WELCOME HOME !!

SOMERSWORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

Welcome Back
2015
SMS CALENDAR
OCTOBER
9th Teacher Workshop Day
No School
12thColumbus Day
No School
16th SMS Dance 7pm-9pm
30thSMS Dance 7pm-9pm

NOVEMBER
11th Veterans Day
No School
13th SMS Dance 7pm-9pm
19th Parent Teacher Conference
23th Parent Teacher Conference
25-27 Thanksgiving Break No School

REMINDERS
School hours are
7:35am 2:20pm
Its important that
students do not arrive
prior to 7:20 am

Dear Middle School Families:

I love the beginning of the school year! The first day was
filled with the smiling faces of hope and eyes glowing with
determination. The young bodies and souls mirrored the
Belief that anything is possible through the implementation
of commitment and discipline, coupled with the foundations
of caring and support, all visions can become a reality.
Hopes and dreams come alive.
At the beginning of each year the values of our community
are re-taught, the lessons of caring reinforced, and as a middle school community we rededicate ourselves to excellence
as we once again begin our journey On The Path To Success.
The journey to obtain excellence is always challenging.
However, by embracing and modeling these challenges, the
elements of community, spirit, determination and teamwork,
our middle level students can achieve success. As we continue On The Path To Success, belief in self and others will be
kindled by our dedicated faculty and staff who embody the
commitment and passion of Spotlight School Educators.
Somersworth Middle School will continue to build a community where every child can succeed, explore, and develop
their talents, passions and beliefs.
As the echoes of the first school bell radiates throughout our
community, we are again inspired by the promises our next
generation can bring us all. It is our responsibility as a Middle
School community to give them the tools to help make those
promises a reality.
Together let us continue to celebrate all that is right about our
community we call, Somersworth Middle School. Together
let us continue On The Path To Success.

Dana Hilliard

Devin McNelly

Principal

Assistant Principal

We Believe
ALUMINUM CAN DRIVE FOR
COCHECO VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY
An aluminum can drive is underway for the animals at the
Cocheco Valley Humane Society. This drive goes on for the
whole school year. Students can bring empty, crushed ,or
non crushed cans in plastic bags to room 116. If you have a
large bag of cans and cannot get them to school you can
contact me and I will come and pick them up. You can also,
collect the tabs from the cans these are given to the Diabetic
clinic in Rochester. Last year we raised $150 dollars!
Start saving your cans and help support the animals!
Carol McKenney
Can Coordinator/Physical Education Teacher

Hiking Club
The SMS Hiking Club has 3 fall hikes scheduled. The first hike is Saturday
September 19th, to Copple Crown Mt. in Brookfield, NH. The second hike is
Saturday September 26th, to Mt. Roberts in the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area in Ossipee, NH. The final hike is October 3 rd, to Mt. Chocorua, in
Albany, NH. The hikes are free for all students except for the last hike. There is
a $5 fee for a stop at the Pizza Barn in Ossipee. Students need to arrive at the
front of SMS by 7:45am. The bus or Vans will be leaving at 8:00am. Returning
to the school varies for each hike. Roughly, we will get back around 3:004:00pm. The last hike will be around 6:00-7:00pm. Students can use their cell
phones to call you as we get closer to the school. Parents are welcome to join our
hikes, but you must go in your own car. Your son or daughter may ride with you.
If you have any questions you can contact me at 692-2126 ext. 1430 or email me
at:cmckenney@sau56.org
Carol McKenney
Hiking Coordinator/Physical Education Teacher

Fall is in the air

As this new school year kicks off - we are hoping to gain
your support as a PTA member. If you havent joined
alreadyplease consider it, as it really helps us to support our school, our teachers and our greatest investment our kids! The fee this year is $6 for each membership, and these memberships make it possible for us
to participate in state functions and keep our PTA going
with new members and new ideas! Our meetings will be
on the second Monday of each month, and if you cant
make it to meetings there are still so many other ways
you can help if you would like to!
Last year PTA had monthly presentations from several
great guest speakers, did a McDonalds fundraiser and a
SMS dance in May, and all of these events allowed us to
build a small budget that helps out with happenings
around the school. Our biggest push right now is for
BOX TOPS!!!! We have a collection container in the office, and .10cents might not seem like a lot...but it adds
up quickly! Last year we made $226 in Box Tops alone!
This year we are going to be having contests between
the classrooms in hopes of topping what we did this past
year! So come on SMS BRING IN THOSE BOXTOPS!
Other activities the PTA sponsored last year include:
Breakfast snacks for SMS Staff on the first day of school,
Candy Posters for Teacher Appreciation Week, Gift
Cards for raffles during Teacher Appreciation Week, 450
Firecracker Pops for Field day, and snacks for staff on
the last day of school.
This year we are really hoping to focus on needs that the
teachers have for our kids within their classrooms. We
are going to ask staff for their input on what kinds of
needs they have to help with the learning environment in
the classroom, and see what kind of wishes we can
help with and set some goals for the year. We would
love help from families, teachers, and yes even student ideas!

SYC
SYC is pleased to announce that we are currently taking registrations
for the 2015-2016 school year and our 8th year! SYC will begin on
Monday September 14th and runs 2:30-5:30 Monday-Friday. SYC supports, fosters and promotes positive and healthy youth development
with an emphasis on healthy mind and bodies. SYC has built a very
successful and effective afterschool and summer learning program that
embodies 21st century learning. What defines SYC at SMS;
Structure with Flexibility
Variety of Appropriate Activities
Exploration of Skills & Interests
Opportunities to Give Input, Develop Leadership
Responsibility, Citizenship, & Ownership
Youth- Directed Choices- Challenges by Choice
Communication ,Empowerment, & Passion
Committed, Caring, & Supportive Staff
Real-life Connections to Your Community
Opportunities for Service Learning
College and Career Readiness Opportunities
SYC is structured so that all students have an opportunity to participate
in ELS Zone, Monday-Thursday from 2:30-3:30pm. ELS Zone provides
snack, quality instruction and support in the areas of math, language arts
and sciences. Any students may enroll in ELS Zone and does not need
to participate in additional SYC enrichments, activities or clubs. There
is a bus after school for those students who are enrolled in ELS Zone
(must already be on bus route) with scheduled pick up between 3:304:00pm. SYC offers a variety of enrichments, activities and clubs that
are engaging, hands on, motivating, challenging and FUN! If you

would like to learn more about the SYC program and become
involved at SMS please contact Carson Waterman, Site Coordinator at 692-2126; cwaterman@sau56.org

SOMERSWORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

Parents Right to Know

HELP YOUR STUDENT CONTINUE

On The Path to Success

Here are some ideas:
Guidance ELS
1. Pay attention to your childs work. What are your
childs ELS activities? Do you have your power school
password? Please call the SMS office if you need one!

2. Provide support with educational activities, ask

them to show you what they are learning. Your interest will instill a sense of pride and ownership.

3. Promote healthy habits. Make sure that your child

gets enough sleep, eats healthy snacks and meals, and
exercises every day.

4. Insist that all devices go off at bedtime. Children

can be awakened by texts or stay up for hours playing
games or watching videos. Try setting up a family
charging station where everyone leave their devices.

5. Get involved with your childs school. Meet with

your childs teacher, attend school events, and attend a
PTA meeting. Networking with other middle school
parents is a great way to gain support and make new
friends. Attend the SMS open house

6. Be positive about education. Show that you value

learning too.

7. Help your child organize a quiet study area; it

Somersworth elementary and middle schools receive Title I funds to help students reach established academic standards. Currently teachers
within each school are qualified to teach in their
assigned grade levels and subject areas. Under
the Federal law, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001,
we are required to notify parents of their rights.
Maple Wood, Idlehurst, and Somersworth Middle
School parents may request information about the
qualifications of these students classroom teachers. In particular, a parent may seek the following
information:
Whether the teacher meets the State qualifications for the grade level and subject area of
instruction;
Whether the teacher is teaching outside the
certification;
The degree held by the teacher and any other
graduate certification or degrees and the
field of the certification or degree; and
Whether the child is provided services by
paraprofessionals and if so their qualifications.
If you would like to request any of the above information, please call Caroline Butler, Title I Project Manager at 692-2126. A written request
may be sent to 7 Memorial Drive, Somersworth,
NH 03878. All responses will be made in a timely
manner.

should be well lit and free of noise and distractions

(like T.V. and video games.)

Tardy Policy at SMS

8. Praise your childs efforts and achievements.

Praise helps to build self-esteem and encourages children to keep trying their best. Accentuate the positive!

9. Discuss current events with your child to promote

To better prepare students for the high school, we are instituting the following tardy policy:
Within an Academic Quarter:

an interest in learning about the world around them.

Stimulate your childs growing interests.

If students are Tardy 4 Unexcused times they will receive an LTD

10. Be available when your child wants to talk about

school or other issues listening is a powerful support.
Research has shown that most tweens would like to
talk with their parents more about their school work.
Start a conversation about what your child is learning.

If students are Tardy 8 Unexcused times they will

receive a second LTD

If students are Tardy 12 Unexcused times they will

receive an Afterschool Detention

Contact your school counselors for more information: Kelly Warren, Emily Hayden, and Erin
Cote. Your involvement in your childs education
contributes to a lifelong love of learning.

More than 12 Unexcused Tardies in a Quarter will

result in further consequences including ISS.
Page 4

6th Grade ELS

When your child tells you they have no work to do, please refer to this list to help them choose something to work on. Any
extra time your child puts into their work will reflect in their increased knowledge and skills (and grades).
**Your child will be given an adequate amount of time in class to complete classwork assignments. If they choose not to
practice good time management, they will be required to bring home unfinished work to be completed and brought back to
school the next day. Unfinished work will not receive a full-credit grade. **
All Students and Parents should be checking PowerSchool on a weekly basis to make sure all current work is complete.
LANGUAGE ARTS:
READING: Unit 1: Developing Agency and Independence
Unit 2: Investigating Characters Across Series
Read a minimum of 20 minutes, 5 times a week.
Fill in the Home Reading Log completely every time you read and get it signed. Due on
Mondays.
Reading Response Journal: Write a letter to your LA teacher about the book you are reading. Use the given journal prompts to help you with ideas. You must have a minimum
of one letter per week written in your journal.
Practice using the Reading Strategies taught in class.
Book Project due toward the end of the Trimester. More information to come.
WRITING
Keep Writers Notebook updated.
Write to Writing Prompts introduced through Writing Workshop on Fridays.
Writing Assignments due throughout the trimester. More information to come.

SOCIAL STUDIES
HISTORY: Ancient Civilizations
Research topics related to the topics covered in class in order to add to class discussions,
class research, and class projects.
Rewrite notes, check over and add to work done in class
Study notes and work done in class
GEOGRAPHY
Study Geography Review Pre-Assessment; to be re-assessed at the end of the year.
Work on the Challenge question of the Weekly Geography.
Continue practice work with using map skills. ELS work handed out and worked on in class
can be worked on at home too.
Students can watch the news with parents and discuss the Who, What, Where, When, and
How of local, state, and world news.
Students can read the newspaper and discuss the different current events.

SCIENCE

7th Grade ELS

Math ELS
-A parent letter will accompany each unit. The letter has an introduction to the unit with the expectations and topics on the front
side. The back side of the letter breaks down the unit by investigation and shows great examples of the content. Please discuss with
your student the vocabulary and try to make connections to the real world using these terms.
-Throughout each unit please keep up with assigned ACE questions. There will be several questions per week that will be assigned
to reinforce the skills we are discovering in class.

Science ELS
-During trimester one, we will be exploring measurement, careers in science, branches of science and classification of life. Please
explore measurement in everyday life. We encourage parents to discuss how measurement is used on a regular basis (i.e. bake a
cake from scratch and have your child do all the measurements).
-Parents, this time in our studies is also a great time to discuss careers. Many students have interests in science related careers. This
is a good opportunity for you to discuss what they want to be when they grow up. Please take the time to visit a museum or make
arrangements to job shadow someone in that career field. Its never too early to start career exploration.
Language Arts ELS
-During trimester one, read a minimum of 20 minutes, 5-7 times a week. Your reading should include just right/choice books,
magazines, newspapers, etc. Try to incorporate as much non-fiction as possible. Actively write, keeping a journal if possible. Writing could be based on reading reflections, daily events and free/creative writing. When applicable, incorporate our classroom curriculum into your reading and writing at home. Anticipate additional ELS/product work to be assigned throughout the trimester.
Social Studies ELS
-During trimester one, research topics related to the the current unit of study, covered in class, in order to add to class discussions,
class research, and class products. Rewrite notes, check over and add to work done in class (study on a regular basis). Stay current

8th Grade ELS

Eighth grade has started and the teachers are all abuzz about the great group of students we have this year. We are looking forward
to getting to know each and every one of them.
ELS, or extended learning skills, are more defined this year. We have met together and designed home activities that will
extend and enhance the curriculum being taught in the classroom. There will be a more detailed letter sent home to help you remind
students to be working on ELS. Here are the activities planned for the first trimester.
Social Studies: Students will collect data on var ious countr ies of the wor ld. They will r esear ch places ar ound the globe
and keep a record of these locations. This an on-going assignment.
Science: Read ar ticles that r elate to what we ar e studying in class and wr ite a summar y of the ar ticle along with two testable scientific questions that relate.
Language Arts: Dur ing each tr imester , your student will be asked to r ead a book at home and complete a pr oject. Book
genres and projects will be assigned in class. Be looking for a project sheet which will outline requirements. Students
should carry a reading book with them to LA every day.
Math: Students will be assigned Extended Lear ning Skills based on r eal wor ld applications. Pr oblems will be given out
in class and they will be notified when they are to be completed. These problems are directly linked to daily in-class topics
and are practice to prepare for assessments.
Please ask students about ELS assignments and encourage them to complete these assignments.
We are looking forward to a great year.

Unified Arts ELS

Unified Arts Extended Learning Skills
Extended Learning Skills are an extension of the skills learned and practiced in the classroom. Please refer to
this list to extend any of the skills learned in Art, Physical Ed/Wellness, Research, Computer, Music and FCS.
Many of the skills learned in one class will cross over into another.
Physical Education/Wellness
Create a lifetime fitness plan that includes ideas on nutrition, physical activity and other health assessments that
should occur in a persons life.
FCS
Plan a healthy meal for your family based on what you have learned in class.
Computers
Using Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel, complete assignments for your other classes. Write a letter to a
friend or family member.
Art
Research artists that we have learned about and try creating your own artwork based on their work.
Research
Look things up with Google using the tips taught in class.
Band/Chorus
Practicing on an instrument or rhythm work with your music consistently throughout each term would be a
great extension. Reading about and listening to various aspects of music and giving reactions to those will help
to show new facets of the musical world.

What is Advisory
Our students start each day in a program called Advisory. These are groups of ten to twelve students that are with
one or two adults. The mission of advisory is to ensure that every individual student at SMS has one adult who
knows that individual well and can be an understanding advocate. This is a time where students do team building,
check in on grades, and work on a sense of community. This year we have added virtues to our aspirations. Our
theme for September was responsibility and sense of belonging. October will bring teamwork and respect. November will be empathy and compassion. Fridays are Community Days with special speakers or motivational
themes. Please ask what activity your student has done each day!

FARM TO SCHOOL
Exciting Initiative for the 2015-2016 School Year
The Northeast Farm to School Institute is a unique year-long professional learning opportunity being offered to ten
school teams from New England and New York.
Somersworth Middle School has been chosen to participate!
Farm to school enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy and local food producers by changing food
purchasing and education practices at schools and preschools. Students gain access to healthy, local foods as well as education opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons and farm field trips. Farm to school empowers children and
their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities.
We have created a team including the Assistant Principal, Nurse, our Cafe Services Director, classroom and related arts
teachers, and parents. Our participation in this free opportunity is a one year commitment. In this year we plan to develop outdoor learning and growing spaces, curriculum connections, and cultivating family and community connections.
We are excited to build new connections to our local food system as well as provide education about other cultures represented in our Somersworth population. Come grow with us! If you have questions or would like to participate, please
contact Chris Asbell casbell@sau56.org

8th Grade Philly Fundraiser

Its that time of year again! Time to start thinking about participating in the Yankee Candle fundraiser to help your 8th
grader earn their way to Philly this spring. As in the past, Yankee Candle returns 40% of your childs sales to their own
Philly account. Your childs efforts are not spread across the entire group of 8th graders, but proceeds go directly to their
own Philly account.
Packets will be passed out after we have a presentation for the students on how it all works. The fundraiser will start on
October 1st and go until October 15th. This time was chosen to ensure that all items will be received before the
Thanksgiving holiday. There is also a new mobile app that makes inviting friends and relatives who may live far away to
join in. The information will be included in your childs packet.
This is the one fundraiser in which we have consistently participated in the past. There may be another later in the year,
but no promises yet. We have had kids earn the entire sum they needed to pay for the trip just by selling Yankee Candles. If your child does participate and then decides not to go, or becomes ineligible due to behavior issues, fundraising
money will not be returned to them.

6th Grade Upcoming Natures

Classroom Trip

We are excited to be going to Natures Classroom the second week of April! Natures Classroom is an environmental camp located in Freedom, New Hampshire
on Ossipee Lake overlooking the White Mountains. For five days, your childs
day will be spent with hands-on learning experiences that directly tie into our
Sixth grade curriculum. For the low cost of $250 per child, which includes
housing and food, your kids get a chance to connect their learning to real life experiences. We are looking forward to Natures Classroom and know you may
have questions. We have a representative coming to speak on Thursday, September 24 at 6 p.m. Please come and see the amazing experience that awaits your
child!

Friendly Reminders from

Nurse Charlene McCarron RN

Attn. Middle School Families:

If your child had a physical in the last year, please send a copy into school or have your doctors office
fax a copy to the school nurse Charlene McCarron at 603-692-9101.
New Hampshire Law requires: Children must have proof of all required immunizations, or valid
exemptions, in order to attend school.

All students 11 years and older: must have a one time dose of Tdap vaccine (when more than 5 years
have passed since the last tetanus containing vaccine).
*If a child turns 11 on or after the first day of school, they are required to have the Tdap vaccine prior
to the first day school next year.
If your child has received any immunizations in the last year, please send a copy into school or have
your doctors office fax a copy to the school nurse at 603-692-9101.
Goodwin Community Health Center offers immunizations on a Walk-In basis on Wednesdays from
1:30 4:00 pm.
If you have any questions about your childs health records or immunization status, please do not hesitate to call me at 603-692-2126, x 1413.