2019.3.1 – Saxe Weekly – The Saxe weekly

March 1, 2019

*Quote(s) that resonated with us this week:

“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.”

“You are a result of the choices that you make.”

“Don’t put in half the effort unless you’re okay with half the results.”

“We study history not to be clever in another time, but to be wise always.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

Dear Saxe Family,

Happy March! I hope that you had a pleasant February break and have reassimilated to the normalcy of the regular school day schedule. Your children are terrific and have bounced back in an impressive fashion. This week, we take a look at World Language, Emotional Intelligence, Middle Level Education Month, NCHS Orientation, 5th-Grade Colonial Day, and more!

Enjoy and have a pleasant weekend!

Dave Gusitsch

Principal, Saxe Middle School

Upcoming Noteworthy Dates:

3/4 Board of Education Meeting

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

Back again for this week – the latest, updated Saxe Middle School 1-Second Everyday! “Life is made of seconds.” Check out a few seconds from each day of the 2018-19 school year (so far), showcasing so much of what makes Saxe Middle School great. This is a recurring, bi-weekly feature. We are now up to 8:04 of Saxe-greatness. Enjoy!

Pro tip: want to enjoy it more? Set your youtube playback setting to play at .75 speed

History in Action

Live at Saxe! Our 5th-graders were delighted to experience the annual (and, fan-favorite!) Colonial Day today. This will surely be a day of learning that our students will remember for years to come.

A special thanks to our stellar custodian, Carl Boccadoro, for “leading the charge” and helping coordinate this special event!

World Language

All grade 8 world language students will participate in a language proficiency assessment in the spring. This assessment shows students of Mandarin, French and Spanish how well they are able to “use” language to communicate orally and in writing. It also demonstrates how well they each understand the spoken language and how well they can read. The Latin assessment demonstrates how well students are able to read! Mandarin students prepare for this assessment every day by interacting in the target language with Ms Wu. Listen in on a typical day…

EI in Action

Purple Props is an idea the Grade 7 Purple Team came up with as a way to recognize and celebrate those who are “livin’ the Charter”. Students and adults can fill out a slip any time they themselves, or witness another, feel valued, safe, happy, successful, and/or respected. The box in which the slips are submitted is emptied periodically so that the “props” can be delivered. This is just getting off the ground but there have already been students recognized for acts such as helping a classmate who was confused, offering to organize another’s materials, or giving a meaningful compliment. Thanks to Ms. Campbell for sharing this great example…

Middle Level Education Month

The Association of Middle Level Education (AMLE) has teamed up with several other organizations to declare March the official month to focus on students ages 10-15 and celebrate middle level education. The key messages to celebrate “Middle Level Education Month” are:

The importance of parents being knowledgeable about young adolescents and being actively involved in their lives;
The understanding that healthy bodies plus healthy minds equal healthy young adolescents;
The realization that the education young adolescents experience during this formative period of life will, in large measure, determine the future for all citizens; and
The knowledge that every young adolescent should have the opportunity to pursue his or her dreams and aspirations, and post-secondary education should be a possibility for all.

We could not be more grateful to be part of such a wonderful community that supports a well-rounded education and educating the whole-child. New Canaan exemplifies what it means to provide the best education possible and Saxe Middle School is proud to be able to play a critical role in the overall educational journey that our students make. Thank you for your continued support! Feel free to check out #MLEM and more information/resources at: http://www.amle.org/

(links below are not “live”, but you can find on amle.org)

9th Grade Student and Parent Orientation

On Thursday, February 28th New Canaan High School hosted 8th-grade students and their families. All who attended were welcomed by the NCHS Jazz Ensemble and Madrigals followed by some encouraging words from NCHS Principal Mr. Bill Egan and Assistant Principal Ms. Kristi Carriero. Students and their families then attended information sessions led by NCHS department leaders and teachers. It was a great opportunity for students and families to learn about the many amazing programs New Canaan High School has to offer. Transition information can be found on the Saxe website 8th Grade Transition Page. If you have any questions please contact your child’s counselor.

Around Saxe

Saxe Instruction Aide Rich Bulan was named FCIAC Girls Hockey Coach of the Year after guiding the Lady Rams to the FCIAC Championship. We wish Coach Bulan and the Lady Rams luck as they move on in the State Championships.

Saxe Cafe

Saxe Cafe got a little expansion this afternoon. Students christened the new furniture as they took a moment to relax before catching their bus this afternoon. Thanks to our wonderfully supportive PTC for helping us continue to expand upon and provide a more flexible, warm, learning environment for our students! Stay tuned for more information on how Saxe Cafe benefits our community…