7th Grade Mini-Courses A safe and peaceful Holiday Season is

wished for all!

Julie Schmidt

Principal

Patricia DiMaso

Assistant Principal

Dear Parent/Guardian(s), It seems that the winter weather certainly greeted us and made its mark upon all of us the past few weeks. While having the days off can be an unex-pected treat, it does put the rush on for so many things to be accomplished before the winter break. At this point, I would like to share some curricu-lum initiatives that are happening here at Crestwood Middle School. Upon our return after winter break, five Hiram College students will be spending two days a week with us to tutor a targeted population in different curriculum areas. Four of the students will be working with language arts and social studies and one student will be working with sixth and seventh grade math and science. This will be done during the Academic Enrich-ment period. Another plan in motion involves math tutoring with Grade 8 students. We are working on having a limited number of tutors work with students identified as needing assistance with math concepts/math appli-cations. Mrs. Schmidt and I are working directly with the eighth grade math teachers in setting up this assis-tance. In closing, may I again share my thanks to so many of you for your support during the past months. In the spirit of the holiday season, I wish all of you a very happy holiday and I hope you enjoy the winter break in good health and celebration with family and friends. Patricia A. DiMaso

Dear Parent/Guardian(s), I hope all of our CMS families have stayed warm and safe this win-ter, especially during our snow days these past two weeks. I have received several phone calls from concerned parents asking questions regarding the need to make up snow days since our number of calamity days has been reduced from five to three this year, and we have already used four of them. This is the most current information I have available to all of you. Deborah Delisle, Superintendent of Public Instruction at the Ohio Department of Education, wrote the following information in her weekly update to Ohio public school principals. “As winter returns to Ohio, please remember that during the 2010-2011 school year, Ohio law allows three calamity days for a school district that has constructed its school calendar in accordance with the minimum school calendar requirements outlined in statute. The reduction in the number of calamity days was included in House Bill 1, the 2010-2011 biennial budget bill. There are several options for making up days, should your district miss more than the three allotted calamity days. I understand that the decision to cancel school is always made with the safety and well-being of your stu-dents in mind. The change from five to three calamity days was placed into law for the current school year only. Any further change in the number of calamity days will require action from the General Assembly. It’s possible that the calamity day lan-guage in law could be changed during upcoming budget deliberations. If there are any deliberations or changes on this issue, we will keep you informed.” I have also attached a link that I would encourage our CMS families to read: www.crestwood.sparcc.org/districtNewsArticle.aspx?artID=705. This link presents information from our Superintendent, Mr. Joe Iacano, about possibly using a “Two Hour Delay Procedure” when there is inclement weather. This information is also accessible through our Crestwood Local Schools webpage. This would also be an excellent time to remind everyone that the CMS school day starts at 7:35am. All students should be in their homerooms at this time. If your child should arrive late to school in the morning (after the 7:35am bell), please make sure you instruct him/her to report to the main office to sign in so that we maintain accurate attendance records. Thank you. I would like to wish all of our CMS families a safe, joyous holiday, followed by a new year full of happiness and success. Winter Break begins Wednesday, December 22nd and school will resume on Monday, January 3rd. Once we return, we will have two weeks until the end of the second grading period (January 14th). Thank you for your continued support of CMS. Please feel free to contact me at 330-274-2249 or at jschmidt@crestwoodschools.org if you should have any questions or concerns. Julie Schmidt

Julie Schmidt, Principal

Patricia DiMaso, Assistant Principal Paul Schmidt, Assistant Principal

CRESTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL December 2010

Paul Schmidt

Assistant Principal

Lynne Morrison

School Counselor

Weather Alert! Please watch for school buses! Please slow down during bad weather. Can you stop in time? Turn it off! How does television affect your child’s educational success? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents to “limit your child’s use of TV, movies, and video and computer games to no more than one or two hours per day.” Watching too much television has been linked to violent behav-ior, a greater risk of obesity, and a less likely chance of graduat-ing college. A TV in the bedroom has been linked to lower scores on language, math, and reading standardized tests. Consider a “no TV” night at home on a weekly basis. Absences Students are permitted no more than ten (10) absences in a school year. Parent notes will not be accepted for absences beyond the 10-day limit. All absences beyond the 10-day limit will be unexcused unless they are accompanied by a physi-cian’s note or a court document. Best wishes for a safe and Happy New Year! Paul M. Schmidt

Dear Parent/Guardian(s), This is an exciting time of year at CMS. There is a buzz that fills the hallways along with a flurry of activity with the preparation of holiday concerts, Leadership events, and much more. Our student body and staff have shown overwhelming support for our community this holiday season. In addition to the very successful food drive held earlier in November, monetary and gift donations have also been col-lected to distribute to families in need within our own community. The CMS community continues to extend themselves in spite of the current economic times. I am proud to be a part of it. Classroom guidance lessons for the second marking period are under way. All students are receiving developmentally appropriate lessons regarding careers. Students at the middle school level begin to identify their personal strengths and interests. Information is then pro-vided to demonstrate how that information can be used to help define their future career paths. Please visit the following website for more detailed information on helping your student define his/her career path. Please call me with any questions.

OCIS: OHIO CAREER INFORMATION SYSTEM: Crestwood schools are licensed to use OCIS. To log on, go to the following URL, then enter the user name and password below: http://ocis.ode.state.oh.us User Name: Crestwood Password: ohiocis03

OCIS is an annually updated, comprehensive career and educational guidance system that provides information and exploration tools for teens and adults. With OCIS you can easily navigate between occupational information, the related programs of study and training, and the schools that offer the training. In OCIS you can find information about:

More than 500 occupations Over 600 programs of study and training More than 4,000 colleges and universities Over 3,000 sources of financial aid How to develop good job search skills Opportunities for self – employment …..and much more!

I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season!! Lynne Morrison

Page 2

Page 3

Joyce Schroder

School Nurse John Vanags

Athletic Director

Dear Parent/Guardian(s), Sometimes oral hygiene problems and toothaches

affect student attendance and the student’s ability to partici-pate fully in class. We have again arranged for Smile Care Ohio- the mobile dentist, to come to Crestwood Local Schools on February 3, 2011. The dentist and dental hygien-ists will set up a mini dental clinic at the middle school for students in grades 6-12. This service is provided by Ohio dentists and is in compliance with the Center for Disease Control and US Surgeon General Guidelines. I was de-lighted at how organized and efficient their staff was last year. Students missed very little class time and it did not disrupt the school day. They can offer every student a dental screening, cleaning and fluoride treatment. X-rays and seal-ants to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can be of-fered as needed. Smile Care Ohio will bill your insurance provider if you have one. Insurance such as Medicaid and Healthy Start/Healthy Families cover 100%. Smile Care Ohio can provide grants to subsidize fees for those who need financial assistance for all or part of the treatment.

Your child will be bringing home a permission form

for this health service after winter break. Please complete and return it promptly to your child’s school nurse. If you are requesting a grant, the school nurse will send you a brief form that must be completed prior to receiving dental ser-vices. It is important to return these forms promptly so that scheduling can be arranged. Every child who participates will receive a shiny smile and a toothbrush and just might miss fewer days of school, so sign up for this convenient service now.

Joyce Schroder RN, BSN

Dear Parent/Guardian(s),

I observed a mother and her middle school aged son in a restaurant the other day. The mother held the sole menu at the table, stood to get the server, and ordered for her son. While waiting, the mother told the son to take off his sweatshirt, instructed him to use the restroom, and then checked to make sure he washed his hands.

When parents do everything for their children, it is even more of a challenge when as students here at school, they need to gain independence and develop responsibility for even simple things like remembering books, assignments, sporting equipment, and lunches.

Check out a book and program known as Parenting with Love and Logic (www.loveandlogic.com), a philosophy founded by Jim Fay and Foster W. Cline, M.D., and based on the experience of a combined total of over 75 years working with and raising kids:

“Many parents want their kids to be well prepared for life, and they know this means kids will make mistakes and must be held accountable for those mistakes. But these parents often fail to hold the kids accountable for poor decisions because they are afraid the kids will see their parents as being mean. The result is they often excuse bad behavior, find-ing it easier to hold others, including themselves, accountable for their children's irre-sponsibility. Jim Fay teaches us that we should ‘lock in our empathy, love, and under-standing’ prior to telling kids what the consequences of their actions will be. The parent-ing course Becoming a Love and Logic Parent teaches parents how to hold their kids accountable in this special way. This Love and Logic method causes the child to see their parent as the ‘good guy’ and the child's poor decision as the ‘bad guy.’ When done on a regular basis, kids develop an internal voice that says, ‘I wonder how much pain I'm going to cause for myself with my next decision?’ Kids who develop this internal voice become more capable of standing up to peer pressure. What more could a parent want? Isn't that a great gift to give your child? Parent child relationships are enhanced, family life becomes less strained, and we have time to enjoy our kids instead of either feeling used by them or being transformed from parent to policeman.”

The Love and Logic technique in action sounds like this:

Dad, “Oh, no.You left your bike unlocked and it was stolen. What a bummer. I bet you feel awful. Well, I understand how easy it is to make a mistake like that." (Notice that the parent is not leading with anger, intimidation, or threats.) Dad then adds, "And you'll have another bike as soon as you can earn enough money to pay for it. I paid for the first one. You can pay for the additional ones."

Back at the restaurant, for example, the mother could have handed her son a menu, allowed him to order what he wanted with the provision that he must eat it all or pay for it himself. Mom could have even had the son check the math on the bill and to figure out the tip. Basically, holding children accountable for their actions at home, at school, and in sports will transfer to a responsible adult later in life.

John Vanags

Page 4

Vocal Music Winter Concert

INSTRUMENTAL DEPARTMENT WINTER CONCERT

The Crestwood Middle School Instrumental Music Department presented their annual 7th and 8th grade Winter Concert, December 10, 2010, in the CMS gym. Students introduced each piece with facts about composers, history, and musical elements learned while working on their concert pieces. The concert bands are under the direction of Mrs. Judith Guegold. The concert opened with the 7th grade band consisting of sev-enty-eight members. Their program was made up of five pieces, includ-ing With Liberty for All Concert March, a four-part Baroque chorale pre-sented by each section of the 7th grade band, a Latin fantasy called La Brava, everyone’s favorite, Cayuga Lake Overture, and a holiday piece called Jingle Bell Jazz. The CMS Jazz Band, consisting of 7th and 8th graders, played a jazz ballad called, The Way You Look Tonight, and another tune called Blue ‘N’ Moodie featuring soloists: Cameron Moodie, Emily Kotrlik, Nikki Nero, and Rosalie Novotny. Both pieces introduced the students to swing style. Mrs. Wiandt directs the jazz band which rehearses one day a week after school, and Mrs. Guegold assists working with students learning to play a secondary instrument that adds for a more balanced jazz instrumentation. The 8th grade band, which fifty-eight 8th grade students, per-formed the famous Sousa Washington Post March, a slow ballad called Canticle, two festival pieces called the Oregon Trail and Chester Varia-tions. The concert concluded with a holiday favorite, the Polar Express. The audience, filled with parents, grandparents, and friends, seemed to thoroughly enjoy this excellent performance.

The 7th and 8th Grade Choirs and Girls’ Choir, directed by Mrs. Tench and assisted by Mrs. Milford, performed on December 8, 2010. Even though it was cold and snowing outside, the 7th grade choir warmed the hearts of their audience with Calypso Christmas. We were also assisted by our Hiram Student Amber Karol who conducted Christmas Lullaby. The 8th Grade Choir sang in four different languages: Latin, Bring Us Peace, Hebrew, Light the Candles, African, Kuwa Na Krismasi Njema, and their favorite in English was Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. The 6th Grade Concert was cancelled twice due to weather conditions. It is rescheduled for January 5, 2011.

Page 5

Earth Models

Mrs. Duesing’s and Mr. Kerst’s eighth grade science students have been studying the structure of the Earth. Follow-ing lessons aligned to the state standards for Earth Science, all students were assigned an earth model project guided by a rubric. Students should be able to use models to analyze the size and shape of the earth, describe the earth’s interior, and describe tectonic plates of the lithosphere. The accurately labeled three dimensional models were displayed in a classroom Earth Museum. The interesting vari-ety represented the creative and resourceful talents of the stu-dents. Individual presentations revealed a better understand-ing of the planet by the students.

Welcome to Jeopardy! What a SMART way to review before the common assessment! The eighth grade science classes combined for a challenging game of jeopardy. The questions were designed by Ms. Tarase, a Hiram College student, using the SMART board. With Mrs. Duesing and Mr.Kerst facilitating, all students were asked to collaborate by teams. Students displayed their knowledge of lab safety, SI units, tools of measurement, states of matter, changes of state and physical/chemical properties of matter. Also, the responses had to be in the form of a question and written on a whiteboard. Many teams were tied until the last question, which made for an exciting Final Jeopardy question!

Congratulations to the 7th and 8th grade Cheer-leading Squad for taking third place at the 14th Annual Chardon Cheerleading Challenge. Addi-

tional congratulations are extended to Savannah Burkett who earned a 1st place trophy in the

jump off competition for her awesome toe touch. Congratulations girls, you all did a fantastic job!

Mr. Ken Klouda joined the

sixth graders to share his vacation pictures and souvenirs from his recent vacation. He and his fam-ily visited the ancient Mayan ruins for a third time!

He shared his knowledge, pictures, treasures and wonderful stories with the students to make their study of the ancient Mayans “come alive.” Thank you, Mr. Ken!

Guest Speaker

Ken Klouda Ancient Mayan Ruins

Crestwood middle school

Page 6

Cheerleaders take 3rd

Page 7

Community Trip and Cookie Open House

STRAIGHT A’S—FIRST GRADING PERIOD

Ashley Agle, Amy Auble, Miranda Beatty, Melody Bencie, Hannah Bennett, Alexandra Bigler, Karlie Bigler, Mckenzie Bollinger, Andrew Boyer, Brandon Caldwell, Brittany Caldwell, Gabrielle Campana, Courtney Capel, Carlie Cofojohn, Aaron Cox, Lauren Crislip, Megan Cymanski, Nicole Derthick, Emma Dockery, Fran-cis Donat, Melina Edic, Morgan Faldowski, Aubrey Ferguson, Jeremiah Fitzgerald, Raiden Foris, Leannah Frances, Adriana French, Taylor Gall, Kaitlyn Goldinger, Morgan Grubaugh, Kelsey Habeger, Evelyn Head, David Hill, Isabel Hysing, Katelyn Justice, Bailee, Kodash, Samuel Kubulins, Audrey Kulish, Alyssa Lamb, Amanda Lerchbacher, Jeffrey Lorence, Reba Mach, Alexis Mazey, Caitlin McSwain, Kelseyann Mertes, Shane Midgley, Cameron Moodie, Nicole Nero, Nathan Nielsen, Rosalie Novotny, Samuel Oliphant, Jacob Ondash, Joanna Ondash, Nathan Pallotto, Marissa Perry, Michael Picone, Taylor Rahach, Kately Rily, Re-becca Rowe, Jared Sayre, Daniel Schmidt, Romanie Schweickert, Lauren Smith, Madeleine Sorrick, Eliza Soukenik, Maddison Spencer, Allyssa Swan, Madeline Turner, Emily Urban,Valori Vaught, Laney Velek, Isabella Wagner, Jacob Whitman, Hayley Zigman

Ms. Gallen’s class went on a community trip to Itali-ano’s Pizzaria. Students were able to use their reading and math skills when ordering their lunch. Everyone had a great experience and the food was delicious!

Ms. Gallen’s class has been busy baking cook-ies for the annual cookie open house. Stu-dents, staff and parents enjoyed the delicious treats!

Crestwood Middle School

November 6th Grade Emily Graves, Emma Dockery, Max Weatherbee, Russell Hilverding, Kylee Myers, Aaron Cox 7th Grade Keri Fisher, Logan Collier, Valori Vaught, Anthony Foulkes, Bailey Lamb, Daniel Schmidt 8th Grade Leanna Frances, Raiden Foris, Nicole Nero, Jeremiah Fitzgerald, Madeleine Sorrick, Nathan Nielsen

10880 John Edward Drive Mantua, Ohio 44255

December 2010

Phone: 330-274-2249 Fax: 330-274-3705

We’re on the Web!

www.crestwood.sparcc.org

Jan Deweese represented the em-ployees of G.E. Healthcare Coils in Aurora with their donation of win-ter apparel, mostly coats, to Crestwood Middle School and the Crestwood elementary campus. All their contributions were greatly appreciated by our students. Thank You!

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Band Fruit Sale 1/4/11 –1/21/11

Yearbook Group Pictures on 1/12/11

Spelling Bee January 6th 1:30 P.M.

1

2 3 Bd. Of Ed. Mtg. 7/8 Boys’ Basketball vs. Streetsboro—Home-4:00P.M. 7/8 Girls’ Basketball vs. Streetsboro Away—4:00P.M.

4 Leadership Mtg. 7:00 - 7:30 A.M. Power of the Pen 2:45-3:45 P.M. Wrestling at South-east w/Springfield & Coventry Away-4:00P.M.

5 6th Grade Choir Concert 7:00 P.M.

6 7/8 Boys’ Bas-ketball vs. Garfield Away-4:00P.M. 7/8 Girls’ Basket-ball vs. Garfield Home-4:00P.M.

7

8 Wrestling Tournament at Green

9 10 7/8 Boys’ Basketball vs. Wood-ridge—Away—4:00P.M. 7/8 Girls’ Basketball vs. Woodridge—Home-4:00P.M.

11 Power of the Pen 2:45-3:45P.M. 8th Gr. Band Parent Mtg. 6:00P.M. 7/8 Boys’ Basketball vs. CVCA Away-4:ooP.M. 7/8 Girls’ Basketball vs. CVCA Home-4:00P.M.

12 Yearbook Group Pictures K of C Free Throw Shooting Contest 6:30P.M.-8:30P.M.

13 7/8 Boys’ Bas-ketball vs. Stanton—Away 4:00P.M. 7/8 Girls’ Basketball vs. Stanton Away-4:00P.M. Wrestling vs. Field Away-4:00P.M.

14 PTO Dance 7-10P.M.

END OF GRADING PERIOD

15 West Geauga Big Ten Wres-tling Tournament 8:00 A.M. District POP Tournament at Garfield Middle

16 17 No School

18 Power of the Pen 2:45—3:30P.M. PTO Meeting 5:00P.M.

19

20 Jazz Band 2:50-3:50P.M. 7/8 Boys’ Basket-ball vs. Windham Away-4:00PM 7/8 Girls’ Basket-ball vs. Windham

21 8th Gr. Wash-ing D.C. Pay-ment Due REPORT CARDS GIVEN TO STU-DENTS

22 Woodridge Wrestling Duals at 10:00A.M.

23

24 7/8 Boys’ Basketball vs. Streetsboro Away-4:00P.M. 7/8 Girls’ Basket-ball vs. Streets-boro HOME-4:00P.M.

25 Power of the Pen 2:45-3:45P.M. 5th/6th Gr. Band Concert 7:00P.M.

26

27 7/8 Boys’ Bas-ketball vs. Garfield HOME-4:00P.M. 7/8 Girls’ Basketball vs. Garfield Away-4:00P.M. Wrestling @ Char-don with Streetsboro Away-4:30P.M.

28 Waiver Day No School For Students Teacher Work Day

29

30 Spirit Week 31 Student of the Month Recognition 7/8 Boys’ Basketball vs. Woodridge Home-4:00P.M.

7/8 Girls’ Basketball vs. Woodridge Away-4:00P.M.

Girls’ Choir January 6,13,20 2:45—

4:00P/M.

Ski-Snowboard

Club January

3,10,17,24, 31

Crestwood Middle School

CRESTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Ski/Snowboard Club will take place on January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and

February 7, 2011 providing the weather conditions

are favorable.

Second Grading Period ends January 14, 2011.

One hour

early dismissal.

6th Grade Catherine Hoover, Marissa Perry, Michael Snodgrass, John Genovesi, Emma Urban, Adam Fitzgerald 7th Grade Alison La Manna, Shane Midgley, Romanie Schweickert, Jacob Ondash, Isabella Wagner, Anthony Savoca, 8th Grade Nicole Derthick, Ross Nielsen, Carlie Cofojohn, Benjamin Cooley, Paige Markuzic, Torre Filippi

We have again arranged for Smile Care Ohio- the mobile dentist, to come to Crest-wood Local Schools on February 3, 2011. The dentist and dental hygienists will set up a mini dental clinic at the Middle School for students in grades 6-12. I was delighted at how organized and efficient their staff was last year. Students missed very little class time and it did not disrupt the school day. They can offer every student a dental screening, cleaning and fluoride treatment. X-rays and sealants to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can be offered as needed. Smile Care Ohio will bill your insurance provider if you have one. Insurance such as Medicaid and Healthy Start/Healthy Families cover 100%. Smile Care Ohio can provide grants to subsidize fees for those who need financial assistance for all or part of the treatment.

Your child will be bringing home a permission form for this health service after winter break. Please complete and return it promptly to your child’s school nurse so that scheduling can be arranged. Every child who participates will receive a shiny smile and a toothbrush and just might miss fewer days of school so sign up for this convenient service now. Vision screening has been completed for 7th grade students. Those who did not pass were mailed a notice recommending a complete eye exam with a professional eye specialist. Please do this as soon as possible so that poor vision does not hamper your child’s ability to learn. Contact your school nurse for possible resources if you have diffi-culty with the cost of an eye exam or glasses. Mrs. Joyce Schroder RN, BSN

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH—DECEMBER