Issue 3

November 2018 Newsletter

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terest:

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This month, I would like to touch on the topic of helping your middle school student

regulate his or her emotions. It is common for middle school students to act without

thinking, however it can lead to some pretty nega-

tive consequences like failing grades and discipli-

nary issues when it is not managed. Here are some

tips to try at home to help your middle schooler reg-

ulate his or her emotions.

1. Set the expectations – Try telling your student

the plan for the day and how they are expected

to act in each situation. Having an idea of the

daily schedule can help reduce anxiety, which

often leads to impulse control problems and emo-

tional dysregulation.

2. Model self-control – Our students are constantly watching how adults respond to

stressful situations. Make sure to demonstrate healthy ways to manage emotions

like counting to 10, taking several deep breaths, or using positive self-talk such as

“I can’t find my wallet, but it’s okay. It has to be around here somewhere.” It shows

the child it is possible to be in control of your emotions and that can be a powerful

feeling.

3. Reinforce the positive – When you see your child demonstrating self-control,

acknowledge what they are doing and praise them for it. For example, if the child

finishes their homework even though they would rather be going outside to hang

out with friends say, “I know you really want to see your friends, but I’m proud of

you for making the choice to finish your homework first.” This will not only provide

a confidence boost, it will also show the child they have earned your respect which

is something teenagers do care deeply about even when they do not show it.

Give these tips a try and remember that an angry, upset child cannot listen. When this

happens, it is best to walk away or take a break and give the child the tools they need

to calm down. Children who can regulate their emotions often perform better academi-

cally and experience greater success later in life.

Attendance

Students who miss just two days a month of school are missing 10% of the

school year! Improved attendance = more likely to graduate. Please report

ALL necessary absences by calling (217)444-3404.

The Social Work Spot

November 1, 2018

November 2018

Newsletter

Northridge Middle School

Dates to Remember

Thursday, November 1 –

Early Dismissal 2:45pm

Friday, November 2 -

No School

Wednesday, November 14 -

Early Dismissal at 2:45

November 21-23

Thanksgiving Break

No School

Wednesday, November 28 -

Sports/Group Picture Day

Wednesday, December 5 –

Early Dismissal 2:45pm

Thursday, December 6–

Christmas Choral Concert

6:00 p.m.

VISION:

To Engage, Educate, Empow-

er, Every Student, Every

Day!

MISSION:

North Ridge Middle School

will:

Engage students by en-

couraging life-long

learning

Educate them for success

in college and careers,

and

Empower them with ac-

ceptance and support to

be true to who they are.

7th Grade

Math

Before Fall Break, we finished up expressions and are moving on to equations and inequalities. Students will continue to

use the integer rules throughout this unit. Please make sure your children know these rules without hesitation! Some stu-

dents are currently struggling in math because they have not yet learned the integer rules. Fol-

lowing are the integer rules for addition and subtraction:

Same signs: Add and keep the sign

Different signs: Subtract and keep the larger

Following are the integer rules for multiplication and division:

Same signs: the answer is always positive

Different signs: the answer is always negative

There are several online resources and games that your child can use to build these skills. Please Google integer games and

you will find several good resources for practicing integer rules. Khan Academy is an excellent site that will also provide

videos/tutorials on the integer rules.

As a reminder, students have the opportunity to retake an assessment in order to earn a better grade. The first step in that

process is for your child to correct the original test and turn it back in to his/her math teacher. Many students are not tak-

ing advantage of this opportunity and are choosing to keep a lower score. Students must maintain a passing grade in math

(60% or higher) in order to pass to the 8th grade. Please log into TeacherEase regularly to monitor your child’s grades.

We are coming up on cold and flu season here in the Midwest. Our classrooms desperately need some tissues and Clorox

wipes. We want all of our children to be healthy and at school! Please send in a donation of tissues or wipes to

our math classrooms and your child will earn a free homework pass!

ELA

The coming months are to bring a lot of excitement to our 7th grade ELA students. Students will be learning all about

informational reading and writing. Students will be reading stories about people like Mother Jones: Fierce Fighter

for Workers’ Rights. The story Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza relates Galarza’s first experience in an American

school after moving from Mexico to California as a six-year-old boy. Another example of our informational reading is

Jawaharlal Nehru, who worked beside Gandhi and later became the prime minister of India. The Other Side of the

Sky tells the story of how Ahmedi and her mother escaped from war-torn Afghanistan through the kindness of Ghu-

lam Ali, a fellow refugee. Students will also be diving to the deepest depths of the ocean a century after the great ship

sank to the ocean floor, the Titanic still captivates the imagination.

Students will also be learning how to write their first essay of the school year on Informational Writing. They will

also be working on these papers by doing research in school and at home. Parents can help their students by discuss-

ing safe research techniques (technology) and credible resources with their children.

If you were unable to attend conferences and would still like to speak with your students teacher, their contact infor-

mation is located below:

Name Phone Email________________________________

Rhonda Crawley 217-444-3424 crawleyr@danville118.org

Michelle Collins 217-444-3427 collinsm@danville118.org

Julie Cross 217-444-3441 crossj@danville118.org

Lori McDermott 217-444-3437 mcdermottl@danville118.org

Phil Weber 217-444-3445 weberp@danville118.org

Erin Bergeron 217-444-3450 bergerone@danville118.org

PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 2018 NEWSLETTER ISSUE 3

Science

The month of November brings a change in units for the eighth grade. Life Science will be the next unit we cover un-

til the end of December. Why do organisms look the way they do is a question we will try to answer in this unit. Pun-

nett squares, dominant and recessive traits will be discussed in this unit along with other things dealing with hered-

ity and natural selection. Students will once again be using their computers for their textbooks

Please continue to encourage your child to do their best.

Math

All 8th grade math students will continue to receive grades based on objective checks, quizzes, other assessments,

and a weekly participation grade which will include completion of in-class assignments as well as homework assign-

ments. Completing homework is essential to succeeding in math and without the practice students will struggle.

Pre-Algebra students are beginning the second unit which focuses on solving equations in one variable. Students

will use what they learned about basic one-step equations in 7th grade and apply those same properties to solve mul-

ti-step equations.

Algebra students are currently working through Unit 2 – graphing linear equations and inequalities. Taking a high

school level course is not an easy task unless students are organized, punctual, giving 100% and asking for help when

necessary. In order for Algebra students to move on to Geometry their freshman year, students must pass ALL of

their Unit tests with 80% or higher scores.

AVID

The 8th grade AVID students had the chance to visit Purdue University early in the month where they learned about

what is special about Purdue and college in general. They also had a chance to see some of the college buildings in-

cluding the new material science building where current engineering students do all their work including building

solar cars and airplanes. Additionally, the students got to tour Mackey Arena where they were able to see a part of

the Men’s Basketball Practice. The students were great representatives of North Ridge Middle School.

The AVID Holiday Event this year will be held on December 19th from 4:00-6:00 in the school caf-

eteria. More information will be coming soon about it.

Volleyball

Any girls interested in trying out must have a current (within one year) physical AND have a tryout packet filled out

before attending tryouts. Permission slips to attend open gyms are available in the Cafetorium, main office, and Mrs.

Owens’ room. Tryout packets will be made available on November 12th.

If you are not sure whether or not your daughter has a current physical please see Nurse Ingold to check.

PAGE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 NEWSLETTER ISSUE 3

PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 2018 NEWSLETTER ISSUE 3

Navigating Extra-Curricular Eligibility

Students who participate in extracurricular activities at North Ridge Middle School must meet

academic standards set by the IESA and Danville District 118 Board Policy. Students must be

passing all classes in order to be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. Eligibility

grades are checked every Thursday and determine whether a student is eligible for the upcoming

week (Monday to Sunday). For example, if a student is failing a class on Thursday they are ineli-

gible to participate starting on the next Monday and running through Sunday. More infor-

mation can be found on the IESA website and within Danville Board Policy 6:190. Here are

some helpful tips for parents to help your child stay eligible for extracurricular activities.

1. Sign up for a TeacherEase Parent Account. TeacherEase is the grading software currently

used by North Ridge Middle School and parents can access their child’s grades at their

convenience through www.teacherease.com or the TeacherEase iPhone app. If your child is

ever ineligible, you will be notified by email the day it is determined.

2. Talk to your child about their grade. Work with them to set goals and a plan for improving

their grade.

3. Check your child’s grades early in the week through TeacherEase. A grade of 60% or greater

is considered passing. Checking it on Tuesday gives you two days to talk to teachers and/or

complete assignments to improve the child’s grades. All students are given opportunities to

improve their grade between eligibility checks.

4. Communicate with your child’s teacher by phone or email through the TeacherEase app.

Failed classroom assessments can be retaken by students and teachers will work with stu-

dents to improve their grades on assessments.

5. Check for missing assignments. Grades that are marked as missing receive a score of 40%.

Missing grades can drop your child’s grades considerably.

6. Sign your child up for Project Success. Project Success is our afterschool program that is

available for all North Ridge students. It is free of charge and academic tutoring is scheduled

into the program Monday – Thursday before and after school.

North Ridge Middle

School is

a collaborative

school community

focused

on ensuring success

for all learners.

Office: 444-3400

Report Absences/Dismissals: 444-3404 Homework Requests: 444-3404 7th Grade Guidance: 444-3419

7th Guidance Fax: 444-3488

8th Grade Guidance: 444-3412

8th Guidance Fax: 444-3485

444-1725 School Closing

444-3493 Bullying Hotline

Website: northridge.danville118.org

Eliza Brooks, Principal

Robin Fluno, Associate Principal

Stacie Sollars, Assistant Principal

The month of October was busy for the North Ridge Builders Club! We

continued to lead our school paper recycling program. During Fall Break we had

16 club and family members who gave up their time to volunteer at Kiwanis

Pancake Day. Our club also started our Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF collection.

Please keep collecting General Mills Box Tops, and send them to school with

your child in a baggie or an envelope marked with their name and grade. We are

planning a Box Top collection contest and will announce the details next month.

In November we will honor our local veterans by making Veterans Day cards

that will be delivered to our VA Medical Center. We will also continue our

Wreaths Across America collection. Our goal is to raise $3000 that will be used

to sponsor 200 wreaths for the Danville National Cemetery. This is 30 wreaths

over our last year’s total. Please consider sponsoring a wreath. All wreath

sponsors who donate by November 11th, Veterans Day, will have their name put

in a drawing for a prize. The Builders Club will have a table set up at parent

conferences. You will be able to sponsor a wreath or make a donation at that

time. The wreath donation information is included again in this newsletter.

Thank you to those who have already sponsored wreaths. We have 37 wreaths

sponsored so far.

It is not too late to join Builders Club! See Mrs. Delzell in room 711 if you are

interested. Our November meetings will be on Wednesday, November 14th and

Wednesday, November 28th. Thank you for supporting the North Ridge

Builders Club and our projects.

*Sponsored wreaths will be placed on the grave markers at the Danville National Cemetery on December 15, 2018.

**Deadline to order wreaths from the North Ridge Builders Club is Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

City: __________________________________________________________

State:___________________________ Zip:__________________________

Phone: _________________________ Email: _______________________

Please make checks payable to North Ridge

Builders Club and bring or mail to:

North Ridge Middle School

Attn. Kathy Delzell

1619 N. Jackson

Danville, IL 61832

Questions? Please call 217-444-3442

Thank you for your Sponsorship and joining us in our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach!

Do we have permission to publicize your name as a sponsor?

___ Yes OR ___ No, I wish to remain Anonymous

Please list multiple sponsorships on separate sheet of paper or make a copy of this form.

Sponsorship Price Quantity Total

Individual= 1 Wreath $15.00

Family= 4 Wreaths $60.00

Small Business= 10 Wreaths $150.00

Corporate= 100 Wreaths $1,500.00

Grand Total:

In Honor of:

____________________________________________

Please provide email of “In Honor Of” recipient, or mailing ad-

dress so a card can be sent notifying them of your sponsorship

in their honor. (if you have a specific message please write it on

the back of this sheet and we will include it.)

Email:

____________________________________________

Mailing:

____________________________________________

In Memory of:

____________________________________________

Branch of Service:

____________________________________________

Rank:

___________________________________________

Please note that all sponsorships are sent directly to the location and no wreaths are sent to the individuals purchasing sponsorships.

If you haven’t already done so, please

go like the North Ridge

Middle School Facebook page. We

will post upcoming events and

activities to help keep you

informed!

You will find us listed as:

North Ridge Middle School

@NRMS118