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Dake Junior High School
350 Cooper Road
Rochester, NY 14617
www.westirondequoit.org
November 2014
342-2140
November 2014
Dear Families,
I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the work
of our School Based Planning Team (SBPT) and its role in
our school. Our team is a collection of staff members and
parents that acts as a decision making body that informs
our work each year. Specifically, the team focuses its
work on monitoring the transitions of students, supporting
learning and achievement and enhancing our building climate and culture.
Implement current research and instructional technology, enhance goal setting and utilize best practices to
strengthen the Dake Learning Community.
Foster partnerships through effective communication
among parents, students and staff by using technology to
measure and promote engagement.
At this point in the year, our process has allowed us to plan
collaboratively, monitor the progress of students at a high
In addition, we work collaboratively with departments and
level and adjust our instruction accordingly to meet the
building subcommittees to set goals and review the action
needs of all of our learners. Overall, this work is purposesteps that lead to the achievement of these goals. These
ful in that our process is used to support students and staff
goals allow us to focus our efforts on continuous improvein the achievement of their goals and our building focus
ment in these key areas.
areas.
Each month, we meet to review the actions steps and proAs a district, we strive toward the goal of continuous imgress attached to our building wide focus areas and departprovement in support of our students. This process is an
ment specific goals. This year, our building wide goals are
opportunity to continue our work toward that overarching
as follows:
goal.
Measure, reflect and improve upon a positive, safe and
If you are interested, you can find a copy of the 2014-15
respectful learning environment that fosters successful
Dake School Based Plan at:
transitions as evidenced by high levels of academic
achievement, social development, school pride, independ- http://www.westirondequoit.org/school-plans.htm
ence and a sense of belonging for all members of the Dake
Respectfully,
community.
Maintain or increase the passing rate in all classes to
98% or more. Improve the mastery rate in all courses to
75%.
Increase critical literacy as evidenced by students accessing, analyzing, evaluating and synthesizing a variety of
complex texts across curriculum. Students will demonstrate growth in their ability to communicate their learning
as measured by improved student performance.
Matthew Schrage
Principal
Dake Jr. High School
Opal 8 News
smoothly incorporates the most powerful facts for
their side while also including the counterargument
The Opal eighth graders have recently
and refuting it. Reading the essays that will culmiwrapped up a narrative reading workshop unit
nate this unit of study will be a treat as I know that
which focused on the essential question, “How does
each student’s voice will come through their writing
an author convey his/her purpose through narrative
loud and clear as they thoughtfully choose their
writing?” Over the course if this unit, the students
words and apply literary devices to appeal to their
became skillful at identifying the author’s craft inreaders’ emotions and to convey the strongest tone
cluded in a variety of narrative non-fiction texts. By
for their argument!
thoroughly annotating a variety of narrative tests
with sideline notes, the eighth graders could better
Thank you in advance for continuing to supprocess the information and analyze each author’s port your child at home by helping him/her to use
style of writing. Then, through a combination of in- the homework planner effectively, encouraging
dividual, partner and small group work, the stutime management skills and stressing the imdents determined each author’s purpose and the
portance of following through on homework expectechniques used to convey that purpose successful- tations. We are off to a great start in Opal English!
ly to the audience. This unit culminated with each
Mrs. Boerman
student writing his/her own personal narrative
Marytheresa_Boerman@westiron.monroe.edu
based on a memorable moment in their life. Not
only did this writing piece need to include the narMath 8/Algebra
rative components such as a major conflict, an
It was so nice to meet the Opal parents and
epiphany and a resolution, but incorporating auguardians
at Open House! Thank you for all your
thor’s craft was also an expectation. This was an
support and encouragement as we continue our exopportunity for the students to apply the lessons
citing year in math. Just a friendly reminder that
from the unit to their own writing.
you can expect your child to have homework on a
The eighth graders have now begun polish- nightly basis in math class, contrary to what the stuing their persuasive skills during the argumentative dents may tell you. The assignment should be recreading and writing unit, which will culminate in a
orded in student planners. Even if your child finmulti-paragraph essay on an issue of their choice.
ished homework for a given night, he or she can
We have started the unit by analyzing the persuaalways go back and correct previous homework for
sive strategies used by professional writers to deeach week’s Dice Roll. I am available before and
termine how techniques such as statistics, facts, tes- after school every day for students to come in and
timonials, and expert opinions can be smoothly in- check work, ask questions, complete corrections,
corporated into a convincing argument. The stuor even to study.
dents will also look at how the professional writers
The Math 8 students have just completed
acknowledge and refute a counterargument. Next their first unit of study, Exponents. This unit inthey will research an issue they feel passionate
volved simplifying a variety of expressions using
about to use as the topic for their own writing. Each multiple rules. We examined both positive and
of our eighth graders will read and code a variety
negative exponents as well as having an exponent
of articles on that issue to determine the best eviof zero. Students applied these exponential expresdence to support their side of the argument and to sions to geometric situations related to perimeter,
anticipate what people on the other side may use
area, and volume of objects in the world around
for the counterargument. Therefore, they will not
them. In the upcoming weeks we will extend our
only have to locate information for their essay, but
work with exponents as we investigate scientific
they will also need to evaluate that information to
notation. Students will look at why we write numdetermine how effective it is. They will then organ- bers in this manner and how exponent rules can
ize their evidence into a persuasive essay that
English 8
Opal 8 Team News (continued)
Opal team/Math (continued)
assist us in computing sums, differences, products, and
quotients with numbers in scientific notation. There will
be numerous opportunities to examine connections to
astronomy, biology, and geometry as we build our fluency with decimals.
The algebra students have a had a wacky time
working with the VEWAC approach to problem solving!
We have tackled word problems involving consecutive
integers, perimeters of rectangles and triangles, coins,
mixtures of bulk foods, and inequalities. This had provided students the opportunity to analyze the constraints
given in a specific problem, create an appropriate equation or inequality, and then demonstrate proficiency in
solving and interpreting their solution. Our next unit will
involve working with linear functions and how they can
be used to model a variety of situations in our daily lives.
Students will examine tables, graphs, and verbal situations to develop appropriate equations that can be used
to make predictions and provide information. They will
see that applications to business and science all involve
initial values and steady rates while lending themselves
to linear relationships. After this, we will be able to compare linear functions to those that have exponential or
quadratic rates of change.
In closing, I strongly encourage ALL students at
Dake to come check out our Math Counts Team. We
meet after school in Room 302 weekly to prepare for our
February competition against other schools in Monroe
County. Please stay tuned to the Morning Show to find
out which day we will meet each week. The team works
together to cooperatively tackle problems relating to all
areas of math, and has a ton of fun extending our math
knowledge beyond the classroom! Last year the team
came in 7th place in the county. I would love to build
upon that success this year.
Mr. Pelliccia
Joseph_Pelliccia@westiron.monroe.edu
ing the industrial age and analyzed the problems associated with the new era of urbanization. We will examine
how individuals, groups and the federal government
tackled the problems of urbanization and industrialization in our next unit: the Progressive Era. The year is off
to a fantastic start. Thank you for the continued support
at home. Please remember to check the parent portal
for grade updates. You can always reach me at:
Allison_Tomarchio@westiron.monroe.edu
Science 7
Opal team scientists are currently researching
the differences between renewable and non-renewable
energy resources in preparation for the writing of an energy plan. This energy plan is the culminating assessment of the unit that has required the students to analyze
both renewable and non-renewable resources with costs
and benefits of each. The students have to support their
energy plan with evidence through this in class writing
assignment.
Opal team scientists will then begin their exploration of heat energy by examining the different forms of
heat transfer. The unit is research and inquiry based as
students will complete a series of labs demonstrating the
differences in heat transfer. Through a series of experiments and hands-on learning experiences students will
observe and measure changes in temperature due to
conduction, convection and radiation. At the culmination
of the unit each scientist will build a thermos designed to
stop heat transfer and keep ice water cold. The students
will have to justify their material selection and create an
argument to support their thermos design. Each class
will test their thermoses for twenty minutes, recording
the temperature of the water before and after. Following
the collection of data each scientist will share their thermos design in a classroom museum tour, and in writing
through a justifiable conclusion defending their design.
Opal scientists will then continue their exploration of energy with studies of chemical energy. The unit
is designed to build on scaffolded information from Science 7, and apply basic chemical principles to endothermic and exothermic reactions. This will involve a basic
understanding of the Periodic Table, bonding, and equations. In addition, students will be expected to analyze
reaction rates through a series of hands-on lab experiences.
Social Studies 8
Mrs. Tomarchio’s students have just completed
their industrialization and immigration unit.
Students studied the major technological, economic, political, and social factors that changed American society
at the close of the 19th century. Students examined government policy and social and economic conditions from Thanks.
a variety of diverse perspectives, including: big busiMr. Cross
ness owners, laborers, unionized workers, child laborBen_Cross@westiron.monroe.edu
ers, women, nativists, immigrants, and African Americans. We celebrated the achievements of America dur-
Ruby 7 News
English 7
The Ruby team has had a terrific start to
the school year! They have done an excellent
job becoming familiar with the rituals, routines,
and expectations of Dake in general and the
English classroom in particular. During our
first readers’ workshop, informational text, students engaged with reading the annotating
complex informational pieces. They focused
on analyzing for purpose and craft, tracing the
arguments throughout a text, synthesizing
across texts, and evaluating the effectiveness
with which various authors conveyed their purposes. We are already so impressed with the
level of critical thinking that each student has
displayed!
During the month of October, students
worked on transferring their analysis of informational text to an argumentative writing workshop in which they were asked to develop a
stance on a topic and effectively argue that
stance using relevant, text-based evidence.
We are looking forward to reading the pieces
that they produce! Going forward, we will
move into our first fiction-based reading workshop that will encompass analysis of character
development, author’s craft, and themes within
and across texts.
Thank you so much for all the support
you provide at home; it has been so valuable to
facilitating a smooth transition into 7th grade!
As always, please feel free to contact us at any
time with questions or concerns.
Mrs. Alexandra Tasber
Alexandra_Tasber@westiron.monroe.edu
Mrs. Elizabeth Ford
Elizabeth_Ford@westiron.monroe.edu
Math 7
In 7th grade math, we are completing a
unit on operations with rational numbers. The
students have added, subtracted, multiplied,
and divided whole numbers, integers, fractions, and decimals with a mixture of positive
and negative signs. The students have learned
to do this without a calculator! All of these
skills will form the foundation for our work the
rest of the year.
Next, we will be starting our unit on algebraic expressions. Students will learn to
simplify expressions, expand expressions using the distributive property, and factor expressions. They will also learn to translate
words and real-world problems into algebraic
expressions.
Mrs. Weaver
Marilyn_Weaver@westiron.monroe.edu
Social Studies
The Ruby team is off and running. We
are currently working on the colonization unit.
Students are investigating why nations and individuals would come over to the New World.
They are busy learning the different sets of colonies and the unique products and jobs that
they each had. These lessons are the building
blocks for the American Revolution. Starting
early in December, students will begin their
American Revolution research project. We will
spend multiple days researching about famous
individuals during the Revolution. Drafts will
be due before the holiday recess. Thank you
for your continued support at home!
Mr. Porter
Gerard_Porter@westiron.monroe.edu
Fine Arts at Dake
There is an exciting new project brewing in
the art rooms this year at Dake Jr. High. Art students have learned how to use a variety of materials
and concepts such as color mixing and color theory, mark-making and textures, value and shading,
water color experimental techniques, in addition to
looking at exemplars of art history and learning
how to “read”a painting as a text. Once, they feel
confident in how to use a material of their choice,
every art student has the opportunity to create a 6”
x 6” piece of art work. Once they complete their
work of art, they have the opportunity to donate
their art to the Dake Jr. High fundraiser
“6x6x2015.” The purpose of this fundraiser is for
the students at Dake to experience how art can impact a community, along with raising money for
charity. One hundred percent of the proceeds will
go to the Eagles’ Charitable Challenge charities.
Faculty and staff at Dake Jr. High will be donating
their 6” x 6”artwork too. Students are able to keep
their artwork at no cost. However, if a student
chooses to donate their artwork, it will be on exhibit at Dake on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 for the general
public to view and purchase. The time (TBD) of the
event will be posted on the Dake Web site. There
will also be the opportunity for students and families to contribute to the fundraiser by buying back
their own artwork or the work of other students.
This fundraiser was inspired by the Rochester Contemporary Art Center (ROCO).
After the 6” x 6” artwork is made the 7th
grade art classes will then explore form with clay,
create a realistic self-portrait, draw from observation, and explore gesture drawing.
Eighth grade art classes will be moving
into 3D form and sculpting. This year’s project is
going to be looking at the “Art of the Book” and deconstructing old books. The students will then be
working with the concept of alternative sketching in
order to focus on content, proportions, Elements of
Art and Principles of Design.
Students’ artwork will be on display all
around Dake throughout the year and some will be
on display at the District Office. Please check out
Ms. Zakalik’s Web site under the Dake Jr. High Web
sites. There are a great many links to amazing art
Web sites, a student art gallery highlighting many
of the projects created at Dake, and other important
information about the art program.
Special thanks to the parents that made it to
Open House. Your dedication strengthens our students’ academic commitment. Thank you for your
support of the arts!
The Dake Art Club has started out this year
with a great turnout. Ms. Zakalik will advise these
students in mural creations in the art room and
around Dake. The club members will be working
on a 7th and an 8th grade mural that will be hung in
the All Purpose Room at Dake for many years. The
field trip this year is to the Memorial Art Gallery in
May. Please see meeting times for these clubs on
Ms. Zakalik’s Web site by clicking on Art Club.
If you have any questions or comments in regards
to Art at Dake, please contact Ms. Zakalik at:
Sarah_Zakalik@westiron.monroe.edu
Dake Winter Sports
November 17th begins the winter sports
season at Dake. This will include:
Freshman boys basketball
Mod. A. girls basketball
Mod. B boys and girls basketball
Nordic skiing
Wrestling
Athletic eligibility forms are available in
the Health Office. Please complete and
return them to the Health Office by November 10th.
Please note that these forms are required
for every sport season. Also, please
check with the Health Office to make sure
you have a current physical on file (dated
within 12 months).
Congratulations to our
October Students of the Month
English
Gabby Baraki
Social Studies
Andrew Vines
Math
Anna Dawly
Science
Emily Autore
Technology
Tori Lepsch
Art
Nya Robinson
LOTE
Gabby Baraki
PE
Zachary Howard
Music
Mary Kate Walsh
Health
Sierra Cartagena
Join us for a cup of coffee and share your ideas
for the future of our schools.
Please join us for
Parent Visitation Day
on
Thursday, November 6th
Parents are invited to visit classes
from 7:53 a.m. to 2:57 p.m.
Please join Jeff Crane & Chuck Perreaud
for our second
Listening Hour
Monday, November 3
7:00—8:00 p.m.
District Office / 321 List Avenue
This is the second Listening Hour.
We hope there will be more to come.
We’ll continue to hold these coffees
at District Office,
unless you would like us to visit you.
Call 336-2983 to set it up.
Always an open agenda.
We need to hear from you.
Please join us for the next
Parent/Principal coffees:
Wednesday, November 19
7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 17
9 a.m.
Coffees will take place in the main
office conference room.
Dake Yearbooks
What: Dake Yearbooks
How Much: $22.00 (80 pages of color)
Where: Dake Web site
How to Order:
NO SCHOOL on
Tuesday, November 11th
as we celebrate
Veterans Day
1. Go to the Dake Web site
2. Click on yearbook
3. Shop your school: Dake Junior High
School
4. Press search
5. Click on yearbook (picture or word)
6. Click on yearbooks you would like to order
7. Type in number of yearbooks you would
like to order
8. Fill in info OF YOUR CHILD (Homeroom
is not necessary)
Upon completion, a yearbook will be reserved in your child’s name. Yearbooks arrive the first part of June. If you do not order
a yearbook by April 15th on-line, they will
be sold on a first come-first serve CASH
ONLY basis in June.
Questions? E-mail:
Lisa_guido@westiron.monroe.edu
OR
Steve_schockow@westiron.monroe.edu
Don’t miss out on the memories!
NO SCHOOL
on
November 26th, 27th and 28th.
Thanksgiving Recess
Important Dates to Remember
November 6
November 7
November 8
November 9
November 11
November 19
November 26-30
December 2
December 3
December 3 & 4
December 8
December 9
December 9
December 10
December 17
December 22-Jan. 2
January 5
Parent Visitation Day
Dake Musical
Dake Musical
Dake Musical
Veterans Day
Parent/Principal Coffee
Thanksgiving Recess
Chorus 7/Women’s Choir/
Swing Choir
Dake Jazz Ens. & 7/8 Band
Dake Geography Bee
Dake Chorus 8
Dake Orchestra 7 & 8
Grade 7 Honor Roll Breakfast
Grade 8 Honor Roll Breakfast
Parent/Principal Coffee
Holiday Recess
School Resumes
7:53 a.m.-2:27 p.m.
7:00 p.m. High School Aud.
7:00 p.m. High School Aud.
2:00 p.m. High School Aud.
NO SCHOOL
7 p.m.—8 p.m. Dake
NO SCHOOL
7:30 p.m. High School Aud.
7:30 p.m. High School Aud.
3:15 p.m.
7:30 p.m. High School Aud.
7:30 p.m. High School Aud.
7:00 a.m. Dake Cafeteria
7:00 a.m. Dake Cafeteria
9:00 a.m. Dake Main Office
NO SCHOOL