October 2011Volume 9, Issue 1

Flight Lines “Where Eagles Soar….”

How silently they tumble downAnd come to rest upon the ground

To lay a carpet, rich and rare,Beneath the trees without a care,

Content to sleep, their work well done,Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly flyUntil they nearly reach the sky.Twisting, turning through the air

Till all the trees stand stark and bare.Exhausted, drop to earth below

To wait, like children, for the snow.-Elsie N. Brady

THE FIVE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF READING

Leaves

Contents

Autumn Poetry 1

Reading Resources 1

Upcoming Events 1

Parent Outreach 2

411 From Your Social Worker

3

Box Tops for Education 4

Calendar of Events 5

Winning Websites 6

October Book Picks 7

From the Guidance Dept. 8

From the Guidance Dept. 9

Teacher of the Year 10

Reading with children and helping them practice specific reading components can dramatically improve their ability to read. Scientific research shows that there are five essential components of reading that children must be taught in order to learn to read. Adults can help children learn to be good readers by systematically practicing these five components:

✪ Recognizing and using individual sounds to create words, or phonemic awareness. Children need to be taught to hear sounds in words and that words are made up of the smallest parts of sound, or phonemes.

✪ Understanding the relationships between written letters and spoken sounds, or phonics. Children need to be taught the sounds individual printed letters and groups of letters make.Knowing the relationships between letters and sounds helps children to recognize familiar words accurately and automatically, and “decode” new words.

✪ Developing the ability to read a text accurately and quickly, or reading fluency. Children must learn to read words rapidly and accurately in order to understand what is read. When fluent readers read silently, they recognize words automatically. When fluent readers read aloud, they read effortlessly and with expression. Readers who are weak in fluency read slowly, word by word, focusing on decoding words instead of comprehending meaning.

✪ Learning the meaning and pronunciation of words, or vocabulary development. Childrenneed to actively build and expand their knowledge of written and spoken words, what theymean and how they are used.

✪ Acquiring strategies to understand, remember and communicate what is read, or readingcomprehension strategies. Children need to be taught comprehension strategies, or the steps good readers use to make sure they understand text. Students who are in control of their own reading comprehension become purposeful, active readers.

Mr. Dewayne Jackson, PrincipalMrs. Katie Bolenbaugh, Assistant Principal

Upcoming Events

October 12 Reading Bowl Meeting

October 13 VIP Meeting

October 13 IB Meeting at DCHS

Beta Club Induction Ceremony

October 25 Power in Truth Conference

Stewart Middle School Parents and Guardians – Let’s do it again…have another great year!For those of you I have not had a chance to meet, welcome to Stewart Middle School. I’m Denny Bridges, the Parent Outreach Facilitator here at Stewart and my job involves increasing parental involvement, helping to promote the school’s image and acting as a liaison between the home, community and school in an effort to provide high levels of student achievement.I am once again excited about the opportunity to provide to SMS parents and guardians information and resources which will not only help with the learning process of our students, but will also benefit our parents and guardians by helping you become an integral part of your child’s educational endeavors.One really concrete way to help “your eagle soar,” is by becoming part of the School-Parent Team. This can happen by:

1. Getting acquainted with your child’s teachers and school administrators.

2. Letting your child’s teacher(s) be made aware of anything that may affect your child’s progress in school.

3. Read newsletters, notes and messages that your child brings home from school.

4. Review your “eagle’s” agenda, prepared school work and books used by your child.

5. Don’t wait for a regular parent-teacher conference, if you feel your child is struggling. Schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher(s) right away.

Parent Outreach

“……my job involves increasing parental involvement, helping to promote the school’s image and acting as a liaison between the home, community and school in an effort to provide high levels of student achievement.”Mr. Denny BridgesParent Outreach Facilitator

School Newsletter Page 2

6. By all means, visit the Parent Resource Center and volunteer to help with at least one activity during the school year and visit our school website at http://stewart . dcm.schoolinsites.com.

All of the above are important and effective ways to be involved. However, I must mention the importance of parents/guardians being role models of good behavior, supporting school rules as well as the classroom teacher, and reminding your child that education is very important.Our upcoming VIP Meeting, Internet Safety for Students and Parents, is scheduled for October 13th, 6:00 PM in our school cafeteria. At this meeting, we will explore…

Internet Safety Cyber Bullying New technology being used

is our County System Have demonstrations

showing how technology is used by our teachers

Please mark your calendars and look for flyers advising of upcoming workshops, seminars and programs designed to provide necessary/required support to help our students not only achieve, but excel.

Community

Page 3 School Newsletter 411 from your School Social Worker

2011-2012

Perfect attendance and being punctual are two ways of soaring like a Stewart eagle.Check this section to see whose homeroom has soared above the others with perfect attendance. A homeroom will be acknowledged each month for having the best attendance. We will also spotlight a student who has perfect attendance.

Attending school and being punctual have a direct correlation with academic success and job success. We are preparing students for their future.

Your school social worker is here to help reduce barriers to achieving academic success along with your school counselors. Parents, students, and school staff can make referrals to the school social worker for services.Factsheet: Back to School & Your Child’s Mental Health (Fact sheet taken from Mental Health America)The beginning of a new school year can be a stressful time for children, with new teachers and classmates, bigger classrooms, new routines and more schoolwork. This time can be particularly unnerving and overwhelming for children who are facing major transitions such as starting elementary school or entering middle school. As a parent there are proactive steps you can take to support your child as he or she heads back to school.

•Express interest and enthusiasm about the start of the school year. If you are confident and excited, your child will be too. •Take time to listen to your child and discuss aspects of the new

school year that he or she is worried about. Remember to let your child know that it’s normal to feel nervous about the start of school •Spend time each day talking to your child about what happened in school. Give your child positive feedback about his or her new experiences. •Praise and encourage your child to become involved with school activities and try new things. •Attend school functions and stay involved in your child’s education. Children whose parents are more involved with their education have higher achievement, are better adjusted and are less likely to drop out of school. •Make a point to learn about how your child develops not just physically, but socially and emotionally, as well. If you are aware of what’s typical behavior and thoughts for your child’s stage of life, you will be able to tell more readily when things may not be right.Anxiety and stress about starting school is normal for a child and usually passes within the first few days or weeks. If your child continues to seem anxious or stressed, it may be time to seek help. Talk to your

School Newsletter Box Tops for Education Page 4

School Newsletter Calendar of Events Page 5

The following is a list of websites appropriate for middle school research:GALILEO Fantastic database for doing research! Too many resources to mention! See Mrs. Deal or Ms. Cassy for the current password. http://www.galileo.usg.edu

InfoPlease Encycopedia, dictionary, historical data/statistics, and more. http://infoplease.com

Digital Library of Georgia The Digital Library of Georgia is a gateway to Georgia's history and culture found in digitized books, manuscripts, photographs, government documents, newspapers, maps, audio, video, and other resources. 

http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/?Welcome

Georgia Archives The Georgia Archives identifies and preserves Georgia's most valuable historical documents. Features include the Virtual Vault, Virtual Georgia, Historical Directory, and Digital Archives. http://sos.georgia.gov/archives/

The New Georgia Encyclopedia The New Georgia Encyclopedia is an authoritative source on the people, places, events, and institutions of Georgia. The site contains nearly 2,000 articles and more than 5,000 images and audio and video clips on the history, culture, and life of the state. http://www.newgeorgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Home.jsp

GeorgiaInfo The University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government is pleased to offer GeorgiaInfo, an extensive Web online resource about Georgia. http://www.cviog.uga.edu/Projects/gainfo/index.php

National Archives in Georgia An archive of historical records from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. http://www.archives.gov/southeast/exhibit/

Census Bureau List of federal agency websites with useful information for students K-12.  http://www.census.gov/mso/www/educate/kidspage.htm

Ask for Kids http://www.askforkids.com

Yahooligans http://www.yahooligans.com

Encyclopedia http://www.encyclopedia.com

Fact Monster http://www.factmonster.com

Awesome Library http://www.awesomelibrary.org

School Newsletter Library Lingo Page 6

October Book Picks

School Newsletter Library Lingo Page 7

See the Destiny database for more chilling details……..

Guidance Department's Dates to Remember:

October 21-23  Camp MAGIK in ClarksvilleOctober 23-27  Red Ribbon WeekOctober 25       Power In Truth ConferenceNovember 11    Career Day/College FairFebruary           Fabulous Fridays at GA Highlands (Gr. 6)Spring 2012      8th Grade visit to CCI 

Welcome Ms. Kia Harris!Ms. Harris, School Counselor, is now a part of the SMS family!She is here on T/Th and every other Friday.  We are excited to have her here at SMS.  She is 7th grade counselor; 6th M-Z.   Camp MAGIK (Mainly About Grief In Kids)  is a special Camp for kids Age 7-17 who have lost a parent, sibling or other close loved one.  If you are interested, please contact one of the Student Support Staff members here at SMS.  Registration deadline is October 12, 2011.  A Retreat for parents/guardians will be held at the same time.  Camp is free for the children.  Cost for the retreat is $25.00.   Red Ribbon Week will be held at the end of the month.  Students will be given opportunities to express their commitment to Stay Drug Free throughout the week.  There will be a door decorating contest, essay contest, dress up days, and lots of information to help our students in their quest to live a healthy, drug free life.

 Career Day is November 11, 2011.  Students will have an opportunity to hear first-hand about the world of work.  Additionally, we will have representatives from institutions of higher education to share information at our College Fair which will be held on the same day.  Wow!  A day packed with Career Education activities!  Go Eagles!!  Prior to Career Day, students will be engaged in various activities to fulfill the HB400 requirement.   

School Newsletter From the Guidance DepartmentPage 8

GAcollege411.org website is a tool that students will use as they engage in Career Education Activities.  More info to come regarding this important tool!   Match Mentoring Program We need volunteers to serve as a mentor.  Please contact Mrs. T. Thompson, School Counselor for more information.  Her direct line is 770-651-5419.  Referrals are encouraged!!

Partners in EducationThank you to those who partner with us to make a difference in the lives of our students.    

Small Group Counseling Both boys and girls groups have begun!  Letters/invitations were sent over the past week or so.  Thanks parents for your support!   

Peer Mediators/Student Ambassadors will travel to the Annual Power In Truth Conference on Tuesday, October 25, 2011.  Permission forms will be sent home ASAP! 

 

School Newsletter From the Guidance DepartmentPage 9

School Newsletter Congratulations to Jaslyn Dukes - TOTYPage 10

I believe the children are our future. . .I believe that each and every child has the potential to bring

something unique and special to the world. I will help children to develop their potential by believing in them as capable

individuals. I will assist children in discovering who they are, so they can express their own opinions and nurture their own ideas. I

have a vision of a world where people learn to respect, accept, and embrace the differences between us, as the core of what

makes life fascinating.

Teach them well and let them lead the way. . .My classroom is an environment that will present a unique

community of learners that varies not only in ability, but also in learning styles. My role as a teacher is to give children the tools

with which to cultivate their own gardens of knowledge. To accomplish this goal, I will differentiate my teaching style to meet

the needs of each of my clients in a way that will make each of them feel capable and successful. I will present strategies and techniques that involve the interests of the children and makes

learning relevant to life. I would like to tie learning into the world community to help children become caring and active members of

society.Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a

since of pride. . .The classroom should be a caring, confidential, and equitable

environment where each child can blossom and grow. I want to show children how to be responsible for themselves by taking responsibility for their actions and acknowledging the choices they are allowed to make, as well as the consequences that

follows them. Children will understand how to believe in themselves and love themselves. I will help them define their

strengths and what makes them special, and how to accept and work on their weaknesses.

Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be. . .

I will not be judgmental, stereotypical, or closed minded towards any child that enters my classroom or my presence. Teaching is a lifelong learning process. I will never forget that I was once a child and I was not perfect then or now. I will continuously acquire new philosophies and new strategies, learning from the parents and

community, learning from colleagues, and especially the children. They have taught me to open my mind and my heart to the joys,

the innocence, and diversity of ideas in the world. Because of this, I will never forget to smile with the new, cherish the old, and

laugh with the children.

Mrs. Jaslyn J. DukesSMS Teacher of the

Year