News from East Hills 4-21-17

SCHOOL NEWS

Principal's Message 4-21-17

Dear East Hills School Community:

East Hills administration, counselors, teachers, and staff had the pleasure this week of meeting with several families during Parent-Teacher Conferences. If you missed conferences or were unable to speak with all your child's teachers during conferences, please do not hesitate to contact them or the main office with any questions you may have.

This week we also began our final preparations for the annual eighth-grade trip to Washington D.C. Mrs Konzen and Mr. Massucci met with families reviewing details for this year's trip. The trip for DC leaves early on Wednesday, May 3 and returns late Friday, May 5 (possibly very early Saturday morning). There will be more details in next week's listserv outlining important information about the trip.

On behalf of the East Hills staff, I would also like to send out a special thank you for all the wonderful goodies and treats we received this week from our students, families, and the PTO as part of Staff Appreciation Week. We are truly blessed to work and to teach in such an amazing school community with tremendous students and families.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
-John F. Kennedy

Jason

Jason Rubel
Principal
East Hills Middle School
Bloomfield Hills Schools
(248) 341-6205
Twitter: @EastHills5_8
East Hills Middle School Website
"Enabling learners to become architects of their futures. . ."

Next Week's A/B Schedule:
Mon., April 24 - B Day
Tues., April 25 - A Day
Wed., April 26 - B Day
Thurs., April 27 - A Day
Fri., April 28 - B Day

KEY DATES
The following are upcoming key dates for the school year. Our full calendar for the year can be accessed on our website.
-Sat., April 22 Spring Forensics Tournament at BHHS
-Wed.-Fri., May 3-5 8th Grade DC Trip
-Tues., May 9 5th Grade In-School Musical Performance (9:30 a.m.) RESCHEDULED
-Wed., May 10 PTO Meeting (9:30 a.m.)
-Thurs., May 11 5th Grade Community Evening Musical Performance (7:00 p.m.) RESCHEDULED
-Fri., May 12 Progress Report #4 (6th/7th/8th Grades)
-Wed., May 17 6th/7th/8th Grade Band & Orchestra Concert (7:00 p.m.)
-Fri., May 19 Ice Cream Social (6:00-9:00 p.m.)
-Tues., May 23 Vocal Music Concert - All Grades (5th/6th/7th/8th) (7:00 p.m.)
-Thurs., May 25 8th Grade Breakfast (8:15 a.m.)
-Fri., May 26 1/2 Day - Move Up Day (11:35 a.m. Dismissal)
-Mon., May 29 No School - Memorial Day

Spring Forensics Tournament Information (Saturday, April 22)

The Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association will host the annual Spring Individual Events Tournament for middle school students on Saturday, April 22, at Bloomfield Hills High School. The East Hills Forensics Team will all meet at Bloomfield Hills High School on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in the main lobby area by the auditorium front doors and big staircase. Students and families will need to provide their own transportation to BHHS. There will be three rounds of competition in various speech activities and awards to the Top 12 in each event.

EVERYONE PLEASE PACK YOUR OWN SACK LUNCH OR LUNCHBOX. THERE WILL BE LIMITED NUMBERS OF LUNCHES TO BUY ON SATURDAY SO PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH WITH YOU TO THE TOURNAMENT!

What to bring with you on Saturday:

1) THREE COPIES OF YOUR SCRIPT/FORENSICS PIECE

2) SACK LUNCH (NO NUTS) OR LUNCHBOX AND BOTTLED WATER

3) PENCILS/PENS

4) LIGHT JACKET (WEATHER SHOULD BE 60 DEGREES...BUT IT'S MICHIGAN)

5) DRESS NICELY...TO IMPRESS...AND SUITED FOR YOUR PIECE (NO COSTUME)

6) CHAIR, CUBE, OR STOOL (IF NEEDED....KEEP TRACK OF IT ALL DAY)

7) SPENDING MONEY FOR SOUVENIRS AND SNACKS (optional $5-$20)

8) CELL PHONE TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH TEAMMATES, PARENTS AND/OR YOUR TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM BLOOMFIELD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

TOURNAMENT LOCATION:

Bloomfield Hills High School

4200 Andover, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:

8:00a Building Open

8:15 - 8:45a Registration

9:00 - 9:20a General Meeting

9:00 - 9:20a Judges Meeting

9:15a Limited Prep Begins

9:45 - 11:00a Round 1

11:00 - 12:15p Round 2

12:00 -1:00p Lunch

1:15 - 2:30p Round 3

3:00 - 4:00p Awards

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION.

PLEASE CONTACT MR. SCHUMACHER WITH ANY QUESTIONS AT:

JSCHUMACHER@BLOOMFIELD.ORG OR (248)-341-6717

PTO Fundraiser Saturday, April 22 (11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)

Come to Bruegger's Saturday, April 22, 11 am - 1:30 pm to get great food and support the PTO Activities. Just prior to the Grand Re-Opening of Bruegger's, they are doing a staff training day and we get to earn money. All money donated for food that day goes directly to East Hills - Bruegger's keeps none of it! Click HERE for the attached flyer for more information.

8th Grade Court in School with Judge Small - Tuesday, April 25

On Tuesday, April 25, East Hills will be hosting Court in School with Judge Kimberly Small presiding. Students in 8th grade will hear a presentation from Judge Small and see her courtroom in action! Eighth graders are encouraged to dress appropriately for court and arrive to school on time as court will begin during first hour.

Buddy Bench Fundraiser - Hat Day ($1.00) - April 28

As part of a 5th Grade Genius Hour Project, East Hills will be participating in another Hat Day fundraiser to purchase a Buddy Bench to go with our recently selected new elementary playground structure. Eastover currently has a Buddy Bench, and our fifth graders wanted to bring that tradition to East Hills. Our goal is to raise close to $600 by having students and staff pay $1 to wear a hat at school on Friday, April 28. To participate, students will bring their dollars to their fifth-grade teachers or middle school block teacher for collection. Additional donations will also be accepted. Please consider supporting this great cause!

Save the Date - Ice Cream Social - May 19 (6:00-9:00 PM)

Please join us for our annual Ice Cream Social on Friday May 19th from 6-9pm. This is a family event with lots of great activities for the kids! More details to come soon.

Hope to see everyone there! :)

~The East Hills PTO

BHS Foundation Prize Patrol - Dr. Strasberger Won a Foundation Grant

The BHS Foundation Prize Patrol was on the move throughout the district last week. Dr. Strasberger, East Hills teacher won a grant for his Water Bottles: An Introduction into Creating an Online Business proposal. Congratulations to Dr. Strasberger and thank you to the BHS Foundation. Thank you to all who have donated to the Foundation. Please consider contributing to the Foundation in the future - it is making a real difference for our students!

Math Placement Information

As a building, we completed the course selection process in March, and now that the last quarter of the 2016-17 school year is well under way, we are starting to think about math placement for next year. Regarding math placement, we know most children are appropriately placed within their grade level; however, some students have demonstrated potential for success through grade-up math acceleration. Soon (likely early May), we will send more information about the math acceleration process, test administration, and final placement notification.

Limited Number of Yearbooks Still Available

There is a limited number of yearbooks that can be purchased. Order forms can be found in the office. Please return the form and payment to Mrs. Tripp in Room 204.

High School News for Current 8th Graders

The Band and Orchestra Program has announced important Marching Band dates for fall 2017, Symphony Band Auditions, and an Orlando Trip in February 2018. CLICK HERE for more details.

The Girls Golf Program is hosting a clinic for grades 6, 7, and 8 on 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, and 5/17 from 4-5 p.m. at Carls Golf Land. The cost is $10 per session. If interested, please RSVP to harrington0811@yahoo.com or 248.941.8091. CLICK HERE for more details.

5th Grade Musical: Seussical the Musical - Rescheduled AGAIN - Updated Evening Performance - Now May 11

We have ANOTHER DATE CHANGE for just the evening performance for the 5th Grade Musical - it is now scheduled for Thursday, May 11 at 7:00 p.m. The change was made to be accommodating of a district event that is scheduled for the evening of May 9. The In-School Performance will still be Tuesday, May 9 at 9:30 a.m. The only other schedule change is adding an additional rehearsal on Wednesday, May 10 from 3:15-5:15 p.m. Please see below for the updated Practice/Rehearsal and Performance Schedules for the 5th Grade Musical - Seussical the Musical. Thanks for flexibility and understanding - see the specifics below.

Thanks to all the fifth-grade students who auditioned for ensemble and character roles in our upcoming musical, Seussical the Musical. Many talented fifth-grade students auditioned making the selection process difficult. Attached at the bottom of this message is the cast list (including ensemble & character roles).

All fifth graders may be a part of the chorus if they choose, and no audition is required for the chorus. All music will be taught in the fifth grade general music class with Mr. Schumacher. Rehearsals for the acting portions and speaking roles for the show will be held after school.

Some Important Rehearsal Dates for Speaking Parts

• 4/12; 4/19; 4/26; and 5/3 from 3:05-5:15 p.m. (in either the drama room (room 405) or the cafeteria

Some Important Rehearsal and Performance Dates for All Fifth-Grade Students

• Dress Rehearsal (with costumes) for everyone in the show: Monday, May 8 from 3:15-5:15 p.m. in the cafeteria.

• In-School Performance: Tuesday, May 9 at 9:30 a.m.

• Added Rehearsal (with costumes) for everyone in the show: Wednesday, May 10 at 3:15-5:15 p.m.

• RESCHEDULED Evening Performance: Thursday, May 11 at 7:00 p.m. (Students arrive at 5:45 p.m.).

If you have any questions, please email Mr. Schumacher at jschumacher@bloomfield.org

5th Grade Seussical the Musical Cast List 2017

Quarter 3 Report Cards - 6th/7th/8th Grades - Paperless

All progress reports/report cards will be shared with families electronically. Our third quarter report cards for grades 6 – 8 are now available for viewing. Please click here for the East Hills Behavior and Effort Expectations.

As a reminder, progress reports and report cards can be accessed online in your Parent Portal. To login, visit www.bloomfield.org/mybloomfield and enter your username and password. If you don't remember your login information, use the "forgot username and password" link, enter your email address on file, and the system will email it to you. If the email is incorrect or you are still unable to access the portal, please email communications@bloomfield.org for assistance. Instructions for how to view and/or print your student's progress report (which is the same as viewing a report card) after you have logged in to your Parent Portal are available here.

Spotlight on the IB: East Hills Middle Schoo

Balance is the key to everything. What we do, think, say, eat, feel, they all require awareness, and through awareness we can grow. – Koi Fresco

Learner Profile Trait Focus for April: Balanced
As an IB Learner, I am Balanced. I work to stay organized, use my time wisely, and be healthy. With this learner profile attribute, I show commitment towards my learning and show self-discipline and responsibility.

I understand the importance of balancing different aspects of my life-intellectual, physical, and emotional to achieve well-being for myself and others. I recognize my interdependence with other people and with the world in which I live.

Parent Resources:

Video on the Learner Profile: Balanced
Finding the Balance with After-School Activities
Eat, Play, Grow website for healthy balanced nutrition and physical activities for kids.

Julia Beattie
IB-Teacher-Leader
East Hills Middle School
jbeattie@bloomfield.org

Please Take the Community Survey

Please take a moment to complete the 2017 Bloomfield Hills Schools Community Survey! www.bloomfield.org/2017survey The results from this survey guide our thinking for the year(s) to come. Survey closes May 5, 2017 at noon.

2017 Media and Me Competition Results

The Muslim Parents of the Bloomfield Hills School District are happy announce the results of the 2017 Media and Me competition. The judges assessed each entry based on a level category (Gold, Silver, and Bronze). Each essay was reviewed based on multiple criteria and judges completed a scoring rubric allowing up to 30 points for each essay. The rubric highlighted student creativity, presenting two sides of the issue, grammar/well-written/punctuation, and citing adequate resources. These scores were averaged among the judges for each essay and determined which level to be awarded. A summary of the results is shown below.

Seventh Grade
Silver Level:
· Savannah Harphanich (EHMS)

Bronze Level:
· Ben Bower and Brody Cavanaugh (EHMS)

Eighth Grade
Silver Level:
· Vynateya Purimetla (EHMS)

Bronze Level:
· Ekanem Okeke and Zeina Abou Shaar (EHMS)

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all the teachers who guided and encouraged student's participation. We look forward to next year's competition.

Update on Eastover/East Hills 4th Grade Transition 3-31-17

Dear Families:

What a great turnout at the Incoming Fourth and Fifth Grade Parent Orientations at East Hills this month! We have several transition activities and events planned for students and families this spring and at the start of the next school year. Some have already taken place, but more are yet to come. Please see below for your planning purposes.

March 14th - K-8 Science Fair at East Hills
March 23rd - Incoming 5th Grade Parent Orientation at East Hills
March 27th - Incoming 4th Grade Parent Orientation at East Hills
May 1st - May 12th - East Hills administrators, staff and a few students visit Eastover to meet with 3rd and 4th grade students
May 8th and 10th - 3rd grade informance at Eastover (evening performance)
May 9th - 3rd and 4th grade students visit East Hills to watch the 5th Grade Musical
May 19th - Ice Cream Social at East Hills (All 3rd-8th students and families are invited)
May 26th - Move Up Day for current 4th - 7th grade students at East Hills (8th graders visit BHHS)
June 2nd - Move Up Day for current 3rd grade students at East Hills
June 12th - 3rd grade end of the year picnic at Eastover
June 15th - 4th grade informance at Eastover
August 23rd - East Hills registration day and tour / Eastover back to school picnic
August 29th and 30th - Eastover registration days

We also wanted to send home an update before the break so that you are aware of what has transpired regarding the reconfiguration of Eastover into a K-3 building and East Hills into a 4-8 building. We have been working collaboratively to make sure this is a smooth transition for everyone involved.

Actions taken since the February 3rd update include, but are not limited to the following:

Each subcommittee met weekly or biweekly and provided initial recommendations to the Lead Transition Team
Leadership opportunities at Eastover were established for 3rd graders
East Hills students included in subcommittee feedback
Architects and designers rendered drawings for the following:
- New Gateway Space
- New auxiliary spaces, including new entry into greenhouse/courtyard
- Existing Gateway Space (updated furniture)
- Elementary and science classrooms (modified)
- Updated Media Center
- Along with work to generate new learning spaces/meeting areas and offices
Support programming classrooms identified
Transition Website in use, providing updates and answered questions
Timeline established for transition events and activities
Continuing collaboration with staff, parks and recreation, administration, PTO, and students on recommendations for clubs, recreation, and leadership opportunities K-8
Continuing collaboration with regard to continuity for PBIS programs and support for students
Media center staff reviewing the collections to determine the % of books going from Eastover to East Hills and create a recommended budget for needs
A redesign of physical space to meet the needs of K-3 students and families is being explored at Eastover

We welcome involvement from all interested stakeholders; students, families, staff, and the larger community. As we continue to plan the transition of 4th grade from Eastover to East Hills, please use the Q & A form found on the transition website or contact us directly. Over the course of the coming months, we will continue to add more specifics as they become available.

Sincerely,

Carey Crocker, Angie Konzen, and Jason Rubel

Spotlight on Student Learning

7th Grade: Individuals and Societies-Heifer Project

Students sharing projects in the media center

In March, the 7th grade Individuals and Societies students completed a unit on Africa and Heifer International - an organization dedicated to ending world poverty and hunger. They learned about Heifer's initiative to work with communities to end world hunger and poverty while caring for earth.

At the end of this unit, students read article about the different programs within Heifer and created diagrams identifying sustainable solutions to poverty and examining the ripple effect of these solutions. To raise awareness for the Heifer Organization, students' diagrams will be visible in the Gateway Space after break, and some select projects will be submitted to Heifer International for publication on their website.

6th and 8th Grade: Science-Shake Rattle and Roll

Mr. Dorchock and students shake-testing

Students working on their structure

Students testing their structure

The 6th and 8th grade math and science teacher teams are continuing a six-year tradition of the "Shake, Rattle and Roll" project. Students from each grade spent two half-days collaboratively researching and designing earthquake-proof buildings in mixed teams. On day one, students researched, measured and planned out the structure of their buildings. They created a cost-effective building design based on investigation of earthquake proof frameworks and a strict materials budget.

On day two of the project, after students had their plans approved by teachers, they began the building process. Each building was evaluated with sandbag weights and was subject to a series shake-tests. Following the project, students were able to reflect on their design and think of ways to improve it. This project allowed students to work through the IB-MYP design cycle of determining a problem, investigating, planning, creating and reflecting. We were very impressed with student participation, engagement and their innovative designs!

Julia Beattie
IB Teacher Leader
East Hills Middle School
jbeattie@bloomfield.org

M-Step Testing Information

M-Step testing will begin right after Spring Break in April. Please take note of the testing windows for your child below. Block teachers will post their specific testing times on their Moodle or Google Classroom pages as soon as they are available. Teachers have access to practice sessions provided by the State, and have been encouraged to allow students to see samples of the assessments.

We kindly request that out of school appointments not be scheduled during the school day, if possible, while M-Step is going on. Students who are absent during a testing session are pulled from class for make ups.

Thank you in advance for all your efforts to make M-Step testing a positive experience. Best practice informs us that several factors influence test outcomes:

Arriving at school well rested and after having a healthy breakfast.
Approaching the test with a positive attitude.
Taking your time, doing your best, and asking for clarification, when needed.

M-Step Testing Windows
April 10 – May 5: 5th & 8th grades ELA, Math and Social Studies
May 1 – May 26: 6th & 7th grades ELA and Math (7th Grade also takes Science)

For more information, please read this Parent letter from State Superintendent Brian Whiston.

Middle School Athletic News

Attention Parents of Class of 2021

Parents of Class of 2021:

If you were unable to attend parent orientation on Wednesday evening, you may find the presentation HERE or on Bloomfield Hills High School website under School Life in the left-hand column.

The PTO Needs Your Help - Please Consider Making a Donation!

Dear EHMS Families,

The PTO has received a wonderful number of memberships this year, so thank you for your continued involvement! Sadly,
we still have a deficit in our budget for this year. Please click on the appropriate grade level link below for more information about how you can help.

Again, thank you for all your support!

Truly,

Wendy Schwartz
2016-17 PTO President

8th Grade Information

7th Grade Information

6th Grade Information

5th Grade Information

National Junior Honor Society - 8th Grade Students

Dear Families of 8th Grade Students,

This week, Mr. Kalanquin spoke with the eighth-grade class about National Junior Honor Society. This is a national program of recognition for students who achieve well during their eighth-grade year. Students in the eighth grade are eligible to be considered for National Junior Honor Society if they accomplish four separate criteria.The four criteria are: 1. Maintaining a 3.5 grade point average or better throughout their eighth-grade year; 2. Achieving all 1s and 2s in citizenship throughout their eighth-grade year; 3. Writing a one-page essay in which they describe in detail how they showed leadership during their eighth-grade year; 4. Accomplishing 20 hours of community service outside of their school day.

Any eighth grader who accomplishes these four criteria will be admitted to the National Junior Honor Society. The students are acknowledged at the eighth-grade recognition program on the last day of school and receive a National Junior Honor Society certificate.

The forms with the criteria listed and a community service log were made available to all eighth-grade students in their core academic classes. Additional forms are linked below or can be picked up from Mr. Kalanquin. The essay and 20 hours of community service are due by the Tuesday following Memorial Day weekend.

NJHS Criteria
NJHS Community Service Log

Athletics Pay-to-Participate Information

Families must pay the Pay-to-Participate fee before participating in any sport, which includes try-outs. This fee can only be paid online (click here) or through the Athletics and Recreation Department located at the Doyle Center.

If your child will participate in a sport or club at East Hills Middle School this coming school year, you can get a jump start by submitting your Pay to Participate fee to the Bloomfield Hills Athletic Department now. This district-wide fee is required for our students in grades 6, 7 and 8, who participate in any EHMS sport or club. The Pay-to-Participate fee should not be submitted to the EHMS office. Instead, please submit it directly to the athletic department. Options and instructions for payment are explained in the attached documents. Fifth-grade students who participate in a multi-grade sport or club will be advised by the coach or club sponsor when fees are required, so please do not pay fees for your fifth-grade student in advance.

Additionally, students must have a current athletic physical form on file in the EHMS office before participating in any EHMS team sport, in any manner, including tryouts or practices. A physical is considered current if it took place on or after April 15 of the previous school year. The district form, available at the link below, must be completed and signed by your physician. Incomplete or unsigned forms will not be accepted.

Athletic Physical Form

Pay-to-Participate Form

Attention Students and Families!

Do you ever wonder what opportunities and pathways are available for students entering high school? Click here to view the 2016-17 High School Opportunities Packet.

Cavalier Fund Information

To further our mission for equity and inclusion, the East Hills Global Education Team (GET) is pleased to share information about the Cavalier Fund. The purpose of this fund is to provide access for all students to enjoy school activities (e.g., field trips). As a school community, our desire is for all students to have these learning experiences. Our intention is to provide families with a chance to give funds to assist our students in a direct and meaningful way. Look for upcoming forms regarding field trips, school events, and other specific enrichment activities for opportunities to donate. You may specify how your funds will be directed through future communication (field trip forms and other specific events and opportunities). Click on this link to see more details and review an example of how you will be able to participate and to give toward this new fund.

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