F.C. Reed Middle School -Newsletter

WHAT'S TO BEE???

Calendar of Events   

See you September 2, 2008

Principal’s Message

Only one month remains in this school year, but, as always, it stands to be a very busy one.  The coming weeks will be a whirlwind of activity as a number of end-of-year events unfold, and another year at F.C. Reed comes to a close.  The eighth graders are particularly active as they finish end of year projects, take a trip to Michigan Adventure, practice for their Honors Night and emotionally prepare to make the break from middle school.  The students in other grades are preparing to make their own transitions, yet knowing that they will still be under the wing of RMS for the coming year.  I will be looking forward to seeing all of you at the events in the weeks ahead.

With the warmer weather now upon us, it becomes necessary to include a few reminders related to dress code.  Please be aware of your child’s attire and its appropriateness for school.  Regardless of style trends in advertisements directed at children, short shorts, short skirts, tank tops, and tube-tops are examples of inappropriate attire that are distractions to students in the school setting.  In general, think of the school environment as you would a work environment.  I appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

I want to say thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who make F.C. Reed the superb school it is.  These folks come regularly when, I’m sure, there are other things they could be doing.  I applaud their generous gifts of time.  Thank you for what you have given to our students and staff.

With that, I will leave you with heartfelt thanks for your welcoming support and smiles (not to mention, your children!) during my first year at RMS.  This has been an exciting year and with the support of parents, F.C. Reed will continue in its strong tradition as a community of learners.

Have a wonderful summer!

Lori Graves

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TEAM

The Science Olympiad Team went to Lake Michigan College March 10 to compete against 11 other schools in 23 different events.  The team tied for 6th place.  Team members include:  Stephanie Burkhard, Macy Koziel, Tom Maynard, Max Miller, Nick Pillow, Nate Glenn, Paige Melick, Caroline Shaver, Jenny Weingart, Adam Merrick, Ryan High, Steven Walker, Michael Preston, Lexy Deckert, Megan Hildebrandt.  Lexy Deckert and Stephanie Burkhard placed second in Write It/Do It, Nick Pillow and Nate Glenn placed second in Anatomy and Ecology, and Stephanie Burkhard placed 3rd in Bio Process Lab.  Good Job!

5th GRADE NEWS

Here is what some of our 5th Graders wrote about their Natural Resource Day at the Berrien County Youth Fair on April 23, 2008

Natural Resource Day

by:  Jessica Gambino

The trip to the Berrien County grounds was the best trip so far and I can see why people go to the Berrien County youth fair.  I learned a lot more then with my science book.  I learned about plants, soil, water, recycling, and wild life if we could go there again I would.

P.S. Thank you

Natural Resource Day

by:  Hanna Sanders

I think Natural Resource Day was fun.  I liked how we learned the difference between an amphibian and a reptile.  I learned that plants do better in soil.  I would definitely go there again.

Natural Resource Day

by:  Ellie Beilman

I loved it when we got to go and drink juice while watching the presentation and learning about pollution and recycling,  This trip really got me into thinking about saving our earth, about pollution.  Everything helped me learn alot and really go me thinking!

Natural Resource Day

by:  Shivam Patel

I think Natural Resource day was kind of fun seeing all the cool animals, creatures, amphibians.  The most fun part was lunch.  We got to play at the Lake Township Park.

Natural Resource Day

by:  Edward

Going to the park and the wild life.

Natural Resource Day

by:  Antonio

Going to the park, making new paper pots, seeing a friend that wasn't here before, learning about recycling and seeing some animals.

Natural Resource Day

by:  Jackie Carranza

I think Natural Resource Day was a lot of fun and I learned that out of recycled things you can make clothes and pencils.  It made me understand that if we don't recycle there is not going to be a planet earth. So now I recycle.

Natural Resource Day

by:  Cheyenne Krumrie

Natural Resource Day was funny because the teachers had a fashion show and Mr. Stemm carried a purse.

Natural Resource Day

by:  Kylie Freyer

My favorite part of the day was when we saw Mr. Stemm model and when we went to the park.  We learned mostly about plants, soil, and different kinds of animals.

Natural Resource Day

by:  Regina Zebell

The best part of Natural Resource Day was lunch.  I had ham and cheese sandwich.  My sides were cheetos and a blueberry muffin.  My drink was a concoction of water, lemonade mix and lots of sugar.  I sat by all my friends, that was the best part.

Natural Resource Day

by:  Candice Pillow

I had a lot of fun at our Natural Resource Day.  I learned a lot too.  Like about plants, soil, water conservation, recycling and wildlife.  My favorite part was in the recycling section when we had a fashion show!  I had lots of fun and hope the kids next year get to go.  Go Green!

Natural Resource Day

by:  Sophia Nelson

My favorite part of the day was when all of the teachers modeled, even Mr. Stemm.  He carried a bag over his shoulder and held it like a girl!  We also went to the park to eat, but as soon as everyone finished eating , we went on the merry-go-round and felt sick.  It was wicked!

Natural Resource Day

by:  Megan Adams

On Natural Resource Day I liked learning about what animals need to survive and what we're taking away from them.  Like their habitat and food.

Also I learned about water pollution and what pollutes it.  Then this man started talking to us bout how he has a stream in his yard.  He said he measures the water temperature and finds out what is in the stream.  He does this daily and says that in about a century, people won't be fighting over gasoline or land, but there will be fighting over water supply.

It was lots of fun to touch the salamander when I learned about amphibians and reptiles.  I got to see a jar with a tadpole and eggs in it too. 

I had loads of fun at the fairgrounds and I hope I can go again sometime.

7th GRADE NEWS

On Tuesday, April 22nd Yvonne Werner came in to visit the seventh grade science classes.  
She brought with her a Leopard Gecko, 2-Agamas, 2-Water Dragon's, 4- Corn Snakes, Two-Tree Frogs and a Bearded Dragon. She taught the students about the animals food requirements,
habitats, and courtship.  This extension to the Reptile and Amphibian unit really helped the students in mastering the information.

8th GRADE NEWS

The 8th graders of Mrs. deBest’s science class planted 30 trees at the nature area of the middle school in honor of Earth Day.  The Shepherd family arranged for the trees to be donated by TechniSand.  You can still celebrate Earth Day this year.  Start a family recycling program, plant a tree, use alternative means of travel, be a smart consumer and purchase products that can be reused when you are done with them, educate others about the environment.  There are many other ways you can make a difference.  Check on-line resources, ask an 8th grader, or see Mrs. deBest for suggestions!

ART NEWS

VISITING ARTIST

We had a visit from Wendy Halperin and John Mooy April 16th. Thank you to students, staff and parents who made the day a success. Thank you to Roger and Virginia Kimmel of Bridgman for
supporting their visit. The Bridgman Public Library helped arrange their arrival. Wendy drew illustrations, showed her work and helped all students draw with shading techniques and crayons. John told some entertaining stories. One was about his father, who was a mailman, and a visit to a woman on the mail
route whose name was Hattie. Mrs. Mensinger and Mrs. High helped sell books.

ART AND SCIENCE EXPO
Arts and Science Expo winners from F.C. Reed include:
Jazmyne Kirby, 1st place, metal work
Colleen Ferguson, 2nd place, photography
Chris Mensinger, 2nd place, mixed media
Dustin Hays, 2nd place, fibers and textiles

Honorable mention was given to Sean Wilson, Caitlyn Nielsen and
Adam Merrick at the Buchanan Art Center's Mythical Creatures
Show in April.

5th graders visited the Krasl Art Center April 29th.

BAND NEWS

Solo and Ensemble was held on Saturday, April 19, 2008 and everyone did a great job! Please congratulate the following students: 

Lindsey Koth and Shelby Krumrie received a II for a flute/clarinet
duet.

Monika Ansinn received a II for a trombone solo.

Casey Bicker received a I for a snare drum solo.

Shannon Carlson received a I for a clarinet solo.

Lydia Sankey received a I for a french horn solo

Maria Pinkowski received a I for a flute solo.

Sam Ravitch received a I for a flute solo.  

RMS TRACK

The RMS Track team is having a great season!!  The boys track team beat 5 other schools to get second place at the South Haven Invitational on April 28.  The boys won 24 metals and 14 ribbons.  Their overall record at that time was 10-2.  The girls team won FIRST place at the same invitational.  They racked up 20 metals and 15 ribbons.  The team will be having their last home meet on Monday, May 5 at 4:30 p.m. , please come out to help cheer on our team!

MEDIA CENTER

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PRESENTING!!!!

ENCORE "STUDENTS OF THE MONTH"

The following students were nominated from their encore teachers to be the FEBRUARY "Encore Student of the Month"

Music Appreciation

Derek Wise (7th grade)

Derek's willingness to learn and positive attitude has been contagious in our class.

Boy's Physical Education

Brandon Starkey (7th grade)

Brandon is reliable "stay behind" person that is always prepared.  He helps other students and is a real big is a real big asset to the P.E. class.

Art

Taylor Ruff (8th grade)

Steve Walker (6th grade)

Taylor is very creative and has a good sense of humor in her artwork.  She works hard to make a quality finished product.  She is interested in learning about different points of views in artwork.

Steve is always prepared, creative, and hard working.

Spanish/French

Jennifer Weingart and Laura Stama (8th grade)

Although they are quiet, they are solid and dependable students, earning among the highest grades in the class.

Quest

Nick Pillow (8th grade)

Nick is so insightful.  He participates often in class discussion and his input is very intelligible.

Health

Brandon Mensinger (7th grade)

Brandon always has a pleasant greeting, is focused, and just plain good to be around.  Leads both Health classes academically.

Industrial Technology

Max Miller and Joey Zielke (8th grade)

Max and Joey have put in many long hours in the workshop both before and after school working on the boat that is being built in the shop.  They're planning bevels on the edge of a plank to make a watertight seam.

Girl's Physical Education

Regina Zebell (5th grade)

Regina comes to class every day prepared and full of energy!  She demonstrates a lot of determination and self-motivation in class activities.  She has a delightful personality, always considerate of others, and just a wonderful student to have in class.

RMS STAR AWARD

The following students were nominated by Mrs. Drew, Mrs. Milano, Mrs. Cole and Mrs. Bredice for positive behaviors during their lunch/recess times:

5th grade-Elizabeth Graves

6th grade-Bryson Riggenbach

7th grade-Ashley Kunde

8th grade-Anna Schmaltz

FRIENDS OF RMS

 Minutes of

Friends of RMS meeting

April 7, 2008

Meeting was held at RMS at 8:15 am.

Members present:  President, Sara High             

                             Vice President, Deb Mensinger 

                              Secretary, Georgia Gipson                       

Absent:                  Treasurer, Linda Lowery

                              Principal, Laurie Graves

Principal’s report:

March highlights 7th & 8th grade band received a Division II rating at band festival. Way to go Band members!! Fifteen RMS students participated in the annual Science Olympiad contest at Lake Michigan College on March 10. Lexy Deckert a 6th grader came in 2nd place in Write It/Do It. Nate Glenn & Nick Pillow (both 8th grade) came in 2nd place in Anatomy and Ecology. The students did a great job representing RMS! Over 250 books were collected by RMS students and will be donated to a local women/children’s shelter.

Bridgman High School Choir performed for RMS students on March 18 all enjoyed the performance. Four RMS staff member attended a workshop on “How to Prevent Student Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment” Dr. McEvoy serves as a consultant to BES on student behavior plans. Just a reminder-As many of you are already aware Church Street was closed April 15 and will remain closed up until Memorial Day. Increase in savings on Natural gas and electricity district wide 16%.

President’s report:  

Friday April 25 at 2:30 the 5th & 6th grade class activity this year will be a pool party held at the High school. Arrangements have been made for the students to be picked up by bus from the Middle school. However, parents will need to make arrangements for their child/children to be picked up by 4:00. Teacher appreciation week will be May 5-9 with many volunteers and the Board of Friends volunteering to make a fabulous lunch on Monday May 5. THANK YOU TEACHERS & STAFF!! There are as many as 30 students involved in the yearbook project this year. The board approved a request for yearbook supplies which amounted to $45.00.

Vice President’s Report:

Recycling efforts for the Month of March has weighed in at 520 pounds! Restaurant night has been extremely successful with China Café stating they could hardly keep up with all the take out’s ordered and families who dropped in for dinner. Some suggestions to broaden this event were to ask participation from other local business. Such as The Doughnut shop, Eric’s, Dairy Queen, Mikey’s and Olympus. Stay tune for more information. Thank you to all those who participated and volunteered their time for the food, set up and clean up of the last Teacher Conference.

Treasurer’s Report:

April 14-21 Barbott’s fundraiser seems to have done well with many options to purchase hanging baskets, potted plants or even a flat with a mix of flowers and vegetables for your garden. Thank you Barbott’s for your continued support! Reading Month went well with 40 RMS students donating books. The poster contest winners are: Elizabeth Graves, Taylor Yokum & Caitalyn Nielson! Your artwork is Outstanding!!

Secretary’s Report:

Thank you cards have been mailed with postage and cards donated by Georgia.

Looking for RMS students and parents to help with the 8th grade project this year, which will be re-painting the “Bee’s” on the sidewalk. Project date for painting will be Saturday May 10 at 10:00.

Next meeting is a General meeting:

Reed Middle School- May 5, 2008 at 8:15

On behalf of the Friend’s Board, Students, Parents & Volunteers~ Congratulation’s and Best of luck on your Retirement Mr. & Mrs. Finch! Thank you for all your year’s of service!!

 Students’ 1st Credit Union News!

Four student savers qualified for the extra $ 5.00 deposit to their account or a free movie ticket by making 5 deposits during February and March.  We also had a number of students make deposits the week of April 24th as we celebrated national credit union youth week making them eligible for drawings for gift cards.  Credit Union wide we took in 492 deposits for a total of $ 48,812 and opened 28 new accounts!  At Bridgman we had 14 student deposits for over $ 600!!  Now that’s saving.  Join the others who are preparing for their future by starting an account this week. You can pick up a packet Thursday morning before school at the “branch” located outside the cafeteria or give me a call and I will send you one. 

The Student’s First Credit Union is a partnership between RMS and Berrien Teachers Credit Union.  All balances pay interest and fees are waived for active accounts until age 22.  For more information about the Students’ 1st CU program or to have a packet mailed to your home, please contact me at 983-6357 ext. 2730. 

Bob Clark

Bridgman Branch Coordinator