2018.11.2 – Saxe Weekly – The Saxe weekly

November 2, 2018

Quote(s) that resonated with us this week:

“Our attitude towards life determines life’s attitude towards us.”

“If you want to learn something, I can not stop you. If you do not want to learn something, I can not teach you.”

“Create a life that feels good on the inside, not one that just looks good on the outside.”

“You can’t be a smart cookie if you have a crumby attitude.”

Dear Saxe Family,

November. Wow! Time flies when you are having fun… As we enter the month that we reflect on all that we have to be thankful for, I am certainly grateful to be part of this wonderful learning community at Saxe Middle School. This week was action packed with spirit, celebrations, fun, and of course unique learning opportunities. Below, you are welcome to check out some highlights from Social Studies, Science “Shark Tank”, Technology Integration, Social-Emotional Charter work, clubs, recess, Halloween, and much more…

Have a great weekend,

Dave Gusitsch

Principal, Saxe Middle School

Upcoming Noteworthy Dates:

11/6 Election Day (Professional Learning for staff; no students)

11/9 Last day of first quarter

On the horizon: Veteran’s Day, Book Fair, Thanksgiving

Want to check out the weekly from last week? Click, here.

Grade 8: Social Studies:

Academic conversations are a vital part of our social studies curriculum and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In Socratic Seminars and Fishbowl discussions, students use evidence to discuss content and essential questions and build upon each other’s thinking. They are opportunities for students to think critically, articulate ideas, and respond to the thoughts of others sometimes even changing their mind.

These students are consolidating their thinking at the end of their first unit, Meeting the Needs of the People. Students used their knowledge of the US Constitution and the First Amendment, applying it to issues today.

Thank you to Jenny Baltz’s class for being so prepared and engaged.

Grade 7: Science “Shark Tank”

We have all seen the hit show Shark Tank, where budding entrepreneurs get a chance to bring their dreams to fruition by pitching their inventions to a panel of investors. During 7th-grade workshop, students have the opportunity to create their own unique product that solves a real-world problem. Once the product is fully developed (including a prototype!) students present to their peers and the top three products move on to the final where a panel of adults listen to their pitches and award (hypothetical) resources that inventors can use to further develop their products. Today’s presentations included a multipurpose folder “Zippie”, a cap designed to cool/heat the body “Climate Cap”, and a first aid product used to keep a piercing clean “ Crush-Crust-Puss”. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well at Saxe!

Technology Integration

After sending out a Tips and Tricks newsletter about innovative technology tools that can help our teachers transform learning and teach in new ways, our Tech Integrators invited staff to stop in and learn with them in the new and developing, innovative Makerspace in the upper library. Teachers were excited to try EDPuzzle, a web-based application that can be used for flipping the classroom, increasing engagement or gathering informative assessment data. They left inspired to try these ideas in their classrooms. We had fun working together and will plan to do more of these sessions throughout the year. Their newsletters will go out every other week.

Around Saxe

The Grade 6 Ancient Egypt project showcased a fine display of creativity with a combination of modern and traditional viewing options.

Social-Emotional learning continues at Saxe. The grade 6 Charter is ready to be signed by the Saxe class of 2021!

Saxe staff live by their own Charter as well. The focus of the faculty-senate meeting this week revolved around this work (with a little fun and caffeine mixed in too!).

Ms. Fulco and Mr. Fusci keep students engaged in their respective Geography Clubs!

Trout Club?! Yes, please! Ms. Poidomani and Ms. Veach offer up this great club option.

Great learning options, strategies for some of our students!

Lots of fun and spirit on Halloween!

A few of the spirited Saxe Staff who joined in the fun on Halloween!

Days are getting shorter, but we are treated with some great sunrises at arrival!

Blessed with nice weather this week, many teachers got their classes outside. We love to expand our learning environment outside the confines of the classroom…