January 10, 2025
Dear Saxe MS Family,
The first full week of 2025 is in the books! This week in the Saxe Weekly, we take a look at Science, Social Studies, Math, Robotics, Staff Spotlight: World Language, Grade 8-9 Transition Coffee, an “electrifying” Science demo, a Yearbook reminder, Save the Date: Winter Daytime Open House, honoring a former president, the Grow Tower, recess, ELA, a little snow, and much more. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!
Be Well,
Dave Gusitsch
Principal, Saxe Middle School
Upcoming Noteworthy Dates:
1/17 End of Quarter 2
2/3-7 “Save the Date” – Daytime Open House
*Quotes that resonated with us this week:
“Education is the foundation of all we do in life. It shapes who we are and what we aspire to be.” – Julie Payette
“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
“Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out”-Robert Collier
“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”-Anthony J. D’Angelo
“Happiness is not something readymade; it comes from your own actions.”-Dalai Lama
Saxe Jokes:
How do you tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? You see one later, and one in a while.
How did Benjamin Franklin feel when he discovered electricity? SHOCKED!
How do you get straight A’s? Use a ruler!
Where does spaghetti like to dance? At the meatball
What do you call a computer that can sing? A DELL!
Science
This week in science, students on 8 Green conducted an experiment to test the acceleration of a car that travels down a ramp. Students used motion sensors and a graphing program to measure the acceleration of the car, then changed certain variables to make the car accelerate faster. We look forward to seeing the results and who can reach the maximum velocity!
Social Studies
This Tuesday and Wednesday, the 8th-grade social studies team had the privilege of hosting Ranger John Hoptak from the Gettysburg Battlefield. Through his engaging presentation, students gained a deeper understanding of the Battle of Gettysburg and its significant human, environmental, and economic cost. To prepare, students analyzed primary sources and watched an insightful video from another ranger on location, which added a sense of place to their study. The experience concluded with a Q&A session with Ranger Hoptak, allowing students to deepen their understanding and ask thoughtful questions about this pivotal moment in history.
Math
Mrs. Brown’s Algebra class worked with partners and in a small group to solve problems with systems of linear equations.
Mrs. Brown’s Pre-Algebra classes were introduced to slope in a small group discovery lesson.
Robotics
This semester, our 8th-grade robotics students tackled the issue of “ambulance deserts” (delays in ambulance response times) by designing and programming self-driving ambulances using VEX robots. They determined that this solves the problem by eliminating the need for more EMTs per ambulance. We then decomposed the problem into two challenges: designing and building a fast robot and coding it to see. First, the students competed to design the fastest robot that would hold our patient and our EMT, mastering basic block coding and Vex mechanics. Then, using foundational computer science concepts like conditionals, variables, and nested loops, students program their robots to navigate a maze using distance or optical sensors, bringing their designs to life and honing problem-solving skills in a hands-on, engaging way. We’re proud to see our students merge creativity, collaboration, and coding to address real-world challenges!
Staff Spotlight: World Language
As we have done in previous weeks, we continue to highlight the different departments and staff groups who help make the student experience for students at Saxe the best it can be. We are fortunate to have such dedicated professionals who are passionate about their areas of expertise. This week, we would like to highlight our wonderful World Language Teachers. As you may know, learning a world language goes beyond vocabulary and grammar. It helps students develop critical thinking, improve memory, and build communication skills. At the same time, it introduces them to different cultures and perspectives, encouraging empathy and global awareness. These skills and insights support students in their academic growth and prepare them for success in a connected world. Thank you to our Saxe Latin, French, Mandarin, and Spanish teachers!
Our Latin Teachers – Ms. Mykytenko, Mr. Hearty & Ms. Kiall
Our French Teachers – Ms. Lavin, Mrs. Fraccaroli, and Dr. Chadli
Our Spanish & Mandarin teachers – Ms. Levine, Mrs. Vavricka, Ms. Zhang (Mandarin), Mrs. McGurk, Mrs. McMahon
Grade 8 to Grade 9 Transition Coffee
Grateful for the amazing turnout at the grade 8 to 9 Parent Coffee! Thank you to everyone who participated – we are fortunate to have such strong partnerships between/amongst schools in our district. Our students deserve, & receive, the best through these caring professionals! For more information, please feel free to visit our Saxe 8th to 9th Grade Transition Site.
Kicking off our 8th-9th grade transition! Proud of the partnership between NCHS and Saxe MS in service of our students!
If you would like to check out the slides, please feel free to click on the link for the 2025 8th to 9th Grade Transition Parent Coffee. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your child’s School Counselor, Dr. Ferriera, or Mr. Gusitsch.
Please note: we will be sharing the link to the entire recorded session once it is ready (most likely next Friday).
Science Demo
As if seeing a Tesla Coil (Click the links to watch!) was not cool enough, hearing about electrons, protons, circuits, transformers, & varying currents of electricity as described by one of our Saxe MS students was beyond amazing! Thanks for the demonstration, Danny!
A few of my favs from the Tesla Coil demo (Click to watch!)… “Plasma Bulb”, “Neon Lights”, & changes in frequency to act as a “speaker” – unreal! This is in addition to the fascinating conversation on how to expand experiences in Saxe Science & potential real-world applications!
Yearbook Deadline Reminders
Please note that the last day to purchase a personalized yearbook for 7th and 8th grade is January 31, 2025. Grade 8 Families – you may purchase an Ad at the back of the book for your child until February 13, 2025. Please use the QR code below to access Josten’s site. Baby Photos are due today, January 10th. If you have not done so already, please use this link to upload your photo: 8th Grade Baby Photo Link
Save the Date
We will hold our Winter Daytime Open House the first week of February. It is a great opportunity to welcome our parents into the space that your children spend so much time in on a daily basis to hear a recap of the first semester and a look ahead for the second semester. We are hopeful that advance notice will allow people to make any necessary schedule adjustments, but also recognize that not all parents will be able to attend during the day. For those who are not able to join, we will make all of the slides/information available and as always, teachers and counselors will be happy to answer any questions. For those who are able to attend, we look forward to seeing you then!
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Below are photos and phrases that were included on our Saxe Middle School page (@SaxeMS) this week. Enjoy!
Today (Thursday, 1/9) at Saxe MS, we joined the rest of the state of Connecticut (&, beyond) in a 1-minute moment of silence to honor the life & service of President Carter. To make a stronger connection for our students, we asked them to consider an act of kindness to make someone’s day!
The Saxe MS Grow Tower continues to impress! Not only has much of the harvested produce regrown, but the cucumbers have begun to blossom! Can’t wait to see the “‘cukes”!
We’ve had some “cool temps” this week (to say the least), but our Saxe MS students have appreciated the option to get outside & get some fresh air, vitamin D, movement, socialization, & more during Saxe Recess. Happy to see so many students brave the cold & take advantage!
Saxe MS students have been taking advantage of the portable green screens, common areas, & even some natural outdoor backgrounds as they record footage for their Saxe ELA projects. Can’t wait to see some of the finished products!
We got some snow during the day early this week at Saxe MS, but our terrific maintenance, custodial, & New Canaan DPW crews were out keeping the walkways clear & safe. Thank you, all – you are appreciated!
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)
Website: https://www.ncps-k12.org/saxe
Saxe Middle School
Celebrating Our Learning Community Through Caring, Communication, & Commitment
