth, and ten sixth grade

Garden City German students who participated in the annual German Language

Sprachfest held Saturday, March 26th at Ward Melville High School! Garden

City came out first among middle schools, bringing home a total of thirteen first

place awards in individual and group events, eight in second place, and six in

third.

A day-long series of competitions, the Sprachfest is organized and im-

plemented by the Long Island Chapter of the American Association of Teachers

of German. It highlights the German language and culture in events that include

cookie and cake baking using specific German recipes, original gingerbread house creations, poster, T-shirt, and pro-

gram designs, as well as publications. There is folk dancing, and there are vocal and instrumental performances of

works by German, Austrian, or Swiss composers, as well as spelling, vocabulary, number, and geography bees, and

German-language Scrabble. The German language is also heard in skits, poetry recitation, and in the most difficult con-

tests—the Junior and Senior Culture Bowls. There are rooms set aside for non-competitive events where students can

create crafts, or a Sprecheck (speaking corner,) where students can carry on a conversation in German with a native

speaker. They can play basketball or indoor soccer, or watch German-language movies, as well. A Fussball Klinik in

German is offered by Dr. Frank Schnur who has trained members of the U. S. National soccer team at Fordham Univer-

sity. As a special treat this year, our sixth graders performed a ―Stern Tanz‖ at the closing ceremony.

Schools in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties take part in the Sprachfest. This year, the attending schools were:

Accompsett Middle School, Chaminade High School, Commack High School, Garden City Middle and High Schools,

Gelinas Junior High School, Great Hollow Middle School, Hauppauge Middle and High Schools, Hicksville Junior

High and High Schools, Northport High School, Smithtown Middle School and East and West High Schools, The Wal-

dorf School, and Ward Melville High School. Competition judges include teachers

from those schools, as well as graduate students and professors from Long Island col-

leges and universities and members of the Steuben Society.

Garden City Middle School students would like to thank the music teachers

in their school for helping them prepare for the competitions, and also Mr. and Mrs.

Hugel for the many hours they worked with the sixth grade dancers. Thanks also to

the G.C. parents who transported baked goods, gingerbread houses, and props, and

those who worked at the Sprachfest or came to cheer us on.

And now for the winners...

VOCAL MUSIC, Level 7/8

1st Place: Cristin Crowley, Julia

Foxen, Bridget Strysko, and Olivia

Guarnieri

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, Level 7/8

1st Place: Robert Brosnan, Morgan

Herrmann, and William Demaria

SPELLING BEE, 7th Grade

2nd Place: A. J. Crean

SPELLING BEE, 8th Grade

1st Place: Katherine Donovan

2nd Place: John Dehler

POSTER DESIGN, Level 7/8

1st Place: Olivia Guarnieri

2nd Place: Morgan Herrmann

GINGERBREAD HOUSE, Level 7/8

1st Place: Maggie Minett

continued….

In & around

GCMS

Middle School Students Win Big at the Sprachfest (continued)

CULTURE BOWL, 7/8 Grade

2nd Place: Jonathan Granville, Evan

Nagel, Brogan Mahon, Darius Iraj,

Emma Gong, Anthony Anatra, Robert

Clarke and Harrison Furey

VOCABULARY BEE, Level 7

2nd Place: Bridget Strysko

3rd Place: Caroline Kenny

VOCABULARY BEE, Level 8

1st Place: Christopher Koester

3rd Place: Aidan Polke

SCRABBLE, Level 7/8

3rd Place: Thomas Crafa, Mary Blume,

and Andrew Mohacsi

GEOGRAPHY BEE, 7th Grade

2nd Place: Anna Schaubeck

3rd Place: Dan Kammer

GEOGRAPHY BEE, 8th Grade

1st Place Tie: Timothy Josephs, Robert

Brosnan, and Anthony Sikorsky

SKITS, 8th Grade

1st Place: Jack Tobin, Ben Walsh, Alex

Wood, and Matt Esposito

NUMBER BEE, 7th Grade

3rd Place: John Schlichte

NUMBER BEE, 8th Grade

1st Place: Kaitlyn O’Hare

BAKING

Rührkuchen

1st Place: Samantha Larose

3rd Place: Cristin Crowley

BAKING

Linzertorte

1st Place: Kaitlyn O’Hare

BAKING

Streuselkuchen

1st Place: John Simmons and A. J. Crean

2nd Place: Bridget Byrne

BAKING

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte

2nd Place: Hanna Daempfle Congratulations to all participants!

Anti-Bullying Club Egg Hunt

The Anti-Bullying Club was proud to host the annual ABC Egg Hunt at the Mid-

dle School on April 12 and 13. During this two day event, club members hid eggs

around the school with anti-bullying messages inside. Students received prizes for

each egg found. The activity was a success; all 24 eggs were found!

In & around

GCMS

The fifth and final meet of the Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary & Middle Schools (MOEMS) was held on

Wednesday, March 8. Our school score (total of the top 10) for our 6th Grade Olympians was 38 of a possible 50.

There was only one perfect score.

Joseph Como

Six students had four correct:

Jack Bingham, Sydney Carlino, Drew DeAngelo, Ted Flaherty,

Demetra Menoudakos, and Tyler Okada

Listed here are the scores for the students who have the highest cumulative scores:

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Jack Bingham – 1st place

Joseph Como and Wally Cook – (tie) 2nd place

Ted Flaherty – 3rd place

Congratulations to all Math Olympians!!

NAME TEACHER MEET 1 MEET 2 MEET 3 MEET 4 MEET 5 TOTAL

Jack Bingham

Nardone

5

5

5

4

4

23

Joseph Como Nardone 2 4 5 4 5 20

Walter Cook Nardone 5 3 5 4 3 20

Ted Flaherty Orrego 3 4 4 4 4 19

Sydney Carlino Nardone 3 3 4 4 4 18

Eileen Farrell Orrego 3 3 5 4 3 18

Tyler Okada Petro 3 3 4 4 4 18

Jocelyn Cheng Nardone 3 4 5 2 3 17

Alyssa DeGruccio Petro 2 4 4 4 3 17

Kevin Donohue Hakes 3 3 5 4 2 17

Michael Gannon Hakes 3 4 4 3 3 17

Seunghyun Woo Petro 4 2 4 4 3 17

The Garden City Middle School Library

Recommendations by Library/Media Specialist: Mr. Daniels

Fablehaven By Brandon Mull For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite. Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current care-taker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken -- Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good -- powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

Close to Famous By Joan Bauer Foster McFee dreams of having her own cooking show like her idol, celebrity chef Sonny Kroll. Macon Dillard's goal is to be a documentary filmmaker. Foster's mother Rayka longs to be a headliner instead of a back-up singer. And Miss Charleena plans a triumphant return to Hollywood. Everyone has a dream, but nobody is even close to famous in the little town of Culpepper. Until some unexpected events shake the town and its inhabitants–and put their big ambitions to the test. Full of humor, unforgetta-ble characters, surprises, and lots and lots of heart, this is Joan Bauer at her most en-gaging.

Totally Human: Why We Look and Act the Way We Do By Cynthia Pratt Nicolson Totally Human explains the many puzzling and strange things about us and the weird and wonderful things we do, simply because we’re human. A fascinating intro-duction to the scientific fields of evolutionary biology and psychology.