Adam Scott C.V.I./I.S. has a focus on student achievement with clearly stated expectations and equitable assessment guidelines. This mandate will be met within a purposeful learning atmosphere that is free from the threat of physical or emotional harm, delivered within a climate which is supportive of curriculum and instruction, and addresses the learning needs of both staff and students.

CHARACTER EDUCATION ATTRIBUTE OF THE MONTH: INTEGRITY

VICE PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

- MS. RUSSELL

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

I had many positive responses to my last question about same gender classes - so much so that making this happen may be a reality for grade 8 students next year. I would ask that you continue to ponder this question, and then attend a meeting on June 7^th to discuss the possibility of having one all girl grade 8 homeroom, and one all boy grade 8 homeroom. Unfortunately, this possibility is not available to French Immersion classes at this time, as we have only one grade 7 class and one grade 8 class. Please contact me via e-mail at karin_mackenzierussell@kprdsb.ca.

REPORT FROM THE SIT COMMITTEE

- MS. RUSSELL

During the PD Day on April 27^th, teachers were able to come together and discuss the success of our most recent SMART goal: locating the main idea in a text. I am happy to report that every class experienced a success rate that exceeded projected targets. What does success mean? It means that many students were able to move up to the next level of performance. For example, if a student had been working at a level 2 when focusing on finding the main idea of a story, they might now be achieving at a level 3 – terrific!!

Our last SMART goal of the year is to focus on improved student achievement in understanding point of view and perspective. As students have just written their second CASI assessment, teachers will use the resulting data as a diagnostic tool for point of view. We hope that by creating performance standards with students and implementing shared reading strategies, we will see substantial student growth by the end of a six week period.

French Immersion students not only complete a CASI assessment in English, but also a DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) in French. Students will complete their second DRA at the end of this month, and teachers will determine if students have improved in their oral reading skills, which was the Immersion SMART goal over the last six weeks. Mme. Ilkiewicz and Mme. Girard are also working hard to implement shared reading in the immersion setting!

Please read the article written by Alison Scott so that you can help your child with point of view at home.

LET’S GET SOME PERSPECTIVE ON THIS

- MS. SCOTT

Dear parents/guardians,

Since last I wrote I can only hope you have been having some fun asking your child to tell you what the point of everything is. Now it’s time to consider getting some perspective on things. This month staff are involved with helping students figure out the concept of point-of-view. We look closely at text this time to try and figure out what the author is intending. Although we ask ourselves questions such as “what is the main idea of the piece?”, we also ask ourselves questions such as “who is meant to read this text?”, “whose opinion is voiced in this text?” and “whose opinion is not voiced in this text?”

Let’s explore ways you can help at home. When I think of point-of-view and adolescents, I have to admit it might not be a perfect fit. What I understand about adolescents is the fact that the point-of-view regarding anything is their own. Frequently heard in our hallway are comments such as “I didn’t do it” or “that mess isn’t mine, so I shouldn’t have to help clean it up”. The developing teenage brain has some difficulty when it comes to perspectives other than its own.

We need to help teenagers explore the other sides of issues. When there is an argument or a wrong-doing, we ask our students to take responsibility for their own actions. Then we ask students to think about the other person - “how do you think the other person felt when you took a pencil out of his pencil case without asking?” Similarly at home, parents can help their kids understand how the actions of one affect everyone in the household. “How do you think your sister feels when you stay in the bathroom for 45 minutes in the morning?” “What do you think your brother thinks when you.....?” The ability to consider the point-of-view of another person or group of people is tied closely to Character Education traits such as empathy or responsibility.

Parents need to share their own perspective as well. Another interesting feature of growing teenage brains is the difficulty some teenagers have recognizing the connection between facial expression and feeling. Teenagers need help figuring out subtle facial expressions as well as the obvious ones. Parents can really help by expressing their feelings out loud with statements such as “ I am really feeling hurt...”, “I am angry because ....” or “I feel very pleased/happy...”. It may be difficult to believe that our teenagers sometimes really don’t know how we feel because it seems like they should be old enough. The fact is, they are still growing and need our support and guidance as much now as they ever did when they were younger. The difference from when they were smaller is that we can now involve them in some of the decision making and help them see things from all sides. This will be particularly important as our young people begin to make serious decisions about things like alcohol and drug use and sexuality issues.

As I write this I am struck by the strong connection literacy has to all aspects of our lives. Although we are studying point-of-view and perspective in literature and other texts, the overall message has implications well beyond the school walls. I feel great about that.

For more information on this and other fascinating facts about teenage brains you may wish to read a short book entitled A Student’s Brain by Kathie Nunley.

CYBER SPACE AND U-TUBE

As you are aware, many issues can arise through student use of MSN and posting sites such as U-Tube. Within the next 2 weeks, Constable Dyer will be addressing the school regarding this issue, outlining ramifications and consequences.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND APPROPRIATE CONTACT WITH PEERS

Constable Jenks will be visiting Adam Scott shortly, in order to discuss with students what appropriate peer relationships look like. Through this discussion, she will also address sexual harassment and inappropriate physical contact.

LITERACY DAY

I am proud and happy to report that this day was a resounding success! Students were able to meet Ms. Judy Peers, a local author. She talked to the students about the writing process and about books she had actually written including: Brontosaurus Brunch, If I Had a Camel, Home Base, Shark Attack, Sayonara Sharks Literacy, and recently completed Gavin, Guardian of the Lamp. Literacy could be found in Phys Ed, Art, French, and Music. Kids had the opportunity to be creative in a variety of subject areas.

TRIP TO NIAGARA

Plans are nearing completion for the grade 7 and 8 trip to Niagara Falls. Thanks to everyone for being patient during all of our changes and planning. Fundraising is well under way, with grade 7 students now selling chocolate and Little Ceasars Pizza Kits, and two more pancake breakfasts to go (May 29 and June 12). Thanks to the Intermediate Student Council who donated money to both the Quebec trip and the Niagara trip.

VOLUNTEERS

Thanks to all of the students in Ms. Campbell’s LLS class who generously gave their time in order to prepare for the pancake breakfast. Thanks also to Susan and Ian Finlay, Chrissy Larocque, Gary Huddlestone, and Linda Farnham, as well as my two standbys – Mariann Marlow and Donna Paddison. A final thank you to Quaker Oats, who generously donated all of the pancake mix, syrup, and Gatorade.

VOLUNTEER PROCEDURE

1. Obtain a Police Record Check permission form from the main office at Adam Scott. Many volunteers have skipped this step and have just obtained a PRC on their own from the police station.

2. Drop your PRC off at the office.

3. Register as a volunteer at www.kprdsb.ca.

4.  Ms. Russell will contact you if anything else is needed.

OPEN HOUSE

On May 31^st, Adam Scott will be hosting the annual Grade 6 Feeder School Barbeque and Open House. Flyers have gone out to Edmison Heights, RF Downey, and Ridpath elementary schools. Parents and students will be invited to buy hamburgers or hotdogs, experience the exciting sounds of the Adam Scott Intermediate Band and tour the intermediate wing of the school.

PLANT SALE

Students are busily encouraging parents and friends to buy plants. The process is simple – complete the form provided by the school, send in your money and pick up the plants from the school on the specified date. This annual fundraiser is run by the Intermediate Student Council and dollars raised go toward the betterment of the school. The last day for sales is Monday, May 14/07.

CELL PHONE CAMERAS

Joel Sloggett, STSCO

Recently, a serious issue has come to my attention concerning the use of cell phone cameras.

Apparently, in at least one case, a student took a picture with a cell camera that has a flash. The flash reflected off of the rear view mirror on the bus while the vehicle was in motion. The driver was temporarily blinded.

The safety concern is obvious. The incident is no different than what could have happened with a regular flash camera and showed poor judgement on the part of the student. This action put the bus load of students at risk.

Based on this incident, after reviewing the matter with Board Administrations, it is apparent that, should similar cases occur, the drivers will treat the matters as a serious incident requiring discipline by the Principal up to and possibly including suspension of riding privileges temporarily in order to ensure that the matter is taken seriously by students.

HELLO PARENTS OF 7B AND 8B STUDENTS

Mr. Ross now has access to the Adam Scott homework page on-line. Updates will be posted daily. Please check often.

HISTORICA GROUP 2006-2007

We are very proud of the excellent presentations made by the members of the Historica Group who attended the Kawartha Lakeshore Regional Fair in Orono this year: Madeleine Brown of 8A and Stephanie Colman-Sadd of 8D. Preparing for the History Fair is a lengthy endeavour, requiring careful time management and continued energy over several months to take an idea from research all the way to a finished project with written, visual, and oral components. Not all who begin with a great idea are able to take it to completion. Kudos to all students who started in the group with us.

Madeleine and Stephanie did a great job explaining their projects to judges and visitors to the Fair. They also enjoyed workshops on the history of woodwind and brass instruments, writing historical fiction with Shane Peacock, and making typical items from the late 1800s, at the Kirby Museum.

There were 74 projects this year, and twenty prizes awarded. Madeleine Brown won the Ontario Archives Award (two years in a row!) and the Peterborough Centennial Museum Archives Award, both for her research with original documents. Her project was Christmas and the Social History of Peterborough, a look at customs, activities, and values over the years, as revealed through Christmas celebrations in Peterborough. She included a well-chosen display of photographs, newspaper clippings, and a terrific model of the Santa Claus Parade on George Street.

From our Regional Fair, four students will go on to the Provincial Fair in a week and a half, in Ottawa. Madeleine was chosen to be one of those four.

Finally, one student will go to the National Fair in Lethbridge, Alberta, in July. Stephanie Colman-Sadd was chosen for this honour, her project: The Battle of Ridgeway: A Milestone for Confederation. She argued that this battle was a key turning point in Canadian history, a point which was convincingly expressed and well received. Her interest may well inspire a future Historica Minute on the event.

Congratulations to both Madeleine and Stephanie!

SCHOOL COUNCIL REPORT

The Adam Scott Secondary and Intermediate School Council met Monday, April 17. After reports from the elementary and secondary student councils on their current and planned events, Mrs. Janie Kelly of the Adam Scott Guidance Department gave an excellent and detailed presentation on “Key Issues for Planning for Academic Success in High School and Beyond.” Information included hints for parents for each grade level, from 7 to 12, and a review of requirements for graduating from secondary; Mrs. Kelly distributed a great deal of this helpful information in handouts for all present.

Other items on the agenda included minutes of the March Regional Council meeting; recent correspondence, e.g., material from the Ontario Government on Internet safety; Intermediate and Secondary teachers’ reports covering events from Literacy Day to the 30 Hour Famine; and the Principal’s report, looking at staffing and timetabling.

Our next meeting will be held Monday, May 28, at 6:45. Please call the school for further information if you would like to attend!

BAND

Both Intermediate bands are getting very busy in the next few weeks. This week both bands will play for our neighbours at Fairhaven.

Our Spring Concert will be next Wednesday, May 16/07 at 7:00 p.m. and will include both bands as well as small ensemble groups. We will be making our own CD for sale at the concert as well as the bake sale again. Please plan on attending this fantastic concert as it will be a must see!!

June 1^st both bands will be attending the Trills and Trills Festival at Wonderland. This is a great opportunity for these young dedicated musicians to play in a different venue.

Ms. LeGros

LADY LIONS BASKETBALL

Congratulations to the Lady Lions Basketball team who had a very successful season. A big thank you goes out to Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Whitney (high school teachers) who dedicated their time and expertise to help these girls develop great skills. The girls were in the gym bright and early (7 a.m.!!) many a morning and all improved greatly.

COMING UP ...............

3 Pitch Tournament

Boys - June 13/07

Girls - June 14/07

Track and Field Meet (tentative)

June 15/07

TRACK AND FIELD

Track and Field will be beginning to train the week of May 7^th. Students are fortunate to be able to practice with the Peterborough Track Club and High School team (coached by Mr. Borek) after school. Mr. Colling and Mrs. Knox will also be starting a running club after school. There will be a track and field meet later in May or early June!

Mrs. Knox

 3-PITCH

There will be two girls and two boys 3-Pitch teams this year. Watch the bulletin board for try out dates – it will begin in late May with a tournament in June. Come out and join in the fun – no experience necessary!

Mrs. Knox

BOYS BASKETBALL

On Friday, May 4th, the boys basketball team hosted the year end tournament for local teams. The Adam Scott Intermediate Lions entered the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record on the year and are favourites to win the tournament. In the first game of the day, the Lions battled Prince of Wales all the way to the end and squeeked out a 31-27 win. However, in the second game of the day, the Lions faced a Westmount team that looked to redeem themselves from a win by the Lions earlier in the year. The Lions were on the wrong end of a last second buzzer and were beaten by Westmount to give the Lions their first defeat of the season. Clearly, this loss woke the squad up, because the boys came out flying in the next game against Kenner. With the championship on the line, the Lions needed a win to move on to the semi-finals. A strong performance at both ends of the court helped the Lions to a 37-24 win over Kenner. In the semi-finals, the Lions found themselves up against a very strong squad from James Strath. In a hard fought battle to the end, the Lions fell just short of advancing to the finals. The Lions finished the season with 9 wins and 2 loses.

Coaches Colling and Sheppard would like to thank all the members of the team for their dedication, hard work, and professionalism throughout the season. As well, a special thanks goes out to Emily Nesbitt, Alex Mitchell-Taylor, and Kirsten Russelle (the pizza girls) for their help throughout the tournament. Members of the Lions basketball team include: Matt Nelson (captain), Matt Finley, Cam Oles, Derek French, Rob Selman, Gage Brady, Mickenzie Forestell, Brad McLeod, Kevin Blunk, Shaun Farnheim, Jake Venton, and Jake Howard-Davis.

UPCOMING

May 25           Grease Presentation @ PCVS- 12:15 p.m.

May 29           Pancake Breakfast - 9:00 a.m.

May 31           Open House 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

June 1             Wonderland - 8:30 a.m.-10:30 pm

June 12           Pancake Breakfast - 9:00 a.m.

June 13           Boys 3 Pitch

June 14           Girls 3 Pitch

June 15           Track & Field @ Crestwood

June 25           AAACES Assembly - a.m.

June 26           Report Cards go home

June 26           Grade  7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Dance