TIGER NEWSHickory Creek Middle School

22150 S. 116th AveFrankfort, IL 60423

815-469-4474

October Issue2017-2018 School Year

Nurse’s NotesFrom Nurse Schipiour

Illinois Department of Public Health requires all medical forms and immunizations to be turned into the school health office by OCTOBER 15th 2017. Students will be excluded from attending school and will not be allowed into the building until records are in compliance. In order to allow time to verify records please turn in as soon as possible.

6th Grade Students (All)Physical-Illinois State form-up to dateImmunizations (Tdap, Meningococcal) DentalNew StudentsPhysical-Illinois State form-up to dateImmunizations up to dateDentalNew Students from out of StatePhysical-Illinois State form-up to dateImmunizations up to dateDental Vision

Sports Physicals are required for all sport team participation at Hickory Creek Middle School-Including tryouts. Sport physicals expire 395 days from the date they were obtained.

The NewsFrom the Guidance & Counseling Office-

This year, the Guidance Office will be rolling out the Mawi Learning program during Advisory classes. We look forward to challenging each student reach their full potential in building leadership skills. This program will challenge each student to:

•Build the confidence and skills to succeed in middle school

•Create a growth mindset

•Manage their time, set goals, and get organized

•Create strong friendships based on mutual respect

•Use dozens of proven strategies for success

The Guidance & Counseling offices are located in the Main Office.

Book Notes from the Library

Photo copyright Erica Miller

FSP and Hickory Creek MS proudly present author

Steve Sheinkin!

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Mr. Sheinkin loved action stories and outdoor adventure books as a kid: sea stories, searches for buried treasure, sharks eating people. His all-time favorite was a book called

Mutiny on the Bounty, a novel based on the true story of a famous mutiny

aboard a British ship in the late 1700s.

His books are available for sale in the HCMS library. Buy one and have it

autographed during his visit!

These three titles were previous Rebecca Caudill nominees!

Read his bo

oks

before his v

isit!Buy his book!Get it signed!

Stud

ent C

ounc

ilStudent Council will host four hot lunches this year as well as host a Fall dance. Parents, if you’re interested in assisting with hot lunches or chaperoning , we would welcome your help. Contact Diane Jeglinski or Maggie Sayles. (djeglinski@fsd157c.org or msayles@fsd157c.org)

We will contact you if your assistance is needed. Thanks!

Student Council in Action

Upcoming Dance:Upcoming meeting

Theme ThursdaysOct. 5th: Baseball DayOct. 12th: 80’s DayOct 19th: Crazy Sock DayOct. 26th: Orange and Black

Save the Date! Fall Dance!When: October 20thTime: 4:30-6:30 p.m.Admission: $5*Dancing,Open Gym, & Concessions

October Meeting Mon. October 2nd2:30-4:00 p.m.

Concession Stand Helpers

8th Grade

“At Camp Manitoqua my group did an activity called ‘The Zig Zag’ and I learned without team work it was very hard to achieve our goal. But when we worked together we were able to achieve our goal much easier.” - Danny Benn

“At Camp Manitoqua my group and I learned valuable leadership skills. We learned that in order to accomplish a task, some of us needed to lead and others had to follow. All in all, it was a great learning and leadership experience.” - Sean Dore

“The trip to Camp Manitoqua was all about team building and working together with our groups. We had to work hard together and problem solve. - Kate Hackett

8th Grade

Social Studies:Student are continuing to learn about America previous to the Civil War. Students are learning about the differences

in needs and wants for the North and the South.

Student Government Day is mid-October. Candidates have been chosen and we are looking forward to learning more

about local government.

ELA: Students are enjoying exploring the

differences between appearances and reality through our literature and our

informational text. All classes have begun their first novel, Agatha Christie’s And Then

There Were None.

Science: Students have been investigating, collecting evidence and

making connections to support the processes inside the Earth layers that change the surface we live on.

We will be modeling the interactions between Earth’s plates and the natural events that occur as a result of those

interactions. Students will be able to explain how and why the Earth has volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, mountains, and

trenches.

Math: PSAT Blitz is starting sign-up now.

Seventh Grade Team 7A

Mrs. Clousing (ELA) Mrs. Gatsios(SS)

Mrs. DeHaan(Math) Ms. Hardy (Math)

Mrs. Donovan (ELA) Mrs. Ruffing(ELA)

Mrs. Dyokas (ELA) Mr. Finan (Science)

Mr. Stein (Math/ELA/Science/SS)

Team 7BMrs. Bunnell (Science)

Mrs. Klutcharch (Math)

Mrs. Niendorf (ELA)

Mrs. O’Brien (Math)

Mrs. Reiser (ELA)

Mrs. Ryan (Social Studies)

Sev

enth

Gra

de

Social Studies: Exploring the Americas with inquiry and excitement. As we continue to

practice skills with our reading and writing while engaged in the history of the early Americas,

students will experience their first mini DBQ practice about Jamestown: the first settlement

this month.

ELA: All ELA classes are working on answering the essential question, “How are people

impacted by others?” We have been exploring this question through our current novel, The

Outsiders. We will be wrapping up this novel shortly and moving on to short stories soon.

Math: Math is currently finishing our unit on Number Systems that will culminate with an

outcome assessment on October 3. We will then be continuing with Ratios and Proportions.

Honors Math just completed Ratios and Proportions and will be continuing with Percents.

Science: - Students have been investigating various properties and determining if a

characteristic is a property or simply an observation. Next week density will be the focus.

The first summative assessment was given on Sept. 26th. Students have also completed their

first Claim, Evidence and Reasoning paper. We will continue to work on these writing skills.

Seventh grade: Social Studies Veteran’s Day Assembly on Friday, November 10, 2017…8:30-9:30amIf you know any veterans that would like to join us (to either just watch or speak) for our celebration please email Mrs. Gatsios at tgatsios@fsd157c.org for more details.

6th

Gra

de

Jaclyn Brendlinger-Math

Carolyn LeGrand- Math

Karissa Fletcher- ELA

Renee Grady- ELA

Pam Swierczewski - Social Studies

Rebecca Schumacher-Science

Colleen Reiser - ELA Co-taught & Reading Support

Team 6BTeam 6A

Tea

min

g

Discovering

Investigating

Problem Solving

21st Century Skills

6th Graders Choose Kind

Diane Jeglinski- Math

Maggie Sayles- Math

Ellen Hogan-Math & Co-taught

Mary Kay Bohms - ELA

Sean Bouck - ELA

Tara O’Hea-ELA Co-taught & DI

Erin Nemeth - Science

Suzanne Sandowski-Social Studies

Cherie O’Brien- Math Support

Col

labo

rati

ng

6th

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de

Science: The students are revising their light models as we move forward. We are looking for patterns as we investigate how light behaves in different situations. For example, we will be investigating scattering and reflecting of light and how light reacts with different surfaces, like a mirror or a rough surface. We are utilizing many of our science and engineering practices, including, engaging in arguing from evidence, planning and carrying out investigations, and constructing explanations

Social Studies: Students are continuing their exploration of early man with a mini-inquiry/research project and a close look at the tools historians use to analyze discoveries. Students will also continue using geography practice sites, and web based sites for historical history lessons. Ask your child about Mesopotamia and the six pillars all civilizations have in common.

ELA: Students are knee deep in their novel, Wonder. Students are practicing theme, figurative language, and point of view. We are having a wonderful time learning the structure of writing. Ask your student about the different points of view in Wonder.

Honors ELA: Students have been introduced to the award winning novel-Paperboy by Vince Vawter. Students have been making meaning by breaking down the text, inferring, and interpreting the text. Students are analyzing how they effectively communicate through their writing.

Math: The sixth grade students have just finished their number sense unit on fractions. They will be starting to focus on a number sense unit involving decimals. Students will build on their knowledge of fractions by converting fractions to decimals and vice versa. They will also learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals as well as order fractions and decimals.

We’ve Been Busy Learning

6th

Gra

de

6th Grade Tiger Pride

6th Grade Girls Cross Country Team Members

6th Grade Boys Cross Country Team Members

6th Grade Tiger Pride

6th Grade Girls Cross Country Team Members

6th Grade Music

In this class we have been playing the guitar every day! We have learned how to read melodies using the e, b, and g string and learned many new chords!

Music Production

Student have been creating and arranging music using Mixcraft, a digital audio workstation! This month we have been creating using same progression from Pachelbel’s Canon in D

7th Grade Music

We just started our Melody and harmony unit! Get ready to create music magic with guitars and mallet instruments!

Instrumental Music

We just started our Melody and harmony unit! Get ready to create music magic with ukuleles and mallet instruments!

General M

usic

ChorusVarsity Chorus, Advanced Choir and Show Choir are all busy learning vocal technique, performance skills and building repertoire. 120 students are participating in our chorus program and we’re excited to start performing at assemblies, concerts and contests soon!

Upcoming dates:

*Friday, October 27 - Drury Lane trip

*Thursday, November 16 - Fall Choral Concert

*Thursday, November 30 - Frankfort Tree Lighting

Rehearsals:

Monday, 2:30-3:45 - Advanced Choir

Tuesday, 2:30-3:30 - Varsity Chorus

Wednesday, 2:30-4:30 - Show Choir **3:30-5:00 for 6 weeks

Thursday, 2:30-3:45 - alternating Varsity Chorus and Advanced Choir **3:50-4:30 - Show Choir for 6 weeks

Friday, 2:30-4:00 - Show Choir

Espa

ñol

7th Grade

The students have been working extremely hard

to learn a lot of new vocabulary. We are currently working on

numbers, alphabet, and writing the date. This

leads us into asking and answering questions

about our phone numbers, email addresses

and birthdays. The students have learned so much in a short time and are able to have a short

conversation about themselves in Spanish!

8th Grade

We are finishing up our first

chapter in Spanish. The

students have reviewed

past vocabulary and learned

many new words and

phrases. They are able to

have a short conversation in

Spanish to talk about

themselves. They will

showcase all they know in

the end of unit assessments

in the areas of Reading,

Listening, Speaking and

Writing. We will then move

on to talking about our likes

and dislikes.

G-ROW-in’ SOYBEANSStudents investigated crop row

spacing options, identified benefits and risks, and measured

actual crops!

Soil Science: Don’t Call it Dirt!Students are investigating the properties of the

inorganic substances the make up soil: sand, silt, and clay. They have to determine what soil

composition would be ideal for growing Illinois crops.

Ms. Giammarco6th-8th Grade

PhysicalEducation

Health 2nd Quarter Connolly, Purpura,

Dettman- Oct 30th

Current UnitsFlag Football

TennisClimbing Wall

Ultimate Frisbee

←Fit For Life- October Challenge = Obliques

Athletics2017 IESA Softball State

Champions

Overall record 22- 0

Athletics7th and 8th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts

October 16th 2:30-4:30October 17th 2:30-4:30October 18th 2:30-4:30

8th grade: Coach Purpura: jpurpura@fsd157c.org7th grade: Coach Zemke: mzemke@fsd157c.org

6th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts

October 11th 2:30-4:00October 12th 2:30-3:30October 13th 2:30-4:00

Coach Connolly: sconnolly@fsd157c.org

Dra

ma

Clu

bIf you stroll down the halls of HCMS after school, you will quickly realize the HCMS Drama Club season has begun. Students have been busy trying out new scripts and forming performance groups, as they prepare for the state contest in October. Memorization, articulation, character development, and stage movement, are key components of an award winning performance. Our performance acts will be judged by skilled judges and ranked, with first place ratings receiving medals, and second and third place ratings receiving ribbons. HCMS has one of the largest teams of performers in our region. Parents, please help support our history of excellence by practicing with your child at home; working on memorization; and assuring that your child attends his or her weekly scheduled practices.

Important Reminders October 24th- Yearbook Club Pictures (make arrangements to stay after school.)October 28 th-The Illinois Elementary School Association Regional Speech Contest will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017. Homer Glen Hadley Middle School will be hosting the contest this year. For additional information or driving directions, see the district website.

Drama Club

Nat

iona

l Jun

ior

Hon

or S

ocie

ty National Junior Honor Society has officially entered its second year at HCMS. For such a young organization, our students had an incredible first year. At our first September meeting we took the time to reflect on all of the hours of service and dedication NJHS students put forth to positively impact Hickory Creek Middle School, the Frankfort School District, and community.

NJHS Service Hours Opportunities

National Junior Honor Society

-Sign up for after school tutoring spots. 2:15-3:15 in the Library

-Concession Stand (see Mrs. Jeglinski or Mrs. Sayles)

-Santa Letters will be arriving around October 31st, and a crew will be needed for processing & organizing.

Thank You NJHS Parent Helpers !

NJHS held their first hot lunch in September at HCMS, and we are sincerely grateful for the amazing group of parents who gave up their afternoon to help us out.

Jen Dore: Thank you for taking the lead!Sue GreenwaldtNeslihan EamesMarie LehmanDiana GrucaJazmin Tsoukatos Faculty Advisers: Stacy Rutovic & Renee’ Grady

Administrative Adviser: William Z. Seidelmann

Frankfort School District #157-C complies with the Illinois Structural Pest Control Act, the Illinois Pesticide Act, the Illinois Lawn Care Products

Application and Notification Act, and the Pesticide Application at Schools Act through the active involvement in an Integrated Pest Management

Program and an Outdoor Spraying and Fertilizer Application Program. As part of this program, the District relies to the greatest extent possible on

non-toxic, biological, cultural and mechanical pest management practices as well as the use of natural pest control agents. Chemical and airborne

pesticides will be used only when necessary, and as a last resort, with a preference given for products that are the least harmful to human health and

the environment. This practice applies to indoor and outdoor pesticide, fertilizer, turf management or other similar applications or sprayings. Such

chemical and airborne applications will, if at all possible, be made only after normal business hours or on weekends to minimize the exposure to any

individuals who normally access our buildings. As part of these programs, any individual(s) wishing to be placed on a notification list for indoor

sprayings, outdoor sprayings, or both, can contact the Frankfort School District Business Office at 815-469-5922, ask for Sandy Pechtold, and let her

know you would like to be put on the IPM and/or Outdoor Spraying Notification list for airborne spraying. By providing your name, address, phone

number, and the school district buildings and/or sites you would like to be notified about, the Maintenance Department will attempt to contact you 96

hours in advance whenever possible, and no less than 48 hours in advance when necessary, of any scheduled airborne or chemical applications being

undertaken inside or outside our buildings, or as soon as possible in the event any emergency spraying applications are needed. If you have any

questions or need additional information please contact Kate Ambrosini in the District Office at 815-469-5922.

Integrated Pest Management Notice

Per Public Act 096-0131, that became effective on January 1, 2011, the use of handheld cell phones or other similar electronic devices (except if used in “hands free” mode)when operating a motor vehicle in a school zone are prohibited (except for certain emergencies and situations specifically delineated in the law). In general, you are not allowed to talk, text or surf the web with a cell phone or handheld electronic device while operating a motor vehicle in a school zone (unless the device is in hands free mode). If your car is in park then you are allowed to use such devices, but if the vehicle is engaged (even if it is stopped at the time) then you should not be using your cell phone or handheld electronic device. In order to minimize distracted driving and ensure the safety of our students, staff, parents and community members who may be in our school zones (either on the roadways or on school property), we are asking everyone to please follow these guidelines and adhere to the law. We had a few close calls last year and are asking everyone for their cooperation and support to ensure that a tragedy doesn’t occur. We are asking the Frankfort Police to assist us in enforcing this regulation, and after an initial education/warning period at the beginning of the school year, the Police Department and/or the School District reserve the right to issue citations to offenders. Again, we are asking for your cooperation and don’t anticipate issuing any citations, but we will do so if necessary. We are posting reminders of this law on the school zone signs throughout the school district and will also be handing out reminder pamphlets the first few weeks of school to those in the car rider pickup lines. If you have any questions about the law or its enforcement please feel free to contact Kate Ambrosini, Director of Business and Operational Services, at 815-469-5922.

Prohibited Cell Phone use in School Zones

FSPSave the Date for Upcoming FSP Events The Family School Partnership (FSP) is the parent-teacher organization for our district. Join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, October 3rd at 9:30 AM at Grand Prairie in the District Office Board Room. Hickory Creek Book FairPlease join us for the Hickory Creek Book Fair on Wednesday, October 11th - Friday, October 13th. Hickory Creek classrooms will visit the fair during their math advisory times. We will also be open during Family Night on Thursday, October 12th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm. Families are invited to attend a fun-filled evening, including Pack the Bleachers beginning at 4:00pm and a HIFE College Planning presentation in the library beginning at 6:00pm. Volunteers are needed to run the fair. Please sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e4fabab2da2fb6-hickory Hickory Creek Copy Room Volunteers NeededHickory Creek is in need of copy room volunteers. If you are interested in helping out, please contact the Hickory Creek FSP Building Chairperson - Victoria Lanigan - at vlanigan@icloud.com. For more information, check out the FSP Newsletter at Family School Partnership News