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Dear San Benancio Community,

With the holiday break behind us, the 2nd half of the school year

has kicked into high gear. Students are working hard in this busy

time at SBMS. Next week is Spirt Week leading up to the exciting

Dance 2.0. I have included the theme days on Page 5 of the

newsletter. Remember, the dance is a privilege and students

must be in good academic and behavioral standing to attend.

On February 8th, the School Spelling Bee will take place! In each

grade level, classes have been competing to choose their

contestants to be a part of the competition. It is an exciting event

for our students to show off their spelling skills! Parents are

welcome to attend. The event will take place in the MPR from

2:00-3:10pm

In other exciting news, San Benancio has been awarded a grant

through The Monterey Peninsula Foundation in the amount of

$30,000!! This money was spent on 108 new Chromebooks, 3

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS WiFi access points, and 3 rolling Chromebooks carts. Our goal

at the beginning of this year was to be a 1 to 1 school, which

means we would have 300 Chromebooks on our campus for the

300 students we have. We stand at approximately 250

Chromebooks, therefore we are looking for funds to buy about

50 more. We will get there!!

We have many things going on for 8th grade students and

families. Salinas High School will be hosting a parent night on

February 8th (See Pg. 7). SBMS will be holding our Graduation

Planning meeting on February 15th (See Pg. 2), and Salinas High

School counselors will be visiting SBMS for pre-registration on

February 20th and 22nd (See Pg. 3).

Looking forward to all of our upcoming events at SBMS!

Joe Carnazzo

Special Points of

Interest:

The San Benancio Oak Leaf is

published monthly. It is avail-

able on our website at:

http://

www.washingtonusd.org

Please call the attendance line at

484-0972 when your student is

absent.

Thank you!

In this issue:

Welcome Message 1

Music/Student Council 2

Art/Athletics 3

WUEF 4

Parents Club 5

Yearbook 6

Salinas High School 7

Model United Nations 8

Community News 9

Upcoming Dates 10

Issue 5 February 1, 2018

San Benancio Middle School

The Oak Leaf

San Benancio Middle School has be chosen as a California

School to Watch by the California Department of

Education (CDE)!! Only 22 middle schools across the state

were honored with this award. On March 3rd, we will be

presented with an award in Sacramento and we will also be

honored in Washington D.C. this summer at the National

Schools to Watch Conference. In addition, we will have a

school assembly in the coming months, which we will be

presented with a banner to hang in our gym. I hope to

have media outlets there to publicize our great accomplishment!

The CDE states, “Each year, the program identifies

middle schools that are academically excellent, developmentally

responsive, socially equitable, and structured for success. In the words

of State Superintendent Tom Torlakson, ‘These middle schools teach

deeply to standards, assess ongoing student progress, and use data to

make decisions. They develop confident and capable adolescent citizens,

differentiate instruction for all learners, and provide effective

interventions to struggling students and English learners.’"

CONGRATULATIONS SBMS!!!

SAN BENANCIO-A CALIFORNIA SCHOOL TO WATCH

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NEWS FROM THE MUSIC ROOM Hello,

We’ve been staying very busy in the music room here at SBMS. All

of our music ensembles are sounding great and are only getting bet-

ter! A fellow teacher asked me which of our students are really tal-

ented and the answer was simple: All of Them!

The Concert Band has been putting in some good work as we prac-

tice some very challenging music. Some of the music we play would

be difficult for high school bands but our students are totally rocking

it. One challenging piece we are learning is a compilation of Disney

music which is fun for the students because they recognize the songs

from movies they watched as kids. This piece is also getting us

pumped up for our trip to Disneyland in May which will be here be-

fore we know it!

The Jazz Band will also be going to Disneyland but they have a lot of

work to do before we get there. Jazz Band is one of our hardest

working groups because we have a lot of performances on the calen-

dar. Look out for us at the WUEF Dinner-Dance Party (March 3rd),

The Next Generation Jazz Festival in Monterey (March 10th), the Big

Sur Marathon (April 28th), and more!

The Choir is doing an awesome job of growing in their musicianship

and understanding what it means to be a vocalist. Our songs and

exercises are becoming more and more advanced and the group is up

for all the challenges they are presented. We’ve been learning some

fun and exciting new music that has been very inspiring for the

group. We are looking forward to taking a trip in the month of May

to Great America where we will sing at a music competition.

Our school wide Spring Concert will be on May 1st so put that on

your calendar. You don’t want to miss another great performance

from our super star students!

Thanks for reading

Mr. Barry Capiaux

STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS

Calling All 8th Grade Parents!!

On Thursday, February 15, we will hold our annual organiza-

tional meeting to begin planning for this year’s 8th grade grad-

uation festivities. We will need to form committees for the

following events: Graduation Ceremony, Graduation

Dance, and Graduation Barbecue and Swim Party. If you

are interested in helping to plan the activities for this year,

please plan on attending the meeting:

Thursday, February 15,2018

6:00 p.m.

San Benancio Middle School, Room 10

Washington DC Trip Meeting

On Wednesday, February 7th, Miss Robinson will be

hosting a Washington DC meeting in her classroom

(Room 8), for all interested 7th grade students. The

meeting will take place from 6:00-6:30.

Come prepared with questions for Miss Robinson and

Mr. Carnazzo!

February 14th is Valentine’s Day. We are selling

Candy Grams for $1.00 each. Candy grams are

sold out of room 10 during lunch. Last day to

purchase candy grams will be Friday, February 9th.

Dance 2.0 is just around the corner. ASB is sell-

ing advance tickets in room 10 for $15.00 during

lunch. Last opportunity to purchase advance tick-

ets will be on Wednesday, February 7th. Tickets

at the door will be $20.00 each.

Please check the student handbook for dance

rules.

Spirit week is from February 5 – 9th. Will your

class be the one to steal the Spirit Trophy from Mrs. Reineking’s sixth grade class? Monday is Pro

Sports Day, Tuesday is Decades Day, Wednesday

is Crazy Sock Day and Donate a Sock Day, Thurs-

day is Superhero VS Villain Day and Friday is For-

mal Friday. Flyer will be sent out with details to-

day, Thursday.

Thanks for your support!

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=images+of+musical+instruments&view=detail&id=D51D812938C10106FE69AE56273929D72EE1F6B8&first=91&FORM=IDFRIR

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ART NEWS FOR FEBRUARY

February is Clay, Portrait Drawing Month and

Boston Buildings

Modeling with clay is one of the ancient processes used by civilization

to make useful and decorative objects. Clay is a responsive natural

material that students can easily manipulate and explore its tactile quali-

ties. Our clay projects encourage our students to create three dimen-

sionally. The students use the same techniques that clay artists have

used for centuries: rolling coils, pinching, and pulling.

Grade 6: Students will observe photographs of Classic Greek and

Roman sculptures and creating their own clay sculpture of a head.

They learn how our standards of realistic sculpture derive from the

classic civilizations. By measuring and marking proportion, our stu-

dents learn how the structure of the human face is related to the oval

shape of the skull.

Grade 7: Students in their History classes just did finished a five-day

project creating paper maché African masks and they were amazing!

Grade 8: Students have 2 projects this month. First in their Gram-

mar classes they will be creating Boston historical buildings and in their

American History class they will be drawing a portrait of a U.S. presi-

dent.

Picture of the Month

In February, the Picture of the Month selections we move into

Cubism, Fauvism and Surrealism.

Cubism was a highly influential visual art style of the 20th century

that was created principally by the painters Pablo Picasso and

Georges Braque in Paris between 1907 & 1914. The Cubist

style emphasized the flat, two-dimensional surface of the picture

plane, rejecting the traditional techniques of perspective. Cubist

painters were not bound to copying form, texture, color, and

space. Instead, they presented a new reality in paintings that

depicted radically fragmented objects.

Fauvism was a 20th century art movement that was begun by a

group of French artists that included Henri Matisse and Paul

Gauguin. This art movement revolutionized the concept of col-

or and was marked by bold distorted forms and vivid colors.

Surrealism was an artist movement that brought together art-

ists, thinkers and researchers in hunt of sense of expression of

the unconscious. They were searching for the definition of new

aesthetic, new humankind and a new social order. Some famous

artists during this art period were Marc Chagall, Joan Miro, and

Salvador Dali.

Reminder!

On Saturday, March 3, WUEF is having their Annual Fundraiser,

which is their largest fundraising event. WUEF provides the

funding needed to make our Art Docent Program possible for

your students. Please come out and support this wonderful

event. We hope you will participate and we look forward to

seeing you there!

ATHLETICS

It seems that the month of January

has just flown by and our 7th/8th

Grade Basketball Season will be

coming to and end on February 14. All

teams are doing well and improving game

by game. Our 8th Grade Girls as of 1/18

are undefeated. San Benancio will be host-

ing Championship Games on February 14

at 4:30pm/5:30pm. More information to

follow as we get closer.

Coming up in sports starting in March will

be Track, Tennis and Golf. I will be putting

sign ups in the locker room starting the 1st

week in February. All grades are encour-

aged to sign up and all teams are coed. If

you have any questions please feel free to

email me at

sbacon@washingtonusd.org

HIGH SCHOOL PRE-REGISTRATION

On February 20th and February 22nd, counselors from

Salinas High School will be here to meet our 8th grade

students and help them to complete the pre-

registration process for 9th grade. All students living

in the Salinas High attendance area are asked to com-

plete the paperwork whether they plan on attending

Salinas High or not. If your student is planning on at-

tending a private school, it is always good to pre-

register at the high school just in case your situation

changes and your child decides to go to Salinas High.

mailto:sbacon@washingtonusd.org

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WUEF UPDATE

Hello WUSD Families! It’s hard to believe it’s already February and WUEF’s 34th Annual Dinner

Dance Fundraiser is just a month away! This is the largest fundraising event of the year, and your support

is critical to make this year’s event a great success!

WUEF has conducted three fundraisers so far this school year: the Fill the Dish Campaign (ongoing),

Taco ‘Bout A Party, and See’s Candy and Yankee Candle sales. As reported last month, WUEF has col-

lected just over $100,000 toward the annual goal. The great news is that’s more than half of

what is needed to fund art and music in the district! But the reality is, with just half the school

year left, there is still nearly $90,000 needed to fully fund art and music, and that doesn’t even

address any technology needs.

What can you do to help? Attend the event and spend! Featuring exciting new items you won’t

want to miss, like sports packages and vacations, and of course all the district favorites!

Where and When? March 3, 2018 at the newly remodeled Embassy Suites Monterey Bay. Invita-

tions have been sent home in folders—see them for more information. Register online: https://

wuef.ejoinme.org/fundraiser

Want to make it a staycation? Room blocks are available at the Embassy Suites. Contact Melody Rico

(melody.rico@atriumhospitality.com) and reference ‘WUEF.’

Can’t attend the event? You can 1) make a donation in lieu of ticket purchase, or 2) contribute items

or services to be sold at the auction on March 3rd. Contact Jenny McAfee jennymcaffe05@gmail.com or

Jenn McVay mjmcvay2146@sbcglobal.net to donate. Donation forms available in the three school offic-

es.

Also, sponsorship opportunities are still available. Advertising to fellow district families is great for busi-

ness and for WUEF’s fundraising efforts! Contact Carli Chasen cchasen@sbcglobal.net or Allie Szaszy

allie.keeley222@gmail.com to become a sponsor or for more information.

On behalf of the WUEF Board, I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to all those who have contributed

to the fundraising success thus far. You have proven your commitment to your children’s comprehen-

sive educational experience. With this amazing community’s continued generous support, I am confident

this year’s goal will be met.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions about WUEF’s fundraisers or if you would like to vol-

unteer!

Carli Chasen, WUEF Board President 2017-2018

cchasen@sbcglobal.net

https://wuef.ejoinme.org/fundraiserhttps://wuef.ejoinme.org/fundraisermailto:melody.rico@atriumhospitality.commailto:jennymcaffe05@gmail.commailto:mjmcvay2146@sbcglobal.netmailto:cchasen@sbcglobal.netmailto:allie.keeley222@gmail.commailto:cchasen@sbcglobal.net

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PARENTS’ CLUB UPDATE

Monday

February 5

Tuesday

February 6

Wednesday

February 7

Thursday

February 8

Friday

February 9

Pro Sports Day

Decades Day

Crazy Sock Day

Superhero vs.

Villains Day

Formal Friday

Parents Club News

Hello San Benancio Families!! We have a few fun events coming up in the Spring, so be on the lookout for more

information to come! We will be selling green bagel lunches for $5 for St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, March

16th. And mark your calendars for this year’s Color Run which will be held at Toro Park School on Saturday,

March 24th. We will definitely be needing help for this event and depend on your participation, so feel free to con-

tact us if you are able to lend a helping hand!

Be on the lookout for the Kona Ice Truck! He is scheduled to come on the following Tuesdays- 2/13, 2/27 and

3/13 at lunch time. Kona cups range from $3-$6 and 20% of the proceeds come back to our schools. They are also

smart snack approved!

WUSD Spirit Wear: Does your child want to show some school spirit? Would you like to support Washington

Union School District? Then head on over to the Spirit Wear Website! It’s up and running with items shipping di-

rectly to you within 3-4 days and proceeds benefit Parents’ Club! Click on the link below to get shopping!

https://wusdparentsclub.com/

Our next Parents’ Club Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 8th at 6pm in Room 10 at San Benancio Middle

School. All are invited and encouraged to attend! There should be a Parents’ Club Representative from each class

present at the meeting. Please check out Parents’ Club on the district website for more info, and make sure to like

us on Facebook for updates, reminders, information, and more!

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=pajamas+clip+art&view=detailv2&&id=DD7C5F41D21FFC65BAA0AFFCEA7508676CA6526D&selectedIndex=7&ccid=yRG0Ne4W&simid=608048476710569754&thid=OIP.Mc911b435ee16cb8401326bb376557aaaH0http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=80s+fashion&view=detailv2&&id=67F5998660812FFD2F49E8D872792A6B0D5E8B8D&selectedIndex=19&ccid=N26iQ6To&simid=608023845069196015&thid=OIP.M376ea243a4e8bcbbbf6e91c198345c2dH0http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=cowboy+clip+art&view=detailv2&&id=F08E1DA0F12567B29298402C295432CED8A3DA43&selectedIndex=31&ccid=zStbl362&simid=608035480141041082&thid=OIP.Mcd2b5b977eb6585e6329a0beab170aa2o0http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=superhero+clip+art&view=detailv2&&id=7F19F6A8A090A9E3B2A6CC56E5201FF1A9D459A0&selectedIndex=24&ccid=NALYT4vw&simid=608023802121029088&thid=OIP.M3402d84f8bf059860632c73051fe9e99o0http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=disney+characters&view=detailv2&&id=67961BA28C9310A0B2370ECEB98C9E03B9C2C949&selectedIndex=90&ccid=ppImwU3P&simid=608010827020961009&thid=OIP.Ma69226c14dcfab31d22a474cb34f5b12H0https://wusdparentsclub.com/

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YEARBOOK UPDATE

Attention 8th

Grade parents!

LAST CALL

Don’t miss your opportunity to buy

an 8th grade recognition ad!

Yearbook Sponsorships are Still available!!

Show Your Support for San Benancio Middle School

We are offering the chance to sponsor the SBMS yearbook. Your sponsorship will include your name, family

name or business name on the sponsorship page in the back of the yearbook. Your name will be listed under the

sponsorship level. Sponsorships $500 and above can include their company logo next to their name.

There are 3 levels of sponsorship

Platinum Gold Silver

$500 $250 $100

Sponsorships must be received by March 1st

Email sanbenancioyearbook@gmail.com for more information

There is less than 1 page left to sell.

We have added an additional page for 8th grade recognition ads and it is almost sold out

There are only 2 ad spaces left

1 – ¼ page

1 – ½ page

All ads must be purchased through Mrs. Yee, online sales have ended. Email sanbenancioyearbook@gmail.com to order

mailto:sanbenancioyearbook@gmail.commailto:sanbenancioyearbook@gmail.com

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MODEL UNITED NATIONS

Dear Parents/Guardians of Middle Schoolers,

Model United Nations (MUN) is part of the California YMCA’s Youth & Government

(Y&G) program. It is designed specifically for middle schoolers from grades 6th - 8th. This leadership program is designed to help students think critically while

developing public speaking and research skills. Students are given opportunities to make new friends and advance their collaboration abilities.

Middle school students, called delegates, from local YMCA’s around the state

come together in a structure that models the actual United Nations. Delegates

are divided into program areas which include: Security Council (SecCon), Gen-eral Assembly (GA), Council on Economic & Social Issues (EcoSoc), International

Court of Justice (ICJ), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), and Media. Each program area has smaller groups of delegates who tackle issues with global

effects. We have two weekend trips scheduled where students from around the state come together for fun and skill development.

Our local Salinas Family YMCA is pleased to have Buena Vista Middle School as

home to the Central Coast YMCA’s Model United Nations Program for the 2018 season. Weekly delegation meetings are held on Thursdays from 3:15-4:30 in

Room A-3. Students who have conflicts with other activities (basketball, dance,

tennis, etc...) are still encouraged to check us out as attendance at every meet-ing for the full time allotted is not required. As of now, we have participating

students from Buena Vista Middle School, San Benancio Middle School, Palma Junior High School, and students who are homeschooled.

This program is ideal for students who are interested in current events, students

who are interested in improving their leadership skills, students who are interest-ed in developing their public speaking and debate skills, and students who are

interested in working with others (old friends and new) on important topics of global significance.

If you’d like to learn more about the program, please contact teacher/lead advi-sor, Lori Caldeira at loricaldeira@gmail.com for more information. There is a

parent information seminar scheduled for next Thursday, January 25th at 3:15 in Room A-3 of Buena Vista Middle School. We look forward to sharing information

with you about this transformational program.

Sincerely,

Lori Caldeira

Central Coast YMCA Youth & Government Program

Lead Advisor

mailto:loricaldeira@gmail.com

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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Email: Lorraine@omnilearningcenter.org Margaret@omnilearningcenter.org

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mailto:Lorraine@omnilearningcenter.orgmailto:Margaret@omnilearningcenter.org

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IMPORTANT DATES

Upcoming Events

February

7-Collaboration Day

7–Washington DC Meeting-Current 7th

Graders

8-School Spelling Bee

8-Salinas High School Parent Night

14-School Board Meeting

15–Graduation Planning Meeting

19–Presidents Day-NO SCHOOL

20-Salinas High Pre Registration

21-Collaboration Day

22-Salinas High Pre Registration

22-School Site Council