Oak Knoll Middle School -...

October -2009 OKMS Knight Watch

Page Note from PTA President 1 Note from Principal 2 Halloween Dance 2 PTA Fundraisers 2 Hanover County Email Bulletins 3 PTA School Spirit Store 3 2008-2009 SOL Results 3 2010-2011 Registration & Parent Information Night 4 Maggie L. Walker Info Night 4 Winter Sports Meeting 4 Parent / Teacher Conferences 4 Adolescent Smoking 5 Clinic News 5 G/T Applications Due 5 Parking in Fire Lanes 6 Fall Sports Program 7-10 WANTED, PTA Membership Co-Chair 10 OKMS Orchestra 11 OKMS Science Fair 11 Reflections 12 Grade Level Reports 13-16 OKMS Chorus Winter Concert 17 Library News 17 Bus Driver Appreciation Week 17 Knights of the Roundtable 17 Jr. Beta Club Induction 18-19 PTA Bookstore Price List 20 OKMS Calendar (Oct-Dec) 21-23

Greetings from the PTA! We hope that you and your students are doing well and adjusting to the school year. The primary goal of the PTA this year is to improve communication between school and home. To accomplish this goal, we are adding some new features to the Knight Watch. This newsletter is designed to keep parents informed about what is going on at OKMS. Please feel free to provide feedback to us. The PTA supports many programs here at OKMS. In order for us to be able to fund our budget, we are offering two fundraising options. Your participation in one of our two programs, Shining Knights Direct Donation and Great American Magazine Drive, is greatly appreciated. Mark your calendar for the next PTA General Membership meeting on November 17th at 6:15pm. During this meeting, we will recognize the students who participated in the Reflections contest. HELP! Do you have experience with filing taxes? The PTA is looking for a volunteer to handle the important task of filing our taxes this year. Our deadline for filing our taxes is November 15th. If you are interested, please contact me. Your services would be greatly appreciated! Join the PTA and help us to make this school year a success. Membership is $5 per member. For every member that joins, you will receive a coupon for a FREE chicken sandwich, compliments of Chick Fil A at Virginia Center Marketplace. Deidre Belcher PTA President

OAK KNOLL MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA NEWSLETTER

KNIGHT WATCH ISSUE 2 - OCTOBER, 2009

OKMS MISSION STATEMENT – BUILDING RESPONSIBLE AND

RESPECTFUL GLOBAL CITIZENS IN A SAFE AND POSITIVE

ENVIRONMENT.

PRESIDENT’S NOTE INSIDE THE KNIGHT WATCH


The 2009-2010 school year has gotten off to a great start! I would like to thank the parents, students, and staff for their support in making our opening a great success.

It’s hard to believe we’ve completed the first month of school and are into October. October will be a busy month. Interim reports will be going home with students on October 8th and October 12th is a student holiday. School pictures will be taken October 7th & 8th and our BETA induction ceremony will be held October 13th @ 7:30pm in the cafetorium. The Fall Orchestra Concert will be held on October 29th at Hanover High School at 7:00p.m. November 6th is the end of the first nine week grading period and students will be dismissed at 1:15 p.m.

Fall athletics began on September 22nd and will end November 9th. Winter Sports information night will be held November 5th at 6:30pm in the gym and tryouts will be on November 12th. Winter sports include gymnastics, boys’ basketball, and wrestling. If you have any questions, please contact Rob Harris at 365-4749. Please come out and support our various sports teams.

Again, thanks for all you do for our students and school.

Caroline Harris OKMS Principal

HALLOWEEN DANCE

By: Ms. Wisenbarger & Ms. Ashley Yearbook Advisers Who: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Oak Knoll students What: Halloween Dance When: Friday, October 23, 2009 5:30 – 7:15 p.m. Where: Oak Knoll’s Cafeteria Why: It will be a “Spooktacular” time

Oak Knoll’s Yearbook Staff will be hosting this year’s Halloween Dance. Put on your Halloween costume and come boogie. There will be prizes for the best costumes!

Tickets will be sold at the door for $5. Food will also be sold at the dance. Hope to see you there!

PTA FUNDRAISERS By: Ms. Sevilla, PTA Fundraiser Chair

This year at Oak Knoll, the PTA

is offering choices when it comes to fundraising. There are two exciting options from which to choose. The first is the Great American Magazine Drive which was kicked off on October 5th and will run through October 20th.

The second fundraiser is new to Oak Knoll this year and is called the Shining Knights Direct Donation Program. The wonderful thing about this program is that 100% of your donation goes directly to OKMS. All you have do to is write a check to OKMS and send it in to school either with your child or by mail.

The money raised from both of these programs goes to benefit the students at Oak Knoll and any amount that you can give is much appreciated. Thank you for your support!

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

THE NEXT ISSUE OF KNIGHT WATCH WILL BE PUBLISHED ON MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2010.


HANOVER COUNTY

GOVERNMENT OFFERS NEW BULLETINS (HAN)

Hanover County has a free e-mail

subscription service which notifies members of upcoming Hanover County government and schools programs, services and events. Called Hanover-Access News (or HAN for short).

This weekly service provides short news bulletins that can be read in a minute or less and links to more detailed information on the County and School web sites.

Signing up is easy – just go to the County’s home page at www.co.hanover.va.us and type in your e-mail address in the blue box in the upper right-hand corner. If you live in the County, please register by district; all districts receive the same basic information but there will be occasional e-mails sent to only a particular district when the news is very specific to that district.

You can un-subscribe at any time. We look forward to having you come aboard for HAN!

PTA SCHOOL SPIRIT STORE By: Mrs. Robinson & Mrs.Healy,

PTA Spirit Store Chair

The OKMS Spirit Store stocks a wide variety of school supplies at very reasonable prices. Check out our price list on page 20 and consider shopping with us when your students need that last minute poster board or display board, or need to replenish their supply of pencils and paper. We set up shop in the cafeteria and are open every Wednesday and Thursday during lunch periods.

You are welcome to visit us then or can send payment with your child; checks are accepted, made payable to “OKMS PTA”. If you don’t see what you need, let us know! Contact Dabney Robinson ([email protected]) or Lisa Healy ([email protected]) with questions.

2008-2009 SOL RESULTS

By. Ms. Harris, Principal The 2008-09 OKMS SOL results remain consistent with last year’s scores. The data represents the percentage of OKMS students who passed the state required Standards of Learning tests. This is a significant accomplishment for our students and teachers. Great job!! We are very proud!!! Total Reading: 95.88% Reading 6th: 93.2 Reading 7th: 95.6 Reading 8th: 96.7 Writing 8th: 96.96

Total Math: 77.92% Math 6th: 72.8 Math 7th: 79.8 Math 8th: 89.95 Algebra: 100 Geometry: 100

Total History: 94.83% US History I: 87.14 US History II: 99 Civics & Economics: 94.8

Science: 96.65&

KNIGHT WATCH OKMS NEWSLETTER

Published by: OKMS PTA Newsletter Committee: Sheila Leake Mary Boyd Barbara Paterson Send questions or feedback to - [email protected] Printed by: Scott McCay, Copy Cat Printing 5516 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (804) 746-0008

[email protected]

http://www.co.hanover.va.us/

mailto:[email protected]




By: Mrs. Bollander, Mrs. Pittman, & Mrs. Ulrich, School Counselors

It’s time to start thinking about registration for the

2010-2011 school year. Mrs. Ulrich’s (6th) and Mrs. Bollander’s (7th) registration lessons to review the 2010-2011 Program of Studies will begin the first week in December. Parent Information Night for rising 7th and 8th graders is scheduled for December 10th at 6:30 p.m. in the OKMS Cafeteria. The rising 6th grade presentation will follow on December 10th at 7:30 p.m. We will have representatives from all elective courses at Parent Information Night.

A counselor from Hanover High School will visit rising 9th graders in December to review course selections and diploma options as well as the Program of Studies for the 2010-2011 school year. OKMS will be hosting a Hanover High School information session for rising 9th graders on December 16th at 6:30 p.m. in the OKMS cafeteria. A duplicate session is offered at Hanover High School on January 6th at 5:00 p.m. Parents may attend either session but only need to attend one since both sessions will review diploma options and 9th grade course selections.

By: Mrs. Pittman, Guidance Counselor Mrs. Mudd, GT Resource Teacher

There will be an informational meeting for students and parents interested in The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School on Wednesday, October 21st at 7:00 p.m. in the OKMS Lecture Room. All 8th grade students interested in applying to Governor’s School should attend. If you have questions please contact Mrs. Pittman or Mrs. Mudd.

WINTER SPORTS MEETING By: Mr. Harris, Athletic Director

There will be a winter sports information meeting on Thursday, November 5th at 6:30PM in the Gym. This meeting is for parents and students to get valuable information about the winter sports program. Tryouts begin on Thursday, November 12th and include:

Girls: Gymnastics

Boys: Basketball and Wrestling

You must have a physical dated after May 1, 2009 on file in order to participate. Physical forms can be downloaded from the school website (http://hcps.us/okms/index.htm ) and are available at the main office.

Winter sports occur between November and

February. Look for sports-specific information on the OKMS website. Come out and support your OKMS Knights!

By: Mr. Sheridan, Civics & Economics Mr. Gilhooly, Mrs. Morrison, & Mrs. Stepp, Sr. Teachers

For parent teacher conferences this year, Oak Knoll will be focusing on goal setting and reflection for all students. Students are encouraged to attend the parent teacher conferences in November to discuss their progress toward these goals with parents and teachers.

Conferences in February will have a different format than in previous years. The students will have a more active role than the November conference but the team of teachers will be available for assistance and input. Students will be asked to lead discussion over their goals while teachers can address specific parent concerns. Be sure to look for the parent teacher conference form with your child’s report card for scheduling information.

REGISTRATION 2010-2011 & PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT

PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES

MAGGIE L. WALKER GOVERNOR’S

SCHOOL INFORMATIONAL MEETING

http://hcps.us/okms/index.htm


WHY YOU SHOULD NOT

IGNORE AN ADOLESCENT WHO

IS SMOKING CIGARETTES By: Mrs. Robertson, Substance Abuse Prevention Counselor

Nicotine acts as a stimulant and a sedative Nicotine decreases circulation to arms and legs Nicotine decreases absorption of nutrients (especially

Vitamin C) Nicotine increases heart rate, respiration and blood

pressure Teens who smoke cigarettes are 3 times more likely to

use alcohol, 8 times more likely to use marijuana and 22 times more likely to use cocaine.

Smoking may be a marker for underlying mental health problems such as depression among teens.

There are more smoking related deaths due to heart disease (43%) than to cancer (36%) and smoking causes 90% of deaths from COPD (emphysema) each

year. Smoking increases the risk of developing Type 2

diabetes, Alzheimer’s, DISD, Colic, Blindness, snoring, Acid Reflux, and thyroid disease. There is a 30% higher rate of breast cancer especially for women who start smoking before age 20.

The number of hospital admissions for heart attacks in Helena, MT declined 60% during the 6-month period a public smoking ban was in place.

Lung cancer risk is approximately 50% greater for food service workers than the general population.

Five minutes of exposure to secondhand smoke and your aorta stiffens as much as smoking a cigarette.

“Tobacco: Only consumed by two creatures- a fat green worm and man. The worm doesn’t know any better.”

CLINIC NEWS By: Mrs. Johnson, RN

The clinic is continuously monitoring students for any influenza type illness. Reports are sent weekly to the local epidemiologist who works with the State Health Department. An influenza type illness is identified as a fever > 100 degrees accompanied by a cough and/ or sore throat.

If a student has these symptoms, the parent will be called and the student sent home. Students are not allowed to return to school until they have been fever free for 24 hours in the absence of any fever reducing medications. Fever reducing medications are things such as Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Acetaminophen, and Aspirin. If you are giving your child an over the counter cold medication, please read the label carefully as many fever reducing medications are found in combination with the active ingredients.

All medications, including over the counter, must be brought to the school by an adult. Students are not allowed to carry medication to school. Medicines are required to be in an unopened labeled bottle or they will not be accepted. Parents must fill out a permission slip for the medicine to be administered through the clinic. Prescription medications require a physicians order. Inhalers for asthma and epi-pens for allergies may be carried by the student if there is a physicians order stating they are allowed. A copy must be kept on file in the clinic.

Parent and physician orders are available in the clinic or online at www.hcps.us. Click on Student and Support Services/Health Services/Forms.

By: Mrs. Mudd, GT Resource Teacher

To keep your adolescent healthy and learn more cigarettes and tobacco products, visit www.Thetruth.com or http://www.healthyyouthva.org/vtsf/data/index.asp. To speak confidentially with a HCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Counselor, contact Susan Robertson at 730-2503.

REMINDER…GIFTED & TALENTED

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15TH

http://www.hcps.us/

http://www.healthyyouthva.org/vtsf/data/index.asp


PLEASE READ BELOW FOR AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

Hanover Fire & EMS

ENFORCEMENT OF PARKING IN FIRE LANES

The Hanover County Fire Marshal’s Office will be enforcing parking violations in designated fire lanes in Hanover County and the Town of Ashland. The fire lanes exist to ensure emergency responders have an unobstructed path to access those in danger. Fire lanes are in place in any parking lot open to the public that is designed to accommodate fifty or more vehicles. Fire lanes can be found in areas such as county schools, retail establishments, and larger commercial areas.

In accordance with Hanover County Code 15-47, those parking in a fire lane can receive a parking citation that is punishable by a $100 fine. If violations do occur, Fire Marshals will be issuing citations for those motorists parking in fire lanes. However, it is our hope that motorists will comply with the law, which will negate the need for any citations.

Should you have any questions regarding this code or any other fire codes, please contact the Fire Marshal's

Office at 365-6195.

Public Safety Announcement August 1, 2009

Contacts: Fire-EMS: Chief Fire Marshal Judson Flournoy

(804) 365-6195


OKMS FALL SPORTS PROGRAM

CONGRATULATIONS to all students who made a fall sports team this year. Students and Parents are invited to come out and cheer on your OKMS Knights! All games are FREE and cheerleaders will sell refreshments at all HOME games. THANK YOU to the coaches for their commitment and dedication to our students and the OKMS Athletic Program!

FOOTBALL Coaches: Mr. Harris Managers: Kelsey Dore Mr. Madison Krista Phillips Mr. Shibley Ellie Proctor

6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade Troy Allen Josh Bess Coleman Adams Scott Denton Josh Harris Ethan Boeding Nick Dabney Travis Barton Trevor Denton Kendall Hatten Aaron Gallagher Jaylon Greene Hunter Belfield Nick Douglass Jordan McCarter Matthew Moore Blake Billups Harrison Elam Austin Michaels Mitchell Patterson Spenser Blanton Joe Everette Will Olenyik Michael Pocta Korbin Bordonie Alex Fisher Lamont Stubbs Cody Smith Finley Bowie Ross Gardner Troy Szalay James Taylor Derek Casey Brennan Gary Rosolino Taomina Trent Underdown Casey Cook Briar Greene Christian Unger Nick Verham Matthew Corley Austin Hall Anthony Zona Todd Davenport

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE: 2009 – 2010

DATE TIME OPPONENT PLACE

9/30 4:45 MOODY AWAY 10/6 4:45 DINWIDDIE HOME

10/14 4:45 BROOKLAND AWAY 10/20 4:45 HUNGARY CREEK AWAY 10/27 4:45 LIBERTY HOME 11/4 4:45 STONEWALL HOME 11/9 4:45 CHICKAHOMINY AWAY


BOYS’ SOCCER Coaches: Ms. Bruce (KCES) Captains *

Ms. Miller

6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade Ethan Gooch Adam Farnsworth Jarrett Nooney Brady Anthony-Brumfield* Noah Killmeier Cole Farnsworth Nick Row Kevin Carter Nathan McIlwaine Nicholas Gulas Zachary Sergi Sean Dolan* Phillip Kurtz Ben Holder Carlo Taormina Paul Essigman* Danny Polk* Jonathan Hughes James Toussaint Shane Henry Hayden Walter

John Mancano

Note: Game schedules for Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Basketball, & Girls’ Tennis are all the same. See page 9 for the schedule.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Coaches: Mr. Depew (Henry Clay, Laurel Meadows) Mr. Morgan

Manager: Allie Dry

7th Grade 8th Grade

Sydni Carey Devon Altman Jada Jordan Alena Carter Sarah Belcher Gabrielle Kuhfahl Carter Leake Brielle Carter April Lankford Taylor Peay Cassidy Fowler Caroline Richardson Nikki Petzer Jessica Fulwider Paris Winters Morgan Roberts Jonniece Scott-Wyatt

Note: Game schedules for Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Basketball, & Girls’ Tennis are all the same. See page 9 for the schedule.


GIRLS’ TENNIS Coaches: Mrs. Shepherd Mr. Arnett

6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade Montana Bowman Courtney Chenault Jessica Blazquez Laurel Mouer Stella Harden Julia Grubbs Molly Breidenbaugh Sarah Peterson Caroline Hare Rachel Kelleher Taylor Custalow Missy Powell Juanita Howie Jordan McFee Natalie Eaves Megan Rosser Sami Livingston Danielle Oster Alexsa Good Miana Sebra Brianna Oster Marissa Raper Liliah Hosay Maya Shadoyan Hayley Parrish Emily Setelin Leah Hutson Mikaela Stephens Kaylyn Shepherd Lauren Taylor Holly Loving Savannah Ward Jazmin McCormick Emily Wilson

We are playing a tough schedule this year. We have come out to start the season with two 9-0 wins. The girls have been working hard for years; this includes playing tournaments throughout the summer months to prepare. Come out and see some great volleys, and awesome footwork. You might hear “typewriter toes” called out; ask the girls what that means! Trust me, not even Sharapova wants to hear it called out!

Game schedules for Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Basketball, & Girls’ Tennis are all the same. The

opponents’ team, game time, and location are the same.

BOYS’ SOCCER, GIRLS’ BASKETBALL, & GIRLS’ TENNIS SCHEDULE: 2009-2010

DATE TIME OPPONENT PLACE

9/22 4:45 ROLFE(SCRIMMAGE) AWAY 9/24 4:45 FAIRFIELD HOME 9/29 4:45 ELKO AWAY 10/1 4:45 WILDER HOME 10/6 4:45 SHORT PUMP HOME 10/8 4:45 TUCKAHOE AWAY 10/13 4:45 BYRD HOME 10/15 4:45 POCAHONTAS AWAY 10/20 4:45 MOODY AWAY 10/22 4:45 LIBERTY HOME 10/27 4:45 STONEWALL HOME 10/29 4:45 CHICKAHOMINY HOME


CHEERLEADING Coaches: Ms. McGuire (HHS) Captain* Ms. Hughes

6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade

Amber Horton Margo Carroll Jacuelin Arechiga

Ryan Gary Nicole Balducci * Lexi Gipson Jessica Bornoff Blair Moring Morgan Bowen August Seelmann Brittany Johnson Anna Stroud Erika King Maddy Taylor Lauren Nelson Rachel Throckmorton Courtney Payne Katelin Roberts Macii Robles

Devin Ryan

Cheerleaders will cheer for Football and Girls’ Basketball in the Fall, and Boys’ Basketball and Wrestling in the Winter.

By: Mrs. Belcher, PTA President The PTA is looking for someone to Co-

Chair the Membership Committee. No experience required. If you are interested, or would like additional information, please contact Deidre Belcher at [email protected]

WANTED…PTA MEMBERSHIP

COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR


OKMS ORCHESTA By: Ms. Pollard, Parent Volunteer HAPPY NEW YEAR! Happy New School

Year that is. The 37 students of the OKMS Beginning Orchestra and the 35 students of the OKMS Concert Orchestra have dusted off their bows and pulled up their music stands after a relaxing summer break. After only a few weeks of school each group is diligently working under the direction of Ms. Lucretia Davis on new music for the enjoyment of their family, friends, teachers and administrators. The students already sound great! Along with their goal of providing quality entertainment, the strings students are learning concepts and history associated with music.

UPCOMING EVENTS! On Thursday, October 29 at 7 p.m. the OKMS Concert Orchestra and the Hanover High School (HHS) Orchestra will provide for everyone’s entertainment, “A Night at the Movies”. The evening will feature music from hit movies to include Mission Impossible, Harry Potter and Lion King which will be performed by the OKMS Concert Orchestra. There will be a special guest performance by the 8th grade drama class. Under the direction of Mrs. Jennifer Hicks the class will perform scenes from Disney’s hit The Lion King. You cannot go to the movies without popcorn, so there will be plenty of free popcorn for the whole family to enjoy. Let’s reward the strings students’ hard work by filling the Hanover High School Auditorium on the 29th of October.

The date for Annual Winter Concert is Wednesday, December 9th at 7 p.m. at the Hanover High School Auditorium. (Please note that this is a date change from the school calendar.) This concert will feature the first performance of the OKMS Beginning Orchestra. The OKMS Concert Orchestra and the HHS Orchestra will also perform this evening in an effort to spread holiday cheer. Mark your calendar for these events now and pass the information on to your friends and family.

2ND ANNUAL OKMS SCIENCE FAIR By: Mr. Smail,

Science Department Chair

Over the next few weeks, all students will begin working on research projects within their individual science classes. Projects that are well-designed, thoroughly researched, and that creatively explore topics will be forwarded to the Science Fair Committee for possible inclusion in the OKMS Science Fair on December 11, 2009. The Science Fair provides a forum for students with aptitudes in science, math, or engineering, as well as public speaking and presentation skills, to present their research to a panel of judges with expertise in their project's category. Trophies for the top 3 presenters are awarded by category and grade level. Participants will also be encouraged to submit their projects to the regional science fairs (MRSF and VJAS) held each spring.

Parents can contact their child’s science teacher for more information.

OKMS VARIETY SHOW By: Mrs. Hicks, Theater Arts Director

When: November 17, 2009

7:00 p.m.

AUDITIONS November 10, 2009

3:30 p.m.

Oak Knoll wants to see your talent! so show it off at the OKMS Variety Show! Those auditioning should be totally prepared and come with all costumes, props and music. Each performer will need an audition form and permission slip which will be available one week before the audition on each grade level hall and on the fine arts hall. Get ready to show your stuff!

For additional information, please contact Mrs. Hicks, at [email protected].

A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES Featuring OKMS & HHS Concert Orchestras

Thursday, October 29, 2009 7 pm Hanover High School Auditorium

FREE ADMISSION FREE POPCORN

http://www.clipartguide.com/_pages/0511-0905-2621-4947.html




2009- 2010 R E F L E C T I O N S Our theme this year is BEAUTY IS……

BEAUTY is defined in the dictionary as a pleasing quality associated with harmony of form or color, excellence in craftsmanship, truthfulness, originality. Your PTA defines it as a great opportunity to express yourself in our 2009-2010 Reflections Program! Reflections is a program sponsored by the National PTA every year. This program encourages students to express their artistic talents by writing, dancing, composing, and creating visual art.

Think about what beauty means to you, then create an original piece in any number of the six categories, which include: Dance Choreography, Film/Video Productions, Literature, Photography, Musical Composition, and Visual Arts.

Reflections at a Glance – “Beauty Is . . .”

Visual Arts

Printmaking

Painting

Drawing

Collage

Fiberboard

No Larger than 24” x 30”

No Thicker than 3/8 “

No Frames

No 3 – D Art

Tape Entry Form to

Back of Art Work in Sheet Protector

Mount Artwork on a sturdy

backing

Musical Composition Original Composition

With or Without Lyrics

Not to Exceed 5 Minutes

Score Size No Larger than 11” x 14”

Place Score and CD Plus a Copy

in a Clasp Envelope

Full Information Must be Written on

CD and Container

Answer Required Questions, Work on Entry Form

Masking Tape Entry Form

In Sheet Protector to Outside of

Envelope

Photography Color or Black and White

Single Prints or Collage

Many Photographic Processes Accepted

Mount on Sturdy Material

No Larger than 11” x 14” Including Mat

Masking Tape Entry Form in Sheet Protector

to Back of Photo

No Frames

No 3-D

No Slides

No Transparencies

Entries are due October 22, 2009 Visit www.vapta.org to download a student entry form. Contact: Kathy Munios or Laura Gilchrest @ [email protected] with questions.

Dance Choreography One Choreographer Perform or up to 3 dancers

Less than 3 minutes

CD or DVD plus a copy

See rules pages

Place in Manila envelope

with clasp 10”x13”

Credit background music

if used on entry form

Film Production Write, direct and film

Use camera as pencil or crayon

Use a tripod to film

NO POWER POINT

Not to exceed 5 minutes

Credit background music

if used on Entry Form

Put CD or DVD entry and copy in manila envelope with clasp 10”x13”

Literature Prose, Poetry, Drama, Song Lyrics, Short

Stories

No Larger Than 8 ½” x 11”

Not to Exceed 2000 Words

No Power points

Grade Appropriate Grammar, Punctuation,

and Spelling

May be Illustrated

Submit Original and One Copy

Must be in Manila File Folder with Student

Entry Form Stapled to the Back with Required Statements

http://www.vapta.org/



Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Daniels (Team Leader), Mrs. Dossick, & Ms. Wisenbarger

Students have acclimated well into the school routine. Classes have reviewed expectations and Teach-Tos, and they are well into the curriculum. Just a reminder, all book report assignments for Mrs. Allen are due on October 30. We are looking forward to a successful year for our 6th graders.

Mrs. Moberg, Mrs. Parikh, Ms. Smith (Team Leader), & Mrs. Winecoff

The Trailblazer team is off a terrific start this school year. The team, consisting of Mrs. Parikh, Ms.

Smith, Mrs. Moberg, and Mrs. Winecoff, is very pleased with how well our students have adjusted to middle school. Mrs. Moberg's students are busy planning and working on their science projects which are due in mid-November. Mrs. Winecoff's students in both math 6 and math 7 are wrapping up their first unit of study and preparing for their first test. Mrs. Parikh's students have been diligently reading to complete their September log. Ms. Smith's class enjoyed their educational yet delicious edible map activity. We look forward to spending a successful sixth grade year with our Trailblazers.

Ms. Farrar, Mrs. LeRoux, Mr. Lewis (Team Leader), & Ms. Winn

The Visionaries Team is so proud of all the accomplishments of our students. In Language Arts students are writing their first 5 paragraph theme with much success. The writing process and editing work is being stressed. Science is fully involved in completing their first science project. Students will be presenting those in the near future. The Native Americans are here at Oak Knoll as the Social Studies students explore Native American culture. Math is in full swing with our fraction unit about to begin.

Trailblazers Team

Horizons Team

Visionaries Team


,

Ms. Hughes Ms. Dillard (Team Leader) Mr. Marshall Mrs. Kazio Mrs. Rudd (Team Leader) & Mrs. Miffleton Mr. Weisbrod Mrs. Sheridan

Language Arts – Students are adjusting to the independent reading log expectations. All language arts students should expect to turn in a reading log every month this year. We have been in the process of reviewing the literary elements found in short stories, and the students will complete a short story project at the end of the marking period.

History – Students are identifying the regions that each of the 50 states fits into; we will explore

how physical features and climate influenced the movement of people westward. We will explain relationships among natural resources, transportation, and industrial development after 1877. Also we will cover the reasons for the increase in immigration, growth of cities, new inventions, and challenges arising from this expansion, while explaining the impact of new inventions, rise of big business, the growth of industry, and life on American farms.

Earth Science -- Students are working through the Scientific Method in order to develop a project

for the OKMS Science Fair in December. Algebra – Students are currently working on algebraic foundations and getting ready to begin

solving one step linear equations and inequalities. Pre-Algebra - Students are working on operations with rational numbers and are getting ready to

start the real number system and solving one step equations. Math 7 – Students are adding/subtracting/multiplying and dividing fractions. They will then start to

learn about the order of operations

Note: This update is for both teams.

Shining Knights Team Noble Knights Team


Ms. Hinson, Ms. Miller, Mr. Morgan (Team Leader), & Ms. Paterson

In a Galaxy (Green Hall) Far, Far Away… The Jedi Knights Team is back and the force is with them!

Ms. Hinson’s math students are getting off to a great start! Pre-Algebra students are delving into integers and will be moving on to learn how to evaluate algebraic expressions. Geometry students are investigating points, lines, and planes. They will be focusing on logical reasoning and examining conditional statements in the near future. Where would the Jedi be without the logic of math? Mr. Morgan’s civics classes have been learning about U.S. citizenship and how a person can become a U.S. citizen. The students participated in a simple simulation where they pretended they were immigrants applying for naturalization. They have also discussed the traits that make people good citizens. Coming soon will be their study of politics and elections. The students will participate in a mock election as they get a chance to vote for Virginia’s governor this fall. Democracy at work!

In science, Ms. Miller’s students are continuing work on their research paper. Their physics unit will begin soon and along with that, the ever-electrifying and hair-raising Van de Graff generator (We think it is a relative of R2 D2 -- positively shocking!) This will be followed by the balloon-powered racecars – who will win this year’s competition?

Ms. Paterson (alias Yoda) would like to thank Mrs. Ellis, who filled in magnificently for her during her recent surgery and recuperation. Now that Ms. Paterson is back, students have completed their first writing prompt. Journals, proofreading, and peer editing are daily occurrences in English/Language Arts, along with the ever popular reading log. Identifying internal and external text structures, differentiated reading units, and the study of the short story are all on the horizon.

The Jedi Team would like to extend kudos to the students, who continue to show diligence in their work and great behavior – keep it up! With built in “special” time, who knows what might appear on future “journeys” to the galaxies! (or at least through the odyssey of eighth grade…)

Jedi Knights Team


Mrs. Edwards, Mr. Sheridan, Mr. Smail, & Mr. Tewksbury (Team Leader)

The Wonders are off to a terrific start this year. Students and teachers are settling in to the new year and building new relationships with one another. The team looks forward to a year of exciting new challenges and achievements. Language Arts students began the year expressing who they are through autobiographical posters. The exhibition of their personalities and interests are on display for everyone to see. Students are off to a solid start with their reading logs but should continue to use time during the school day and at home to fulfill their monthly reading requirement. Pre-Algebra students have finished working on integer operations and are now focused on operations with rational numbers. Likewise, Algebra students have begun operations with rational numbers while having finished properties and justifications. In Science, students are immersed in their science projects. Recently all students completed their review of science safety rules. Students were also engaged by the Math and Science Innovation Center with a lesson using math bots. In Civics and Economics students have finished an introductory unit on citizenship and are beginning to look at the political process.

Mr. Blunt, Mrs. Lyszyk, Mrs. Moore (Team Leader), & Mrs.Sherwood

The Knight Riders are racing into the new year at a wonderful pace. Students are off to a great start and the teachers are pleased with everyone’s progress. It is going to be a fantastic year for the students as they move toward the completion of their middle school journey. Language Arts students are beginning a narrative unit after having finished an informational unit at the beginning of the year. Prealgebra students are beginning operations with rational numbers and Algebra students are solving equations and inequalities. In Civics and Economics the students finished studying the citizenship process and are beginning to look at political parties. They are preparing for the upcoming gubernatorial election by studying the political process. Science students began their year with a review of laboratory procedures and are moving forward with their science projects from 7th grade.

The Wonders Team

Knight Riders


CHORUS WINTER CONCERT

By: Ms. Cross, Choral Director

The Oak Knoll Choral Department will

present their Winter Concert on December 1st, 7:00 P.M. in the Hanover High School Auditorium. Join us for an evening of winter favorites and traditional Christmas carols.

If you would like additional information, please contact Pam Cross at [email protected].

Library News By: Mrs. Aitken, NBCT Library Media Specialist

Reading Olympians is getting off to a ,

great start! Our kick-off meeting was Friday, October 2nd and teams begin meeting the week of October 5th. A calendar of all of the Reading Olympian events is accessible from the school webpage.

Guys Read, a father and son after school book club, and Girls Read, a mother and daughter after school book club, will hold their informational meetings on the following dates:

Guys Read: Monday, October 5th, 6:00-7:00 PM in library.

Girls Read: Monday, October 19th, 6:00-7:00 PM in library.

Please R.S.V.P. for either of these dates

by downloading a copy of the flyer from the OKMS website and returning the bottom portion to the library or by emailing to [email protected]. Copies of the flyer are also available from the library. Dinner will be provided at each of the meetings.

The Scholastic Fall Book Fair is coming in November. The dates of the fair are Wednesday, November 11th through Wednesday, November 18th. More information will be provided as those dates approach.

BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK

By: Ms. Yesbeck, Assistant Principal For most students, bus drivers are the

first person and the last person they see in terms of the school day. Oak Knoll will show their appreciation with a small gift to recognize the bus drivers and to thank them for keeping our kids safe!

Please encourage your child to write a note of thanks. We know the drivers will appreciate the kindness and recognition.

Bus driver appreciation week is October 19th-23rd. THANK YOU to all OKMS bus drivers for their commitment to our students.

By: Mrs. Bollander, Mrs. Pittman, &

Mrs. Ulrich, School Counselors

The Knights of the Round Table is a special award which honors two outstanding students from each academic team at the end of every nine week grading period. The teachers select a male and female student who exemplifies the qualities of a Knight. Qualities of Knights include citizenship, fairness, responsibility, and trustworthiness.

When students have been selected to receive this award their parents are notified and invited to a special ceremony. An announcement is made over the intercom and the Knights are invited to attend a ceremony and reception in the lecture room with their parents and Ms. Harris. The counselors read statements from the teachers about why the students were selected, and the students receive a certificate. Once the ceremony is over, the students enjoy refreshments and socialize.

KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE




OKMS NATIONAL JR. BETA CLUB INDUCTS 171 NEW MEMBERS By: Ms. Paterson, 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher

On October 13, 172 Oak Knoll Middle School eighth graders were inducted into the National Jr. Beta Club in a formal candle lighting ceremony. The Beta Club is an academic service club, and students are invited to join based on their grade point average at the end of their seventh grade year.

The program began with the Pledge of Allegiance given by Jr. Beta President, McKenzie York, followed by a welcome by Ms. Barbara Paterson, one of the sponsors. The history of the club was delivered by Mrs. Stephanie Moore, another sponsor. The other Jr. Beta officers are Bishop Guempel, vice-president, Molly Breidenbaugh, secretary, Leah Kemler, treasurer, and Chace Blackburn, historian.

Among the honored guests who extended greetings and congratulations were Ms. Caroline Harris, Ms. Diana Yesbeck, and Mr. Frank Gilhooly, as well as Mr. George Sadler, principal, of Hanover High School. Dr. Stewart Roberson sent congratulatory remarks.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Dr. William Bosher, Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Education, Executive Director, CEPI School of Education, and Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU. He has been a teacher, principal, state director, local superintendent of both Henrico and Chesterfield and the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Among numerous other credits, he was voted as the arts administrator of the year by the Kennedy Center, and provides weekly commentaries as the NBC12 educational specialist. Always an inspirational speaker, Dr. Bosher addressed the inductees on the Jr. Beta themes of achievement, character, leadership, and service.

At the close of Dr. Bosher’s address, the Jr. Beta Officers conducted a candlelight induction ceremony. Each one spoke of his or her hopes and aspirations for the club and lit a candle, which symbolized their words. Mrs. Susan Mudd, the third sponsor, then administered the pledge and formally inducted the members, with Coleman Adams serving as spokesperson for the group. This was followed by a brief business meeting conducted by Mrs. Mudd. All three sponsors came together to challenge the students to build and promote achievement, character, leadership, and service in their school and community using the metaphor of puzzle pieces to signify where each inductee should fit into the picture.

At the completion of the ceremony, Mrs. Toni Walther, had the students pose for the annual formal photo and everyone enjoyed refreshments in the lobby. Many thanks go to the talented and tireless parents and everyone who helped with decorations, preparing induction packets, and refreshments for the evening – their efforts made the evening a truly memorable event honoring a deserving group of students. Congratulations to all!

PLEASE SEE THE NEXT PAGE FOR A LIST OF THE OKMS 2009-2010 JR. BETA CLUB MEMBERS.


Adams, Coleman Dubec, Gregory Kondakor, Josh Roberts, Katelin Agee, Emily Eaves, Natalie Kovar, Sedrek Robinson, Peyton Alkire, Erin Edwards, Breland Kozak, Ryan Rosser, Megan Allen, Elizabeth Essigman, Paul Lankford, April Rummel, Bailey Alonso, Daniel Evans, Savannah Lee, Amanda Ryan, Devin Altman, Devon Fales, Amanda Lee, Christopher Ryan, Jacob Anthony-Brumfield, Brady Farrington, Larry "Ian" Littlepage, Jake Ryan, John Arechiga, Jacqueline Fielding, Morgan Long, Maura Rybak, Parker Athas, Elena Fisher, Alexander Lopez, Claudia Santucci, Rachel Balderson, Molly Flagg, David Loving, Holly Seay, Rebekah Balducci, Victoria Franco, Sean Matthews, Cierra Sebra, Miana Barton, Travis Gamble, Tyler McClung, Kyle Seymour,Samantha Belcher, Sarah Gardner, Mitchell McClure, Kayla Shadoyan, Maya Belfield, Stephen "Hunter" Gary, Brennan McCormick, Jazmin Shepard, Stuart Blackburn, Chace Gauntt, Katrina McCormick, Taylor Sigmon, Tanner Blaser, Lanning Good, Alexsa McCullen, John Sigmon, Tyler Blazquez, Jessica Greene, John McDougal, Taylor Sparagna, Spencer Blunt, Katherine Guempel, Bishop McLaughlin, Jessica Stevens, Parker Blunt, Laura Habron, Amber Michael, Austin Stromberg, Jason Bonda, Aaron Hadley, Quint Mitchum, Kiandra Sullivan, Lacey Bordonie, Korbin Hancock, Tyler Mouer, Laurel Taylor, Ashtyn Boroughs, David "Ethan" Harris, Joshua Nachman, Benjamin Taylor, Cody Bowen, Morgan Hastings, Emily Neas, Taylor Turner, Emily Bowie, Clyde Hazelgrove, Andrew Nelson, Lauren Unger, Christian Breidenbaugh, Molly Healy, Logan Newton, Kelly Upshaw, Cameron Brinn, Kyle Henry, Shane Nininger, Haley Vickers, Brittani Brooks, Terrence Higgins, Cameron Orie, Ellen Walker, Stephen Browning, Sarah Hines, Sarah Palya, Emma Walter, Hayden Burruss, Hannah Holloman, Courtney Parcell, Allison Ward, Savannah Burton, Heather Hosay, Liliah Patel, Divya Weatherspoon, Zackery Camp, Laura Howard, Tyler Payne, Courtney White, IV, Stafford Casey, Derek Huth-Scruggs, Thomas Peterson, Sarah Wiener, Lauren Clarke, Dillon Hutson, Leah Petzer, Justin Williams, Emily Cook, Casey Jacobs, Lindsey Phillips, Krista Williamson, Dillon Corbin, Olivia Jarratt, Beth Piccolomini, Angelina Wilson, Emily Corley, Matthew Jennings, Lavender Polk, Daniel Wilson, IV, Thomas Cox, Brian Johnson, Brittany Polson, Sara Winters, Paris Crowder, Caroline Jordan, Jada Potts, Madeline Woodruff, Taylor Cunningham, Emma Kane, Kara Powell, Melissa Woychak, Brittany Custalow, Taylor Kegel, Joshua Proctor, Ellie Wright, Arielle Dennehy, James Kellner, Ryan Rack, Rebecca Wright, Evan Denton, Scott Kemler, Leah Renner, Marion York, McKenzie Dolan, Sean Kirby, Chase Richardson, Caroline Ziegler, Logan

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL JR. BETA CLUB KNIGHTS!


OKMS BOOKSTORE PRICE LIST OPEN: WED. & THUR. LUNCH PERIODS

PENCILS, PENS, ERASERS

Basic pencil $0.10

Click mechanical pencil $0.75

Lead Refills (.5 and .7mm) $1.00

Colored Pencils (Pack of 10) $1.00

Color-changing pencil $0.50

Pencil gripper $0.30

Pencil sharpeners (w/o top) $0.50

Pencil Pouch $1.50

Pencil Topper Erasers (3/$0.25) $0.10

Assorted erasers $0.50

Stick erasers $1.00

Pens $0.50

Click pens $0.50

Markers (pack of 10) $2.00

Dry erase markers $0.75

Highlighter $0.50

PAPER

Notebook paper (per pack) $1.00

Graph Paper (per pack) $2.50

Construction paper $0.75

Composition notebook $1.00

Spiral Notebook $0.50

Index cards $0.50

Post-its (small) $0.50

Post-its (large) $0.75

LOCKER SUPPLIES

Mirror $2.00

Dry erase Board $2.00

Magnets $0.50

FOLDERS & ORGANIZERS

Index Dividers $1.00

Two-pocket Folder $0.25

Portfolio w/ Brads $0.35

File Folder $0.15

Report Cover $0.35

Sheet Protector $0.25

Binder Paper Punch $4.00

Binder Clips $0.50

MISCELLANEOUS

Poster Board, white $0.50

Poster Board, color $0.75

Foam Board $2.00

Tri-fold Display Board $5.00

Envelopes $0.05

Large Manila Envelopes $0.50

Paper enforcers (per sheet) $0.20

Glue sticks $0.25

Glue (bottle) $0.50

Crayons (box of 24) $0.75

Compass $1.50

Protractor $0.50

Math set $2.00

Ruler $0.50

Scotch Tape $1.00

Blank CD $1.00

Book Sox, solid $1.50

Book Sox, pattern $2.00

Glow Charm Necklace $2.00

Leis $0.25

Metallic clip Key Chain $0.50

Tissues (purse pack) $0.25

Mini-staplers $2.00

OKMS SPIRIT ITEMS

OKMS Pencil (not currently available**) $0.50

OKMS Mechanical Pencil $1.00

OKMS Decal $0.50

OKMS Magnet $0.75

OKMS Magnetic Frame $0.75

OKMS Cup $1.00

Spirit Pack (includes all of the above And one of the following* (Value = $6.25-6.50) $5.00

OKMS 2-Pocket Folder* $1.75

OKMS Pennant* $2.00

**substitute color-changing pencil All other items priced as marked.


OAK KNOLL MIDDLE SCHOOL October 2009 GO KNIGHTS!

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

Reading Olympians Kickoff

3

4 5 Guys Read

Informational Meeting 6pm

6 7 8

Interim Report

9 10

11 12

Student Holiday

13

Jr. Beta Induction 7:30pm - Cafeteria

14 15

G/T Applications Due

16 17

18 19 Girls Read

Informational Meeting 6pm

20 21 Maggie L. Walker

Informational Meeting 7pm – Lecture Hall

22

Reflections Entry Due

23 Halloween Dance

All Grades 5:30pm -7:15pm

24

25 26 27 28 29

Fall Orchestra Concert

7pm - HHS

30 31

School Pictures

Bus Driver Appreciation Week

OKMS SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST 2009 - 2010


OAK KNOLL MIDDLE SCHOOL November 2009 GO KNIGHTS!


1

2 3

Student Holiday

4 5

Winter Sports Meeting 6:30pm - Gym

6

Early Closing - 1:15pm

End of 1st 9 weeks

7

8 9

End of Fall Sports

10

Variety Show Auditions 3:30pm

11 12 Winter Sports

Tryouts

13

Report Card

14

15 16 17 PTA GM & Reflections

6:15pm Variety Show - 7pm

18 19 Parent/Teacher Conferences & Early Closing –

1:15pm

20 21

22 23 24 25

Early Closing - 1:15pm

26 27

28

29 30

Thanksgiving Holiday

Scholastic Fall Book Fair

Scholastic Fall Book Fair


OAK KNOLL MIDDLE SCHOOL December 2009 GO KNIGHTS!


1

Chorus Concert OKMS – 7pm

2 3 4 5

6 7 8

Band Concert HHS – 7pm

9

Orchestra Concert 7pm – HHS

Interim Report

10

Parent Info Night 7th/8th - 6:30pm

6th – 7:30pm

11

OKMS Science Fair

12

13 14 15 16

Parent Info Night Rising 9th Grade OKMS – 6:30pm

17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25

26

27 28 29 30 31

Winter Break

Winter Break

Oak Knoll Middle School -...

Documents

Transcript of Oak Knoll Middle School -...