Sleepy Hollow Middle School 2011-2012 News

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Do You Need an Architect?

The students in Mr. Benedict, Sr's. Explorations in Science after school club were given the challenge to design and frame a single room model house.  The students had to conceptualize, draw, calculate and build their model houses.  For the design aspect, the students used a design grid paper, pencil and ruler to draw their scale models. The students then prepared a list of materials and calculations for the linear inch wood required to accomplish the task of constructing the houses. 

In preparing the wood for the house construction, the students used tools such as a miter box and hand saw, coping saw, glue gun, and various measuring devises.  The students did a masterful job in constructing their model houses. (Posted 2/1/12)

Middle School Band and Orchestra Participates in the Rivertown’s Middle School Music Festival

Thirty-Eight students from the Sleepy Hollow Middle School Band and Orchestra will join students from Briarcliff Manor, Ossining and Croton in the Fifth Annual Rivertown’s Music Festival.  The students will participate in a 2-day festival culminating in a concert on Saturday February 4^th at 2:00 PM in the Croton-Harmon High School Auditorium.  This Festival was started by Mr. Sprague and other local middle school band directors.  It was then expanded three years ago to include Orchestra.  This year, Mrs. Trenczer is the guest conductor for the orchestra.  The festival is designed for enrichment and to give students an opportunity to play outside their school’s music rooms.  Please come to the concert and support some of Sleepy Hollow’s most accomplished music students!  E-mail Mr. Sprague if you have any questions at MSprague@TUFSD.org.  (Posted 1/31/12)

College Awareness begins in the Middle School!

8th graders participating in an academic engagement group facilitated by school counselors, Ms. Ocasio and Dr. Steiner have been awarded a grant by the Foundation for a college tour of Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus this Spring. The students and counselors are very excited for the opportunity to tour the campus as part of the group’s college readiness initiative!  Additional goals for this group include increasing self-esteem and self-awareness in order to support the high school/post-secondary transition.  (Posted 1/31/12)

Seventh Grade Math Enrichment Students Play Fantasy Football

Ms. Albukerk’s 7^th-grade Math Enrichment students competed in a fantasy football league throughout the 2011 – 2012 NFL season.  Fantasy football is a game in which teams of students create and manage their own virtual NFL teams and accumulate points based on the players’ actual performance each game.   Players earn points by scoring touchdowns and 2-point conversions as well as accumulating passing, rushing, and receiving yards.  Players lose points for interceptions thrown and fumbles lost.  Each week students used mathematical formulas and game box scores to find the sum of the points earned by their teams.  Students had a salary cap of $40 million from which they could purchase their teams’ players, who could be traded periodically.  Congratulations to the Honolulu Grenades team, which scored the most points for the season!

At the end of the regular season, student teams analyzed their data collected using Microsoft’s Excel spreadsheets and graphs.  Students examined such things as average weekly point totals, season totals, and individual player’s contributions as a percentage of their weekly point totals.  The student teams organized their data into several Excel graphs, which they presented as part of their PowerPoint presentations.  Ms. Albukerk is proud of all of her statisticians!  (Posted 1/27/12)

Students and Parents are welcomed to attend the Sleepy Hollow Performing Arts Boosters’
Middle School Variety Show
There will be dancing, singing, rare unique talents, and live rock bands!
This event showcases Middle School students!
Wednesday, Feb. 8
7:00 PM
at Sleepy Hollow Middle and High School Auditorium
Admission is $5.00 for students $6.00 for adults
Children Under 3: admission is free

(Posted 1/27/12)

ELA Parent Information Meeting

Learn More About
The MS ELA Curriculum
The ELA Exam
How You Can Help Your Child at Home

Tuesday, January 31^ST
7:00 in the MS Auditorium

We Look Forward to Seeing You There!

Sleepy Hollow Middle School Family Conference Day on November 30^th

Sleepy Hollow Middle School will be holding our first Family Conference Day on November 30^th from 6:30-8:30 and on December 6^th from 12:30-4:00 and 6:30-8:30.  Requests for team conferences should be emailed directly to our 6^th grade team leaders, Ms. Conjura  (nconjura@tufsd.org) and Mr. Large (glarge@tufsd.org); our 7th grade team leaders, Mr. Benedict (dbenedict@tufsd.org) and Mr. Kolar (bkolar@tufsd.org); or our 8^th grade team leaders, Ms. Doran (cdoran@tufsd.org) and Ms. Larsen (hlarsen@tufsd.org).  They may also be reached by calling the middle school at 332-6276.  If you would like to schedule a conference with a special area teacher please call Ms. Perez in the middle school office at 332-6276 or email her at mperez2@tufsd.org (Posted 11/17/11)

 3^rd Annual Career Day

The halls of Sleepy Hollow Middle School were bustling with activity during our 3^rd annual Career Day event.  Members from our community took the time to share information about their professions with our children and the result was priceless.  Sixth grade students were given an opportunity to listen to various auditorium presentations that included an event planner, an actor, a Tae Kwon Do instructor, and a legislator.  Students in the Seventh and Eighth grade were able to select from an inventory of careers and were given a schedule that catered to their interests.  Our hallways were taken over by surgeons, real estate agents, architects, and engineers, just to name a few.  Students emerged from classrooms with a renewed determination to succeed as well as a deeper understanding of the importance of taking ownership of their education.  Many thanks to Fatima Gianni for organizing this very important event and the PTSA for being instrumental in the planning of Career Day.  A very special “thank you” as well to all of the professionals who donated their time to our students. (Posted 11/16/11)

Seventh Grade Students Delve into Character Analysis Through Art

Using the protagonist, Charlotte Doyle, from Avi’s novel, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, students were asked to analyze and evaluate character transformation.  In English classes, students studied Charlotte’s dramatic shift by analyzing her thoughts, actions, and dialogue.  Working in conjunction with our art teacher, Andrea Harrison, students were then given a short presentation that outlined the various ways in which artists have represented different facets of their subjects’ personalities.  Bursting with ideas, students returned to English classrooms and created the “2 Faces of Charlotte Doyle.”  Please take a moment to view and enjoy some student samples. (Posted 11/16/11)

Students Studying Energy Forms and Transformations

The students in Mrs. Strippoli’s 6^th grade Science Honors class have been studying energy forms and transformations.  Working in groups the students were challenged with creating a fan that will transform chemical energy into enough wind energy to move pieces of paper.  Which group won?  Which group created the most unique propeller?  Results will be posted in the 6^th grade hallway. (Posted 11/14/11)

Energy is everywhere!

Energy is everywhere!  The Jr. Scientists in Mrs. Strippoli’s class completed their unit on energy with a race.  A spool race that is!  They wound up their spool racers, storing elastic potential energy, and then set them free to run on kinetic energy.  Competition was intense but there was only one winner.  Who?  Come to the 6^th grade hallway to find out. (Posted 11/14/11)

Students of the Month

The following students have been selected as Students of the Month for their contributions to Sleepy Hollow MIddle School:

September

Chilipeppers                        -           Ben Kaufman

Legends                             -           Olivia Rudder

White Unicorns                    -           Alex Capellan

Narwhals                             -           Helen Carr

Pirates                                -           Benjamin Bojemski.

Ninjas                                 -           Cristian Torres
ESL                                    -           Greicy Ferreras  (Posted 11/5/11)

Vet Visits 7th Grade

Wow, ahhhh, and ewww could be heard coming from Mr. Garguilo's classroom Wednesday October 20th as Sleepy Hollow Vet Dr. Green presented cutting edge technology. Dr. Green presented x-rays, echocardiographs, MRIs, pet portal, CT scans and other vet technology to the attentive Middle School science students. The technology was introduced with interesting stories of animal rescues and life enhancing opportunities for the animals that Dr. Green helps on a daily basis. The visit topped of the unit on technology and helped demonstrate the importance of technology in society. Thank you Dr. Green for giving your time to motivate students and continuing to help our pets. (Posted 10/23/11)

Team Spirit Day

On Thursday, October 20, 2011 the halls of SHMS were buzzing with spirit. Our students embraced the team concept and dressed to represent their team.  As teachers and administrators navigated the halls, they were faced with Legends, Chili Peppers, Narwhals, Unicorns, Pirates, and Ninjas. 

Team spirit day,
time for work and play.
Pirates on the high seas,
Chili Peppers so hot they could make you sneeze.
Ninja’s with bands on their head,
Legends that were both written and read.
Unicorns galloping through the hall,
kids dressed up as a Narwhal.
The mood was creative, playful, and fun,
and the kids left knowing that their Horseman journey has just begun. (Posted 10/22/11)

Math 7 Students Play Integer Arithmetic

Students in Ms. Albukerk’s Math 7 class played Integer Arithmetic this week.  Integer Arithmetic allows students to practice their rules for operating with signed numbers in a fun way.  Students deal a stack of eight cards to each of the four competing players and simultaneously turn their top cards over.  Each card contains two integers and a single mathematical operation.  The player whose sum, difference, product, or quotient has the greatest value wins the set of cards.  The game is based on the traditional card game, War, where the player with the greatest number of cards at the end is the winner.  Students enjoyed practicing their integer rules and Ms. Albukerk is proud of all of her mathematicians!  (Posted 10/7/11)

Bird Observation Post

Walking the aqueduct trail has just got more interesting. The Environmental Action Club, and teacher host Mr. Garguilo have built a bird observation post. Located behind the school in the Middle School recess yard, which is directly on the aqueduct trail, the club has installed multiple bird feeders and bird houses to attract a variety of local birds. The club looks to create and install identification plaques for students and community members to learn more about and appreciate the diversity of birds we have here in New York State. The observation post was funded by the Candreva Foundation in the form of an environmental grant. “The location of the observation post was special.” says Mr. Garguilo. “The location is a vernal pool that has gone unused. We felt it was important to bring attention to the site and allow wildlife to thrive in the area. We look forward to seeing students using the area to observe birds during recess and hope the community enjoys the opportunity to observe birds during their walks along the aqueduct.” For more information on this project and the Environmental Action Club, visit the club website at https://sites.google.com/site/garguiloscience/.  (Posted 10/2/11)

Seventh-Grade Math Lab Students Compete in the Product Game Tournament

Students in Ms. Albukerk’s Math 7 Lab class started their Product Game Tournament this week.  The product game allows students to practice their multiplication facts in a tic-tac-toe game style.  The player who earns 4 products in a row wins the game.  Students will play in a round robin style, playing every student in the class.  The student who has the best record at the end of the tournament will be declared the winner. Before starting the tournament, students practiced by playing against the computer.  Currently, the lead student is undefeated in her first four rounds.  Stay tuned for future updates…  Ms. Albukerk is proud of all of her mathematicians!  (Posted 9/24/11)

Environmental Club of the Year

The first day of school was a special day for Mr. Garguilo and the Environmental Action Club as they were awarded the Environmental Club of the Year from the Federated Conservationists of Westchester County (FCWC). The City President of Yonkers presented the club with an award along with a citation from New York State. Senators and politicians from around the state were proud to recognize the club's achievements. Student representatives Dashley and Emanual Rodriguez joined Mr. Garguilo to accept the honors on September 8^th, 2011. The club has helped to make the school an official Eco-School, and are very proud of their achievements, but recognize that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. They are hoping to expand beyond the borders of the school and reach out into the community and begin a change toward a “greener” future. “We have our sights set on plastic bags this year. Reducing the amount of plastic used in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown is the next goal for the Environmental Action Club.” says club host Mr. Garguilo. For a complete list of accomplishments and upcoming activities to support the club please visit the club website at https://sites.google.com/site/garguiloscience/. (Posted 9/22/11)

Sleepy “Hollowood” Continues..

This year we are excited to announce that Sleepy Hollow Middle School will, once again, partner with Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville for the Classroom to Screening Room Program.

Classroom to Screening Room presents film screenings and discussions that enrich students’ study of literature, social studies, science, world languages, and the visual and performing arts. This program also provides unique opportunities to address issues relating to citizenship, current events, and human rights. Education faculty, as well as guest speakers and filmmakers, provide a social, historical, and cultural context for the film, as well as lead a post-screening discussion. 

Educational Objectives

• Understand the language of film, including cinematography, editing, lighting, framing, and point of view 
• Learn to read and analyze documentaries and narrative films
• Experience world languages and cultures in the context of international film style, history, and artistic movements 
• Enjoy enhanced study of historical events and figures through documentary and historical narrative genres

Upon return to school, students will continue their study of the film in their core academic classes.

 (Posted 9/19/11)

Seventh Grade Math Enrichment Students Kickoff Their Fantasy Football League

Ms. Albukerk’s 7^th-grade Math Enrichment students started their Fantasy Football League this week following the beginning of the 2011 - 2012 NFL season.  Fantasy Football is a game in which student pairs create and manage their own virtual NFL team rosters and starting lineups to accumulate points based on the players’ actual performance in each game.  

Pairs have a salary cap of $40 million from which they could draft their teams’ players.  Trading will occur intermittently throughout the NFL season.  Each week students will use mathematical formulas and game box scores to find the sum of the points earned by their teams.  Players earn points by scoring touchdowns, field goals, and 2-point conversions as well as accumulating passing, rushing, and receiving yards.  Players lose points for interceptions thrown and fumbles lost. 

At the end of the divisional playoffs, pairs will analyze their data collected throughout the season using Microsoft’s Excel spreadsheets and graphs.  Students will examine such things as average weekly point totals, season totals, and individual player’s contributions as a percentage of their weekly point totals.  The pairs will organize their data into several Excel graphs, which they will present as part of their PowerPoint presentations.  Ms. Albukerk is proud of all of her statisticians!  Stay tuned for periodic updates…  (Posted 9/16/11)

Attention all Middle School Students!!

Middle School Enrichment Classes will begin at the end of September.  These classes are open to all interested students and will take place 1^st period.  The classes will each be a semester (two quarters) long.  Applications are available in the middle school office.  If your child is interested in participating, please have him/her fill out an application and put it in the Enrichment Mailbox in the main office during the first weeks of school.  Applications can also be sent electronically to ehickey@tufsd.org or mmassaro@tufsd.org. Click here for the application. 

Course offerings for the first semester are:

6^th Grade – Adventures in Literature: Deviations from the Mean

Students will study short stories with twisted endings from Roald Dahl, Edgar Allen Poe, Mark Twain, Shirley Jackson and others.

7^th – 8^th Grade – Creative Challenges

In this course, students participate individually and in teams in a variety of long- and short-term contests, to develop creative thinking and problem solving skills.  (Posted 9/10/11)

Click here to view the middle school calendar choices!