ISSUE 3

MAY 2016 Message from the Principal

Principal: Marcia Louden

Assistant Principal: Bradley Gibson

Assistant Principal: Maureen Watts

Guidance Counselor: Ana Parajon (A-K)Lisa Intihar (L-Z)

ESE Liason: Gayle Horan

School Resource Officer: Officer Sonne

245 Cougar WayRotonda West, FL 33947

Phone: 941-697-5800

Office Hours:

8:00a.m. to 4:15p.m.

Dear Cougar Families,

It is May and our year is almost coming to an end. May can be the most exciting month because we get a chance to recognize the many achievements of our students this year. Our Student Awards programs were held at the beginning of May. Each grade level program was the culmination of a year’s worth of work both in the classroom and in clubs, activities, and volunteerism. Student were recognized as Academic Achievers which represent the top 10% in a given class and our Cougar Awards that represent the highest achiever in a given subject area, or what we fondly call the “Tippy Top” Award.

We celebrated the 8th grade class with a day-long activity that included yearbook signing, games, and an afternoon at Oyster Creek Park pool, skate park, and athletic fields. The day was filled with friends, food, and fun thanks to our PTO who sponsored the event.

May was Spring Concert time and we got to enjoy our Jazz Band and Percussion Ensemble on May 4th and our Concert Band on May 17th at the newly renovated Lemon Bay High School Performing Arts Center. This is always a treat. Our bands, under the direction of Mr. Ostrow always “knock our socks off” with amazing performances by our fine young musicians.

With all of this said…..Cougar Families….It is time to say good-bye. It has been a great thirty two year run in Charlotte County and thirty seven years in education all together. My last day will be May 27th. I feel very fortunate to have served Englewood families for more than three decades. I have fond memories of many of you who I taught, counseled, disciplined, guided, and encouraged as you made your journey to adulthood. It has been a great joy for me to have the opportunity to know your children as the next generation. I can assure you, I will always remember the good things and I will cherish these memories in my heart.

God Bless you all, Marcia Louden Principal

22Congratulations to our March Students

of the Month!6th GradeAlexis Reid

Jackson BenedictSavannah Holmes

Chase Tudor

7th GradeDominic Turner

Joey CalleiaJosephine Gould

Trinity Angelo

8th GradeJessica BeaulieuCaitlin Forsythe

Nhuy DoZachary McNalty

L.A. Ainger Middle School: Semester 2 Exam Schedule May 19th – 26th, 2016

Thursday

May 19th

Friday

May 20th

Monday

May 23rd

Tuesday

May 24th

Wednesday

May 25th

Thursday

May 26th

Lang. Arts

Science

Lang. Arts

Science

Social Studies

Math

Social Studies

Math

Exploratory

Tech

Exploratory

Tech

Important Reminders:• Students who have 10 or more absences (Excused and/or Unexcused) in any class must earn a “C”

or better on the semester exam to earn a passing semester grade.

• Study guides will be available May 12th on the teacher websites.

• Exams missed and not completed by May 26th should be arranged with guidance for summer hours.

• NO BACKPACKS on campus Wednesday May 25th & Thursday May 26th. PE drawstring backpacks are allowed and can be taken to PE lockers before school. Lunches may be carried on campus.

• All library books must be returned by May 19th. All library fines must be paid by May 19th.

• All textbooks must be returned by May 24th.

• Semester exams are 20% of the semester grade for middle school classes.

• Semester exams are 30% of the semester grade for Algebra 1, Physical Science Honors, Digital Design, and Civics.

T-Shirt Contest WinnersEnglewood Water District’s annual DropSaver T-Shirt Contest held an awards presentation on the morning of May 17th in the front office by Mrs. Teresa Herzog, administrative assistant for the EWD. The contest was run through the art classes this semester.

1st place Nataliya Troshuk - 7th Grade2nd place Irma Watson – 7th Grade3rd place Harley Wisniewski – 8th GradeHonorable Mentions: Isabella Kinsey – 7th GradeLayla Begin – 7th GradeAnnaleise Bert – 7th Grade

National Junior Honor Society

The following students were elected to be officers in NJHS by their NJHS peers.

President- Lauren RagazzoneVice President- Anna Barber

Secretary- Trayton WhiteTreasurer- Jenna Davids

1st Place winner: Nataliya Troshuk

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Student Activity CounselThe L.A. Ainger Student Activity Counsel and the PBiS team has had a busy year. Thanks to a great group of students, we have been able to organize six socials and two formal dances. The socials were held after school and allowed the students to come, play sports, games, and just sit around and visit with each other. Our winter dance, “Fire and Ice,” was a great success. The students came back to campus in the evening, all dressed up and had an enjoyable evening of music and good food. Our spring dance was held on May 6th and the theme was “Ever After.”

The team is proud of the various programs we helped sponsor at our school. This year, we paid for the Edu-Typing program for all of the students to use through their computer classes. A Language Arts class, with our support, purchased a class set of books, audio CD’s, and the movie, “Catching Fire.” The group has been active with planning pep rallies at school, hot cocoa and freezie pops in the mornings and supplying freezie pops for our upcoming field days.

G1 NewsMentors add a rich tapestry to a classroom. G1 is fortunate to have two dedicated classroom mentors. Mrs. Catherine Perry and Dr. George Tilley. They volunteer weekly in our class and bring the gift of time and talent. Thank you for being an integral part of the G1 team!

Our classroom garden has provided many opportunities to use our reasoning skills. Many variables this year affected our garden, unusually hot fall temperatures and caterpillars that enjoyed the broccoli and cauliflower that we were growing. We have maintained a garden without chemicals to leave less of a thumbprint on our environment. We are presently harvesting string beans, and are looking forward to digging up a large crop of sweet potatoes soon. Next year we will start more plants in small containers and nurture them prior to planting them in the large garden. Our rose and butterfly garden are also thriving!

4

Family and Consumer SciencesAs part of learning about the Restaurant and Food/Beverage Service careers, students practiced culinary skills.    A few of the sixth and seventh grades favorite recipes are soft pretzels, apple crisp, pizza, kale chips and crunchy garbanzo beans. 

Microwaved Apple Crisp

3 C apples (canned or fresh)                              2/3 C oats                                                           2/3 C brown sugar                                            1/3 C softened butter½ C flour¾ t cinnamon

Place apples in 8x8x2 glass pan. If fresh sprinkle with 2T lemon juice. Microwave for 7-10 minutes

Crunchy Garbanzo BeansRinse canned garbanzo beans (or soak dry beans in water over night).  Drain and dry beans.   Place on baking sheet, drizzle oil and salt.  Bake 425 degrees, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until golden and crunchy. 

Kale ChipsRinse and dry kale, peel off of rib.  Spread on baking sheet, toss with a drizzle of oil, and salt.  Stir occasionally.  Bake at 350 until crispy. 

Pizza Crust2 C flour                             8T olive oil1 t salt                                 2/3 C water2 T baking powder

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.  Add water and 6 T oil, mix well.  Knead dough for 2 minutes on lightly floured board.  Lightly flour pizza pan and place dough ball on pizza pan.  Press into a flat circle.  Brush dough with remaining olive oil.  Top dough with sauce and cheese.   Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Soft Pretzels1 package of yeast                                                               1 egg, beaten1 ½ C warm water (110-115 degrees)                                   kosher salt1 T sugar1 t salt4 C flour

1. Dissolve yeast in water in large measuring cup.  Add sugar and salt and stir.

2. Pour in large mixing bowl with flour.  Blend well and form a dough ball.

3. Put a small amount of flour on board, knead until smooth.

4. Roll into log shape and cut into 12-14 pieces.  Roll each piece into a long rope and twist into pretzel shape.  (make a long “u”, criss- cross ends twice and pull down toward you, making sure the 3 holes are large.)

5. Arrange on 2 lightly greased cookie sheets.

6. Brush pretzels with egg, sprinkle with salt.

7. Bake 425 for 15 minutes, until browned.

Hint- if you don’t want all 12 at once, freeze 1 sheet and pop pretzels into a zip lock bag!  Then you cake make a few at a time. 

Science FairThis past January, L. A. Ainger sent 12 students to the Regional Science Fair in Ft. Myers. Students had to represent their projects and undergo intense judging for 3 hours. These students competed among 350+ projects and were able to take home awards because of their commitment and dedication in science.

Our students did very well with 11 placing ribbons. Congratulations to the following students: First place ribbons went to Hannah Schoff and Katie Krohn. Ximena Arias and Mickayla Hayes won a second place ribbon for their team effort. Elizabeth Ahlers and Aiden Koss both won third place ribbons. Ethan Dill, Marshall Locke, Jack Kimball, Kara Handwork, and Elise Lucas were all recognized with honorable mention ribbons. Harley Rusher won a first place ribbon and then competed at the state competition placing 7th in the environmental science category. All of these students will be recognized by the Charlotte County School Board on May 10th for their outstanding achievements.

Photoshop Certified Students

Ainger is extremely proud of the following NINE students who passed the industry certification tests in Photoshop CC 2015 on their first attempt.

Several students came very close to passing. We have 20 days until our retake and will be working hard to prepare the remaining students for the retake.

Karoline BellamyAlex CarabesMary GionetBrett PhillipsCarli Rosencrantz

Lauralyn BrashearHannah RoushiaJimmy JoinerJustin Jones-Hayward

5‘Cougar Tracks’

May 2016 • Issue # 3 • Published Four Times Per YearCharlotte County Public Schools

1445 Education Way • Port Charlotte, FL 33948-1052

Exploratories/ElectivesPurchase only if your student is scheduled in any of these courses.

• Adv Art: (full year): 8 1/2x 11 or 9x12 sketchbook, eraser, colored pencils, sharpener, pencil, disinfecting wipes, 2 Sharpies, 11/14 canvas or larger.

• General Art: (18 wks): 8 1/2x11 or 9x12 sketchbook or duo tang folder with printer paper, eraser, colored pencils, sharpener, pencil, disinfecting wipes, printer paper.

• Family & Consumer Science: (18 wks.)- duo tang folder, loose leaf paper, pencil/pen, tissues, sewing projects (notified at pre-school open house)

• PE: printer paper, band aids, disinfecting wipes, athletic tape, painters tape, tissues, hair ties and socks.

• Band: (full year) Pencil and colored highlighter

• STEM: (8th grade) tissues, pencils, loose leaf paper, printer paper

Basic Supply List for 2016-17• 6 - 3 prong 2 pocket folders

• 5 packages of loose leaf paper - wide rule

• 2- 3 ring (1 inch) binders - for Science and Math

• #2 wooden pencils with erasers

• Blue or black ink pens

• Yellow and pink highlighters

• Earbuds

• 1 thumb drive 2G or higher for academic purposes

• Colored pencils

• 1-box of tissues for homeroom

• 1 package loose leaf wide-ruled paper for homeroom

• Pencil sharpener

Toni Ogilvie • toni.ogilvie@yourcharlotteschools.netL.A. Ainger Middle School

Advertise in the Cougar Tracks! This is a wonderful way for your company to get community recognition and exposure,

and at the same time help support your local schools!

We need you!

A few spots are left!

Advertise in the Cougar Tracks! This is a wonderful way for your company to get community recognition and exposure,

and at the same time help support your local schools!Toni Ogilvie • toni.ogilvie@yourcharlotteschools.net

L.A. Ainger Middle School

A few spots are left!

We need you!

6

Tuesday, May 17th: Concert Band - Spring Concert

The Cougar Band will have their final performance of the year on Tuesday, May 17th at the LBHS Performing Arts Center. The concert will begin at 7pm and will feature our beginning, intermediate, and advanced band students. The advanced band will have a special guest performance with members of the Charlotte Chorale under the direction of Dr. Bill Dederer. You won’t want to miss this!BAND

May 6th - 8th: District 11 Honor BandThis is the first year that our district has decided to host an all-district, by audition only, honor band. Students that were interested received the audition music at the end of March and worked independently on etudes and scales. They then auditioned on Saturday. April 16th at Braden River HS. Of the sixty three member 7th and 8th grade district honor band, Ainger had NINE students selected. Students from Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee, and Desoto auditioned. Congratulations to the following students:

Kaylee Alameda, 8th Grade, 2nd Chair Flute (of 8) Miranda Tate, 8th Grade, 4th Chair Flute (of 8) Ashley Gray, 8th Grade, 9th Chair Clarinet (of 12) Bill Reed, 8th Grade, Bari Sax Alexis Mallory, 7th Grade, 2nd Chair Trumpet (of 10) Christian Van Buren, 7th Grade, 7th Chair Trumpet (of 10) Dustin Vadnais, 8th Grade, 6th Chair Trombone (of 6) Zach Abraham, 8th Grade, 2nd Chair Baritone (of 5) Ryan Hill, 7th Grade, 5th Chair Baritone (of 5) Their performance was held at the Sarasota Opera House on Mother’s Day!

April 29th - May 1st: USF Honor BandCongratulations to the six students that attended the USF Symphonic Celebration at the end of April. These students and others were nominated by Mr. Ostrow and performed in one of two large MS ensembles with professional clinicians and guest composer Michael Sweeney.

The students selected were Lexie Mason on flute, Dawson Carr on clarinet, Gwyn Tusia on clarinet, Brianna Henesy-Claudio on french horn, Zach Abraham on trombone, and Dustin Vadnais on trombone.

772016 Ringling Englewood Youth Art Showcase Participants

Ringling Youth Art Show was held from April 1st through April 8th at the Ringling Englewood Art Center. The reception was held on Saturday, April 2nd from 12-3 p.m. and was attended by 375+ people. Students from all Englewood area schools were represented at this unique art show. The listing below represents the diverse showing of art from Ainger Artists.

In the last couple weeks, students grades 6-8 have been FSA testing. Students who were not testing on specific days had a modified schedule that included one block period each day that was 85 minutes in length.

Mrs. Broyles decided that she was going to surprise her advanced art students with a “FACE OFF” type contest. When students entered the classroom, each drew a playing card. Students with matching cards became teammates in the “FACE OFF CHALLENGE.”

Each team had a table of items that included sticks, raffia, tissue, different types of paper, wire, hot glue and other decorative items. Teams were assigned to create a work of art using said materials in the 85 minute period including clean up. Each set off to make a preliminary sketch of their idea during the first 10 minutes of challenge.

Once ideas were established, students began collecting extras off the counter and designing their basic design ideas. We had a few thefts of ideas, just like in the business world, which forced groups to think beyond their original intentions.

Toward the end of the session, students were reminded that the projects needed to be displayed some way. Donated marble pieces, heavy duty cardboard and decorative wire were used to suspend or create a base for their art.

Throughout the school day, all Mrs. Broyles classes voted on three catergories: Best Overall, Most Creative and Most Unusual. Winners received art supplies from Mrs. Broyles.

Ainger artwork is also displayed on http://www.artsonia.com/schools/school.asp?id=55326

985 published artworks 269 artist statements 501 artist fans 595 comments and 128,426 visitors to our page since we started several years ago.

ART

Teammates Amanda Darna and Miranda Tate

Teammates Sabrina Lefebvre and Angela Delucca

Best Overall-Sabrina Lopez and Carly Brzostek

Most Creative-Shania Simpson and Rose Bauer

Most Unusual-Armani Karr and Lauralyn Brashear

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L.A. Ainger Middle School245 Cougar Way

Rotonda West, FL 33947

Non Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage Paid

Orlando, FLPermit #2346

Charlotte County Public Schools

Track and FieldMany Ainger students are also involved in track and field this May. The season started Monday, May 2nd and ran through Saturday, May 14th. Students competed in the long jump, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 meter run at the track meet on Saturday, May 14th in Punta Gorda. Watch for the results in the summer newsletter.

WrestlingCongratulations to the AINGER Cougar Wrestling team for their second place finish at the Charlotte County Championships. Individual Place winners for the Matmen are as follows:

Champions: Jaaron Zapatka (115 pounds), Todd Ryan (140 pounds), AJ Medina (155 pounds) and Dimitri Saaby (165 pounds). Second place: Elijiah Hamsher (105 pounds) and Marshall Locke (130 pounds). Third place: Vic Fazler (90 pounds), Kolbe Keaser (140 pounds) and Ian Miller (heavyweight). Fourth place: Alex Whispell (140 pounds) and Shawn Nyugen (165 pounds). Fifth place: Nathan Willis (105 pounds).

2016 Spring Cross Country Season Results

Forty-five Ainger students met this spring to work on their running stamina and to earn school mileage for the Billion Mile Race Challenge, a nation-wide challenge for schools and organizations to strive to meet this year. Cougar Cross Country submitted 466 miles this year. Top runners were Taylor Moorman with 29.5 miles, Colter Blanton with 27.75, Elexis Lamparello and Jenna Smith with 23.5, Royanna Robjsek with 22.5, Jake Perry with 21.75, and Spencer Menezes with 20.5 miles. Students did an exceptional job. Over 10 students won t-shirts from Quality Socket Screw Manufacturing Corporation due to running over 13.1 miles, which is a half marathon. We must give a shout out to David Lanham and Joan Mangone for helping assist in this program.

Boys GymAinger’s 6th grade boys have shown some speed in gym class. The following students have the best times in the listed races. Great job boys!

40 Yard Dash: Gabe Arritt100 Meter Dash: Lance Schyck200 Meter Dash: Gabe Arritt400 Meter Dash: Lance Schyck800 Meter Dash: Rhondy WestonMile Run: Jacob Perry