Middle School Newsletter

January 25, 2019

MS. WRIGHT'S WRITINGS…

As I previously mentioned, I love when students send me proposals for new initiatives. Throughout the year, proposals I’ve received have been everything from very simple requests such as allowing students to do morning announcements to greater ideas such as changing the format of our winter dance.

As part of the Be Kind portion of our touchstone, each class is designated two weeks throughout the year to work on beautification of the campus. I always tell our students that we not only need to be kind to one another, but we can also show kindness by taking care of our environment. I didn’t give any specific guidelines so that the students would have a voice in planning their beautification weeks. When it was Ms. McAdams’ week, her students had a class meeting to brainstorm ideas. They created a list of ideas and one was getting approval for a vending machine. You might already be wondering (just as I was) how a vending machine is going to help beautify the campus? Ms. McAdams had the same question and the students response was to use the proceeds to fund improving the bathrooms. Three students took the lead and drafted a proposal that they then sent to me.

The boys met with me and gave me their pitch. After our meeting I told them I was going to see if this was a possibility, but they also needed to do some research on laws around vending machines in schools. Over the course of a couple of months, the boys did their research and I got the go ahead to meet with potential vendors. The boys drafted up questions to ask the vendor and I don’t think I can adequately tell you how incredibly impressed I was with how well they ran the meeting with the vendor. They asked thoughtful and valuable questions. I know that when I was 14, I wouldn’t have been able to pull off what they did. I know they were impressed with what the vendor had to offer and it didn’t hurt that they were able to try all the snacks!

Earlier this month I had the absolute pleasure of meeting with the boys and telling then that their vending machine would be delivered in two weeks. They were stunned...I really don’t think they thought this was actually going to happen. This meeting will be in my top five best memories of the year for sure. What a great confirmation of student voice being heard. Through hard work and determination these boys were able to achieve their goal. The vending machine arrived on Wednesday and while the boys will say this was a long process that required extra work, it was so worth it (take a look at the attached picture). The final step is for these boys to create policies for the use of the vending machine and the hope is that we can begin using it in a week or so. In reflection with the boys, they all agreed that this experience has been so empowering and they are truly proud of their efforts to make their idea a reality. I am proud of them as well, and grateful that I was part of this experience...such a true example of student voice and empowerment.

Kindly,

Kim

314.645.9600 (607)~kwright@premiercharterschool.org

UPDATES:

We are so excited to officially invite the PCS community to attend the 3rd Annual Xpress Yourself Spoken Word Poetry Night on February 28th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Intermediate Cafeteria. This is an opportunity for us to celebrate Black history and honor the diverse voices of PCS students. Students who are recommended or volunteer for the program will recite original poetry, read a notable poem, or contribute to the program in some way. Teachers are already working with students to produce great poetry. Next week, students will receive information on how to be a part of the program as well as a parent letter with more details. Get excited about this great showcase of talent at our school. See the attached flyer.

6th Grade…

Dear 6th Grade Parents/Guardians,

As we enter the second semester of the year, we want to be able to help students stay healthy and find success! One easy way to help this is by having plenty of pencils, hand sanitizer, and Clorox Wipes! If you and your family are able to send in any of these items, we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your support of our students!

6th-grade team,

Emily O'Brien, Stacia Berwick, Erin Deason, Stan Graczyk, and Don Orelup

7th Grade..

7th grade is in need of Kleenex, paper towels and Clorox wipes. Any donations would be greatly appreciated!

Parent University…

Please join us for our next Parent University on February 6th. We’ll have a panel discussion on this months topic of ADHD. Please see flyer for more information and don’t forget to rsvp to mgray@premiercharterschool.org

Lottery…

Does your current student have a sibling who wants to come to PCS? Do you have a family member, friend, or neighbor who has a child ready for school?

It is that time of year again…Pre-Kindergarten thru 8th Grade applications for new students in the 2019-2020 lottery are now open!

Families can apply today through Schoolmint. If you do not already have a Schoolmint account, begin by going to premiercharterschool.schoolmint.net and create a secure account with a username and password. From there, you can fill out an application for your student for the grade they will be going in to next year.

Our first-round new student lotteries will be held on the following dates:

Kindergarten: February 1, 2019
Pre-Kindergarten: February 25, 2019
1st – 8th Grade: April 1, 2019

Should you have any questions regarding your student’s application, your Schoolmint account, or the lottery, please feel free to contact PCS admissions at admissions@premiercharterschool.org.

Safety Awareness…

As it starts getting dark earlier and we are reminded of situations as we watch the news, please have a conversation with your child about being aware of what is going on around them as they walk home from school. If your child has permission to walk to the park, YMCA or QT etc. please remind them not to accept a ride or engage with any strangers. While we are sure you have already had these conversations with your child we want to reiterate the importance so that your child can continue to make smart decision for themselves.

We want to remind you that PCS has safety structures in place if we were ever to be in a lockdown situation because of an outside threat. Please rest assured that we understand communication in these situations are of utmost importance. Parents will be notified through the automated school system; calls texts and emails. We have a very good relationship with the police department down the street and if we hear of or are made aware of a situation where lockdown might be a possibility, we will be in contact with district 2. They will be able to provide accurate details of the situation and from there we can receive their recommendation on our course of action. At all times, student safety is on our minds and we will always communicate with what you need to know. As always please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Dress Down…

On the last Monday of the month any student who has earned 80% or higher on their homework completion grade may dress down. Students can check their grade on Infinite Campus to ensure that they have indeed earned this privilege. Please remember that all clothing must be school appropriate.

Message from the Nurse…

Please see the attached flyer for 7th grade families regarding required vaccinations prior to starting 8th grade.

DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

ELA

6th Grade...

6th graders have recently finished the novel Bud, Not Buddy and are excited to present our knowledge of The Great Depression in our created museum on Friday! Beginning next week, as we continue to analyze Bud's story in ELA, we will start learning about and writing poetry in Lit Lab in order to prepare for the poetry slam night in February to celebrate Black History Month!

7th Grade...

Blackout poetry looked intimidating to many, but the end results were amazing! 7th graders have done an incredible job pushing themselves out of their comfort zone and writing thoughtful poetry. Portfolios will be completed by the end of the month. Ask your child to share some of their work with you!

8th Grade…

Wow! Your children just created the neatest videos to showcase the places and things that have helped to mold them. In this project, we saw great engagement while students worked on a new skill, digital writing. They drafted, they revised, they edited videos, some added voice overs and narrations! Please ask your child to share his/her "Where I'm From" video; you won't be disappointed!

Math Department…

Here is your Math Department problem of the week!

SPECIALISTS UPDATE:

Explorations Academy…

Music…

The 5th, 6th and 7th grade students have really started catching on to learning the guitar! They are learning how to switch a few chords in time with music. This week, the students are also learning proper pick strumming. For enrichment, students have continued learning to play different percussion beats together as a group and have really grown in reading the percussion sheet music.

STUDENT CLUBS:

TEDEd Club

Do you want:

to discuss and celebrate ideas with fellow students?
to make an impact with your words?
a platform and opportunity for your voice to be heard?
to give your own TEDEd Club talk?

Then is for YOU! Meeting Day and Time: Wednesday’s 3:30 - 4:30 pm,
Feb. 6-May 22nd

Club Members will engage in a series of Explorations designed to help them present an amazing Club talk on an idea that they are passionate about. Along the way, Club Members will become experts in: • Identifying the elements of a great idea • Researching, developing and presenting an idea • Creating visuals to tell a compelling story • Using best practices for camera, lighting and sound!

Print and return the attached permission slip. Space is limited and open only to Middle School students.

Leader contact information:
- Mrs. Wohlgemuth (ext. 417) cwohlgemuth@premiercharterschool.org
- Mrs. Rutan (ext. 119) krutan@premiercharterschool.org

Girls on Fire:

Girls on Fire is seeking professional women to participate in our 5th Annual Networking Event on Tuesday, April 16th from 5:30 - 6:30. This event provides an opportunity for the girls to practice networking skills while receiving advice and learning more about various career paths. See the attached flyer for details. Email Mrs. Daugherty at ndaugherty@premiercharterschool.org for more information.

ATHLETICS

Girls Basketball:

This week was a tough one for the lady Eagles. The squad played on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. We had a rough start against our well known rival Confluence Academy South City with a score of 7-27. Next we were on the road to MICDS. The girls ended with a score of 14-39. The girls rounded out the week on a high note with a win against Gateway Science Academy, final 22-17. Thanks to all of the fans and parents who come out to show their support. You are greatly appreciated! The girls will have time to recuperate looking forward to the next game against Bayless on Wednesday, Feb 13 at 4:15 pm.

Coach Rhine
Cheerleading:

Cheerleading practice will continue on Wednesdays and Thursdays after school

Cheerleading Opportunity:

UMLS is hosting a cheerleading clinic for students in kindergarten through 8th grade on January 25th. Students who attend will then have the opportunity to cheer with us on January 26th during the men's halftime. Attached is a copy of the flyer for the clinic..

REMINDERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Middle School Trip…

Middle School Trip: Colorado 2019

Families planning on completing the last fundraiser for the Middle School Trip to Denver, CO, the fundraising packets for Popcornopolis will be passed out on Tuesday, January 15 during study hall. If you child did not get one please reach out to Ms. Slattery at kslattery@premiercharterschool.org, call her classroom phone x. 435 or have them see her. The forms and money are due back on Wednesday, January 30th. Happy selling!
If you have any questions regarding the trip please email Ms. Rhine, mrhine@premiercharterschool.org. If you have specific payment questions please contact Denise Matthews at AST, (877) 397-5700. When calling please tell the AST representative that you are with the Premier Charter School group.

BAC Update…

Dear PCS Families,

As the weather starts to turn colder we want to take a minute to remind everyone of our morning drop off and Before Care procedures. All students must be walked into the building and signed in at the office if they are dropped off prior to 8:00 am. If any student is at PCS prior to 8:00 am, we will bring them to before care and will charge the regular $5 drop in fee. In order to maintain a safe student/adult ratio and ensure we have adequate staffing in our BAC program, students are only allowed 5 drop ins over the course of the school year. The safety of our children is our highest priority and we thank you for your adherence to these procedures.

SFE Update…

Please see the attached newsletter from our food vendor about some of the great things they have done and upcoming events.

PCG Update…

It is time to start thinking about getting your group ready for our Annual Trivia Night. This is night you don’t want to miss out on. We are looking for donations for our silent auction as well as volunteers to help run the event. Please see the attached flyer for more information or email Terry Brogan at tbrogan@lashlybaer.com or Lisa Simon at lrsieve@yahoo.com.

Fun Around Town…

ONGOING FREE EXHIBITS

Friday, Jan 25 7-9 p.m An Evening with Raptors Powder Valley Conservation Center 11715 Cragwold Road in KirkwoodMeet Missouri Falconers and their hunting partners. Falconry, a sport reported as early as 700 BCE, is still practiced today. The presentation will include info on falconry & how to become a falconer and then you will meet the birds and the falconers.Free Reservations required at mdc.mo.gov/events

Sat Jan 26 6-8 p.m. (arrive at 5:30 p.m. to meet fire fighters & see the trucks)Fire House Movie Night: The Incredibles IIClayton Firehouse 50 Gay Avenue in Clayton, MOBring lawnchairs & blankets & watch a movie at the Fire StationFree but registration required: Call 314-2909-8500 to registerhttps://saintlouis.kidsoutandabout.com/content/firehouse-movie-night-1

Sat Jan 26 12-4 p.m.

Soulard Winter Carnival--A Family Friendly Alcohol Free Mardi Gras Event

7th & Lafayette next door to Soulard Market

Outdoor festival--dress for the weather

https://saintlouis.kidsoutandabout.com/content/family-winter-carnival-0

Sat Jan 26 9:30-4:30 and Sun Jan 26 11-4:30St. Louis Science Center 5050 Oakland Avenue
If you prefer to stay warm, the St. Louis Science Center has many free exhibits and is now featuring the following free exhibits:GameXploration-https://www.slsc.org/exhibits-attractions/gamexploration/
Mission Mars: The Red Planethttps://www.slsc.org/exhibits-attractions/mission-mars/
The Art of Sciencehttps://www.slsc.org/exhibits-attractions/art-of-science/
Ecology & the Environmenthttps://www.slsc.org/exhibits-attractions/ecology-environment/

Free Music Events at Washington University

Free Open to Public No Reservations Needed

Sun. Jan 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the 560 Music Ctr. at 560 Trinity Ave in U. City

Puerto Rican Oboist Xiomara Mass and Pianist Peter Henderson

https://music.wustl.edu/events

Wed Jan 30 7 p.m.U. S. Grant National Historic Site 7400 Grant Road in AfftonFreedom Songs: The Music of Black HistoryFor Free reservations call 314-842-1867 ext 230Presented by: Bright Star Children’s Theatre
This musical revue provides an energetic and engaging approach to learning about Black History. From songs which carried the secret messages needed to navigate the Underground Railroad, to the powerful anthems of the Civil Rights Movement, to the Beale Street Blues, music has long been an integral part of American history which is celebrated in this production. The program was created for children in grades 3 and up, but will be enjoyed by all ages.https://www.nps.gov/ulsg/index.htm

Important Upcoming Dates

2.6.19-Parent University

2.7.19-Board Meeting

2.15.19-No School

2.18.19-No School

2.28.19-Poetry Slam

3.20 & 21.19-Conferences

3.22-29.19-Spring Break

3.23.19-PCS Trivia Night

4.8-12.19-8th Grade MAP Testing

4.15-16.19-6th Grade MAP Testing

4.17-18-19-7th Grade MAP Testing