2024.9.13 – Saxe Weekly – The Saxe weekly

September 13, 2024

Dear Saxe MS Family,

Believe it or not, this was our first full (5-day) week of the school year! And, to end it on Friday the 13th?! That may sound frightening in a middle school, but all things considered, it was a wonderful way to launch into the rhythm that we will be operating in from here on out…

This week in the Saxe Weekly, we take a look at Science, a new staff member, phone-free schools reminder, Empower Your Lunch Hour, remembering 9/11, a team charter, DNA & Genetics, Math, ELA, Social Studies, PL, recess, a shout out to our custodians, Library, “Believin’”, Dogs of Saxe, and much more. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Be Well,

Dave Gusitsch

Principal, Saxe Middle School

Upcoming Noteworthy Dates:

9/18 10:30 am – Saxe Welcome Back Coffee @ Waveny

*Quotes that resonated with us this week:

“I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy — I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” —Art Williams

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!”-Unknown

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” —Norman Vincent Peale

“Intelligence plus character—that is the true goal of education.” — Martin Luther King

“I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy — I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” —Art Williams

Saxe Jokes:

“Where do boats go when they’re sick? To the dock!”

“Why is baseball the richest sport? It’s the only one played on a diamond.”

“What did the alpaca say when he wanted to go on a picnic? Alpaca lunch.”

“What did one hat say to the other? You wait here — I’ll go on ahead!”

“Why is baseball the richest sport? It’s the only one played on a diamond.”

Science

On 8 Purple, students in Science class examined different models of DNA to understand its structure and function. The models varied in detail and complexity so students were also critiquing them based on their educational value.

On 8Red, Eighth-grade students are learning about evolution, genetics, and DNA through a case study on the inheritance of sickle-cell disease. After being introduced to this phenomenon, students created initial models that captured their thinking around the cause-and-effect relationship at the heart of the problem. As seen here, students then provided feedback to their peers about the design and content of their models. This feedback proved valuable in helping students further develop their thinking. Students will continue to revise their models in light of their new learning throughout the unit.

Welcome To Saxe – Mr. Dolan

Phone Free Schools

Our Saxe Middle School students continue to do a nice job keeping their phones and personal tech devices “away for the day” (thank you!). Since we have received our shipment of lockable pouches, our team has met to plan for student and staff input on the best manner of implementation (using the design thinking process!). We expect to communicate updates and more specific plans in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, below is a reminder from the last couple of weeks:

As a reminder for students and families, the expectation is that phones and digital communication devices (smartwatches, wireless headphones, etc.) need to be “off and away” during the entire school day. This is not a change to our past practices, just a reminder to our students and staff. Please continue to power these devices down and put them “away for the day” before walking into the building (if it is easier, please feel free to leave them home) :). While we will still be using school-approved technology as part of the learning process, we look forward to helping students disconnect from unnecessary distractions, to connect with those around them during our time together! Lockable pouches for students will be rolling out in the next few weeks and we will continue to communicate information to support our Phone Free Schools.

Empower Your Lunch Hour

Below are photos and phrases that were included on our Saxe Middle School page (@SaxeMS) this week. Enjoy!

Good morning from Saxe MS… On this Patriot Day, we will remember & we will serve the greater good by considering acts of kindness to make someone else’s day better. Never forget…

Below is the announcement and moment of silence that was read to our students on 9/11:

Saxe MS 8Green knocked it out of the park with their team Charter work – really impressive!

It’s fascinating to see the different growth rates/methods in our 8th-grade Science classrooms! This is a great lead-in/application of learning to the genes/DNA unit of study!

In addition to using the plant growing process to learn about genetics & DNA, our SaxeMS 8th-graders use “multiple mediums” to apply their learning in #SaxeScience! So fun to watch them explore, discuss, & compare throughout their learning journey!

Working through “finding square roots” around the classroom in 8Green Math… Always fun to literally SEE our students working through their thinking! #BuildingThinkingClassrooms

Love seeing our Math classes up & out of their seats as they apply their learning in conjunction with some movement! Here is a little rationale & irrational number work in action…

Diving into some history on the birth of our country in Saxe MS Social Studies classes…

A little Saxe MS ELA action as classes collectively identify author’s techniques/crafts – great collaborative interactions!

And, some good input as to the importance of reading from our 8Purple students…

Some more creative signage to help students navigate the rotating core schedule at Saxe MS. They are getting into a routine & we have received positive feedback, from students & staff, on this improvement to our day!

Thanks to Dr. Ferreira for the great PL session on our Teacher Evaluation & Professional Learning program for the 24-25 school year! Our Saxe MS staff have responded positively to the updates & we are excited about this important work to evaluate, maintain, & grow the best learning environment possible!

A big Saxe MS “Welcome!” to our new Building Sub, Mr. Dolan! He has great experience, is a nice addition to our team, & we are excited to have him aboard!

I’m not sure I can think of a nicer “weather week” at Saxe MS to be outside… ALL 5 days this week were PERFECT! Our students love getting out for some fresh air, exercise, socialization, & fun during Saxe recess!

Thank you to our Saxe Custodians who take such great pride in caring for our grounds! The courtyards got a fresh cut & are looking terrific – you are appreciated!

Our favorite sign on East Ave has been updated & it’s a great message for our students! “NC Kids are the BEST – Have fun at school”. So true!

The list of favorite book characters is growing on the Saxe Library board… We are grateful for our Saxe MS staff who are always creatively motivating our students!

SaxeMS 8Blue is “All in” on helping every single member of the team feel included & that we are in this TOGETHER! Nice work… #Believe

Dogs of Saxe

You can almost feel how soft this one was from this pic! Thanks for visiting Saxe MS to drop off your human for school this week! 🙂

Have a great week, see you next Friday!

Thank you to all of our Saxe Weekly contributors! Each weekly edition is an example of collaboration in action. A special thanks to Melissa DiMeglio for the continuous stream of positive, optimistic quotes!

Saxe Resources (live links)