From the Principal S Desk

FEBRUARY 2014

South Middle School 232 Peach Street Braintree, MA 02184 781-380-0160 FAX 781-380-0164 ABSENCE LINE 781-356-0657 www.gpvillage.com/southms

So much of teaching young people is helping them to believe in themselves. At a time in their life when their skills are not refined, their potential remains fluid, their emotions are raw and reactionary, and the world around them is confused and confusing, adults ask a lot of them. We compare them to others in the short term but reflective thought knows that most of their athletic, intellectual and emotional skills will mature at a later time. Most of our students find success when they become confident human beings; however, confidence at this age is often illusive and erratic. As an older parent with friends who also have older children we are most proud of our older kids when we find them to have good hearts. Everything else is vapid and transitory.

I was reminded of this sentiment when looking for the right gifts for my sons. I came across a beautiful picture at “Successories” which has inscribed at the bottom with the following:

The Essence of Destiny

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Choose your words, for they become actions. Understand your actions, for they become habits. Study your habits, for they will become your character. Develop your character, for it becomes your destiny.” Each of us has so much to share with the young people we raise. The idea expressed above is the greater lesson we teach, and if it becomes part of the character of our children, then it is with pride that I define myself as a father, grandfather, a teacher and a principal. I wish you all the success of the New Year as you raise your children to become citizens of integrity and character who have their priorities in order.

Future School Committee Meeting Dates

The agenda for each meeting may be viewed two days prior to the meeting date at www.braintreeschools.org.

February 10, 2014 7:00 PM Colbert School February 24, 2014 7:00 PM Flaherty School March 10, 2014 7:00 PM Colbert School March 31, 2014 7:00 PM Liberty School April 14, 2014 7:00 PM South Middle School May 5, 2014 7:00 PM Colbert School May 19, 2014 7:00 PM Hollis School June 16, 2014 7:00 PM Colbert School

MCAS DATES ELA Composition March 18 Grade 7

ELA Reading/Literature March 19 Grade 7 & 8 Session 1 March 20 Grades 7 & 8 Session 2 ELA Composition March 27 Grade 7 Makeup ELA Reading/Literature March 25 Grades 6 Session 1 March 26 Grade 6 Session 2 FEBRUARY DATES TO REMEMBER

Tuesday, February 11th- “ELL Family Night” at the Thayer Public Library in Braintree from 6:30-8:00 pm. This is a meeting to inform our ELL students and their parents about the services the library provides to the public in addition to regular circulation of reading materials (books in different languages, access to computers and the internet, educational and fun events throughout the year, etc.) There will be games (scavenger hunt), refreshments, and little gift bags to take home. Students 12 and older do not have to be accompanied by their parents. Monday, February 10th -Jamboree Tuesday, February 11th- PTO Meeting 7:00 pm Thursday, February 13th -Fitnut February 17th through February 21st – Winter Break Wednesday, February 26th – All Town Band Concert – 7:00 pm –East Middle School

Let's Get Organized Presented by Family Ties This workshop will be hosted by the Holbrook PAC along with the Braintree SEPAC as co-host Wednesday, February 12, 2014 6:30PM - 8:30PM Holbrook Public Library 2 Plymouth St. at the intersection of Rts. 37 & 139

Parents/guardians of children with special needs manage busy lives and often lots of paperwork. Many ask, how do I keep it all straight? This workshop helps parents work with their own strengths and successes, providing concrete written materials to strengthen their organizational skills. Let's Get Organized participants take home a three-ring binder, organizational supplies, and lots of ideas on ways to bring order to the mountains of paperwork that relates to their child’s medical and educational needs. IMPORTANT This workshop is designed for a minimum of 8 participants and a maximum of 20 and a RSVP is required in order for the presenter to prepare the materials that are part of the workshop. Please RSVP to Lori Koffink at [email protected] by February 5, 2014. Approved by School Committee BRAINTREE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 1/28/2013 CALENDAR - SCHOOL YEAR 2013-2014 Revised 1/22/2014

SEPTEMBER 19 days (19) FEBRUARY 15 days (110) M T W Th F M T W Th F 2 3 4 5 6 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 24 25 26 27 28 30 OCTOBER 22 days (41) MARCH 21 days (131) 1 2 3 4 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 11 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 25 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 31

NOVEMBER 18 days (59) APRIL 16 days (147) 1 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30

DECEMBER 15 days (74) MAY 21 days (168) 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 30 31 26 27 28 29 30

JANUARY 21 days (95) JUNE 12days (180) 1 2 3 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 16 17 17days (185) 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 27 28 29 30 31 23 24

9/02 Labor Day 9/03 First Day for teachers 4/18 Good Friday 9/04 First Day for students (1-9) 4/21-25 Spring Break 9/05 First Day for students (10-12) 5/26 Memorial Day 9/10 First Day for Kindergarten students 6/20 Last day for students, K-9, Half Day, 10/2 ½ Day – Professional Development unless necessary to go beyond this date 10/14 Columbus Day to meet the 180 day requirement. 11/5 ½ Day – Professional Development 6/23 Last day for students, grades 10 & 11, 11/11 Veteran’s Day Half Day and all teachers, unless necessary 11/27 Half-Day to go beyond this date to meet the 11/28, 29 Thanksgiving requirements of the negotiated agreement. 12/23-1/1 Winter Break 1/20 M.L.King, Jr. Day 1/30 ½ Day – Professional Development 2/17-21 February Break 3/5 ½ Day – Professional Development

= Half day CANCELLATIONS: ___ = Full day /No School **SNOW DAYS 1/2/2014 & 1/3/2014 **SNOW DAYS 1/22/2014 PTO January 14, 2014

Attendance: Helen Coakley, Laura Burton, Kelly Storlazzi, Jean McDonald, Laurie Eleuteri, Ed McDonough, Debbie DeGregorio, Elissa Simon-Morrisey, Ellen Rotty

7:03 pm, President Kelly Storlazzi called meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance. Revised school calendar, last day for students June 19th.

Treasurers report, nurse received a check for apples. Balance is currently $8,600, some of which is earmarked. School advisory, Dr. Kendall will be doing a presentation on technology 1/15/14.

BFFE~ save the date, Jim Plunkett night at Great Pond Hall (formerly Emerald Hall) Friday March 14th.

Mr. Kwedor (LINKS program) received two ipads this fall in addition to two he received last spring through BFFE. South will also be receiving a short throw projector (9 have been purchased this past month, one for each school)

Student Council sent out order forms for South gear, forms are also available on South’s website, orders are due Friday Jan. 24th, and delivery will be Feb. 14th. Sweatpants and flannel pajamas will be available at a later date. Some other upcoming events are Jan. 31 school dance, 2:30-4pm 6th grade, 7-9:30pm, 7th & 8th grade. March- 5K, April-ping pong, May-movie night

Stop & Shop A+ $618.80, still can sign up if you haven’t done so, program runs through March, every little bit helps!

Myth Masters will be visiting 6th grade.

8th grade committee is requesting your input if you know of anyone who could help/donate, some requested items are DJ, T-shirts, water, snacks, etc. Please e-mail [email protected] Tentative dates June 17th or 18th.

Yankee Candle (8th grade fundraiser) possible committee members, Donna Dalton and Laura Burton, if you would like to help out with this annual spring fundraiser e-mail [email protected]

Ms. Mazzei has yearbook requests, photos from outside of school, examples, pets, favorite things, outside accomplishments, trends/fashion statements, funny pictures, sports, and 8th graders-baby photos! You can e-mail to [email protected] or leave in her mailbox

Mr. McDonough reports that the auditorium is slated for renovations this summer, funds have been earmarked for this project

Mr. McDonough spoke of all the classes and continuing education that all the teachers undertake on ½ day professional days.

MCAS will be starting March 18th; more details will be in the newsletter Meeting adjourned 7:40pm SAVE THE DATE

SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL’S 2ND ANNUAL

5K RUN/WALK

Saturday, March 29, 2014 9:00 AM

The Student is in the process of organizing its second 5k run/walk in hopes of raising money for the South Middle School Scholarship Fund. More information will be available on our school website as soon as the final details are set.

Need help getting back into running or want to become a runner? Try out the COUCH-TO-5K running plan. This program dradually eases you into distance running at a steady pace, a few minutes each week. Visit the website www.coolrunning.com to learn more about the program.

PHYSICAL EDUCTION NEWS

FITNUT: South Middle School will be holding the 7th grade FITNUT performance on Thursday night February 13th at 6:30 PM. Students will be working in physical education class on activities that emphasizes health and fitness. Mr. Freeman and Ms. Woodworth will also be taking the time t discuss different aspects of fitness and nutrition and how to stay physically active throughout life. FITNESS: The 6th and 8th grade classes will be partaking in a fitness unit. Students will be learning about different exercises that focus on the five components of fitness. These components consist of muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, cardio respiratory endurance and body composition. If anyone has fairly new fitness equipment that they would like to donate, it would be greatly appreciated and would be put to good use. You can contact Ms. Woodworth at [email protected] or Mr. Freeman at [email protected]

7th grade students have been participating in a program called fitnessgram. Fitnessgram encompasses the components of health – muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular and flexibility. Each student’s performance is compared to standards that have been set for children at this age level. Students are compared to these standards, not their classmates or other peers. Fitnessgram is an excellent tool to help students learn more about their own physical fitness and give them the knowledge to improve their fitness levels for lifelong health. In March, students will be bringing their profiles home to share with you!

If you have any questions about Fitnessgram, please contact your student’s Physical Education teacher or Melonie Bennett, Director of Physical Education and Health at 781-848-4000 x2235. REMINDER FROM THE LUNCH ROOM

Breakfast is available every day in the lunch room. For those students who receive free and reduced lunch breakfast is also free. Come on down and enjoy a yummy start to your school day

Thanks again to families who made purchases at our Barnes & Noble Book Fair. We've been able to add some new books to the Flyers for our spring fair, sponsored by Scholastic, will be sent home in April. The spring fair will take place in the South Library/Media Center in late May.

Battle of the Books News: about 75 students have signed up already, but it’s not too late to join a team. It’s a lively, friendly competition—with teams from both South and East, vying for first place. Please see Ms. Vose to sign up.

South School Library’s Most Requested Titles for fall 2013 were:

1. CATCHING FIRE, HUNGER GAMES, MOCKINGJAY (in that order)

2. MARK OF ATHENA/ HOUSE OF HADES & OTHER RICK RIORDAN TITLES

3. DIVERGENT SERIES

4. LEGEND SERIES

5. MAZE RUNNER SERIES/ ROBERTO & ME, BABE & ME, ETC.

6. ENDER’S GAME/ THE DAUGHTERS SERIES

7. HEAT, 49TH STREET, TRAVEL TEAM & OTHERS BY MIKE LUPICA

8. FOOTBALL GENIUS, BASEBALL GREAT, ETC. BY TIM GREENE

9. HARD LUCK & OTHER DIARY OF A WIMPY KID TITLES/CROSS MY HEART & HOPE TO SPY & OTHER 'GALLAGHER ACADEMY FOR GIRL SPIES' TITLES

10. GRAPHIC NOVELS: SMILE, DRAMA, GHOSTOPOLIS, BAD ISLAND, CARDBOARD/THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY SERIES Deborah Vose, Library/Media Specialist, Braintree, MA 02184 East Middle School/South Middle School 305 River Street/232 Peach Street 781-38-0170/781-380-0160

HERE’S TO YOUR HEALTH - HAPPY NEW YEAR! Publication of the Braintree School Nurses Volume 3, Issue 2 January, 2014

Welcome back to the 2013 – 2014 school year! Here’s to a Happy and Healthy 2014! Kids and Exercise

The Many Benefits of Exercise Everyone can benefit from regular exercise. Kids who are active will:  Have stronger muscles and bones  Have a leaner body because exercise helps to control body fat  Be less likely to become overweight  Decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes  Possibly lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels  Have a better outlook on life Kids who exercise regularly enjoy its health benefits. Physically fit children sleep better, and are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges. The Three Elements of Fitness Watching children playing on a playground, we see the 3 elements of fitness in action when they:  Run away from a child when playing tag (endurance)  Cross the monkey bars (strength)  Bend down to tie their shoes (flexibility) Parents should encourage their kids to do a variety of activities so that they can work on all 3 elements. Children’s endurance is developed when kids regularly engage in aerobic exercise which makes the heart beat faster and makes them breathe faster. When done regularly and for extended periods of time this type of activity strengthens the heart and improves the body’s ability to deliver oxygen. Aerobic Exercise can be fun for people of all ages; here are examples of aerobic activities:  Basketball Swimming Soccer  Bicycling Tennis Running/Jogging  Ice Skating Walking Inline Skating How Much Exercise Is Enough? Parents should make sure that their kids get enough exercise, so how much is enough? Kids and teens should get about an hour or more of physical activity each day. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) offers these activity guidelines for infants, toddlers and preschoolers:  Infants, no specific requirements, physical activity should be encouraged for motor development  Toddler, 1 ½ hours, 30 minutes of planned physical activity and 60 minutes of free play  Preschooler, 2 hours, 60 minutes planned physical activity, and 60 minutes free play  School Age, 1 hour or more, break up into bouts of 15 minutes or more Infants and young children should not be inactive for prolonged periods of time – no more than 1 hour, unless they are sleeping. School age children should not be inactive for periods longer than 2 hours. For more information about raising fit kids, please visit: http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/staying_fit/exercise.html Submitted by Cheryl Campbell RN, Morrison School Nutrition Facts – CDC  Healthy eating is associated with reduced risk for many diseases, including several of the leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.  Healthy eating in childhood and adolescence is important for proper growth and development and can prevent health problems such as obesity, dental caries, iron deficiency, and osteoporosis.

 The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat dairy products for persons aged 2 years and older. The guidelines also recommend that children, adolescents, and adults limit intake of solid fats (major sources of saturated and trans fatty acids), cholesterol, sodium, added sugars, and refined grains. Unfortunately, most young people are not following the recommendations set forth in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Nutrition and the Health of Young People Benefits of Healthy Eating  Proper nutrition promotes the optimal growth and development of children.  Healthy eating helps prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure and helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.  Healthy eating helps reduce one’s risk for developing obesity, osteoporosis, iron deficiency, and dental caries (cavities). Consequences of a Poor Diet  A poor diet can lead to energy imbalance (e.g., eating more calories than one expends through physical activity) and can increase one’s risk for overweight and obesity.  A poor diet can increase the risk for lung, esophageal, stomach, colorectal, and prostate cancers.  Individuals who eat fast food one or more times per week are at increased risk for weight gain, overweight, and obesity.  Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages can result in weight gain, overweight, and obesity. Eating Behaviors of Young People  Most U.S. youth

o Do not meet the recommendations for eating 2½ cups to 6½ cups of fruits and vegetables each day

o Do not eat the minimum recommended amounts of whole grains (2–3 ounces each day) o Do eat more than the recommended maximum daily intake of sodium (1,500– 2,300 mg each day)

 Empty calories from added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40% of daily calories for children and adolescents aged 2–18 years, affecting the overall quality of their diets. Approximately half of these empty calories come from six sources: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk.

 Adolescents drink more full-calorie soda per day than milk. Males aged 12–19 years drink an average of 22 ounces of full-calorie soda per day, more than twice their intake of fluid milk (10 ounces), and females drink an average of 14 ounces of full-calorie soda and only 6 ounces of fluid milk. Diet and Academic Performance  Eating a healthy breakfast is associated with improved cognitive function (especially memory), reduced absenteeism, and improved mood. Submitted by Fran Barron, RN, Braintree High School

Brrr! 4 kid-friendly tips for staying warm (and avoiding frostbite) this winter

Frostbite is the medical term used to describe frozen skin. Frostbite occurs when skin is subjected to extreme cold or is left exposed for prolonged periods of time. Not surprisingly, it is the cheeks, ears, nose, hands and feet that are most commonly affected.

With mild frostbite, the skin looks red and swollen and may have a burning sensation. Slowly warming the skin at room temperature is usually all that is required. Alternatively, warming the area by covering it with a warm hand is also effective. Resist the urge to rub or massage the area, as this may cause more damage.

Severely frozen skin has a shiny, white appearance, often with decreased sensation. Such cases require medical evaluation and treatment.

Parents should: 1. Check the temperature and wind-chill factor before going outdoors. • 15° to 30° is cold • 0° to 15° is very cold • -20° to 0° is bitter cold with significant risk of frostbite • -20° to -60° is extreme cold and frostbite is likely 2. Make sure their children have appropriate clothing. child to You don’t want your be either too hot or too cold. Layers work well. A hat that covers the ears, warm mittens and waterproof boots are essential parts of the winter wardrobe.

3. Have children take frequent breaks to come indoors and warm up. These breaks are a great way to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. They also give kids a chance to change into dry socks and gloves if necessary. Include a small snack with a warm drink and a bathroom break and your child will be ready for more fun in the snow.

4. Help to prevent head injuries! They are not uncommon, and can be serious, especially with skating and sledding. Ski helmets or hockey helmets are always advised. When tobogganing, choose slopes away from roadways and bodies of water, and avoid hills with trees, fences or other obstacles.

There is no end to the number of family activities that can be enjoyed in the winter. Winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing can be enjoyed by children starting at a very young age. Be creative! Games like hide-and-seek, tag and soccer take on a whole new dimension when played in the snow.

Dr. Michael Dickinson is t he head of pediatrics and chief of staff at the Miramichi Regional Hospital in New Brunswick. He’s a staunch advocate for children’s health in Atlantic Canada through his involvement with the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Submitted by Judy Sellon, RN, Flaherty School

Protect that Head! Helmets are needed for winter sports; ice skating, sledding, skiing, etc.

Establish the helmet habit early. Have your children wear helmets as soon as they start to ride bikes, skate, sled and ski. If they learn to wear helmets whenever they begin these sports, it will become a habit for a lifetime. It’s never too late, however, to get your children into helmets.

Wear a helmet yourself. Kids learn best by observing you. Whenever you ride your bike, skate, ski or sled, put on your helmet. Together purchase a helmet that is modern, light weight, well ventilated and stylish.

Talk to your kids about why you want them to protect their heads. There are many things you can tell your children to convince them of the importance of helmet use: 1. Bikes are vehicles, not toys. 2. You love and value them and their intelligence and want them safe. 3. They can hurt their heads permanently or even die from head injuries. 4. Most professional athletes use helmets when participating in sports to protect their head.

5. Bicycle racers, speed ice skaters, and speed skiers are now required to use them when racing in the United States and in the Olympics.

Reward your kids for wearing helmets. Praise them; give them special privileges when they wear their helmets without having to be told to.

Don’t let children ride their bikes, ski, sled or skate unless they wear their helmets. Be consistent. If you allow your children to ride occasionally without their helmets, they won’t believe that helmet use really is important. Tell your kids they have to find another way to play, or must walk or take a bus to get somewhere, if they don’t want to use their helmets.

Encourage your children’s friends to wear helmets. Peer pressure can be used in a positive way if several families in the neighborhood start making helmet use a regular habit at the same time. REMEMBER: Accidents causing head injuries can occur anywhere at any time. You and your children cannot predict when a fall will occur. It’s important to wear a helmet on every ride, no matter how short or steep the hill is. Submitted by Laurie Melchionda, RN, South Middle

February is American Heart Month On behalf of the Braintree Alliance for Safe and Healthy Youth (BASHY), we would like to invite parents/guardians and interest community members to a very informative presentation on Thursday, January 23 rd at Braintree High School at 3:15pm. You will have the opportunity to hear from Lindsay Pietro from the American Heart Association. She will share information on how to be heart healthy and provide some helpful tips of how to recognize a heart attack. We will also be promoting wear Red on Friday, February 7, 2014, which is the National Wear Red Day.

Did you know?

Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. This means women — mothers, sisters, friends — are dying at the rate of one per minute. In fact, in the time it takes to read this, another woman will die from heart disease. It simply does not have to be that way.

South Shore Hospital

Save the Date: Helping Families Cope with Death of a Loved One

On March 30, 2014 from 1-5 pm at South Shore Conservatory, Hingham, MA; there will be a free program for families with children ages 6-12 who have experienced the death of a loved one. The program is entitled: “Love, Loss & Hope.” This program was created and is sponsored by Hospice of the South Shore, The Friends of South Shore Hospital, and South Shore Conservatory.

At this program children and adults will begin with an engaging group activity; then the children will participate in various arts based presentations conducted by the South Shore Conservatory Healing Arts Specialists, along with volunteers from The Friends of South Shore Hospital program “Helping Children Cope with a Loved Ones Cancer.” The adults will meet with developmental specialists to gain a better understanding of the cycles and patterns of grief in both their children and themselves. The program will conclude with another group activity. Each family leaves with new skills, tools and a fabulous resource booklet!

Program flyer and registration information will be available in the near future. Any questions call: 781-624-8046