Aurora Hills Middle School Where Excellence is a Habit Postage paid by PTSO Newsletter for Parents Principal Mrs. Darla Stumpp Assistant Principal Mrs. Sue Wagoner Deans of Students Mr. John Emilsson (6th & 7th grade and PBS & RtI Coordinator) Mr. Marcus Walker (6th & 8th grade and Athletic Director) Office Hours 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Office Phone Number 303-341-7450 Attendance Recorder Hours: 4:30 pm - 8:00 am Please give: Student s Name Grade Reason for Absence/Tardy Name of person calling Website http://ahills.aurorak12.org/ Dear Families and Friends of Aurora Hills Middle School, TCAP will begin in just a few days and I would like to pass along to you how proud I am of the work the student body and the faculty has done in preparation for these important assessments. The TCAP assessments scores will play a large role in determining your son or daughter s course selections for the next school year. As important as these assessments are, we also want to remember a student s success on course work, exams or meeting daily challenges is greatly influenced by his or her mindset. Much research has been conducted about the importance of a person s mindset and his ability to persevere when faced with difficult tasks or learning. Research identifies mindsets in 2 different ways fixed mindset and a growth mindset. A fixed mindset centers on the talents, intellectual or physical gifts a person possesses. She or he sees intelligence as being static and impossible to improve; in other words, This is how I am, I can or can t achieve in an area. Middle school students can be susceptible to a fixed mindset as they are extremely influenced by what their friends can do. If they see their friend learn a skill with little effort while they need to work harder for the same level of achievement they often fall into the trap that they don t have that talent or that innate ability. We hear them say things like, I m not good at math or I m not an artist. We may observe them giving up easily or avoiding challenging work altogether. A growth mindset shows that abilities, talents and accomplishments are not set or predetermined but are developed with time, effort and determination. In other words, the abilities a person demonstrates are not because he was born with them but because he developed those abilities. As families, school and community, we play a large part in how a student thinks about his or her abilities and the perseverance or fortitude he or she is willing to embrace continued on next page * March 2013 Aurora Hills Middle School 1009 South Uvalda Street Aurora, Colorado 80012 303-341-7450
to face a challenge. Adult s actions play a key role in supporting students by how we speak and praise students. For example, if we praise with phrases like, Yes, good job, you are smart, then we are rewarding the fixed mindset and the innate intelligence vs. the intelligence they have developed. If we focus our positive feedback and praise on the effort and the learning journey vs. the outcome, we help move our students to the growth mindset. Phrases like, Remarkable work to get to this understanding, You learned it right, I respect your diligence Your fortitude made my day! I am lucky to visit many classes a day and leave students with the message. Hurray for you, look what growth you have made! I am proud of the work you do. We are ready for TCAP and ready to keep the learning in front of us. Sincerely, Darla Stumpp, Principal Aurora Hills Middle School LATE START EVERY WEDNESDAY - CLASSES BEGIN AT 10:00 AM TCAP Testing at Aurora Hills March 4-22 Calendar March 4-22 TCAP Testing 9 Special Education Resource Fair 9:00am -1:00pm @ AHills Solo & Ensemble Festival @ Quest 9:00am 12 3RD QUARTER ENDS PTSO / Accountability Joint meeting 6:30 pm 15 Teacher Work Day NO CLASSES 18 Girls Basketball Practice Begins (7th & 8th grade) 18 Soccer Practice Begins (7th & 8th grade) 25-29 SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES April 1 RETURN FROM SPRING BREAK 2 Family Book Club 6:30 pm 4 All School Musical 7:00pm 9 Spanish Speaking Parent Coffee 9-11am PTSO / Accountability Joint meeting 6:30 pm Wheeling / AHills Concert 6:00pm 16 Honor Orchestra / Band Festival @ Hinkley 7:00pm 18 Talent Show 6:00pm 20 Festival of the Arts @ Aurora Town Center May 2 5th Grade Parent Night 5:30-7:00pm 7 Band Concert 7:00pm 8 Drama Club Play 6:00pm 9 Orchestra Concert 7:00pm 14 PTSO / Accountability Joint meeting 6:30 pm 15 Piano Recital 6:00pm 16 Choir Concert 6:00pm 20 Teacher In-Service Day NO CLASSES 21 8th grade Festivities 22 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS 23 Teacher Work Day 27 MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY 28 5th Block Instruction begins Athletics Girls Basketball Practice begins March 18th Soccer Practice begins March 18th
TCAP Testing TCAP, the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program, is Colorado s standards-based assessment designed to provide a picture of student performance to schools, parents, and the community. The purposes of the TCAP are to determine the level at which Colorado students meet the Colorado Model Content Standards in the content areas assessed and to measure the progress of Colorado students over time. The TCAP provides a snapshot of student achievement in reading, writing, mathematics, and science. To Prepare Your Child for TCAP Testing Here are some tips for parents to help their children do their best everyday and especially during the TCAP testing period. We ask for your help in the following areas. Help your child prepare by doing the following: Get a good night s sleep (at least 8-10 hours). Eat a healthy breakfast. Arrive at school on time and be here for the testing period. (please reschedule any appointments for after the testing if possible). Have a positive can do student attitude. Plan ahead to ensure that your child is present and on time for the test. Do not plan any medical or dental appointments on testing days. Bring at least two #2 wooden pencils to the testing session. Mechanical pencils will not successfully scan this test. What are some test-taking tips that will help my child take TCAP? Remind your child to: Read the test directions carefully. Read the questions carefully and be sure to read all of the answer choices before responding. If you don t know an answer to a question, skip it and go on to the next question. If there is time at the end of the test, then return to the unanswered question. Eliminate any answers that you know are wrong, and then consider only those that might be right. If you finish early, check your answers. Reminder Regarding Student Messages The office staff at Aurora Hills will work with you regarding emergency messages for your student. Please remember that when we call your student out of class for a non-emergency message not only are we interrupting the class but your student will be missing instructional time while they are out of the classroom. If information about transportation, doctor appointments, etc. is not available before your child leaves for school, please instruct your child to check with you during the day for an update. Visitors to Schools In order to ensure that no unauthorized persons enter buildings, all visitors to school buildings or district facilities during regular business hours must enter through the main/front entrance and report to the main school office where they shall show proper identification, describe the nature of their visit, sign in and receive a visitor s pass. APS Code: KI
APS Weather Closures or Delays When inclement weather hits our city, APS staff members assess conditions beginning just after midnight to determine how the weather will impact the school day. Should we need to close schools or delay the start of the school day, Superintendent John L. Barry and staff will make the decision as early as possible. Once a decision is made, information about the decision is shared as soon as possible with all media and posted on the APS website, Facebook, and Twitter. The closure or delay notice is also recorded on the APS Emergency Line at 303-326-1080 and sent to parent phones using our automated calling system. Should APS staff make the decision to delay school, the school day would begin one hour later than normal. Staff members are expected to arrive at school as close to their regular start time as is safely possible as some students will arrive on time. APS buses will pick up students one hour later than normal. Our top priority is to keep students and staff as safe as possible. Please note: A delayed start does not change regular pick-up times at the end of the school day. For more information about school closures or delays, visit http://aurorak12.org/schools/ weather-closures. Yearbooks! The yearbook is now on sale for $15.00. Don t miss out, order your copy today! Contact Ms. Freese, Room C113 for more information. 2013 Community Update Now Available The Aurora Public Schools Community Update is now available at aurorak12.org/update. This update provides information about student academic progress including TCAP results, School Performance Framework reports, and teacher quality data for the 2011-12 school year. If you would like a printed copy of the data, contact the APS Communication Department at 303-365-7805. Ahora está disponible el Informe 2013 para la comunidad El Informe 2013 para la comunidad de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora está ahora disponible en aurorak12.org/update. Este informe provee información acerca del progreso académico de los alumnos, incluyendo los resultados de la evaluación TCAP, los reportes School Performance Framework (marco de rendimiento de la escuela) y datos de la calidad de maestros, para el año escolar 2011-12. Si usted desea una copia impresa de los datos, comuníquese con el APS Communication Department (Departamento de Comunicación de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora) al 303-365-7805. Math Support for Students After School Tutoring Tuesday and Thursday 4:00 5:00 pm January 17 May 16, 2013 Computer Lab 1 *Limited Activity Bus Available with stops located at Century, Jewell, Gateway and 14805 E Walsh Drive IXL Math Online Colorado State Based Standards Online Lessons & Practice WWW.IXL.com/signin/AuroraHills *Students are provided a login and password from their Math teacher Acuity At Home Instructional Resources & Practice https://www.acuityathome.com/index.jsp User Name 8 digit Student ID Password Student s Full Legal First Name Check the box My District Uses Single sign-on
Apoyo en Matemáticas para los Estudiantes Tutoría Después de Escuela. Martes y jueves de 4:00 5:00 pm Del 17 de Enero al 16 de Mayo de 2013 En el laboratorio de computadoras #1 *La actividad del camión escolar es limitada y estará disponible en las paradas localizadas en Century, Jewell, Gateway y 14805 E Walsh Drive. La Página de Internet IXL en Matemáticas. Los estándares basados en el Estado de Colorado Lecciones & practicas en línea WWW.IXL.com/signin/AuroraHills *A los estudiantes se les proveerá un registro y una contraseña de sus maestros de matemáticas. La Evaluación conocida por sus siglas Acuity en Casa. Recursos de Instrucción & Practica https://www.acuityathome.com/index.jsp Nombre del Usuario Identificación del estudiante 8 dígitos Contraseña Primer nombre legal complete del estudiante. Marque la caja my distrito usa señalando sign-on Family Book Club Bringing our community together as we support the literacy development of our students April 2, 2013 6:30 pm in the ILC Book Club selections: April 2, 2013 The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time by Mark Haddon The Warrior s Heart by Eric Greitens Aurora Hills Middle School Spanish Speaking Families Please join us for coffee 9:00 11:00 am Tuesday, April 9, 2013 Book Selection The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Meet with Darla Stumpp, Principal Let us know how we can help your child be successful Get to know your neighbors Child care provided Spanish translation provided Escuela Secundaria Aurora Hills Familias Del Habla Español Por favor acompáñennos a un Café 9:00 11:00 am Martes, 09 de abril de 2013 Encontrarse con la Directora Darla Stumpp. Déjenos saber cómo podemos ayudar a su hijo a ser exitoso. Conocer a sus vecinos. Se proveerá cuidado de niños. Se proveerá traducción al español. AHills PTSO/ Accountability Join the Aurora Hills Middle School Parent Teacher Student Organization PTSO / Accountability Committee. Upcoming PTSO/Accountability Joint Meetings 6:30pm in the ILC: March 12, 2013 April 9, 2013 May 14, 2013
Cafeteria Information STUDENT LUNCH - $2.35 ADULT LUNCH - $3.35 Aurora Hills has one snack line with a variety of items that range in price $1.00 - $2.35. Prices for each item are posted at each snack line. FREE/REDUCED APPLICATIONS - Available at the main line register. The snack line items are not included in the free or reduced lunch program. Students and staff may put checks or cash into accounts every school day 8:00 am - 10:15 am and 10:45 am - 2:30 pm at the main line register. CAFETERIA HOURS 8:00 am - 10:15 am CLOSED 10:15 am - 10:45 am 10:45 am - 2:30 pm If you have any further questions, please contact Mary McMullin, Cafeteria Manager at 303-341- 7450 extension 25006. Aurora Hills Mustangs of the Quarter! By Ms. Pearcey Aurora Hills proudly presents our Mustangs of Quarter 2! These students have great attendance, all 3 s and 4 s for work habit scores, are proficient or advanced in at least half of their classes and are wonderful students to be around. May we now introduce: EryKah Williams is our 8th Grade Mustang of the Quarter at Aurora Hills! She was originally nominated by Mr. Elliot, though Mr. Potoczak and Ms. Van Wagener were among others who spoke up in support of her nomination. In addition to receiving all 3 s and 4 s for work habit scores in all her classes, she is also Advanced in Social Studies, Science, and Applied Technology. She is very principled in her classes getting caught up in Spanish class and going far beyond what is asked of her. EryKah is a model to any middle school student and young person. Our 7th grade Mustang of the Quarter at Aurora Hills is Jasmin Villasenor! Jasmin caught the eye of Mrs. Ryan in Literacy class by being a risk taker and not being afraid to try new things, ask questions or speak up in front of her peers. Jasmin not only earned all 3 s and 4 s for her work habit grades in quarter 2, but she is also Advanced in Social Studies, Orchestra and Science. Her Science teacher, Mrs. Griego, added that Jasmin modeled inquiry by always thinking of ways to do better as a student. All of Jasmin s teachers agree they are honored to be her teacher. Aurora Hills is thrilled to honor 6th grader Pieter Sahertian with Mustang of the Quarter! In addition to getting the nod from fellow Mustang of the Quarter recipient Xander Juarez, Ms. Hobein nominated Pieter for his work in Band, where he earned an Advanced grade. He is also Advanced in Applied Technology and Social Studies and earned all 3 s and 4 s for his quarter 2 work habits. Pieter balances his work as a student by always taking his instrument home to practice and paying attention to everything happening in class while also being a leader since day one and not being afraid to play solos each week to show his progress. Check out their photos and bios in the display case near the gym and tell them Awesome job! next time you see them wearing their personalized shirts Jasmin Villasenor, EryKah Williams and Pieter Sahertian
Special Education Resource Fair By Ms. Wolff The Special Education Advisory Council is having a Resource Fair on Saturday, March 9, 2013, 9:00 am 1:00pm at Aurora Hills Middle School. There will be many booths with information for families with special needs. Also, at the fair will be the Chick-Fil-A Cow, Police Officers from the DARE Program, and a fire truck and firemen from the Aurora Fire Department. Attention Parents/Guardians Have you moved? Does Aurora Public Schools have a current address on file for you? If not, you will need to visit Centralized Admissions (no appointment necessary) to complete the Student Demographic Change form. You must bring current ***proof of address and a photo I.D. with you. Frequently Asked Questions Q. If I move from one address to another within APS, how do I enroll my child at the new school? Does my child have to change schools? Any time a family changes their address, they must visit our Centralized Admissions site to verify residency and complete the Student Demographic Change Form. Once the address is verified, parents will be notified if there will be a change of school. If there is a change of school, you will be issued an admissions slip to take to the new school. If the parent s address changes during the school year and the new address is no longer within the boundaries of the school, but still within the District, the student may complete the school year at the school the student is currently attending. A student who becomes a nonresident of the District during the school year shall be allowed to complete the current school year in the school that the student is attending, unless that school becomes unavailable by the action of the Board of Education. Q. I have several children that attend different schools. Will I need to contact them, too? No. Centralized Admissions will change the address and Centralized Admissions will notify each school. Q. If several families live at the same address will this change the address for every family? No. Each family has a separate household even if they share the same address. The parent/legal guardian of each family is responsible for changing their own address. Q. Where do I go and what are the hours? Centralized Admissions is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointment necessary. This office is open year-round (including fall, spring and summer breaks) but closed district holidays and winter break. Centralized Admissions Office: 1085 Peoria Street, Aurora, CO 80011 (SW corner of 11th Ave and Peoria St) Contact us by phone at 303-326-2200 or fax at 303-326-1292 ***For specific document requirements or to learn more about Centralized Admissions visit http://admissions.aurorak12.org.
Atención padres/tutores Se han cambiado de domicilio? Tiene el distrito escolar de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora su dirección actual registrada? Si su respuesta es no, entonces necesitarán visitar una oficina de Centralized Admissions (la de matriculación centralizada), en cuales no se necesita hacer cita, para completar la forma FORMA DE CAMBIOS DEMOGRÁFICOS DEL ESTUDIANTE. Tiene que traer un ***comprobante actual de dirección y una identificación con fotografía. Preguntas comunes Pregunta: Si me cambio de domicilio a otro que también está dentro del distrito escolar de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora, entonces cómo matriculo a mi hijo en la escuela nueva? Mi hijo necesitaría cambiarse de escuela? Cada vez que una familia se cambia de domicilio, ellos deben visitar el sitio de Matriculación Centralizada para comprobar su dirección y llenar la Forma de cambios demográficos del estudiante. Una vez que se compruebe la dirección, se les notificará a los padres si habrá que cambiar de escuela o no. Si hay cambio de escuela, a ustedes se les entregará una nota de admisión (una admissions slip ) para llevarla a la escuela nueva. Si se cambia la dirección de los padres durante el ciclo escolar y la dirección nueva no está dentro de los límites de la escuela pero aún está dentro de los límites del distrito escolar, entonces el estudiante puede terminar el ciclo escolar en la escuela a la cual asiste actualmente. El estudiante que se convierte durante el ciclo escolares en una persona que no es habitante del distrito escolar se le permitirá terminar el ciclo escolar actual en la escuela a la cual asiste, a menos que no se pueda ofrecer esa escuela por alguna acción que tome el Consejo Directivo de Educación. Pregunta: Tengo varios hijos que asisten a diferentes escuelas. Tengo que contactar con las escuelas también? No. La oficina de Matriculación Centralizada cambiará la dirección y Matriculación Centralizada notificará a cada escuela. Pregunta: Si varias familias viven en la misma dirección, esto cambiará la dirección para cada familia? No. Cada familia tiene un hogar aparte aunque tengan la misma dirección. El padre/tutor de cada familia es responsable por cambiar su propia dirección. Pregunta: A dónde voy y cuáles son las horas de oficina? La oficina de Centralized Admissions (las de matriculación centralizada) está abierta de lunes a viernes, desde las 7:30 a.m. hasta las 4:00 p.m. No se necesita hacer una cita. Esta oficina está abierta durante todo el año (abierta durante los recesos de otoño, primavera y verano), pero está cerrada durante los días festivos del distrito escolar y el receso de invierno. El sitio Centralized Admissions (las de matriculación centralizada) está en la dirección. 1085 Peoria Street, Aurora, CO 80011 (En la esquina al sudoeste de 11 avenida y St de Peoria) Llámenos por teléfono al 303-326-2200, o envíenos un fax al 303-326-1292 ***Para requerimientos específicos de documentos o para aprender más sobre la matriculación centralizada, visite el sitio en la Internet: http://admissions.aurorak12.org.
Fifth Block Offered May 2013 Aurora Public Schools offers a voluntary Fifth Block of Instruction for students who have shown academic growth during the school year and who could benefit most from additional learning time. The Fifth Block of Instruction is designed for any student who has demonstrated evidence of growth in math and literacy and who have the most potential to make progress toward proficiency. Priority is given to students who are not proficient in both literacy and math, both unsatisfactory and partially proficient. Invitations will be offered to incoming second through incoming tenth graders who are not yet proficient but demonstrate evidence of growth. Fifth Block also includes incoming fourth graders who are low proficient in reading and incoming sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth graders who are low proficient in math. Students must have had continuous enrollment in APS for at least one year (March to March) consistent attendance and overall good behavior. Fifth Block is provided to students at no additional cost to parents. Students are generally taught in their own schools using district curriculum. Class size is set at a 25 to 1 ratio. The regular school year runs from August 7, 2012 May 22, 2013. The Fifth Block of Instruction will be offered from May 28 to June 28 for the 2012-13 school year. School staff will notify parents of recommended students beginning March 1, 2013 and parents must notify the school to accept participation of their child in Fifth Block by April 16, 2013. Transportation, breakfast/lunch and nursing services will be available to students. There will be no need to reapply for free or reduced lunch. For more information about Fifth Block of Instruction, please visit fifthblock.aurorak12.org. Fifth Block se ofrece en mayo de 2013 El distrito escolar de las Escuelas Públicas de Aurora (Aurora Public Schools, o APS) ofrece una Fifth Block of Instruction (Quinta Sesión de Instrucción), en cual la inscripción es de forma voluntaria, para los alumnos que han demostrado progreso académico durante el ciclo escolar y que son los que más podrían beneficiarse de tiempo adicional de aprendizaje. La Fifth Block of Instruction, ha sido diseñada para cualquier alumno que ha demostrado evidencia de crecimiento en matemáticas y alfabetización, y que tiene el mayor potencial de progresar hacia el nivel de competencia. Se les da prioridad a los alumnos que no son competentes en ambas materias alfabetización y matemáticas, ambos de nivel insatisfactorio y parcialmente competente. Las invitaciones serán ofrecidas a los alumnos que ingresarán al segundo a décimo grado, que todavía no sean competentes, pero que muestran evidencia de crecimiento. Fifth Block también incluye a los alumnos que ingresarán al cuarto grado y que están a nivel de competencia baja en lectura y a los alumnos que ingresarán al sexto, séptimo, octavo, noveno y décimo grado y que están a nivel de competencia baja en matemáticas. Los alumnos deben de haber estado matriculados continuamente en APS por lo menos durante un año (desde marzo hasta el siguiente marzo), haber asistido a clases en forma regular y haber tenido una buena conducta en general. Fifth Block es provista a los alumnos sin ningún costo adicional para los padres. Los alumnos generalmente reciben la enseñanza en sus propias escuelas usando el plan de estudios del distrito. El tamaño de la clase se establece en una proporción de 25 alumnos por cada maestro. El año escolar regular es del 7 de agosto de 2012 al 22 de mayo de 2013. Fifth Block of Instruction será ofrecida del 28 de mayo al 28 de junio para el año escolar 2012-2013. Empezando el 1 de marzo de 2013, el personal escolar notificará a los padres de los alumnos que se recomienda que asistan, y los padres tienen que notificar a la escuela para confirmar la participación de sus hijos en Fifth Block no más tarde del 16 de abril de 2013. Los servicios de transporte, desayuno/almuerzo y enfermería, estarán disponibles para los alumnos. Los padres no tendrán que solicitar nuevamente las comidas gratuitas o de precio reducido. Para más información acerca de Fifth Block of Instruction, por favor visite fifthblock.aurorak12.org.
Research Projects Deepen Scientific Understanding for Aurora Hills Scholars By Mr. Neel Are kids capable of thinking like scientists? To answer this question, students explored the natural world by doing inquiry research projects related to their interests. In January, seventh and eighth graders from Aurora Hills competed at the first annual Lotus Middle School science fair. Research projects ranged from the big bang theory, saline solutions that conduct electricity, psychological testing, solar cooking, and homemade glue. Eighth grader, Gina Ramey, placed in the top ten for her project about the electrical properties of salt water. Kabsa Abdi was the only seventh grader to compete at Lotus and she presented her research about the formation of the universe. There were judges from the University of Colorado-Boulder physics department and Colorado State University-Pueblo. Students had the opportunity to speak to scientists about their research projects and ask questions. When one of the judges was asked if kids are able to think like scientists, he responded by saying, It s not that kids aren t scientists, it s that scientists are big kids. Developing a sense of playfulness about learning is how scientists of all ages inquire about the world around them. In addition, a special thanks to Mr. Potoczak for coaching the four eighth grade teams. Reading in Spanish at Wheeling By Ms. Pedersen This year the seventh grade honors Spanish class has been given a wonderful IB (International Baccalaureate) opportunity. The students are using their Spanish language skills to read to the students at Wheeling Elementary School. Our seventh graders are reading Spanish storybooks to their kindergarten buddies. In addition, the students have sung songs and played games with the kindergarteners. It has been a wonderful experience for the Wheeling and Aurora Hills students alike. Bridges are being built and role models are being looked up to. What a wonderful way to spread the positive energy about bilingualism and its benefits. Hats off to the Aurora Hills seventh grade honors students and Wheeling Elementary kindergartners alike! Kabsa Abdi and a judge from the University of Colorado-Boulder physics department share ideas about the big bang theory. Aurora Hills science coaches and scholars from right to left Mr. Potoczak, Christian Bernal, Erykah Williams, Gina Ramey, Kabsa Abdi, Alprintis Bohannan, Vanessa Cardona, and Mr. Neel Hendrick Lopez-Beltran reads to Christopher Diaz and Luis Verduzco Janus Tomas reads to Michelle Cartwright
Brigadier General Visits Aurora Hills By Mr. Stoddard Mr. Stoddard s 6th grade Social Studies classes had a guest speaker on February 21st. Brigadier General Dennis Beasley (U.S. Air Force retired) presented pictures and experiences from his most recent trip to Peru and Bolivia. 6th graders spent the first two months of 3rd quarter learning about the last great South American civilization, the Inca. General Beasley focused his presentation on pre-columbian settlements and architecture including the Inca. The presentation was a great success and was a wonderful way to end the Inca Empire Unit. IB Turns Inquiry into Action By Ms. Getzel, IB Coordinator At its core, the IB is an inquiry-driven program. It is through inspiring our students to know more and by asking them to invest in real-world problems that the MYP inspires meaningful learning. The MYP Inquiry Cycle describes our learning process. This was especially true in the January 24 No Place for Hate training. Thirty student leaders representing all three grades spent the entire day with two extraordinary trainers from the Anti-Defamation League. Though our topic for the day was cyber- bullying, the students who attended left with a much fuller awareness of the peer issues that sometimes plague middle school. More importantly, they learned how to take action to support the victim by moving from being a bystander to becoming an ally who can confront a bully. In order to build a more positive school climate at Aurora Hills, our student leaders want to help their improve their interactions through showing more respect toward others and treat each other better through posters, announcements, painting waste baskets with positive themes and forming a network of positive-thinking kids. Watch for their actions! Aurora Hills Middle School IS a No Place for Hate school! Concept Statement: When we take care of others, we show our respect and concern for them. Unit Question: How can my actions toward others build community? How can I help?
Expressions of an Activist By Ms. Getzel, IB Coordinator Activists are people who Make a better world in a peaceful way Are caring Do what is right Change society Overcome personal risk Take action Are or become leaders Are principled Eight outstanding Aurora Hills students volunteered their time to research and write about an activist of their choice, prepare a speech as the person they researched and then greeted parents, students and teachers at parent-teacher conferences in January. These extraordinary scholars spent hours reading, writing and preparing their performances so that our community could better understand the power of principled action. Which of these famous activists did you meet? Kudos for our Wonderful Building By Ms. Getzel, IB Coordinator Many thanks to the Aurora Hills staff and especially Ms. Lentz s art program for making our building a place where learning shines. Over the past several months we have had a number of visitors to the building, all of whom have oohed and aahed at our bulletin boards, display cases and walls. In November we hosted the IB ARMS Symposium where MYP art teachers from the front range took photos and arranged phone calls to find out more about our school s programs. Teachers from Gateway high school also took a tour of our facility, and were properly impressed! Art Teachers marvel at this light Bravo to all! sculpture Amelia Earhart Duke Ellington Martin Luther King, Jr. Michelle Obama Rosa Parks Steven Spielberg Malcolm X Our Greeter played by Siera Brown played by Peyton Guy played by Chris Szarka played by Crystal Anderson played by Brooke Colman played by Ian Andrysiak played by Amiya O Brien Stephanie Davis Teacher from Saudi Arabia Comes to Learn from Aurora Hills By Ms. Getzel, IB Coordinator What s a Korean-American teacher from Arapahoe County doing in a place like Saudi Arabia? The answer: Grace Hyun works with students who need learning support at the Kaust School, a progressive forward-looking school that is funded by the King of Saudi Arabia! Amiya O Brien as Malcom X We were fortunate to have Ms. Hyun visit our school while she was home in Colorado in January. She met with teachers, visited classes and was particularly interested in talking with and learning from our special education and English language learning staff. She shared her own experiences as a single woman in Saudi Arabia and helped us understand the role that the Saudi culture plays on the educational system, especially for girls. She opened our eyes and our minds to a world we never knew. We are grateful that she chose to visit Aurora Hills. Ms. Hyun with Mrs. Getzel