Adam Scott Intermediate
April 03, 2003

Principal - David Myrvold Vice Principal- Penny Hope Vice Principal - Wilf Gray

MISSION STATEMENT

There will be at Adam Scott C.V.I./I.S. an emphasis 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 that is supportive of curriculum and instruction, and that addresses the learning needs of both staff and students.

MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

It is amazing to see the transitions that take place over the month of April. Not only does the season begin to change and the weather seem to be more amenable, it also appears that students and staff alike realize the importance of the third and final reporting term. As we enter the home stretch for this academic year, all students need to focus on continuing to put forth their best effort. Conferencing with teachers about challenging assignments, completing work on time and working consistently at one's best level are all positive methods to develop self-advocacy skills and be able to earn the highest marks possible.
 

At Adam Scott, we are striving to increase the amount of consistency among teachers in how courses are designed, the use of various assessment and evaluation techniques, and continuing the emphasis on literacy skills in all subject areas. One step we have taken is to develop a policy for how to deal with late assignments. The majority of students have already mastered the art of conferencing with teachers well in advance of due dates if they need extensions, collegially working out alternate dates or expectations for assignments when it is necessary to do so and, therefore, completing assignments without undue stress or penalty. We hope that all students will continue to develop their independent advocacy skills and encourage parents to help them in this manner. For simplicity's sake, when a student has not handed in a major assignment and prior to the due date has not dialogued with a teacher about alternate due dates, he or she will be penalized 5% of the mark per day up to 5 days. After five days the assignment will be given a grade of zero. For the majority of our students late assignments will not be an issue, but for the few who struggle to meet the expectations in this area a concrete outline of consequences was needed. Please discuss this policy with your child and clarify that working through deadline issues with teachers prior to due dates in a mutually respectful negotiation will always be the preferred approach and best practice. With the correct planning no-one should be losing marks for late assignments.
 

Information sessions about the Grade 6 to Grade 7 transition are going to be held at our two main feeder schools. Ms. Hope will be going to R.F. Downey to meet with our new grade 7 students and their parents in May. More detailed information from these schools will be sent home via the grade 6 students at each school. All of the grade 6 students will be invited to our Open House and Barbeque that will also be held toward the end of May when we can be more certain about getting good weather. This B.B.Q will allow the new students and their families to meet and greet the current grade 7 students in a relaxed atmosphere. A tour of the school's facilities will take place after the B.B.Q.
 

In closing we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of both our School Councils who come regularly to all the council meetings to discuss, problem solve and work together to make Adam Scott an even better place to be.

IMPORTANT DATES


April 4 Second Hep. B shot - Grade 7's

April 8 School Council

April 18 & 21 Holiday

TIPS FOR PARENTS


1) Helping your child develop his or her self-advocacy skills - Adolescence continues to be a very turbulent stage of development where students are struggling to develop their skills as individual adults. In learning to advocate for themselves in an effective and respectful manner, students of this age are usually able to solve their own conflicts and problems with minimal support from adults. The positive feelings that accompany independent and successful conflict resolution add to the repertoire of skills these students take with them as they graduate from school. Take some time to discuss conflict situations with your child and help him or her to try and solve these conflicts on their own. The students know that there are adults available to support them if extra support is needed.

E) Pick the most positive and productive of their choices and discuss each one

F) Ask your child to choose which one he/she will do

G) Help your child to develop a concrete plan to follow (time lines, words to use, tone of voice to use, role play the situation)

I) Remain neutral - do not take sides but, be there to give calm feedback after your child has put the plan into place

J) Practice, practice, practice
 

Remember, the only person's behavior your child can control is his or her own. Such self-control is powerful and positive, encourage it.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS


Now that the second set of report cards have been sent home and parents and students have had the chance to respond on page 3 some common questions have arisen that we will attempt to answer here.
 

The teachers here are excellent communicators with the home. Letters and weekly progress notes go home with a number of struggling students in order to keep parents aware of their child's progress. Phone calls on a regular basis are also encouraged. Often staff make these calls in the evening in order to reach parents without disturbing them at work. If, as a parent, you feel that closer or more regular communication is needed, please contact the teacher to discuss your concerns. All of the teaching staff are willing to make themselves available to meet with you when it is mutually convenient. Contacting the office with a concern is also an option but, be aware that the teacher can best speak to a child's individual progress and the teacher is the person with whom you should have initial contact.
  The majority of students have agendas which they are to write in daily and keep track of assignments, due dates, important events, etc. Many of the students use these agendas very effectively and parents can help by checking their child's agenda daily. Writing notes to the teacher in the agenda can also be a useful way to communicate if you are uncertain about an assignment or have any other questions. Given the number of students in each class, it is very difficult for each teacher to write in each agenda every day. The expectation is that the student needs to use this tool to help themselves.

Another way to monitor your child's organization skill level is to occasionally ask to review all the workbooks, notebooks and assignments your son or daughter has. If you quickly leaf through the notebooks you can see not only what work has been completed but how well your child organizes on the page, if work has been completed, and also get a sense of how well he or she is doing in a particular course. Reviewing your child's books is always very informative.
 


RAFFLE


Grade 7 and 8 Immersion students will be raffling a Broil King B.B.Q. (value: $200) to help raise money for their trip to Quebec. Students in these classes will be selling tickets, 1 for $2 or 3 for $5. Deadline: April 30th, 2003.

PLANT SALE


Please support the Intermediate Music Program fund raiser by purchasing your spring plants from the "Green's" Greenhouse. Plans are being made to replace worn instruments and provide new music for our young people. Please support their talents and the opportunities to have the Arts in our schools and our community.
 
 





































DONUT FUND RAISER

A huge thank you to everyone who supported our donut fund raiser by purchasing donuts and/or helping by volunteering in the organization of this initiative.
 

Extra thanks go out to John Britton and Randy Romano for doing the paperwork and the "road-trip" to pick up the product.
 


TEACHER REQUESTS 2003-04


If your child will be attending grade 7 or 8 next year and you wish to request a specific home room teacher, please have that request submitted in writing to the office by April 30, 2003.
 
 



PARENTING TEENS WORKSHOP


Lakefield District Intermediate and Secondary School Council presents....Parenting Teens - an Information Workshop for Parents, Grandparents and Guardians.

April 8, 2003, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Lakefield District Secondary School

To Register: phone 652-3333 (ASAP)

Presentations available: Family Communication

Peer to Peer Relationships

Coping with Teen Stress
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SCHOOL COUNCIL




I want to thank staff, parents, children and guests for making the March 24th Open House a huge success. We were treated to some excellent music from our Intermediate School Band and some excellent performances from our drama students.
 

The Krispy Kreme fund raiser worked out quite well selling a total of 215 dozen donuts at the Open House. A further 50 dozen were sold during the lunch hour on March 31st. I especially want to thank John Britton, Penny Hope, Jane Goschl, Karen Locklin, Alison Scott, Cathy Romano and Janice Wuerch for their help and support with this project. Funds will be given to the Intermediate School Music Program.
 

A reminder about our upcoming Plant Sale fund raiser. Forms must be completed and handed in by Friday, April 25th to your child's teacher. Please make sure your money is in a sealed envelope. If you haven't received a form, please contact the school. Plants are to be picked up at the school on Wednesday, May 14th between 5 and 7pm.
 

Lastly, with spring here, it is not too early to think about the Grade 8 Graduation. Traditionally, it has been the responsibility of the Grade 7 parents to help with and provide the food for the graduation. This usually consists of sandwiches, baked goods and drinks for after the ceremony. Therefore, we will need Grade 7 parents to volunteer for this endeavor. Please, don't be shy and volunteer to make this day special for our kids.
 

Randy Romano

Co-chair 652-0297
 

The next School Council Meeting is April 15th at 7:00 p.m. in the school library.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Congratulations to Rain Gill, 7D, this month's draw winner.
 

Please sign and return this portion of the newsletter to the school to indicate you received and read this newsletter. Your child's name will be entered into a draw for a prize. Return by Monday, April 07, 2003.
 

Name of Student ______________________________________________________________HR _______
 

Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________________ Date _______________________