MISSION STATEMENT

At Adam Scott, we believe that education should have these purposes: to help us reach our full potential; to teach us to accept responsibility for our development and behaviour; to increase our awareness of the needs of the world, and through our understanding and positive actions, to make it a better place.

MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

As the month of October winds down towards Hallowe'en we are reminded of the need to tell students to make certain that they dress appropriately for the outside weather. The days are getting colder and outdoor recesses will be much more comfortable for all involved if appropriate dress is worn.

Thanks to the generosity of the teachers there will be a number of co-curricular events being offered during the colder winter months. Many of these will be offered during the noon hour. This volunteering of time on the teacher's behalf is greatly appreciated and we are certain that the students will also show their enthusiasm by becoming involved in the many activities that are going to be offered. Please see the insert about our AAACS program for an overview. We encourage all students to become involved but, also need to stress that students need to behave in a an appropriate manner in order to continue their involvement in such activities.

Earlier this month, we were pleased to see the number of Intermediate students who walked in the morning in order to support the Terry Fox Run. The school raised in excess of 13 000 dollars this year to support this worthy cause and every student who participated or fund raised should be very proud.

The Grade 7 students survived our first round of Hepatitis B shots. Some students had a difficult time getting the needle and a few reacted negatively to the experience. Our thanks go out to the teachers who acted quickly to support the students who had concerns. The next round of Hep B vaccinations will take place in April and we will make certain students have a few minutes after they get the needle to sit before they return to class.

In closing, have a wonderful, safe and fun Hallowe'en and please remember to contact the school if you have any questions and concerns about your child's progress. We would also love to see you at the next School Council meeting which takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. on November 14, 2001 in the school library.

SCHOOL NEWS

As one of our School Improvement Initiatives this year we have developed a positive plan for students to get involved in co-curricular activities. This plan is called AAACS for ASIS which stands for: Academics, Athletics, Arts and Community Service for Adam Scott Intermediate School. In this program students are rewarded for being involved in a variety of activities at the school or in their community. The insert included in this newsletter outlines the many activities that will be offered by staff at our school. Please make certain you remove this sheet and put it on the fridge for your child to easily access throughout the year.

This program awards points for involvement in a number of activities. At the end of the year these points are totaled and students who have above a certain score are recognized with a reward that speaks to their involvement. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of students in each grade receive a prize or medal of some kind. These presentations are made at the end of the year to each grade in an award ceremony to which parents are invited.

Please encourage your child to review the activities offered and listen for announcements that will indicate when each activity is to start. Active involvement in positive activities around the school will undoubtedly lead to an decrease in negative behaviors and make Adam Scott an even safer and more positive place to come and get involved.

TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER RESOURCES

In order to deal with our textbook difficulties, Mr. Myrvold has ordered extra Science textbooks for the Library so students can sign them out overnight when necessary. These books have arrived at the school.

A notice went out earlier this month asking parents to please send in $7.50 so each child could purchase his own French Cahier. These books can then be used as an additional resource throughout the student's years as a learner of French. Our School Council unanimously supported the purchase, by parents, of these books and we appreciate your support in this area. If you have not yet sent in the funds please remember to do so. If assistance is needed to pay for the book, please contact your child's teacher and alternate arrangements can be made for payment.

REMINDERS

Please remind your children that skateboards, roller blades, or scooters are not to be brought to the school. Students have no safe and supervised area in which they can use these items so in order to make certain that the students will make good choices we are asking that they not bring such items to school.

CELEBRATIONS

Unicef boxes taken out for Hallowe'en need to be returned on November 1. Thank you to all the students who are collecting on their behalf.

A huge thank you to all staff, especially Mrs. Cogley, for organizing and attending the many after school meetings set up to review the Individual Education Plans of many of our students. Your dedication to individually supporting students with special needs is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks to Ms. Knox who has started to hold try outs for the basketball teams (girls and boys) and those staff members who have been assisting her efforts, as well as to Mr. Glynn who has started his Chess Club meetings.

Mrs. Locklin's early turnouts for band practice are also working diligently to put together successful performances this year. Hats off to Mrs. Locklin for her efforts!

Thank you to all the students who have been helping to clean up the Intermediate yard during lunch recess. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

I would also like to express the appreciation of all the staff for the efforts of our School Council in supporting the teachers' attempts to deliver a quality academic program through their support of special guests and events in the classroom.

IMPORTANT DATES

Nov. 09 Picture Retakes

Nov. 09 Remembrance Day Assembly

Nov. 29 Influenza Vaccination

Dec. 03 Influenza Vaccination SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS

Dear Parents,

Thank you to the families who participated in the "Fall Bulb" Fundraiser. Half of the bulbs arrived safely over a week ago and the other half of the order is languishing somewhere between Peterborough and Prince Edward Island in a Canada Post facility! After numerous phone calls, we have been assured that a replacement order has been shipped and the bulbs should be in your hands before the end of this week. We apologize for the lateness of your order but, circumstances conspired against us. In total, the school received a profit of $662.00.

At our October meeting we received wish lists from the teachers which included novel sets, CD players, wall maps, and an atlas. With your support through fundraisers, we look forward to being able to purchase these items for our classrooms.

Council members will be setting goals and priorities for the year at our November meeting and we urge you to come and have a say. Do you have ideas as to how to improve the quality of school life for our children? We'd like to hear from you!

The Ontario Parent Council has a web site to give parents information about their children's education. This site is available to supply news on issues that affect education and to encourage parents to work with their schools and councils to make schools effective learning environments. Take a look at the site www.ontarioparentcouncil.org.

We would like to offer pizza lunches to our students this year. We are toying with the idea of selling a book of tickets which would be good for 5-10 slices to be redeemed throughout the year. Would you support this endeavor?

Ms. Penny Hope, our Vice Principal, outlined the AAACS program at our last meeting. Between now and June, the students will have opportunities for team sports, both recreational and competitive,

theatre sports, a art club, concert band, science fair, chess club, architectural club, and Club de Cinema. We, as parents, appreciate all the effort involved on the part of the teachers to make these enriching activities a reality.

Our next meeting will be held on November 14th at 7:00 pm in the Adam Scott Library. See you there!

Anne Morawetz