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.

MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

November has been a very busy month at Adam Scott. Report cards have been written, parent teacher interviews are in progress, students involved in intramurals, extra curricular activities, school dance, community officer assemblies and fund raising activities. During that time we were also allowed to hire more teaching staff.

Jennifer Knox was increased from part time to full time status and Danielle Vlietstra is a new hire to our staff. We are in the process of adjusting classes to reduce class sizes and give students the support they need to achieve. These changes should be completed over the next couple of days.

The AAACS program awards points for involvement in a number of activities. At the end of the year these points are totaled and students who have a certain score will be recognized with an award that speaks to their involvement. 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 a decrease in negative behaviors and make Adam Scott an even safer and more positive place to come and get involved. Students who participate in our Intramural and Character Education program will also earn valuable points towards their AAACS medals.

Our Student Council has been quite active and recently ran a great video dance. Through student card sales they have almost reached their first goal of buying a new microwave for the cafeteria. This should be coming soon, hopefully before the new year. They are continuing to fund raise for the World Vision project and new activities are being planned; especially for the last week in December as we head into the holidays.

The Intermediate school recently received the “Body Image” Pilot project. We were one of three schools in eastern Ontario involved in the project which involves implementing new curriculum during TAG, Physical Education Health classes and with opportunities to extend these issues into all our courses. There is more written in the newsletter about this pilot, as well as a separate handout. Jennifer Knox will be our lead teacher in the pilot project and if you have any feedback please contact her about it.

SAFE ARRIVAL SYSTEM

We are now utilizing a Voice Mail System at Adam Scott. This eliminates the need for a separate Safe Arrival phone line. To report an absence dial 743-7373, press ext. 155 for Intermediate students and ext.160 for Secondary students.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Ms. Scott is looking for 5 adults to become small group facilitators on Wednesday mornings from 9-10 a.m. for 5 weeks starting January.

Must have:

•   police check

•   a love of books

•   own transportation

Training will be provided. Please call 743-7373 and leave a message with the Intermediate School.

Previously, our Intermediate Ski Trip has been organized by parent volunteers. We are again looking for parent volunteers to help organize this trip in February 2005. Please contact Mr. Gray if you are able to help out.

SAFETY AND SUPERVISION ISSUES

Intermediate aged students are expected to be supervised by an adult throughout the school day. For this reason teachers supervise before school, after school and during the noon hour. It is essential that all students be where the supervisors are located in order for us to make certain that they are safe. With the cold weather fast upon us, it is necessary that students come appropriately dressed for outside. Over the noon hour, all Intermediate students are expected to be outside after they have eaten their lunch unless they have a pass from a teacher to stay inside. Students who do not respect the rules and expectations around this issue will be reminded of the rules. Those students who continue to disregard the rules will have a consequence. We hope that you will take a few minutes to review the supervision expectations with your son/daughter so there are no problems in this area. Warm outdoor clothing will also make it easier for students to remain outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and exercise that they need.

Students who leave school property during the lunch must have a note on file in the office. They are then expected to sign out and then sign back in when they return. 

NOON HOUR POLICIES

As mentioned previously, students are expected to be outside during the noon hour. Those students who are inside are either involved in extra-curricular activities or are receiving extra help and support from staff. Those students who are in the school for the aforementioned reasons are allowed to be in the hallways at noon hour to put away coats, get needed materials and supplies. As long as students behave themselves in an appropriate manner, such access at noon hour will continue.

WINTER WEATHER EXTREMES

Temperatures will soon be falling and westerly winds will cause chilling conditions on our school playground. Students need to wear warm clothing outside. Many Intermediate students choose not to wear hats, gloves, boots, et cetera and thus, are ill-prepared to brave extreme weather conditions. Your reminders are helpful.

WINTER WARNING NOTE

Although winter weather has not yet begun, there will undoubtedly be some days of poor weather conditions. In order to find out such information as bus cancellations, delays or school closings, please listen to one of the local radio stations. They will make frequent announcements regarding the current situation. Information that will be helpful for you to know includes the bus route number, the bus company and the driver’s name.

Sometimes buses are called early because of deteriorating weather. If this occurs, please have your arrangement worked out, and please make sure your child/children know where they are to go. With a limited number of telephones in the school, it is impossible to contact all families or receive incoming phone calls.

Here are a few reminders:

• LISTEN TO LOCAL RADIO STATIONS FOR INFORMATION ON BUSES AND SCHOOLS

• KNOW THE BUS ROUTE NUMBER, COMPANY AND DRIVER’S NAME

• IF A BUS DOESN’T RUN IN THE MORNING, IT WILL NOT TAKE CHILDREN HOME

• YOU DO NOT NEED TO CALL “SAFE ARRIVAL” IF BUSES ARE CANCELLED

• MAKE ALTERNATE ARRANGEMENTS IN CASE BUSES ARE SENT HOME EARLY

• MAKE SURE CHILDREN KNOW THOSE ARRANGEMENTS

• DO NOT DRIVE INTO THE FRONT DRIVEWAY WHEN BUSES ARE THERE

• MAKE SURE YOUR CHILDREN ARE DRESSED WARMLY

• IF BUSES ARE CANCELLED, AND SCHOOL REMAINS OPEN, THE PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL

If you wish to discuss this policy further, please contact the school.

RED MAPLE READING PROGRAM

Very soon, the Red Maple Reading Program will be starting for intermediate students. This year a selection of fiction and non-fiction books have been selected. Students meet regularly, and discuss the books they are reading and in April they have a chance to vote on their favourite book. It is exciting to have a voice in honouring some of the best Canadian authors in this way.

The library has three copies of each book, which are in great demand and sometimes difficult to obtain. You could help the program by donating a title to the school, or you could keep some of these books in mind as Christmas presents!

This is the list of nominations for fiction:

A Different Kind of Beauty
by Sylvia McNicoll
Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2004

Elizabeth is about to start high school and she has heart problems. Scott, her former boyfriend, is serious about an older student but still seems interested in Elizabeth. As well, Elizabeth is fostering another potential guide-dog. Although she has promised herself to be professional this time, and not become too fond of this Beauty, Elizabeth is having trouble keeping her promise. Meanwhile Kyle, despite many operations, has lost all sight due to complications from diabetes. His friends and instructors are urging him to apply for a guide-dog, but Kyle is deathly afraid of all dogs.

Airborn
by Kenneth Oppel
HarperCollins, 2004

Matt, a cabin boy aboard the luxury airship "Aurora," has rescued a hot-air balloon pilot, but the older man is dying. "Beautiful creatures," he says to Matt, "Kate...would have loved them...don't you think?" One year later Kate, armed with her grandfather's journal, is aboard the "Aurora" and asking Matt to help her locate these mysterious beings. Then the "Aurora" is attacked by pirates, damaged, and forced to land. Kate and Matt's adventures have just begun.

Dead and Gone
by Norah McClintock
Scholastic Canada, 2004

While serving his community service hours, Mike becomes entangled with a spoiled rich girl (Emily). Riel, unfortunately, is not there. A past murder case comes back to haunt him. Why is the custodian spying on Emily? Why is he so secretive? And how is the body in the woods tied to Riel and the custodian? Mike must find the answers soon ...
Heaven Shop (The)
by Deborah Ellis
Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2004

Binti is the star of a popular radio show in Malawi and feels on top of the world. However, her world comes crashing down when her father becomes ill from AIDS and she, her sister and brother are left in the reluctant care of relatives. Treated like slaves by their family, the three children find different ways to escape and search for a better life.

Mob (The)
by Clem Martini
Kids Can, 2004

Read this exciting adventure about Kyp, a brave young crow who is learning to be a leader. Kyp and his followers struggle against nature and each other in this fascinating story of a fight to survive and come out as the winner.

Nobody's Child
by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Dundurn Press, 2003

When her parents are killed in the 1909 Adana Armenian massacre, Mariam Hovsepian must journey with her two younger siblings to find her other relatives. Their journey takes them through Turkey - a country filled with danger for young people on their own. Will they survive?

Peacekeepers
by Dianne Linden
Coteau, 2003

Nellie Letitia Hopkins, age 12, is stuck in JAWS (James A. Wydotte School), a school she hates while coping with her mother being away in Bosnia on a peacekeeping tour. At school, Shane Morrison is making her life miserable and at home, Nellie is worried about her younger brother Mike who is taking their mother's absence very badly. Soon the harassment spreads...and Nellie's life is forever changed.

Princess Pawn (The)
by Maggie L. Wood
Sumach, 2003

Willow thought her biggest problem would be getting invited to the Halloween Dance. Instead, she finds out that she is a princess in an enchanted realm that is under attack. People have been turned into chess pieces and are disappearing as the game is played. Can she save the kingdom and those that have been lost, including her own parents?
Sister to the Wolf
by Maxine Trottier
Kids Can, 2004

This is the story of Cécile Chesne and Lesharo, the freed Panis slave as they begin their new lives at a fur trading fort in Detroit, with her father, Robert Chesne. Forced to become a marriageable young woman in dress and demeanor, Cécile baulks. Torn between her growing friendship for the young lieutenant and for Lesharo, Cécile must make a choice. Will the conflict raging between the fort and the neighbouring longhouse erupt before she has chance?

Stitches
by Glen Huser
Groundwood, 2003

Travis and his friend Chantelle are different. Travis, who has a terrific sense of humour, loves sewing and has created some truly amazing puppets. Chantelle, tiny and physically handicapped, is feisty and a fighter. Both come from very unusual (weird) families. Both suffer from bullying. Gradually Travis and Chantelle discover their strengths, gain confidence, and make more friends. But, the bullies are still around - and becoming more dangerous.

And for Non-Fiction:

From Head to Toe: Bound Feet, Bathing Suits, and Other Bizarre and Beautiful Things
by Janice Weaver
Illustrator: Francis Blake
Tundra Books, 2003

Why do we wear clothes? Is it to keep warm or is it to make a statement about who we are? "Travel across thousands of years and through countless cultures... (to discover) the story of fashion in some of its wierdest , wildest and most wonderful forms."

I Remember Korea: Veterans Tell Their Stories of the Korean War, 1950-53
by Linda Granfield
Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2004

Thirty-two men and women who were part of the U.S. and Canadian forces during the Korean War share their memories of that time in their lives. These recollections, often a mix of violence, sadness, humour and heroism, offer a powerful insight into the reality of war for members of the armed forces.

Made You Look: How Advertising Works and Why You Should Know
by Shari Graydon
Illustrator: Warren Clark
Annick, 2003

There is a Ghanian proverb, "To the fish, the water is invisible." Did you know that the average North American kid sees over 9,000 ads a year for "soft drinks, candy, fast-food, and sugar-coated cereal"? And that's only TV ads. Think of the magazine & newspaper ads, the Internet sites, billboards, transit posters, supermarket displays, t-shirts and baseball caps - all telling you that Product X will make you better looking, more popular, happier OR that, without Product Y, "... you are a loser." Although you probably already know many of the tricks advertisers use to get your attention, this book will increase your consumer savvy and entertain you at the same time.

Scams!
by Andreas Schroeder
Annick Press, 2004

Deceit...deception...fear...money! How far will people go? What lies will they create to get what they want?

Wild Science: Amazing Encounters Between Animals and the People Who Study Them
by Victoria Miles
Raincoast, 2004

Interested in endangered animals? Meet the people who study them and the challenges that they are facing.

Working Like a Dog: The Story of Working Dogs Through History
by Gena K. Gorrell
Tundra, 2003

Why are dogs happiest when they're doing a job for people? Discover how we have used dogs to help us with our work and the differences that they have made.

SPORTS NEWS

The school year kicked off with soccer and the Adam Scott team performed very well. They were among the top eight teams in a field of over thirty schools. They lost a close, 4-3 quarter final to Lakefield Intermediate. Team members were: GirlsWell done Lions!!

Our Cross Country runners made an excellent showing at the City meet and Regionals. There were approximately 80 runners in each category. Team members were: (placing is in brackets at the City meet)

Intramurals have been a huge success so far this year. The students have kept busy at lunch hours with soccer, flag football, stones, badminton, basketball ‘golf’, floor hockey and volleyball is about to begin.

Come out and join in the lunch time fun!!

The volleyball team tryouts are running the week of Nov 29^th. There will be a boys’, girls’ and mixed team. Basketball will take place later in the winter, and track and field and three pitch are scheduled for the spring. Any questions? Feel free to contact Mrs. Knox at the school at 743-7373.

BODY IMAGE PROJECT

The entire Adam Scott Intermediate staff attended a Body Image training session on November 23^rd. Chosen as a pilot school for the project, we will implement the program through TAG, Physical Education and Language classes. The Body Image Project focuses on a person’s inner perception of their own body. A positive body image can lead to good self-esteem, creating a well-adjusted, emotionally stable and happy child who has the confidence to engage in life’s opportunities.

Our students live in a challenging society and are exposed to more media pressure than ever before. This curriculum ties in the board’s effort to develop character education and reduce bullying at school.

We feel very fortunate as a staff and school to be selected to implement this program. You will find a yellow brochure in your child’s report card envelope that outlines the program, summarizes the research, and provides a list of resources. We hope that you will assist us in your key role as a parent/guardian that you play in your child’s body image perception and attitudes towards his/her body.

Please feel free to call Mrs. Knox at the school should you have any questions or comments.

IMPORTANT DATES

December 2^nd                Report Cards distributed

December 3^rd                PA Day

December 2^nd & 3^rd       Interviews scheduled

December 17^th               Last day of class

January 3^rd, 2005          Classes Resume

February 4^th, 2005         PA Day

March 8^th, 2005             Report Cards distributed

March 11^th - 18^th            March Break