Newsletter 12

CLOSING EXERCISES UPDATE:

CLOSING EXERCISES: Closing Exercises for Grade Eight will be held on June 13th, 2012 at 10:00AM sharp. Right now, we are scheduled to have the closing exercises in the Martin Auditorium. The auditorium is freshly painted, and having the ceremony there will be a nice tribute to tradition.  Many classes have had closing exercises in the Martin building.  We will be sending information home about gowns (no caps--those are for high school) soon.  The students have voted on a class song (You Gotta Be, by Des'ree) and also on class superlatives (best smile, etc....).

PLEASE NOTE:  We have high hopes that all 8th graders who are currently passing all classes will be able to attend closing exercises.  However, we must remind you that students MUST have a signed behavior letter on file to attend closing exercises and the 8th grade student luncheon (all but two students have this). Closing exercises are a privilege, not a right--and as we hold practice in the coming weeks it is crucial that we have the cooperation of all students.  It is also important that students continue their good behavior in class and other areas of the school.  Any student that disrupts the school environment can be EXCLUDED from closing exercises. We sincerely hope we do not have to exclude anyone.

In Order to PASS 8th Grade:  In order to "graduate" 8th grade, students must pass ALL four major classes--Math, Reading, Social Studies, and Science. Math, Science, and Social Studies grades are averaged across all 4 quarters, so students who have an F or D in one or more quarters must be very careful to keep their grades up this marking period. Ms. Allen and I can tell students who are worried what grade they need to ensure they pass their subjects.





URGENT: Phones and Music Players: Too many students are playing with phones and other electronics in class. They are texting, watching videos, and otherwise being disruptive and off-task. Please refer to the Code of Student Conduct--PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN SCHOOL. We realize that students need them for safety on the way to and from school, but using them during the school day is strictly forbidden. Parents, if you have an urgent message for your child, please call the school office at 215-684-5450. Phones will be confiscated and students will receive a discipline report (pink slip) for illegal use of electronics if this continues. Not surprisingly, most of the students using their phones during class time also happen to be failing 8th grade!