The Colophon

Volume 42, No. 3 October 2017 A Publication of Memorial Park Middle School

Wow, here we are, already past the halfway point in the first quarter! It’s hard to believe that the school year is in full- swing. Before we get too far along, I want to take time to officially introduce myself to those of you I have not yet had the chance to meet. I am Jake Wyss (pronounced Wees), and I am the new sixth grade assistant principal. I am excit- ed to be a part of the Memorial Park team! Most recently, I was the middle school athletic director for Southwest Al- len County Schools. Prior to that role, I was an elementary teacher for 11 years. I am a graduate of Wayne High School; while there, I competed in football, basketball, volleyball and track. After high school, I went on to play foot- ball and earn my bachelor’s degree from the University of Indianapolis. My wife of eight years, Lauren, and I have a daughter named Addy; she will turn four in December. Entering middle school can be a challenge for some students; it is often their first taste of independence. No longer do they spend all day in the same classroom with the same teacher; gone are the days of lining up single-file or two-by- two and being escorted down the hall by a teacher. Selecting their own classes, waking up earlier to catch the bus, and deciding which teams/clubs/groups to join are all stressful parts of the transition to sixth grade. Oftentimes, when a child enters middle school, it is a new experience for the parents, as well. For all of these reasons, I am here. My goal is to ease the transition for students and parents into the middle school setting. I am a resource for the sixth grade students and their families. When questions inevitably arise about procedures and practices I am the contact person for them. I work closely with the sixth grade teachers to help ensure that our stu- dents are equipped with the tools they need to be successful in middle school, which will ultimately lead to positive experiences in high school and beyond. At Memorial Park, we work proactively to build relationships with the stu- dents to help deepen the educational process. When students know that they are cared for within the building, they can devote more of their focus to their own learning. As part of that relationship-building approach, I try to get into the classrooms as often as I can to observe the work going on. I am a daily presence in the sixth grade lunch block, which gives me the opportunity to connect with the students on a level outside of the academic setting. I like to learn what their interests are—what types of books they read, movies they watch, games they play, and activities/teams/ clubs with which they are involved—so that we can find some common ground between us. As students enter middle school, we know that it is an exciting and stressful time (for students and parents!). We also understand that, as young adults, students are going to make mistakes. I am here to help students own up to those mistakes, learn from them and move forward so that the same mistake is not made again. The teachers, administra- tors, parents, and students are all part of a team working toward the same goal: we want the students to be success- ful. I am here to help keep the team on the same page; I am someone to talk to for the student, the teacher, and the parents. Open lines of communication are integral for the success of relationships among these teammates. When you see me at events, please stop by and say “hello”. I enjoy connecting names to faces, as well as parents to kids. I can’t promise I will remember everyone after the first time we meet, but I’ll try! I am excited to be a part of the Memorial Park community, and I am looking forward to a great year with the students and staff!

Jake Wyss, 6th grade assistant principal

A PUBLICATION OF MEMORIAL PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL THE COLOPHON PAGE 2 October Happenings: Around the halls...

4th: Mr. Maack reports that the jazz bands have begun work with getting Big Noise on its melodious way. Work has started on getting ready for the Cross Country vs. Kekionga and Towles @ Bloomington Jazz Festival. MPMS 11th: Mr. Gibson’s class celebrated Constitution Day a day late - on Monday, September 18th. Students looked at what the Constitution is and its im- Cross Country vs. Lane @ Lane portance. They discussed the three branches of government and their roles. Then they participated in an activity where they assumed the roles 12th: of each branch of the government. Finally they looked at the 27 amend- ments that have been made to the Constitution. Constitution Day– a day End of 1st quarter to celebrate! 13th: The art department is prepping students for the annual PTA Reflections No school– fall break contest. The theme this year is “Within Reach”. Mckenzie Hunter, Zion Ogunsin and Ramiro Toledo will be entering the persuasive posters they 20th: made in Advanced Art. Other students are working on projects inde- pendently to enter. 7th and 8th graders in Miss Clark’s class are working Report cards sent home hard on perspective. 6th graders are wrapping up their Day of the Dead paintings. They will be starting on perspective soon, as well. Functional 25th: skills students have started working on a Vincent Van Gogh art unit that will be on display soon!. Art club is hard at work making sugar skulls and Picture retakes during lunch mods other decorations for their Day of the Dead display. The 6th grade skulls 26th: will be on display. Festival of Trees will also be starting soon. This year’s theme is “Chihuly”. Fall Play 6pm In Communication Technology, students completed research, developed five talking points and practiced software skills and used the design princi- 27th: ples to create an informative brief. They will present their information using Power Point to their peers. The Memorial Park video studio is up Fall Play 6pm and running. MPMS daily announcements are broadcast on You tube eve- ry morning. Check out the channel! Several short films and performances 31st: are located there for your viewing enjoyment. Students are writing script for talk shows that support LA standards in dialogue and are learning how Halloween* to produce their talk show in the studio.

*Reminder that students may NOT wear cos- Sixth graders in Technology Education are engaged in using the Informed Design Process to create board games. As they walk through the eight tumes to school on Halloween. steps they are challenged to create something from nothing. Using com- puter software to develop rules and game graphics is also part of the pro- ject. Students will be conducting surveys to see how well the game idea is received.

Students in Ms. Keeslar’s 7-8th grade art classes are shading their per- spective hallway drawings. They will be moving to ink wash and 2-point perspective next. Advanced 7th grade students finished constructing their journals and are now designing their own steampunk hats, which they will have to wear for their class critique. 6th graders are studying Vincent Van Gogh and his various painting techniques, as well as his contributions to scientists’ understandings of turbulent flow.

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Student from Ecuador comes to visit Mrs. Ragon’s students had a delightful treat when Diego Ricardo Fuentes Constante, a young man (15 years old) from Guayaquil, Ecuador, was a guest speaker in a Spanish class. Diego spoke of the climate, regions, government, population (demographics), currency, etc. of Ecuador. Students asked Diego about the differences between middle school back in Ecuador and MPMS. He said classes were larger (as big as 48 students) in Ecuador. Teachers move from class to class, students do not move. They have a couple minutes between teachers to go to the bathroom. In Ecuador, students have more homework. During recess, students may buy food and non-alcoholic beverages in a bar on school property. The bar does not serve junk food or alcohol. Students asked about a typical food in Ecuador, and they were shocked to find out that guinea pigs are a delicacy. “They asked many other questions, and Diego was super accommodating. The students and I were delighted to have him in our classroom,” said Mrs. Ragon.

New club formed

A new after-school activity is now enriching students’ lives. It’s the Book Club, and its sponsor is Mrs. Clark. Scheduled to meet on Wednesdays on an every other week schedule, its purpose is to explore different ac- tion genres. The first book for the readers is a zombie thriller, titled “The Forest of Hands and Teeth,” by Carrie Ryan.

Science Team well underway The 7th grade national science contest team is gathering ideas for its project. It has already met with Dr. Robert Gillespie at IPFW. Dr. Gillespie is considered to be the surface water expert in our area. Two years ago he mentored our regional finalist team whose experiment attempted to solve Lake Erie's algae problem. The team has also met with Dr. Michael Bechill at University of Saint Francis, who suggested the project cho- sen. two years ago. The team members are Fiona Gochtovtt-Stine, Grace Gillie, Audrey Woodruff and Han- nah Offhaus. Memorial Park's team last year is still active as it seeks to build what the team designed for the contest, an outdoor learning center for our school. If you would like to support this team, you can log on to YouCaring or GoFundMe and make a contribution. A PUBLICATION OF MEMORIAL PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL THE COLOPHON PAGE 4

Trip to Nation's Capital Being Planned Faculty member Thor Whitlock is planning an exciting trip for eighth grade Memorial Parkers. Students, teachers and accompanying adults will leave from the school on the evening of Thursday, March 29, on a motor coach, arriving in Washington, D.C. the next morning. The next few days will be filled with visits to memorials, the Smithsonian, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, a tour of our Capitol building and more sites important in our history. The travelers will return late at night on Sunday, April 1. The all-inclusive cost for this trip, which will enhance knowledge about our history and our government, is $622. Classic Tours, Inc. is arranging the tour. Reservations can be made now. The number of reservations is limited by bus size. Registration forms are available through Mr. Whitlock.

Landscaping gets a facelift

Our office staff and students have been enjoying a great new view: new landscaping in the front of the building and back by the cafeteria. The new landscaping involved removing some close lying bushes and planting some new trees out front, along with fresh mulch and decorative boulders. There is also going to be a brand new bench, courtesy of retired faculty member Larry Lesh and his eCybermission Science Team. Last year the eCybermission Science Team focused on building an Outdoor Learning Center and this new land- scaping is a part of that project.

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New course a hit For the first time at MPMS a creative writing course has been made available as an elective, and already it is a huge success. Twenty-four students signed up for the course and enthusiasm is running high. "They're al- ready writing better," said Mrs. Surfus, who is teaching the course.

Mrs. Surfus, who was part of the English program at Ivy Tech before coming to Memorial Park, said she has found it necessary to change her expectations because the students are so quick to adapt to the daily chal- lenges. They are learning to pay attention to connotation and word choice to enhance their skills and are being introduced to writing satire, composing sonnets, studying historical fiction, among other forms of writing. And their work is being saved so that at the end of the term they will have actual books of their cre- ative writing.

"The caliber of their writing is very high already," said Mrs. Surfus. "This is really exciting." Memorial Parkers agree: this new course is proving to be a wonderful addition to the curriculum. Students are tremendously enthusiastic about the new course. Hannah Offhaus feels "this is one period of the day I can do what I want to do and think. I'm learning to express myself but I'm still writing for me." Roshawanda Johnson said she is enjoying the course while learning discipline. She is learning to write more description which she finds en- riching. Molly Langton said, "I really like it! Last year I took Speech and Drama and needed another good elective. I love poetry! I think it's very important for kids to learn how to write like, in haiku, not just 5, 7, 5 but the real thing."

Alumna to be Principal for a Day Mr. Crozier has invited Wendy Stein to be Principal for a Day on October 19. This will be a homecoming for Ms. Stein who is an alumna of Memorial Park Middle School. She is also a graduate of Elmhurst High School and the University of Michigan. Ms. Stein is a founder and past president of Young Leaders of Northeast In- diana and has an active history of community service. She is a member of and past president of the Junior League of Fort Wayne and currently serves on the boards for Parkview Hospital, Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. and ArtLink. She co-chaired the North River task force and served on the Riverfront Development Advisory Committee as well as being on the Allen County Ethics Commission for several years. She works with her fa- ther at Stein Ad Promos, which specializes in building brand recognition through the use of logoed merchan- dise. She is delighted to be asked to serve as Principal for a Day, and Memorial Parkers are delighted to wel- come her back.

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Fall play opens soon "Here Comes the Judge," Memorial Park's fall play, will be performed October 26th and 27th beginning at 6 pm.

Fifty students auditioned for the 22 roles. " There were so many talented students that it was hard to nar- row down my decision for characters, " said Mrs. Frisk, the director.

The play is about two different court cases with a judge who has never run a courtroom before and is looney at the same time. One case is of theft between a bag lady and department storeowner. The second case, disturbance of the peace, is between teen punks and senior citizens of the Sunset Manor. As the court cases continue, there develops a hostage situation of a dognapper and his girlfriend from another courtroom. The judge and attorneys have to come together to devise a plan to capture this dognapper. In the thick of the hostage situation, love begins to brew between the bailiff and the sheriff, the judge and the stenographer, and the two attorneys. How will the courtroom come back together? Will the cases ever get resolved?

Faculty members Dave Ball and Paul Ragon are the set designers ,and Thor Whitlock is in charge of sound and sound effects.

The cast consists of: Vincent Hood, Savannah Woehnker, Keegan Combs, Chali Moss, Giovani Justice- Moniz, Delaney McNally, Jax Dodds, Coral Towe, Eliza McCord, Kennitha Somkit, Mavrick Rowe, Jonathan Hernandez, Karis Moss, Haley Fulton, Carl Lash, Cady Atkinson, Jacob McDunnough, Hannah Offhaus, Marlena Ames, Celeste Swing, Ren Moore, Jaylen Logan, Caleb Jahn Assistants: Jadyn Weber and Audrey Woodruff

Tickets will be sold at the door. The cost for students is $3.00 and $5.00 for adults. Doors will open at 5:30 both nights.

Jazz Classes Added

Jazz has always been an important part of the music program at Memorial Park Middle School. Audiences have long been vocal in wondering how a middle school jazz band could be so good. And the faculty has been eager to keep the program strong and admirable. When Sarah Beutel retired from teaching, faculty member Scott Maack knew there would be an irreplacea- ble hole in the music department. Sarah was a language arts teacher, but her love for music and her tal- ents led her to volunteer her services, particularly in the jazz portion. Maack talked with Principal Crozier, and lo and behold, it was decided to make jazz classes an integral part of the music program at MPMS rather than just an after-school activity. So this year jazz class as an elective was put on the schedule. Faculty member Ryan Thomson, orchestra teacher, has joined in and now students are learning far more than how to play an instrument. They are learning theory and history of music and will have a well-rounded under- standing of the world of music.

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A note from Ms. Squibb “We were so busy around the halls that I didn’t get any information into the September Colophon. At the beginning of the year, we explored what science meant to each student and wrapped that up with a poster illustrating the idea “A Scientist is…”. These are posted outside of room 23 in the basement. The kids would love for you to come by and check them out.

“We also had an amazing opportunity to observe the Solar Eclipse in my afternoon classes. The students observed the eclipse up close and personal or on the live stream I had streaming in my classroom. I then had students write their reactions to experiencing the eclipse in six words or less. These “Eclipse in Six” papers were then forwarded to NASA to be included in their time capsule which will be opened on April 8, 2024. I have invited my students to come back on that day and share the experience one last time. I also decided that 2024 will be my last year teaching. It will be my 5th eclipse experience and I don’t believe I can make it another 79 years until the next one. That will be my 45th year in education and I can’t think of a better way to go out.

“The end of the month of September will be my Second Annual Metric Olympic Competition. Students will be competing in events like the javelin throw (drinking straws) and Shot Put (cotton balls). Last year, this event was enjoyed by all of the kids and even an interloper (Mr. Crozier). The winner will be determined by the accuracy of each student’s predictions of how well they perform in each event.

“We will then be moving on to Motion, Forces, and Energy. More to come next month.

Again, thank you for allowing me to share your children this year. They have been pretty darn awesome.”

XOX Mrs. Squibb

More around the halls... Mr. Bienz's 7th grade social studies classes will begin a unit on Africa and will study the continent by re- gion. Students will begin with North Africa, exploring Egyptian pyramids, discussing the Arab Spring protests, and focusing on the religion of Islam.

8th grade social studies classes will learn about life in the 13 colonies, focusing on Quakers in Pennsylvania, Patriots in New England, and enslaved people in the southern colonies. They will create graphs showing the number of people transported to the colonies by way of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

An FYI from Mr. Thomas The annual Memorial Park Food Drive will be November 1 through November 21. More information in the November Colophon next month!

Fort Wayne Community Schools

Memorial Park Middle School

2200 Maumee Avenue • Fort Wayne, IN 46803

Cayla Jackson, who is now teaching social studies and drama at Memorial Park Mid- dle School, grew up in Wabash, Indiana, but after completing work on a bachelor's degree from Manchester College made her way to Fort Wayne via a stop in Warsaw where she was a substitute teacher. "I've taught every subject along the way," she explained. "Science, writing, math, English." She has previously taught at Horizon and at St. Charles Borrmeo. Now she is settled down with her dog, Renegade, and her two cats, Kolbi and Cleo. She loves to read - fiction, non-fiction, "pretty much everything, and fantasy is my favorite," she said, adding that reading young adult books is important so she can talk books with her students. She also enjoys playing board games and attending comic book con- ventions. She lives near a trail and enjoys riding her bike, and crafts are important to her. She uses the website Pinterest, where she finds recipes, ideas and new things to try. But mostly, she says, "I enjoy my students and what they like." Memorial Parkers are delighted she is now part of the life at MPMS.

The Colophon, our school newsletter, is published nine times during the school year. Colophon is de- rived from the Greek word, Kolophon, “Summit.” Brad Crozier, principal Dr. Betty E. Stein, editor Emily Hollenberg, design editor

FORT WAYNE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Dr. Wendy Robinson, Superintendent

Memorial Park Middle School

Brad Crozier, Principal—2200 Maumee Ave., Ft. Wayne, IN 46803

Phone: 260.467.5300 • Fax: 260.467.5298—www.fortwayneschools.org

School Improvement Plan Focus Area: Writing

School Improvement Plan Action Steps: All teachers will embed weekly writing in all classrooms.

Mission Vision

Fort Wayne Community Schools educates all Fort Wayne Community Schools will be

students to high standards enabling them to the school system of choice and a source of

become productive, responsible citizens. community pride.

Non-discrimination statement: In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrim- inating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.