2020.1.31 – Saxe Weekly – The Saxe weekly

January 31, 2020

Dear Saxe Family,

Just like that, January 2020 is “in the books”. Wow… This is a good reminder to not take time for granted and to be present as much as possible. Speaking as a parent and an educator, this is certainly easier said than done. However, just like everything else, with practice, it is indeed possible. Moments in the car from activity to activity are an opportunity to chat or share a special something about the day. Setting times that work for your family to be “tech-free” will (hopefully) promote more interaction between and amongst each other. Taking just a minute to point out a beautiful sunrise, sunset, cloud formation, or some natural scenery shows an appreciation for all that we have to be grateful around us.

This week in the Saxe Weekly, we take a moment to look at Start with Hello Week, Mock Trial, World Language, Science, Helping Hands Club, Band, Trout & Salmon Club, 6-8 Open House, a Saxe Mascot update, Dogs of Saxe, and much more.

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Dave Gusitsch

Principal, Saxe Middle School

Upcoming Noteworthy Dates:

2.3: NCHS Science Honors Testing – 2:15pm; Board of Education Meeting

2.5: Raising Humans in a Digital World

Want to check out the “Saxe Weekly” from last week? You’re one click away, here.

*Quotes that resonated with us this week:

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

“Your only limit is your mind.”

The past cannot be changed. The future is in your power.”

“Don’t look back. You’re not going that way.”

“Never hope for it more than you work for it.”

Start With Hello Week!

The Student Leadership Teams met last year to develop a school-wide school climate goal for Saxe. They decided to work on improving our already great school by helping more students feel Included. “Start with Hello” is a national, student-run program that focuses on educating students on the importance of reaching out to classmates, and making connections. This week, there were activities to build connections between students and staff throughout all grade levels. All students were able to participate in fun activities to learn more about one another in an effort to build relationships and promote inclusion. Students learned how to say “Hello” in many languages, played games such as “Two Truths and a Lie”, as well as participated in “Human BINGO”! A huge thank you to all who participated and another special thank you to Mr. Lepisto, Mrs. Risoli, Dr. Clapp, Mr. Bedard, and Dr. Bliss for their help in the “Start With Hello” week!

Snowball

Exchanging papers does not always need to be standard or rote. Students in Ms. Harrington’s class were able to get a little kinesthetic activity with some “snowball” action!

Saxe Mock Trial

Congratulations to the Saxe Mock Trial Team for their great effort in the competition this week! All of our student-lawyers, witnesses, and time-keepers did the Saxe community and the Town of New Canaan proud with their eloquent arguments and deep understanding of the case in controversy. Students who are interested in trying mock trial should contact Mr. Fusci or Mrs. Adrian or keep an eye out for announcements related to our spring competition. Congratulations to all!

“We get by with a little help from our friends!”

World Language

6th-grade Latin students brainstorming together to write a creative story using their Latin!

7th grade Latin students researching how to say and write “HELLO” in other languages.

The “Runway of Hello”

After 6th to 8th Grade Mandarin Students did research on saying “Hello” in different languages, they watched and sang Hello songs (picture attached).

6th-Grade Mandarin Students used Nearpod, to practice new vocabulary that they had just learned. They seemed to enjoy the game called “Time to Climb.”

Grade 6 Science

6th-grade Science students in Mrs. Barnum’s class are exploring outside forces that shape the earth. Below is a snapshot of their investigation about physical weathering (abrasion).

Saxe Mascot

The wait is finally over! After much planning (and anticipation), the Saxe mascot will finally be revealed on Monday morning during the latest episode of the Saxe News. Stay tuned for more to come on this exciting development within our Saxe community.

Upcoming Events

Save the Date: Grade 6-8 Daytime Open House

You are invited to attend a Saxe Daytime Open House for your child(ren) during the week of January 27th – February 4th, 2020. The schedule doc (here) has more detailed information and depicts the specific day, date, and time for each respective grade/team. We look forward to seeing you here!

8th-Grade NCHS Honors Testing

The Performance Task Assessments for Honors classes will take place on the following dates:

Monday, February 3rd: Honors Science (Honors Geophysical, Biology and Honors Biology)

Snow Date/Make-up Date: Wednesday, February 5th after school

Testing will be held in the cafeteria at Saxe beginning immediately after school until approximately 3:00 pm for Science. Students may register using the link 2020 NCHS Honors Performance Task Registration. A confirmation will appear once the registration is completed. More detailed information about the performance tasks can also be found on the 8th Grade Transition page. As always, please contact your School Counselor should you have any questions.

Helping Hands Club

Every Tuesday afternoon, an extraordinary group of students and staff gather to participate in activities that promote teamwork, activity, and fun! There is an indescribable positive vibe in this space that makes this group absolutely remarkable. Thanks to all involved!

School Start Time Discussion

We are grateful that Dr. Luizzi & Dr. Correnty came to Saxe again this week to continue the school start time discussion with our staff. We appreciate the opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and be a part of the ongoing, thoughtful process.

Saxe Band

Congratulations to the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade bands on their hugely successful concerts this week! The sets were engaging and fun with much talent on display at each level. Congrats to all involved!

The Saxe Band “Dream Team”

Trout and Salmon Club

The trout are almost ready to start swimming, once they shed their egg sacs!

Salmon seem to take a little longer to hatch…

Congratulations to former Saxe staff-member, Stan Sarafin, on his retirement. Today was his last day and we wish him well as he enters his next chapter!