Todd Online

Mrs. Rogers’ Life Science classes participated in an online debate with Life Science classes taught by Mr. Rogers in the Pawling Middle School.  The course was designed using the secure online class management tool called Moodle.  After completing research on stem cells students participated by responding online to questions.  The Spackenkill students took the pro stem cell research position while Pawling took the opposing viewpoint. To make reading and responding easier students in Spackenkill responded in green and Pawling responded in orange.  Students were eager and motivated to share their ideas using this online tool.  Below are screen shots of the main page and an example of a response page.

Todd Middle School Student Government hosted a breakfast for our local senior citizens. The festivities included catered breakfast and music performed by several Todd students and our Jazz Band. Student Government concluded the breakfast with a raffle in which our guests could win a variety of prizes. Our staff and students look forward to sharing in this Todd tradition each year.

Click on the link below to hear the Todd Jazz Band play at the breakfast.

Todd Jazz Band

TODD MIDDLE SCHOOL

SITE BASE MEETING

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 28, 2007

Steven Malkischer began the meeting by talking about how we can help parents get ideas to keep kids organized. He found out from parents that the most difficult transition is from 5^th grade to 6^th grade and a discussion on a more comprehensive orientation regarding organization and study skills took place. The committee agreed on a more comprehensive orientation.

Steve presented options to provide the instruction:

• during students arrival

• evening to the parents

Steve explained what Mrs. Barnett’s presentation was about at the last PTA meeting-improving communication between school and parents. Mr. Nobles will speak at the next PTA meeting on 1/28/08 at 7PM and share with the parents what Project Lead The Way is all about.

The committee discussed when it would be a good time to provide instruction on organization and study skills:

• during the summer – two different sessions

• during the school year – after school

• offer it to 5^th graders who will be 6^th graders in Sept. (send something home with the 5^th grade in June)

• at the end of the year have the 6^th grade teachers go to the elementary schools and have a program while the kids are in school

Steve asked the committee to think about it more and that he will talk to the teachers. The committee agreed there is definitely a need for it. He said that at the next meeting the committee will come up with a proposal.

The next topic that Steve talked about was “The Big Read”. He suggested the book Hatchet. He said that the site team should come up with 3 or 4 books for the students to vote on.

Mary Gugumuck said that she can contact Polly Sparling since Polly worked with Joel Miller for money or a donation for the reading books for Nassau. The committee talked about how much money each book should be and how many are needed. Steve responded that 500 books should be enough for the students and teachers.

Mary asked how the Technology Survey went and Steve informed the committee that every child has taken it. Teachers and administration have taken it and we are getting more parents to take it.

The idea of a Spaghetti Dinner came up in discussion again. The committee is all for it.

Steve told the committee that his BLOG is up and running. He explained that when you access it, you can hear an interview between Steve and Mr. Nobles. Mr. Nobles explains what Project Lead the Way is all about. There is a video from the Washington D.C. wreath laying ceremony, students with Mrs. Joy involved with the Oprah program – O Ambassadors, the next PTA meeting info and the daily morning announcements.

Todd Middle School Students Become O Ambassadors

Students from Todd Middle Schools Environmental Club were accepted into Oprah’s Angel Network and the O Ambassadors program. With the help of teachers Allison Bundy and Elyse Joy, students will become O Ambassadors and help to raise funds and awareness for local and international areas of concern. Our focus for the initial start of the program will be East Africa. The O Ambassador team will be open to students of all grades who want to make a difference in this world. Our first fund raiser is to collect and sell used cell phones. If you have any old cell phones that you wish donate, please drop them off to any one of the Spackenkill Schools. Boxes will be available in the lobby of each building. Don’t just sit there, join our team! Parents and community residents are encouraged to get involved and share their ideas with us. To become an O Ambassador, contact Mrs. Joy or Ms. Bundy at 463-7830.